Thursday, July 29, 2010

SUMMER IN THE CITY

I have taken so many pictures of the Lakehouse this summer that you are probably thinking, "Ooooh, Yuck. Not another post about the lake". Well I'm saving you from that today. I was scouting around in the backyard to find some dog poop to bring to the vet with me today; Milo and Layla have an appointment for their yearly shots and of course I have to bring these darling little specimens in. Truth be told, with two dogs, it's hard to determine who's is who's...well this is gross...I digress. While out and about in my backyard I decided to take some pictures. Now you can see where I hang out at home when I am not at the lake. We have a small patio where I like to sit and enjoy a good book {when the weather cooperates}. You can see the garden window that comes off the master bedroom and looks over the patio. I like that. I bought a new umbrella last fall from Plow & Hearth when they went on sale and I love it. It is super sturdy and although I don't always put it down when there is a storm, it's no worse for the wear.
The patio is surrounded by hedges that could grow 15 feet high if we let them {and we've come close}. The Husband planted them when we moved here 25 years ago. It's very simple out here, no fancy pavers or bricks, just a good old city house. Our house is covered in ivy but I didn't plant it around the patio as The Husband thinks it attracts spiders. I think that's a superb idea...you know where the spiders are at, happily playing in the ivy and not crawling up your leg. I think I am going to sneak some in.
This is the bakers rack I bought from Nordsrtoms several years ago when I worked downtown. It has aged pretty well. I like it better than when I bought it. I have a small collection of outdoor bird houses and some summery candles. Emily and I had a jewelry and purse party out here last week and we displayed some of the purses here. It was a really fun party
So this is just one small peaceful area of what is a good sized yard that I will save for another day. While I was out I heard a flutter and spotted this guy on the line.
I think it is a baby falcon as we have had several pairs nesting in our backyard over the past 5 years. How some of these creatures decide to nest and live in the city is beyond me. It's a beautiful bird, a bit eerie looking when they fly and make a shadow across the sun. This guy was about the size of a small owl or twice the size of a robin. Wonder where Mummy and Daddy are?

I am getting ready for our weekend away. I found the perfect sundress at Kohl's for my father in laws party. And then Monday we will be off for 2 weeks at the lake. Yay. I promise I won't bore you with anything you've seen before. Have a HAPPY weekend!

59 comments:

Olive said...

Two weeks at the lake sounds heavenly! Your patio is the best reading spot! have a splendid weekend♥olive

Simple Home said...

It looks like a great spot to sit and read or sip iced tea. Have a wonderful time at the lake.
Blessings,
Marcia

Debra@CommonGround said...

Looks relaxing and cool out there in the shade. The birdie, DOES sort of look like a robin on steroids! Beware all small rodents! We have a lot of hawks around here and I have to "hide" the bird feeder otherwise there's feathers everywhere from some unfortunate encounter. Have a wonderful couple of weeks!
xo,
Debra

PAT said...

Beautiful patio area, Jane!

Unknown said...

Hi Jane! I haven't been by in so long that I am going back and looking at all the pics of your beautiful lake house! :) I love your back yard. Ours is pretty much dead. Now is the time of year that we Phoenix folks get to feel bad when you northern mid-westerners brag about the weather. :)

Hope you are enjoying the summer!
~Liz

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I love hearing about your lake house, please keep posting about it.
I also love the views around your outdoors. Looks like a great place to unwind or have a get together.

hugs
Sissie

Denise said...

It looks lovely back there, especially with the shade. It's way too hot to sit out here even if you are in the shade.... I can't wait for cooler days so we can sit out front again where I made it all nice with candles etc earlier this year.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Hi, Janie... this looks like such a wonderful spot to sit and dream. Love your umbrella. You won't believe this, but I had Mr. Magpie pull my neighbor's old faded one from the trash. I'm going to see if I can do something fun with it. We shall see. If I goof it up, it might go right back in the trash. LOL!

I love seeing pictures of the lake. Don't think you're boring me one bit. On the contrary. What does the dress look like? I love Kohl's. They have wonderful shoes, too. My favorites have come from there, and I always want to kick myself for not buying two pairs when I find some I like. I tend to wear shoes out fast.

Have a great time at the party and at the lake!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Theresa said...

I love the peaceful sitting area and that gorgeous umbrella!

I never get tired of the lake pictures so keep them coming:)

Have a blessed and restful evening!

HUGS!

Marigene said...

You have a great patio, Jane...I'd be out there with a book as long as the mosquitoes weren't with me!
Have a great time at the lake, hope the weather is nice.

Ms. Bake-it said...

It looks like a very relaxing setting. I can so relate to the specimen collection issue. I have so many critters that I usually have to segregate the one I need it from until I have collected it because if I don't it is a lost cause.

Have a fabulous time at your father-in-law's party and at the lake!

~ Tracy

Unknown said...

Oh Jane, that is such a lovely backyard, and I like your visitors. Much nicer than our red foxes (I worry about my little dog).

How lovely that you will be at your lake house for two weeks.

Have a lovely time at your father-in-laws party.

Karen

Stacey said...

I love your thinking about the spiders! Brilliant. :) Your backyard looks great to me. I don't know what that bird is...I thought it was a robin. Hmmmm....can't tell the size in the picture.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

You have a lovely back yard. I really like your floral umbrella!

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Janie,
I love your little area! It is so fun to see where our friends spend their time :)
Ok, which Nordstroms's? Westfield Mall, The Rack on State, tell! I have been to both, many times. Shhhh, don't tell Mr. Tennis!

Bonnie said...

Hi Jane, wish I was relaxing in your patio right now! It just reminds me that I really need to do something with mine. Sadie says Ruff!

xo, Bonnie

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, Your patio may be small, but it is so inviting. I would sit out there with my embroidery as it looks so peaceful. We have a lot more birds around our house since the people moved that had all of the cats. I was glad to see them gone because they would climb on the car. Everybody likes shopping at Kohl's. I like shopping at ours and it makes no difference whether it is for my grandsons, or who.
Have fun at your party and your two week vacation. Take care. Your Missouri Friend.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

What a wonderful place! You are going to have a great time, I love kohls too :)

I think you should just go for the bench, don't let it defeat you :) I just finished the first coat of paint and it's looking good!
Take care
Kristin

Rebecca Nelson said...

I love hearing about your Lake House. I'm secretly hoping I get to get invited! :)

hahah

xoRebecca

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hi Jane....I understand how your husband feels about spiders in the ivy. I am very spider phobic and we have ivy around our basement windows that needs to come out....LIKE YESTERDAY! Your patio is very private...i like that! Have fun at the lake!~Hugs, Patti

Julie@beingRUBY said...

HI Jane
Love the relaxing spot you have created in your yard.. I need to do something similar come summer.. [now that I have a yard] although I have bats in my back yard.. yuck!!

Well sorry I have missed so many posts... been in internet exile as you know... look forward to catching up on all those lakehouse posts when the internet is more accommodating.. Have a lovely week.. xxx Julie
PS.. the roof is fixed.. thanks..

Lori E said...

"Hot town, summer in city, back of my neck gettin' dirt and gritty...
Remember that song? Good.
We never tire of the lake, really.

The Barnett Family said...

Your patio is a perfect place to blog and read. How exciting to see a falcon up close and personal. I am all about seeing critters. Thanks for sharing and stopping by for a visit.

Diane Mars said...

Oh I bet the time you spend at the Lake House is Heaven! I'm a little green... oxox, Diane

Pondside said...

Nope - I'm never bored by your lake postings...I enjoy them. Your city backyard looks very peaceful - I can just imagine reading and resting out there.
Have a great weekend!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
It's a lovely backyard and I love your patio set too! Oh Galena, You lucky you! And then the lake for 2 weeks, that will be awesome!
And September would be a nice month to get together. We need to pic a date and place. Katie is due the very beginning of October so the end of September could be busy. She is so big already that I am hoping she does have her then.
Big Hugs,
Cindy

KTW said...

Your posts are NEVER boring! Love your backyard getaway. :) It looks perfectly peaceful and serene.

Gypsy Heart said...

I love this area! It looks quiet and peaceful. Enjoy your time at the lake ~ a great getaway. We would never be bored with pictures of either place. :-)

xoxo
Pat

Debbie said...

Are you kidding me!!! please "bore" me with more pics of your lake house Jane! I look forward to coming here and seeing your lovely place on the water!! I could never get bored with it!!!
Your little nook in the back yard is so sweet and comfortable looking. LOVE the baker's rack.
Have a marvelous time at the party, and vacationing at your lake home.
Debbie@houseatthelake

Susan Freeman said...

What a cool and refreshing spot! A baby falcon ... in the city!! My Aunt told me that she saw a coyote on Astor Street. She said that they come in from the park. Chicago may be a big city, but wild life thrives!! Have a wonderful time at the lake and I will NOT be bored if you take more pics!!! I look forward to it!!

Lots of love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Nancy said...

Hello to my favorite Blonde Blogger! No, no, no...I never get tired of seeing the lake - it's like my own little virtual lakehouse now! Your little reading space looks so cozy and that's a fab umbrella. Have a wonderful vacation, Jane. Send Pictures!!!!
xoxo Nancy

Ticking and Toile said...

Oh man, I would so love to have a lake house.....honestly, for me ~ a clear lake, a clear sky w/ lots of sun & I am as happy as I can be. I never tire of the stories/pics of the lakehouse!

Enjoy!

xo,
Shellagh

Mary said...

Have a great 2 weeks hanging out at the lake. Love this corner at your city house too - that's a large bird to have come calling! I've had a full grown red-tailed hawk fly low through the back garden, scared the heck out of me, then he sits on top of a telelphone pole in the street, looking for lunch I guess!

Glad you were pleased with the tiny surprise!

Take care Jane and enjoy Summer as it comes to a close.
Hugs - Mary

Sue said...

It looks very inviting, if we could get rid of this heat I'm sure you would enjoy it even more!

xinex said...

I enjoy seeing pictures of the lake and summer houses, Janie, so keep them coming. I do love seeing your city too though and that area looks very relaxing. How fun to have a jewelry and purse party! I have never been to one....Christine

Anita Diaz said...

I can see why you like your backyard! Looks wonderful! I would love to have some ivy growing close, and I had not thought of it. Thanks for stopping by!!

Suzann said...

Your backyard is lovely. It seems private and cozy. Iced tea, some lovely music and a good book (and a breeze and remove the Chicago humidity) and I'm there!!
Have fun !!!

Jane said...

Your backyard looks like a wonderful, peaceful spot to hang out. Have a wonderful time at the lake. It sounds like a perfect way to spend some summer days.
Jane

koralee said...

What a lovely lovely spot...I so wish it was me getting away..enjoy sweet friend. xoxoox

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

What a sweet little spot for enjoying summer. We have ivy here and there in the yard and yes, it is where the spiders hide! I was actually bit by one a few weeks ago, I survived but it hurt!
Have a wonderful weekend at the lake Jane!

Paula@SweetPea said...

I love your lake house posts and certainly am not bored by them.

Using a baker's rack outdoors is a great idea. I'm going to start looking for one!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Oh, can I come.. for just a weekend? I don't think your readers are getting sick of lake house photos and stories... it's an escape!

I like the stones lining your outdoor living areas, might do it some around here.

Privet and Holly said...

Love your little
corner of "bliss
in the city!" I
personally never
tire of lake images;
it's my goal to
retire on one, some
day!!! Have a lovely
weekend : )
xx Suzanne

Pamela said...

Lovely patio Jane!
Have a wonderful two weeks at the lake!!
Pamela xo

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane,
Looks like a great place to read and relax and truth be known... I never get tired of hearing about the lakehouse. Cute pic of baby falcon...I have never seen one so small.
Enjoy your weekend, now I am off to shop.
Maryrose

Ashley ~ said...

Hey pretty lady...I enjoyed a bit of the afternoon just hanging out in the backyard with you. We'll have to do it again soon*! (smile)

Hope you're having a great Saturday afternoon...it's TOO hot and humid here to enjoy anything outdoors here. 110 heat index. ACK*!

((hugs))

-Ashley

Brenda Pruitt said...

I've never had the chance to see a falcon in person. You have a nice, peaceful yard in the city. Jane, we have to keep showing the same things over and over. Or we'd have to go out and buy new houses!
Brenda

Glennis said...

That looks so absolutely restful! How pretty. It must be a lovely place to sit and relax at the end of a busy day.

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Love your patio Jane....we could spend the whole day out there! Enjoyed looking at your cottage pictures below as well - so glad you could put Fifi's prints somewhere special!
Have a grand weekend!

Elaine said...

Nice to see your city house. Although I do not tire of hearing about the lake house. It must be great to have a summer home.

Have a great vacation!

The Charm of Home said...

Love your patio area. It looks very inviting. It is always nice to have an outdoor place to dine. Thanks for stopping by.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! I wasn't sure where this post was going!!lol although after having a dog that lived outside I remember now!lol I love that umbrella - light and fresh and different than most! Mine broke because I didn't always put it down either!lol I love this little sanctuary you have at home and I agree it's best to know where the spiders are (I just brushed a few from my porch chair!Yuck!) felt buggy the whole time I sat there!lol AND I NEVER get tired of your lake pictures because I dream of retiring near water!! So enjoy and post whatever you feel like!!! Wish you great weather the next 2 weeks - Sincerely Jeannette

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Love that umbrella Jane. So glad you didn't show us photos of the poop specimens. My husband came in the other day, and said "Elsie just pooped, and it's standing straight up out here on the concrete - you should take a picture for your blog"! Obviously, I passed up that golden opportunity! You can show me as many photos of your lake house as you want. I live vicariously through your trips to your lake house. laurie

Heartfelt living said...

Your patio looks so relaxing and love the little bird houses all line up in a row! So sweet!
Have a great week.
xx
Karen

Debbiedoos said...

Who would ever get tired of lake pictures...not I! I enjoyed this back patio though too...mine is one of my favorite spots to chill and watch the birds...you have a few yourself!

jade said...

Oh, what a wonderful place....its a real paradise!!!! Have a wondeful summer and thank you so much for your lovely comment,

Hugs Jade & kisses to your sweet dogs ;))

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, I don't know how I missed this post, but I'm glad I checked back in on you... you are a hoot! Only you would post about doggie poop! I love your yard and your umbrella is sooo pretty! Wow, that sure looks like a robin to me too, but as big as you say it is, I am guessing it is a baby Kestrel, they look alot like that as well... always love to see and hear about the lake too... xoxo Julie Marie

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dea Blondie,
First of all I must apologise for not coming over lately.....I seem to have so many blogs on my sidebar, it takes me all day to comment on everyones !!!! I was away for a week, visiting my sister, and got even more behind ! We are off to Italy soon so I shall be even more behind !! You have been so lovely and supportive with your comments over at mine and I now feel so bad !
Your patio looks beautiful....I just don't envy you the poop-a-scooping !! Will try to do better with my commenting when I get back from holiday. XXXX

Beth at Aunties said...

We never tire of dreaming about your blessed Lake house and the 'Kitty Litter Billionaires' who surround it!:)
Your yard at home seems like a delightful place to go outside and relax in too.
Thanks for all your supporting comments and cheer you send my way to so many others. You truly are a gem:)