Wednesday, May 31, 2017

LAKE GUEST HOUSE


Wisteria, 2017

A big Hello to all of you and a belated Happy Memorial Day!  It was nice, I'm sure, for so many of us to have a three day weekend and above all, remember our brave Americans.  I was seeing the red, white and blue proudly waving from anything and everything around the lake.  

We were a little laid back at The Blondie Lake Cottage.  I've been here for a while and The Husband came up late Friday night.  Abigail and Squall joined us Sunday.  All of our neighbors were around with friends and family spilling over into each others yards, and it just felt so good to be back here.  

The new couple next door are teachers in Chicago and had friends up who were also teachers.  That was pretty cool for Abby to meet them.  Two of the couples live in the neighborhood she just moved into.  It was also really nice to catch up with our good friends, Tom and Diane, who are also from Illinois and part-timers here.  We had dinner together here last night, all of us contributing something to the wonderful meal of beef tenderloin fillets, spinach salad, and corn on the cob.  Lovely people.  Diane likes to stay up here in the summer so I know I have a great friend to bum around with.  

The wisteria finally opened it's pretty blossoms yesterday.  This is off the balcony of our master bedroom.  So it's now two stories up and I have to sweet talk it to go up on to the arbor above this balcony!  It needs pruning big time but I'll wait until after the blooms.  And these  blooms will fill out and become even more magical in the next few days.  Looking at my vines, the puffy clouds and the lake in the background...I'm smiling from ear to ear.



I ordered an outdoor area rug from Overstock.  It came in just 3 days, I had it shipped straight here to the Lakehouse.  It was fun to play with the patio table and a few cute accessories.  I really, really love the color; I'm simply not sure why I've been so infatuated with the blue lately.  This is the boldest I've gone but I think outdoors things need to be bight and happy.  This rug is nice and thick and has a nubby feel to it.  It seems to catch the sand and whatnot on your feet.  It's a breeze to sweep and I'll find out how it is to use a blower on it.  



A few days in to my stay I went into a town about 35 minutes away, quite close to South Bend, IN., home of Notre Dame.  Great area.  A big, beautiful mall and any other adjacent areas with some of my fave shops...Bed, Bath & Beyond, HomeGoods, Hobby Lobby, DSW Shoes, Target.  Oh, I was a happy girl.  I picked up some of these decorative tabletop pieces (the metal bucket I had, (and of course the sand), and I added these chunky candles.  A nice crowd of tapers would be kind of exciting as well.  I might even bury a pillar candle down deep with just and inch or so showing.  So many possibilities.  The runner is from HomeGoods, the little picket planter from HL, and the pretty plant from my local nursery.  I had a ball there the other day.  I'm mostly planting pots and adding to my perennial bed.  More pics on that next time.  



I often talk of the Summerhouse...sometimes I call it the guesthouse as it's visually easy to understand.  The Husband call it the Little House, but he also calls Layla The Little Dog.  A memory thing for sure.  

It's our version of a freestanding sun porch.  Set back a bit from the house but still on the patio slab, it has 7 screened windows, a small front porch and measures about 13 x 13, something like a small bedroom.  I have it furnished in such a way that I can be alone doing my writing or reading, cool under the ceiling fan, a breeze blowing in and privacy.  Behind the closet door that you can see above, there is a twin bed that folds down.  It's called a Murphy Bed and takes up zero space unless it's down.    There are two so it makes a nice little place for couples to stay if they want privacy or even some of the teens in our family who want to stay up late talking.  


We recently had the whole house fitted for blinds by Home Depot.  They did an incredible job and the guy that installed them was definitely a perfectionist.  I have Roman shades inside the house, and in the Summerhouse, slatted white faux blinds.  I was afraid they would take away from the charm but it's really looking okay, don't you think?



The 4 x 6 sisal rug is from Overstock.  I wanted it smaller so we could see the pretty porcelain tile that was also in our kitchen before all the damage.  The drop leaf table and unmatching chairs were antique/vintage shopping scores along with the wicker chair (with the red cushions).  

It took me about two hours to clean, sweep, wipe down and scrub the floors.  The screen door isn't as tight sit should be so I get debris blowing under.  We have Lowe's coming out to measure for a new door as well as a storm door on the front of the house.  The wind and hard winters really do a number on everything up here.  We have a cute front porch on the Summerhouse but it's chipping and in need of painting.  No matter, I'll get my rockers and plants going and have a pic next time.  Hope I didn't bore you.



Squall enjoyed his first lake experience and absolutely loved the water.  He apparently has gills because he kept sticking his head underwater.  He was fascinated by the minnows and blue gills.  Abby was trying to wear him out; still technically a puppy, he can be a handful.  He just never got tired in spite of playing along the beach and long walks.  They both had a good time.  And I'm having a good time washing sheets today as Abby slept in one bed and Squall in another.  I'm so hospitable.  

Oh, the toys are back in town.  The wave runners are a blast and I'm really not a adventurist.  Sort of like a motorcycle on the water, you can really cruise or as I do, go slowly along the shore and admire the gorgeous houses lakeside.  


This is a house about 4 down from mine.  I walk by it often and have always love the deep shade of blue on the shakes against the crisp white.  Most of the homes are built on narrow lots that provide more lakefront space so they are mostly custom made.  This is a side view of this home.  For the heck of it I was walking the dogs and pulled the For Sale flier out of the mailbox.  Hang on to your hats: $1.7 million.  Back down the street to reality and my house!




I couldn't resist a picture of Miss Mad.  Isn't she just so darn cute?  I miss her so much.  I've been here 12 days and other than The Husband and Abigail being here over the weekend, its been pretty quiet.  I love that, I've gotten a lot of writing done.  I've read a few beach reads, done some yard clean up and planted some, but not all of the flowers I bought at our nursery last week.  So much to do but I pace myself, this is a peaceful break and there is no deadline as there seems to be when I only have weekends.  

I'll be home in time for my grandson Brooks' christening on Sunday.   I'll have little Madelyn under my watch on Tuesday.  Then I'll be back just enjoying the country air; the sound of the water lapping on the shore, the birds flitting to and fro out of the oak tree in front of the window that I look out of while rocking and dreaming.  Oh...and Milo and Layla, who are sending a postcard-Wish You Were Here!

Jane x

38 comments:

Linda said...

Oh, what a sweet wonderful place you have! And that Little House! Oh, that LITTLE HOUSE!!!!
I can't think of anything more wonderful than to have that precious little room!
It all looks so very pretty! I wish you a lovely summer of lake loving relaxation!

CJ said...

It's absolutely blissful there Jane, and you've made such a lovely job of the outside area. The little house is The Writing House I think! Absolutely perfect for writing in. Miss M is so adorable, as cute as a button. I hope you enjoy your time by the lake. Maybe I'll buy that house four doors up and be your new neighbour... CJ xx

Mereknits said...

We used to live on a lake in Wisconsin and I loved it so much. The breeze, the sounds of the water it was perfect. Hope you enjoy your beautiful home.

Stacey said...

Enjoy your time at the lake house and know that the rest of us think it sounds like heaven. ;)

Theresa said...

Your lake house is gorgeous! I love that rug and the fact that it came in 3 days is amazing! AND to top it off, a cute baby pic of Miss. Mad:) YES, she is SO darn cute! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

You are so lucky to have that lovely lake house to go to! I love the rug under your outdoor table. We will be needing a couple of outdoor rugs for our deck. I will check out Overstock!

Unknown said...

Well I want to be there! You described it so enchanting and very therapeutic:). I see lovely days ahead at the Blondies Lake House. Your Miss Mad is adorable, cute smile:).
Kathleen in Az

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Your lakehouse is so lovely and comfortable looking. I hope you have many sunny days enjoying your abode and friends this summer.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh Jane, what a great post - so much going on. I would lov being up there with the dogs and just company on the weekend.Sounds like you are enjoying yourself, reading, writing and planting.

I like all the choice you have made on Blondie's Lake House and the little cottage is so cute too. Love the blue rug, it really looks great with your table. Bet the dogs love it up there.

Your granddaughter is beautiful, you really have some beautiful grands. Know that you love having them around. Just think how much fun they are going to be when they get a little older.

Enjoy your time at the Lake House and have a terrific week.

Hugs,
Mary

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

oooh she's adorable. I really like that color combo on the house too , haven't seen it before - the deep blue on crisp white.

Have a good week! It's been raining here so much we haven't been down to enjoy our cottage very much.

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Everything is so pretty Jane. You're making me miss Michigan!

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

I hope you know how very blessed you are my friend! That house, oh my, and of course, that absolutely precious baby!! I really think she belongs in magazines. So darling, and she seems to have the personality for it, which is probably even more important than looks. I'm going to give you an order. Yes. I. AM. YOU ARE HEREBY NOT ALLOWED TO WRITE A POST WITHOUT A PIC OF MADDY INCLUDED.

That's all I'm going to say about that.

I know what you mean about your friend at the lake. It's really nice to know there are people who you can connect with, because let's face it, relaxing can be overrated ;).

xxx

Rita C at Panoply said...

Love your lakehouse! The blue rug is fabulous, and the blinds in the guesthouse are too. You sure have the cutest grands, Jane! Love that you're enjoying your lake again. It sure was a long time coming.

Scribbler said...

Your lake place is so wonderful! Your little house for writing is a dream of mine. I love the blues, too, and although I always have, I haven't worn them much for a long time, but now I am trying to find things in blue.

Since I know you love to read, I suggest a writer I was heretofore unfamiliar with -- Maggie O'Farrell. She is Irish and I have five of her books. I just finished one called THE HAND THAT FIRST HELD MINE and I think you would love it. Let me know if you decide to read her.

I have to tell you that your grand babies are so cute -- is it something in the water up there? 😉

Happy Summer at the lake!

ann said...

Hello Jane. Your stay at the lake house has been so much fun to read. The lake house looks like it a wonderful place to stay. Looks like, too, that we share the favorite stores: Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, Target. What about Tuesday Morning? Here it is just across the lot from Home Goods. You will have good times at the lake this summer. Glad that you are well. Baby is a such a cutie.

Junkchiccottage said...

Hello Jane.
Your cozy cute summer home looks so inviting. Love the new rug. Little Mady is adorable. Love her smile. Have a wonderful time up at your summer cottage.
xoxo
Kris

Lynne said...

Wonderful cottage place you have here in Michigan. . .
What a fun get away and decorating it perfectly too . . .
The Little House l ooks perfect to have too . . .
And then there is that precious little Maddie . . . so adorable!
Enjoy your planting, tweaking and relaxing!
(Like the tin bucket, sand, candle idea . . . thanks . . .)

Kim said...

Your lake house neighborhood sounds just like my neighborhood, Jane. In the winter everyone hibernates, but come summer when the beach opens, it's potluck and friendly pop up gatherings. Tons of fun...enjoy the babies, the pups, the beach...all of it!

La Table De Nana said...

You have lovely homes~~~
And a beautiful Maddie♥
Good to hear you out and about and happy :)

Melanie said...

You are so lucky that you have a lakehouse to escape to! I just love seeing pictures of it and the charming little guesthouse, too. Everything looks wonderful. The vibrant blue rug is perfect with the new patio set. I've ordered rugs and small furniture (bookcase, bench) from Overstock before and they've been wonderful, even when I had to return the bench. We've also used Home Depot's home services (including custom blinds like you, plus windows and hardwood floor installation) and have been very pleased with them. Oh, yes indeed - Maddie (I hope I spelled it correctly!) is absolutely adorable! She just keeps getting cuter and cuter. She looks very squeezable. :-)

podso said...

I do like the color of your outdoor rug. Luscious! And it all looks wonderful and settled and I'm glad you are enjoying being there again. I would love to hear water lapping up against the shore. Perfect for a nap!

Dewena said...

I love the Little House! It must be so much fun, Jane. And your outdoor eating area is beautiful, magazine ready now with that gorgeous blue rug.

Squall? What a delightful name! Did I miss you writing about him in a post? Your daughter's dog? So cute!

You sound very refreshed from your lake sojourn. I bet it does that for you every time but especially when it's longer than a weekend. I don't know if I'd ever want to leave.

Vee said...

She is adorable! Sounds as if Memorial Day was terrific! Summer is going to be great at the lake.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Jane, I love the beautiful new rug! Blue always works for me. And your little house is just the neatest...I would love a little getaway like that. Little Maddie is just precious! Hope you are feeling well and will enjoy many fun times ahead!
x Cheryl

Art and Sand said...

How relaxing it must be at the lake house.

And your little granddaughter is adorable.

It's me said...

Owwww she is so cute ....i understand.you miss her...sweet little princess ❤️ Love Ria x

Susie said...

Blondie, So pretty there. Your granddaughter is adorable. We love our babies, don't we? So good you have quiet time to write. I like the new rug . I need that for my porch. LOL. Please be safe there. Blessings to all, xoxo, Susie

Jill said...

She is adorable!!

Kit said...

Everything looks great! And I love the new rug. Sounds like you are happy and having a good time. I hope you have a summer filled with fun times and great weather!:) Kit

NancyB said...

Your lakehouse and guest house is gorgeous! And Maddie is so sweet!

Carla from The River said...

Beautiful, thank you for sharing Jane. I think it is great your able to spend time at the Lake-house this summer. After all the heartache of what happened to the house, this is just nice, for you to be at the lake and Home Sweet Lake-House Home.

Enjoy!
Carla

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

So glad you're able to spend time at the lakehouse this summer! I know you've missed it. Looks like you're having fun decorating and spending time with those gorgeous grands. And how sweet of you to let Squall have his own bed! Lol!

Simply Handmade Farmhouse said...

Hi Jane, Oh wow your lake house is lovely, there is nothing a sweet grand daughter she is so precious. Thank you for visiting my blog, I am looking forward to getting to know you.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Oh my goodness, Jane, your guest house is so charming! Love the pretty rugs you found and your outdoor tabletop is so cute. So nice to have friendly neighbors, too - I love that. Mine are on the reclusive side.....we meet at the driveway gates and that's about it. You must be loving all the quiet time with nothing but the lake sounds....oh, so divine. Your little grand-daughter is just the cutest little thing. If only they could stay that little forever!xx Karen

Unknown said...

I want a "she shed" so badly. I do have a place in my basement that I could fix just for me. Maybe I will! Love your home(s)!!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jane, sounds like a perfectly lovely time at the Lake House. The sound of you being someplace and having the husband come home on the weekend has always sounded so romantic to me. Just like an beautiful old movie! Miss Mad is just darling and Squall is too..Happy Wednesday..xxoJudy

Maggie said...

I wish I was there too! Your own little piece of heaven, what bliss. After all the Lake House has gone through in recent times I'm so happy that you can finally spend summer there in your happy place.
bon weekend.

Linda said...

Hi Maddie 💕
Sweet guest house...
Enjoy your weekend!
Cheers!
Linda :o)