Tuesday, June 30, 2009

THREE OR MORE TUESDAY: THREE THINGS I DID THIS WEEKEND!!

Today I am joining in on the fun of Three Or More Tuesday. Visit Tam at The Gypsy's Corner to see every one's contribution of three or more of anything. Participants should also visit each other! :-)

Today I am bending the rules a bit as I usually do and I am posting three or more things I did this weekend with three or more pictures. Clever, huh?

First off, it was "Take me out to the ballgame...". In Chicago we have two baseball teams, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. Lucky, aren't we? It is a somewhat loosely construed rule that if you are from the Northside (where the Cubs play at Wrigley Field), you are a Cubbies fan. If you are from the Southside where the Sox play at US Cellular Field, you are a Sox fan. I am a Southsider, as you may well know. Every summer the two teams play in a series and The Husband and I were invited to Game 3, hosted by the Sox. Now, I live in a family divided. Some have broken the above loosely construed rule and are for the Cubbies. Being Blonde and of a "anything goes" sort of nature, I am for either team, depending on my mood. And i usually love the winning team. Cheers!! ;-)

It was a wonderful day. The temperature had dropped from 95 to 85 and we had great seats behind home plate.




The group Sister Hazel warmed up the crowd and sang the National Anthem.
Didn't we have great seats?




Let's chat a bit, shall we? I am not a big sports fan. I grew up with 5 sisters and 1 brother. Call it fate, but my brother left for college when I was 11 and never came back. Actually, he met his future wife down in Southern Indiana and he and his family have lived down there since. He is a sports fanatic, but he left before it could rub off on me. And I'm a girly girl~wait...that is a bad excuse. Okay, I bore easily.
And so, not knowing where I stood with the teams, I literally stood whenever either team scored, much to The Husband's chagrin. In the meantime I entertained myself eating peanuts and cleaning out my wallet.


Great game. The Cubs won. I think.




The 2nd thing I did this past weekend was go up to the cottage and work on my garden and potted flowers. Lazy Jane has just gotten around to it. I have my excuses; first the cold we had almost all of May, then all the rain and mud, then the intolerable heat and in between all of this I have had one bronchial infection after the other. I wish I lived during the Victorian era, where I could loll around on the sofa, feigning faintness, having people bringing me tea and toast and leaving their calling cards. The Husband frowns on my time travel fantasies. He is an "Onward!!" sort of person that never gets ill. Woe to me.
Above is a planter hanging from the new front porch. My procrastination caused more consequences... our local nursery was pretty much picked over in the flower department. I wanted pink flowers and I had to go with red, but I think the planters turned out nice, don't you?





I did solve the "lack of pink flowers due to chronic procrastination" by purchasing plants here in Chicago and bringing them up to the lake. Sometimes I think I am brilliant.






I found this plant stand at Home Depot for $23.00. That might be a little steep but it goes well with my wrought iron furniture. Note that there are no cushions on the furniture yet. Please refer to above lazy/procrastination issues above. To cause you more looks of horror, I ordered the furniture from Overstock.com last fall and it has been in the garage all winter and spring. Happily, I found beautiful cushions last night, again at Overstock. They are sort of a Victorian floral (oh no, here comes that fantasy again!) and to make up for the procrastination problem, I had them rush shipped for $30.00. That was using my blonde noodle, wasn't it?








My English garden is looking a little scrappy. At least Milo likes to hang out in it, watering the plants and getting tangled in the boxwood. This is really the first summer of the English Garden. I planted 28 perennials and I have some blooms but it is certainly not looking as lush as the pictures I have admired. I know it takes time and the cost of perennials is quite high so I am trying to postpone buying more until they go on sale. Last year our nursery was selling the plants 3 for $10.00. Patience, Blondie.








Milo is showing his boredom with the garden. But this picture is not about him. Note the planter in the background.








This was actually a bistro table we had on the balcony at one time. The top broke and we were ready to toss it out. The Husband, being ever ingenious, popped one of my planters in it. "Do you like this, Blondie?". "Brilliant," I answered. With that he began running around the garden, jumping up and down with his fist raised, shouting, "I shopped the house, I shopped the house". He is paying way too much attention to my blogging. We were also able to fit a smaller pots in the chairs, from which we removed the seats. It may be a little much, since we have four chairs, but I have some spray paint and a few ideas of my own. ;-)











This is a perennial called Lily belle Lady Slipper. I never heard of it before but it is almost as tall as me (5'2). I see hummingbirds around it all the time so I am quite pleased even though I don't know what the heck it is!!











This is my clematis that is growing up the black wrought iron arbor I showed in a previous post. I can't believe I am actually growing one!! I never had any luck in my yard in Chicago because of all the shade. It's a small miracle to me. It's pretty though, isn't it?












The Husband picked me up a hibiscus at Home Depot for $18.00. I was delighted since my hibiscus from last year met an untimely death over the winter. I re potted the new one in the poor dead one's pot and surrounded it with flowers. They should be sprawling over the side soon. I like the pink against the blue of the Summerhouse.













A close up of the new Mrs. Hibiscus...















HELP ME!!!! I thought this was a hollyhock when I planted it. At least that was what the plant marker said. But I just don't know what it is!! It has all these green balls and now this peachy colored stuff is starting to eek out! I guess we will have to see more next week. If anyone has a clue about this plant or what a hollyhock is supposed to look like, let me know.














It sort of unusual, isn't it? Maybe it is a weed!

















Finally, the 3rd thing I did this weekend was relax in the Summerhouse. I have promised pictures of it for awhile but I really haven't done much with it. Behind the chair are doors that open to a pull~down Murphy bed. They have real twin mattresses and are super comfy. We sleep in here all the time. The Summerhouse has 7 windows and a ceiling fan. Sometimes I feel like I am sleeping in a tree house right out of Swiss Family Robinson!! I have wicker furniture from Orvis.com and the rug was imported from somewhere straight to Overstock.com. Can you tell I like to order from this place?
















I found the lamp at L.L. Bean and the toile pillow is from a second hand shop. The vintage plant stand was found at a nursery in Michigan. I need to bring Monster Fern back from his winter get~away in Chicago to spend his summer in here.
The walls are quite bare right now. Home Depot is coming to measure for blinds and I am going to (try to) make bright colored valances. And, I have commissioned sweet Fifi from Fifi Flowers and Designs to paint some pictures with acrylics. I adore her work and I think it's perfect for the look I am trying to achieve in the Summerhouse. Please take a moment to visit her blog if you haven't already. You can see a lot of her work right in her blog posts. She is so talented and wickedly funny. Go. Now.


















So after my busy weekend I relaxed. Layla relaxed.


















And Milo, who was falling asleep in the garden...




















...relaxed too!
Some important announcements... Kelee from Katillac Shack has been involved in the cause of dogs and cats being abandoned at an alarming rate due to foreclosures and job losses. She has started a project that will help and it's a win~win thing for we animal lovers. Go to her blog and click on Pet Shack. There you will find instructions on how to order a bandanna scarf for your own dog or cat. The first 150 scarves ordered are free and after are $2.00. The Oliver Wendell "Play Strong" scarf can then be decorated any way you want. Take a picture of your dog or cat wearing the scarf and email it to Kelee. A sponsor has offered to donate $2000.00 if $200.00 is raised. By ordering a scarf, your donation of $10.00 is free. Plus, your little doggie or kitty will appear on Kelee's blog and a future video and hopefull on your blog, and will help raise more awareness of this sad situation. I have Milo's scarf and I am getting ready to jazz it up with some fabric paint and little sparkly thingies. One size fits' all, but if you have a small pet, it can be folded. The deadline is July 6th and I heard last week that there were still free scarves, so hurry. This is such an important cause and I know we all love to show off our pets. You will find more details on Kelee's blog and you will see Milo wearing his scarf in all it's glory in a few days!
Lastly, I want to acknowledge the Beautiful Blog Award from Ashley at Too Jazzed To Sleep . I recently started following her wonderful blog. I don't have enough adjectives to describe Ashley. She has been battling cervical cancer for a long time and started her blog as a sort of release. But like most bloggers, she is having fun doing a lot of the events, posting about her life in Texas and meeting new friends. She has a great positive outlook and Ijust love her. I am honored to receive this award from her.
I was tagged by Leigh of Tales From Bloggeritaville to list 7 random things about myself. I am going to save that for another post. I can hear you sigh in relief!! :-). I also want to thank Karen from Shades Of Inspiration for painting and sending me a beautiful journal card. Unfortunately, my printer is not working and I can't scan the card, but I will at a later date. Her blog incorporates a lot of her watercolors into her posts and you will be hooked. Please try to visit this talented, beautiful artist. Lastly, I received an award from Lynn at It's a July Thing. For the life of me I can't remember what it is! LOL!! So please, Lynn, if you are reading this, let me know. And all of you~try to visit Lynn. She is a retired elementary scholl teacher who has traveled the world over. She is also pretty funny!! Love her.
Thanks for staying with me on this. If you do anything, order your dog or kitty a scarf today. If you don't have a pet, get one for a friend. You will sleep better tonight. :-)
xoxo
Jane





















45 comments:

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Janie, loved seeing your new plants for the garden, your cute dogs, and the cute summer house! What color are your walls in there? Love it!

As to your question you asked me about St. Augustine, please email me if you get a chance. Thanks! I would email you, but I can't click and email. There's something installed incorrectly on my lap top that won't let me do that.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Lori E said...

I am so not a sports fan. Okay just basketball but nothing else.

Your blue flower is a Bell Flower or Campanula. They also come in white. They self seed everywhere.

I am pretty sure that is a Hollyhock. I am a little weird as I love black flowers and so the only hollyhock I grow is black. Really.
I love the plants in a chair idea. I have seen some black iron ones at the garden centers here but would rather an old wooden chair.

Anonymous said...

It looks like you had a great time at the ballgame. We haven't been to one in years - shame on us!

The flowers at the cottage are lovely. It's hard enough to get them planted at home, so I can't imagine trying to get stuff together and take it to another spot. But I'm kinda lazy like that :)

Milo and Layla are precious! I love to see them napping.

Have a great afternoon!

Stacey said...

You cleaned your wallet at the baseball game? Oh I wish I had been sitting there...I would have helped you. That's about my speed! I love to go to professional games to eat and people watch and to say I was there. :)

Your flowers are going to be great. Give that English cottage garden a little time. You may not even need more perennials once they grow some. You'll be amazed at how they fill out. I am now having to share plants because the beds are too full.

Lynn said...

I loved my visit to your summer house.
I am also not a sports fan. And wouldn't I have to be married to a JOCK! I like to say things like...when a guy makes a touch down I say, "oh look! He made a home run!" which causes hub to roll his eyes.
The award? I think it myust be the Your blog is fabulous. Just go fetch the thingie off of my blog and that will be that! You made a basket!!!!

Barb said...

Hi Jane, loved the ballpark pictures. I love football games...don't have a clue as to what is going on but I love them anyway!

Your flowers are lovely....I especially love the hanging planter and the red flowers....so pretty.

Love your summer house.....how exciting does this look?!

Your post is interesting and fun to read....I enjoyed it all.

Big hugs, Barb

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

OMG!!! I was giggling & laughing through most of your post. I loved it!!! You are just too funny. I am with you on sports. I just don't get it. Unless it's the San Diego Chargers playing football. Then I get it!! I'm also with you on wanting to travel back to the Victorian era. I want to be waited on hand & foot and lay around on a fainting couch. Unless it's like the one I have, not very comfortable. I loved the "shopped the house" comment that you hubby supposedly made. Love it!!! Thanks for giving me a laugh today. Enjoy your summer house.

Anonymous said...

That is a gorgeous rug. It is from India House and it is wool. You probably got it for a better price than I did. I know this because the exact rug sits under my dining room table. I like everything you have done and cute Milo and Layla. I have a picture of Little Buddy on my blog with his scarf on. It was so much fun to do and for a good cause. Yes Jane you have a lovely bell flower and hollyhock coming along. You sure made me smile today. Thanks.

Amongst The Oaks said...

Hi Blondie,
That purple flower up there is campanula or bell flower. There are hundreds of different varieties, all bell shaped, mostly purple.
I have something for you on my blog. Please stop by.
~Laura

Kathy said...

Hello Janie, we have been to two ball games Oakland A's, they lost but it was good fun, they had a fireworks display at the end. Your flowers are so pretty and will fill in so much very soon, I love the iron table planter, hubbies pay attention to our blogging more than we think lol. thanks for the giggle I really enjoyed this post, hugs, Kathy

Cass @ That Old House said...

Wow... busy week! I laughed at "the cubs won, I think..." Yeah, I've been to games like that, too.

LOVE how the garden is looking -- it will be gorgeous soon. Love Mrs Hibiscus; she has a naughty blazing orange cousin here at That Old House!

I think that IS a Hollyhock, but the double type -- be patient and see what happens!
Cass

Sue said...

Hi Janie,
I just have so enjoyed your post, I am with you there are days I would loved to have been one of those victorian ladies sitting around looking pretty and having tea served to me.lol
Loved your flowers it seems you have been busy, everything is so pretty at the summer house. If I had a summer house like this I know I would turn into one of those victorian ladies. So enjoy and at least pretend. Lol Have a great 4th of July enjoying it with your family and friends.
Sue

Printersdevil said...

Your flowers are gorgeous! Milo looks like a cutey.He seems to be a camera hound. Layla is sweet too.

your post was so much fun to read. I felt as if we were sitting around with you telling me all these details.

Your cottage looks wonderful. I enjoyed getting to peak in at it. Be sure to share your cushions with us.

If you love Christmas and the holidays, visit my holiday blog and sign up for the weekly Christmas in July giveaways. This week is a silly elf costume for the car. The deadline for the first signup is Wednesday, July 1 at midnight. Since I just got this blog up and going again, there may not be much competition for the first giveaway.

Other week's items will be listed on the blog beginning July 2.
Come visit.
http://printersdevil72.blogspot.com

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Oh dear, Blondie...You have NO idea how good it felt to find someone who is the same way I am about sports. I always..always feel bad for the losing team and root for them. Again..can't make up my mind.
The flower you thought was a hollyhock..is a hollyhock. Isn't it? I don't know ..don't pay any attention to me..but I bet when those flowers unfold...it is going to be beautiful. Are hollyhocks blue? Anyway..
You did good...accomplished some stuff. More than I did. I want a new wicker rocker. Badly.
And I am beginning to think it's a GOOD think Sweetie doesn't pay attention to my blog. :)
Love and smiles~
Mona

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane. Thanks for the 200th wishes. And thanks for following my blog. Although, I don't know you...I feel like I do and I consider you a good friend.

Love your ballgame photos. And Milo & Layla are too funny sunning themselves. I hope you are having a great week and I hope you have a happy 4th too.

Anne Marie said...

those aren't weeds...they are hollyhocks....it looks like the dwarf kind -

don't tear them out! they make great cut flowers....

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Janie I loved seeing your lake home again...I also order from overstock and get some great things...being I live in the mountains I have to order alot of things on lone if I want them...in fact my Len calls the UPS guy Santa when he shows up ha ha!! And girl that does look like a Hoolyhock to me...I have them all over my mountain...only planted one years ago from seeds I got out at a yard sale and they took over..May you have a wonderful Fourth my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

SmilingSally said...

Obviously, the third thing was the BEST thing for you to do.

Ms. Tee said...

Hey Janie! It's all lovely! And it made me laugh out loud that your husband danced around and said "I shopped the house!" Good for him! That was a stroke of brilliance! :)

And I love Milo - he's the cutest thing ever. I could squeeze him. He looks very content with your garden. Have a happy 4th, too! xoxo

Ms. Tee said...

P.S. I forgot to tell you that the picture I painted over has multiple coats of paint. I hope it lasts - but my friend did it and her's is holding up ok so far. She painted directly over her painting, too! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Oh, what a post! Loved to see and hear about all that's going on in your life. Your little doggy's are just adorable!
Have a wonderful 4th and I'm sure your table will be fantastic! Now take pictures so you can share next week!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :0

xinex said...

Hi Janie, sounds like you had a very fun and productive weekend. You have beautiful flowers! And I love reading your post, it seems like I was reading one of your journals.Happy Independence Day!....Christine

Neabear said...

Fun post! We have shopped Overstock.com also. Got our current bedcovers there. I am not sure what else. Hope you have a good week. Oh, I also think those might be Hollyhocks also.

bj said...

Oh, I want a summer house. When I was a little girl..mom and dad divorced and I spent parts of the summer with him in Dallas. He had a screened in porch, with a ceiling fan, and a bed out there. My cousin and I would sleep there and I always thought I'd have one when I grew up..I don't!!
But a summer house would be wonderful...
Love all your pretty flowers...

*Ulrike* said...

Yes, that definitely is a hollyhock. I think they are so pretty, and the bonus is that they will reseed so you will have a pretty English or European garden!
Well, the veggie garden is calling to be weeded so off I go, but I'll be back again!

Kathleen Ellis said...

Hey Janie!
Your summer house looks like a heavenly place to relax! i hope you get to do much more relaxing this weekend! (Milo, too!)

Thanks for stopping by...I'm glad you received so much inspiration from my red,whit and blue table...can't wait to see your version!

Have a FABulous weekend!
xo
Kathleen

Anonymous said...

I've never been in a baseball game. Basketball is I think the "national" game here :-) And yes, you do have an excellent seat. Look at those singer right in front of you :-)

Also, I do think the table turned planter stand is just wonderful :-) Clever. When I saw your dog I thought of The Mask and his little dog. And then his name is Milo and yours is also named Milo LoL.

Well, you did three activities/projects and I'm sure you had fun along the way so everything is well worth it :-)

Joyce said...

There is a street by our beach house called Lady Slipper Lane just like your flower. I always wanted to live on that street because I like the sound of the name and now I know what a Lady Slipper looks like from your photo. So pretty. Isn't it fun to have a summer place to relax on weekends and putter around? We live in a condo in the city where I play with Flour and when I am at the beach house I get to play with dirt:)
Joyce

Deanna said...

Janie, your plants are lovely and I'm so intrigued by that oozing plant...it's pretty but I too, am wondering what it is...let me stop here so I can read the other comments......Okay I'm back. The majority says that it's a Hollyhock. I think it's adorable. I'll have to see if there are any at the nursery around the corner.

I'm with you on sports....I have no clue as to what's going on other than that the Hot Dog guy and the peanuts man have not come around for a while! LOL!

Hugs,
Deanna :D

*Ulrike* said...

I'm back from weeding and saw your comment, thanks for visiting my blog! I found yours at Across The Pond which I love reading. I promised my daughter we would go for a manicure/pedicure, and I think right now I am eating dirt from the garden so I better clean up!!!

Unknown said...

Your garden looks beautiful. Your summer house looks so inviting, and I know how much fun it is to go to a game. We go to Fenway to see the Red Sox and it is so much fun. Even though I am a New Yorker shhh don't tell anyone here in Boston.

Have a beautiful weekend in your beautiful summer house.

Karen

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Janie I loved seeing pictures of your gardens. I've never heard of a Lily Belle Lady Slipper, it is awesome. Layla and Milo are absolutley adorable.. have to love a pet that enjoys a good nap. I hope all is well with you and yours.. Happy Fourth my friend..
hugs ~lynne~

Blue Creek Home said...

Hi! Your plants are gorgeous, but the cutest things are Milo and Layla. And, I love a good mystery...let us know what that plant turns into!
Thanks for coming by BCH.
Rhonda

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Janie,
This is a wonderful post! I so enjoyed the tour of your lake house (you lucky girl) and all your pretty touches! The flowers are looking great and you do have such a cute doggie! I can't wait to see what else you do there, how neat to have 2 homes to decorate! We recently were driving home through Illinois, came through Bloomington and I though of you and told hubby how we need to plan a week-end in Chicago. Have a wonderful 4th! Cindy

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Jane,
You and I would get along really well at baseball games. LOL I get a bit bored, too.
Love your summer house...it sounds fabulous! Is it in your backyard or somewhere else? I need to snoop around on your blog for an exterior shot. :-) Your doggies are precious! Thanks for your comment on my guest room...you made me smile! :-) Susan

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Jane! I am still laughing at you at the ball game! Sounds like me! Fortunately that have enough extra stuff...pops of fireworks, bouncing beach balls and the wave...going on at Braves games that I am entertained! lol Your flowers are beautiful! It does look like hollyhock leaves! You'll have to show us pics of it in full bloom!! Have a great week!...Debie

Anonymous said...

I am scooting out the door...but can't help but telling you I LOVE this post! Everything about it! Sorry I haven't commented much lately, but wanted to pop in and say hello! :-D

Deb said...

Sweet Milo & Layla ♥ Your summer house is fabulous Janie - looks like the perfect little spot to sit and relax.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Janie, what a beautiful garden. You have such a gorgeous Clematis, just lovely, suh a pretty color! I concur with the others, the peachy thing IS a Hollyhock...I bet it will be beautiful.
garden hugs, Lidy
and a special woof from Beau for Milo.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Milo and Layla are just the cutest little things! I've entered your name in my giveaway!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

April said...

Hi Janie!
I don't know how in the world I've been missing your posts! All of your pictures make me "ooh" and "aah"...so pretty! Nothing spells summer better than a baseball game. We're still trying to figure out a time to see the Braves play!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a wonderful post to read today! You had me giggling out loud at your procrastination. :-)

They say that when you plant perenials...
The first year they SLEEP
The second year the CREEP
and
The third year the LEAP!

I have found that to be true. I usually over plant new perenials and then when they start crowding each other out, I transplant them to newer areas...

Kat said...

Janie, I don't know how I missed this post. I'm going to chalk it up to being busy trying to get out of dodge, as opposed to old lady memory loss lol! Loved your summer house pics, and Layla and Milo are just adorable! And I have this mental picture of your hubby doing the I shopped the house dance that is making me giggle! And I can't believe you cleaned out your wallet during the ball game, that just cracks me up. When we go to baseball games here, I spend my time keeping my eyes peeled for Matthew McConaughey - haven't spied him yet, but a girl can hope. Kathy

DCAja said...

great post!
kremo

DCAja said...

GBU thanks J!
cas