Monday, August 3, 2009

ANOTHER PEEK AT THE LAKEHOUSE

Today is the day that we are taking our trip up to Ludington, Michigan, as I last posted. Check In time is not until 3:00, so we have some time before we have to leave. I thought I would share a bit more of our Lakehouse with you.
Above is a painting we bought years ago. I have no idea who painted it but it looks a little Victorian to me. I by no means, tried to do the Lakehouse in a Victorian decor, I just loved the painting and it went well with the wallpaper, the border of which you can see below the painting. I then started to pick up colors from the painting, but the style of the furniture and room is just ALL OVER the place...

This is a view from the table by the windows where I had been blogging (it is the only place in the house I can get a signal, grrrrr). I thought it was a good view of the Great room. In the corner of the room you can see the wood burning stove. It was here when we moved in. This baby can sure heat up the house. On cold winter days it is all that we need. When the wood gets going and you keep feeding it, it starts to glow red.
You can also see my furniture. It looks a little formal, but, but once again it goes with my colors and I have to confess, I really wanted to sort of break the rules of what a lake house normally looks like, that sort of "Coastal Look". But as time has gone on, we have added all sorts of things, things that we like, and so I can't call this decor anything~maybe BLONDIE STYLE". Yes, that will go right along with Victorian, Contemporary, Shabby Chic... LOL!!!
You can also see the staircase. Originally, it went straight down and was quite steep. RC changed the configuration so it curves. It is another thing that isn't finished. Patience, Blondie, patience! Down the hall is the front door that leads to my big porch. To the right is part of the bar/counter that divides this room from the kitchen.

Another view of the Great room where you can see the fireplace and stone wall. The previous owner who built this house, gathered all these stones himself from local farm fields. Ignore the spear gun over the fireplace. The Husband put that up there just to antagonize me. It is coming down. I just don't know what to hang there yet. And the guitar, I don't know whose it is, but it looks good. Ha Ha.

Finally I wanted to show you a really neat sight that we saw coming back from a bike trip. The Husband bought me a new Treck bike. It has 24 gears. I have so much fun riding it. We went to a town about 15 miles away and rode along the banks of the St. Joseph River. I didn't have my camera, so take my word for it, it was a beautiful ride. So coming back, we rounded a curve and saw this group of Sand Hill Cranes (no, I didn't know that is what they were until my neighbor looked at the pictures and identified them. I thought they were herons and The Husband thought they were turkeys!! LOL!)
In this picture they were just milling around, minding their own business...




Once they became aware of our car and me hanging out the window trying to get pictures, they starting raising their heads up and squawking like mad!





Then they left, in single file...isn't this the funniest. "Okay guys and girls. Follow me. Single file. There is a crazy intruder trying to get us on the cover of National Geographic again!"

So that was our big day yesterday and now I have to get ready for our trip. I will take some pictures. Everyone have a great week!
xoxo
Jane




43 comments:

2 Dogs said...

Hey Blondie. Now do your friends really call you Blondie?

I think your cranes look a lot like emus. Maybe they are cousins.

While you're having fun at the lakehouse I'm slaving away at work. Here it is Aug 3rd and I've not had a vacation day this year. I think it should be my turn. Don't you. Have fun and hope you have more photos to share with us this week.

Love and hugs!

Anonymous said...

I would love that lake house. Did you really bicycle all that way? Weren't you dead? The Sand Hill cranes will soon be making their way to me. We have a winter flock at the lake by our house. They guard their babies like ferocious dogs, and they really are quite beautiful. I hope your husband doesn't get smart with that blow gun or whatever it is..

XOSue

Domestic Designer said...

I am sooooo jealous! It sounds like heaven on earth. Love that beautiful fireplace.

June said...

Hi Jane,
I so enjoyed seeing this part of your lake house. I could just curl up on your lovely sofa and be content to watch that stove glow red with heat. (Ours does the same thing when I really get it going). So maybe I could throw a blanket over me and stay all night too.
Smiles,
June

Joanne said...

So beautiful - thank you for sharing.
Have to ask do you use all 24 gears on the bike? I bought my first bike in about 30 years last year and I don't think I have changed gears once -- the fact I only ride on the flat would help that matter. And this is coming from a mom whose son rides professionally - he didn't learn from me.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a lovely lakehouse! That fireplace is amazing....

Dawn said...

Blondie, I love your lake house. I like a mixed up style. It's REAL! Would love to hang out by that fireplace!
Dawn

Barb said...

Hi Jane, oh, I love your lakehouse and the fireplace is stunning. Ours in our living room is huge and made of field rock....I can't imagine the weight of yours or mine! Yikes.

I hope you are having a wonderful time. Come over and enter my anniversary giveaway when you have a minute...wouldn't be the same without YOU!

Hugs, Barb

April said...

Love your gorgeous lakehouse! I want one! Have a fun and safe trip...I'll look forward to hearing all about it!

Rhondi said...

Hi Jane
Your lakehouse looks wonderful. Hope you have a great time!
Hugs, Rhondi

Lori E said...

Ya that's you all right. Breaking all the rules. I suppose you also wear white after Labor Day too? Wild child.
As long as you guys like it that is all that matters. I'm with you though the spear gun has to go.

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

Wow...sounds like paradise. I love nothing more than biking in pretty areas. How neat to see those huge birds...love your pics!:-)
Susan

kate said...

thanks for the peek, it looks wonderful, please join Gina and i at our new blog, we had some problems with the old one and we are inviting our old friends to come on over!!! thanks
kate
http://roseandthistlekg.blogspot.com/

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Blondie, what a wonderful place to kick back and enjoy the slower side of life. I like that you've said it's evolved with all kinds of decor instead of a specific decor.. makes it feel more homey to me.. Thanks for sharing your photos... and thanks for the visit darling. I always love when you stop by.. enjoy your vacation time..
hugs ~lynne~

Kat said...

I just love seeing more and more of your lakehouse. It is so beautiful, what a wonderful place to relax. I LOVE the fireplace! Have a wonderful time. Kathy

Keetha Broyles said...

We LOVE Sand Hill Cranes. We see a few of them in WI when we're on vacation, but I've never gotten THIS GOOD of a picture of them.

Good shot!

Ms. Tee said...

Hey Janie,
How neat that your lake house has a big fireplace like that. And I thought maybe your hubby played the guitar, but I guess not?! :)
Hope you have a wonderful trip!
xoxo

Neabear said...

I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your lakehouse. I would love to have a place like that. What fun! Those cranes are something else. You got some great pictures of them.

Rue said...

Hi Jane :)

Your lake house is wonderful! I love the staircase and the fireplace!!

Those Cranes are really neat birds! You made me laugh LOL

Have a great time on your vacation!

xo,
rue

Brenda Pruitt said...

Looks kind of like a group of women in a field chattering and squawking, those big birds! I thought they were turkeys myself. I watch you go here and there, and here I sit in my little house with a dog on my lap, watching the world go by on my computer. But I like my rather quiet life sitting here with a dog on my lap watching everyone else go all over. I just don't much like to go myself! Have fun!
Brenda

Susie Q said...

What a perfect holiday! The lake house is just so pretty, so warm...my sort of spot!
What gorgeous cranes...and what a treat for you to see them.

Deb said...

Such a gorgeous spot Jane!

Rebecca said...

Hello
The lake house is great and so beautiful. Love the birds whatever thay are!
Blessings
Rebecca

xinex said...

amazing. They are so cute walking away in single file. I used to see them in FL a lot. I LOVE your stone fireplace, so cozy! And your painting really matches the sofas and the wallpaper so perfectly. Beautiful! I really enjoyed seeing your lake house inside. Thanks for sharing...Christine

Shabby Shells said...

Ahh there is nothing like a lake house. Have fun. The cranes are such funny birds and so loud.
Come by for a visit.
I am new to blogging
Til then
Janice

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

HI Blondie!

Girl, I feel so out of touch. I aplogize. I think you and I have both been on vaca! I took time tonight playing catch up and reading. It looks like you have been enjoying a great vacation. I love th elake house, so comfy! And those cranes! They look like birds that I would often see in Sarasota wehn I lived there and havent seen since (or before I moved there). BeautifuL! How awesome to see them.
Oh, I love the kitcehn from the post below...and that sweet little red pillow-cite as pie!
JUst wanted to drop in and see HI to my friend!
Hugs!
Leigh
Tales from Bloggeritaville
www.lbratina.blogspot.com

susan said...

Jane--At first I thought they were turkeys too! Love your lakehouse--especially that fireplace! You really do have to have some REAL banana pudding...soon!

Lynn said...

Oh, I DO so love Blondie style!
Your Lake House gives me a feeling of home and comfort. The stove --Yeah puts out the heat, huh!
And as for the weapon over the fireplace? Keep it close. You never know when you might need to impale an intruder!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

what a wonderful home..really wonderful. Not sure I have my old vim and vigor back..but I am certainly working on it. Sitting..I am fine. Just that my energy runs out so quickly and I collapse in the nearest chair or go back to bed...but the fact that my mind is working overtime shows there is improvement and it's wonderful. That fireplace is lovely! And those floors! :)
Your bike also sounds fantastic. I sold mine and have been sorry ever since. I think of getting a new one..but my husband does not bike so probably won't.
LOVE your blog! :)
~smiles and love~
Mona

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane,
I am so jealous ;) My dream has always been to live by a lake. We vacation by lakes or the water every chance we get. Your looks absolutely wonderful, and I love your "Blondie style"

Thanks for visiting and you must try that scrambled eggs and asparagus it just screams make me at the lake house.

Enjoy your time there.

Maryrose

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Oh, I love your lakehouse and wanna see more! What a loving room with your floral sofas! That stone fireplace is so lovely! Now, those birds! I thought they were wild turkey! Shows you how much I know about wildlife! I do enjoy watching birds though!
I'll be looking forward to more pix of your LH!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;0

Dana and Daisy said...

Jane, thank you for visiting my tablescape! Fair warning, I have not tried the gazpacho "recipe" myself! lol! We have been so lucky with the heat this year that I have not even had to water much lately! can you believe it?

I know I visited your blog post and thought I had commented, but now I don't see it, so I will just tell you again, I just LOVE your fireplace! It is awesome!

Barb said...

Jane.....calling Jane!!!!!

I want to see you at the Rooster Party!!!!!!!!

Big ole hugs,
Barb :-)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What a wonderful get away your lake house is. Those cranes are so neat. What a sight that must have been! Your bike sounds really impressive! laurie

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

How are you doing my friend? I hope you're having a "terrific" time. I was delighted you stopped by for a visit.. off to get the shop open for the day... I hope you have a "super" day..
hugs ~lynne~

Fifi Flowers said...

The lakehouse looks FAB... what a lovely place to relax and ENJOY life!
Bon week-end!
Fifi

sunnymama said...

It looks a charming place! Hope you have a wonderful trip :)

Lori E said...

You bet we will get together when you come up here. You say where and I'll show up. The coffee house isn't actually in Vancouver so it would probably be better for me to go into town unless you wanted to come out this way about 40 minutes out of town.

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Hey Jane!
Your cottage is wonderful - I love it's eclectic mix!! Those cranes are huge - we have white ones around here - I don't think I've ever seen brownish ones - pretty cool!
We are heading to Chicago this coming weekend - we found out that the air & water show is going on - oh boy....how bad will the traffic be? Any idea?!! We promised my daughter to take her to see the Harry Potter exhibit - oh well!!
Anyway - have a lovely time at the lake!!

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Jane: This is beatiful!! I love the lake house and that staircase!! LOVE IT!! Your photos are beautiful!!

we should have hooked up on the yard sale! Your drive South and I'll head North! It was 97 degrees with HIGH humidity! We have hot weather down here until November, so no break in sight for us!

We saw alot of JUNK at the sales down this way and if it was something I liked it was way overpriced! I told my husband maybe they are better in Tennessee and Kentucky! There is always next year!

Can't wait to see what you saw!

Lou Cinda

CurtissAnn said...

I love your 'Blondie' style at the lake house. Surrounding yourself with things you love. That is always beautiful.

Only I am not getting some of the photos to come through. I hope it is a temp. glitch.

I thought the birds were turkeys, too. :) Thanks for identifying them.
Hugs,
CurtissAnn

The Quintessential Magpie said...

What a fun house, Janie. I love your colors (what color are your walls?), and I can just see you there at your computer, enjoying every minute in your haven.

I have always been in love with stone, and you have a stone fireplace!!! Neat! And look at those sand hill cranes! Do they vacation in Florida during the winter??? ;-)

Love to you...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Kathleen Grace said...

How wonderful to get such a great view of those cranes! I love herons and cranes, they are so huge and majestic and interesting:>) Thank you for sharing the photos. I had never seen one before!