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!