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Friday, July 1, 2011

Fading Flowers and Peeling Paint -- It's Friday

July 1, and in the USA it's the beginning
of the Fourth of July weekend.
But up north on this continent, our neighbors are celebrating.


Happy Canada Day to the many wonderful Canadian
bloggers I have met through That Old House!
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Howard and I planned to spend this 3-day weekend out at the beach house on Long Island.
Wouldn't that be lovely?
I want to sit right here, in front of the house, with a cup of morning coffee.

But reality has raised its plug-ugly head.

On July 18th, men with jackhammers are coming to do unspeakable things to the cellar at That Old House and install French drains so that our boiler room and other cellar nooks will not become water features during heavy rains anymore.

Not a glamorous renovation, but needs must and all that.

In order for the jackhammer boys to violate our cellar, Howard and I have to clear out most of the stuff that has accumulated down there over the past 3 years.  I'd show you a picture, but I do not want to be held responsible for your analysts' bills.

Did you ever see one of those Hoarders shows on television?  

Yeah.  We are not getting out to Southold this weekend, that's for sure.

Sigh.

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So, I am playing in and around the house this Friday.
At least until I go to my friend Betsy's for lunch and to see her brand new kitchen.

In the Parlor, I've moved the two funky buffet table arrangements from last weekend's wedding
to the fireplace mantel.  I trimmed off the browning Stock; it was not a good look.

In the middle, the cake topper.  A wooden silhouette, an Etsy buy, chosen and painted by The Bride.
When do you stop referring to The Bride as The Bride?

The Gerbera Daisies are holding up well, sturdy little troupers that they are.
The tall goofy Allium is doing its best to shed purple bits everywhere.  Thank you, Mr. Allium.

Tomorrow I've promised myself and my house that I will finally toss the wedding flowers.
No matter how hard it is to say goodbye to them!

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Hallelujah!
We can once again walk on our porch.

The gray deck paint finally dried; oil paint takes awhile to cure when it's 100% humidity in the air, as it was the few days before the wedding, when the porch was newly done.

Our porch furniture has been patiently waiting its turn, sitting in the front shrub bed.
Yes, we are the only house on the street with its porch furniture not on the porch.

But all the pieces need to be painted so they are staying where they are..

I hope that while we are hauling stuff up out of the cellar, Howard and I can still get these
old lovelies painted dark green this weekend, and back on the porch quickly.
If you have a flag, this is the weekend to fly it!

Oh, I should never say quickly, should I?  That's just asking for trouble.

Whatever you are celebrating or slaving over this weekend, I wish you good company, good food,
good vibrations . . . and safety.  Happy Fourth of July!  Let Old Glory wave!  -- Cass

OH!  I almost forgot the obligatory wedding picture of the day.
Everybody loves CAKE.

Link Parties!

At My Romantic Home, Show and Tell Friday.  click!
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home.  click!
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage.  click!
Furniture Friday at Miss Mustard Seed.  click!
Vintage Inspiration at Common Ground.  click!

27 comments:

  1. We have French drains - they work.
    The porch looks gorgeous! Makes me want to get out the paint brush.
    Thank you for the Canada Day wishes. I'm still in my PJs at nearly 10, watching the celebrations hosting the new Duke and Duchess on Parliament Hill in Ottawa - a perfect day!

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  2. I MUST have your house!!

    Sorry about the cellar.........bummer!

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  3. What a pain regarding moving all the stuff from downstairs but, I am sure you will be so happy you got it done and over with! I hope you have a fun and safe holiday weekend (despite the work you have ahead of you!)

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  4. Home ownership is a never-ending battle to keep things functional, pretty, and safe. The older the home, the tougher the battle, but the bigger the victory when all is said and done!!!

    Happy Fourth!

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  5. Let them eat cake! And they did! I love that photo, Cass!
    Oh, the trials of being a homeowner! I'm sorry you've got all the clearing out to do but you'll get your fixes! I love the way That Old House looks and your porch is divine and your patio chairs - loverly! :)
    Happy 4th!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;O

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  6. I for one have enjoyed the wedding flowers and pictures. There is nothing more wonderful than a wedding. Thanks for sharing. Richard at My Old Historic House

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  7. Sounds like you are still going to be very busy for a while, even tho the wedding is over.
    Have a fun and safe holiday weekend.

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  8. sorry you don't get to relax at the beach house, but you'll be glad when you get your porch all back together. Are you going to use a new photo for your header since the house is white now? No pressure. Just wondering.

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  9. The porch looks fantastic (as does the house) and I don't think we ever get tired of happy wedding photos!!

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  10. The porch looks great. And the wedding picture is so pretty. I think I could be on hoarders too. But it is because our house is full of mine and moms stuff not to mention my son's . I have been thinking of letting somebody come in and look at the old stuff and take it to sell. I bet I would be rich. Maybe. LOL!! Sorry no lake house this weekend but Happy Fourth.

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  11. HI Cass

    The house looks fab and the wedding looks like it was soo beautiful, what a beautiful couple! I wish them a lifetime of love, luck and happiness.

    Happy 4th!
    Leann

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  12. The front porch looks great with its' grey boards shined up. Have a wonderful long weekend.

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  13. Cass, I've been on your blog for-evah! I've been enjoying looking at the wedding photos. The bride is beautiful, and I love her wedding gown. The flowers were gorgeous, and how clever to wrap the books in the white paper. That Old House looks like the white tent and the white chairs belong on the lawn. The photo of the fathers smoking cigars with the groom is just too cute, and oh, the b/w photo of the bride on the sofa, is stunning. It looks like all of the hard work paid off and created an amazing celebration. Congratulations to all! laurie

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  14. I adore your stately old porch and the great architecture. I dream of a porch half as lovely. Thanks for the Canada Day wishes.

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  15. Your porch is fabulous! Hope you have a lovely and blessed long weekend!

    Back Porch Smiles,
    Rebecca

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  16. After the wedding it would of been a good time for a get away. Oh my, if I had to move the stuff in my basement..eeeekks! It looks like a rubbermaid storage container area from cleaning out my Granfather then my parents house over the 15 yrs i have lived in my house.

    Anxious to see the porch all decked out with its chairs!
    Try to find some time to relax this weekend!

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  17. Cass- Yep that is one of the troubles with "those old houses"...lol...never done...and just when you think you got it all nailed down the water tank springs a leak! (or some such). Well, have as much fun as you can emptying your basement...maybe you will find some buried treasures there that you didn't know you had! xo Diana

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  18. There is always something to do. We need a french drain also.
    The house is looking good.
    I don't envy the cellar job. good Luck to you two.

    Happy 4th to you guys.

    Melinda

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  19. I think the term "Bride" is good for at least a month or two - and then you can switch to "the Newlyweds"; that should take care of the first year or so!!

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  20. Happy 4th to you! I'm sorry you can't get to the beach. Congratulations to your newlywed! What an adorable couple and beautiful flowers, by the way.

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  21. Thanks for sharing all your beautiful inspirations and pictures. I’m your newest follower and look forward to your next ideas!

    Have a nice weekend!
    Tine

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  22. Wow - what an amazing porch!!! You put me to shame painting your floor like that when you know that I have to paint mine and have been totally procrastinating...... lolol! Beautiful job! Ok....I'm inspired to get my tookus in gear....

    xoxo laurie

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  23. I love your house! The porch looks great, I can't wait to see your painted furniture. I am your newest follower from Furniture Feature Friday. Hope you can come and visit me sometime. Happy 4th!

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  24. Just popping over from Laurie-Anna's...your header made me smile...for the love of old houses...yours is beautiful...and I so enjoyed seeing your daughter's wedding photos...mine was just married last November. Have a great weekend!
    Rene

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  25. Your house is so pretty. Love the lantern on your front porch. I am looking for something like it for my kitchen. Thanks for linking it to Home Sweet Home and have a great 4th weekend!
    Sherry

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  26. Love your house Cass~ so charming and pretty! Your porch looks wonderful!! Thanks for sharing at FNF :)

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  27. Lovely wedding photo. Cleaning out your cellar - things do pile up, don't they? Sounds like lots going on at your house!

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