Good morning beauties. How are you? Are you taking good care of yourselves?
Our weather has been glorious this past week even tho the afternoons are heating up. I thought I'd share a little of the house today.
When the temps rise I retreat indoors and have a sit in the living room.
I cut a branch of roses and stuck them in an old ginger jar I've had for ages. The color of the rose blends beautifully with the old chinoserie screen.
Each day I've pulled a few books off the bookshelf to read and suddenly I have a stack big enough to put my fern on. It loves the morning light in this window.
I'm looking forward to a quiet summer here at the cottage. My mornings are filled with garden chores and walks and afternoons are for reading and napping.
What part of the world do you live in and what kind of summers do you have? xo
We moved to Knoxville, TN from Asheville, NC 3 years ago and it is hot, hot, hot here! (It's hot in Asheville, too, to be fair, but not quite as hot). I grew up in the Georgia and North Carolina mountains where most people don't put in air conditioning an d you might need a light sweater on certain July nights. But we have cicadas here every summer, which I love (my Atlanta-raised husband hates the noise) and a long growing season and I am just blooming where I planted. I hope you have some peace and joy this season, lady. xo
ReplyDeleteI live in Minnesota, just south of St. Paul, and have lived in this area all of my 60 years. Summers here are short but beautiful. Right now everything is so green and lush, and the temps have been mostly moderate so far. But we do have spells of high temps with high humidity, and I always resent having to have the windows closed for the air-conditioning. After having the house closed up all winter, it's so good to bring in the breezes! Your living room is so restful looking, and I love the drama of the chinoiserie. You have impeccable taste.
ReplyDeleteIt looks so lovely. What will you do with the Pecock Tin?
ReplyDeletePeacock...I live about an hour West of you. We have fog in the morning and then hot sunshine.
DeleteI don't like at all where I'm living and am frustrated - so many plans that can't be put into action because the our house is not selling. We're in SE England. The skill is to be content and calm where I am at this present moment in time - and I'm terrible at that! Janet, I love your house - I've said it for years. Perfect for us!
ReplyDeleteYour house looks beautiful - seems darker and more sombre, and yet somehow even more gorgeous. xoxox.
ReplyDeleteYour home is gorgeous!!!! I live on the NC coast. Summer is busy here at the beach with many tourist. It is hot and humid. I love everything about it and would feel land blocked anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteYou've created such a lovely haven. I'm especially glad you have it now, and to know that you're taking naps in the afternoon : ) .
ReplyDeleteI'm on the prairies in western Canada, and the summers have been getting hotter and more humid in recent years. We're going through a week (so far) of temps around 90F, which is a bit much for here. I'm so thankful for our ceiling fans!
Becky
I live in Morris County NJ, about 45 minutes from PA border. Summers have been getting hotter and thunderstorms more brutal in their loudness and duration.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to have some land here. We have planted hostas and ground covers and try to plant as many wildflowers and herbs as possible. Someone has to feed the pollinators :)
Janet, so nice to see another beautiful post from you! Your home looks especially elegant yet cozy, peaceful & inviting. We live in Huntington Beach, about a mile from the beach so, thankfully, we usually have cooler temperatures & much cooler nights than other areas in So. California. We love it here & have been in our home for 30 years! My summer days are filled with work (I'm the Director of Volunteers for two large medical centers in Orange County), but when at home, I'm busy puttering in the garden, cooking or walking our dog at the park or beach!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever used the rose fertilizer, Rose Tone, for your beautiful roses? I've heard great things about it & will start using it on our roses this weekend.
You & your husband are in my thoughts so often. As always, sending a big hug to you & lots of love & healing wishes.
Kathy B.
I live in Boise and summers are too hot. I'm jealous that you get to takes naps in the afternoon. I work full time or I'd be doing exactly that. LOVE LOVE LOVE your living room. Love all the black. Looks so classy and sophisticated. Can you show us in your pantry and refrig again? Would love to see your simple pantry and fridge. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOur summers are hot, with cool nights, in Umbria. We open the windows in the evening and close them in the morning- no need for AC- yeah! The vegetable garden loves our climate. Spectacular this year. Last summer we had record heat.
ReplyDeleteYour house looks beautiful as always. I love everything about it. Love your kitchen. I cannot imagine you need to do a clean out in your pantry.
By the way, always thinking of you and Larry. Loving thoughts to you both. XXo
ReplyDeleteI'm nearer to the coast here in SoCalif so we're very humid which doesn't go 'good' with my airways once the temps rise above 70 (changes in the ozone which muck with my lungs/asthma) although, truly, to be only in the low to mid 80s in the sunnier part of the day/afternoons, this close to 4th of July, is something for which to be thankful. We planted veggies early this year, so I pick (very organic) tomatoes and cucumbers most every day right now. I thought the jacaranda trees were a gonner this year but, as it turns out, they're just blooming later than 'per usual' perhaps because we've indeed NOT been so hot, and they like the heat.
ReplyDeleteYour touches of pink for summer are so refreshing and soothing. You always know the right thing to do, Janet.
Those beautiful roses add to the sense of peacefulness to your serene sitting area.
ReplyDeleteI love the house, I live in the East of England, at the moment it is hot going to be 80 this next week which is hot for us.
ReplyDeleteWe live in Orange County---the weather has been lovely. I feel very lucky to enjoy a somewhat prolonged spring!
ReplyDeleteKaren
Your house always looks so inviting. I'm working towards that feel too but I'm always a bit behind in the housekeeping. Seems once I get home from work I just need down time. I'll get there eventually.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the very hot deep south of Georgia and once again summer has come in like a dragon and the heat is stifling. We've also had a lot of rain so my little potted garden is leggy, desperate, and a bit yellow from stress, but there are zinnias and tomatoes and even a few Japanese eggplant so I'm grateful.
Janet, your house is just so lovely, calm, peaceful and serene. I always love seeing pictures of it. We are spending our summer in Bend, Oregon, moved here last June but was unable to really take advantage of the area due to smoke from nearby fires. We moved from Paso Robles (hot as heck in the summer) so this is a delight to be in Tahoe like weather. The growing season is very short, so no veggie garden for me, a hard thing to wrap my head around after being a volunteer Master Garden for 20+ years. Always thinking of you two and what you're going through and sending love and support. (We e-mailed when you were on your way to Paris and England, while I was in Paris)
ReplyDeleteI really love how your home continues to evolve. Just when I think it’s perfect you make a few small changes and it’s beautiful in a different way. I live in NE Ohio. Very close to Lake Erie. We never know what our seasons will be like. I recall some pretty chilly 4th of July’s but also so miserably hot and humid ones. And it can change on a dime.
ReplyDeleteI feel very fortunate that we can go to so many different areas nearby for a completely different experience. We’re a short drive to museums or the other direction out in the country. In the summer trips to the lake are my favorite. There’s something about it that washes away the stress for a bit.
Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us.
Best,
Kathy
living in pioneer country with no pioneer spirit!
ReplyDeleteif left up to me the wild wild west would have remained just that!
i'm a windows open and cool breezes kind of gal. but alas.
still... any day I wake up is a gift!
sending you huge hugs AJJ. the little cottage is beautiful! xo
Your home is peaceful and soothing. I love it. It’s what I strive for.
ReplyDeleteI am in Omaha, it’s usually hot and oppressively humid about now, but it’s cool this year! Still humid with lots a thunderstorms sweeping through. Right now now, Omaha hosts the College World Series, and I’m afraid a few games have rained out and needed rescheduled. Fans still have fun!
My garden is doing great. We’ve had hail but my plants and trees have been spared.
Lovely photos of your living room, Janet. I live in the Southeast where it's hot and humid! We have all four seasons here, and I've grown to love summer the most. I grew up in the Northeast, with long winters. I try to embrace all sorts of weather. I hate it when people complain about it being too cold in the winter and then too hot in the summer. I try to find the positive in each season.
ReplyDeleteClaudia
Beautiful as always, Janet. xo
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have a coffee table book of your beautiful home...it is so serene and cozy...I never tire of seeing inside and perusing your lovely garden images.
ReplyDeleteI live in Canada, in a city called Victoria on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
I've never been able to nap in the afternoon...it sounds wonderful and your book stack look amazing.
XO
Seriously beautiful!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your simple addition of pink in your living room with your pillow, roses and paintings. Simple changes that make a big impact. I’m north of Dallas and it’s HOT here. This is our first summer here and being outside is challenging. We are in a transition period and therefore, renting. I have absolutely no garden. But, I’m dreaming of the future and have big plans. Saying lots of healing prayers for your Larry.
ReplyDeleteI live in South Carolina near Charleston. It is nothing but hot here. 95+ everyday. But, my tomatoes are getting ripe and my flowers are blooming.
ReplyDeleteYour home is my idea of perfection. So beautiful and peaceful. I recently reread your 4 part organization posts. I'm still amazed at how minimal you are. Yep, perfection.
Peace and love to you and Larry 😘💕
Your house is looking particularly lovely - the many touches of black are just right. You sure have an eye. I live north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We have been having quite a bit of rain lately (the weeds are growing like crazy!). Recently, it has been cooler than usual. We have had some super hot spells, though, and I've no doubt there are more to come. Personally, I like 70, sunny, with a lovely breeze - we don't get as much of that kind of weather as I would like!
ReplyDeleteI live just south of Atlanta in Georgia where I have lived all my life. It has been hot here in the 90's but we have had more rain than usual and I am thankful for that. I just hate dragging the water hose around everywhere. We did go camping in the north Ga mountains a few weeks ago and it was cool, no humidity and beautiful. I make more salads in the summer months and do enjoy that! It has been interesting reading the different posts. I am surprised it is so hot around most of the USA.
ReplyDeleteYour living room is lovely. The screen above the sofa is just perfect. We live in Minneapolis. The summers are wonderful here, and we love them! In fact, we enjoy all the seasons here. Minnesotans love their summers and take advantage of the outdoors whenever possible. We are very laid back. (So different from when I lived in the South). People just put on flip-flops and are good to go. I don't find it to be hot here at all because we lived in the South for 15 years. Now that was hot!
ReplyDeleteYour house looks so restful and comfortable, as always. I continue to think of you and your husband. You seem to be able to find joy in the simple pleasures, so I trust that is helping you daily. I live in northwest NE, in an area called the Sandhills. We had an unusually hot beginning to June, then the weather changed and we got about a week of rain, which was so welcome. Now it's in the 80's, but not very humid. Our nights are always cool, so we throw open the windows and wake up to the birds instead of the grind of the AC. I just retired from teaching the end of May, so I have been spending my days in my flowerbeds or with my grandchildren. Both of them give me a lot of joy.
ReplyDeleteI live in NY and the weather here is absolutely gorgeous- mid 80's low humidity gentle breeze. It can be brutal though when a heatwave rolls through and humidity is threw the roof! Always happy to see photos of your amazing cottage. Love how you stacked the books and created a plant stand!! I may just copy that idea. I started a garden this year and am finding it quite therapeutic. You and your husband are never far from my thoughts and I wish you both comfort and peace.
ReplyDeleteYour small changes have such big impact, and everything so lovely. I adore the way you let the screen inspire and lead you to a new color story in your gorgeous living room. I live just south of Pismo Beach and we have been having a cool spring and early summer. I have a pocket yard with lots of sages and herbs to attract the hummingbirds and bees. The borage got so big it is now keeling over. I've been getting out for some summer ambles and volunteering at our 128 year old lighthouse. I know how hot it can be where you are, do you have air conditioning or are you just used to the warm days?
ReplyDeleteSo many talented geniuses have or had a love of naps, you are in good company. Sending love to you and Larry.
Your home is lovely, thank you for the photos. I live in Brisbane, Australia (about the middle of the country, on the coast, on the right hand side). We are in the middle of winter here. Top temperatures the last week or two about 24C - not sure what that is in F. In summer it can be very hot here, we are in the "Sub Tropics", sometimes consistently hot for days around 37C. Also very humid. We have a rambling collection of shrubs and trees in our yard, a herb patch and, recently, a vegetable garden. My house is "typical" for our city, all wood (except the tile roof) and on piers (we call them "stumps") that lift the house a couple of metres above the ground. Laundry and storage underneath. No air con or heating... It's only cool for a few weeks each year. Wishing you both peace and calm.
ReplyDeleteI love the pics in this post! You have created a welcoming, homely, safe space, which is just right for you and your husband during this time. I get the feeling the more you got rid of, the more "space" you created. We certainly do not need a house filled with stuff to be content! Your choice of colors are just perfect and the pink roses in the ginger jar adds a little bit of chicness to your home! Sending prayers and peace your way!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely and peaceful your house looks Janet ❤️we live in Connecticut the weather here is in the mid 70’s very pleasant to spend time outdoors.
ReplyDeleteOh Janet, I love following each step as your lovely home evolves, courtesy of your exquisite light touch. I've never thought to cut off a whole rose branch, but then, my roses don't grow abundantly like yours.
ReplyDeleteI live in a small cottage in the Channel Islands and we are having a beautiful summer, but it's bearable outside as the breezes off the Atlantic keep the temperature down. And there's always the invigorating sea to jump into!
Hugs, my lovely, my thoughts are with you, x.
The comments here are a lovely "travelog" which I enjoyed reading. Here in Maine summer is still quite chilly, damp and lots of itchy insects. The sun comes and goes. But no need for the AC units --well, not much. Wearing a sweater over my summer shirts indoors. The garden is still growing--nothing much but arugula to pick. Strawberries for sale on the roadsides. Lobster, always. Thinking of you both!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJanet . . . you masterfully have blended your garden and home. Love visiting your reading/napping niche. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have lived in Virginia for the past 32 years and before, a a little bit of most everywhere else. Yet, for me, my love of summer seems to have been deeply planted within memories of childhood school vacation, unstructured time filled with reading, walks to the beach with friends, endless card games on rainy days. I love to feel like a kid once again . . . so I race thru chores and errands so I can read, walk, garden, day-dream in my favorite chair on the screened porch. We soon will head for our family (3 generations) vacation in ME where my dear best friend growing up lives . . . for two magical weeks memories of old and new summer pastimes blend.
Happy Summer to you, Janet, and Larry.
Your house looks so inviting. I really love your attention to detail, from the bird nest to the measuring tape. Of course the rose branch is divine. What I am struck with is the simplicity of things. It makes me want to edit my surroundings.
ReplyDeleteI live in San Francisco, which this weekend is enjoying 80 degree weather.
Your home seems to reveal something of you. It is elegant yet comfortable. Welcoming, yet restrained. I would like to spend time in your living room. I live in upstate New York. The payoff for our very long winters are our lovely summers. Typically the temperatures are in the high 70's through the mid 80's. It is usually sunny with a lovely breeze off the lake (Erie). We can endure beastly bouts of high humidity, but they are usually short lived. I spend my summers in my large garden, patio, or sunroom. I try to spend my summers outdoors knowing that winter will come and i will be forced inside. I wish you peace.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet: I hail from smack dab in the middle of the great USofA like Amie and Karen above...Nebraska, home of the Big Red! I live right on the Missouri River in the Old Market of Omaha. When I walk in the mornings, the waters of the "Mighty Mo" are literally at my feet. I am less than five blocks away from Symphony, Opera, Ballet, and Broadway musical productions; about a mile from a great regional art museum, a fabulous botanical garden, a wonderful little airport that has non-stop flights to both coasts, and an absolutely incredible zoo. And as Amie mentioned above, the College World Series is in town...just 4 blocks away. The brats and beer are great and the fireworks literally explode against my north windows. My home is a 6th floor loft in a building that is around 100 years old. I love painting watercolors (and to Karen above, I just painted a Sandhills piece yesterday). I am indeed blessed and am sending you and Larry all the healing powers of the Great Plains and that's alot. A brighter day, my lovely, it will dawn tomorrow...count on it! People all around the world hold you both in their thoughts and prayers. Jane
ReplyDeleteYour home is so lovely and yours posts are always inspiring. Thank you so much. My heart goes our to you and your husband, and I send my best thoughts.
ReplyDeleteYour living room is a perfect place to spend a hot afternoon - it looks so cool.
ReplyDeleteI live on the west coast of Canada in Vancouver. Have easy access to the city beaches and outdoor swimming pool when I feel it's too hot to stay at home.
We just had a very hot week here. Summer can be hot or rainy or a combination of both. It's still nice to swim on overcast days and wet ones.
Roses have been splendid with the hot weather. Garden is doing well. It's fun to walk around the neighbourhood to see what others are growing.
Your home is as lovely as ever..... I live in Central Illinois and until the past two days we have had the worst humidity and hot weather...making it impossible to spend much time outdoors without melting. thankfully a front came through and we are enjoying much better temperatures.....and more time outside!!!!! I am just hoping it lasts a bit longer!!!!! My garden is loving the rain that we received and I am enjoying seeing the flowers so happy!!!!! Thinking of you and your husband!
ReplyDeleteI live in Victoria, southern Vancouver Island, where summers are hotter and drier than they were just a few decades ago. Global warming has affected BC and fire and flood is the new normal, it seems. But, I do love where I live. Victoria is a gorgeous and historic city, and we are close the the rainforest-ed west coast, Port Renfrew, Ucluelet, Tofino... The very western edge of Canada. And vast empty spaces of sea and sky. My husband and I have downsized into a condo, so summers are different than they used to be. We live 5 minutes from the ocean so often hang out at the beach on weekend early mornings during summer. The heat of the day is too much for me now that I am older. Also close is a vast wooded park around lakes. Nature is important to me. Walking is meditation in motion and wild spaces my solace. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, Janet. Cheers, V.
ReplyDeleteI hope you NEVER stop blogging, blessed lady.
ReplyDeletePerfect imperfection!!!
ReplyDeletePerfect imperfection
ReplyDeleteHello Janet, I live in Nelson, New Zealand and have been reading and enjoying your blog for about 4 years. I love the clean cosiness of your house. Our summers are beautiful with lots of time for outdoor activities on the long days. It is the middle of our Winter now, so much snow on the mountain tops and dark by 6pm. Thank you for your blog, I get a wee bit excited when I see you have posted something new.
ReplyDeleteHello Janet, I live in Nelson, New Zealand and have been reading and enjoying your blog for about 4 years. I love the clean cosiness of your house. Our summers are beautiful with lots of time for outdoor activities on the long days. It is the middle of our Winter now, so much snow on the mountain tops and dark by 6pm. Thank you for your blog, I get a wee bit excited when I see you have posted something new.
ReplyDeleteSimple beauty and entirely complete.. your home reminds me of the exquisite bird's nest on your side table.. exactly perfect for the residents. Hailing from CT, we have become accustomed to FL after fifteen years and have come to love a perpetual summer-- the ocean, the green, the sun. But always nostalgic for the seasons of New England, always. Sending all good wishes... xo DA Squires
ReplyDeleteI could sit in your living room and read for a long time! So calm and inviting. I live in Richmond, Virginia, and the weather is very hot right now. We just got back from a week at the beach, which was hot but there is always a lovely breeze that make it bearable. Back to work tomorrow; re-entry is always hard.
ReplyDeleteWe usually go to the farmer's market on Saturdays in the summer. The best part of summer is all the fresh produce! Thanks for sharing your lovely home and garden. I look forward to your posts and think often of you and your husband.
Your living room as well as the rest of your home is so beautiful and I love how you have used and repurposed what you already have and items from estate sales and thrift stores. I love your minimalist life style and you have inspired me to strive to a more minimalist lifestyle myself.
ReplyDeleteI live in Corona, Ca about 45 miles southwest of Redlands and just east of Yorba Linda. I'm am enjoying the beginning of summer with our more mild weather and am still working on spring cleaning and letting go of a lot of stuff we have collected over the years but no longer really need. We are also working in our yard getting things spruced up for summer.
I have always wanted a white slipcovered sofa like yours and maybe someday I will get brave enough to get one. LOL!
We have never met, but I feel like you are a close friend as I have been stalking your blog for a few years now. You and your sweet husband are in my thoughts and prayers often.
xo Jackie
Hi Janet! It's lovely to find you again after several years. Still loving your photography and home and style. I will be praying for you and Larry as well.
ReplyDeleteDear Janet, I live in the coastal town of Carlsbad near San Diego, California. The effervescent sea breezes of June are so lovely still...the air feels so light and bubbly. I’m enjoying the breezes before the heat of July and the dog days of late August. I love the photos of your living room. Thank you for sharing them with us!
ReplyDeleteYour house is so serene. I live in Portland OR. Although it is getting hotter each summer with more days in the 90's, it stays relatively less humid (and bug free) than other parts of the country. One thing I love is at around 9:30 pm, most nights, the breezes pick up and cool everything down. It is so blissful to open the windows and feel the coolness flow into your house. Peace to you.
ReplyDeleteJanet, your roses are so beautifully arranged -I particularly love the photo where they perfectly complement your painting. I love big branches of roses. With my small garden, I just have a brand new Munstead Woods rosebush, so very few blooms. I did manage to cram(there’s no other word for it) the following into my small front garden: the rose, a hosta, marybells, zinnias, lavender, two types of daisies, clematis (I’d like to add a fall blooming one), four o’clocks, basil, mint, tomatoes, a sunflower, rose champion, anise hyssop and some sweet peas. It does make a nice bouquet.
ReplyDeleteOur weather here in central Pennsylvania is by turns hot, muggy, followed by low humidity, sunny days like today.
Your in our prayers.
I wanted to let you know how inspirational you are. Reading about you and Larry working towards paying your house off made us get serious about paying ours off too. It has been our goal since we married. It wasn't easy but we did it last month. No more house payment!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Hello Janet - Always good to see when you have a new post - thank you for kindly keeping us inspired whilst you and Larry are facing a tough challenge. I live in Johannesburg, South Africa and we have just had our longest night which means that summer is going to start edging our way. Having said that - our skies are continuously blue and our winter temperature can get to 20C on a good day. This must be the reason for our roses treating us to another "blush" before we have to think of pruning them later in July. Be blessed and thinking of you both. Pam
ReplyDeleteI live in Austin,Texas and we had a cooler spring and RAIN this year. My grass is green which hasn't happened in years. I used to live in CA and miss gardening year round. I remember my pulse would quicken when pulling into the parking lot of a nursery. Your home is lovely and I appreciate your sharing. My heart and prayers are with you, your husband and your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteJanet,
ReplyDeleteAs always, thank you for inviting us in for a visit. In New Hampshire, so far we’ve had a lovely summer! Cool, sunny days, small amounts of rain. In fact, yesterday it was in the 60s. I think most are ready for the heat, but I love the temperate weather, while trying to find joy in each season.
Around here, I do my best to plant, but do not have a green thumb. If any New Englanders want to give a lesson, I could use one! I also have been trying to add some summer touches around the house. Blues and whites are my go to. Sending love and light to you and Larry.
xoxo,
Tim
Love the simple elegance of your home and the stories of your finds. I am in Franklin, TN enjoying the humidity in a new screened in porch. I grew up in the Bay Area so this southern lifestyle sometimes feels a bit foreign. I am in awe when I see fireflies and bonfires on summer evenings.
ReplyDeleteJanet, I absolutely adore your new screen, what a find. I love the story on how you acquired it, I love how you've incorporated it into your charming drawing room/living room/parlor/sitting room space. The play of dark and light is stunning with touches of blush pulling it all together perfectly. Well done you talented beautiful lady.
ReplyDeleteTwo years ago, after living in many locations, the last being Virginia, my husband I moved to Utah...the state in which I was born and raised. After 50 years of living away I find that there have been a lot of changes in my birth state. We live in a charming cottage community 25 miles north of SLC. Despite it's charm, I really miss rain and lots of green trees.... but we have spectacular mountain views. I find the endless very hot dry sunny summer days a challenge....but love the long cooler evenings. I'm still mastering gardening in a desert state....but find myself frustrated constantly in my efforts.
It was a good choice to move back to Utah even though I vowed for years that I never would. The main reason for our move was my husband's health...he's survived many life threatening health challenges but is now facing one none of us want, he was diagnosed with Alzheimers a couple of years ago. We deal, that's just what you have to do. I'm grateful for the support of extended family who live nearby and also grateful for all the other really amazing places I've had the opportunity to call home.