No More Black Sheep

With the completion of a major overhaul to the house, the neglected garage has just served as a hideous reminder of what used to be.  After spending May through August working on the bungalow’s exterior, I finally turned my attention to the garage as a way to eradicate any memory of the forgettable white appearance of the past.  With a few coats of paint and a much-needed replacement door, the garage now looks like a proud member of the family–rather than the shameful outcast.

 

 

Rusty, Recycled–and Right on Target

About a month ago, I was in trouble with the US Postal Service.  They stopped delivering my mail, even going so far as to return at least a few items to the senders.  I called the local post office to inquire, and the man on the phone, after a quick check of my address, informed me that I didn’t have a proper mailbox.  I was puzzled.

 

The Evolution of a Guest Room

A couple of weeks ago, I was faced with an unfortunate predicament: my dear college friend G and her husband were visiting from out-of-town and needed a place to stay, and my guest room was in no condition for providing accommodations.  Considering G was nearing her seventh month of pregnancy, the sofa (my trusty back-up) was not an option–so I missed out on the chance to visit with two of my favorite people.  Never again, I vowed, and I got to work.

Below is the guest room, in all its blue glory, when I purchased the house.  The two chains in the upper-left corner hung from a stylish glossy-black and brass ceiling fan.  It’s a shame I didn’t get a picture of it, really.  You would have loved it.

 

Murphy Joins the Pack

There’s a new critter at the bungalow!  Murphy is the sweetheart I met when I picked Abby up from doggie daycare a couple of weeks ago and brought home for a “sleepover” on Monday.  If I had to guess, I’d say the party isn’t ending anytime soon…

 

Late-Summer Diversions

Since finishing the bungalow’s exterior overhaul, I’ve been true to my word to thoroughly enjoy the last bit of summer–something even I doubted was possible.  I haven’t slipped into full-on laziness, but  I have spent a few Saturdays on antique hunts, dusted off the bicycle for a few rides downtown, and made amends with my neglected reading list–and I’ve loved every minute of leisure. 

Scored at a darling antique store in nearby Greenfield: a black-and-white enamel pail for dog food, an old gym basket for magazines, and a flour sifter (which I needed and, hey, why not go vintage?):

 

Bright Copper Kettles

I’ve been making a more conscientious effort to notice details that make life so good–the big in the small, the special in the mundane, the oh-wow! in the routine.  After enjoying a classic summer meal in the sweetly damp dusk of summer last weekend, my mind drifted to a few simple indulgences that make my soul smile and make me thankful for such pleasures.  Below, a few of my favorite things, each one simple, basic, and–best of all–with no price tag attached.