Sunday, March 14, 2010

Springification of the Porch and Deck & Let's Have Tea There

I know! I know! I made up that word but I did not know how to call it in one word. Anyway, this is a record for me joining the most memes in one blog entry. I just did not want to miss any of them.
Metamorphosis Monday is being hosted by Susan of http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Blue Monday is hosted by Sally at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/
Mosaic Monday is hosted by Mary at http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/
Tabletop Tuesday is hosted by Marty at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
Teatime Tuesday is hosted by Lady Katherine at http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/
Tuesday Tea For Two is hosted by Wanda Lee at http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/
Now, if I could only remember to go to their blogs to add my link, I'll be happy.
Be sure to visit these gracious ladies who faithfullly host these wonderful memes week after week after week.

I must be crazy showing you our porch before I worked on it, LOL! This is how it looked when I got home from a month's stay in Florida. Of course, I am blaming the weather more than I am blaming dh. Dead plants everywhere as you can see. The fountain was dry with black yukky residue.
Well. I couldn't take it anymore. I went to a garden shop a few days ago and bought lots of plants. I had John bleach and clean the fountain and refill it with water, scattered the live plants around. I was repotting and planting for the last 2 days. Oooooh! My back and thighs hurt! But the deck, porch and even the garden are starting to look good, I think.



I saw the "Skinny dipping allowed" sign at Marshall's in Baton Rouge before I left for FL. I thought it was cute. I wouldn't skinny dip but it is allowed since there is no privacy issue here:-) I moved the 2 cloches from the deck dining table and grouped them with some decorative bottles. I moved the aloe vera and jade plants to the table. I cut some camellias from our bushes and placed them in the hanging glass vase. I repotted some small flowering plants in the triple herb pots. and of course I have to have my radio there. I like to listen to cd's when swimming and when working in the garden.

So there is my tabletop, Marty!




Most of our trees and the grass are still bald and brown but I can see some signs of green popping out and little buds on our peach trees. Now that the porch is presentable, let's have some tea by the fountain
I used my Spode "Emma's Garland" tea set because I think the flowers make it look very springy.
We had to close all the patio umbrellas at 2 AM Saturday, because the winds were blowing so strong in the middle of the night.
Do you like my sign?

I shot the top left picture below from our home office while blogging. Looking out there now relaxes me, which means the porch is clean and orderly enough for my taste. There are still a lot of pots that need plants but I am waiting to see which one will come back. I can't wait to start swimming. I could turn on the pool heater but I am trying to save energy.

Thanks to all you great ladies for sponsoring all these fun memes and thanks all, for coming by.

56 comments:

Debbiedoos said...

Looks fantastic! What a wonderful day you had!~ My outdoors is a mess, but soon I will have it all together nicely:)!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Christine, everything looks so fresh and ready for everyone to get out and enjoy it. What a nice pool. We had on on our first house, but hubby refused to have one here. He said he was tired of the upkeep. I do miss it when I get all hot working out in the yard. Oh well, my skin will be happier for it.

Blondie's Journal said...

Christine~~~

I can feel exactly what you were feeling when you came home. Nothing seems right until everything is back to the way you want it. And you did a marvelous job. I love your patio and pool and the plants you picked out are so pretty, as well as the houseplants. I love your tea set, too, pink is one of my very favorite colors. Everything looks back in tip top shape!

I hope you had a lovely time in Florida and now that the work is done at home, you can relax!! ;-)

XOXO
jANIE

Debby@Just Breathe said...

It all looks so fresh and clean.
You will be swimming before you know it!

Denise said...

I've been planting plants today too so I know how tiring it is.. you did a great job with all your plants, I always want to jump in your pool, it looks so inviting... and blue! ;-)

Kammy said...

That pool looks inviting and I love your springy porch !
Kammy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Gorgeous Christine!
I think you had dead plants because John was too busy watering the fake ones! hehe. I love the beautiful table you set and that teapot is about the prettiest one I have ever seen! Oh, and you know how much I love your pool! I hope I get to visit someday!
Hugs, Cindy

Anonymous said...

Everything looks so lovely and cheery. You worked yourself good and hard! I love your Love Grows Here sign. Now isn't that the truth? You have so many pretties. Its a feast for the eyes.

Donna said...

Looking good, Christine. I enjoyed looking at all the lovely pictures. Lucky you, to have a pool.

D

Donna said...

Looking good, Christine. I enjoyed looking at all the lovely pictures. Lucky you, to have a pool.

D

Glenda/MidSouth said...

It all looks so pretty!! You did a great job. I am so anxious to start planting some annuals in pots, but it is just to soon here. I still need to get my courtyard cleaned out of Winter debris, but most of it is done.

Regina said...

Beautiful and cozy place Christine.
Great photos as always!
Have a lovely week.

The Muse said...

Ms Christine, you did indeed jump right in...and talk about a girl with a plan! It turned out great...very spring like...and garden filled inspiration!

It is like a bed and breakfast retreat!

lazyclick said...

Fantastic outdoor shots.

eileeninmd said...

Looks wonderful, Christine! Now its time to enjoy it.

eileeninmd said...

Look wonderful Christine! Now it is time to enjoy it.

Barbara said...

Christine, Great paito and it looks comfortable and well planned. Plants always add so much outdoors, they make me think of cool,,,not sure why.

Love your skinny dipping sign, we have one at our lake house but it says We don't skinny dip, we chuncky dunk.

Barbara

Nancy said...

Definitely a cute sign! :-) Your plants are so pretty and I'm with you, time to start swimming!

SmilingSally said...

I'll bet you're glad to be home. That is one beautiful back yard, Christine! I wonder if the plants will do well under the cloches? Beautiful blues. Happy Blue Monday.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Wow, you are so ready for summer. Lovely garden atmosphere.

My Blue Monday post

Amanda at 32˙North said...

Now that's what I call a transformation! Everything looks so fresh and nice, especially with all the greenery - well done!

Amanda

Unseen India Tours said...

Beautiful architecture !! Nice post !!

Anonymous said...

HI Christine! Oh, you've been a busy little bee. I love your pretty patio and all your new plants and signs! I love the Emma's Garden tea set. I have the dishes but have never seen the tea set. Now I want one too! :)
I love the new pretty picture of your tiny self! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Anonymous said...

Your patio looks so inviting. I always feels so good to get organized. I know you will be enjoying the area as soon as the weather permits. Thanks for visiting me at my blog.

♥ Kathy said...

I love your patio! Happy Blue Monday!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Girlfriend...

Girl, you have been the busiest of all little bees and your gorgeous patio and pool are the proof! It all looks soooo beautiful, Christine! Yep, you have been busy...as seen by the "before" and "after" photos! Of course, you know that I just love that pretty fountain! I remember when you got it! I love, love, LOVE all of your gorgeous green plants, Girl! Truly a breath of fresh air...Springification like you said! Hehe! You have sooo many pretties...love your table top vignette and the patio vignette too! Ohhh...your tea tray is sooo pretty! I just love "Emma's Garden" dishes...the teapot is gorgeous!!! Ohhh yes, I would love to sit here on your fabulous patio and have tea and chat!!! Thank you for sharing it with us! Girl, you are a chicken for not getting in that pool! Hehe! Just kidding...I couldn't do it either...not until the water warms up a bit! Hehe!

We are actually supposed to be in the 50's at my place this week...well, at least until Friday and then another cold front is coming in and they're predicting more snow for Friday! Grrrr!!! Thanks so much for coming by and taking a peek at my "Spring Green" and for your generous compliments! I'll at least have a little Spring going on inside! Hehe!

Have a wonderful day, my friend!
Chari @Happy To Design

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Ooops...just lil' ol' me again! I was wanting to tell you how much I like your new header! The photos of your grandchildren are just precious!!! AJ sure is a pretty girl!!!

Love ya,
Chari

My Slice of Heaven said...

Your outdoor covered porch is so pretty. I like all the little decorative touches. It inspires me to get working outside!

Marice said...

you did really great! love the aura of your porch! so refreshing :)

u may view mine here

☆Mama Ko☆ said...

Great outdoor, so clean and quiet.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

Beautiful Transformation !
Blessings,
~Myrna

Dolores said...

Your outdoor area is so beautiful and inviting!!!
Hugs,

joyh82 said...

What a beautiful area and a great party place. Happy Blue Monday!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Oh how pretty - love the tea by the pool! Too cold to work outside today and It rained all weekend and today -- Your porch looks very welcoming~!

Kathryn @ Bonafide Southern said...

Everything looks great Christine! I love your cloches and stands. I also love your teapot...very pretty. Thanks for sharing. Now enjoy that pool!!

The Barnett Family said...

Everything looks so summery and relaxing. Love your cloches...where did you get them? Wishing that I had a pool to jump into...aahh one day!!! Thanks for sharing!

Blessings!
Tonya

Unknown said...

What an amazing patio! I would spend days here. Who needs a resort!? :)
~Liz

Lady Katherine said...

First as I opened your page, and saw the lovely header, I just smiled! So lovely! You have been a Busy Bee! Wow, the fountain looks wonderful, as does the porch. I loved seeing all the plants, pots, urns. Tea at Pool side is so wonderful! Yes, your lovely Tea Set, and table cloth look so Spring! OK I couldn't spell the word you made up. lol Such a lovely Tea Setting, so relaxing by the pool! This summer you will have to have iced tea pool side! I just adore the flowers in the glass and iron vase! So pretty! The Lantern caught my eye! Love it! Love this setting I can't wait to visit you this summer for lunch pool side with all the Mississippi Magnolia Southern Belles and Friends! Let us all know when your going to host this Luncheon! Thank you so much for joining for Tea Time Tuesday! Tell John Hello, and he has a hard working wife! Hope your better soon from all the work you done!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Hummmmmm, I got a funny error message when I said to post comment. Anyway, I rattled on and on about your beautiful patio, pool and your lovely tea tablescape. I love your cloches outside, they are so pretty. Your tea set is stunning and the flowers on it are so springy. Your yard is just beautiful. I know you really enjoy it. Thanks so much for joining the party. Hugs, Marty

Lady Katherine said...

Did I forget to say I adore your signs! The cloches are so pretty! I just had to come back and say: I said I would never go in a Dirt Cheap again,it has been years and years! lol My daughter goes to one in Forest, and saw the dishes. Terry and I went and it was not bad as I expected. So,Yes I will go back! lol

Miss Janice said...

Love your porch overlooking that fantastic pool. I see the cloches you have and they are beautiful. I also love the all the plants...makes the area!

Tara said...

It looks beautiful after you got things all perked up! It looks so welcoming, I am ready to jump in the pool!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Ah! It seems like forever again, since I stopped by... Your porch looks wonderful-fresh and ready for summer :o)

I also loved your earlier post of your trip to New York :o) How fun to meet up and spend time with old friends.

Blessings & Aloha!
(off to work, but had to say hi!)

Susan said...

Christine, your outdoor covered porch is absolutely lovely and so inviting. I can see why you love it so much. Your hard work sure did pay off, it's gorgeous!!! I especially love the lantern on your tea table and would love for you to share with us where you purchased it if you don't mind. Your signs are precious!

Cindy J. said...

Oh Christine, you are the most industrious person I know...I love it! I would so love to be there and having tea with you, our little visit just made me want to have more time to share. Have fun on your cruise. Love, Cindy

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Christine! It looks so lovely! Now you will have whole summer to enjoy your pool and none of the work! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

PAT said...

It looks wonderful Christine. I can't wait to get our porch ready for spring/summer!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christine, you have been working hard! Your porch looks great, and your pool looks like it's ready for me to coming skinny dipping. AJ looks so grown up in that photo on your header - she's beautiful! Your other grandbabies are so cute. laurie

Jane said...

You deserve a cup of tea after all that hard work. It all looks great.

Lana Kim White Austin said...

Yes, it is truly springified now!!! I love all those blooms and the skinny dipping sign is too cute! Tea? You deserve a trip to England for all that effort! :)
Hugs, Lana

Candy said...

Sorry for my tardiness...but my flight was delayed. At least that's my story.
I did come take a look the other day and meant to acknowledge but got side tracked (happens to me a lot!)
takes my computer a few moments to upload your pics.
I did notice that the little heart piece in the tin didn't make the trip very well. Guess I should have bubble wrapped it ;-(
If it won't glue back together maybe it can just find a new purpose...stuck in a plant, hung from something...
Love dreaming that your pool is in MY back yard. You have it fixed up so lovely.
Enjoy!

Queenie's Vintage Finds said...

Hey Christine!
Your porch and pool area looks so pretty and inviting...love that tea set...that sits on the pink quilt!
It was fun to see the before and after of all of your hard work there.

Your jewel tone table scape is so pretty too...beautiful quilt and such a great idea to use it on your table!

I loved seeing the pics of NY, the Central Park Mosaic is my fave pics...I would love to visit there!

Hope you have a great weekend away...
Big Hugs,
Queenie

Mary said...

What a lovely porch you have, Christina! And it looks so wonderful the way you have decorated it for spring. Thanks so much for sharing your talents at MM> :)

Wanda Lee said...

This is fabulous!~ I love every detail!.., What alovely place to enjoy the wramer montes for your family and friends!..,

Thanks ever so much for joining in with the fun of 'memeing' and also especially for partaking with my, 22nd 'Tuesday Tea For Two'; I really appreciated having you partake!~I hope you will also join me next week!~

THE LITTLE TEA TABLE VIGNETTE WAS ADORABLE AND OH SO INVITING!..,

(ALSO,THAT 'SKINNY DIPPNG' SIGN IS TOO CUTE)!..,Hehe!..,

DO FEEL MOST WELCOME TO POP BY FOR A VISIT!..,

CHEERS FROM WANDA LEE @ THE PLUMED PEN

Wanda Lee said...

WELL MY GOODNESS;(IT'S LATE,I KEEP ACCIDENTALLY HITTING THE 'CAPS BUTTON', AND I'M TOO TIRED TO RE-TYPE!~ Oh well!..,

Other than the rediculous 'misspellings' in the first paragraph;.., I meant to say rather:..,"What a lovely place to enjoy the warmer months"..,

I also wanted to mention my dear that I adore your fab new blog header; the pictures of your grandkids are darling and very heartwarmong indeed!

Hugs from Wanda Lee @ The Plumed Pen

Diann said...

Everything looks great Christine! you can tell you put in a lot of work. Now you can relax and just enjoy it!

Popular Posts

Blog Archive


Mary's Masterpiece Monday

Susan's Metamorphosis Monday

Tea Cup Tuesday

Tablescape Thursday

Fertilizer Friday

Pink Saturday