Summer Recap

My Dears,

How has the summer been treating you? If you are anything like me, then you're certainly counting the days till the autumn equinox. The summer heat does not become me, but I must make do with Mother Nature's season of warmth..and believe me, I have.

This year's annual Independence Day Edwardian/ Vintage picnic was truly a blast. My darling friend Heather came over the night before to help me prep. When morning came around Heather and I wasted no time. Sandwiches were prepared as were other edibles for the party. My fella arrived early enough to lend a hand. Together we three got the tables set up in the canopy/gazebo and readied the garden for an afternoon of vintage frolic and bliss. By the time our first guest arrived, we were dressed and ready to entertain.

My sweetheart and I

The absolutely lovely Heather

Lost in time...

Our sweet friend Jenn who looked lovely in her 20's frock, set up the wickets around the lawn for our usual game of extreme croquet. Heather made sure to keep everyone's spirits high by her steady supply of frozen gin & tonics. *smiles* The tables were laden with yummy picnic fare and the mood in the air was bright and festive. Music from the teens/2o's/30's/& 40's kept us tapping our toes and some of us even tripped the light fantastic.

Aptly named extreme croquet due to the non-traditional
way the wickets are placed around the flower beds.

Pondering my next move..

A view to the past...

Indeed it was a wonderful party..a moment in time...the days of old. My thanks to Bill whose lens always captures our parties beautifully...and to Zaida who makes sure these photos get to me. *hugs!*

So you see, I am trying to enjoy the summer as best as I can. My fella and I even decorated the canopy/gazebo and created an outdoor room. A small table with two chairs..a wicker sofa..dragonfly lantern lights and a curtained wall make for a cozy retreat. The coffee table and chaise lounge will follow in a week. We have spent many a lovely time inside our outdoor retreat, listening to music while enjoying candlelit dinners and nitecaps.

My sweet and humble retreat rests under the shade of the linden tree. This is where I go to relax with a book and a nice cold drink or perhaps a soothing cup of tea. I keep adding plants to my surroundings and also a plethora of solar lanterns to light my way in the evening. ..especially the breezy evenings when I can just lie down and linger languorously, watching the light bugs as they twinkle brightly in the garden and listen to the crickets serenading me through the night.

...lingering languorously.

Ready for company..


That's Sir Twigginham on the right near the fence.
My fella gave him that name. *smiles*
He's also responsible for setting up this corner of the garden.


My garden crystal ball...


...and my handsome fella who captured this lovely set of photos.
Thanks honey! ~~x~~

So until the first autumn breeze places its crisp kiss upon my cheek, I shall just grin and bear the rest of the summer. I guess it isn't so bad when such fun is to be had. What say you? *winks*

In the meantime, how about a cup of tea?


Enjoy the rest of this summer....blissfully!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

A Day At Harmonie House

Hello my dears. It's been almost a week since my last post. It is still raining...non-stop it seems.
Oh well, at least it makes for lovely nights of cozy sleep.

I was wondering what topic I would write about this evening. I decided to share with you a typical day at Harmonie House...through images and comments. Sit back, have a cup of tea, and enjoy your visit to my 1918 haven....my very own portal in time.

A day at Harmonie House usually begins with a sigh.
"It's time to get up already?"


After I've gotten myself all dressed and ready for my day,
I head down the stairs with this lovely window in view.


At the bottom of the stairs the living room beckons me to sit and relax. However, I have no time for that since I must have breakfast and head out to the shop.


So I enter the kitchen...


First thing I do is fill the kettle with water for my tea.
Breakfast preparation follows.

I have a bite to eat, feed Mr. Knightley, and almost reluctantly leave Harmonie House for a day of work. Mind you, my job isn't so bad. Working with music and making my own hours isn't a bad deal. However, by the end of the day I cannot wait to go home. Actually, by mid morning I cannot wait to return home. *smiles*

After work, upon entering my Shangri-La, I greet my Mr. Knightley who is all purrs and love. I once again fill the kettle for tea and get myself ready to relax before dinner.

I go by the music cabinet and select a CD to play.
Usually it's a compilation of early music from the 1900's through the 1930's.


With cup of tea in hand, I enter the library/music room and sit myself in my favorite wing chair. At this time I select a book or a Better Homes & Garden magazine from the early 1900's. This moment is always nice.

I sit, relax, read, and enjoy my tea for about an hour or so. Mr. Knightley usually keeps me company while I wile away the time till dinner.

Dinner is had in this warm, inviting dining room.


Afterwards, I might sit in the cozy nook area
and work on an unfinished crochet project, or read.


I may have several phone calls during the evening.

I'll tidy up the kitchen, catch up on some writing, laundry, or whatever needs doing. Then it's time to call it a day....or would that be night? No matter. I'm usually tired enough that I look forward to my comfy and cozy retreat...right back where I started. So it's off to the land of nod, hopefully filled with beautiful dreams.

Time to turn out the lights in this corner of the library.

There you have it my dears. A typical day in my life. Granted, there are many days when the house is filled with the sounds of company. Laughter, music, dancing, and many a vintage gathering takes place within these walls. I shall share those moments with you as well...at a later date. In the meantime, I wish you all a lovely night filled with all that is wonderful, happy, and blessed.
Hugs galore to you!

Nite Nite!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Letters From The Heart

Isn't this lovely?

Here's a closeup...

Today was absolutely divine. The sun was at its brightest, the breeze was warm, and I was feeling rather nostalgic. So upstairs I went, opened my desk, and pulled out several bundles of old letters. Tied in cream colored ribbon, envelopes of all shapes, sizes, and colors, greeted me like an old friend with arms extended in warm welcome. Some were even yellowed...or I should say mellowed, by time.

Out in my garden was the right place to sit back and relax while reading these special missives from near, far, but very dear correspondents. I laughed, smiled, and sometimes even got misty-eyed as I ventured as far back to 20 years of written memories. What a nice way to spend the afternoon.

Flowers from my garden including: rosemary, thyme, chive, and coral bells.

I do hope my letters, sent throughout the years, have touched many a heart as these have touched my own. Happy & sweet reading indeed.

xoxo
Miss Sandra