Spring is Here!

Even though Spring came to stay a week or so ago, today it really is official! I'm living in that small window of perfection that only comes twice a year to the Richmond area. All the windows are open and we are living on the front porch with warm breezes and sunshine.  Any day now a fog of pollen will descend upon us like a mighty plague with the unbearable heat quick to follow. 

Lots of blooms and buds and happy hot chihuahuas around here.  There are also lots of projects to start and to finish. Hopefully we can get a good start on them before the pollen and the heat get us down.

And now for something completely different.  I can excitedly report that this arrived on my doorstep yesterday!

Now I need a case. What do you think is the best? A sleeve, an envelope, a folio of some kind? There are lots of different styles with very different functions and I can't decide what would work best for me.  Any suggestions/ recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Happy Spring!

Random Reasons I'm Looking for Fall

Okay, so there were several things that all came together in my head last night to create a incredible desire for fall.
1. The weather has been BEAUTIFUL (i.e. not overwhelmingly hot).  It has been in the upper 70s - mid 80s for the last few days.  It has be 90+ for most of the summer.  We've had the windows open and could enjoy sitting on the front porch again.

2. It's August and no matter how old I am I still feel compelled to go buy new school clothes.  I really want to wear sweaters, jackets and scarves again.  I love to layer.  It's not possible to layer when the weather is 95 and muggy.

a new jcrew trench

Frye Boots

3. I got the urge to take up knitting again.  When the weather is warm I seem to have no desire to pick up the needles but I got the urge last night and actually worked a bit on a scarf that I never finished from last year.  This urge also led me to this photo of a lovely cardigan that I think I might feel brave enough to attempt this year.  Up until now I've been more of a scarf and hat kind of girl but I think this is the year that I branch out and learn something new. 

 

 copyright Joseph Feller

4.  Don Draper's study from the 3rd season of Mad Men.   

via Tom & Lorenzo

The husband and I just finished up the 3rd season of Mad Men on DVD last night.  I was suddenly taken by the colors and textures of Don's study.  I love the navy grasscloth walls and crisp white trim with the pine paneling that is so typical of that period of house.  IT MAKES ME EVEN LIKE THE PINE PANELING!  I didn't know that was possible.  Love all the details of this room.   If my own home weren't already so dark I'd be converting the office tomorrow.  

All of this rambling is to say I'm really looking forward to the new season ahead.  Here's to Fall!

Sneaking a Break

I was just sitting on the front porch procrastinating with the Husband and the Puppy, enjoying the beautiful day and thought I'd share a little bit of the view with you too.

The crepe myrtle (or as my Sweet Husband likes to call it - the chrysanthemum tree) beside the porch swing has finally bloomed.  It really is lovely.   

Okay, now back to work!