Fall Hydrangeas at Heart and Home

These are the final days of summer.

The weather has been the nicest yet, with fog-free mornings and warm breezy days.

Around here it's the best time of the year to head to the beach,

but don't let the out-of-towners know that.

It will be our little secret.

In the garden, plants need to be pruned, oak leaves swept up,

 and acorns cleared off the steps and the deck.

The pots of hydrangeas from the Summer are past their prime.

I cut all the stems and put them in a vase to dry.

Now they will be Fall Hydrangeas.

I have baskets around the house containing dried bunches from years ago.

When I move the baskets, hydrangea petals rain everywhere in little petal flurries.

I'm adding new stems to the collection so I can let go of some of the really old ones.

 I'm afraid they will eventually turn to dust, like a moth's wings.

I really don't need any more dust in this house, if you know what I mean.

Maggie doesn't like to dust, either.

She is not a very big help around the house.

This dog gets a free ride around here, that's for certain.

I guess being cute counts for something.

I'm wondering if these blossoms will hold their color.

They are the prettiest green and gold,

and somewhere in that bunch 

are a few pale blue reminders of spring and summer.

Everyday right about now

the afternoon sun streams through the skylights,

bathing the entryway in warmth and golden sunlight.

I always look forward to this time of year.

After the excitement of back-to-school,

we all chug through the next few weeks.

Earlier bedtimes, alarm clocks,

 packed lunches and homework take some getting used to. 

The weather is warmer than usual, and the days are still long.

Then, all of a sudden, there is a snap in the air

and it's time to pull out the heavy throws and brocade slipcovers.

Seashells will soon be replaced
with pumpkins, gourds and dried wheat, as the weather turns cool.

Time to let go of the warm weather and embrace the chill in the air,

 the falling leaves and the scent of burning wood.

Time to start thinking about the upcoming holidays and celebrations.

Time to start baking delicious apple treats,

with apples picked in the orchard across the way.

I've collected a few new recipes, for apple cakes and crisps and crumbles.

I'm looking forward to some quality time in the kitchen,

peeling and chopping and sifting and stirring.

And tasting.

I'll let you know how things turn out.

Until next time,

XO

Heidi

Linking to Show and Tell, at Cindy's

Monday, Clean Monday at Heart and Home

Hey there blogging buddies!

What if all I have to show for the weekend is a really clean house (and by really clean I mean so clean it squeaks, the carpets are all shampooed and all the slipcovers bleached and washed and hung outside to dry, the place is dusted and polished and looking pretty nearly as perfect as a house can look), and a couple of ticket stubs?

Would that count as a Metamorphosis? or a DIY?

Because, for two days we (and when I say we, you know I mean he as in my husband, my hero this weekend) weeded, and swept, and moved mulch, and scrubbed and rub-a-dub-dubbed this place into perfect godliness clean, while I rearranged and dusted and polished, and kind of helped around the edges of everything, and then went to a musical theatre matinee with our daughters previously arranged, and not just to get out of his hair so he could finish and watch the baseball game in peace.

I had about a couple million cups of tea, and went to the farmer's market and bought beautiful fruit and veggies and made beet salad and steak and wild rice and fresh corn on the cob for dinner.

I cut and pasted and glittered and lettered and got some really nifty looking banners and decorations made for one of those said daughter's upcoming 21st (yep, that's right my firstborn baby is turning 21) birthday celebration.

 And I wrote lists, and looked up recipes, and plotted and schemed the menu, and the decorations, and the seating arrangement in my head over and over.

Because I can't just let details like that alone, I have to think them through, and roll them around in my brain, and sort of work them to death until I feel satisfied that everything is arranged perfectly, knowing full well that there is no perfect, especially when it comes to parties.

But I try.

And then, after everyone has come, and had a great time, and everything is cleaned up and put away, well, then I can let go, and I have a good time, remembering.

I know. I'm working on a new approach. Which is to have fun at the actual party, not just afterwards.

It's a work in progress, I've gotten much better at it, believe me. I'm not nearly as crazed as I used to be the week before a large social gathering of all our friends and family at my house, where I've arranged everything and all eyes and expectations are resting squarely on me and my two weak shoulders.

I feel much more prepared, and in control, and relaxed about everything.
It's a sort of edgy, anxious relaxation, if you know what I mean.

So, what do you think?

Metamorphosis, or not?

Hey ladies, remember the giveaway! Keep those comments coming, and sign up for exclusive Heart and Home membership if you haven't already. Become a follower, be my bloggy friend!

Until next time,
XO
Heidi

Linked to the wonderful Susan's Met. Monday, and Sally's Blue Monday. Thank you ladies, for constant support and lovely parties every week.

Hearst Castle and a Tour at Heart and Home

Hello Friends!

"Casa Grande" Heast Castle, San Simeon

I hope you had a great weekend.

 It's been a whirlwind of activity around here.

My firstborn is getting ready to transfer to SFSU,

and, since the car I'm driving is getting old,

I'm trying to figure out which new car, of the millions available, is the one for me.

So, I spent all day Saturday in the cold and fog, at the university orientation, (fun!)

and all day Sunday in the heat and sun, on car sales lots (not so much fun!).

I welcome any opinions, what do you recommend?

What are you driving?

 By the way, I appreciate all your comments regarding my fireplace,

and all the entries for the giveaway.

Keep 'em coming!!

Last week I promised you pictures of

San Simeon and Hearst Castle

Are you ready?

Following is a small sample of what we viewed on our tour.

I arranged the photographs into collages

to share with you.

I don't want to overwhelm you!

Above are some of the surrounding gardens,

the beautiful views, and a tiny taste of the moroccan style architecture

of the first structure of the over 90,000 square feet of buildings,

 built on the property.

The famous outdoor "Neptune" pool, which was built, rebuilt, moved,

and then built again.

 It is truly a sight to behold!

I can imagine swimming lazy laps across the pool,

 the butler waiting on the other side

with my towel, robe, and a nice frosty drink.

 Inside, most of the rooms contain elaborate and intricately carved

antiquities gathered all across Europe.

Cherubs were a favorite theme, and Julia Morgan (the estate's architect,) 

carefully incorporated each piece Wm. Hearst collected.

She often had pieces copied by local artisans to create a balanced effect in a room.

Each room in the castle is unique and different,

 filled with priceless furnishings and art.

There are 56 bedrooms, (and 61 bathrooms!).

 The photographs above depict details in one guest room.

A glimpse of the more intimate,

 smaller indoor "Roman pool", with it's walls and floor of gold and glass mosaic tiles,

gives you an idea of the grandeur and scale of the castle.

Although impressive, the glitz of Hearst Castle doesn't outshine

the beauty of the coast at San Simeon and Cambria.

It is rugged, peaceful, and inspiring.

For more pictures, you can look here.

For more information on Hearst Castle, go here.

Remember, leave a comment to be entered in the drawing!

Become a follower,

refer a friend,

mention the giveaway on your blog,

you'll get additional entries.

(sorry, shipping to continental USA only!)

(Cambrian ground squirrel, one of thousands begging for peanuts)

I'm gathering more goodies for you!

Although not quite as grand

as what's found at Hearst Castle,

I'm sure you'll like them!

Until next time

XO

Heidi

PS. Seriously, what are you driving?

I'm having a heck of a time deciding on my new auto. Help!!

linking to Outdoor Wednesday, at A Southern Daydreamer

and (very late) to Mosaic Monday at Little Red House

Pink Flowers in Abundance at Heart and Home

Happy Pink Saturday! I'm honored that you decided to drop by for a visit today, thanks so much for stopping at  Heart and Home!

I'm joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound. 

Go check out her pretty pinks when you're done here!

The hydrangeas are just starting to bloom out on the side deck.

I've never been very lucky with these plants, and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Whatever the case, the few blossoms that are starting to open on this plant make me very happy!

Inside, I've got some pretty alstroemerias that have a hint of pink on their petals.

They seem so graceful and delicate,

although they are very hardy and last a long time as a cut flower.

On the back deck, the new fuchsia is busting out with blooms all over the place!

Double, deep pink blossoms swing in the breeze, and attract the hummingbirds.

I love my little spot of paradise - my deck gardens bring me so much joy!

Over the years I've had to adjust my expectations of an old-fashioned country rose garden,

and instead I plant anything that will survive long, shady mornings,

 hot, full sun in the afternoons, and brisk ocean breezes on most days.

It's tricky, but after almost 11 years living here,  I think I've finally gotten the hang of it!

I'm eagerly anticipating the first blossom on this fuchsia, seen here last year.  I love the pale, pale pink double blossoms, they remind me of a dancer's tutu!

Did you turn fuchsia flowers into dancing ballerinas when you were little?

I did, and I remember getting in so much trouble for pulling the blossoms off my mother's cherished plants! 

Don't you just love how much pleasure and happiness a simple grocery store bunch of flowers can bring to your home? I always pop a bunch into my cart before I leave the store, and rarely go without flowers in the house. If I can't find any I like, I'll cut branches and bring in clippings from outside.

Nature is wonderfully abundant around here, another reason I love our spot on the redwood coast.

Until next time,

XO

Heidi

For a wealth of interesting information about anything flower related, you might like Order Flowers , check it out!

Heart and Home and Lunch Outside For Two

Hey ladies! How's it going?

Here it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Feels like Summer has finally arrived, after a long wet Winter and Spring!

Today I went and got the little side deck table decked out for an alfresco lunch with a friend.

Maybe you'd like to join us, I'd be happy to squeeze you in!

It's so nice out here with the ocean breezes blowing through our valley, and the wind chime chiming!

All my work earlier this Spring has resulted in a bounty of pots spilling over with colorful blossoms

For a festive table, I gathered up some of my favorite things to serve as decorative accents.

The bird and topiary seemed like natural partners.

Although I don't think much is needed to improve on the ambiance!

Blue and white, (my favorite combo) accented with touches of green, reflect the natural surroundings.

The vintage tablecloth is printed with a wisteria pattern. The cushion covers are an Indian print fabric that I love for it's exuberance.

There's nothing shy about that pattern!

Which suits me just fine.

I don't like wishy-washy prints, but rather prefer big bold designs that make a statement.

I picked up these little five-sided bowls for $1 apiece at the drug store!

They have polka-dots on them, just like the bird feeder that I made a few weeks ago.

I'm always on the lookout for fun additions to my dishware, even while I'm waiting in line at the RX counter!

Blue and green stoneware has mix and match patterns, from Pottery Barn 11 years ago.

It's layered on top of my trusty white, fruit-embossed plates.

The blue-handled flatware was part of a picnic basket outfitted with all the necessities.

I only have two place settings, but that's all I need today.

Two is just right for an intimate lunch on the deck, to celebrate the end of the school year with a fellow mom from my daughter's class.

One more week, and school is officially over for the year.

Then the activities of summer begin for real.

I'm not sure I'm ready for the art lessons, tennis lessons, sleepovers, girlfriend get-togethers, lunch-a-movie-and-shopping trips that my daughters are always planning when they're not focused on school work.

Although I am ready for some quality R&R with my girls.

What will you be doing during the next few months of Summer?

Besides BLOGGING, of course!

Don't tell me if it involves a trip to Tahiti or some other exotic locale.

I don't want you to see me get jealous, it's not one of my finer qualities.

Although, staying here at home for a few months, with the beach just around the corner and all these trees to stare at all day isn't too terrible, is it?

Actually, I feel rather lucky.

And besides, I get to visit with all of you whenever I want.

Remember to leave a comment and let me know you were here!

And, there's always room at the table for more of you, so feel free to follow along!

I'm linking up with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch, for Tablescape Thursday, and Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home. Thanks Cindy!

Until next time

XO

Heidi

Wednesday Gratitude #15 at Heart and Home: Calm Mornings

Greetings!

                        


It's that time again! Welcome back to Wednesday Gratitude, please link your actual Gratitude post, and remember to link back to Heart and Home in your post. Linky Tools will be open by 6:00 PM PST.

I'd love it if you'd leave me a comment when you're done linking up, and please try to visit the other participants, too!  I find it very inspiring to read the thoughtful and insightful gratitude posts each week.

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." - G.K. Chesterton

The days can get hectic around here.

That is why

I'm thankful that my mornings are relatively quiet and stress free.

I'm thankful that, after getting my daughters and husband out the door, I have some time to myself.

I usually work-out, and then read the local paper, while I eat my breakfast.

I'm always thankful when berries are in season.

In this part of the country, we have strawberries for eight or more months a year.

They are grown just a few miles from here, on rolling hills and wide open fields.

Blackberries from my garden will be ripe by July.

I'm very thankful for the berry vines that grow with very little tending just outside my door! 

Today:  No eggs and bacon for me.

No cereal or toast.

No pancakes or waffles.

I'm thankful I can choose instead a bagel with cream cheese and apricot jam,

delicious and perfect, in my opinion.

One of the agenda items of the morning includes staring out the window for awhile.

I need to check the weather, watch the birds, and decide my plan of attack for the day.

Before the day attacks me!

The flowers are from my garden.
Lavender scents the air - one more thing to be thankful for!

Also:

I'm thankful for the many small details that beautify my surroundings and enrich my life.

I'm thankful for a calm start to days that are usually full and busy.

I'm thankful for the full and busy parts of my day, too!

How do you start your day?  Do you have time to yourself, or are you running around like crazy from the moment you rise 'till you fall into your bed at night?

Speaking of beds, isn't it lovely to have one to fall into?!

Something else I'm extremely thankful for!

And one more thing:

I'm thankful that you stopped by today!

If you are following Heart and Home, welcome back. If you're new here, sign up to become a follower, or subscribe for e-mail alerts. I'll be so thankful you did, and you won't miss a thing!

Until next time,

XO

Heidi

Check out this awesome and inspiring site: Playing For Change Peace Through Music

For the Birds at Heart and Home

I had some time to start and even finish a few projects around here this weekend! I love it when I can mark something off my list.

Are you like me? Do you have lists and lists of things you hope to accomplish?

If a project you just finished wasn't already on the list, do you add it to the list just so you can cross it off? That, my dears, is what I call "list obsession".  And I've got it, BAD!!

Anyway, one of the things on my list was to turn these:

Into this:

Which I did by using this:

Gorilla glue is every one's go-to glue! It's pretty tough stuff! I bought some to try since we had never used it before.

In addition to the plate and bowl which I found at the drug store for $1 apiece, I purchased  a 4 foot length of 1/2" copper pipe and an end cap to fit.  I glued the end cap to the center of the plate

Then my husband clamped it together for me for about one hour.

Then we glued the footed bowl to the plate, and when the glue was dry I popped the whole thing onto the pipe (that's what the end cap is for).

A super easy, and instantly gratifying project. The birds were dining at their new cafe' in a few hours.
The drying and waiting took the longest, and waiting is always hardest for me!

I think this is a cute addition to the front garden.
The birdies like it, too!
I've seen scrub-jays, robins, and tiny little finches eating their dinner here just in the last few hours.

Mission accomplished, and crossed off the list!

An urgent request, which my friend Kelee Katillack asked me to share with you regarding the oil spill on the gulf coast:
Will you join me in a 30 minute on-line prayer and positive energy vigil this Wednesday night? All you have to do is send your thoughts out, during this time, for a Divine solution to this global emergency... for more information go to the Katillac Shack and read Kelee's post.

I will be joining Kelee in the vigil on Wednesday, and hope you will also find a way to participate. Together, I believe we can make a difference!


I'm linking to DIY Day at A soft place to Land, Trash to Treasure Tuesday at Reinvented., and Thrifty Treasures at Tales from Bloggeriteville.
Thanks Kimba, Kimm and Leigh!

Until next time,
XO
Heidi