Thursday, May 26, 2016

The Things I Don't Show You

I have shared parts of my home, both indoors and out, in various blog posts but usually it's the 'pretty' side of my life. 

Today I'm sharing the utilitarian part of my deck. 

The part I usually don't show you.


You've seen this seating area before. I love my little fire pit area and use it often in the warm months. 

However, the other side of my deck actually gets used more often. 


This is the 'utilitarian' side of my deck. 

Where the BBQ lives under the ever-so-stylish black plastic cover. 


Where my dirty gardening gloves are tossed, right next to the white gallon container of plant food. 

Where the hose is hung up. 

And the dogs hang out, scratching at the kitchen door to get back in. 

This is real life. 


But just because it's a work area doesn't mean it shouldn't look good. 

I try to keep it clean and tidy. 

And add decorative accessories. 

After all, I use this kitchen door as my main entry.


When I come home from work and trudge up the steps from the garage, this little birdhouse makes me smile. 

And the sweet smell of Stock greets me and welcomes me back. 


A couple of cherished wall hangings make it really feel like home sweet home. 


This one is a bit small for the wall, but I love it regardless. It's original art made from a recycled oil drum. 


I just adore it. And it reminds me that my home is filled with love. 


I have plenty of plants around, which is not unusual for me. 

The herb boxes are starting to fill in and the aroma of fresh herbs fills the air in the cool mountain mornings. 


From the kitchen window you can see the arch I added for climbing vines. It spans the two herb boxes. 


There are Morning Glory and Moonflower vines planted right under the arch. I can't wait to see how these fill in and grow up and over the arch. 


I also planted some Gloriosa Lilies at the edge of the boxes to grow up along with the other vines. Last summer they were one of my favorite flowers and I truly hope they do as well this year. 


Just past the BBQ and hose there's some additional seating, along with my deck swing. 

I spend a lot of time enjoying that swing, watching the birds at the feeders. 


And, of course, I'm greeted with a view of the mountains as soon as I step out my door. 

I am truly blessed. 

39 comments:

  1. Really? Thats a bad side? You would throw up at my little 10x12 patio with chipped railing, plastic chairs with dollar store seat pads and a rusty grill that half works. You are blessed.
    Lisa

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    1. I truly am blessed, Lisa, and I thank my lucky stars every single day.

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  2. I've never seen a lily like that! How pretty. Earlier today a reader asked me why her plants don't look as good as mine. And I told her I don't show her the stinkers that don't look good!
    Brenda

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    1. Ha ha,isn't that the truth? No stinkers, and no weeds!!

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  3. I love your views. I hide water jug for the porch container in a little side spot behind our chairs. LOL. I think everyone has that kind of stuff going on. I love the wall hangings., the birdhouse. The plants are looking good.Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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    1. You would think with all the outbuildings I have I would have everything tucked away out of site!

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  4. Well, it all looks great. I just love having a peak out your kitchen window. :)

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    1. So do I, Deb! That was one of my 'must haves' for my house when I was buying it....a window over the kitchen sink!

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  5. What Lisa said. :) I love all the sweet touches. Have a wonderful holiday weekend.

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  6. Lord a mercy, this is what you don't show us? This artistically decorated outdoor kitchen, kitchen garden? But I showed the inside of our smokehouse, aka the building my husband tossed everything in that wasn't quite ready for the landfill. Come on, aren't there any scary messy things you can show us?

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    1. There is a scary closet under the stairs that seems to 'eat' the things I put into it....does that count? :)

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  7. Your added touches have really made this an outdoor "home". Enjoy all your lovely photos!

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    1. Thanks so much! Have a fantastic holiday weekend and thanks for your visit!!

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  8. Love that birdhouse, I need one of those. You have made every part of your wonderful deck a nice view.

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    1. I do try to keep it all under control, Carole....of course, it gets messy now and again, but I'm a neatnik so it doesn't stay that way for long!

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  9. It's lovely...your "bad side" is reality for all of us! Your view is what catches my attention :)

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    1. I think I must have a million pictures of those mountains by now....I can't help it!

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  10. Good heavens, I better not show my 'bad side', it is horrible compared to yours.

    You have a lovely space to hang out in and relax.

    Have a nice long weekend ~ FlowerLady

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    1. I'm sure your 'bad side' is lovely, Lorraine! And I adore all the homey touches you have added to your plum cottage!

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  11. Yep, your "bad side" is not so bad. We decided to clean up some of our messiness...headed down to Menard's to get some storage thingies. Love your view...just gorgeous! xoxo

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    1. You'll be glad you did, Donna! It just feels better once it's done, doesn't it? My garage and garden cottage could use a bit of help at the moment after all the mad planting marathons....but I'll get to it eventually!

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  12. I love your posts and look forward to them......the only time you disappoint is when your post is too short....You are blessed but I think you worked hard to make this happen....and a little help from your friends doesn't hurt.....it seems like you live in a very isolated area except for a few neighbors....it's gorge...I wonder how far from your job you are ? and how far to you have to travel to buy groceries,supplies,medical needs...etc...? Greetings from Maine

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    1. Awwww, thanks, Chris, that's so sweet of you! I do live in a quiet area but on the other hand I have everything I need nearby. We have a small supermarket up on the mountain top, about 5 miles from home. I work 2 miles from home. We have a doctor's office, pharmacy, and tons of restaurants...hardware store, liquor store, gas stations...we're all set! Thanks for your visit - and I adore Maine!! One of my favorite places to visit, by far! I thought of moving there once....

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  13. I would love to sit on your porch swing and watch the birds with you! Your view is gorgeous. No wonder this is your forever home! I will bet those arches fill with morning glories before you know it, and they will look wonderful from your kitchen window!

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    1. I can't wait to see the arches smothered in Morning Glories - they are a favorite of mine!

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  14. My goodness! It all looks so wonderful to me! How blessed you are. Show me the Gloriosa vines when they get larger as I have never heard of them. I do have some Morning Glory seeds planted and they are up about like yours. I also planted a couple pots of scarlet runner beans so am hoping they come up too. One is peeking through! Nancy

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    1. Lovely! Are you planning on eating the beans or just growing them for the hummingbirds?

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  15. What a lovely place to hang out.

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    1. I love it, Daisy Gurl - that swing is a favorite place.

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  16. You DO have such a wonderful view there ....and a good idea to have the herbs close by! :)

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  17. You DO have such a wonderful view there ....and a good idea to have the herbs close by! :)

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    1. I love being able to open the kitchen door and step out and grab herbs as I'm cooking - I made a wonderful salad dressing with them the other night.

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  18. Your 'bad side' is wonderful. I love the little bird house and having the herbs near the kitchen is perfect!

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  19. Your 'bad side' is wonderful. I love the little bird house and having the herbs near the kitchen is perfect!

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    1. Thanks, Teresa! I love the smell when I step out on the deck in the mornings!

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  20. OK, I am totally in love with that squirrel! The wall hangings are also lovely. What a nice way to be greeted when you get home. :)

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  21. OK, I am totally in love with that squirrel! The wall hangings are also lovely. What a nice way to be greeted when you get home. :)

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    1. The squirrel was a housewarming gift from a dear friend last year - he's so cute!

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