COZYING UP THE PORCH

When Fall is here and the weather turns chilly, we usually clean the porch cushions and pack them away for the Winter.

But this year since our home will be on a local charity home tour in December, I decided to cozy up the porch a little for this Winter.

I made some new pillow covers out of a beige, black, and red plaid flannel.  Thought they would look good with a rustic Santa and a wonky tree we have planned to place on the porch table.

I kept them simple. The flannel from Jo-Ann's is a nice quality, washed well and was on sale for $5 a yard (plus I had a 20% off entire purchase coupon).  Not bad for two pillows and a cushion cover for under $10.00.

I'm also using the plaid to recover the cushion (not shown) on the big wicker chair.  It's not done, yet, as I had to go out of town (100 miles round trip) to get a 28" zipper.

That's all right as it gave us an excuse to have lunch at The Olive Garden ($)
and for me to go to the quilt stores ($$$).  

We won't count the expense of the trip to buy a $2.50 zipper into the cost of cozying up the porch!

Edited to add:
Finished the cushion cover!

I'm joining with:

Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

IT'S COMING DOWN!

Back in 2010, after much discussion, Wyatt and his Papa built a tree house.  See that original post here.  Now, again after much discussion, the tree house is coming down.  Bob has determined that the elements have taken their toll, and it really isn't that safe any more.  We've checked with the grandkids about the option of repairing or tearing down, and apparently teenagers do not need a pirate ship, a castle, a quiet place to read, a place away from adults to pout, etc.  

It appears that I'm the only one that is sad that it has served its purpose, and is no longer needed or wanted.

I'm in mourning.

I decided that what I'm really sad about is that my grandkids' childhoods have been fleeting, passing so quickly.

When did this little boy, who was so excited about his tree house ---

turn into this tall teenager?

Bob and the teenager will get the rest of the tree house down; then, next Spring, we will re-landscape.

I'm joining the following:

Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Smiling Sally for Blue Monday

Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday

The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

SLOW AND LAZY AUTUMN

Not too much going on in the Salmagundi household.

 I've been working on a project that isn't even worthy of pictures.  When I made the cushions for our dining room chairs a couple of years ago, I used straps with velcro to fasten them to the chairs.  Over the long haul with the wear the chairs receive, the velcro just wasn't working anymore.  I'm replacing the straps with
 ties -- slow, boring work!

The sun is setting in the west much earlier these days; but Autumn is lazy like I am, I guess.  We haven't even had a freeze yet, so the flowers still are looking good.

With the cooler nights, however, the vegetable garden is ready to be put to bed.  As he always does, Bob brought the pumpkin crop around to the front of the house in the old red wagon.  The wagon was brand new and shiny when our 47-year-old son was a toddler.  It's hauled a lot of stuff and kids over the years.  I just noticed it was a "Radio Astronaut" model.  Astronauts were the heroes of the day in the late 1960s -- true, real-life super heroes!

I should get out there and do something creative with those pumpkins on the front porch. 

If only I wasn't having such a lazy, enjoyable autumn!!!

I'm joining the following:
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
A Southern Day Dreamer for Outdoor Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

WATER BABY HAS A BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to our granddaughter, Caitlin, who is turning 19 this weekend.  From the very beginning, she was a 'water baby'!

It's been no surprise that for the last three summers she has worked in the office of Raft Masters of Canon City.  One of the perks of the job is rafting the Arkansas River of Colorado.  Since she weighs a little bit of nothing, she has to sit in the rear of the raft -- that's her in the back top with her brother, Wyatt, in front of her.

I think this was where they got dumped into the river.

On another trip, that is her in the back, right side -- bit of nothing, skinny arms and all -- playing with the big boys.

She would love to train as a raft guide, but she lacks the weight and strength needed.  So, for now, she plans to keep working in the office plus study business and marketing in college.  Watch out big, burly boys; someday she may own the place!

She has certainly graduated to a BIG pool of water.  This Grammy tries not to think about the dangers of that.

Cait, you are a very capable gal -- don't forget you can overcome any rough waters encountered in life.