0 An Evening Garden Tour

Come join me for an evening tour of our back yard.

It's 8:30 pm and the temperature is still in the 70's. What a gorgeous evening! All the path lights are lit, casting their glow around the grass area.

This view is looking up towards the lawn, with the large planting area to the right.

To the left, you can see the Monet like arbor and tent.

It's getting darker. I love how the Monterey Cypress looks silhouetted against the sky.

It is in the neighbor's backyard, but we get to enjoy the view.

A few weeks ago, the fence was solid pink with Cecile Brunner roses.

Isn't the pool a lovely turquoise this evening?

The arbor is loaded with climbing New Dawn roses. I've never seen it this full. I think it is because of all the rain this year.

I see a little "blue hour!"

Here is my little angel illuminated in the flower bed, holding water for the birds.

Even the roses look aglow at this time of night, thanks to the garden lights. It almost looks like daylight!

Hard to believe it's now 9:30 pm! See the glimpse of blue?

I hope you have enjoyed touring my garden this evening. Thanks for stopping by!

I'm linking up to Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.

Thanks Susan for hosting.

0 The Evolution of Our Kitchen

Our kitchen has gone through a couple of mini remodels since we bought the house eleven years ago.

In 2001, we replaced the tile countertops with this granite. It was honed St. Cecelia. Eventually, I realized that I wanted polished, so now it's kind of polished, but not quite!

I could never figure out why the previous owners didn't center this cooktop! It has bugged me forever! I ended up creating this backsplash without a center focus, so as not to attract attention to the stove's placement. I fantasize about ripping it all out and putting the largest commercial range possible here!

The little cabinet on the wall used to be pine. I recently painted it white.

The island was also pine and I painted it black. Why you ask? Because the pine was dated (circa 1989) and really beat up.

When the countertops were replaced, I had this farmhouse sink installed. I still love it!

At the time I painted the cabinets, I also replaced the double ovens and dishwasher with stainless steel. The old appliances were at the end of their life, and I love stainless!

I replaced the panels on the refrigerator with stainless too.

The family room is just off the kitchen. My kids keep trying to talk me into getting a sectional sofa! But, they don't live here anymore, so I'm sticking to this traditional arrangement!

Notice the Charles Faudree book on the coffee table. I have to say he is my biggest influence when it comes to how I decorated this space.

The fireplace also used to be pine with embellishments. I took off the "gingerbread," sanded it and painted it black to tie in with the kitchen island.

This photo shows how it opens up to the eating area and the backyard.

Our casual dining area. When we bought the house, there was a flush mount light on the ceiling. I couldn't wait to hang a proper chandelier. I also hung my collection of majolica plates above the window.

So there you have the evolution of our kitchen! We plan on selling this house in a couple of years so it doesn't make sense to do any thing more. But! If we stayed here forever.....I would definitely replace the countertops! I just love Carrera marble! Next house.....

I'm linking up to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday. Also to Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday.

Thanks ladies for hosting!