April in Paris Day 1. While it’s true that I arrived in the City of Light on the last day of the month, I still feel I can claim this joy. Ah, a moment to reflect~ followed by happy sighs. I had spent the day prior to my departure scrambling with last minute packing and of course, spent the night watching the Royal Wedding. I boarded my plane shortly after the balcony kiss. Sleep eluded me, as it often does on planes, trains, and automobiles. By the time I touched down in Paris, I had been awake ... View the Post
Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet
For all the grandeur that the Palace of Versailles has to offer there is something much more quaint and rustic, that appeals to my beauty-seeking soul. It is Marie Antoinette's Hamlet. The Norman-styled Hamlet, Hameau de la Reine, was designed by architect Richard Mique for Marie Antoinette between 1873 and 1787. It was a place for her to escape the daily rigors of court life. Marie Antoinette's Hamlet There are a total of eleven houses that surround the big lake. Five of ... View the Post
Royal Wedding Wednesdays Royal Residences Part II
Welcome to part two of the Royal Residences series. In this post, we will begin with Windsor Castle which is located in the town of Windsor, Berkshire county. Several parts of the castle can be traced back to the 14th century. It is the largest inhabited castle in the world with over 500 people living and working on the estate. It is also the oldest castle to be in continuous occupation for over 900 years. Here is Royal Wedding Wednesdays Royal Residences Part II. Royal Wedding Wednesdays ... View the Post
A Garden Home Make It Right
Last March I went on a self-guided walking tour of the Garden District in New Orleans. The weather was just perfect to admire such lovely homes. A Garden Home Make It Right. A Garden Home Make It Right The area was developed between 1832 ~ 1900 for wealthy Americans who didn’t want to reside in the French Quarter with the Creoles. It was originally laid out with only a few houses per street, each home was surrounded by a large garden, which went on to give the district its ... View the Post
My mother’s garden
Many thanks to all of you who have left comments, emails and sent cards. Your heartfelt thoughts and prayers truly have lifted our family up during this difficult time. My mother’s garden. My mother’s garden I thought I would share a few images of my mother’s beautiful garden. My mother was “green” long before it was in style. When they tore down some old buildings in my hometown during the late ’70s and 80’s my mother loaded up the pickup truck with ancient brick destined for the ... View the Post
A Springtime Flower Garden
I know that many of you are just beginning to look through your seed catalogs and still dreaming of spring. In Phoenix, the season begins in March. I did a bit of planting recently and thought I would share a little of what I have learned over the years. A Springtime Flower Garden. A Springtime Flower Garden Remember to bloom where you are planted. Even if it is in the desert. Laura ... View the Post