A Mid-Summer's Dream

Dear Linda – I do apologize to you! I had responded to your kind comment three weeks ago, and just now discovered I’d placed it in the wrong box – so you never heard back from me! I’m so sorry! And I do want to thank you for stopping by! – Pat

Dear Irene – I really have to apologize to you! I had written a reply to your nice comment – all of three weeks ago! – and I just discovered I’d written it in the wrong box, so it never triggered you that I’d responded. I’m so sorry! I was brand new to RB then and still had/have a lot to learn! Here is my “now aged” response: “Thank you, Irene. This is reminiscent of so many appealing conservatories in the U.K.” Thanks for your kind patience! – Pat

It IS peaceful, Wendy! Thank you.

Thank you for your kind comment, Pat!

Snow already! But it must be beautiful there! My grandfather was from Malmo. Are you anywhere near there?

Thank you so much, Shirley! Yes, I guess our cool weather is about to set in all over the northern hemisphere. We’ll have to “Think Australia” to keep our heads above the clouds!

Yes, Mona! Think positive! One day you can have a place like this, too! And thank you for your kind comment!

Cheryl, I just replied to you, but wrote in the wrong box, so it probably didn’t trigger RB to tell you I’d written. Hopefully you can find it close by! I must tell you, also, that we feel very privileged to be able to live here, it’s not something we ever take for granted. We feel it truly is a gift from above.

It is indeed peaceful here, Cheryl. We are surrounded by very tall fir trees, so it’s like living in the middle of a forest. But, as each year the trees grow taller, less and less light comes into our home. So that fact, plus the seven to eight months a year here of gray clouds and rain, finally persuaded us to add the conservatory three years ago. And what a difference it’s made in our lives! It lets in so much more light to the rest of the house, I can overwinter many colorful plants, and it’s such a warm and fuzzy feeling being able to look straight up at the pouring down rain, and know it can’t touch me. I wish we had done this years ago.

Hi, Jacky - And I’ve got you and the English Garden’s website to thank for introducing me to Redbubble - again, thank you. Yes, my husband and I DO think of it as a little piece of heaven, or at least with the tall trees all around, as sort of a cathedral. It is so worshipful to be able to be quiet and simply enjoy the beauty that is here. (If I could just get that gardener* to work a little faster!) *me :))

Thank you, Evita! Come visit!

Hi, Angela - A happy garden does take time - It’s a lot like painting, but with a lot more variables. I’ve tried to copy the cottage garden style out in the small beds, mostly in pinks and blues, with whites to show the other colors off a bit. But up near our gray house, I usually have lots of red geraniums to brighten up the scene a bit. And I’ve finally gotten smarter, and have put in more perennials to come back on their own each year. Thanks for your kind comment!

I’m so pleased you like it, Luda! Thank you for your comment! – Pat

Thank you, Jane. It keeps me busy (when I’m not on Redbubble or painting

Thank you, Trudi – I usually have many more red geraniums in pots on the porch but they didn’t make it into this photo. Their bright red stands out in such stark contrast to the varying shades of green all over the rest of the yard. – Pat

OK, Marie, you’re on! I’d love to have you over for a cup! And indeed we are privileged to live here. I am thankful literally every day for it. God has been so kind to us!

The coffeepot’s on, Kasey! Come on over! And I’ve got loads of books all waiting for you. Thanks for your compliments!

Marie! A big apology! I had responded to your kind comment weeks ago, but just discovered I’d put it in the wrong box, so you never heard back from me! I’m so sorry! Here is/was my reply to you: “What a nice comment, Rachel, thank you! Yes, we added it three years ago to put a little touch of England in our area. Come and visit!” Thanks for your patience! – Pat

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Hi, Michelle – I just discovered I had overlooked your kind comment those several weeks ago – I’m so sorry! I do appreciate your stopping by and your nice words! – Pat (Thanks for your patience!)

I appreciate your kind comment, Gwenda! Manyi thanks!

Oh, Rachel! I’m so embarrassed! I just realized when I replied to your nice comment weeks ago, I had put it in the wrong box! I’m so sorry! Here is/was my reply to you: “What a nice comment, Rachel, thank you! Yes, we added it three years ago to put a little touch of England in our area. Come and visit!”

Thank you, James! An interesting note – The bells hanging down on the left I brought back from Nicaragua a few years ago. I like the way they kind of help to frame this shot.

Hi, Jim—We do get a nice variety of them – we’ve got several bird feeders up. Our dogs have finally given up on trying to catch any – they just sit and look longingly at them having a good time in the birdbath. Occasionally we’re visited by raccoons and a rabbit or two. Nary a skunk, tho’, thankfully. What’s your name on Wednesday?

Hi, Peter! I actually answered you yesterday, but for some reason it must not have “taken” – hmmm, reminds me of some of my photos . . . But many thanks for all your kind comments! Actually, we live in the U.S., up close to Canada, and we don’t have clay here. BUT . . . the stones! Millions of them in one square yard – and they multiply each spring! Occasionally, if we look REALLY hard, we’re able to see a bit of soil in between, but we have to bring in loads of soil conditioners as you do, to have any kind of a decent garden. But, it’s worth it, I think. I try to have a mini-cottage-garden style like is so a part of your homeland, and little by little it’s coming along. Thanks again! —Pat

Ohhhh, that sounds lovely! You’ll get so much use from it then! The glass roof makes all the difference in the world! Thanks for your compliment! —Pat

Thank you, my friend! And I’ve just favorited quite a number of your photos – remembrances of our visits to the U.K. Thank you!

Lois, you have such a way with words! You make all of us on the other end of them feel like a million dollars! Yes, please come and visit! I’d love to get to know you better! —Pat

What a lovely comment, Rod! Yes, after falling in love with the conservatories in England which are featured in so many B&B’s, we added one to our home three years ago. Best thing we ever did (next to visiting the U.K.! lol)! Thank you, Pat

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Thank you, Gary – it IS relaxing, at least when I take the time to stop watering, etc., to sit down and enjoy it. But especially in the winter, when it’s raining,—that’s the time to really appreciate it!

Gary, somehow I overlooked your nice comment weeks ago! So sorry! Thank you for coming to take a look! – Pat

Thanks for your nice comment, Robin. Having a goal is the first step . . . How did your sermon go today? —Pat

How sweet of you, Renee! You know, because our soil is so filled with rocks and stones, much of my gardening has utilized pots of flowers. This way I can place one out in a bare spot in my mini-garden areas or have them close to the back door or wherever they might go best at the moment – very versatile. One of our two dogs is a large white shepherd who LOVES digging up rocks and then, with them under her chest, teases them onto the lawn with her two front feet, much like a soccer player (or a trained seal). I weighed one of her prizes once and it came in at 7 lbs! So do try a few pots – you’ll enjoy the ease with which they reward you!—Pat

Right on, Renee! Good idea! I might mention that i bring some of the larger pots with lily bulbs in them, into the garage in the freezing weather, not because the bulbs would have a problem, but because the pots can begin to crack and/or break off pieces with the expanding of the water inside them. Have fun, Renee! —Pat

Hy, Lyn, It’s 5:30 in the morning now, and I’ve just put the kettle on. I turned on the lights in the conservatory, to shine out into the darkness and the rain and to hopefully give my neighbors a cheery hello as they drive off very early to work. Yes, it’s great on a sunny afternoon, but as “happy” a place as well in the early morning wet and dark. Come visit! And thanks for your sweet comment!

Thank you, Dalzenia, for your lovely comment. We feel so privileged to be here. – Pat

Oh, Lyn—You live in one of my very favorite of all places!! Wales is such a scenic country, with its rolling hills and green everything. Tell you what, you put the tea kettle on, and I’ll be over! I don’t need much of an excuse!

Thanks, Stephen! And a great idea!

I appreciate your nice comment, Angi – thank you! – Pat

Carol, what a lovely thing to say! I appreciate that very much! Thank you for stopping by! – Pat

Thank you so much, Carolyn! We love living here. – Pat

Thank you, Brenda! My husband sits out here every morning and prays and meditates. It’s a perfect place to be quiet! Thank you for looking! – Pat

Thank you, Curtiss! I appreciate your taking a look! – Pat

Thank you so much, Kevin – It IS quiet and peaceful! We’re very fortunate! Thank you for stopping by – Pat

Hi, Sheri—Yes, it is peaceful, even with our two dogs close at hand to keep things lively! Thanks for stopping by! – Pat

I’m so glad you like it, Alessandro! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! – Pat

Oh, Henrihan, you’ve made my day! What nice compliments you’ve given! I do appreciate the time you’ve taken to stop by and comment – Thank you! – Pat

Hi, Joanne – Yes, my husband and I are privileged to live here. We added the conservatory three years ago to bring more light into the house, and we wish now that we’d done it years ago. It helps combat the long months of gray skies we experience here in the Pacific Northwest. I’m glad you like it! – Pat

Thank you, Alison – I’m glad you like it! – Pat

I appreciate your nice comment, Stephen! Thank you! – Pat

Oh, thank you, Ann! You’re welcome to come and visit anytime! – Pat

Thank you, Marjie! How ‘bout I come visit you and your five cats, and you can come and have some English tea at my place?! You’re on, my friend! – Pat

Thank you! I appreciate your stopping by! – Pat

My husband starts his day by sitting where I took this photo, and meditating. Thank you for your nice comment! – Pat

And you would be most welcome! In fact, the coffeepot’s on now! Thanks for stopping by! – Pat

Wow, indeed, Mike! You’ve really made my day! What a beautiful compliment! I appreciate your having a look at my portfolio! – Pat

Thank you for your kind comment, Rich! – Pat

Hi, Linda – The door is always open – I’d love to have you! – Pat

Hi, Lynn! What a lovely compliment you’ve paid me – I appreciate your kind remarks so much! I know you’ll do a FINE job in planning your garden – just don’t try to do all the work in one year! – Pat

Thank you, Dana! I’m glad you like it! – Pat

Thank you, Maria, for your very kind words! And you’re welcome anytime you want to fly over for a cuppa! Wouldn’t that be fun?! – Pat

Thank you, dear Bela! I’m pleased this appeals to you, my friend! – Pat

Hello, Nan! We just returned home (and to Redbubble) from a week in the snow with my daughter’s family, so I can understand what you’re experiencing right now! It delights my heart to know this scene brings you peace and joy and a deep appreciation of nature. That’s what our home is all about and to know that this is conveyed to you by this photograph gives me great happiness. Thank you for your nice comment, and I hope you have a blessed New Year in 2009! – Pat

Oh, yes, my new friend! Your work is lovely! And I keep adding more of it to my favorites! I’m glad you like this photo as well! – Pat

Thanks, Sue Anne! Yes, we really do enjoy it, too! This morning we awoke to a sprinkling of snow all over it, which I love! – Pat

Thank you, Amy – it IS a quiet, tranquil place! And I’ve just taken a glimpse of your wonderful wildlife photos! They’re marvelous! – What a neat place in which you must live! – Pat

What a sweet comment, Isa! Thank you so much! – Pat

It truly is, Mar! We enjoy it soooo much! – Pat

Hey, what an idea, Jamie! Maybe we could think of a trade for a month or so in the summer! See, my thinking cap is working!

Hi, Graham! My huge apologies to you, as somehow I had overlooked replying to your comment at the time you made it. You obviously have a great eye for detail as well as a wonderful way of expressing yourself. It means a lot to me when someone takes the time to write as you have, showing a real appreciation for the effort involved in joining with Nature to create a pleasing scene and garden. So I send you my heartfelt thanks for your kindness in doing so! And I wish you many colorful, flower-filled seasons to come, my friend! – Pat

It does bring lots of pleasure, Van. I marvel at God’s infinite designs in the flowers He creates and they remind me how deeply He cares for every detail in our own lives. – Pat

Thank you, Julie! My husband made this photo his screensaver to encourage him through our very gray and wet winter. – Pat

Hello, my friend! Yes, it IS peaceful and quiet. Thank you for your kind words! – Pat

Thank you, Emolena, for stopping by! I appreciate your nice comment! – Pat

Muchas gracias, Cieloverde! Agradezco su palabras muchos! – Pat

Hi, Chelsea – yes, we added the conservatory three years ago and absolutely LOVE it! Thank you for your kind comments! – Pat

Oh, thank you, Jinney! How nice of you to comment! – Pat

I’m delighted you think so, Marjie! Maybe it will help you on your hoped for journey to England. – Pat

What a lovely thing to say, my friend! Thank you so very much! – Pat

Hi, my friend! I’m pleased that you like it! We, too, call it a conservatory, but find that here in the U.S. that’s a bit of an unfamiliar term, thus the description above. Thanks for stopping by – it’s nice to meet you! – Pat

Hi, Linda! Thank you for your kind comments! It’s interesting now that the U.S. has started Daylight Savings Time so early in March, I have to turn the light on there in the mornings because of the darkness! Won’t be long now, however, that we wake up to the light! – Pat

Hello, Connie! Yes, we see all kinds of birds, and if I’d spend time there at night I’d probably see the little raccoon family that lives in our neighborhood plus a rabbit or two. Besides the flowers, one of the things I enjoy the most is watching the tops of the very tall fir trees above us sway back and forth in the wind. Fortunately, the main beam is built of very thick steel, the same kind which, I understand, stood up against a tree that fell in another yard, preventing the tree from even hitting the rest of the house.

I’m so pleased this appeals to you, Gerry! Thank you! – Pat

Hi, Cindy! Thank you for your lovely comment, my friend! And I have just put on RB a picture of our backyard entitled “Peace and Quiet.” And I owe you a reply to your wonderful letter soon! – Pat

Yes, Bettina, we feel we are so richly blessed! God has been so good to us! Thank you for stopping by! – Pat

How nice of you to comment, Pamela! I’m very pleased you like it – thank you! – Pat

How nice of you to comment, Larry, and to bless me with your special art piece! Thank you! – Pat

Thank you so much for telling me about this group, Graham – I’ll join it now. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness! – Pat (written a month ago, but placed in the wrong comment box! oops!)

Thank you, Graham – I’m sure I will. – Pat

What a nice thing to say, Patty! Thank you very much! – Pat

Thank youm Sandra, I’m really honored! – Pat

Hi, Lyn – yes, it IS really nice to be there, especially when it’s raining! – Pat

Thank you, Trudi! What fun to be featured!

I really appreciate your nice comment, my friend – thank you! – Pat

Yes, it gives us great joy, Graham, and it’s a great place to enjoy with friends. Thank you for your kind comments! – Pat

How nice of you to stop by and comment, Zefira! Thank you very much! – Pat

I really appreciate your nice comment, Evita – thank you! – Pat

Thanks very much, Bill! And I hope that one day (soon!) you’ll have a spot like this as well. – Pat

Thank you, Barbara – I’m so glad you like it! – Pat

Thanks again, dear Evita! I’m really so pleased you like it! – Pat

Hi, Tereza! Yes, it works well for painting and for getting inspired. Wouldn’t it be fun if you could come and visit?! I’d love it! – Pat

Thank you, Trudi, for letting me know – I do appreciate that! – Pat

Thank you! It’s nice to meet you and I’m glad you took the time to stop by! – Pat

Thank you very much, Graham! – Pat

How nice of you, Vicky! And my husband and I do appreciate it so much. In fact, we haven’t taken an “away” vacation in five years! – Pat

Hi, Nancy! Yes, it IS easy to be inspired here, especially early in the morning, with the sun filtering in through the fir trees from the east. I’m glad you like it! – Pat

Thank you for letting me know about this honor, Marie! There were so many lovely “garden corners” to choose from in this challenge, showing lots of effort by many RB gardeners!

Hi, Rachel! Thank you! I wish other gardeners could have won, too, so many deserved to! I just finished getting mine planted for the summer, so look forward to the reward of seeing them in bloom. – Pat

Thank you so very much, Mary! – Pat

I’m so pleased you like it, my friend! And thank you, too, for the fave! – Pat

How nice to meet you, Brendan! Thanks for your kind compliment, my friend! Sometime soon I’ve got to get to my window washing task, which can be quite exciting from the top of my ladder!

Hi, Maggie – Thank you for your lovely comment, my friend! It truly is a cathedral for us! I have another shot on RB of our backyard with more of the trees surrounding it, called “Peace and Quiet”. We are so very blessed and appreciate deeply this quiet place. A friend from England will soon be here to spend two weeks with us, and I so hope she will enjoy it as much as we do. Thanks for stopping by! – Pat

Thanks so much, Evita! We are honored! – Pat

Thank you for your sweet comment, Ruth! Yes, we are indeed blessed and we appreciate this room so very much! It’s nice to be back in touch with you, my friend! – Pat

Hi, dear Hilary! Thank you so much for your lovely words! We enjoy it so much and especially like sharing it with friends.

What a great idea! Perhaps the Sunset Magazine folks have one of their special “how-to” books on the subject. Thanks for your kind comments!

Thank you so much! I can understand how you miss this area – I lived away from it for twenty years. It’s wonderful to be “home” at last! Please come and visit!

Thank you for your kind comment, Stephen! Today the sky – rather, the clouds! – have opened up and simply poured down rain. It was SO nice to be able to be in the conservatory nice and warm and dry with the rain beating down on the roof!

I appreciate your lovely comment, Priscilla! Thank you.