" The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances". - Martha Washington

Monday, November 16, 2020

Fall and other stuff

 A few fall pictures from around here.  The leaves were so pretty two days ago but after the breezy day we had on Sunday, most have fallen except for a few dogwoods that haven't. They have the prettiest red leaves.   

Out my window

 front door wreath that will be switched out soon for Christmas.

The Dahlias are just so pretty still and I pick from them to bring inside just about every other day. They seem to like this pot and this is the second year in it. 

Foliage ready to drop soon but still pretty coming into our road

My daughter was here for a visit about two weeks ago and helped me put up some curtains on the porch. It's jalousie and for the winter we thought maybe they would help keep some of the chilly air off the porch.   It's used more now because of the mini split.  One day maybe we will up date windows but meantime still getting estimates and ideas for patio.  Long process.  Here is breakfast of quiche, fruit and a cappacino.


I like them o.k. The top is PVC pipe I purchased and cut to fit. I hung the cup hooks from ceiling.
It is cheaper than buying regular rods and hardware.  I think I will just get  a Styrofoam ball, paint it and push on ends   Be o.k. for a while anyway.


In the town which is a railroad town.  A nine foot stump and a train conductor carved from it.  This is something to see in person. He is holding a lantern   Looks pretty neat when riding by and seeing it from the road next to tracks.    There is more about the gentleman who carved it. Click  here

til next time

20 comments:

Denise said...

Those dahlias are so unusual, Betsy; I really like them!! I like your curtains a lot; hopefully they'll help you keep out the cold this winter. Do you live in Ashland? What a pretty town!

I enjoyed your post, Betsy, and hope you have a nice fall week. :)

Hugs,

Denise at Forest Manor

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Fall is still looking pretty where you live. That statue is great!

Debby said...

Love your curtains and the use of pvc pipes and the black styrofoam balls at the end. Great idea. I'd love to have a enclosed porch like yours!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Betsy,
Richard the artistic woodcarver from Pennsylvania created quite a stunning masterpiece from that oak stump!
Your Dahlias indeed are still stunning and obviously happy inside that pot.
Happy times when having your daughter over for breakfast together. Starting the day over a lovely Cappuccino is pure bliss as is watching the beautiful fall colors unfold.
We have only cotton/rayon damask curtains in the hallway and that's it for the entire home. Mostly solid oak indoor shutters, made in Virginia and in the kitchen and veranda we got pull down shades, European style.
You are always clever in handling chores and finding practical solutions. Guess your daughter is the same!
Hugs,
Mariette

Betsy said...

Hello, I would love shutters such as you have. Made in Virginia? That is very nice to hear. I am not familiar with European pull down shades. I am a little sick of curtains and would love shutters. I see them in many Historic homes in Virginia. My daughter has a garden and several apple trees and besides working, she cans her vegetables and fruit. She makes salves and used to raise chickens but since going back to work full time, she doesn't now. Funny but the chicken next door to her comes over and uses the empty hen house and lays eggs. Annette still gets fresh eggs. You will see the hen walk across the yard to the henhouse. I didn't want to put too much money into anything for the porch right now because we don't know if we will replace the windows.
betsy

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Autumn is leaving us quickly, too, Betsy. Your leaves out the window look so bright and cheerful. We've been raking every week to keep up with the volume that accumulates so quickly. The conductor statue is really something. Such a talented artist! I bet your curtains will really make your porch warmer. I love that your daughter helped you with your project. I like your idea of adding a ball at the end of the pole. You are smart to have used the pvc pipe instead of expensive hardware. Have a great week ahead!

Thelma said...

That a great idea for a curtain rod. It will be stronger and will not bend. Happy Autumn. Thelma.

Betsy said...

Thank you Thelma. It is a thick rod. Happy Autumn to you also

Latane Barton said...

I love your Fall wreath.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

At the time in the early 80s (we moved to Georgia on August 29, 1983) we found in Southern Living the advertisement of Historic Windows and only a P.O. Box in Virginia... Guess it was a hobby man but a great craftsman. We selected Charleston as that matches with our doors. So when we built this home in 1990, we ordered again from him and are forever grateful. He either quit or maybe passed away, we don't know but they are nowhere to be found again.
They save energy; both in summer and in winter and give you privacy and even more safety.
Hugs,
Mariette

Terra said...

Your dahlia is quite fancy with its red and white petals, and I like the sculpture, the sculptor is talented. Clever of you to use the rod for your curtains, I would not have thought of that.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Betsy,
Love the curtains and what you used to hang them!! Great idea!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Betsy said...

Hi Mariette, I see where there is a place in Staunton Va. that does this type of work. That is interesting.
Betsy

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Historic Windows?

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Thought I had replied to this... Are they still producing those solid oak indoor shutters? Here you get to see ours, at least the ones inside bedroom and how Pieter made his own for the French sliding doors: https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2011/04/our-green-bedroom.html

Betsy said...

Your shutters at your window remind me of ones I see when touring historical homes. I love those. I wish my had deep enough window for them. I have always like that look. I must read some more of your back posts I have missed.
Happy Friday
betsy

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Betsy, that place in Staunton, VA is that the Historic Windows?

Betsy said...

Mariette, I thought it was Historic Windows, but now I cannot find it. It had interior shutters such as you have. I can't find it for some reason now.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Betsy, searched for Staunton, VA window shutters and found them: https://www.morrispaint.com/portfolio/wood-plantation-shutters-staunton-va/
They're not the solid wood historic windows, only the common plantation shutters!
Hugs,
Mariette

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Betsy,
Maybe you missed my post about our indoor shutters, with short video: https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2021/02/solid-oak-shutters-redone-now.html
Also found an address in Mattapoisett, MA where they still make similar ones.
Hoping this is helpful for you.
Hugs,
Mariette