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Tuesday, June 27, 2017

SUMMER DECK......A HAVEN FOR PEACE AND QUIET?





Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Are you enjoying the peace and quiet of outdoor living?

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

After one of the worst springs I can remember, (weather-wise, that is),
I finally got my deck set up for summer,
albeit several weeks later in the season than I usually do
(thank you, cool and rainy month of May 😖).

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Junior Goo Shoes and his friends hauled the chair cushions up from the basement;
 the rug was carried out from the garage;
the shattered glass tabletop from the dining set was replaced 
with a sturdy (we-shall-see-when-a-heavy-wind-blows) piece of acrylic;
weak boards on the deck were swapped out for new strong ones
(they still haven't been painted!)
and summer flowers were finally planted. 

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Even with all of that accomplished, the summer solstice has come and gone,
and we've barely spent any time on the deck.

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

There were few morning cups of coffee........
hardly any afternoons of magazine reading.........
no evening outdoor dining..........
and a scant amount of chats at dusk.

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Part of the reason is that the weather has been uncooperative;
the other factor is that we've just been too darn busy. 

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


Thankfully, the weather these last few days has been glorious,
and the pace of life has slowed a bit.  
So today, on a perfect summer day, I look forward to sitting outside 
in my happy place to work on this blog post.
A tall iced latte makes for a nice companion,
and a chorus of chirping birds are pleasant background music.

 Now THIS is what I'm talkin' about. 


Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

What the WHAT???
What is all that NOISE???

Of course today is the day that they come to re-surface our street!
Aaarrrggghhhh!
The machinery is so loud, I can't hear myself write.

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Even Sadie is bothered by the noise.

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

So much for peace and quiet.

I'll try to block out the noise, and concentrate on showing you around the deck. 

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

There haven't been many changes.......
Same furniture........
Same cushions........
Same pillows.........
I added just a few new accessories.

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

One thing I've been wanting for awhile is an outdoor water fountain.
I've envisioned peaceful afternoons, spent reading on the deck, 
with the soothing sound of water serenading me in the background 
(forget about hearing it today, that's for sure).
Believe it or not, I found one at K-mart,
but it's also available here (affiliate link).
It was inexpensive, so who knows how long it will last.

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Unfortunately, even on a day when they aren't paving the street,
it's hard to hear the water gurgling over the buzzing of the air conditioning compressor, 
and roaring of neighborhood lawn mowers.
But, in the evening, when things are quiet,
it is quite peaceful.
It has a little light feature, too, which adds a bit of ambiance. 
I'll admit - it's not as loud as I had hoped it would be. 

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I don't have room for more doo-dads, 
but I couldn't resist this little square basket planter topped with faux moss.
It's filled with lavender. 

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

This pretty tea pot shape filled with flowers was a Mother's Day gift
from my sister, made by a friend of hers. 


Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I'm going wild and crazy with my vegetable garden this summer.
In addition to the usual cherry tomatoes, 
I'm experimenting with green and yellow peppers and cucumbers.
I didn't do any research on how to grow them, 
and have no idea if they are suited to containers,
but I figured what the heck?
I bought them on a whim, and the worst that can happen is that they won't grow.

 I did read after the fact, that cucumber plants should be planted in pairs, 
because they need male and female flowers to cross-pollinate.
I'm just hoping that my single cucumber plant is bi-sexual.
Love is love! 🌈 


Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

A few days ago, I bought a new hummingbird feeder,
since I noticed that the one I got last year was all rusty inside.
Technically, this is not on the deck, 
but since I look at it from my deck, I say it qualifies to be included in this post.
You'll notice the old feeder in some of the photos that were taken before I replaced it.

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

The one thing that changes up the look of my deck each year are the container gardens.
I don't like to do the same arrangements year after year. 


Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I think of my deck as a basic black dress,
and each year I update the look with flower "accessories."
More about this year's container gardens in an upcoming post.

Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Aaaahhh.........finally.
The noise has stopped.
Peace and quiet, at last!


Create an attractive outdoor living space | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

And there goes the neighbor's lawn mower.






Linking with:
Best of The Weekend
Wow Us Wednesdays


13 comments:

  1. Your deck looks so inviting!!!! Hopefully the trucks are gone now so you can enjoy!!! I love outdoor decorating:) Very pretty.

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  2. Your deck is beautiful. Love your seating area and those sweet yellow cushions. The flowers on your deck are so pretty. Enjoy that pretty deck as much as you can.
    xoxo
    Kris

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  3. Ha ha, I love your sense of humour!!! Yep, the weather this Spring has been cool and mostly wet up here as well! I think we had one or two beautiful evenings in May where we sat out till well after dark. We also have a closed in deck and even there it's been too cool to enjoy. Ahck - it will come we hope! Your deck and plants look absolutely beautiful and very peaceful and inviting. Love, love the new hummingbird feeder! Sending sunny day thoughts...

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  4. I've always loved your deck Amy, and I never noticed there were different colored boards. That's kinda cool!

    It seems like you never run out of creative ideas to keep your deck inviting and colorful. The feeder is gorgeous! Beautiful colors!

    I haven't spent too much time on our deck either...mostly the screened in porch. We basically have the same weather as you so I can relate.

    xxx

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  5. How comfy and pretty, Amy! I love to relax outside. and this is a winner from the bright yellow to the red umbrella. I'd be perfectly happy here.

    We have the same choice in flowers...Million Bells alway make for a huge pot, and Portulaca is great for the lakehouse as it can take a lot of heat and less watering.

    Thanks for your little tour--I've never seen this. Enjoy!

    Jane x

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  6. Your haven for peace and quiet looks very quiet, Amy, even if it isn't sometimes. But your outdoor living room area on your spacious deck is just lovely! And I love all the little touches that accessorize it--darling little teapot! Maybe this fall Indian Summer will linger on and on and you'll be able to enjoy this beautiful spot longer to make up for being late setting it up this year--with perhaps no lawnmowers running.

    It looks like a heavenly place to dream,
    Dewena

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  7. Hi Amy, yes the weather was lousy in May and June has been not too good either. I can't wait for it to be warm and nice everyday. You have a beautiful outdoor space and I know you will enjoy your summer out there! :0)
    Happy Summer. Julie xo

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  8. I haven't spent nearly enough time on my deck, either, Amy! Yours is just lovely, I adore all the bright cheerful colors you use. Are the bugs as bad down there as they are up here? Those darned little gnats or whatever they are just torture me every single time I go outside - it's awful! Just walking to my car from my office earlier today I came in with one stuck in my hair. I hope my sweetie likes the smell of bug spray on me!

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  9. Loved all of your photographs.
    Peace and quiet and a colourful deck ... fantastic.

    All the best Jan

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  10. What a wonderful place to sit outside and relax (when it's not noisy)! I love the woodsy effect of all those trees and your container garden is so pretty. Have a great week.

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  11. Your deck looks so relaxing! I think early evenings would be lovely sitting out there. We have noisy neighbors on one side and somewhat quiet on the other....we grab time on the front porch when they are all on vacation! I still decorate it every year, whether we spend a lot of time there or not. I like to change it up every year too.

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  12. It's gorgeous and peaceful and all things lovely. I know you really enjoy having a place to relax outdoors.

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  13. Love your deck and all the lovely plants and furniture you have. Soon you will be out there all the time.

    Your fountain looks terrific. I have a big three tiered one and I love to heard the sound it make.

    Happy 4th.

    Mary

    ReplyDelete

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