Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Bangkok

It’s been lonely around here because my husband is on a one month work assignment in Bangkok, Thailand.    He has been busy working and hasn’t had much time to explore the area but he did send me a few pictures he took at the hotel where he is staying.

Hmmm…anyone know what this round leafed plant is in the chippy blue pot?    Can you see the pod rising above the leaves?   I have seen those pods before in dried arrangements.

How relaxing would it be to lounge in this colorful mosaic hot tub sipping on a tropical drink with a cocktail umbrella and cherry?

Bands perform in this Asian architectural style pavilion which is located in the pool area.

I love the shape of the branches and the color of the bloom on this plant.

Lots of ferns, palms, and assorted plants surround the patio and deck area.   I read an article online that said Thailand may host as many plant species as all of Europe.  

I hope my hubby gets an opportunity to get out into the city and take more photos so I can share them with you in the future.

Thank you so much for visiting today. 

Marlee

I am partying with Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Peace in the Garden

Last week was spring break so the family and I headed to southern Alabama for some rest and relaxation and shopping.  OK, well maybe the entire family did not go for the shopping but that is another story for another time.

While taking a short cut to avoid the traffic , I spotted a plant sign on the side of the road in the charming village of Bon Secour.

The sale was on the grounds of a lovely home built in the late 1800’s.     This enchanting tin roofed building housed the sales office.

sales office

In the background is the greenhouse.

greenhouse

Baskets of flowers are hanging from a line draped with moss.  Click on the picture for a closer look.

Moss

Plants surround what appears to be an old cistern.

cistern1

cistern2

What a peaceful place to sit and read a good book or just admire the amazing scenery.

glider

Moss covered trees were in abundance.

tree with moss

Yard art was available  for purchase also.

artwork

This amazing piece came home with me.    The artist replicated the look of a vintage French tile by making a mold from the original piece.     It will eventually go on the side of a tree in my yard.

concrete piece

“Always remember the beauty of the garden, for there is peace.”…Unknown.

Thanks for coming by.

Marlee

I am linking to Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer.

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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

In Full Bloom

It was a lovely day so I decided to walk around the grounds at work during my lunch break.    The azaleas are in full bloom and have really brightened up the gloomy days we have been experiencing.

Each stairwell is surrounded by azalea bushes.

azaleas5

A ring of white azaleas surrounds this tree.

azaleasatwork

And this one also.

azaleas2

I love the contrast of the white azaleas in front of the fuchsia colored ones.

azaleas6

This is a close up of the blooms on one of the azaleas that is taller than me.   No telling how old these bushes are.    I have worked here for 25 years and have been enjoying their beauty each spring.

azaleas4

And last but not least, my favorite spot at work…the secret garden that I wrote about here.   The daffodils rise above the johnny jump ups and pansies.    It is interesting to view the secret garden during the different seasons.   No matter what time of year it is, something is always blooming.

fountain

“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” – Lady Bird Johnson

Til next time,

Marlee

Linking to:

Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer.

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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Bluebirds of Happiness

Ah…it’s almost spring and the trees are blooming and the birds are nesting.

While relaxing on my sun porch, I was happy to see this female bluebird checking out the real estate in the backyard.     She clearly has good taste because this is the cutest little birdhouse on the block!   Tin roof, a bright lime exterior, and a glass doorknob. Lots of curb appeal!

If you click on the picture below to enlarge it, you can see her little claw resting on the “windowsill” as she checks out the interior.

Her partner watched from a nearby tree.     He doesn’t appear too interested in the house hunt.    He should because this may end up being their love shack!

Thank you for visiting!    Please come again.

Marlee

I am linking to Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer.

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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Eight Sided Update

Recently I have been searching for a coffee table to replace the wicker table I previously had been using.     My teenage son referred to it as “gross” so I knew it was time for it to go and be replaced by a non-gross one.

I had my heart set on finding a round table but when I spotted this octagon shaped one at the flea market, I knew it was the one.

ct2

This is a close up of the top.    Interesting pattern….it reminds me of a rock bed.

The silver wood table with its removable painted glass top and cane bottom shelf  was in good condition but I wanted to put the Marlee touch to it.

Using some turquoise paint I had on hand, I painted all eight sides.    And no, it is not chalk paint.    I may be the only person left on the planet who has not tried it yet.

I dry brushed the turquoise on and wiped it off with a cloth so that some of the silver was still visible.    The plan was to sand it  when it dried, but my expertise in painting (HA!) gave me the look I was going for.

I didn’t want to paint over the glass top so I covered it with burlap as a temporary option.

If you have any ideas for the top, please share them with me because I am at a loss on what to do next.

Thank you so much for visiting.   Have a blessed week!

Marlee

I will be linking to the following awesome parties and hope that you will visit them all.

 


Met Monday  @ Between Naps on the Porch


Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm


Wow us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours


 shabby creek cottage
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

 

French Country Cottage
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

 


Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home