JULY INN A CABIN IN THE WOODS

Early this morning I took photos capturing the peak of summer. So happy to have the Elephant Ears back. Love their giant jungle leaves that so resemble an elephant's ear. Mickey, my marvelous marmalade cat acted as my assistant this morning. He silently directed me to the best "shots." In some of them Mickey actually posed, I suppose a little miffed he's not able to take a "selfie" of himself. Enjoy the photos. With August comes the waning of summer, then September with cooler night temps and a farewell to the green green green of summer. 

Elephant Ears and Becky Daisies - Both gifts from friends, Mary Holl and Jenny Beard - Plants are the best gifts you can give to a friend!

Mickey getting a drink from the clay base of the Daisy pot

Selfie of feet! At 8:00 in the morning you really don't want to see the rest of me...

View through the breezeway. A favorite place for the dogs on a hot summer day.

THIS is my favorite photo of the day! Mickey looks like he's definitely in charge

Front Porch View - look at those amazing elephant ears!!!

For those who don't know - these little alien looking things are chimney toppers - the taller one on the left was bought at an auction - owners (Sheri and Fred Quick) said it was brought over from England and if you look down inside it, there's still soot from England!! Top (no pun intended) that one!

Calla Lilies! Aren't they gorgeous!! To the right you can see my new "rockin" roadrunner. My purchase at Lilyfest this year. 

About a year ago, I started collecting tin signs for the side of garage. While they aren't "old" they're okay by me. Most of these cost less than $20.00, while the really old ones go for much much higher. My goal is to fill the whole side of the garage! 

A little place to meditate. Mary keeps me company here. 

Tom built this playhouse and slide when the "kids" were little. The slide at the back side is actually the slide Tom used as a kid. 

This pie safe is on the back porch. One of our early "estate auction" finds. They don't have many estate auctions anymore, or at least not like they did thirty years ago. What fun it was to spend the day at an old estate auction. Over the years we've met many new friends that have now become old friends. By the way, the pie safe, pie cupboard, pie chest, was used from the 1700's through the 1800's (before ice boxes) to store not only pies, but bread and other perishables to keep the vermin off and away from the food. 

A view of the back porch that I've probably taken at least thirty photos but always love sitting here, watching the humming birds and taking in the wildlife. 

This little whirly gig Tom bought at a yard sale for $6.00. When the wind catches it, the barber starts cutting the guy's hair with what looks like a cleaver or an ax, I can't which. Too funny. Okay maybe the cleaver's a bit Saprano but hey it only cost $6.00. What a bargain!

A morning view of the Garden Cabin. Shhh had to be quiet and careful not to disturb the guests. 

I'm really super excited about moving my old computer downstairs and into the back bedroom. Separating the "cabin rental" stuff and my "writing" stuff has really pepped my attitude. When I'm in this room, I write....

Or...look out the window. 

Last but not least, looking down the driveway on this early morning in July, I feel blessed!! Hope you enjoyed the morning tour.

FINALLY, if you get a chance, check out my books on Amazon.com Women's Fiction THREE MOONS OVER SEDONA - CHASING JOE - ISLAND PASSAGE

NO, WE ARE NOT TURNING AMISH

No, we are not turning Amish. Just don't let your husband go to an auction by himself. You never know what he'll bring home. I have to say this charming little Amish buggy is a "keeper." No horse, thank you very much. Just a conversation piece.  Tom and I always love going to Holmes County and taking in the buggies and thinking life would be much simpler in a less progressive community. However, I am partial to modern perks like electricity, indoor plumbing, washing machines, and getting in my car and driving to town in a matter of minutes, not hours. I do love the buggy though.

Mickey just walked through the flower bed to inspect the buggy

Check out my books on Amazon - Three Moons Over Sedona, Chasing Joe, and Island Passage

GARDEN CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY - UGLY SWEATERS CONTEST NOT SO UGLY AFTER ALL

OUR SUPREME HOSTESS, BEVERLY RIGGS

 An annual event - Four Seasons Garden Club Christmas Party at Beverly Riggs' beautiful home in the country. Bev goes all-out in the gorgeous decorations throughout every nook and cranny of her house, including the bedrooms! She's amazing, articulate and a great cook!! Bev is our Hocking Hills Hostess Supreme!

Note: Be sure to scroll all the way down to the end of this post where I have placed photos of an old cabin that Bev and her husband, Bob, reconstructed on their property. Stepping inside the doorway will take you back in time to a place where there is no electricity, no running water, and only the warmth of a fireplace to fight the chill of a frigid winter night.

99 YEAR OLD MIDGE - BEV'S MOM

 The holiday guests were greeted at Bev's front door by her mother, Midge, who will be 99 years old in March. Midge is a very tiny (I think she only weighs like 78 pounds!!) woman with a great big heart and friendly smile. Midge is absolutely adorable!!

BEV'S DINING ROOM FIREPLACE

BEV'S AWESOME MANTLE DECORATIONS

 THE GUESTS BEGIN TO ARRIVE

NEW ARRIVALS AT THE PARTY

LINDA WEAVER KING  READY TO PARTY

MEMBERS - DEE MCCLAIN AND NANCY GREEN

THE UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER CONTESTANTS ARRIVE!!!

Libby is de-LIGHTED to be at the party!

Carol Showman  is ready to Party

NINA AND CHERYL IN THEIR UGLY SWEATERS

NINA'S  BACK-VIEW CONTRIBUTION TO THE UGLY SWEATER CONTEST

CHERYL IS DRESSED IN UGLY ALL THE WAY DOWN TO HER TIPPY TOES (NICE SHOES CHERYL)

Debbie and Evelyn - The Twin Ugly Sweater Gals

LET THE PARTY BEGIN!!!

LOTS OF CHIT-CHAT AND PHOTO TAKING

OF COURSE, THE FOOD!!!

BEV'S LOVELY DINING ROOM READY FOR THE GARDEN PARTIERS

CHRISTMAS AUCTION FOR SCHOLARSHIP FUND

THE WINNERS!! UGLY, UGLIER, AND UGLIEST CHRISTMAS SWEATERS

I stole a quiet moment and walked over to the old log cabin and took some photos. Bev and Bob really created a truly authentic step-back-in-time. 

BEV AND BOB'S LITTLE LOG CABIN

A COZY DINING TABLE - IMAGINE HAVING NO ELECTRICITY

THE CABIN FIREPLACE

An added room for guests - Don't ya just love the decor???

GARDEN CLUB AT THE WINERY - OH YEAH

Outside seating area at the winery

Our Four Seasons Garden Club met today at the Hocking Hills Winery ! The winery is relatively new to the Logan area and the Four Seasons Garden Club met there today for our October meeting. As you can see, there is a great outdoor area with a fireplace. The winery does not serve food; however, you are welcome to order a pizza or pack a lunch and eat on the winery grounds. So, if you happen to visit Hocking Hills, stop by the winery, relax and enjoy the scenery. Good selection of wines.

A great way to spend a Thursday afternoon with the "gals"

Beautiful lunch prepared by Bobbi Bishop and volunteers

Janet Bower - This lady knows her chocolate

Our guest speaker today's garden club meeting was local entrepreneur Janet Bower, owner of Wren Valley Truffles, Janet explained that each Wren Valley Truffle is a careful blend of rich chocolate, fragrant spices, nuts, florals, artisan extracts, liqueurs and many unique locally sourced ingredients. AND we were invited to sample a variety of the truffles she'd so graciously brought with her for our enjoyment. And enjoy, we did. Janet is very passionate about her truffles, and after you listen to her explain the process and preparation of these heavenly treats, you'll appreciate every bite.

Note: Janet's truffles are available at the winery.

YUM and Double YUM

Janet's presentation of her truffles was amazing!

10# bar of chocolate that Janet buys in bulk from Wilburs in Pennsylvania

Janet showing us a few tools of her trade

Nancy Rathburn and Evelyn -  Evelyn is a local, while Nancy and her husband, Larry, are from Fort Wayne, Indiana and annual guests at our cabins. Our group made her feel right at home. We think we'll keep her!

Evelyn and Mary

  

Sue Karshner and Donna McKnight - Growing up in Columbus, they were best friends, and then lost touch. Years later they met at a party while living in Hocking Hills -  It's a small world, isn't it. 

Libby, Jenny and Sarolin - We all have a GOOD time together! 

Debbie and Nina - Two of my favorite people

AND...THE LADIES OF THE CLUB

INN A CABIN
Sherry Hartzler