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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Rain Rain Go Away........

Well, as I sit here in front of my laptop it's another beautiful Summer day in Cincinnati. Did I mention I was inside. It's 10AM and 90* with humidity and dewpoint it feels like 102! Here in Cincy there is a saying 'if you don't like the weather wait a few minutes...it'll change'.
For last few days we've been having weather like all the Midwest states. The day starts out sunny and blue skies,(of course while I'm at work) but after a while ( around 5p) clouds move in and BOOM storms.  Last night was the worst around our house.

I got this pic off our local televison station that someone sent in from Mason, Ohio, which is about 10 miles north of us. That is lightening. Sorry, but I will not go outside my house to get a pic for the blog. Suffice to say this is a typical pic of what it was like in our 10 mile radius. 60 mile an hour wind, torrencial rain, lightening show, and  tornado warning. Made for an exciting hour. We will get a repeat performance again tonight, according to forecaster. Hoopee.
Why the weather report? I have been trying for days to get out on my porches and get them 'decked' out, but with the wind and rain abnormally strong I'm afraid it'll just blow away. We usually get this type of stormy weather in April, before I decorate my outside rooms, but it's held off.
Goody, April Showers with August heat.
That said I think I'll show pics from last year of my relaxing porch that weren't posted.




You might recognize this picture on the sidebar of my Blog. This is my porch swing decked out in a patriotic Old Glory throw I found at Kohl's years ago. The pillow was brought home from the Lawrenceburg Flea and Antique Market about the same time. Alas, as I said in my last post, that throw has seen better days, so it'll be replaced. I may be able to salvege parts of it tho for an idea I had. If it works you'll see it. If you look close up those apples look real in the wicker basket. It's lined with muslin edged with tatted edging. Those vintage aqua glass mason jars make the best citronella candle holders. Jim loves vintage trains, so that new train lantern usually held citronelle oil to burn, but last Sept. a freak windstorm blew up hitting the swing causing the table to  topple with everything on it. The poor lantern's glass didn't make it, but that mason jar didn't even crack! The coffee table in front of the swing is actually a modern tubular ocassional table. It made the best form to cover with some vintage red stiped ticking and new navy cotton material.


I love empty walls. They are a blank canvas just waiting to fill. The first peice I found was the Smiling Sun metal plant holder. I knew it was made for small red geraniums. That wreath at the end was next. it's wire and resin in a bird and flower motif. Next came Big Mouth Billy Bass.....yes I know, (my one tacky moment)but when we saw it at Cracker barrel years ago he just made us laugh...he still does. The Rusted Metal Star was a must have. That large wrought iron and amber glass candle lamp came from my MIL. It too is vintage from the late 40's early 50's..it was a wedding present back then...I love the rusty patina it has acquired. Those bird plaques are 1960-70 CopperCraft pieces. When I was little my Mom like all housewives had Home Shopping Parties. Mom didn't do the usual Tupperware tho, she did the CopperCraft and Sarah Coventry...remember those parties?.....I loved that stuff. I still try to pick it up at fleas and antique malls when I see it. 


 Believe it or not I found this metal tea cart thru Publisher's Clearinghouse, of all places in 95'. It fits perfectly betwen the 40's style chair and front door. I love wind chimes so the little watercan has the tinies clear chimes when a breeze blows thru. The plate was a cracked $1 find at an antique place. It's a brown transferware commerative plate of Lincoln's Birthplace. As you can see the crack was hidden quite nicely with faux red geraniums and other flowers and foliages. Last year I found the matching cup and saucer for $3 in great condition. I filled with with some Thyme. It sits atop a stack of old Reader Digest books. Faux violet fill a 1940's ceramic log with squirrel planter that has a metal gold-tone bottom still attached...usually those are missing. The blue oil lamp is another vintage gift from my MIL. I love the blue glass bottom, but the lamp top was alos blown off, so a new one will replace it. Oh I almost forgot the vintage floral print from the 30-40's that hang on the wall too. I love the watercolors of reds, yellows, and pinks. I found some others and they will join this one. Yes...I use them outside...I figure this is an 'outdoor' room and every 'room' needs a little artwork.


This seating area of the same vintage style chairs sit across form the front door. I found the 1940's coffee perculator with black handle on the Longest Yard Sale in Ky.  Farther down in Tn. I found matching creamer and sugar....all together the set was $7 and yes that is another peice of my hand-wrought aluminum, but this one was in such poor shape I don't worry about keeping outside. I was surprized when I found a 1960's metal and redwood table that matches the look of the chairs. Most of you recognize the iconic black pottery bears of the Pigeon Forge Pottery Co. from Tennessee. my porch wouldn't be complete without them.


 
This last shot is at the steps coming up onto the porch. Again you see one of the red  train lanterns, but this one is old and heavy and small. We bring this one in in stormy weather. It was from Jim's Uncle Gus. I found the wicker and aluminum basket at HomeGoods and new it had to come home with me. I filled with my favorite flowers....violets. Next to it sits another Pigeon Forge find, a hand-painted jug. Sorry the sun glares, but I love the colors of the reds, gold, browns, blues,and greens of the Water Mill scene. Under the red, white, and blue calico table cover is a very vintage 1940's metal table. You know the kind that only the rust is holding together, but it's still sturdy.  I hope you enjoyed my porch. As soon as the weather lets up I'll show you what I did this year. And, I'll take you around to the side at my kitchen garden porch so you can see how I decorate that 'outdoor' room. Lol, even Jim is trying to create a little porch down by the garage with some of his garage 'collection' shall we call it.....inspired by the Ohio Valley Ant. Mall display which you can see Here
Don't forget Wednesday Is Rednesday over at Susan's It's a very Cherry World so I'll be linking my post with her and with Liz  at brambelberry Cottage on Thirsday for it's Time Travel Thursday This is a new meme so I hope you do a little time travelling and check it out....Oh go ahead show off your retro redo when you get there! She'd love for you to join in.








21 comments:

nannykim said...

We too have been having storms in the evenings. It has been 98 each day! Look like a fun porch to hang out on!

Spindlecottage

craftyles said...

I love your bench and your outdoor vignettes. I'd love to have a glass of lemonade out there!

Cinderella Moments said...

What a comfy porch! I can just imagine sitting there and gossiping ( I don't actually know much gossip!) I want that metal chair for my dollhouse! Shrink it and send it over! Take care of yourself!

Anonymous said...

I know exactly what you mean about wind and storms. I love all your decor, especially all the vintage ones. Thank you so much for updating me on my new vintage finds. I suspected the bowls were Fire King, but I wasn't sure. I sure didn't know the age difference in the juicers. My parents had those metal chairs in the late 50's. I'd love to find one.

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

What a welcoming little spot. I might even be willing to sit out there will all that lightning too! :)

Unknown said...

I too really like your outdoor vignettes...how welcoming and sweet! Mica/The Child's Paper

SueLovesCherries said...

Nice tour! I wish I had a porch wall to decorate - no wall is safe in my house, either!

Still don't know where I'll put my aluminum plate - but I WILL find a place!

Angela said...

I seriously am picturing myself on your porch. Just looking at the pics, and the beautiful vignette's you make just brings such a peace over my heart..SIGH.

nannykim said...

Hi again. You asked about the recipe for the soup that I showed at the Spindlecottage blog. . The recipe is on my recipe blog here

http://nannykimsrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/06/dal-soup-so-yummy.html

Sarah said...

Your outside deck looks very inviting. I no longer have my porch swing, and it's one of those things I really miss. I wish I had a spot to add one again. Love all your patriotic reds! ~ Sarah

Debbiedoos said...

Oh how cute....I have always wanted a porch swing!!~ With your whimsy touches here and there, those cans will be a perfect addition to your patio and porch...:)

Anonymous said...

I love your porch decorations, Melody. What weather you're having! Scary. We've been having earthquakes - still.

CACHANILLA73 said...

Oh my, those storms can be scary... love the feeling of the porch, I could spend hours in the swing reading or taking a nap.

Joy @ Joy Of Desserts said...

You captured a vintage feel for your porch.
Especially love your patriotic swing and the bird on a branch.

Sally Annie Magundy said...

I'm so envious, I've always wanted a porch and porch swing!

Happy Rednesday,
Sally

A 2 Z said...

I love your porch. Its so homey and relaxing. A real inspiration. I hope you can follow me back! Thanks for sharing.

Anne-Marie

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Your porch looks so comfy and inviting. I love how you've pulled it all together with finds from loved ones and your travels. That's how we do it here at the cottage, too.

Be sure to link in to Time Travel Thursday. The link goes up tonight.

While you're at it, check out the other parties. as well. All three parties are open for six days, so there's plenty of time to link posts.

Blessings,
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage

Shirley said...

Hi Melody, Do you think the rain is ever going to stop? I really love your porch it makes me wish for one that I could sit out on in the evening for a while. Although with the rain, it would be a little wet unless it was a screen in porch. We have a customer building a screen in porch on his house so they can sleep out there and not have to run the air conditioning. It is a thought. I have two test done and the 3rd one Monday. My daughter will be my driver. I was suppose to do it Friday, but I didn't have a driver except for my son and I didn't want to cause him an asthma attack. He told me he would do it, but I said no and postponed it.
Well I will check back with you later. Your Missouri Friend.

Nana's Fun Stuff said...

What a fun and comfy porch!! I would definitely come and have some lemonaid if we lived closer :) Have a great evening ~ Laura

Dandelion and Daisy said...

What a well "dressed" porch, a perfect place to relax and enjoy a cool drink and conversation.

I have an award for you at my link:

http://dandelionanddaisy2.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-award-and-find-friend-friday.html

Unknown said...

Pretty porch, love the way you decor and make it so cozy.

Hugs
Charo