Goodbye Friend

Earlier this year I had to say goodbye to my best four-legged friend.

How lucky we were. We got to spend eight years with this unforgettable spirit. Leaping horizontally over a leaf on the sidewalk. Turning on a dime to the call of 'Morgan, come" and barreling back to claim his reward. Ears endlessly on alert for the click of the cupboard, the crinkle of a food wrapper or the 'plop' of a potential morsel hitting the ground. Our floors may never be so clean. 
Seeker of sunny spots. 

Leaner against legs, sitter-oner of feet (but only those he really loved). 

Smushed-up face. Googly eyes. And those ears.

Those tall silky ears.

I don't what Morgan's life was like before we met him, but I know he had an awesome life once we did. From a very rough beginning grew a deep friendship. 

I wish I had him for all 12 years of his life, but that we got 8 after rescuing him? Lucky. So lucky. We loved him so well. Our house was empty without him. My heart was broken.

When Our House Grows Up

When our little house grows up, I'd like it to look like this house in Jamestown, Rhode Island.  
Mr. Man and I look forward to visiting his best friend from high school's family because they are some of the loveliest people on the planet. As an added bonus, their home is at once a comfort and a design inspiration. How do you do that? How to you make a place that is welcoming AND gorgeous? Let's examine the evidence:

George Nelson Pendants. Don't Care if They're Ubiquituous

Remember our pot metal (h. e. a. v. y.) five-drop pendant lights? Some readers voted to
1. Heave them.
Some readers voted to
2. Pretty pleeze keep them, but if you do heave them, CALL US FIRST.

The more historically accurate among you will be relieved to learn they've gone to a good (historically accurate) home down the street.

Once we got rid of the lights, as mid century modern loving people, we were then required to purchase George Nelson pendants. If we didn't, our membership to the hipster bourgeois club might be revoked. You know what? I don't care if they're ubiquitous, I love them.

Garden 2014 (So far)

After four years of really hard work, our urban oasis is officially gorg-ois.

Flowers are growing and dividing and thriving.

 The hard scape has settled in.

 The sod we installed last year is lush.

And little creatures have been formally invited to stay awhile.

Now I have no choice but to finish the front porch.

I'm happy to answer any gardening questions you have!