For my final chapter on our trip to Mackinac thought I'd share the pets. Alex and Sandy are 2 of the sweetest goldens and even tolerated Sally and I posing them on the swing. Not that they are camera shy!
Maryanke and Susan returning from having Pearl shod and well it looked like so much fun that Maryanke took me for a spin through town..... Isn't Pearl magnificent!!!
After her work pulling us around, Pearl go her bath in the paddock area behind the cottage...
Regina patiently looked on.
This particular bath was mine to use for the duration of our visit to Mackinac Island! I mean really now - who has art work in their shower!!! Talk about feeling pampered!
Even the toilets are charming!
A beautiful pedestal sink and a gold gilded mirror...I hated to come home!
This is another bath off the Jamaican room that we didn't even use! I loved it's tile work and claw-footed tub.
Because I haven't taken the time to learn how to add more photos to each blog....continue to scroll down to see more of this home on preceding day.....
The formal dining room......(be sure to click on the photos for close-ups)
...the tiffany glass ceiling in the kitchen
....the chandelier in the "breakfast nook"
.......the staricase in the turret
.....a glimpse into the master bedroom suite. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. As grand as this lady is, she is welcoming, comfy and filled with love.
Thought you might enjoy a few photos from inside the "cottage" - the fireplace in the
....the moldings on the circular ceiling...
...this fabulous lamp that lights the way between the living room and the front door....
....the moldings in the foyer
.... the moldings where the foyer, formal living room, dining room and staircase meet.
I was just in awe of the workmanship and elaborate nature of these ceilings and moldings! Hope they give you some idea of the grandeur of this Victorian Lady....
The day begins with coffee or tea on the veranda....Alex still thinks she's a lapdog...
After a morning of "chores" we wandered over to the Grand Hotel's pool for an afternoon of sunbathing....
Our walk home took us by this charming cottage....
...and here we are ready for an evening on the town....
This lovely cottage was home for a few days this week, as 4 girlfriends and myself made our annual trip to visit our friend Maryanke on Mackinac Island. (She gets to call it home all summer long!) It is as glorious as it looks!
We ferried in the same day as the hundreds of sailboats running in the 100th Chicago to Mackinac race. This view is from the front veranda looking towards downtown. You can see all the masts docked in the harbor.
....the day starts early for some. Maryanke and Susan are coming back from an early morning walk with Sandy and Alex...
....and then Maryanke is off for a riding lesson on Regina.
Alls quiet this morning, but the night before the town was filled with hundreds of people on the island for the race or just to soak up the island's charm. There was music late into the night, fireworks and for us anyways, lot's of laughter and fun! More to come....
Tomorrow I'm off to Mackinac Island with 5 girlfriends for a couple days of r &r. One of them has a home on the East Bluff that is right out of the Victorian Age, but with all the modern updates. Our plan is to sit on the veranda and lull away the hours. Will be sure to take photos!
Inspired by Dana @ dana moore designs with her adorable laundry room, I decided to cute my area up a bit. All these little linens were hiding in a drawer. They were collected by my mother and many of them created by my great aunts. They add a bit of new life to laundry time!
Picked these delicious berries up at the farmers market here. Most of the blueberries have been frozen for future eating next winter when fresh aren't available. We have such a great market here, filled with all kinds of fruits, veggies, flowers and bakery goods. A fun way to spend a thurs morning!
Last week while sitting with my mother on her patio, I discovered this mother robin sitting on her nest.
Yesterday to our surprise her 4 little babes had been hatched. What a treat to see them stretching their necks hoping for nourishment....
Mama took a break to attempt to cover them and protect them from the intruder - even tho I was 15' away.... mom's know best!
Back to feeding - mama puts her beak and food right into her little ones mouth - no messy eating here. Several of the residents came out to watch the entertainment God provided for us. It was an uplifting experience for all of us.
The past couple weeks I've been reading the book Eleanor Roosevelt Vol. I, first printed in 1992.
Emma and I have been discovering new playgrounds throughout our community. This one was a new discovery located on the west side of town. She has little fear, but opted not to go down this slide.... Her play keeps the child in me alive and gives me the perfect excuse to enjoy all the slides and swings. However, I didn't go down this one either!
While visiting the quaint town of Harbor Springs today with my friend Sarah, we discovered these two ladies of leisure. More latte anyone?
This delightful little cafe was where we had our lunch. Located behind the deli, it offered a quiet hide-a-way and was full of hungry diners by the time we left.
Sue, this ones for you. Your beautiful Summerhill. Sarah was thrilled that the new owners had installed the railings around that fabulous porch. Something she said your two had always wanted to do. It looks charming! The bottom half of the cottage is painted a bit brighter than the upper half. You'll have to be sure to check it out while you're up north. I couldn't help but think of the fun times I've shared with you there. Most of the day was spent at Patricia Woods shop, which was filled as usual with the fab eye candy and the scrumptious furniture she is known for. Sue, I hope you'll take some photos there. I neglected to.....