Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The view from my swing




A place to rest at day's end.....

IMG_5156

My favorite outdoor spot right now is right here on my swing. The swing my dad made for me many years ago that I brought over from Georgia and hung up 3 years ago.

IMG_5159

And since we got the under deck patio finished last year, this has quickly become my go-to relaxation spot.

IMG_5157

All I need is a magazine and I’m good to go.

IMG_5162

And here’s my view when I sometimes lay all the way down in the swing with my head on a pillow and my knees propped up. And sometimes I doze off to sleepy town. I’ve always been able to nap really well outside, have you?

IMG_5163

A book from my bookcase on my little side table in case I want to read too, an autobiography of one of my favorite artists ever, Gladys Knight, an Atlanta girl (finished this one). And the new fountain is over there. I’ve got big plans for that area too with lots more landscaping. It’s in perfect earshot for the swing and plays some nice background music.

IMG_5168

This little iron side table I picked up last year at a yardsale for $4 and found the old piece of marble at Grandma Eleanor’s cottage for free. Perfecto! Holds a cold beverage just right. By the way, Grandma's house just sold and closed last week. I'll tell you about that later on.

IMG_5167

Looking over to the circular bed I’ve been working on lately.

IMG_5170

Another old pot rescued from Grandma’s house holds some caladiums.

IMG_5154

And right around the corner, coming in the gate to our backyard is my Endless Summer hydrangea that is just bursting with blooms. My plan is to have lots more of these around.

IMG_5151

Say hello to our little friend. We have plenty of these guys around.

IMG_5169

And these guys too. Some bunny loves you.

IMG_5153

Close up of the blooming hydrangeas.

IMG_5155

And some tiger lilies that I just dug up and transplanted from Georgia on my last trip.

So, how about you, do you have a favorite spot in the yard to nap and read? I sure have been enjoying mine, in between all the rain showers lately. Oh well, the rain sure makes for some pretty flowers, but the sun's been beaming the last few days and summer is officially here. It's hot!

I'm joining Darlene over at Our Creative Life, for an I Love Summer party. Go on over and check out the links and be inspired about summer yourself.

Also, added to Kimba's Garden Party!

71 comments:

  1. My favorite spot in summer is in the AC, Rhoda! LOL! Just teasing (sort of). I love our balcony in early morning. I also like it at Christmas at noon because you can hear various carrillons (sp) at downtwon churches playing Christmas hymns. Can you tell where my mind is today??? ;-)

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, and before I go eat my breakfast... I adore your hydrangeas. The color is STUNNING! And I love all of your garden ornaments including Grandma's pot. Your yard looks great! :-)

    XO,

    Sheila

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh I just love all you have done to your yard!

    I just posted some pics of my yard on my blog yesterday....come take a look.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I just read your previous post about the transformation. FYI, did you know there are "deck drains" that you can install under the deck that act as a roof with gutters so you can sit under the deck when it rains and you won't get wet? I haven't tried it but there are various systems and I know that Lowes has something.
    Ann

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your yard is absolutely gorgeous!!! I also LOVE your swing. I have my swing on my blog today too. It is such a relaxing spot!

    ReplyDelete
  6. mmmm...your hydrangeas are gorgeous! they are my favorite along with geraniums. the swing looks so inviting...and that issue of TH has been flipped thru lots already here :) i love being on my back deck watching the kids run in the yard.

    ReplyDelete
  7. My favorite spot is rocking on the swing. I don't have any lovlies to look at like you do, but with a good book or some stitching, I can sit for hours on end listening to my kiddo play and just "be".

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your garden retreat is absolutely beautiful. The hydrangeas are amazing. Blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love swings...I can see why you enjoy yours...your flowers are beautiful...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ahhh. What a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the summer! Your flowers are beautiful.

    At our last house we had a screened porch that I would often take little naps on. But here my swing is on the front porch, so I try to stay awake--don't want the neighbors to see me dozing. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your yard looks so beautiful! What a great place to relax!
    Lovely flowers too!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh Rhoda, you've a wonderful place there. I'm now inspired to garden. And Traditional Home is my favorite home magazine. Happy napping!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your backyard looks so relaxing with all the flowers, fountain and swing; how nice that you have this to enjoy. Happy reading back there on your swing.

    Cheri

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh, Rhoda, I am so jealous! ;) I have been asking (okay, nagging) my husband to get off his rear and build our deck for a year and a HALF now, and I just keep getting excuses. So, right now, I don't have a favorite spot in my yard b/c there is nowhere to sit. ;) Your flowers are just gorgeous...I esp. love the blue endless summer hydrangea!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Your "swing spot" is lovely. I have a swing way in the back of my yard... I need to go back there more often. My rocking/swivel chairs on my patio have to be one of my faves! When I sit there I look out onto my flower garden. I also have another favorite spot... on my front porch looking out at the neighborhood. I enjoy my morning coffee there. I need to get a hydrangea. Do you feed it? Have a great week! Nancy from OHIO

    ReplyDelete
  16. Just lovely! I enjoy my screened porch! If I sat under your deck for one minute, those precious little mosquitoes would have a field day!! SO...screen is my friend!!

    BTW, what kind of camera do you use? Great pics!

    Hugs,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow! That was a beautiful little tour. I like how you've got the hydrangeas and the impatiens and hostas all there together. Very pretty. Wish I'd have thought of that. I think I just may do a day's worth of blogging about swings! Seems to be such a popular and beautiful topic. Thanks again for sharing your great ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Good Morning Miz Rhoda,
    I love your spot! I remember how hard you worked on creating it last year, it sure looks great. And you've given me an idea of what to do with some topless tables I have...

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh - can i cup join you with my cup of coffee and magazine? Sheer bliss. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. There is nothing like a pretty place with a swing. Your spot would be my favorite too. Your hydrangeas are beautiful.
    Enjoy your day
    Hugs
    becky

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love all your summer photos! That swing looks oh so inviting! Thanks for particating in my Summer Party!!

    Have a Wonderful Summer!!
    Darlene

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love my swing too, nothing like a nap out on the swing is it.
    The hydrangeas are beautiful, I finally set out a couple of little plants this spring, I can't wait until they get big and I can enjoy those pretty flowers.
    Also, wanted to share something with you, at a yard sale we stopped at a couple of weeks ago this lady had the most beautiful pink hydrangeas, well you know the type of soil you have determines their color. She said her trick was to pick an old piece of iron of any kind in the ground by the roots of the plant and that is how she got the pretty pink color.
    Just thought I'd share that, I might give it a try when my plants get bigger.

    ReplyDelete
  23. oops, I meant to say "put" an old piece of iron in the ground, not pick.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Looks like you've got the perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by!

    ReplyDelete
  25. OMGosh! I am so glad I stopped over here. Your pictures were absoultly beautiful.

    I lost count this morning on how many blog links I followed but I am glad I came across yours. Your swing and backyard surrounds are so serine. It makes me jealous for my old back yard.

    Blessings
    Robin

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a great swing and I love the gorgeous view you have. Such beautiful flowers. I love the little table too. I could really enjoy swinging and just enjoying the beautiful landscape. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your swing looks so inviting! Enjoy your day. Sally

    ReplyDelete
  28. Early morning or evening on the patio swing is one of my favorite places to be too. So peaceful and relaxing. Your backyard is looking so good, you can tell that it has rained aplenty in your lush Alabama garden.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Now that looks like a wonderful place to kick back and relax. I have wasted away a few hours in the hammock this Spring. I never seem to be there alone for long though. The kids love it too.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Who wouldn't want to spend an afternoon sitting and drinking their sweet tea with that view! Or in the morning with that coffee! *smiles*

    ReplyDelete
  31. What a beautiful garden spot! I love your hydrangeas, mine are pink!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Beautiful place, you are so blessing. Saludos desde Chile.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I have a 1930s Craftsman style home and I have a full length (of the front of my house) screened in porch that is my PLACE for relaxing and all. I have a tv, a swing, a ceiling fan, one of my old favorite chairs (that rocks). I have rocked several babies out there and now the little kids like to sit on the swing (even sometimes upside down with their long hair swishing to the floor). A few years ago I moved the yard swing from the yard to the porch. We have a basket of kids toys.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I just love your Hydrangea and Tiger Lillies. They are beautiful and your backyard is gorgeous. Makes me want to grab a glass of tea and swing with you.

    Have you been to any good garage sales? I'm planning on hitting some this Friday morning. What day do you prefer? Friday or Saturday garage sales?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Love it-PERFECT

    Cheri
    www.itssoverycheri.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Love the swing, among the lovely flowers! Great place to relax! All my outdoor furniture got taken out by fallen trees! I love how you added the marble to the stand for a side table! Great idea! I am eying an iron cart! It is wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  37. You yard is beautiful! I love the swing.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ah! I can feel the breeze on my face already. Lovely.
    Joyce

    ReplyDelete
  39. Your garden is beautiful! I love your hydrangeas! I need a swing to relax in now. :)
    Blessings,
    Sandra

    ReplyDelete
  40. That looks like a great place to relax! I love porch swings and I like the little saying you painted on yours! They hydrangeas are doing so well with all the rain we've had so far.

    Manuela

    PS Can you believe how hot it is already!!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I LOVE how you painted "A Place To Rest At Day's End" on your swing! That is such a cute idea!! What a perfect place to sit and relax!

    ~Karla @ It's The Little Things...

    ReplyDelete
  42. Rhoda, I loved your post about the under-the-deck patio--I read that months ago when I began stalking your blog. :) But, oh, how happy I am to see your view from the swing! I have an under-the-deck patio, too, and it currently contains nothing. Nothing. Would you please come work your magic on it?

    ReplyDelete
  43. wonderful hygrandeas...I just kove those...can;t wait to get this yar dunder control to plant me some!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I posted my first GIVE AWAY
    cheri
    www.itssoverycheri.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. What a sweet little oasis you have there. I could easily see relaxing there with a good book or magazine...falling asleep too. Your garden is gorgeous and the little lizard is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a lovely spot!

    Your hydrangea is gorgeous!

    And I love the words on the front of the swing.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I have an area EXACTLY like yours that I want to fix, but when it rains the water comes through the deck down under. Do you have something on the bottom of your deck? I absolutely love it!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Ahhh...what beautiful surroundings! The pictures are gorgeous. I swear I can smell the flowers from here. ~Mindy

    ReplyDelete
  49. HA! Our Arizona yard is nothing but rocks and weeds--hardly anything grows here!! Well, it might if I didn't have such a black thumb! I'd loooove a swing! Your area is lovely--reminds me of our yard in Florida!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Your yard looks absolutely beautiful! I hope my yard will oneday look like that, all put toghether! For now I will settle for some beautiful spots the kids havent trampled yet!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hydrangeas and lilies are two of my favorite flowers! Beautiful photos... and a peaceful place to relax.

    ReplyDelete
  52. That is lovely! It all looks soooo relaxing!

    I'm having a Crazy About Chalkboards Party on Friday, June 26th. I hope you'll join me!

    ReplyDelete
  53. It's all so pretty!
    I just adore the swing.
    We have the same taste in magazines. I just bought it as well.

    Have a wonderful evening.
    ~Melissa :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. * Rho~ Your photography just keeps getting betta' n' betta'!!! BUUUT, the pic of the lizard ("gecho"?) on the magnificently breathtaking blue hydrangea should DEFINTELY be enlarged, framed and set out for ALL to see n' enjoy~~~ it's almost surreal it's soooo PRETTY!!!!

    Hugs,
    Linda *

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi Rhoda!

    I love the swing. Maybe sometime we can get together and discuss Birmingham yard sales!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a lovely spot to hang out at...and catch a little snooze. I love your Hydrangeas...they are on my list of fave flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Your hydrangeas are beautiful!! The Tiger lilys remind me of my great grandma's farm. She had them all over her yard and I loved them as a little girl!

    ReplyDelete
  58. It's so very lovely! What a wonderful swing and a fantastic spot.

    I heart all of your beautiful flowers!

    Blessings,
    Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love hydrageas but unfortunately, they don't grow in Arizona. Yours are gorgeous!!

    Elisabeth

    ReplyDelete
  60. Your swing is charming ad the blue hydrangeas--WOW!!!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Rhoda...just love visiting your back yard and watching it change...I remember when you did the area under the deck. The swing looks so comfy...perfect place to relax and read. Your flowers are beautiful!!! Happy Summer! Susan

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hello Rhoda - your swing is fabulous! May I come over and sit and relax on it? And those hydrangeas are absolutely gorgeous!

    Blessings,
    Marie
    http://emmacallsmemama.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. Dear Rhoda,
    I have always admired your back yard and especially your swing. What a nice place to rest.
    Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne
    Ps. I went through several of your recipes recently and plan to try them for our family. :o) I will post when I do so. :o)

    ReplyDelete
  64. You have quite the green thumb. I love your quote on the garden bench.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Oh wow! I am speechless. You ROCK, nuff said! LOVE it all!

    p.s. we have lots of the little lizards too. They are ok outside but I am not to happy when they make in inside! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  66. Rhoda - you have a lovely relaxing outdoor space. I love the swing and your flowers are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  67. The colors are to die for! I got an endless summer hydrangia last month and can't wait for it to grow and come into full color! GREAT post!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Your view is so beautiful. I love those Hydrangeas. I have to get some of those one of these days.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Your swing & yard is fabulous! I need to make a cushion for our swing. Then I might enjoy it more. We do have an outside bed that is fun to take a nap in. I felt so relaxed looking at your photos. I just wouldn't want to be in your heat & humidity. The heat here in SoCal is bad enough without adding in humidity. Yikes!!!

    ReplyDelete
  70. What a beautiful spot. I'd love to have a glass of tea with you there. I've been wanting a swing for the longest time.

    Thanks for sharing!
    Kimba

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for stopping by to visit! I love to hear from all of you.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.