Hi All, I appreciate your wisdom. :-) Even though I may have sounded nuts (and I was!), I realize "Rome wasn't built in a day." I'm glad I've gotten to the plantings this year and think they will help a bit in time. Heaven knows that's the truth for the house--there was *nothing* here when I bought 4 years ago. So, it's come a *long* way. But, I'm a school teacher and during Aug-May I have *no* time. Honestly-none. So, I do what I can in the summer (although we have work on prep and admin. now). While I enjoy the product of gardening/interior design, I enjoy process less--esp in the garden where it is physically hard for me to work (due to an injury that makes walking/digging painful). Soooo...I'll admit I'm looking for something that works the first time, if possible. That said, I'm not beyond moving things if I have to and next year will move 2 laurels--somewhere--as they don't work where they are. And, I do enjoy it at its core. All this reminds me of the "what I learned from gardening" thread. I do need to learn patience and to enjoy the modest things that the garden brings. :-) So, resalesally--you are right that I should just "go" and stop obsessing. HA! :-) Nell- Thanks for your comments, too. It is a great door that they have. (Wonder if I might be too lazy to clean those panes?? Hmmm....) Memo- Thanks for the awning suggestion. Trouble is, I just don't like awnings. I know I'm getting away from the authenticity of the house a bit...but based on my completely crude "paint" experiments in WORD, thing something raised a bit will help give me what I'm looking for. But...you might be right about the awning being so tiny compared to the stoop. (Man, I have *got* to learn photoshop to test your theory out.) As for the lattice...so you're saying to post it in the ground *perpendicular* to the stoop? Is that right? Hmmm...possibly. Hadn't thought of that. What do you think about covering the concrete w/ wood and a railing and giving the house a more "cottage" feel? EVERYONE - Paint trim vote for the bottom of the house?? Thanks, ya'll! Keep those ideas coming.

Thanks for the compliments! I had so much fun with this table. DS helping made it special. Slinky, I'm hoping he will get more into this "dish-iese" with me. My DD likes them, but with 2 boys and another coming any minute, she hasn't gotten addicted yet. I'm going to start on a purple collection for her. She also says she has no place to keep them and the boys will break them. I may have to find her a china closet on Craig's List or at a thrift store. Mine came from a DAV store. She is sort of bummed out at never having a daughter. We had so much fun when she was growing up. It was basically just the 2 of us since she was 4 years old and she wanted someone to share girly stuff with, too. Thanks, Luvs. I've admired everyone's F&F for so long here. Never found anything on their site that made me want to pay those prices. These pieces were reasonable and fit in with my table. I found the one piece one month and the other piece the next! How cool is that? Donna, Love your table. How long have you collected state plates? My Aunt had a whole wall covered in state plates. I wish I would have asked for one when she died to remember her by. I so admire your napkins. It makes them so special when you make them. Sure wish I could have eaten with you! I LOVE pork BBQ! Kathleen, Thanks for the compliments. You and Judith got me hooked. I always come here hoping to see something from you! I'm sure missing Judith. Betty

I am not sure I have pics but since 9-11 we always fly the flag from our mailbox, 24/7 illuminated at night. So we are always set for the 4th(and Armed Forces Day etc). I plant red geraniums, blue lobelia and white baptisia together in a pot on each side of the porch steps. Little flags are in the pots. More little flags march across the front sidewalk. Most people on our street do this too! We hang a red white and blue bunting underneath one second floor window(the other is right over the porch roof and it doesnt fit) Buntings are big around here- lots of huge porches(not mine and we have roses growing up it so we don't hang anything on the front of the porch.) I do have red white and blue flowers in hanging baskets on each side of the porch. I cover my front porch chair cushions with red white or blue fabric(just wrapped for the day) In the back yard, my hanging baskets of flowers each have a little flag in them. red white and blue tableclothes. A small galvanized decorative bucket filled partway with sand with a red white and blue taper candles stuck in each bucket for a centerpiece.(like roman candles) And even tho we are 3 hours from the beach I like to scatter some shells around on the tables. Our town hosts a huge regional 4th parade- for the last 50+ years. The route is a block and a half up from our house.We have a huge number of people walking to the parade by our houses so we all go full out! Not competing- just enthusiastic! HTH Sue

It's not easy for this old girl, either, and I am sore but very happy when it's...I was going to say DONE, but it never is, as you well know! I didn't spread a bit of mulch, but it's right out there in a pile staring me down. Have to chip away at it bit by bit after work. One other great thing about my weekend is that I transported this sweet little rescue girl to her foster mom in Maine. She started out in a kill shelter in VA, and was saved by the rescue org. that I volunteer for - New England Brittany Rescue (NEBR) Layla isn't a Brittany, and we don't know quite what breeds she's made of but she's about 24 lbs, and very gentle. First pic is on her way to Brunswick, ME - her foster destination, on Saturday 7/1. She looks safe and cozy, unlike the pic below taken at the shelter in late June. I'd love to make her part of My4dogs!