You must just love your backporch! It's fun to see pictures of other 'back porches'....we probably all have our favorite nooks where we kick back with a good book, or maybe a cold one......perhaps a small glass of vino!! That's a very neat sunflower, comet ... you'll be having squirrels and birds galore, if you don't already have them there!!!! FUN!

SPAM

Hi there--I live near Titusville and there is a wildlife refuge and national seashore here--the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge and Cape Canaveral National Seashore. Both are within 10 miles of each other and are also within about 5 miles of the Kennedy Space Center. I'm not really sure what else I can offer in terms of advice. I'm sure you'll have a great time, though, this is a beautiful paradise. You can't help but love it.

I think there is a fine line between living the life you have vs. living the life you want. If you are financially stable, then you can afford to live the life you have. If you are struggling, then you aspire to live the life you want. And, isn't that what it's all about? Trying to elevate yourself to the next level? And, if you're already there, you can then reap your rewards. I am friends with people in all socio-economic positions. Sure, the people who have money may tend to live with excess. But I don't hold that against them. In fact, life is short, enjoy yourself. If that means collecting art, animal heads and a museum-like surroundings, so be it. On the other hand, if you grow your own vegetables, compost and go jogging then plop your feet on the coffee table, that's great, too. I once had a client who was wealthy beyond belief. She had priceless art work, traveled the world and had a hutch in her dining room that cost more than my car. But she lost her son to cancer at 16. Did that money help her? No. So if she wants to surround herself with *stuff* then so be it. I also have friends who are designers. I would be so disappointed if I went to their homes and they didn't design to impress. I pick up a lot of decorating tips from them -- for free! Then again, if somebody dropped by my house unexpectedly on a work day, I'd be mortified. With 2 home businesses, this house always look like it exploded and we haven't gotten around to putting everything back. But then, I would apologize for the paint cans, paper, cabinet doors, drill, whatever else was on the island, dining room table or floors and explain what project I was working on and then try to say something witty like "did you know Lillian Vernon started her company from her dining room"? I try to get it all cleaned up by the time my kids get off the bus, so I can get their snacks ready and clear off the island where we do homework together. We definately live the life we have!! However, if Augie Busch the third was my neighbor, I wouldn't care what anybody thought of my decorating. And, my husband would be in heaven!