Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Spring porches

Even though we have done a lot of clearing brush, etc., this spring, I am behind getting the porches ready for spring--probably because it's such a big job and we need three days of nice, sunny weather to get it all done. 


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My mom let me have my grandmother's cast iron patio furniture, and I could not be happier. I have wanted this forever, and loved sitting in it as a child. The small scale of this set is perfect for our creek-facing porch which is only six feet wide.



I really thought about painting it black because we have sap coming from trees that ruins anything white, but I really like it as she had it so I'll probably just repaint it white. 


I also need to get out here.  The azaleas are really showing out this year. I kind of wish they would all bloom at the same time, but they don't. The red and light purple come first.


The ones that are not blooming will be pale pink in a couple weeks.




The white ones look like gardenias, and they are just about to bloom. The purple rhododendrons are blooming then the native white ones will bloom in a few weeks.


We (Luis actually) pressure washed everything yesterday. What a job with three porches:-) Did I mention how much I hate white railings??? I so wish I could change to black wrought iron for many reasons. These get covered with green algae and little dots of sap that will not come off. But I am stuck with white and it requires a lot of cleaning.


I can really appreciate the size of these porches with no furniture, although our driveway looks like we are having a yard sale. 




I'll be re-coating the decking with opaque stain today, if it warms up, then starting on the back railings which are wood. 

Since we celebrated Mother's Day Sunday, I thought I would share a photo of me with my three babies:-) My new rail fence is the perfect spot for photos now.


Thanks for stopping by! Please come over to facebook and join the fun as I am there every day, and you can post your photos and inspiration. 

There are some exciting things happening here at FAR that I will be sharing later, but all involve some upcoming projects and updating of rooms, which should be fun because you will not believe what we can do with basically a $0 budget. Stay tuned:-)

Anita

I'll be joining:

Inspire Me Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesdays
Feathered Nest Fridays
The Scoop

18 comments:

  1. The Quintessential MagpieMay 14, 2013 at 5:06 AM

    I loved seeing your lovely gardens, Anita, and I really loved seeing you and your precious children. Beautiful all.

    XO,

    Sheila

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  2. I just came in from washing my back porch right now. Yes, it's early in the morning, but I wanted to do it before I took a shower because it's such a dirty job! Your azaleas are beautiful. Can't wait to see your new projects!

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  3. Your gardens and porches are so beautiful, Anita. It's nice that your azaleas bloom at staggered times for long term seasonal colour. Your children are beautiful as you are too! It's a lot of work to keep up the porches I'm sure. Have fun! :)

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  4. White Weathered Hutch,May 14, 2013 at 5:48 AM

    Thanks for sharing your lovely family!
    Can't wait to see what you have in store for us......

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  5. Ellie VanCasterMay 14, 2013 at 6:15 AM

    What beautiful decks and gardens you have-I imagine you give them a lot of use and so pretty facing the creek. I just love a water sound when relaxing. Your children look so sweet all dressed up for Mom's day-hope you had a good one. Grandmother's furniture looks perfect for your deck.

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  6. Home Lifestyle DesignMay 14, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    I actually love white railings. Loved your post. I am your newest follower. I found your blog through A Stroll Thru Life.
    Patty at http://homeandlifestyledesign.blogspot.com/

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  7. The TablescaperMay 14, 2013 at 7:00 AM

    Hard work but so worth it! You have so many beautiful outdoor spaces!

    You and your family look lovely.

    - The Tablescaper

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  8. The porch looks lovely and was worth your...(his) hard work! You had me drawn in from the first photo. I pinned it in fact.

    And you have a beautiful family!

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  9. Your creek and flowers are so pretty! We used to live in East TN and you reminded me of how beautiful it is there- enjoy spring!

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  10. Karen L. BatesMay 14, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    What a great looking family!! Does Daddy sit on the front porch with a rifle yet?

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  11. I just love your porch and the way you decorate it. I love the photo of you with your children, a beautiful family. xo

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  12. marty (A Stroll Thru Life)May 14, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    Oh my goodness, the porch, garden and views are incredible. Such beauty. Thanks so much for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  13. Michele @ The Nest at Finch RestMay 14, 2013 at 1:17 PM

    Your Azaleas and all your porch space is TO DIE FOR.
    And wow, you and your children are stunningly gorgeous.

    And, well, you know I just adore your outdoor teatime.

    I did red today too. It's not a colour I use often, so it is fun to see it elsewhere too.

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  14. Your iron furniture is beautiful and the yard is so pretty! You have such a lovely family, too.

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  15. Your porch is splendid. You can your kids look beautiful. I can think of many things I would rather do than stain our deck but it must be done.

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  16. Debbie@Debbie-Dabble and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasMay 14, 2013 at 10:02 PM

    Beautiful gardens and beautiful Porch vignette!! I have black wrought iron railings and they constantly need to be painted.....

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  17. mississippi artistMay 15, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    Love your porches-and yes white is hard to keep clean! Have you considered painting the railing-how about Charlston Green?

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  18. THE FARMHOUSE PORCHMay 19, 2013 at 3:19 PM

    How GORGEOUS!!! Of course I love porches!

    Thank you for sharing at the Scoop Link Party this week! Now following your beautiful blog♥

    Linsey at The Farmhouse Porch

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