This summer I have been going through cabinets full of old magazines. I look through each one before taking them to the library to pass onto others. One House Beautiful from the early '90s had an article on the founder of Hickory Chair and his home in the NC mountains, and I saw this fireplace! Now I don't have to describe to the stone mason what I want, I can show him a photo. This, just a smaller version. As with all trades people I have dealt with on getting things done, Mark the stone mason has been saying he is coming for weeks, supposed to be here Wednesday or Thursday this week, but the weather may put a stop to that. On the main road into town I watched a stone mason build this wall, so I finally decided to stop to talk to the owners and get his name and number, just in case I never see Mark. I went up, knocked on the door and a really nice guy was more than happy to give me Jason's number and tell me about his work and his log home he has been restoring. He moved from Miami and he and his wife have been renovating slowly, like us. I found out that Jason's father had built the original stone wall which needed repair and that he is Mark's cousin!! UGH, stone masons run in the family. I told him about the log home Bob and I moved from Maryland to Georgia, that it was 1883, this home is from the 1900s, hence the round logs. I didn't go in, but through the front door you could see these beautiful glass chandeliers. He had two dobermans and cats in the room, so that's why I was not invited in, one of his dobbies had an injured paw and was resting. After leaving the log home I went past the Tryon Arts and Crafts School that was having a yard sale. I bought a group of faux bois branches with greenery and pinecones that will be used during the holidays. I left a smaller bunch there and decided to go back the next day, only to find they had been sold. BUT!! I spied these andirons in great condition, only $10! When I went to pay, it was half price day! SCORE! These will be perfect for my fireplace in the farmhouse. Meant to be, funny how things work sometimes.
The cutting garden is filled with old-fashioned marigolds!
Rose of Sharon always do well at the farmhouse. There are so many volunteers, I could have a Rose of Sharon farm. Just something about that spot! This area attracts so many hummers and butterflies. The crepe Myrtles were the best they've ever been in the 10 years we have been here. They were beautiful all over town in a variety of colors. I bought a few shades of red to plant along the driveway come fall. We had some visitors this weekend. John flew from Pittsburgh to Tampa to rescue these two adorable chows. He rented a car and we were the halfway point for them to rest before traveling back to PA. I love when I get to meet rescue friends and chows!! This guy's name is Wong-Zi, but it should be changed to Paddington!
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