LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE WITH THOSE TRAYS!!!

Somewhere along my creative journey I began being attracted to trays. . . . brass trays, silver trays, porcelain trays, woven trays and wooden trays.  Looking up the definition of a tray goes something like this, "An open receptacle with a flat bottom and a low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles"  Ah ha!  Exhibiting articles was the a-ha moment  . . . I started carrying them in my shop, bought them at estate sales, , garage sales and of course on my European buying trips.  I also brought them out of hiding from wedding gift days!  Today, I could not be without them.  I am still buying them for my clients at garage sales, estate sales and flea markets. 

Trays for holding flowers and one of my many birds.

Trays for backdrops and tray cutting boards for

master salts, pepper, herbs and oils . . .

Silver trays for holding the harvest. . . .

More silver trays for holdings objects of interest. . .

Antique wooden trays for holding a collection of sterling bud vases

A round silver tray for muffineers and small crystal vases with roses.

An inlaid tortoise tray with a collection of minature boxes

A european bread tray holding artisan breads. . .

A collection of etched bottles, purfume containers an antique pewter galley tray.

Trays are to be used and enjoyed.  They are great organizers.  I'll just bet you may have

a few hidden away. . . . I would love to know how you are using your trays! 

* * * 

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

A GARDEN SURPRISE. . .

Before we left for Michigan, I had been observing the changes going on with my cement container of Hens and Chicks.............one of the "hens" appeared to be sprouting skyward. . .
when we got home 10 days later and much to my surprise, here is what awaited me. . . .

There were tiny coral pink flowers!

Succulents are fairly new to my garden repetoire and I

have to say this sight made me smile.  Has anyone

ever had this kind of surprise in their garden?

Have a wonderful summer day.

                                                                              

STILL ANOTHER SUMMER . . . . .

Home again and another 4th of July memory maker.  It is funny how differently I observe and photograph since I have joined the blogging community.  I thought you might enjoy seeing the place we stay, the friends who invite and the places we go.  It is  a SUMMERS' GIFT and a story of friendships that continue to be strengthened . . . how lucky we are.         

Taken from the car window in Petosky . . . a familiar sight with rows

of painted ladies all ready for the FOURTH.  At this point, we are almost

there and only about 10 minutes away.

The sun dappled ride through the woods. . . . .

 

The private entrance to signal we have arrived. . . .

The original SPRINGS of Harbor's namesake which have been

in existence forever. . . . just updated to fit this beautiful community

of Ramona Park

A beautiful pergola with climbing Hydrangeas' and a

welcoming site because we have arrived!

A garden dog that seems to welcome us all. . .

A knock at this door which seems to melt all cares away. . .

The boardwalk and the gazebo (with yoga instruction

lead by our very own) each morning.

A wrap around porch with geraniums at every turn. . .

Stone columns, lanterns ready for night light and geraniums loving

lake life. . .

The other side of the wrap around porch facing the lake with

Petosky  in view on the other side of the lake.

View from the gazebo . . .

The gazebo window box in full color . . . . .

Another view from the gazebo. . . . . as you listen to the sounds

of trickling streams emptying into the lake. .

Could we be in Nantucket?  Architecture adopted from the east coast?

Our home away from home. . . .

Lake views so welcoming and familiar . . .

Stone pillars, white fences and blue skies. .

Cares cast to the winds . . .

Our captain at the helm, our daughter and our dear and special friend from

the Chicago area. . . .

.

My better half. . .

Can I get anybody anything?  Our hostess with the mostest!!!

Very special friends from Chicago and guests every year as we are. . . .

"The captains daughter"

One of our boating trips takes us to Bay Harbor for the fireworks. . .

Docking in the harbor with dinner to be shared outside at Palettes. . .

Have you ever attempted to capture fireworks with your camera?

It is all about ANTICIPATION with your camera. . . . This was about

my 10th attempt!!!

The next day, a sun porch for drinking coffee in the morning and reading

AND

always a big bouquet of red "glads"

Fresh bouquets everywhere from her garden. . .

Parades to watch, lemonade and various other summertime drinks to be enjoyed, smiling faces

and friendships that are priceless!

Veterans returning to march. . . .

A marching band. . .

An antique car with a rumble seat!

Our daughter out numbered!

The awaited BAT MOBILE!

More fireworks from the Harbor Springs side. . .

Friends whom we have come to know and love and neighbors of our hosts.

All of THE GIRLS of 1139 E. Bay Road

Roger, Mary Anne and our daughter Kim

The 5 o'clock cocktail bell. . . . hmmm

A gift to our host and hostess one year. . . etched with the year 2000

.....the first summer in their home away from home.

A great architectural element for a lake house which is always

lit at night.

Morning departure "shots"

A seagull contemplates the loneliness when all will be quiet again. . . .

Lakeside living

Zinc tabletops and antique chandeliers . . .

One last photo as I think about the last 5 days. . .

Good byes, good times and another summer

OF