Had a girl's day out with a new friend...I hope? I've known her for over a year now and we really like to be together but had never spent any real time together....it was really wonderful!
She took me to her mother's house which was so spectacular that words cannot describe it!!!! Picture Southern Living crossed with Home and Gardens and throw in a splash of Country Woman. This house was old, beautiful and comfortable..furnished tastefully and artistically. Hidden balconies, a rooftop retreat, sunrooms, antiques galore, artwork old and beautiful. The porch alone was bigger than some houses...make of brick and stone and old wood columns. Cats lounged in every nook...almost like they were placed there for effect!
The grounds were enormous and landscaped artfully wild with every species of shrub, tree, flower....I cannot even imagine how many kinds. Ponds, little garden houses and private nooks, benches and hides all over. Two huge groves of bamboo and several rustic cabins that are rentals scattered on the property.
Every step was a feast for the eyes as all the trees are in bloom, blossoms bright and muted, herbs and ferns, interestingly twisted trees and crooked, old garden gates, sculptures made of wood and stone, cairns, driftwood, and serenity gardens. I could barely take it all in! It took them 28 years to complete this place and it shows. It was just so casually unaffected...almost as if everything just grew there on it's own...even the rustic sculptures her husband had formed.
Her mother was gracious and genteel, gave me a shamrock and rosemary to take home with promises of more flowers and herbs when she thins out her beds. Lovely lady!
Then we went to her sister's house and it was a grand old Victorian as well with spectacular views and HUGE trees....tire swings too.
The conversation was warm and fun, the food was great (we went to a Mexican place..it was great!) and I felt uplifted by the day.
Great day!
