Well, grab yourself a cup of coffee folks, because this is going to be a long one! I owe you a great big apology for my long hiatus, but as you will see from the photographs I have to share, I have been very busy. I can’t wait to show you all that’s been happening at 10 Sutherland Ave.

David, Oscar and I are loving our new life in Hampton Park Terrace more and more each day. Nowadays it’s not a chore to walk Oscar. It’s so much fun to walk out the door and ask yourself, “Which way will we go today?” We could take a stroll  to Hampton Park or in any direction and see something new or meet a new neighbor every single day.

One of our favorite places to meet new friends is Harold’s Cabin just around the corner. It’s starting to feel a bit like the 1980’s sitcom Cheers. I stood in front of the restaurant the other night looking around in all directions naming friends we met that live in many of the houses and wondering if this time next year I will know them all!

OK, let’s go ahead and start with the photos. I can fill you in on what’s been happening as we go.

How about we start in the front yard? Folks, we have a lawn! We wanted to wait until there was no threat of frost before we had the sod laid. It’s been in for almost 2 weeks now and is looking great, don’t you think? 🙂

We are already enjoying the pleasures of front porch living. It’s another great way to meet neighbors and catch up with the ones you already call friends.

I just to have to share this photo with you. I call it Four Porch Swings for obvious reasons.

Let’s head around back and take a look at what’s happening.

There are still a lot of flowers and bushes to be planted. We are very excited on how the basics pull together.

What do you think of our fire pit cover? I bought it at Scott’s Antique Market in Atlanta a few weeks ago.That slice of tree came from Pennsylvania and is about 40 years old.

Speaking of the firepit, those of you who know us well know how much David and I loved sitting out by the old pit out at Seabrook. Well, we are carrying on that same tradition here in town. Sometimes our backdoor neighbors join us from what we call the Juliette balcony. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Someday we might actually ask them to join us on the patio! LOL

Would you like to take a peek inside? Well, let’s head that way. We’ll start at the front door.

There’s a couple of things I’d like to draw your attention to here if you don’t mind.

First of all the coat rack.

This beautiful piece was made for us by a local craftsman/artist named Stephen Wain. It was made from heart of pine wood salvaged from a house on Spring St. that was blown down during Hurricane Matthew. I love it when pieces have a story.

Then there is this picture that was given to me by my cousin, Joan a few years ago. She is the daughter-in-law of my dearest Aunt Pearl. Everyone has an Aunt Pearl, right? Well, if you don’t I feel sorry for you. She lived next door and to use her words, “If I take a 1000 steps a day, Cindy does the same.” I loved her so much and like to think I am a lot like her.

Back to the picture. I always remember it being in Aunt Pearl’s house. When Joan decided to give it to me, we both cried. It was the very first piece hung in our new home and one of the most precious. I love that it found such a prominent spot.

Moving right along…

I deliberated a long time on whether to use a rug under the dining room table or not. As you can see, I decided to forego the rug. I am striving for a somewhat minimalist look. I love the simplicity of the table and chairs on the beautiful reclaimed wood floor.

If you are friends with me on Facebook, you have already seen this shot. I call it Who Needs Curtains? There is not a lot of wall space for art display anywhere in the house because there are so many windows. Now mind you, I am not complaining. But since there isn’t much room for art, we will let the beauty of the outdoors serve the purpose.

Speaking of art, We do have one really special piece in the works. I couldn’t wait to get a feel for how the size would work in the space so I, well, it’s pretty obvious what I did. Anyway, after I got it up there I decided to leave it as a kind of holding place until the new piece is ready for delivery. It should be ready by the end of April. I can’t wait to share it with  you.

I will give you a hint: Molly B Right 🙂

Back to the tour… By the way, I have given many tours to friends and even passers by. As a matter of fact, while I was away David said that a lady stopped by who lived here in the 50’s. She was so excited to see the house. I would give anything for her to come back someday. I’d love to hear her stories.

Oh yes, the tour… I digress.

Here’s a shot back toward the kitchen including the living area. We decided to put the dining room in front for many reasons including privacy, having the kitchen and living areas closer. and square footage wise it just gave more room for the living area. I am quite pleased with the outcome.

A few shots of the kitchen…

And the powder room…

Folks, I apologize that this is taking so long but I keep remembering things I want to tell you. For instance, how the sunlight looks when it shines on the wall through the wavy glass.

Isn’t that amazing?

Or how pleased I am with  how the fireplace turned out. Live plants in terracotta pots seemed like a way to accent but at the same time, not take away from the beauty of the craftsmanship. I can’t wait until the vines grow enough to wrap around the picture frame. Here, the brick is our art.

And then there is Camilla Savannah. We bought her a few years ago in Savannah (hence the name). I think she is quite pleased with her place of prominence. Sometimes she let’s me borrow her pearls. 🙂

Heading upstairs.. (I’ll try and wrap this up pretty quickly. But don’t get your hopes up.)

This is the “before” picture gallery. We thought it fitting to remember the past life of this wonderful house in some way. This is what we came up with. The frames were made for us by our friend Mike Moyer of Past to Present Decor . He made them from the leftover beadboard from the house.

The hall bath…

The guest room or as I say when I’m giving a tour, “This is your room.”

The third bedroom still needs some work. Actually there are lots of spots that need some touches but I don’t want to rush it. I just want it to unfold in it’s own time in it’s own way. Nor do I want to “over populate” as I am striving to maintain the minimalist feel.

And here is the master…

As you can see, I am not a “1000 pillow” sort of girl. I like for my beds to be easily entered and easily made. Simple, simple, simple is what works best in my book.

Well, that about does it for now. Thank you to everyone who has been asking for an update. It means more than words can say. There is much more to come in the near future. For instance, “What is she going to do with that bathtub in the backyard?” I don’t know the answer to that, but I will be sure and let you know. You can count on that!

Please feel free, as always to ask any questions, post comments or stop by for a tour. Our door is always open!

Until next time, y’all take care!

A special “Thank you” to Oscar who has played the “Where’s Waldo” role for this post.