What says "Welcome to our HOME"?

What says "Welcome to our Home"?  I believe it is your front porch.  I know not all homes have the luxury of a front porch.  In my opinion that is sad. However, I was raised in houses with wonderful front porches, so I may be a little biased. :) I also was blessed growing up in two neighborhoods where when the weather was above 50 degrees you would find the neighbors out on the porches. Many of my best memories are from the time spent on the porch with family and friends.  How lucky I am.  I have tried to carry on this tradition when raising our sons.  The porch is where you meet and greet your friends and neighbors. A place to relax, eat and enjoy the weather.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas for your decorating of your porch:

I love the Victorian front door. The flowers make the porch come alive with color.  Not so sure I would have blocked off the second part of the stairway, but that is only my opinion.  Maybe there is a reason for this.

This porch reminds me of many of the porches in our hometown.  So welcoming. 

Love the idea of the two chairs instead of a love seat.

I love the color selection so cheery and inviting. Come sit for a spell.

To me this seems like it would be a southern porch.  Maybe it is the lovely plants or the full length window shutters.  Anyway another fun place to be.

I cant wait to decorate my front porch and side porch this spring.  We are lucky to have two great porches.  These have become a favorite spot for not only us to gather but our friends and neighbors (who are friends as well).  We are double blessed to have a "southern style" side porch.  This porch is adorned with both shutters and two ceiling fans.  So welcoming and relaxing.  Photos to come once the weather cooperates.

How does your home say "Welcome"?

Part II - Churches and Massive Doors

                        Like I promised this is Part II of my hometown. 
These are a few churches that I pass along my evening walk.  I have always been interested in the gigantic doors that adorn old churches and buildings.  There is just something GRAND about them. 

MCC - Millersburg Christian Church

Please excuse the shadows.

Millersburg Presbyterian Church

Faith Lutheran Church

Notice not only the grand doors, but the steps are not poured concrete, they are large stones. Obviously original to the building. The events, both happy and sad, that these steps must have been a part of...if only they could talk.

The McDowell Home

Did you happen to notice that each of these grand doorways are adorned with beautiful glass?

Growing up in this town I have seen many grand homes and buildings torn down.  Sadly it is supposed to be a move forward.  I wish that I had taken photos (or my parents had taken more photos) of the buildings that are no longer with us.  I applaud those that take on the challenge of restoring old homes and buildings. Construction of today is just not as detailed and sturdy as those of yesterday.

I hope you have enjoyed this brief tour.

My Home and Its Neighbors - Part I

Today was another fine Spring day here in Millersburg.  The sun is shining and there is a hint of Spring in the air.  A walk was in order for the end of the day. While walking, I thought how lucky I am to live in a nice, homey town like this.  Growing up here I did not appreciate the style of the town and its homes.  As with age comes wisdom and appreciation.  I would like to share with you some of the beautiful homes, and churches of our area (Churches, Part II).  Please forgive the photography as I have a very inexpensive camera and do the best I can with the camera.

The "Bug Man" home

"Sam's"

The Carey House

The Engle Home

The Money Home

The Edininger Home

(unsure who lives there currently)

Formerly The "Dr. Welsh" home, now the McDowell home

Our humble abode.

(Which I would like to point out, in my opinion, it is much prettier when the gardens are in full bloom and not just dirt.  I look forward to sharing the flowers and greenery when they are in bloom.)

Can you imagine what the expense would be to replace these homes with the same quality and workmanship?  These are truly fine homes.  There are many more in the area, these are just a few I pass when I walk in the evening.

I hope you have enjoyed some of the beautiful homes of our area.  Come back tomorrow to appreciate some of the beautiful churches and massive doors of the town.

ORGANIZATION.....

My family and I have had a busy three days.  We have helped to move our oldest son and his GF into a new house (new to them).  They are living in a homey old farm house on top of a hill surrounded by trees, pastures, cattle and horses.   A dream for them both.  The house needs some updating and changes to meet their decorating styles(s).  But in time it will be a perfect place for them to grow together.
                                          

                                        

So you ask why is my post titles ORGANIZATION?  Answer, after seeing the clutter and trying to help them deal with it, I have been inspired once again to ORGANIZE our home.  Now to most people, they think I am an organized person.  Yes, I tend to be somewhat anal about a tidy home and surroundings, but I found someone more of a organized freak than me.  Yes, I too like to keep my cupboards and refrigerator organized.  It makes life easier and keeps the shopping bill down so that you dont buy duplicates. HOWEVER, I need to re-think my fridge.  Check out the blog at Goodbye, House!
goodbyehousehellohome.blogspot.com  Now this lady has taken organization to the next level!!! Cudos.  Now I will probably not go this far with the bins and all, but it made me rethink my fridge. 

                                          

Maybe it will inspire others to start thinking of Spring and reorganization after a long winter.

SPRING FEVER

Doctor, Doctor give me a call I have a bad case of SPRING FEVER!!

I did the Cindeella chores this morning.  The sun is shinning beautifully, however it is still very chilly here.  I have the need to be outside with my hands in the dirt grooming the grounds so that they can try to become beautiful.  I need and want to see some of this

Stan Hywett Hall, Akron, OH

At this time of year I start to rethink our backyard.  The little postage stamp section that we call our "yard".  It is in great need of a makeover.  I think I will surf the web for some new ideas.  I promise to post before and afters IF we get to work on the yard.

Have a wonderful weekend to all.

Peace.

I am a bad blogger!

This has not been an easy post.  I can not get this wonderful computer to download my photos.  (Insert tear here)
I wanted to share with you before and after photos of the living room redecorating.  However, my dear and wonderful husband did the repainting of the room one day while I was sick.  Therefore, no before photos.  To give you a little help in remembering the room, the walls were painted a green granny smith apple color, the sofa was green/beige plaid and the second recliner was mauve.  Ummmm lovely.
Now the walls are painted shell white, which is actually an antique white.  The sofa is now black leather and the second chair is a multi print in grey,brown and cream.  Both of which are very comfy!!!!  I still need to get a new area rug.  Not sure what color to go with.  Any suggestions?  I want something plain, no design.
Now I will TRY to show you the after photos.

I know the pillows on the sofa need to go, but I have not found any that I like.  I want a solid colored pillow to replace those wild ones.
I hope you like what we have done.  We are very happy with the results.  I still have some tweaking to do. 
Cant wait to see your reactions.
Off to ride the cycle now.  Have a wonderful warm Sunday!!
Peace.

2011 Ice Storm

Photo one credits to Susan, photo two credits to Lisa.
I just thought I would give everyone an Ohio weather update.  This is what we are dealing with.  The ice started yestereday, Tuesday morning, and got worse over night.  It was a Level 3 (the highest) for road conditions here in Holmes County.  Many people are without power and could be for several days.  Seems all to familiar.  We are prepared.  We have a gas heater in the basement and a sink and toilet down there too.  No shower there, but hey, enough comfort to survive if need be.  Thankfully we lost power for only 1 hour last night during the early sleeping hours.
As I look out the window there is a steady falling of snow.  What next?
I am in a little cabin fever funk and cant'tget out.  Not inspired to do much of anything except EAT

All to tempting.  Better not though, shorts are in season in just a few SHORT months.  :)
Any suggestions for crafts or decor ideas accepted, prolly wont do them today, but it is a nice thought.
Hope you are all warm and safe.