Monday, October 19, 2015

A Visit to Detroit and Some Fall Foliage

A little over a week ago, hubby and I had the chance to visit our son, who recently moved to the  "motor city" of Detroit, Michigan. I have had such a crazy, busy week, but have been wanting to share some pics from that 2-day trip.
We visited this state park, just outside the city, called Belle Isle Park.
We went in the late afternoon, so we got some awesome pics of the city from the park.
There was a lighthouse there, too.
Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse

Located at the north end of Belle Isle, this is the only light in the nation constructed of marble. It was built in 1929 with private donations as a memorial to William Livingstone, who was the president of the Lakes Carriers Association from 1902 to 1925. 

The Detroit River surrounds this quaint, wooded island.
Looking out from this bridge is Lake St. Clair - situated south of Lake Huron and North of Lake Erie. When looking across the lake, one can view both the U.S. and Canada at the same time.
Rowers, practicing on the bay and river areas.
We got to see some beautiful clouds and the sun, as it was starting to set.
A peaceful lagoon view...
We walked some beautiful trails.
Our son love collecting unique rocks and seashells. We found quite a few.(Our doggies helped, too.)
As we drove through the city of Detroit, we saw some awesome architecture....
like these:
The old Wayne County Building - It formerly contained the Wayne County administrative offices – now located in the Guardian Building at 500 Griswold Street – and its courthouse. The Wayne County building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

 Detroit Renaissance Center - also known as the GM Renaissance Center (and nicknamed the RenCen) It is the third tallest all-hotel skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere, and features the largest rooftop restaurant, Coach Insignia. It has been the tallest building in Michigan since it was erected in 1977.
Being in Detroit was fun!! Seeing our son was awesome!! Because we were a little early to see the fall colors in their brightest, I found some online and am also sharing them here. Enjoy!!

                

"Fall In Love With Michigan"

Nothing beats the crisp crunch of autumn leaves beneath your feet as you spend a lovely day enjoying the fall colors. Whether you’re walking around your neighborhood or hiking your favorite Michigan trail, there’s something wonderful about taking the time to appreciate nature. 
http://theodysseyonline.com/wayne-state-uni/travel-guide-michigan-in-fall/171486


The Michigan “U.P.” arguably rivals New England for its colorful leaf displays
(https://lightcentric.wordpress.com/tag/michigan-fall-color-fall-foliage-color-fall-color-michigan-u-p-new-england-tahquamenon-falls-fayette-state-park-pictured-rocks-national-lakeshore-miners-castle-miners-beach-porcupine-mou/)

Deer in rutting season.
(http://gr8lakescamper.blogspot.com/2012/10/plan-your-michigan-hunting-or-outdoor.html#.Vhp4m3pVhBc)

Autumn in Michigan, fall foliage and one-room schoolhouse. Peak colors predicted for Michigan are Oct. 1 – 17 for northern and Oct. 5 – 21 for southern
(http://www.lovethesepics.com/2013/10/american-the-beautiful-in-autumn-peak-fall-foliage-dates-for-48-states-50-pics/)

Michigan, Upper Peninsula, Lake, Fall Colors, Foliage, Reflection Landscape
(http://yazhangphotography.smugmug.com/keyword/michigan/)

Indiana is about 1-2 weeks behind southern Michigan. I’ve snapped a few pics that I will be sharing soon. Till then, here is a glance at what we will be getting.

fall colors in indiana (by jim totton)
(http://raspberrytart.tumblr.com/post/3319998862/fall-colors-in-indiana-by-jim-totton)


Have a beautiful autumn season!!!!
 Ann 
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” 
Spanish Proverb
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Monday, September 28, 2015

Decorating For Fall Around the Cottage


It’s so hard to believe that fall is actually on its way and summer is sizzling slowly away….
The hubby and I have been working hard on a final outdoor project, our lakeside patio. It has been cracked and multi-colored for years.
We finally stained it all one color and added a rug to go under our outdoor dining table. We hope to also add stone seating around the firepit and some decorative stone edging. Lastly, we plan on purchasing a pergola to surround the dining area. (I'm not sure if we will have time to get it all done before the cold weather hits, but we sure are going to try.)
Now, the leaves on our maple and oak trees haven’t turned color, yet. But the cooler evenings and shorter daylight hours will soon change that. 
As I sadly say goodbye to sweet summer, I once again look to my décor with the colorful oranges, yellows, and reds.

Mums are some of my favorite fall flowers…this year, I chose burgundy red.
But last year's yellow mums are still a favorite!
My ceramic owl showed his saucer-sized eyes, once again, as well. Here, he sits in a nest of bright leaves.
A new door hanging reminds all who enter to give thanks...
I also added the autumn feel to the dining room, one of my favorite rooms to decorate.

Sunflowers are a must!! This bouquet in my matching pitcher brighten the whole room...
A centerpiece, filled with candles, leaves, and mini-pumpkins continue the autumn allure.
When candles are lit (or turned on, as the two end candles are battery-operated) the room takes on a glowing ambience.

 The table runner that I recently purchased reminds me of all the wonderful things I look forward to when Autumn arrives.
Orange pumpkin dessert plates atop my red napkins and two-toned dinner plates.
I still love to display a few of the tables-setting spots with leaf and words dessert plates, as well....like this one that says "blessings".
And of course, the ole' pumpkin teapot must also be set...

Do you have some favorite fall décor that you love to bring out this time of year? 

Wishing you
Elegant  Graphic

 Ann 
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” 
Spanish Proverb
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Saturday, September 5, 2015

Feature Favorites - no. 4

Hello, all.
Welcome to another post of "Feature Favorites"!
Where has the time gone? I've been so very busy that it is a relief to finally have a little time to relax and just read other blogs and websites. Check out some of my favorites over the past few weeks.
Beach Bonanza 
A New England artist crafts shabby-chic beach décor using repurposed glass frames and handfuls of local shells and sea life. Shared over at "The Cottage Journal".
Decor and Design
 Fabiaiana at "Ciao! Newport Beach" shared some pics of a 1912 beach cottage. Beachy cottage décor and a nautical themed tablescape were the highlights I loved them all!
Foodie Finds
I found the perfect recipe for sharing on my Foodie Finds section over at “The Daily Tea”.  No-Bake White Chocolate Matcha Lemonade Cheesecake, one of my favorite desserts!
Fashion Frenzy
Sarah at “Daisy Chains and Dreamers” not only shared her pastel  pencil dress, but she shared her pics on the dunes near her house. Beautiful! 
Lake and Cottage Lifestyle
Hailing all the way from Victoria, Australia, is  lakehouse blogger of "Coastal Style". She shared some beautiful springtime flowers that are just blooming on that side of the world. 
Fantastic Photography     
Photographer  Rod Trenchard took this breathtaking photo in Australia. Photo found at the website, “500/SO”.
Pet Portraits
For National Dog’s Day, “ 500/SO” also shared a listing of 25 of the most popular dog photos, I loved this one! Just look at those expressions!
Teatime Treasures
 Over at  “The Enchanting Rose”,  Stephanie shares some sweet teacups and saucers she is wanting to trade in at her ‘teacup and mug exchange party.’
Tremendous Travels
“World of Wonderlust” shared  ’10 Reasons Why You Will  Love Canada’. Since I have Canadian roots, this blog post really caught my attention.

Congrats to all these bloggers and internet sites!
Thanks for sharing your awesome posts! 
I hope my readers are as blessed by reading them as I have been! Feel free to use the button below to let your readers know that you were featured here!
Cairn Cottage
Wishing you
 Ann 
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” 
Spanish Proverb
Linking over to these blog parties: