There hasn't been a whole lot of cookin' goin' on in JBug's kitchen the past couple of days, as you've likely noticed. Big Guy's returned to Tucson and the pleasure I take from cooking went along with him. Before he left however, he took some photo's one evening just as the sun was going down, so I thought I'd share them with you.
I suppose every house has a history, but we're particularly proud of this one and not just because it is located on a finger of land jutting out into the Alsea Bay and the great Pacific Ocean, although there's something to say for the view isn't there. It was built in 1940 and previously owned by Reid Shelton who was a character actor and the first "Daddy Warbucks" to play on Broadway in Annie, and his partner Donovan Baker, a former fashion designer and actor who was well known and very much loved in this little community. Unfortunately he passed away in May of last year.
We've yet to hear an unkind word about him and quite honestly although this might sound crazy, I feel really close to the guy and honored to be living in his house. There's incredibly good karma in this place - we can only hope he'd approve of the renovations we're doing here.
The Azaleas are blooming riotusly in the front yard under the guest room window and the front flower bed has glorious calla lilies, strawberries, raspberries and several mystery items that remain nameless but personally I think the best part is the bird bath along with a fabulous rock collection. Hey, even I won't be able to kill those!
As you go through the gate on the north side of the house and head toward the back yard, as you see there's fushia bushes on the left, and several rose bushes on the right along with two Japanese maples and a lovely Rhododendron.
It's the stuff of dreams, honestly and we've tons of plans for changes and lots of time to make 'em happen. When the painting's done and the backsplash in the kitchen, new windows and doors are in, side panels are sewn and pictures hung, I'll take some pics of the inside to show you. MMM, wonder when that'll be, huh?
A year ago - Mushroom Strudel
Two year's ago - Oven Fried Chipotle Chile Chicken Wings
Three year's ago - Risotto with Pancetta and Artichoke Hearts
Wait....a hot tub? I believe you failed to mention that June!
Posted by: Sophia | 05/21/2013 at 02:51 PM
You'd best give us lots of warning because it's dry - but that's about the only thing that is around here today. It's pouring and I'm lovin' every single solitary drop!
Posted by: June | 05/21/2013 at 03:10 PM
Oh my, what a lovely bit of heaven you have right there! I look at that home and I get a feeling of love and happiness - like I know only good things happen there! - It is a happy house - like my house, here on the Bayou! I love all of your flowers and gorgeous plants - and those views - oh my! And the story of the gentlemen who lived their before you - ahhhh - the stories they could tell! - fun times for sure! You and the Big Guy chose well - you will certainly be happy in that home! - Soon - he will be home for good - well, except for the odd hunting expedition, now and again...
Posted by: Lea M. Callais | 05/21/2013 at 05:43 PM
Lea ...and fishing, mushroom collecting, crawdad catchin', wood cutting... and so on and so on. LOL You're so right - it is a happy home and we're so lucky to have found it. Apparently they entertained and had a lot of dinner parties and we'll be happy to carry on the tradition.
Posted by: June | 05/21/2013 at 09:11 PM
Spectaular views and the secret garden is great, and all those lovely trees surrounding you, sounds like you got a real find there.
Posted by: Shaun | 05/22/2013 at 03:42 AM
That we did Shaun! Three quarters of an acre with lots of space between us and neighbors, I'd say we hit the motherlode. Now, if only I had a green thumb!
Posted by: June | 05/22/2013 at 06:10 AM
Did I tell you...most herbs grow great here? Basil, not so much though.
Posted by: Lorraine | 05/23/2013 at 07:55 PM
There's a huge mystery plant in the front flower bed that smells like anise though I'm not sure what'll become of it since I'm not much of a licorice fan; however, I'm thinking about planting herbs there. Too bad about basil though because it's my favorite. Might have to do that one hydroponically inside instead of outside, huh or maybe push for a little greenhouse. Now there's an idea!
Posted by: June | 05/23/2013 at 09:02 PM
Hey - an idea about identifying the mystery plant - take a photo of it and also bring a cutting of it to a local nursery and ask them what it is... if they don't know - they can probably find out for you! If not - your local county extension agent should be able to help you! They also have a Master Gardener program that you might want to look into... fun for you and the Big Guy now that you will be retired together!
Posted by: Lea M. Callais | 05/26/2013 at 12:44 PM
Lea - that's a GREAT idea, in fact they're all great ideas. It's so fun walking around our yard because things are growing and blooming and it's a little like Christmas and/or Forrest Gump's box of chocolates. Ya' never know what you're gonna' get.
Posted by: June | 05/26/2013 at 04:48 PM
Congratulations, June and the Big Guy, Wow, some digs my friends. Love the view, love the house, love the garden. Bravo! The plant that smells like anise may be sweet cicely if it has a fern like leaf.
Posted by: Tom | Tall Clover Farm | 06/05/2013 at 12:46 PM
Thanks Tom. We love it and now you know why I said we need you here! I'll check out "sweet cicely" ..what a fabulous name and/or will send you a pic of the mystery plant.
Posted by: June | 06/05/2013 at 12:59 PM