...holiday wishes

Merry Christmas from Florida!

source

James T. Farmer, III

source

source

A true delightful southern gentleman, he is. James was a featured speaker at the Jacksonville Arts & Antiques show this year and I happily purchased tickets.  JTF or the Farmer, is a fusion of Martha Stewart and P. Allen Smith, methinks.  Sporting a belt which reveals his complete name on an attached brass plate, James is a contributing author to Southern Living magazine, as is Jenna Bush Hager, and the author of a number of lifestyle books, a speaker, a designer, and on and on. Speaking with colloquialisms and a local southern vernacular adds to the charm. From his entertaining dialogue, I gleaned that he is fond of buffalo checked fabric, rosemary, botanicals, and the  blue and white combination. He eagerly recommends following the "May Rule" for pruning in the gardens. JTF also encourages the selection of hyper-seasonal foods and recipes, fresh and in season.  Already working his brand, watch for this affable young man to rise rapidly! Read more of James on his blog, all things Farmer and his website. 

Mrs. Howard

Mrs. Howard in Jacksonville Beach held a Sidewalk Sale.  Most items were previously and gently used, though marked down some.  

Photos from the lovely showroom. Love the lantern.

Gorgeous table settings

Holiday table decor

My purchase: a small transfer ware plate.

needlepoint ornament '12

A partridge in a pear tree

original painted canvas 

Fall leaves...

Sandy left a sea of leaves in my yard, but none as beautiful as these.

source

nightly...

Somewhere in the woods behind my house,  an owl lurks and hoo-hoo-hoos.

source

Autumn at The Homestead...

The Colonel and I took in some golf and a visit to the Homestead in Hot Springs, VA.

 Furnishings and fabrics in our room in "the tower"

 Horses in a pasture which borders the golf course

 Fabulous architectural detailing

 Map of the C&O railway which lead visitors to the resort long ago

 The lobby where tea is served every afternoon... your choice of iced or hot

 The clubhouse at the Cascades course.

 Once the summer home of a wealthy New York stockbroker, Jake Rubino who lost it all in The Crash.

 Photos of Sam Snead over the fireplace

 Women's locker room was just lovely.

 A clock reminds one of the time....don't be late to the tee box!

Exquisite detailing everywhere

Britishisms...

source

Read more about it here.

onward to Bermuda...

Kiawah Island, SC

Some photos of my journey to Kiawah Island: bicycles, golf, shore, all gorgeous

 The Ocean Course, site of the recent PGA Championship

Weather vane and ravens

 Gorgeous marshland

 Turtle Point Golf Course clubhouse

Pelican weather vane