Are We Walking to Alaska

Are We Walking to Alaska
Are We Walking to Alaska - A True Story

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Our Deck In The Summer

We enjoy our deck every day - sometimes several times a day.  We have been eating dinner on the deck for weeks now.  I always take my lunch, the kindle and some crocheting out on the deck in mid day.  

We are into the strangest summer in NW Washington.  It has been sunny every day since June 27 and the temperatures have been so pleasant - around 75 for an average in the day - and cool nights for sleeping - absolutely perfect.  Usually we have rain now and then in the summer, but this summer, just sunshine.  We had a tiny bit of drizzle last night - and they say 30% chance of showers tomorrow - not very likely.  Many neighbors were out walking in the drizzle - I think Washingtonians get a little fidgety when we don't get some rain now and then.


A corner of the deck - with the grandson's swingset in the background

Planter with pink and white Geraniums

White Geraniums

Pink Oak Leaf Geranium









Hen and chicks in a big abalone shell



These petunias started out as hot pink with little dabs of white on the outer edge of the petals



Some now have more white on the edges


And some are almost solid pink


Plain pink petunias in the railing planters



White petunias - I love the scent and look of petunias




Purple petunias backlit by the evening sun


At a yard sale, while on vacation, I found these pieces of painted driftwood - they looked like the perfect thing for our "dock" deck


Hanging along the ramp railing




I also found a new corner rack for the deck


A hand carved duck decoy that I've had for a long time


Perfect with the net float, boat bumper and little anchor

A cleat on a bench - a gift from our SIL's father

This pulley has had several homes on the deck - this was before the new shelf



My hand gardening tools - hung from the head of a rake that lost its handle



I've collected vintage hand tools for years - long before Martha made it fashionable (and expensive)


Such stories they could tell




The weeding balls are one of my favorites, though I have to say, that tiny rack is adorable.

Two gnomes and a pelican - one industrious gnome - he keeps things swept up

Ready for a picnic on the deck

Watermelon napkin holder
Ahhh summer!!

Stop by some time - we'll have a glass of iced tea - or a picnic





10 comments:

Jeanne said...

Your flowers are beautiful. The stinky rabbits ate most of mine.

eileeninmd said...

Your deck is lovely, I would like to have a planter like yours. It is pretty with the geraniums pots. Lovely flowers and photos. Have a happy weekend!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Looks like the perfect place to hang out! I too love and collect vintage garden tools. I have saved an old rake head to do that same thing in a future potting shed. Love your pulley and I have never seen a weeding ball before. Really unique! I love the smell of Petunias. Just so very sweet! Hopped over from Cottage Garden Party.
hugs,
Jann

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Your deck looks so inviting and beautiful, JoAnn! I love all your flowers - they look so happy! I really like your nautical theme with the hanging driftwood buoys - those are really cute! Love those old gardening tools, too - they do have such character. I think it would be the perfect place to stop by and have a glass of ice tea! Hugs, xo Karen

Kay said...

I think you've been having better weather than us - we've had a goodly number of days that have been foggy or overcast, though it's usually brightened up eventually.

Your deck looks so nice with all the flowers in bloom. I passed up on a planter just like yours - the one with the geraniums - at a garage sale. It was a bit overpriced, but I've since regretted it. And I regret it again seeing how nice it looks on your deck!

NatureFootstep said...

such a great way to use the spoiled rake. Love it!

Martha said...

How beautiful! Your deck looks like the perfect place to spend the entire summer. Your flowers are gorgeous and I love your nautical decorative stuff and your vintage garden tools! Everything is just perfect :)

Pondside said...

What a lovely spot! Your deck is so welcoming. I love what you've done with the broken rake!

Unknown said...

I love my deck too, wish we were having your weather. It has been a cool and rainy summer this year. The only thing out there now are the flowers and my hummingbirds that feed voraciously daily as it is cooler. We have the heat on this morning just so you know.
Love your photos, which does make your deck even more inviting.

Unknown said...

Very nice, I love all the flowers :).