Chappell Hill, Texas and the KW Ranch

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XUYLIWRTrAJZ8e05rusUU8gLfaLdGMh1SqGpSJflYpFzhcOedYRFKhjozxEZoXMmkCpS6iAkMCwycgFhzK968hBsKt6Df4od2LfMQg70KOPDJQlHquMWqag3I7f6dZ2xD1w0_LQOw1_G/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117716737175878754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XUYLIWRTrAJZ8e05rusUU8gLfaLdGMh1SqGpSJflYpFzhcOedYRFKhjozxEZoXMmkCpS6iAkMCwycgFhzK968hBsKt6Df4od2LfMQg70KOPDJQlHquMWqag3I7f6dZ2xD1w0_LQOw1_G/s400/021.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> This is the downtown area of a little town about an hour southwest of Houston called Chappell Hill. Five years ago my husband's brother Kirk and his wife Shannon left the big city to become country folks. Now, keep in mind that Shannon was a city person to the core, someone who knows everybody who is somebody in Houston's social circles. Kirk on the other hand was a faux cowboy who liked to fish, hunt, and listen to country music. The family thought they'd last a year at most in their new country home. Now, they are so entrenched in the small town life, we'd be surprised if they moved back to the big city. Big entertainers, they host Christmas for the Webb family and a multitude of parties throughout the year. Their ranch is perfect for the throngs of people they love to have. Recently, I came to spend some time with my country family. Here's a glimpse of how they live, a combination of Kirk's love of everything western, and Shannon's love of everything French.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117705965397899346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4yxdMFcc8ckIZy6oCV8eU_F3i_h-WMDy1nu1H66WlwtzfQc2NJbMdq3AFVvm7BNMjG1fCC6z1JmGztUU-Fe5AiQaqVrq2Xk0RenWgCI6RHOsGNoIkduCIjkaSg8OLEhHpIBsuKPvmwDW/s400/022.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">The entrance gate to the KW Ranch. You can almost make out their brand at the top of the gate. The Lone Star flag of Texas hangs proudly on the right.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117710466523625890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUESEAYML2VmWvquUQfCP5DA7yhUBmWfNfuDGCNrLKWv7cT9AE4peWYz3G4gRlBvfF4LR_xqXHBG8vE2AkguDNMWMY1CAXcvTZ2RDHOb5pn3eTo9f4RUmTXGx8rkrcMLd4j9tqiX6BVM_/s400/082.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The gravel drive, looking back towards the front gate. Live oaks overhang the sides of the drive. In the spring, the front lawn is a mass of bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas.<br /></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></p></span></em><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117710436458854802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqE0DDaRQZmdxme6XKbbA-_FtTn52ig6LPjBSIXJuGcYtuo69jV7OivLMo_8YK_toV_ZnF28m5nFHY81alnJy_KP8OdSu6WPG8pumbSA0m_O_WpKR8-wGsEVpA5GpLXtJR-w6rQKS9oz6S/s400/081.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The first glimpse of the house. Shannon and Kirk took the home down to its studs last year. Everything in it is new: windows, doors, moldings, floor, roof, kitchen, bathrooms, and more.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117709749264087378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1bel1SmOksm9_Zz8lAl_qQ9fGYwaxg85y4DTkJJYMWaWEV4_Uerw1XDyuVW5nnnoMahL5YYDcetbW-RhpFZTE04WaiMZ8xz_uIngmSteerz14IHHujA9Ww03ok__Ge58YEolb-HIZMyQ/s400/074.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The front doors are old, huge and heavy. Little windows open through iron grills. It's almost Halloween, so that's a witch hanging from the door.<br /><br /><br /></span></em></p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117709732084218178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1Fwdm9CH8HbppWPv0wEoQR1cgDqkGw8AGMuRTw3nQkxG0h3PMJP6wWG9RDUmwWlEopSmGljHbnu0tBNydvOSSVMoRd0XRpDmJM6EmUvZnqYyzROo_8rp6yL6tSWw3cHMRI_-SwUIz7Ik/s400/072.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The address and KW Ranch spelled out in Mexican tile.<br /><br /><br /></p></span></em><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117709796508727666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQWWXvJ0EoGa4bi6MdI_eMM4Hq76N4poSixZrDWScUIiORVqdZNsz3eB35uFuVQC8SMJdu2oAD-1TNDD6UcCswAqeNUpJtrXVefoBOR7bSC0HqMGbBu9U8intjg9mN3WLy_y7GJ97xRK8/s400/077.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The flagstoned front patio is a perfect place for coffee in the morning.<br /><br /><br /></p></span></em><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117709775033891170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TA-sX8mTNPWZSpkKPnjqmDQxlwTckkoBZBF0MJZQcfw_KrOcxEu5eTSBORYQDvalS9xlX2i1Rzqc0DBmWskL_jIioh7VtVoCmrgZOWRcAIaFeo13e2xHwCdaUSx0-Zctf9KGQR2dfJxM/s400/075.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A fountain splashes water on the patio by the front door.<br /><br /><br /></p></span></em><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117709727789250866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXWWNBOTdQHpO3arHIWJLW8wdodV-_T1zvUzTq-LpEbzmo8e9WmzU6bwzuFAKNEhC88JHbHmOkRkXr_e57GsGYYdR2Aj4fcEr-9YgI1weExXX_jvX1VhGYkaT6D6Kyl5tDtmijTfmag0Q/s400/063.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />Tin mariachi men provide whimsy on the porch. Shannon and Kirk both have a great joie de vie and their ranch is a perfect example of it.</span></em></p><em><p><br /></p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDSGwqzG8BCynP41Bq7c0WNuWvNgD5S0ax9_fGCUm1URqIbXbKnQRUIBucAMZB50KO7HnzDmAeyUlgy7pbOmcb5raajFayrvQ2S8Q1VNLNOOtMoIFT9LRmrjmNE6g00eNHkfDv-AB0d8f/s1600-h/088.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117711063524080082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDSGwqzG8BCynP41Bq7c0WNuWvNgD5S0ax9_fGCUm1URqIbXbKnQRUIBucAMZB50KO7HnzDmAeyUlgy7pbOmcb5raajFayrvQ2S8Q1VNLNOOtMoIFT9LRmrjmNE6g00eNHkfDv-AB0d8f/s400/088.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The big red barn is home to 3 horses, 3 donkeys, throngs of rabbits, and masses of chickens who aren't eaten, but are treasured for the pastel colored eggs they lay.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc1ffyAoNCTAFMoNfnZ0ScfPTly7Sbo23wPEHUNeDlZyCzBmDvOCeIRl49UQgahBbzEypy3sGNIFpAsHYwkGZqqzysCYv2ppeGjvhbcPHliVZrtnsG1T4lCJzT24Y5RN1Wr7dueGCm4jO/s1600-h/100.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117711115063687650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc1ffyAoNCTAFMoNfnZ0ScfPTly7Sbo23wPEHUNeDlZyCzBmDvOCeIRl49UQgahBbzEypy3sGNIFpAsHYwkGZqqzysCYv2ppeGjvhbcPHliVZrtnsG1T4lCJzT24Y5RN1Wr7dueGCm4jO/s400/100.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The stately Captain, my daughter's horse. We surprised her one Christmas with him.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBcI2LEA_QA9uUOL7Wk6tGrkDmSMEHl6lccLtzWipomYIb4RV4_Y5rfeUmWrQxRJquTqhqFFYVTPhDh04co-mebRD4FYHY5rfyDzbErLXvegqh45wN5nHYielBjU-4edRfbJNZMwRnmcR/s1600-h/104.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117711140833491442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBcI2LEA_QA9uUOL7Wk6tGrkDmSMEHl6lccLtzWipomYIb4RV4_Y5rfeUmWrQxRJquTqhqFFYVTPhDh04co-mebRD4FYHY5rfyDzbErLXvegqh45wN5nHYielBjU-4edRfbJNZMwRnmcR/s400/104.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Three of the friendliest donkeys you'll ever meet. They love the camera! Aren't they the cutest?<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2icBhdUZVc7HNTVEcxMj0AFR2xNV433zqxBNLmsNN3UGdadZdFONb1tC-h29ZxlRWbf5st-Q5p3SbGoiR3YeQLLgQML2A_5W_v4Rt6vXFVx7_gqVgYcKDaidYFqgrs_tLEf_a1OSJcxk/s1600-h/120.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117711192373099010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2icBhdUZVc7HNTVEcxMj0AFR2xNV433zqxBNLmsNN3UGdadZdFONb1tC-h29ZxlRWbf5st-Q5p3SbGoiR3YeQLLgQML2A_5W_v4Rt6vXFVx7_gqVgYcKDaidYFqgrs_tLEf_a1OSJcxk/s400/120.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The proud roosters! So loud in the morning and mean too!<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodkqT-sIowHMDpYocMaHESrXnPT59czawF5tW-m7TldJXPCY_tv5akFF8QidyTfGry-frHgI9QDs4uoni4qCRakCjs5C5Xx-cblZ-IERepXHUqH7deWbI2VR7Fw1imgQ1v4f8bNdJRWoM/s1600-h/129.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117711226732837394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodkqT-sIowHMDpYocMaHESrXnPT59czawF5tW-m7TldJXPCY_tv5akFF8QidyTfGry-frHgI9QDs4uoni4qCRakCjs5C5Xx-cblZ-IERepXHUqH7deWbI2VR7Fw1imgQ1v4f8bNdJRWoM/s400/129.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> More of the Webb's sense of whimsy. Three antique outhouses lined up in the vegetable garden. If you miss a shower, they force you to use these.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_gTSf7aESXmw3kL4mbU25PrGX_fmwyVUSxAB4lCE7NSXxZKKC9bI3CIo_g7iLlnVDqLbbzwr6cihap1Gt19NGzmKNNUvruHhm_kLpQtP2tC4LqXQ0scF9Wc4p5byprA0XRwzbMD2Ax5E/s1600-h/079.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117710384919247234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_gTSf7aESXmw3kL4mbU25PrGX_fmwyVUSxAB4lCE7NSXxZKKC9bI3CIo_g7iLlnVDqLbbzwr6cihap1Gt19NGzmKNNUvruHhm_kLpQtP2tC4LqXQ0scF9Wc4p5byprA0XRwzbMD2Ax5E/s400/079.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> My favorite spot to hide away at the KW ranch. A red swing and two chairs under a huge live oak. The dogs love to sit here with me, waiting for a bite of my morning biscotti.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117712845935508130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd33vi9JbeRixtA9dj3vAdJRlHA_i1Vv8IuinQjN1lLCtwaLHkTs1Gj-dskmIZYLMaDEXMVtULlykDbxlezBifQYt04pNBF8y4OUmpwMnVjYGskTePeh66OSLzU4_2rFxxp2G-p-Kk9oRk/s400/148.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">This table and chair is set up by the shooting range where Kirk and the kids have target practice.<br /></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></p></span></em><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClOJS5knORh2CtHbxKFodXsYFK_LVEOLqf-j3ZXVLp3BWnW_Cru_lohLC87mTjXzgltJ_JW5Uhyphenhyphenun8W_qXx1orkaBwZ7F_d1karicmH8WGF9fbAzd3lGfR9H5w6B6CbdU2Kmc9iTOi8DB/s1600-h/133.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117712721381456498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClOJS5knORh2CtHbxKFodXsYFK_LVEOLqf-j3ZXVLp3BWnW_Cru_lohLC87mTjXzgltJ_JW5Uhyphenhyphenun8W_qXx1orkaBwZ7F_d1karicmH8WGF9fbAzd3lGfR9H5w6B6CbdU2Kmc9iTOi8DB/s400/133.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The back pasture where the horses and donkeys roam.<br /></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center"></span></em></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH6y3K5zDajWxEHkFQkeDEtGIF2_PyKqGCUSwcAzJ48lUkbYbBd67H0dphoGXwKBz-is0CL9BbAYYJH9hSlDocDca2-1Z4kqUgiS408epcLQnq5QMoGvjaVGc44tduVmCPOC8jY97ckfx/s1600-h/137.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117712755741194882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH6y3K5zDajWxEHkFQkeDEtGIF2_PyKqGCUSwcAzJ48lUkbYbBd67H0dphoGXwKBz-is0CL9BbAYYJH9hSlDocDca2-1Z4kqUgiS408epcLQnq5QMoGvjaVGc44tduVmCPOC8jY97ckfx/s400/137.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Of course there's a swimming pool and fountain. It gets hot during the day, but the nights are much cooler than Houston's.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N3aoC9iVKEqAYxiofxcPi6WCltmKKANFL0OYa4iQA7xyOK084Zs4hwPFwF1syhDP_CIpmv7NL84o-x2dhYetbW2xSZSsfLyANdNsPonZymwX9t7-g48Bkh4fe-I3v7QARoAP0MyDO-eZ/s1600-h/145.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117712807280802450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N3aoC9iVKEqAYxiofxcPi6WCltmKKANFL0OYa4iQA7xyOK084Zs4hwPFwF1syhDP_CIpmv7NL84o-x2dhYetbW2xSZSsfLyANdNsPonZymwX9t7-g48Bkh4fe-I3v7QARoAP0MyDO-eZ/s400/145.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> A statue in a secret garden.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh9PY-3_4AYAfZ9MafHs7baYJsCFstsXxpWgpDkOkEFSC5zvetNNcnhKWeOL1ifLuv9nbcIk_elfd8sAlyJbEpki_SKsUGowfI6vzybJvqXQI-_DO1S3UucdOsuNM5OS0hEjSPn7CBN-H/s1600-h/086.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117710500883364274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh9PY-3_4AYAfZ9MafHs7baYJsCFstsXxpWgpDkOkEFSC5zvetNNcnhKWeOL1ifLuv9nbcIk_elfd8sAlyJbEpki_SKsUGowfI6vzybJvqXQI-_DO1S3UucdOsuNM5OS0hEjSPn7CBN-H/s400/086.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Kirk's hunting truck, a must for Texas hunters. They also have golf carts to ride around the property and go down to the lake and fish. My daughter Elisabeth learned to drive on their carts.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2owLeOoalsi6KhnqzQRkSXnY2BkKFX1Y1xq2iBfZNTIoHMOvmvHwF9eS0aFzE9K7_70jW_Xpm_4OdQ8nRRGgKfXPlZluJJ4SIONK_8LuhKzyIt9KibZ8FIsk7WNMpE0NiPFLkWcLREr_I/s1600-h/087.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117710522358200770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2owLeOoalsi6KhnqzQRkSXnY2BkKFX1Y1xq2iBfZNTIoHMOvmvHwF9eS0aFzE9K7_70jW_Xpm_4OdQ8nRRGgKfXPlZluJJ4SIONK_8LuhKzyIt9KibZ8FIsk7WNMpE0NiPFLkWcLREr_I/s400/087.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The guest house with the red door. Shannon's mother has claimed her stake here, the sign read's Dottie's Casista.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhge5Ulu-oNUUjpw0rl7Jce1oB2Cwo6Ge6Du75SsMp6p85SoARUSz-XOvsGJpiBxjweNcbPNcVlq5t-jYRUNm_4DyK1ksr0UApIFZhb6GGtpG5wam7v3c_lxAkxLIMaojYJgDlBlFZN5PzH/s1600-h/060.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117709216688142610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhge5Ulu-oNUUjpw0rl7Jce1oB2Cwo6Ge6Du75SsMp6p85SoARUSz-XOvsGJpiBxjweNcbPNcVlq5t-jYRUNm_4DyK1ksr0UApIFZhb6GGtpG5wam7v3c_lxAkxLIMaojYJgDlBlFZN5PzH/s400/060.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The foyer to the KW ranch house. The Spanish door and Spanish floors contrast with the gorgeous antique display case that houses a monumental collection of Rose Medallion.<br /></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><p><br /></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117709225278077218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEira7n2NOkter2fTLhMFj9HFcl9yli6eRHmNftK0rSsLfvWGHsBn8eVhagTu1IxhpMl1xF-ROwtcgR6Lt5vZCCEqozn7xAw5XwNUYX1I2pchabToEzFOi20TNObxhxFG10DOdpJfXaVOdxY/s400/061.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The Great Room includes a living area and a dining area. This picture isn't too styled! There's a Halloween toy hiding behind the sofa and a red paper cup.</span></em> <p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117705995462670466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOSnvrn-5YwT7k38L4-H8Qu3CWBkGFDITrQZRifu8ResZfr7PLwTZ-8D3smGolfLuz4V7hch30m3wrNemlxg5KHqkctvTtSdS8PmbFI2jKevJw4pHxPtseA6I2eRzLiYNc9_mBUNOd01t/s400/032.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> The dining area with the large table that holds throngs of Webb and Wills family members.<br /></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center"></span></em></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1I3uc6yWI28dvXwvFZegUa3fKkemBp1GwM8DdPC1tJODuhKOVDZxjs_WwxkFKRWH_sDsYMk457MBYhHg9K8ZLqXV-TW6CnSRbwMUXfXI5HidVkZIBFpytHryYNVCfh7d7nsGJn8r-uME/s1600-h/036.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117706455024171154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1I3uc6yWI28dvXwvFZegUa3fKkemBp1GwM8DdPC1tJODuhKOVDZxjs_WwxkFKRWH_sDsYMk457MBYhHg9K8ZLqXV-TW6CnSRbwMUXfXI5HidVkZIBFpytHryYNVCfh7d7nsGJn8r-uME/s400/036.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> At every turn, there's an antique French commode with a tablescape of accessories. Antique French convex mirror above.<br /></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117709195213306098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fK46Z0Y1W1wJRIV0w289KC82hy-JAHoLA5YhPbhkZ8L1tSx8nSgkJb9R1v8cwQwL1HiuhN_f0KbAiy7kPart5QjBzpEeRWuXCS6O12wJ_wzo9jZ_8ISVhd2eXxtag9VanBd_tnPzPH1p/s400/056.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />Another antique commode with matching convex mirror - the pair sit on each side of the large fireplace mantel.<br /></p><p><br /></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117705986872735858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZgraMPzuwc0puM7wLskBtFdTCvNa1we-wuYyMfW9COUKwRC0bCtqiYJghvFeI_HnDdD4RhALzVHeFrJkMzdnrUGPkj9xHjvXfueQeWomTxnDub3buyCOfTOH8lhC5gXG-DGZel9vgbfI/s400/028.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A large antique buffet. The pair of antique rose oil paintings are my personal favorites. Antique French clock and pair of table sconces complete the vignette.<br /><br /><br /></p></span></em><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfwHOK-8muVVZ5Mg-qpLXUkxwXar81NRcLBANzowsZ9sW4SEbpKvRrHwCEyWOhEWtVUtPCRw-t81G4vT9zPm5MkEXYGLeHJ8oblLZfa5QfhEAkiUK2N2hr6bUIsA46QQEAe6T0RGjEU_7/s1600-h/042.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117706463614105762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfwHOK-8muVVZ5Mg-qpLXUkxwXar81NRcLBANzowsZ9sW4SEbpKvRrHwCEyWOhEWtVUtPCRw-t81G4vT9zPm5MkEXYGLeHJ8oblLZfa5QfhEAkiUK2N2hr6bUIsA46QQEAe6T0RGjEU_7/s400/042.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The upholstery is matching linen slipcovers. A zebra skin covers the ottoman.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KLmuyePNOa3XPYgYOTCqZjyrzspCAiItfT6UjJR-BzP3b1643mlecrR-24ibGxyWmAxVvIz2J7FN3tgZgEM9YIW_zz-Kz1_gZaGhdL6xmXXezALjfRnaIzrULTe7Bt9jomVXRTrgnZOy/s1600-h/046.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117706472204040370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KLmuyePNOa3XPYgYOTCqZjyrzspCAiItfT6UjJR-BzP3b1643mlecrR-24ibGxyWmAxVvIz2J7FN3tgZgEM9YIW_zz-Kz1_gZaGhdL6xmXXezALjfRnaIzrULTe7Bt9jomVXRTrgnZOy/s400/046.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Down filled cushions make this sofa a perfect place for a nap.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117709182328404194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFju3mXFEBN58lbuZuxDrZlGO8G9WqNMm2CyXc4WwhsH7pyVN5K6YxdsIi9H5zNBeC4L1rLSzPUNFEfqLy7-fETdw_W3dqO0xGu6pNZsczOEY-jrLAwC9_3R0rNcIUX6zFZ8wr0gddMIhY/s400/053.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Antique oriental buffet juxtaposed with western chair, horns, and hide lampshades.<br /><br /><br /></p></span></em><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lnZhTYt4aYas6RNRVto4ldwCRpoaZwprhFyO_J84F9jpgBikJejGjFMNGrVW-MkhOXBsGGKElqR9D1jyfQ-TpYnVpHsoZJVN7g9Hwl9P-knnTtKKqDjrmKu2O1DCOU7CpJnC6ieAnKZf/s1600-h/048.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117706497973844162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lnZhTYt4aYas6RNRVto4ldwCRpoaZwprhFyO_J84F9jpgBikJejGjFMNGrVW-MkhOXBsGGKElqR9D1jyfQ-TpYnVpHsoZJVN7g9Hwl9P-knnTtKKqDjrmKu2O1DCOU7CpJnC6ieAnKZf/s400/048.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The linen press hides the plasma tv.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TAy9TggiD52egFoVie49ujtN9gRROyfvDQoowarcOIUcFZNGiDCt5bEE8tMKx8jUYR1wweSw3ZX_VvgPbXYSujRiPW2SExk00dlxuxvntYRlCh9ZRpKG2bYaa9B1IYBslrq8OCVw2gQK/s1600-h/050.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117706502268811474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TAy9TggiD52egFoVie49ujtN9gRROyfvDQoowarcOIUcFZNGiDCt5bEE8tMKx8jUYR1wweSw3ZX_VvgPbXYSujRiPW2SExk00dlxuxvntYRlCh9ZRpKG2bYaa9B1IYBslrq8OCVw2gQK/s400/050.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> My favorite book!<br /></span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117709208098208002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLReseE8nvxt7jSoFkeAAd2rbgaqmitU0_OLHfrjvEVd4-kX8Gy4mj1XQZBeM0cJ7kW2dmxjO8xNgdlx1BAM1xP8FWDK5J6GO7fcYfWvrpcf_-xqXY1MWbUbhktE2mjjiATYxXWt6ny7VK/s400/058.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Another antique French buffet with oil painting above.<br /><br /><br /></p></span></em><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117715152332946370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5biVJCt7XJENQAFGJ9pkbfr3IzTe21zGuCXbuyVFc1xVyagDDSH18vJVLuG65PJyGIkFsOhOO4UJGYRf1ShmuDwK8bqlongtKiXR-h3kmth6lPAvLKxhK3cY2xBVonOJIH3wl6pcg39al/s400/211.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> The new kitchen, a little messy from breakfast. Mexican tiles line the backsplash.<br /></span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8ioVJEJ4vYsAD3XEfOsswnULUNlZTZjGaGoOmCL4wT4QQIi6tLYvGPyGUgbF7mjoJlUkFz8a-XDnEH3ggYTSqGRV3-XuA0rRa_m-68Emhv5ZRYqiTju4ErddqyAbHvPlTxeO_mA24bJu/s1600-h/206.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117714495202950050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8ioVJEJ4vYsAD3XEfOsswnULUNlZTZjGaGoOmCL4wT4QQIi6tLYvGPyGUgbF7mjoJlUkFz8a-XDnEH3ggYTSqGRV3-XuA0rRa_m-68Emhv5ZRYqiTju4ErddqyAbHvPlTxeO_mA24bJu/s400/206.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Shannon and Kirk both love to cook on the large stove. Some of my best meals have been eaten here.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117715117973207986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYpao5yDUtvHmiGDDXx27pUL0cxxY3ITXPyz3L91y9c2ULg8Y2S53Gr0s0Yr_8fhFF3mbZoWcyMOb66w7YTtz05BcF5qcgPzzTnBT0YdzUWfGPQL_bC3FArt0mH0pMVJTqPeGSxmeCFnh/s400/208.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />The kitchen window overlooks the pool and the back pasture. </span></em></p><em><p><br /><br /></p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117722015690685554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcihP0JvvvFF0dYh5Dbm0Yz6a1Uu8tGH008yk2hwuYX6hC0L7RGYjYZsUp4RgQiKD71pMqJKvnFGOnYh5mNDHC2tfShcQ1tkMDFMwS_cwn0Uv7cDPnjLS10aHfyskDwqQlHUradne_1nZ/s400/156.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The bar, an essential part of a house built for entertaining. This bar was built around the antique painted buffet.<br /><br /><br /></p></span></em><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117712867410344626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qYTkfqpYsZjt6OqYB7DzlR5ADPebTW2JxaSgdqQCJfax9MJmzsiNXWVb_VWqxpabVQPej6tPOxOcPXADI2xlN6MP8WlEHnFLEBm6RGAxtM3cHA17k1s30kfiDRkkq0eiYK58ry8T80fS/s400/150.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />The family room doubles as a library. It sits off the breakfast area and overlooks the backyard.</span></em></p><em><p><br /><br /></p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5SB_1D6JhibA7TIxZ05RI6VxrdtV7JEzc_UinxU9SMIekpAzQjZmvDMvk_WugrGQDjXlguMXbBdIInPeS48YSzNOimZ6POXE9O7-pCVIAW0atlIpjz1VvycsPRJ9kvHEbPE0q6_t-FrN/s1600-h/161.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117722028575587458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5SB_1D6JhibA7TIxZ05RI6VxrdtV7JEzc_UinxU9SMIekpAzQjZmvDMvk_WugrGQDjXlguMXbBdIInPeS48YSzNOimZ6POXE9O7-pCVIAW0atlIpjz1VvycsPRJ9kvHEbPE0q6_t-FrN/s400/161.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The mud room. In the country, a mud room is essential because shoes quickly get dirty outdoors. All three of the Webb brothers have English springer spaniels from the same litter. Shannon and Kirk have four in all: Quila, Cuero, Sarita, and Quatro. Will there be a Cinco one day? Each <a href="http://www.ocfree.in/Pets/Dogs/">dog</a> has its own monogrammed bed. Quila (short for Tequila) is waiting for permission to come inside with me. Behind the dogs, you can just see the cubbies, one for each member of the human family.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117713318381910722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJMMcKnIwjZoK_W2-tD87qmOkJjUpINvEkn2AeKouSCrhyphenhyphenVVek1T7ekNd4FcXiP3G2sDGsvukZThcTf99rx0DoGSsO9P50SHHYZDqxFkBMjAY21Cbvr1TEveBwhYaJ1GdoTkMqPYcmPKr/s400/153.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />OK: the actress on the left is Sarita, the grinning dog. She actually smiles like this when she greets you. The night before this picture was taken, Sarita, the grinning dog, was sprayed by a skunk. We weren't too happy about that.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117714392123734882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dOcLNyrIQlONW9Okz6ljV0fVbPwIPpCHldA5eld5xQWSv3UWD4GfsCWBMekoF76sl5cYZZZHq3anhd0JuOBnHhsnTTm1uUYgsfvxyDDKHsROT9Jht51qoV4m51UzeoYuKT89p8VHr674/s400/188.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Shannon's bedroom is all white linen.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0gdoi6zrY_yIj51Aepq14w8NT3BMnsGReKo0t7qKnbtC9VD6hProbzgIgZj7whbmLUEl0hA59QICZ4994XHUZxVprUtNGGeaeWaBDPcIFqP7Y0Z2VxhUI9OjykMtFgEUzF8eKEVMazow/s1600-h/163.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117722041460489362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0gdoi6zrY_yIj51Aepq14w8NT3BMnsGReKo0t7qKnbtC9VD6hProbzgIgZj7whbmLUEl0hA59QICZ4994XHUZxVprUtNGGeaeWaBDPcIFqP7Y0Z2VxhUI9OjykMtFgEUzF8eKEVMazow/s400/163.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Shannon's vanity area, yes another antique French buffet, antique mirror and sconces.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a82eAFkdvQNyqPt4whHDTKkKuGRCL3WF3UWbP0tUB-r0JSy-oIi3HyqLEr8K4_mqQrAWcy10D748FQlc2JDztrpzK7AyilsDfxEkF80WDhxvA-Fl9mUnj_LXD7_K6LvDoJjyNIu_uaoW/s1600-h/165.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117722050050423970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a82eAFkdvQNyqPt4whHDTKkKuGRCL3WF3UWbP0tUB-r0JSy-oIi3HyqLEr8K4_mqQrAWcy10D748FQlc2JDztrpzK7AyilsDfxEkF80WDhxvA-Fl9mUnj_LXD7_K6LvDoJjyNIu_uaoW/s400/165.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Shannon and Kirk's new bathroom. One half is pure Shannon: French and feminine. The other half is all Kirk: western. A crystal chandelier lights the bath area. Oriental rugs on the floor, no bathmats, of course.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NX-2BdA706MJ9deEBblbmpLchAbpqH6mfoUnuXVKgnojNZxRUqakCl1GJSUBULeuF_ioSysvreT9yzP3NMZqz-_k2k-2-9rfvzWhrtGUujI3ZU0bRTGDlHzGmCB1wPwbwCNWcC6HrKXj/s1600-h/174.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117713958332037938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NX-2BdA706MJ9deEBblbmpLchAbpqH6mfoUnuXVKgnojNZxRUqakCl1GJSUBULeuF_ioSysvreT9yzP3NMZqz-_k2k-2-9rfvzWhrtGUujI3ZU0bRTGDlHzGmCB1wPwbwCNWcC6HrKXj/s400/174.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The shelves over the tub. All the towels have the KW brand monogrammed on them.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLG5RTRhKGzaVRN9yBUnjD_rMgL_xfdQw8q6ICbDaXL2eKfHu_WeAnyjphb1mKAvFd8p5Lzm6_1UtobIBTKtKS-5miM3Y9W8x4D0CfNS3w4iAQZ74It8KvH5GktemYpLrcNmK2jdEIO0K/s1600-h/181.JPG"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117713988396809042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLG5RTRhKGzaVRN9yBUnjD_rMgL_xfdQw8q6ICbDaXL2eKfHu_WeAnyjphb1mKAvFd8p5Lzm6_1UtobIBTKtKS-5miM3Y9W8x4D0CfNS3w4iAQZ74It8KvH5GktemYpLrcNmK2jdEIO0K/s400/181.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The sink is inset into, yes, an anitque French buffet.</span></em></p><em><p><br /><br /></p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117713911087397650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcfaEsCeMYf9Z_N92sddgVULMSoLopEixdDW_ZVeHMvy3sEWtEGkU-vo10QpX7RzzjlgjfQu-jd6KauWEp7R_qcCnremNnskh13v76q4NuWFJ1A5J-zsyvBHn5NnK7QcdcGAwCt6I5ZKM/s400/168.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Instead of built ins or a linen closet, Shannon bought these tall cabinets to house their towels and bath essentials.<br /></span></em></p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117713932562234146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3Ih9Slwd4uEfdM92MbGgCH3agRy6imdpPvKeT_uFX5Ffw95I6K2yfPRdC7_AdVJaaXAiS85rVPHNrokQmaFbhwCse3-PPUaSmkxY6p8uCUlBRxMTeK94pIlOGs541idSxmRmfTtviIGo/s400/173.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Kirk's side: the sinks were inset into this piece of Mexican style buffet.<br /></p><p><br /></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117713975511907138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixs2LriiBuqZnXEBf9xNOhn2ncBHgLy1wHKO20T1TUz3uSBY1X8cdvhAruZMyZsS6CzRPkTToh1RWjXI3C98Ns2zUy4zWDNqCXk394MX1XkKAT7ft5L0m1fEvDLTXonHG_A-G3KdHAawC9/s400/179.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <p align="center">Kirk's large shower is lined in tile from the ceiling to the floor. There are two showerheads, one is an overhead rain faucet. On the niche to the right, you can just make out the University of Texas longhorn tiles.<br /><br /><br /></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117714469433146258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfgW09s9rWWb8YuxL81wyWbwX9A1QBzw2CQPPZTO2O9GSkLjTn-MKqj_UN9eqqdWkv9tq9Mxhpb6D4D_glbduVKQZsAf4GyXMs5ODthVoKBhxhrGHn3zdhUREIC4hxswOpGwPr2tlfLkS/s400/201.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <p align="center">The guests sleep here.<br /><br /><br /></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117714435073407874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVz1v7bJ9yD-WoiZu9ECnuHCBf7_ggmMZ5orFpm0o55oRK6cJb2BvPx9IRfHxDb-omsNZJhzoXOXnRhTMDHH90WvVCWugwzxiv1lfTSj1ziF7fMlxtKRKTilIDi3KxAAN59XGRwROEH5CC/s400/200.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <p align="center">Wills Webb has his pick of beds in the bunkroom.<br /><br /><br /></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117714405008636786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkwQpkr60xy6sWopEwcNUNL92Zc2Ad8Y78pcqPLekblT6FQmtE1-ME577UJyObfhAnXyteFk10nfyRiLfkQ9yiteWkX34Q38Zje94HOtDSZTXoHNJXfDV8aZk0I7g87zooUH3Eyq9uBNK/s400/194.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <p align="center">Caroline Webb's room is all girly pink.<br /><br /><br /></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117705956807964738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FguG4FUdv0D3WOx-LbShmgHWLwGFMjpr4aL_fAxLz6rkoy4FFwPi1GnZbr3YiZuNoaIyjQ02CsD3OmjDMEYtP4GqGxiVTb6803Kl8N_NBsK4KhjPbtVQYy36ur0pjIjivgHC8ZVxdRVb/s400/024.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <p align="center">And lastly, Shannon's father's self portrait. J. Anthony Wills was an important portrait painter. His portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower hangs in the White House.<br /><br /><br /></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117705973987833954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vLe0Swruz6tpXKtx1FnzKHhAy3xwpjhP35IqFfKlq-eYh5jdmh_0M8IQfjUwNeMUuIcHIzxB1Nl-2vGwHt3UxiM0_QchGOyaCpToeCwKCTxbnEz1yAsxf8Bf0a4-gn_62ugIzxo3Tp95/s400/025.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <p align="center">Shannon, as a young girl, painted by her father. This painting, and a matching one of her sister, was a surprise gift from her father to her mother. For those who know her, it's amazing Shannon could sit still long enough for her father to paint her in such life like detail.</span></em></p><p><br /><br /></p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117715178102750162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NczqMWBnCiII_uLKKoiDBHomS7hWL75AXr0wlZcpoRFpt3aPWP8U3eFgSD0JBhl4732xBI-qVw2mkcE3uWsiZm5JAJIuUFra0v1q327QD4HTxqzDWUlldRme4vyal8QzOFyhpFW5xeOq/s400/213.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Prints of four of J. Anthony Wills' portraits hang in the library: Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Henry Kissinger. Yes, it is safe to say, unfortunately, - these Webbs are Republicans!</span></em></p><p>Thanks for taking the tour of my brother and sister in law's ranch. I hope you enjoyed it!</p>

Chappell Hill, Texas and the KW Ranch

This is the downtown area of a little town about an hour southwest of Houston called Chappell Hill. Five years ago my husband's brother...

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Quaker Chirstmas

Por si fuera poco, ya hay en el mercado otro fantástico quaker con el tema navideño. Esta preciosidad es de Gone Stitches.<br /> Además de la consabida felicitación también tiene bordadas las palabras Peace, Joy y Noel.<br />Los colores también son muy apropiados para la época , verde , rojo y dorado. Un quaker para no perderse en la biblioteca de una quaker coleccionista.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPA7D-9uBAFuW2zlMQmSo_J2w7j8xv7bKflBh3T78uE55b-vzLQODDfzScvxMpA6Ev3Ud3vEEW9veBGjzbFTp0KnPNe0q1c7p0ObSLtwAP0kntqA5XC66kgYFmO-GZ-O20XsKAtDp4tAQ/s1600-h/bsquakerxmas.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117178156034476418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPA7D-9uBAFuW2zlMQmSo_J2w7j8xv7bKflBh3T78uE55b-vzLQODDfzScvxMpA6Ev3Ud3vEEW9veBGjzbFTp0KnPNe0q1c7p0ObSLtwAP0kntqA5XC66kgYFmO-GZ-O20XsKAtDp4tAQ/s400/bsquakerxmas.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a>

Quaker Chirstmas

Por si fuera poco, ya hay en el mercado otro fantástico quaker con el tema navideño. Esta preciosidad es de Gone Stitches. Además de la co...

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A Country French House: Authentic Elements

<div align="left"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116559153295292098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5IoJIr64k-29wgQOZZmD3ZJAMzP7avP0IDVgMQ1iAvTnz7szLDrYl-KiQl_LHgsI77KxFCMPmpuKnf3Ljul3Iptmk9N4HFqG0hDt84nG9TEX6fdnqgcnXXhrkWVhdLT7lWqsKwGBzVSr/s400/french25.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />This beautiful home pictured above is located in the French countryside. Typical of the many homes that dot the landscape, this home didn't start out this large, but has been added to over the years. The original structure most likely housed animals on the ground floor and humans on the second. This type of architecture is gaining in popularity in America. In neighborhood after neighborhood, you can find French styled houses. Usually, these homes are characterized by a stuccoed facade, arched french windows, and a high pitched roof.<br /><br />Unfortunately when some Americans try to copy the architecture of the simple French country house, it usually ends up too fancy, too contrived, or too forced. The beauty of an authentic French country house lies in its simple lines, it stone facade, its charming windows, the wood or stone floor, the tiled roof, the stone fireplaces. What are the elements that make up a true French country home? Here are some of the more important elements that should be included if you are planning to create an accurate country French home:<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORN_2migKTuKL92S9pe7BuhKzLHSk5vl0CFSR4Wlr4o1z3I4JRppwYLs0SSHu7qXzstpgwGjzBpRHzRGkybc4owWkiAqRuG3_wSd1eXzEiLpOkCyNPf9hqMMp-dCsdimgvaeahGyaWF1W/s1600-h/french6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116557349409027458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORN_2migKTuKL92S9pe7BuhKzLHSk5vl0CFSR4Wlr4o1z3I4JRppwYLs0SSHu7qXzstpgwGjzBpRHzRGkybc4owWkiAqRuG3_wSd1eXzEiLpOkCyNPf9hqMMp-dCsdimgvaeahGyaWF1W/s400/french6.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Wood floors are an important element of the French look. Here a floor of reclaimed wood laid in a chevron pattern, is typically French.<br /></span><br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2CTIiAEdDmY9u3zaqhNEURq73MyiMk40mc_JP4hoCmW76EH1bYqk4VS0tP-rrm0gRgOes23GY-w-QTaZS-akA6gaQ8rt1ezBvdlaJTXmpLR_AiXsuHQv69Ww4p_FaULfGRHAlWm30BnT/s1600-h/french5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116556988631774578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2CTIiAEdDmY9u3zaqhNEURq73MyiMk40mc_JP4hoCmW76EH1bYqk4VS0tP-rrm0gRgOes23GY-w-QTaZS-akA6gaQ8rt1ezBvdlaJTXmpLR_AiXsuHQv69Ww4p_FaULfGRHAlWm30BnT/s400/french5.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></ALIGN="CENTER"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The traditional Versailles patterned parquet wood floor.<br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPoYwinzFlu5vYgVdVY01nVsYr8Bki8lc3FPt1FKR0b3THLwFlI9prRk-iHIzHm1uDwAabQXcFA7Pk9GtSP98NPu1FDc2uyNhsz-VCw9UWrFxjwPDmpesnJRJVE2W5SBW5wLDffEVSfNE/s1600-h/french.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116556980041839922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPoYwinzFlu5vYgVdVY01nVsYr8Bki8lc3FPt1FKR0b3THLwFlI9prRk-iHIzHm1uDwAabQXcFA7Pk9GtSP98NPu1FDc2uyNhsz-VCw9UWrFxjwPDmpesnJRJVE2W5SBW5wLDffEVSfNE/s400/french.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Another floor that is popular in the French countryside is that made of terra cotta. These tiles above are laid in the running board pattern.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkAbM9_Op6WcowX8vRji_AC2ptebd1DfC23GjrIdmQjXvb__9oVuyLQwrdst7YSoQrIndsKhMlSdF3gsvQHTMrw6pbWZl_z1weXydUWei737pE4A1wguG_7Loo3II48-gBp9wp0Ec-Jr6/s1600-h/french3.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116556984336807250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkAbM9_Op6WcowX8vRji_AC2ptebd1DfC23GjrIdmQjXvb__9oVuyLQwrdst7YSoQrIndsKhMlSdF3gsvQHTMrw6pbWZl_z1weXydUWei737pE4A1wguG_7Loo3II48-gBp9wp0Ec-Jr6/s400/french3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Here, a reclaimed limestone floor is laid in a traditional pattern.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHDreHppuyQf9agF7v5mw2zw4_8apszmOGN5QxGWs51-8QW0koQHkG5Og586ZUmhrU4nGt0amfmVr2WGcxBkuqxfrTbCCiJa0xU9Cs1XYQL_Q1hYaTOXlXYxVr85ZzGz7qluPBmurRAaS/s1600-h/french4.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116556984336807266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHDreHppuyQf9agF7v5mw2zw4_8apszmOGN5QxGWs51-8QW0koQHkG5Og586ZUmhrU4nGt0amfmVr2WGcxBkuqxfrTbCCiJa0xU9Cs1XYQL_Q1hYaTOXlXYxVr85ZzGz7qluPBmurRAaS/s400/french4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Another terra cotta pattern. This is a popular choice in kitchens and family rooms.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116556980041839938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tV8XthMFGBbsCWoOup_nMtF24Dzs9qcuYAI-Ic2fbu7UvC6C8IVEpsWySt3fqnuEFBdm4IKJ0tzF4dTMCkJ7yfwzxcS2WeohUvquB9N6d_mIKiECJu71V59s3NCdnHRa3uh-SGP0iL1d/s400/french1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> No, these are not horse teeth! These are authentic roof tiles taken from a house in the French countryside. While having a roof made of tiles (new or old) is extremely expensive, nothing says authentic French more than these roof tiles.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHdgvI_QxS9Sn_zXd0Q-psV9jseihNEA2bSYF4WkP7ZvhUw1zQfvZeK4jlfgGv4d144DnDs0SIZTQ36At1V2xKA0a8iKT7BN1z9Maj3xsnX_Pp7WPFgjQZp9CDDne7kTS5DOr_1d0Q3rj/s1600-h/french7.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116557353703994770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHdgvI_QxS9Sn_zXd0Q-psV9jseihNEA2bSYF4WkP7ZvhUw1zQfvZeK4jlfgGv4d144DnDs0SIZTQ36At1V2xKA0a8iKT7BN1z9Maj3xsnX_Pp7WPFgjQZp9CDDne7kTS5DOr_1d0Q3rj/s400/french7.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> A limestone mantelpiece. This particular mantel is actually a reproduction.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOtHlfmH6B1avA4yFn5mv2OTBpDjFq1kB7uAKPHizitwZ3StWxGdp9Pdv1XLu2eGCgpGvz2ejGA9AU5FhTJ1GCeKGFa5baS4bRlDfd7os-tJe-tvIPHYb21QqK8jW3bZEMzhY_BLKk2gA/s1600-h/french8repro.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116557353703994786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOtHlfmH6B1avA4yFn5mv2OTBpDjFq1kB7uAKPHizitwZ3StWxGdp9Pdv1XLu2eGCgpGvz2ejGA9AU5FhTJ1GCeKGFa5baS4bRlDfd7os-tJe-tvIPHYb21QqK8jW3bZEMzhY_BLKk2gA/s400/french8repro.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Another style of a French mantle. Note how deep it is. These types of mantles give a commanding presence to a room.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116558105323271714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-OQn4uMTi3CkD8-X2LjnR4o6cBQpt5XALnFt9FHn67V6Gt1qz98mkiKBVNvAqD-GTDpMmBTY3HZKFt3KIz5tfLAdnfGFHVu6jPRc95DYLTwXpDDmevACJgIcz38NnVSkTq80zOF1L44l/s400/french15.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A stone mantle. Note how high it is, reaching almost to the top of the door.<br /></p></span></em><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116559157590259442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8JEpA9CTjE5ST4h2XUBIah_boEJ1TdFCiktSmS3XmeXSQVTbvki0-1T2xLomI-FYfMCZRq2btLjYWtNNoDPSAvJZ68t0QF1dumfKs2wSD0SlIkfPoZ0etN4J3f8dvVbAwItLiFlQNB6D/s400/french28.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A French home's foyer showing multiple important elements. A staircase made of limestone as opposed to wood. The banister is made of iron in a curved pattern to offset the straight lines of the risers. The floor is cream colored limestone with insets of black marble.<br /></span></em></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTodC76PM3zMj7s7G2kUzc9LzfRUNdHg0FT_c_it5iCHHUgMglsfQ_x4hZk0lbAP6JmFLdMPC47D88wjxmyJq2enBUNsBt5FxMHg-mtGbFZXAoai1-x8vEo2Pj-IDdaF1_ilQw1NMJVXX/s1600-h/french35.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116560038058555234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTodC76PM3zMj7s7G2kUzc9LzfRUNdHg0FT_c_it5iCHHUgMglsfQ_x4hZk0lbAP6JmFLdMPC47D88wjxmyJq2enBUNsBt5FxMHg-mtGbFZXAoai1-x8vEo2Pj-IDdaF1_ilQw1NMJVXX/s400/french35.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a></p><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A second floor landing showing a close up of the iron banister, terra cotta tile floor, and lantern.<br /></span></em></p><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116558500460263074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ufJ-9vYx8hR3DnSIaPFMI9amEInoT28BxEe68R0-WHbzn5Paa4rtT2vR98RybBhjzRbcpy4o9SrrBi53QYDP5p-45xMjaKMXoCVP-7URckrnXdWigeU0qCzqOeg8k6WRPEvNQmIMJv4-/s400/french23.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A typical ceiling in an older French home shows the exposed rafters. This is a true beamed ceiling, a look that is often copied. The beauty of this original ceiling would be hard to fake.</span></em></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CxI8C6uJaqq4wJLINIJVjUOiYdfTc_ows2zpYcGP3hQ8rlUxq7CKvAOFZfRTVQ2nIc-_wO9Sde-5vH9y7EWNVtS2hueqyg3DrimVSfdiKTlZi6rG3Nn7uI9BXOt1V-Nti4WB6JtdDkj7/s1600-h/french36.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116560038058555250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CxI8C6uJaqq4wJLINIJVjUOiYdfTc_ows2zpYcGP3hQ8rlUxq7CKvAOFZfRTVQ2nIc-_wO9Sde-5vH9y7EWNVtS2hueqyg3DrimVSfdiKTlZi6rG3Nn7uI9BXOt1V-Nti4WB6JtdDkj7/s400/french36.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Elements in a fancier French country home: Versailles patterned wood floor, large french doors, beamed ceiling painted white. The beauty of this room is in it's contrasts: the dark painted walls against the white painted paneling; the simple white tablecloth versus the dressy crystal chandelier; the highly detailed patterned floor with the plain sisal rug.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116558113913206354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gUaZHDYEgSGDSJHK34v_6hKPJ22XEMQm4PgavzjvmFXQ6JaLfWj3C63iJwoliLGVkvE6VkJtLrHHvHJqYoqx2ChvSEWCLVsUOAZdzz21E0FwMXXEyGs8PoL1FA3ovlDfhkTJzeqoPUZX/s400/french18.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Windows are a very important element that should be as authentic as possible. These windows open like doors as opposed to windows that raise and lower.<br /></span></em></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EaGcuU056CRjcXsgjJ6l4o5gUbORK_i8jJ2yRFF8c7rGcpz-xdgVQ02u60_8eUljBP1ChouxdXKaLQsHkBGez5aYbau5SwjB8ob5TxeS4wkAV4OjtDOVn1H_1vOI4tDh8g-WATqtL-KP/s1600-h/french37.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116560042353522562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EaGcuU056CRjcXsgjJ6l4o5gUbORK_i8jJ2yRFF8c7rGcpz-xdgVQ02u60_8eUljBP1ChouxdXKaLQsHkBGez5aYbau5SwjB8ob5TxeS4wkAV4OjtDOVn1H_1vOI4tDh8g-WATqtL-KP/s400/french37.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Typical low ceiling of many country homes restored from former animal living quarters. Often, the ceiling heights on the ground floors will be very low. Here the owners have extended the stucco to cover, not just the walls, but also the ceilings. Rooms with these types of low ceilings often have a cave like atmosphere. Terra cotta tiles are laid on the diagonal. Since these structures are made of stone, not wood, the depth of the walls can be extremely thick. The thickness can be observed where the wall meets the window. This type of wall thickness is hard to copy. There are ways to "fake" wall thickness, but the walls will never have the solid feel of real stone.<br /></span></em></p><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116558113913206338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQa8dNZ-H7XCq0Tv4Pj4PvEkMNuFLmzEPTTw4VULrrmHjHgBKyaTH4_MU5hK-AHNKv8rLDf4JFhDE9MsuhUn9PMoPM8A-W9Up4O90O16cutzO6Du3-FRTNpKR4SJJpiLrOrLSO_47ySF38/s400/french17.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Charming bedroom: authentic elements are the stucco walls and terra cotta floors.<br /></span></em><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u><u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u></span></em><br /><p align="center"><u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u><u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9lzyeHcxT09WcFhzkVHJdZ75En2mFzljAbFKFddSKzWR8oEBWr7IglVRYXlc0rcYlAoaBUEWt0Q8oHOr9pxByuVWi4UHAdSQQ0rbO0DrIf5vfQpXyMKw2QqWB5G1JGhp4v-8a8doMsSx/s1600-h/french31.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116559526957446946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9lzyeHcxT09WcFhzkVHJdZ75En2mFzljAbFKFddSKzWR8oEBWr7IglVRYXlc0rcYlAoaBUEWt0Q8oHOr9pxByuVWi4UHAdSQQ0rbO0DrIf5vfQpXyMKw2QqWB5G1JGhp4v-8a8doMsSx/s400/french31.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /></span></em></a><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A typical country french house. Authentic elements to copy: wood shutters, without the typical American slats, terra cotta roof tiles, crushed limestone drive instead of concrete, absence of landscaping around the house.<br /><br /></span></em></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NoCbcB9WhhwxgiBKYLybrIRKpHqBJapf-dA-1Dkh5taY74Rs7ik97eLZimlI1N8qfyyX1GjPDI7eHxsEiuM-gX4PjRr6snmQqBA_bN0Nf9AuF5b1M7aZJJGH9sg8AO-TiOGGdMVThyphenhyphenVz/s1600-h/french32.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116559531252414258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NoCbcB9WhhwxgiBKYLybrIRKpHqBJapf-dA-1Dkh5taY74Rs7ik97eLZimlI1N8qfyyX1GjPDI7eHxsEiuM-gX4PjRr6snmQqBA_bN0Nf9AuF5b1M7aZJJGH9sg8AO-TiOGGdMVThyphenhyphenVz/s400/french32.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Authentic French country home: french doors instead of windows, wood shutters, straight lines, terra cotta tiled roof. This home is located in the southern or Provencal part of France.<br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV2tND2Hdcp2_ygeuAQYhXfkMDcrIxkqS9iYLqEs28C36_4kuCEFnTwfYCqYTkCtd8l9lm72z5s8fAziQKMC-umoG-Lfdm8F5i-pNsmaVL6XMAbAEbcJtVyfaSkxTRpjZwFdIgZQMZpap/s1600-h/french33.bmp"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116559531252414274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV2tND2Hdcp2_ygeuAQYhXfkMDcrIxkqS9iYLqEs28C36_4kuCEFnTwfYCqYTkCtd8l9lm72z5s8fAziQKMC-umoG-Lfdm8F5i-pNsmaVL6XMAbAEbcJtVyfaSkxTRpjZwFdIgZQMZpap/s400/french33.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Close up view of authentic French shutters. These shutters are built to be used, and are not just for decoration. Most are painted a vibrant shade of blue.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlO3FZrCaHuRLwRTXI8e4YS-9BPv-xuEu2xKa_yU49EPfqK5eITlMPut6NnqpOCrIROT0ybvnfIDJoUH80ITfybJdWD7EO1tf-1q1_92TWDWZRdBU5b-InR9ypZWtztoBTgi-SVZ9O0ior/s1600-h/french34.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116559531252414290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlO3FZrCaHuRLwRTXI8e4YS-9BPv-xuEu2xKa_yU49EPfqK5eITlMPut6NnqpOCrIROT0ybvnfIDJoUH80ITfybJdWD7EO1tf-1q1_92TWDWZRdBU5b-InR9ypZWtztoBTgi-SVZ9O0ior/s400/french34.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Another blue shuttered, straight lined facade, terra cotta roof French country home. Note again, the absence of landscaping bushes surrounding the front.<br /><br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfTmVs6kNy2mDMjfwLEBedBquy2k6ysMjCiusLowIzNyTFgA62Yr20ZdTQindjXVR3b-MPW-RkutySpnp4cbTrdWBBFrpfhaJsNqHe_jT-lOaE7V3QGOuKfErwuwfKml9jyJIghy7zWN1/s1600-h/french26.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116559153295292114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfTmVs6kNy2mDMjfwLEBedBquy2k6ysMjCiusLowIzNyTFgA62Yr20ZdTQindjXVR3b-MPW-RkutySpnp4cbTrdWBBFrpfhaJsNqHe_jT-lOaE7V3QGOuKfErwuwfKml9jyJIghy7zWN1/s400/french26.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Many country homes are reached by an allee of trees. What a wonderful way to reach home.<br /></span></em><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYhVddZ7UFA-aYT60-F0BlznmHdTiQv4Ib7IIqSETDmN1AMRvfYoiZ7jtNyA-drs2BEdQcr6Qj_wsnW8cdz2HILo7XpVZrbE5E4ep72akm_4tbob8p2EvS3gtaRhbwhZUl3VfkXWmspDm/s1600-h/french21.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116558500460263042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYhVddZ7UFA-aYT60-F0BlznmHdTiQv4Ib7IIqSETDmN1AMRvfYoiZ7jtNyA-drs2BEdQcr6Qj_wsnW8cdz2HILo7XpVZrbE5E4ep72akm_4tbob8p2EvS3gtaRhbwhZUl3VfkXWmspDm/s400/french21.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Reclaimed barn, now used as a country home. Large, crushed stone patio surrounds the house with the blue shutters and tiled roof. This home has it's stone facade exposed as opposed to stuccoed.<br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAueoEIHf2Np6TZxkfvp1AeQLncLzrMClD9xS6_p5p9hL3X27-Dwg5VbU26xYCL_qM5C6_C_VN0MFh8KTmS2eluh9L7NnFYChSXk3QZ9CE_WM-3-_4WwsbeAbCmjk1aXOvKh7x5tYEPyfx/s1600-h/french24.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116558504755230386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAueoEIHf2Np6TZxkfvp1AeQLncLzrMClD9xS6_p5p9hL3X27-Dwg5VbU26xYCL_qM5C6_C_VN0MFh8KTmS2eluh9L7NnFYChSXk3QZ9CE_WM-3-_4WwsbeAbCmjk1aXOvKh7x5tYEPyfx/s400/french24.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Here is a departure from the norm: Pale painted shutters, french windows instead of french doors. But the long, straight line of the facade gives it the distinctive country French look.<br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILcCQZBmFLPU2CpsnrNpMM0o9Mer6j8ZsCHes9p_kThH5OvCXZX-KMLQJtPBIGzlbwD9fRfGUwh57yJb3axZn7O8o2hAsgbvv8N_4vCWn9NZyWo2bqOl_N6Y_ijbztEGXmgJZoZsmlNE_/s1600-h/french19.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116558118208173666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILcCQZBmFLPU2CpsnrNpMM0o9Mer6j8ZsCHes9p_kThH5OvCXZX-KMLQJtPBIGzlbwD9fRfGUwh57yJb3axZn7O8o2hAsgbvv8N_4vCWn9NZyWo2bqOl_N6Y_ijbztEGXmgJZoZsmlNE_/s400/french19.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />One type of a French fountain, a must in the French garden. Again, crushed limestone is used instead of pavers, tiles, or concrete.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116560046648489874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6l9jv_tzW38U7q8J2PZF2JdPL5DFGT-ctX99d1O4abP5AJBs7s9-VNpB6eWghYj5ClpXZj-KMrEYUQSvY12fgKXvhBSmif7HK8lMfSjthsf_A2o9NpSyHpQ0E7up2RSHTEFmj507udQN/s400/french38.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />An outdoor buffet of wine and cheese in Southern France.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116557353703994802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYv2UbAOLYvaq7OaytANGElLWd1RRVgMFxtb69BQiFWpkEX2yrv25-7Sjn56rFMyJgZu9u2WyX-Zo0ukNJhbEtG4MGWmaX-an3elDRYQQLonvsHzl1QFsflRPqHU1uofBv13hUJfZqoYS2/s400/french9.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Another fountain design, to be placed against a wall. This fountain is actually a reproduction, not an antique.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116557357998962114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_5iEKedwq8wJwLkhCwwbbzOg6bxIw4oYU9oOHPiikg64pIGWGmJWeT6VQGXAxHfia-Tx3KDaqFrjc2gXoXTXK760jOw1a8a6JQ9ubCSGWUWHsMgSsrQy7V-CJFKtlo4fWq_HX9MBDDsd/s400/french10.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />The fountain in a secret garden setting. When a fountain is placed in a hidden garden, the sound of the water draws you to the fountain, as opposed to seeing it first.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116558496165295730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniDPqtn8jJP3HhbTIZYHwN0cZzjWk-NiCYvLHP6iC8e_F7NHwru5P0TZJL4jmI8tVpwJWa3tnUO5hJZJHgYmXzWCk-3MYoWp0SSMSTuzWSxIh-oMgXOOaYrtalMJwxqeExKRzUPdGjowz/s400/french20.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Here is an American "vision" of a country French home, for sale - it was advertised as a "French Beauty." With it's leather recliner, hideous book cases, wall to wall carpet, plain vanilla walls - this could be a charming room, instead it is totally uninspiring. The basic elements are there - a lovely mantel, ceiling beams, high ceilings - instead these Americans have no clue how to make their house, as advertised, a "French beauty."<br /><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxR5KOTOnQ_bh6-gbMM5jEKVZ9oXmJd1c9i6MTtokV3eRere7FJQ4R0EtjqVt5UbOkjqBcwFVB4wc8Ik9rfFmylUdKpts3rhcP5aonGdEW7R35uQsYuET3KIKor7xj__ymwLl1dcOYx3W/s1600-h/french27.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116570509188822946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxR5KOTOnQ_bh6-gbMM5jEKVZ9oXmJd1c9i6MTtokV3eRere7FJQ4R0EtjqVt5UbOkjqBcwFVB4wc8Ik9rfFmylUdKpts3rhcP5aonGdEW7R35uQsYuET3KIKor7xj__ymwLl1dcOYx3W/s400/french27.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Lest you think it is just Americans who can ruin a good room, take a look at this disaster. A home located in the south of France, this room has gorgeous moldings, niches, fireplace, mirror, french windows, Versailles patterned wood floor - yet it is a total disaster. A black leather sectional spars against a matching yellow leather sectional. Matching white lacquer tables finish off the less than passable decor. This room has everything going for it, yet the owners are either unaware of the room's beauty, or they happen to like tacky furniture. Either way, it's such a shame to ruin a gorgeous room that has so much potential.<br /></span></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XHLLrOQcw6yvchSLUjoMZ8DQ6EL3XAB6oJrYJAvweKPQe1Em9BgCrZXj8XzsDxdrOTzGkPfEnnSjTkWz0iKFVHElDhtyuFOotEs0H973H6K0jIwCnQ0nVO9y5CMwN0BDXqfTc_YjTVWs/s1600-h/scan0001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117367380241053730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XHLLrOQcw6yvchSLUjoMZ8DQ6EL3XAB6oJrYJAvweKPQe1Em9BgCrZXj8XzsDxdrOTzGkPfEnnSjTkWz0iKFVHElDhtyuFOotEs0H973H6K0jIwCnQ0nVO9y5CMwN0BDXqfTc_YjTVWs/s400/scan0001.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Here's a French country house that DID get it right: the entry has beautiful French doors, distinctive molding above the door, terra cotta tile, painted ceiling, and a minimum of furniture and accessories.<br /></span></em></p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><p align="center"><br /></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117365477570541490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-ItE-ymVpIfNI0bwWtVIfBaCrxOsG1TEEnn5k2GqfigqUuq61n3ZZY0nZUe6PdsHorNtV8bXGpFwr9goFvBTI-zQ3s-5Iu5u1xfEa8EkhGE5sZAzFf6iDV_dayKr6QdKODLcvCsVXPiX/s400/french41.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></div><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Another country French house - here the living room is shown, appropriately casual for country living. French elements include stuccoed walls, beamed ceilings, and terra cotta tiled floors. An antique canopied daybed lends a romantic touch, as does the baby grand piano.</span></em><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></p><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117365481865508802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuicjRduJxrA4qs21L-y9dhhatIF9_ZC-19PRFmhrQiExT1Ja1PIjOV4-7kaxxrG7M7TG8aBlMRBFWoH-noNY6_Tpp0dXZpcglBt-U_6SPJajQIsh6lPcob17cTWEZ04tZ7bGO-o4uQWUW/s400/french42.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">This country French dining room shows the essential elements: fireplace mantel, limestone floor, low stuccoed ceiling, and French windows.</span></em><span style="font-size:85%;"><em> The fancy crystal chandelier plays against the simple chairs and rustic planters.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117365494750410722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoZtu0Cx5Yo3PnKfj5Qo4jn5duQqWDbPChPxJnKboD57MdPnL1MKA5HG4Lwgfhylch9CBBVOLWn_uAFu_oKAZp0WjEsZitM1vzGsKs7ZCXLiaJLfgn_BnxX5sr6fjVPMQwusRkT7TAW_e/s400/scan0002.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></em></span><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Here a country French house shows it's relaxed style by using cream painted antiques, rustic tables, cream colored dinnerware, and bushes instead of flowers. Though the style is comfortable, the antiques give it an air of sophistication</span>.</em><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUJrYnDY76cDfM612g_10i99GLp2YaUOcKatYe-f2abucFPUiAccGb7qOx0TLJJv8mIxhcYkpDzHWJDOqs6veYaZYecUnpozhJJcUOPd0U1Vtw8mu1FJSKhT55iH7PKg3e0sCd7gnIaQd/s1600-h/scan0004.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117365713793742850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUJrYnDY76cDfM612g_10i99GLp2YaUOcKatYe-f2abucFPUiAccGb7qOx0TLJJv8mIxhcYkpDzHWJDOqs6veYaZYecUnpozhJJcUOPd0U1Vtw8mu1FJSKhT55iH7PKg3e0sCd7gnIaQd/s400/scan0004.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Here, an American tries and succeeds in getting the country French look "right." Wood floors and stuccoed walls, along with French windows and arched doors lend important elements to the house. The furniture, though gives the true French feel to the house. The antique French settee and chairs are both painted cream, typical of the furniture found in the French countryside. The painted, oversized trumeau is the crowning touch to this living room. Hydrangeas in a patinaed green vase add the romance.</span></em></div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicV64wgKkvU4zqXBuFD3jhR3gRNmfjXcL7RzLyPFXucHoTZekUA1CSzdV1DFzerUHmOQq3H9nVBM2Z70O3DqOr3SuJ3e-8Ejhet8UFKRHO9zNiMmBzf3hCjHHu4waXP-KTGVQKNIxzfFQZ/s1600-h/scan0003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117602843233122354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicV64wgKkvU4zqXBuFD3jhR3gRNmfjXcL7RzLyPFXucHoTZekUA1CSzdV1DFzerUHmOQq3H9nVBM2Z70O3DqOr3SuJ3e-8Ejhet8UFKRHO9zNiMmBzf3hCjHHu4waXP-KTGVQKNIxzfFQZ/s400/scan0003.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Another American house going in the right direction: French doors, wood floors, cream painted antique chairs and rustic buffet. This dining room is so relaxed and soothing, it would look totally at home on the French cote de sud.<br /><br /></span></em><br /><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></em></div></div>

A Country French House: Authentic Elements

This beautiful home pictured above is located in the French countryside. Typical of the many homes that dot the landscape, this home didn...

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While I darn Sewing Set . SAL. Objetivo 1

Llegó el momento de comenzar este SAL, como habéis visto que había anunciado en Blog it Express. Pero primero unas cuantas consideraciones.<br /><br />1- ¿ Qué es un SAL? Son las siglas de Stitch A Long, una forma de hacer un trabajo, cada uno el suyo , siguiendo unas pautas marcadas por una moderadora.<br />Es una forma de motivarse, animarse, hacer algo en grupo, participar de las inquietudes o problemas que pueda surgir al hacer el proyecto.<br />Vamos, que ese día dedicado al SAL, compartiremos el objetivo marcado y conoceremos la siguiente tarea. <br />A veces, se dan todos los objetivos temporalizados y así todo el mundo sabe lo que tiene que hacer durante un periodo de tiempo, que casi siempre suele durar algún o algunos meses, dependiendo de la dificultad y extensión de la labor.<br /> Será como juntarnos un ratito cada x tiempo de forma virtual. La que quiera con el cafetito al lado. Yo desde luego. <br /><br /><br />2-Según me escribió Simona y luego añadió Giulia, tienen preparada una sorpresa para las participantes de este SaL,¡ wow, qué sorpresa, qué suerte y qué emocionante ! ,¡todo un detalle! <br /><br />3-Habéis votado 31 personas en el artículo donde hice la convocatoria y pregunté cómo queríais hacerlo. Me sorprende qué sólo conozcamos quienes son 15 personas. Por favor , os invito a que dejéis un mensaje en este artículo , aunque no tengáis blog. Os he ido añadiendo en la lista , a la derecha, según me lo habéis ido comunicando. Así podremos seguir los avances y resolver dudas. <br /><br />4-Los objetivos los daré a conocer en un artículo específico para el SAL CADA QUINCE DÍAS, en este <a href="http://andromeda210789.osobni-stranka.cz/uvodni-stranka/">blog</a>.<br />NO ENVIARÉ EMAILS PRIVADOS diciendo lo que toca hacer. Creo que es más sencillo y a mí me quita trabajo. Además si hay que aclarar algo , se enterarán las demás y puede ser de ayuda.<br />Hay otras bordadoras que seguirán el proyecto sin hacerlo. Así estarán al tanto porque será público.<br /><br />5-Podrás animarte a realizar esta labor cuándo quieras. Sé que todavía hay gente que está por recibir los materiales . <br /><br />6-YO NO VENDO ESQUEMAS, NI KITS. Lo digo porque varias lo han presupuesto. Sólo soy una más que quiere hacer este bolsito de labores y en vez de hacerlo sóla , como podría hacerlo, voy a hacerlo compartiendo los avances con las que quieran unirse. <br /><br />7-Como el tiempo para hacerlo está dudoso ( 16 dijisteis que cada quince días y 15 que cada semana ) he decidido convocarlo cada quince días. Es decir, que hoy 1 DE OCTUBRE, comenzamos el PRIMER OBJETIVO que tendremos hecho el próximo 15 DE OCTUBRE. Y así sucesivamente.<br />Ya sabéis tenéis una cita cada 1 y 15 de cada mes.<br /><br />8-El próximo 15 de octubre , que será la segunda cita, diré cuál es el siguiente objetivo ,y suma y sigue. <br />De esta manera iré tanteando cómo váis y si os da tiempo a realizar la tarea encomendada. ¿ Qué tal hasta aquí ?<br /><br />9- En el caso de que me dé tiempo, intentaré ir por delante para que veáis terminado el objetivo correspondiente. Mucho mejor si vemos que si leemos lo que hay que hacer¿ no ?Esto lo he aprendido de otros SALs que he hecho antes y es que cuando algo es nuevo , es más claro si lo vemos ya bordado que si tenemos que ponermos a ello.<br /><br />10-La mayoría tenemos bastantes cosas entremedias y se trata de seguir con ellas, además de nuestras obligaciones familiares y de trabajo. Por eso quince días me parece mucho mejor. Como decía el anuncio aquí no ocurrirá eso de " me estáaaaaaa estresannnnnnnnndo ". <br /><br />......Y después de esta parrafada aquí llega el PRIMER OBJETIVO.<br /><br /><br />BORDAREMOS EL BORDE DEL BOLSO , SIEMPRE CON DOS HEBRAS SOBRE DOS HILOS. ES EL COLOR VERDE BILLAR. SITÚALO EN LA TELA TENIENDO ENCUENTA QUE LUEGO HABRÁ QUE CORTAR 2.5 CM DESPUÉS DEL BORDADO PARA COSERLO.<br />Tenemos 93 puntos por 254. En el esquema se adjunta un esquema general con la medida exterior del bolsito. Eso también os dará una idea.<br />MUY IMPORTANTE: coge siempre hebras de una en una de la madeja y luego júntalas guardando siempre la misma tintada. Luego haz la cruz cerrándola , es decir, de una en una , para guardar el matiz del tinte. Creo que esto ,la mayoría , ya sabe que hay que hacerlo con los hilos tintados.<br /><br />Creo que no me dejo nada. Si se os ocurre algo más lo decís.<br />Os aseguro que estoy deseando ponerme a ello. Y recuerda, queremos saber de tí si es que te vas a unir a esta aventura.<br /><br /><br />PS¡ Madre mía qué cosa más larga he escrito !

While I darn Sewing Set . SAL. Objetivo 1

Llegó el momento de comenzar este SAL, como habéis visto que había anunciado en Blog it Express. Pero primero unas cuantas consideraciones...

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¡¡¡¡¡Gracias Aurora!!!!!

Este fin de semana recogí en correos un paquete que me tenía intrigada.<br />Aurora tuvo el detalle de enviarme estos regalitos aprovechando mi pasado santo. La verdad es que cuando le eché una mano lo hice de forma totalmente desinteresada, como hago cada vez que me pedís ayuda y puedo contestaros dentro del tiempo del que dispongo (....... siiiiiiii,ya sé que tengo correos pendientes......y noooo , no he olvidado contestar el tuyo ) <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs0INAnQpuhuEd-5ltPTaqgEFD59Gt6T_xN_cJvfqkqPnELS7bQwOMrOqccJ-S9gBqBbsWCVT3_TAFyMWQOKOghZYfzIUATw-yY73Yj3ix1SNkDMPSf-T6zLn508CYfF_5zZ1Rdjvvzo/s1600-h/De+Aurora.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116334602982705506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs0INAnQpuhuEd-5ltPTaqgEFD59Gt6T_xN_cJvfqkqPnELS7bQwOMrOqccJ-S9gBqBbsWCVT3_TAFyMWQOKOghZYfzIUATw-yY73Yj3ix1SNkDMPSf-T6zLn508CYfF_5zZ1Rdjvvzo/s400/De+Aurora.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br /><br />El caso es que me he sentido TAN SORPRENDIDA, que aunque hubiera sido una bolsa de patatas fritas, hubiera estado igual de agradecida. ¿ No es estupendo que se acuerden de tí ? Menudo detalle. Gracias, gracias y gracias.<br /><br />Gracias por el pack para scrap, que le voy a dar uso ya mismo, por el dedal , por ese marcapáginas tan sevillano y por la preciosa postal que tengo a la vista en mi habitación de costura.<br /><br />Un beso fuerte, ¡¡¡¡¡¡OOOOOOLEEEEEEE!!!

¡¡¡¡¡Gracias Aurora!!!!!

Este fin de semana recogí en correos un paquete que me tenía intrigada. Aurora tuvo el detalle de enviarme estos regalitos aprovechando m...

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