The Porch Party Is Today

Today there is a very special event taking place. It is Rhondi's Porch Party.  Rhondi hosted this event last year, and it was wonderful.  There are so many participants, and they are each sharing fantastic porches.  Be certain to go to Rhondi's so you can visit her and all of the other people sharing their hospitality today.

I love porches, don't you?  They are a place to be alone to enjoy the quiet, the gifts of nature and have time to meditate, enjoy a book, or a cup of coffee or cool drink.  You know, here in the south you can often find people sipping iced tea while in their rocking chair on the porch.

Porches are wonderful places to share time with family, friends and neighbors.  Sometimes the talk is just to catch up on the lives of others.  We discuss our spouses, our children, our loved ones, our friends.  We share our trials and our many blessings.  We give and get advice.  Yes, our porches are certainly places conducive to the pleasures of our lives.

Today, I invite you to come sit with me on our front porch.  There will be someone home all day, so just feel free to stop by any time you can.

Oh, I see you found our home.  I'm so excited that you are stopping by for a visit.  Come on up to the porch.

Take a minute to look at our pink Gumpo azaleas.  They are in full bloom, and I think they look so pretty.  My husband and I were just saying that we think there are more blooms this year than ever before.  That is Beatrice standing next to the steps.  She is always there to greet everyone that comes to our home.

Speaking of our Gumpo azaleas, just look at this one.  It is the only one we have ever seen that has two different color blooms on the same plant.  It must go by the philosophy that variety is the spice of life.

Our hydrangeas are just starting to bloom, and I put some in my pretty pink glass pitcher for us to enjoy.

I love hydrangeas.  When I was a little girl, I liked to play bride.  I always wanted a hydrangea bloom to use as my bouquet.  This blue hydrangea bloom is for Sally's Blue Monday.  We purchased this plant from The Elizabethan Gardens at The Lost Colony in Manteo, North Carolina.  They often have plants for sale that have been started from historic stock plantings in the gardens.  We had tried many times to get a hydrangea to grow in our yard, but we had no luck until we brought this one home.  I guess it just proves that there are benefits to coming from good stock.

Have a seat.  I poured you a cup of coffee, and there is a plate filled with a homemade peach turnover and fresh strawberries and blackberries.  Would you like some cream and sugar for your coffee?

I just know you are going to love the peach turnover.  My mother used to make them when I was growing up.  They were always a special treat for my father, and they called them peach jacks.  How do you like the coffee?  It is Kona blend, which is my favorite.

It is so wonderful to me that I have things from our family and friends.  The silver pitcher was a wedding gift we received from my grandmother.  The plate is jadite Alice Fire King, and it is special because the pattern shares the name of my mother's older sister.  The cup and saucer are my mother's pattern when she and my father were first married.  It is Jean by Homer Laughlin, and it shares the name of my mother's younger sister.  The delicate lace napkin belongs to my mother.  The silver flatware is Towle Candlelight, and I inherited it from my grandmother.

I'm going to sit in this chair next to you.  We'll have a nice visit, and then I know you will want to move along to the next porch party.  But, first let me show you these pictures of my grandson.

Thank you for coming.  And, a special thank you to Rhondi for hosting this wonderful opportunity allowing our community to sit and share a special time.  Rhondi, you are our "Porch Queen".

Comments

[Sally]

Thank you for the lovely hydrangea. I've always preferred blue as they remind me of the ones my Daddy grew when I was a little girl. What a nice visit. Thank you for sharing. Happy Blue Monday!

[BARBARA]

Beverly, I am so glad you invited me to sit on your porch and have coffee and a peach turnover, your flowers are beautiful and I too love hydrangeas.

Happy Monday!

[ItaJeff]

Hi Beverly, you have a beautiful house and surrounding, I'm so happy you invite me to come over and have a sit on your porch...its so wonderful and lovely.

Lots of luv,
Ita

[MyThoughtsMyVoice]

Aaawww your home is like a mystery that's partly hidden by those trees :-)And Beatrice is a sweet little girl - always welcoming guests.

I don't think porches in a home are very common in our place. It's just a door and a little area outside of it. Nothing like what you have there.

Thanks for sharing you precious items with us. Everything is filed with wonderful story and memories - including the food your serving has a nice story to it :-)

Li

[dana]

Oh, Beverly, I LOVED my visit on your porch! Your azaleas are beautiful and I agree about the 'spice of life' reference you made about their duel colors! Your hydrangeas are also lovely. Perhaps I need to look for a better 'stock', too, the next time I try to grow some! I love all the items you used today because they are lovely and because they all have wonderful history to you. The pattern of your mom's dishes is so pretty.
The treats you served where so delish---especially that peach turnover! yum!

Beatrice looks so sweet--she was perfect in her "greeting" duties. Oh, I love how gorgeous your home looks surrounded by all of the greenery!!

Have a fun day!!! Dana

[Pat@Back Porch Musings]

Your home and yard with all those trees and plantings; absolutely gorgeous!!

[Willow]

Your have such a wonderful porch. Thank you for sharing.

Willow

[Picket]

Morning sweetie...oh I have so enjoyed my visit this morning..with every picture I was just ohhhing and ahhhing...you make everyone just feel so truly welcomed around you...love your beautiful home and gardens and the porch....ohhhh glory you know I love the porch!!!!

Happy Belated Pink Saturday Birthday to you dear friend..who would have thought such a simple idea would have become such a fantastic event that has brought so many people together..congrats to you girl and may you celebrate many more Pink Saturday Birthdays...(who knows I might even find some little touch of pink in my house again! It could happen! lol) I love you so dear friend...have a glorious week!~♥~

[Gabriela]

Hello Beverly,

What a wonderful place you have! Love your blue hydrangea, one of my favorites...

~ Gabriela ~

[Dixie]

Beverly... love theh porch... and the visit... I can't grow Hydrangeas here in south TX... it just gets too hot and dry in July-August... I miss them... thanks so much for sharing yours...

now... I'm waiting for those grandbaby photos...

[Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts of Home]

Good Morning Beverly~!

Your azaleas are so beautiful! We tried to grow them here and they didn't make it. I think it is our clay soil.

Your front porch is so welcoming. I love wicker furniture and it is perfect on your porch. The peach turnover and strawberries were yummy! Thank you for inviting me to you porch.
Hugs,
Penny

[Jeanne]

Dear Beverly, Ypur beautiful porch is a wonderful memory for me. I am the lucky one who has had the pleasure of seeing the beauty of your porch up front and personal. Your post today is very special and it really shows the world what a beautiful home you have. Great photos and text too. I wouldn't expect anything less.

Have a happy day and enjoy some coffee on your front and think of me in YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. Lucky, lucky us!!!!!

Love always my dearest friend...Jeanne

[black eyed susans kitchen]

Such a lovely porch. The wicker chairs and the little snack that you set out make me want to come and chat. Just a wonderful place to sit and relax.

[Mary]

You made me feel very much at home. I really enjoyed the porch and the turnover was lovely, as was the company. Have a wonderful day.

[Knitty]

I feel cozy and rested after viewing your porch. Mine is chilly and damp today as it is raining.

[Sheila]

Beverly, it is BEAUTIFUL! What a lovely home, and I can see why you like my teacup fabric. As a matter of fact, it would be cute on that porch on a little table topped with a white linen topper with aome of your pretty china! I can see us sipping tea with Jeanne! :-)

Love to you on this Porch Party Day!

XO,

Sheila... who was lucky to get even one chair back on the porch in time to shoot pictures (we had storms with high winds... one blew the wreath off the wall on the front porch... which had survived tropical storms! And also moved our rocker to the porch rail!!!)

[Debbie]

Hi Beverly! This is beautiful. What a wonderful and welcoming home and porch. All of us would love to come over for a visit, sip ice tea and look at those beautiful flowers of yours. Wow. Absolutely lovely!
Have a blessed day!
Debbie

[tracy]

Your post is done so exquisitly, I feel like Iam really there.Your dishes are simply beautiful.
Alas..my porch is only a dream, for now..but I sure did enjoy yours, thank you.
Tracy (Graciegirl)
PS: My frist Pink Saturday was amazing... Thanx.

[Celestina marie]

Hi Beverly, Your home is just gorgeous and the walk up to your porch is lovely. Your azaleas are the prettiest I have seen and I love the two tone colors in the one bush. Your porch sitting area is beautiful and so very inviting. I can see you enjoy many happy times here. The treats look so yummy and the silver pitcher a true treasure. I so enjoyed my visit to your lovely blog. Thank you for a deightful porch party. Have a blessed day.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

[Marina Capano]

Hi Beverly! yes! I would love to drink coffee with creme and sugar in your porch!I love hydrangeas, are my favorite flowers! and I love azaleas are so cute.
Here is fall, so I miss it!!!.
You have a beautiful house, and always I want to paint your house, still didn´t make, but I´m going to make soon!

see you on next pink saturday! your First Birthday was great!

Regards!!!
Marina from far away!

[Shirl Hubbs]

Hello Beverly, I enjoyed your Porch Party soooo much. I also love blue hydrangea, and I'm gonna try and buy one this year when we visit Elizabethan Gardens. Maybe we will have luck like you did. I have lots of hydrangea but not many blooms, and I've never had a blue one bloom. Your jadeite with the lace napkin is so pretty. Love it! Peach turnover and coffee sounds delish!
Enjoy your porch visits!
Bless you, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

[the wild raspberry]

I love how your beautiful home is tucked back into the trees....it's gorgeous!
ahhh...jadite. I just adore it so. I have a teeny-tiny
collection of it.
Thanks for having over to your wonderful porch today.
chasity

[debbie ragan]

Dear Beverly,
I love sweet Beatrice. There is soooo much beauty to see before even coming upon your divine porch.
Thank you so much for inviting me to set with you and look at pictures of your grandson.
The peach pie was divine....so very yummy. I will have to walk 4 miles twice to work that off but it sure was worth it.
When I first saw the picture of your house come up...it looks a little like a house that would be in a movie.
Thank you for the visit and refreshments
hugs
debbie

[Vickie]

Thank you Beverly for sharing breakfast on your lovely front porch.
It's my dream porch!

[bj]

O, I just knew your porch would be perfect!! Everything looks so inviting...and the turnover and coffee sound delicious..
Beautiful post...
xo bj

[Rhondi]

Hi Beverly
I'm sure I've said it before but I just love your house. Your porch is so inviting and I enjoyed my visit here so much. Your azaleas are beautiful too. Thanks for a lovely visit and thank you for giving me the idea of a porch party last year! It has been so much fun meeting new people and seeing everyone's porches.
Your friend, Rhondi

[Rebecca]

Your house is just gorgeous. And your porch is so inviting. Lovely flowers and scenery to enjoy from there too. Hope you have a lovely week, and enjoy some time on your awesome porch!

Back Porch Blessings,
Rebecca

[The Muse]

oooo I liked peeling the layers....there was always something more waiting underneath...
loved it!

[Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss]

Oh my!! I am in love with your house...and porch...and azaleas...and the wicker rockers...and everything else! We tried growing azaleas one time. Dead. :(

And I NEED to know about that fabric on your rocker cushions, please. Do you know if that pattern is still available? I'm looking for a pink floral fabric on a black background to cover rattan furniture cushions.

[rue]

There's nothing like spending an afternoon on the porch with a dear friend sweet Beverly :) I don't mind looking at those picture either, especially if you keep stuffing me with those peach jacks and Kona coffee to wash them down LOL

Your porch is such a favorite of mine. I just love it and YOU :)

hugs,
rue

[Rhonda]

Hi Beverly, Your home is so pretty and inviting! Your little table set with vintage plates is beautiful! And...oh my, your flowers....divine! I think I'll just rest here awhile and enjoy this beautiful, peaceful sight! ~hugs, Rhonda :)

[LaVerne]

Beverly, thanks for stopping by for breakfast/dinner pancakes on the porch...Your azaleas are beautiful, but I'm just pea green with envy over your hydranges...our soil is not right and our summers are so dry and hot...they are, of course, my favorite flower...your home is lovely and so Southern Lady...see you next Saturday.

[Diane@A Picture is Worth]

Hi Beverly,
Love your front porch and your house. It is similar to the style of my home..

I can't believe your azaleas are still blooming. Ours have been long gone!

:) Diane

[Pat T.]

Blue hydrangeas and wicker furniture - it doesn't get any better! What a lovely porch you have and so many azaleas. I grew up on the East Coast and living in Northern Wisconsin now - I do miss all the azaleas. And thank you for visiting my front porch - I hope the quilt kept you warm!

[Sara Chapman]

Beverly, such lovely visit we had on your porch! I love hydrangeas also, and they weren't in my bouquet but were on the tables when we got married. Give the plant lots of water, you know. The HYDRA in hydrangea means it likes lots of water!

I have a question. What year were your parents married? I ask because I have a piece or two of the same pattern as the exquisite cup and saucer you served me coffee in, and I'd love to have a date for the pattern. It's so beautiful, thank you for sharing such a lovely afternoon and so many memories.

[Linda's Blue Gate]

What a lovely home you have nestled in the woods and I LOVE that soft blue........ Your porch is prefect....... so big....... love your wicker chairs......... LOVELY....
HUgs
Linda

[Amy of Bunny Rose Cottage]

Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!! You live in my DREAM home! WOW, your home is so beautiful and inviting and your gardens are amazing! I love it!! I am going to have to come and visit you often :) I love your blog!
Hugs,
Amy

[Nicky]

Please can I come and live on your porch???This is such a great place and the rocking chairs a truly beautiful.Sadly I don't have a porch but come and join in at my garden party.

[karen cox]

Bev,

Your home looks so inviting, so much cozy curb appeal. I don't know maybe I am partial, but your home and front porch just say LOVE. Just like you. I love the colors that you chose for those chairs, and all the details on your porch.

Karen

[The Pleasures of Homemaking]

Hydrangeas are my favorite shrub! Your porch is so pretty and inviting. The azaleas are beautiful. Thanks for having me and thanks for stopping by to see my porch!

Manuela

[laurie]

What a beautiful home and garden! Your porch is so inviting. Your hydrangeas and azaleas are soooo pretty! I enjoyed my visit to your porch party. laurie

[Joanna {sweet finds}]

Beverly, I love your porch! Oh, I'll come sit with you anytime. tee-hee

I'm wishing I had a porch like yours. :)

thanks for sharing. xoxo, Joanna

[Pat]

Hi Beverly
I had to come by to catch up with you today and see your porch. I remember it well from last year's party. I wish I had a porch, and if I did I'd want one like yours! It's so lovely! Thank you for the cup of coffee and dessert. I'd really love to see your grandson's photos as then I'd show you mine ;-)
I read your posts above and I think my favorite board game is scrabble -- the one game I dislike playing is RISK --it is a war game and goes on, and on, forever! My husband loves to play it...but not with me ...lol
Hugs, Pat

[Employment]

I've never been into a porch party before.. but your porch is really cute

[Beth at Aunties]

Beverly,
Your home and gardens are so beautiful and relaxing. A pefect place to sit, visit and enjoy all of God's beauty. It was a pleasure to visit you here!

Beth~♥

[stacey]

what a beautiful home, it looks so serene. I yearn to spend lazy days on your front porch.

[(Cousin B)]

This post made me want to put on my sunhat, long, linen skirt and flip flops and just sit and rock on your porch with you all day! Beautiful food, furniture and flowers!