Since I grew up in the wooded, mountains of West Virginia, and my husband on wide and expansive farmland, there was one thing that we both had in mind as a "must have" when we purchased our home... green. Instead of the hustle and bustle of the city with beautiful buildings, quaint cafes, and the abundance of cultural opportunities as our backdoor view, we opted for large, old oak trees, an old Bauernhof (farmhouse estate), hedges of rhododendrons, and paths behind our house that lead us through fields filled with horses.
Our whole first floor is nothing but windows looking out into the backyard and garden, which is what first drew us to our home. I love to linger at the breakfast table, sipping my tea, and watch the birds looking for a snack at our feeders. This fall we even had a family of pheasants visit us quite frequently and each time they came I was so awestruck at what handsome birds they are.
As a Christmas surprise, my husband purchased a beautiful bird feeder with a "living" roof, which sits just outside of my studio. While working, it is delightful to see all the birds flitting in and out who seem not quite certain about the new addition.
I love the transitioning of flowers from spring, to summer, to fall... each season offering something unique. Just outside the kitchen window are beautiful climbing roses from soft pink to deep red that bloom throughout the season. We have since added many flowers to the already existing garden and it is great to discover a new bloom that has just burst forth or tiny visitors in the garden.
We yearn for summers to come because our living area extends to our outside space with a covered terrace, which allows meals to be enjoyed outside even in the rain. In true American style, we barbecue, even in winter, and there is nothing like dinner hot off the grill.
Such a view out my back window is like the fulfilment of a dream, and I can let out that deep sigh that has somehow been stored up deep inside me... that sigh when you are really home... that sigh that is released when you are surround by such a deep peace, and all you hear is nature singing its song... that sigh when you've stopped long enough to notice and enjoy it.
... thanks to all my "backyard participants", who held still long enough for me to snap just a small part of their beauty. For more "Out Your Back Window views... visit Jane at Spain Daily.
love how you captured the bird taking off from the grill! how their tiny legs work is so fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI love the bird "mesange bleue". We can see it in our garden too. I love all your photos and comments. Thanks...
ReplyDeletei just sighed also- because i was holding my breath while reading your beautiful descriptions and looking at your beautiful images. besos!
ReplyDeleteAllison, what a lovely post...one can feel that you are happy in your new home away from home! And who wouldn´t, with all that beautiful nature and happy birds. ;)
ReplyDeleteLet´s hope the weather gets better and you can have your BBQ (and I can have my coffee at my beachbar).
Have a great day, Jeannette
What a little paradise you've created for yourselves there! I tried many times to plant climbing roses, and never succeeded. However, the red rose bushes the tenants before us planted about 20 years ago are still alive!
ReplyDeleteyour garden looks great and your little blue and yellow visitor is really cute !! Your pics are great too !!
ReplyDeletebeautiful. Those birds are great.
ReplyDeletethis is a little paradise... how cool that you were able to re-create the environment from your home that you loved so much!
ReplyDeletethat sounds so lovely, and what's more, like you are so happy there! that's beautiful! :)
ReplyDeletejust beautiful, my friend. A joy to see.
ReplyDeleteThose are fantastic pictures! I love all the close-up shot, especially the snails.
ReplyDeleteditto on the sigh. what a lovely post about the incredible home you've created for yourself. i wish i could be there too!
ReplyDeleteStunning photos. I especially love the bird portraits.
ReplyDeleteWow, it's all so pretty. My husband and I love living in the city, but we would trade it in any day for a lovely area with green land all around. Oh and that bird feeder is awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness! Amazing photos of the birds! I feel like I'm looking at National Geographic!! LOVE that birds nest... so clever! You have some great views! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletelove love love the bird photos !!!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful ! I like your pictures ! The animals particularly !!! (and the flowers too, of course ;))
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. I especially like the one of the Blue Tit taking off.
ReplyDeleteEverything is just beautiful - how blessed you are to have such a great view.
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos & gorgeous flowers! It's lovely that you have an entire wall of windows to enjoy the view of birds snacking from your feeders.. sounds wonderful. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely view out your back door! Your photos captured the feelings that you expressed so well!
ReplyDeleteyou got lot's of birds in the garden
ReplyDeletei love the pictures with the bird. <3
ReplyDeleteallison, you have a true eye and every single picture is gorgoeous... well done!!! I know I am a little late commenting.. hope you see this. ali.
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