The Coronavirus Diary & Fab links to try

  I will have to stay my initial reaction and silence was part down & out,  and part relief....a needed rest. How are you faring?

Here in Illinois our Governor wisely, that is my opinion, said we are not to reopen until 5/30, allowing some businesses to open, such as golf courses and garden centers. He is however being challenged in court

Imagine 1918's Pandemic. Letters and manuscripts from that era all speak of rampant feelings of isolation, no tv, movies, internet, email, instagram....very little sources of news, and in the case below, flu masks. Life can always be worse. Here's to hoping all of you are well, safe, and not bearing serious financial problems. It is tough out there 

Ok, a bit of levity.....If there is anyone out there who has not seen, The Woman in the Closet, enjoy!

We have a huge announcement.......
Our new website is UP....ta da! Not yet for online sales, that will follow. Still some glitches but I could not wait any, longer as it has already been in process for three years! Once all sorted, we will host a big contest......stay tuned

TV.....who else is enjoying "permission" to lounge around and watch?  Well, yes, to a point. If you love design, and are not watching the UK's series, GRAND DESIGN on Netflix, rush over. impossible builds, and renovations, my hands down favorite! 

Speaking of TV Have you noticed the home backgrounds of tv personalities? I just love looking and well,  judging. My favorite being Lara Spencer of GMA, her decor from room to room is a beautiful blend of vintage and new, plus all the dogs that come and greet her.
My pick for worse....Jimmy Kimmel.....what is that?

 And while searching for an image for Ms. Lara's home, this popped up, anyone else feel thoroughly inadequate? Sigh.....

Naturally our France tour in June was cancelled. So far England is still on for mid-September. Here are garden tours you can enjoy now at home via the National Garden Scheme. I love this national organization, they contact predominately private gardens, to ask if the owners will open their gardens on specific days for charity. It enables so many to 'peek inside' while helping the less fortunate. Enjoy these tours!

The first time I went to England, we sought out this organization and to our delight, visiting cottage gardens and grand estates was over the top. Most serve tea and cakes or scones, very charming and quite welcoming. Being tremendously thirsty and not able to abide tea, I asked if they had water, "no was the response, the only other beverage is squash"  Squash? Imagining juiced zucchini, I relented. Was I ever delighted when she handed me the juice of an orange!

How about a short series on Amazon Prime called
 THE BIG HOUSE REBORN, a dear friend just told me about it. A 200 year old manse in Northern Ireland with stunning gardens has fallen into serious disrepair that the National Trust embarks on a 3 year and many pounds later, restoration.

If you follow us on Instagram, the shop and myself, look for our Quarantine Quickies....brief clips teaching home & garden tips plus merchandise available for pick up or delivery 
The Shop Instagram
My Instagram
Our Consignment shop, SG TOO

Lastly, I found an album on Spotify called Isle of Calm, brought to you by NPR, check it out, you may like it too!

Dear Friends, at the end of this it is said, everyone will know a life lost due to the virus. Thus far, I can say I do not, and pray you do not either. Please stay safe

xo
Debra