HGTV Dream Home 2011: First Impressions
Stowe is quiet.
I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. It’s so peaceful here, especially during this off time between fall foliage season and the holidays. Things are still, as if the little village has decided to take a much-needed nap before the skiers and hustle-bustle of the winter season blasts the area with activity. It’s the perfect time for our online team (interactive planning director, senior visual designer, world-class photographers and I) to visit HGTV Dream Home 2011 to snap photos and take notes in preparation for the launch of the virtual tour. (Mark your calendars for December 20, btw.)
Our first full day at the home was easy, breezy. The sun was shining; icicles dangling from the roof’s edge were melting – the constant drip of the glistening water drops had a hypnotic effect I appreciated. The home’s interior, bursting with colors, seemed to smile.
Builder Brendan O’Reilly stopped by in the afternoon to chat about the home design and construction details he found particularly challenging. I think my favorite exterior feature at the moment is the masonry-clad foundation, which calls to mind historic homes and limestone barns that dot the countryside near my hometown in Pennsylvania. Brendan, a Pennsylvania native himself, chose bluestone, quarried in the northeastern part of the state, to pave walkways. I’ve come to realize that each HGTV Dream Home tells a personal story about its builder.
Today is cold and rainy. Snowflakes were falling this morning as I interviewed Linda, whose creativity and out-of-the-box approach to design never cease to amaze me. I love what she’s done in the master suite. She says her favorite space is the kitchen – and for good reason.
I hope you are all well and excited about this year’s home. I can’t wait to share more details with you in December.
Mary, Mary, what a tease you are! Only one photo? But I absolutely love the tiny sneak peek you have given us — already I see colors that I adore, and I decorate with pinecones myself, so I am thinking I am going to love this house! A few more photos would be nice, and I'm sure you are working on that right now — keep up the good work, dear one!
Agree! About the colors, and the need for more pictures LOL!! Need more pictures!
That was my thought- is it true??? It is an ACTUAL photo from the home??? exciting!
I love the sneak peek! The house is going to
be magical. And the colors aew awesome. I can't wait to see the tour of the house.
I couldn't agree with you more CplusE.
If that fireplace frame is Stainless Steel on that stone fireplace wall…. then it might be so…… to match the Kitchen appliances!
That fireplace stone is alot like the light colored Maple flooring I see in the Gathering Room. Fireplace also has some long horizonal stones of another color . NICE!
Is that a birchbark art piece on the wall?
My husband works at Homedepot and we are desperate to enter the dream home contest. Does anyone know if we are still eligible ? I have read the rules but cannot find anything about homedepot. DOnt want to spend oodles of stamp money if we are not allowed to enter.
From Stowe Vermont and have to get back home !! I am not "Mary" in Maryland !!
(
well i would say that you would still be eligible for although Home Depot could possibly sell some of the items used in the dream home, they r a retailer and not a large brand like Wellborn or Azek both used in the dream home.
Bare with me: i'm also new to the blog. I've been reading forever but just recently joined in on the conversation!
This house sounds so amazing. Can not wait to see it.I think the ability to have design so in alignment with the surroundings is why i love this project so much.
4hackers
Well, this is an unexpected new blog, and with a lovely basket of pinecones as well. Thanks Mary. Bright beautiful colors in the background too.
Assuming this is up to date info. and you are actually in Stowe right at this minute… I guess you are forgiven for leaving the Urban Oasis hanging onto it's last "Buck", since you are focusing on other important, pressing matters.
Thanks for letting us know when the online tour will launch. At least we all won't show up for our tour appt. on December 1st only to be told to come back in 20 days. Since this is truly a unique year, in more ways than one, the later online tour date is to be expected I guess.
I'm sorry for my impatience sometimes, I've just always been a "cake and eat it too" kinda person. Carry on Mary and good luck to you and the- Pro Pic Crew.
Just remember, patience is a virtue…! And, I love the cake reference. Maybe Mary is busy finding just the right cake. Maybe she found it and is too busy eating it, and does not want to be disturbed…
I seem to remember talk about a very expensive cake available in Stowe. Was it a torte of some kind? I think it was an authentic, delicious Austrian cake. Maybe C&E remembers it.
I'll find a recipe for a German fruit torte that is so hunkerdown delicious, and you can add your favorite fruits with fall colors.
Ok but can we add lots of chocolate?? Yummy, I just thought of a black forest torte.
Hunkerdown delicious Janzee? Can't wait for that recipe.
hunkerdown? that sounds like some serious eating……….. my mother in law just showed me her church group's recipe book, featuring a recipe for "BetterthansexChocolate Cake" LOL!
Hmmm maybe that recipe's for you, Cami !
I definitely want that recipe, LLColeman! When will you post it? Maybe I'll make it for Thanksgiving.
I'd better test it out at my daughter in law's house–I taste a nibble, she gets to devour! I have to get the recipe book from mom in law, and then will post this weekend.
I watch cooking shows (since I have cut way down on sweets and try to follow more vegan style menus; it psyches me out to think I eat the dishes I see on the cooking shows, LOL) and the Barefoot Contessa always adds instant espresso powder to her chocolate recipes to deepen the chocolate flavor… I will have to add that in !
We will be waiting………………………… drooling. LOL
Post where we can all find it later. Thanks.
(That Blog Search Button doesn't do its job very well! It always says that word isn't there…. but we know we read it somewhere in the BLOGS!!)
Please let me know how it turns out LLColeman. If you like the taste test, post the recipe as soon as possible.
Lessie–we were looking at recipe titles only, but today i got to see the recipe book again… if you love cake mixes, you will be happy, but if you bake from scratch ( like me ) there will need to be some improvements made, LOL !
Basically, the "recipe" was to use a favorite devil's food/ choc. cake mix, bake and cool. Then the embellishments were as follows:
1/2 can sweetened condensed milk .* tub /16 0z. whippped topping .* jar of caramel or fudge topping .* @ 4 (crushed ) bars of toffee candy ( Heath, Skor, etc.)
Turned out the old gals in the church group were past caring about making ANYTHING from scratch, LOL !! (Dinner entrees used lots of cans of condensed cream soups poured over anything that wasn't moving………..)
.
The recipe called for poking holes in the cake top, dumping the condensed milk into the holes, then coating top of cake w/ the jar of caramel or fudge topping. Over that went the 16 oz. of whip topping, then refrigerate 24 hours.
An hour before serving take the cake out, and cover w/ the crushed candy bars.
…so w/ my health concerns, that much processed and too – sweet food is a no go. My daughter in law was sick today so we did not get to test it out. : (
I know that Cams would enjoy that chocolate cake no matter what the title. That kid loves chocolate.
Just now getting back to you Coleman, and yes to me hunkerdown seems serious. If you post the recipe, we would love to see it. I'm going afterr the German fruit torte now.
Sounds great Janzee!
Details, I need details!!!
I'd like the details too, Cami, like can I order one online and have it shipped overnight?
Cami is this it? http://www.sacher.com/en-sacher-photos.shtml
My, Alice that should come with a warning for those that have sudden cravings for chocolate.
That video is so enticing! They even slice it and put it on plates………………. Please pass a plate my way!!
I think plates shoud be passed out to us ALL before the drool ruins our computers!!!!!!! LOL
HGTV – Mary …. is their any contest you can think of for us Blogging Buddies…. so we could win one of these cakes? (Like…… the color of soap beads in the Master Bath or whose famous artist's painting is hanging somewhere? ETC. LOL PLEASE!! )
I can't believe you posted that link Alicesoneysmom, especially without a warning. That's why chocolate lovers become chocoholics.
Cami December 5 is National Sachertorte Day http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/national_sachertorte_…
Alice, thanks for this website….. think I just found a family present for my sis.
"It is traditionally served with whipped cream without any sugar in it…"
To all you ladies, you are TOO FUNNY !!
I spy what might be Granny Smith apples in a wooden bowl on the ottoman in the center of the room.
Lets play name that blurry shape in the background.
Who can tell me what the fireplace mantel is made of???
Who can tell me what decor may be, above the fireplace??
Here's an easy one…. Who can tell me what color the arm chairs are??
Here's a hard one… Who can tell me the name of the books, on the right side of the lovely pinecone basket???
Is it snowing outside?
Which direction, from the basket of pinecones, is the dining table??
How many feet from the pinecones to the fireplace?
I'll take a shot at it Cami!
ok
I can see stainless steel on the fireplace but can't make out what the actual fireplace is made of.
I can't tell about the decor above the fireplace
Obviously the arm chairs are a deep red color (love it)
I don't know about the books
I hope it is snowing outside, that would make for a lovely setting
the dining table is behind and to the right of whoever is behind the camera.
and I've never been good at distances!
And I see a dark area rug.
And my choice picks for the three books on that table are:
1. A Bird Book
2. Photo album of all (people & critters) that have visited the HGTV Dream Home
3. A journal of personal thoughts and log of what went on while you were up at the Dream Home
Sounds good to me!
Cami, with you onboard we'll never have ot worry about entertainment. Thanks for the new game.
Cami: I'm so glad you didn't ask me how many pine cones were in the basket, because that was the only thing I could see clearly. Every thing else was blurry. Sometimes my low vision gets me down, but colors are easier to see. Yup, green apples are a favorite of Linda's and hold up much better than pears. Do you think Linda ever uses fake fruit,veggies or flowers?. I don't think we will see orchids in this Dreamy Home.
A fireplace you say. I was hoping it was a piano. Above the mysterious mantel. probably made of blue stone, I am sure we will not see the bath tub. but am worried we might see a barn door or any other door Linda has rescued. Oh, I hope it's a piece of art and not a clock or star or a pair of crossed skis. I am so looking forward to the reveal. I know it will be wonderful.
I gave up on the piano idea Katy. It would just make me want the Dream Home even more. With all the Dream Home has to offer, I don't think I could handle much more excitement or surprises.
the blurry shape is the fireplace,
.
it' has a copper finish,
there's no color above it because it's high up to the ceiling It's decor is from the salvage store.
The armchairs are burgundy. Or red maybe?
One of the books is "The Little Prince" another one is "Romeo and Juliet", the last one is "Cien años de soledad"
It's not snowing outside, (not heavily).
The dinning table is to the right side of the basket.
The fireplace is 13 ft from the pine cones.
There're 16 pine cones in the basket; just in case u ask.
hahaha
:p <3 ^_^
Okay Sherlock, I can go along with the fireplace at about fifeteen feet from the fireplace, but how did you the titles, unless you have some images we don't have?
Not images, Janzee, just imagination I would guess, and a good one at that! LOL! I'm willing to go along with cheescakelovers answers — I think they sound perfect (and I was thinking the fireplace has a copper finish too, since the outside finish is copper)!
HAHAHAH! i'm good
lol
nah, haha i just day dream a lot. :p^_^
Not only good, the best. You have a most active a design worthy imagination, but I'll betcha you are right on the money.
Not bad at all, cheesecakelover — two of the book titles out of three! The last title is actually "Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales", but the confusion is understandable.
Cheesecakelover, after reading your comment I want to share an email I read today: "With time, women gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, 'Good grief, look how smart I am!' Must be where 'Smart A– came from!"
You, my dear, are extremely smart. Are you a member of the HGTV crew?
I think the fireplace mantel might be made of uniquely shaped adirondack style wood.
The background wall to the fireplace is obviously made of wood.
The decor above the fire place is a black metal, perhaps antique, piece of art. I'm puzzled by the black shape on the left that looks like Santa's boot.
I love the red toned chairs.
My guess on the books are. 1st. Seattle's Skyline, 2nd. Hawaii's Unexpected Landscapes, and 3rd. Honolulu – Lights, Camera, Action. —- I can't imagine what else they could be. ; )
Yes it's snowing outside- all over the birds naturally found food, which is why we need a bird feeder.
Well I'm thinking… The dining table is directly behind the photographer, to the right.
9 ft. from the pinecones to the fireplace.
We can see those titles really clear Cami you are so right. Could this be Seattle's Skyline? Maybe the next Urban Oasis will be in Seattle. Dream Dream Dream all we have to do is Dreeeeam http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfmufmuhZCU&fe…
That looked very dangerous. Do they do that every year?? It looked like the Space Needle was slowly blowing up. Yikes!!
alice: Two of my favorite TV shows are based in Seattle. The Dr. Crane brothers (I still look for re-runs) and a current hospital drama. An Urban Oasis in Seattle would be awesome.
YES…..Seattle would be a good choice for another Urban Oasis! Right on!!!
I was also thinking of Chicago, IL….. maybe the Sears Tower…….but not any more.
I recently heard…. the owner sold the Sears Tower and it is renamed now. Also Oprah Winfry airs her show in the Tower and is retiring from that show.
Maybe its just me…. but why are many leaving the Sears Tower? Sounds ominous to me.
RJM: Hmm, I don't know why many are leaving the Sears Tower. Maybe a fear of tall buildings??? But there are many other wonderful buildings in Chicago to choose for an Urban Oasis. The same can be said for Seattle, St. Paul, Detroit, St. Louis, Atlanta and Miami. And hundreds of other great cities. Wonder if HGTV will give us a guessing game with clues? Fun.
—
Honolulu – Lights, Camera, Action http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=2aS66qYAS1c&fea…
I'll say the color of the chairs are ruby in the rough, and I would say the flooring is a carmel or blond recycled flooring. I think the fireplace is in a sittng room, and has a granite veneer or composite granite of recycled materials, the frame around the fire place is a copper inlay with an unusual patina. As per cheesecake's wonder imagination as long as the dreaming is goin on, I would say I am in the mood for three simple romance novels. The blurry shape is lighting from a lighting pack. It's probably been snowing cause Mary said there was some light snow. Less than five feet from the ottoman to the fireplace which leads me to believe this is one of three or four fireplaces in the home.
Ahhh forgive me Mary, I don't see your name attached to the latest Urban Oasis blog, so perhaps you aren't the one that left us hanging.
Ohhh Annalisa. Yooo hooo!! You have adoring fans waiting for an update.
Ok Mary I just looked at the Urban Oasis blog history.. You and Annalisa have been taking turns with the Urban Oasis blog. Sounds like someone keeps "passing the buck". It looks like Annalisa took care of the last buck, I mean blog…. So whose turn is it now??? Perhaps a timer should be used for this game, (not the one set for the reveal show) ; ). Like Harry S. Truman said…. "The Buck Stops Here".
Yes I'm a quotation mark rebel- quotations go on the outside of the period. Rest assured I will fall in line with the rules on my first College English paper.
Mary! Thanks for the tease pic! I love it. I can't wait to see more. The little I see now and what my imagination sees is wonderful. I love the colors. Can't wait to put up the tree!
As beautiful and greatly appreciated this photo is, it is also TORTUROUS!!! I love that we get to see a peek at the interior but I might have been better off with nothing until the final reveal hehe. And thanks for the virtual tour reveal date! I will be marking the days on my calender up to December 20th. The end of December and beginning of January give so much to celebrate. DH tour 20th, my husbands birthday 23rd, CHRISTMAS 25th, my mothers birthday 30th, my father-in-laws birthday 31st, New Years 1st, my anniversary the 2nd, and finally my sisters birthday the 7th! I can't wait, it is such a fun time of year!
That's a lot of candles and parties, Sydney.. And cake and sweets and presents.. My.. You win the busiest time of the year award.
Same here: December: The tour, Christmas, sisters birthday 30th; January: New Years, my birthday 5th, grandsons 23rd birthday 17th, oldest granddaughters 20th birthday 20th, plus don't forget we can start entering to win !!!!
How fun to get even just a hazy peek at the Great Room area. I'd say there are plenty of fall foliage colors to be found in the home, with deep reds – burgundy, silvery blue and peach to rose colored accents, along with the rustic tones of the fireplace mantel surround in shades of light umber to burnt oranges and brown, even a touch of steel/gray blues, and of course the rich, light sienna browns of the woodwork.
Amazing that one photo can tantalize the senses with such an inviting, casual warmth that draws you in, from which you're not willing to soon part! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…'cause the fire's so delightful.
Hey Coop, could this also be a sitting room with the quiet casual Danish and colonial style furnishings. I imagine the furniture bigger and plushier and not as refined.
It definitely could be a large family size sitting room. The floor plan says Gathering Room, with an Annex (Sitting Room) directly open off to the right (back of the house overlooking the mountain views) so utilizing the combined space can suit either a large gathering or a more intimate one in the Sitting Room. That flexibility is one of the home's great design features.
In the photograph because of the proximity of the coffee table to the fireplace, my thought is that this is an Annex sitting area. The spacing makes me thinks it's a smaller area, but the photography could be deceiving. It will be a welcome surprise to see a few more photographs with furniture placement to get the full flush.
As usual Coop, love your descriptions!!!
Thank you, Lessie. I get plenty of help from Show Me, so every now and then I have to give him a bit of credit for the sentiments expressed.
Show Me has my heart. Tell him "hello" for me.
Wow, thanks Deerspring. So colorful and huge, I can't wait to see it float by.
The photo brings up a valid and most important question which our Super Fan Gail may be able to answer: were the pinecones locally sourced?
That was one of my first thoughts as well. I thought maybe they were ponderosa pine- pine cones. I'm sure a pine tree expert will come along and give us the probability numbers of the pine cones coming from Vermont.
I assumed they were, especially since Stowe is such a tight-knit community. What i took for granted, you thought about. That's why you and Cami are such a great asset to the blog.
Coop: I'm almost certain they are. With all those pine trees around, how could they not be? I can walk out of my condo about 20 ft. and pick up pine cones (larger than the ones in the basket). Now, that beautiful basket, do you think it was locally (or Vermont) produced? I was traveling up north in Michigan and passed through a garden on my way to an Art Gallery. The owner was perplexed when I picked up small baskets and smelled them, but when I said I was looking for a particular scent he opened a glass case and presented me with a small one. "That's it!", I said. I couldn't believe the price he quoted. He said to follow him and led us out to the garden where he cut off a few stems and gave them to me. "Sweet grass" he told us. I was in heaven for the next few weeks until they finally shriveled and dried.
OK, back to the Dream Home. The holidays are coming up and I can smell a fresh cut Christmas tree. Heaven, again.
Maybe Mary is shopping for all the Thanksgiving dinner menu items for a really FABULOUS feast, and a sneak peek at what DH will look like come the holiday season:-) Mary, while you are taking snaps, I want to see snow! Please?!?
Why do you want to see snow Debra? Are you anxious to do a face plant in it again? ^_^
Very funny, Ed:-) No, I am going to try to stay in a fully upright position this winter…!
I have become such a DH 2011 junkie that even that one little out of focus picture gives me chills, can't wait for more pictures. This place is going to be amazing in every way, I wish I was there right now.
Oh how wonderful it is – Beauty – and I can only bet it is going to get much better!!! Can't wait to see : )
It just occured to me that when MARY posted the photo, she may not have realized it was out of focus. I'm sure if we let her know about the error, she'd repost it immediately, clear as day so we could make out the finest details…. It's a mistake anyone can make, and I know MARY will make it right for us ASAP.
You really think so Coop… Something tells me Mary can only focus on one thing at a time. ; )
Maybe the next pic will be a nice pic of the apples and everything around it will be fuzzy. Knowing what kind of apples they are is vital Dream Home info, afterall.
One thing at a time, Cami? No, I'm sure MARY was multitasking when she put the photo up. Boy will she be embarrassed when she realizes it's out of focus, but we'll forgive her, won't we?
However, what about the world-class photographers that MARY was raving about? How could they have passed on a fuzzy photo for MARY to post in the first place? It must be a technical glitch with the equipment because I know that all of the past Dream Home photos have been quite extraordinary.
Do you think any of the ones we'll see in December will be blurry like this one? Gosh, MARY and the HGTV crew may have to go back to the Stowe Dream Home to shoot another whole new round of photos!
Or, come to think of it, maybe this is MARY's idea of an Impressionist's dream?
I'm beginning to think "dreamy" is exactly the angle Mary was going for. The pine cones are probably just a clue that Mary is trying to secretly convey to us, regarding the 2012 Dream Home. Shhh, we don't want Jack catch on to what Mary is up to…. ; )
They have lots of different pine cones in Hawaii. ; )
Well, I have to say, I was surprised, perplexed, and could go so far as to say flummoxed when I signed on this morning and found out that MARY hadn't corrected her blurry photo yet! You may be right, Cami — she may have been going for that "dreamy" look after all.
Perhaps overcome by the mood of the room, Mary lingered in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine, that turned into a few, and whoops, blurry photo.
Not wanting us to catch on, she left the photo as was, and hoped we'd chalk it up to artistic whim.
You may have something there, AnneEliseSouth. Those Vermont wines can be very, shall we say, inviting. MARY did say it was oh so peaceful, and sitting in one of those cozy chairs, gazing out at the mountain views, who wouldn't lose track of time and how many glasses of wine were enjoyed while the hours passed by….
That is absolute genius, Cami. How did you pick up on MARY's secret signal about the Hawaiian Dream Home, and all because of a basket of pine cones. I don't know of anyone else whose mind would have taken them right to the point of that simple display.
A well-known Hawaiian pine tree is the Pinus radiata or Monterey Pine tree, which have a shorter, rounded cone. Imagine being able to live in a beautiful tropical setting surrounded by the combination of pine cones, heliconia, anthuriums and surf and sand!
Oh well, speaking of A Few of My Favorite Things, we'd better get back to Stowe's fall foliage and winter wonderland for now.
Shhhh.. We don't want Jack to think that Mary let the pinecones "outa the bag." ; )
Coop, think you may be dreaming here.
MAY BE dreaming? MAY BE you say! Huh, I'm dreaming all the time, but somehow I manage to keep at least one foot firmly planted in reality, in spite of appearances. It's keeps me young, and able to enjoy my just desserts…. ^_^
You would be soo much fun to hang out with just for dessert in the desert. I can imagine all the delightful celebration party trays. Oh excuse me, says Janzee I think I'll have three of those little fruit tortes, maple syrup cheese cakes, one of those apple fritters, and please pass the Ben and Jerry Vanilla. Yikes I think I'm hungry!!!!
Oh my gosh, Janzee, I just finished dinner and I'm stuffed, but now with all that talk of exotic desserts, I'm going to have to come up with something other than the single remaining Snickers left over from Halloween!
One Snickers left after four days?! You're good Coop. It would have been long gone if it had been in my possession.
Hey I never said there's anything wrong with dreaming, especially when it comes to the dream home. But getting Mary to move quicker, well that's different. Otherwise she would have replaced that fuzzy picture with a clear one by now.
Coop you've outdone yourself. Instead of being a member of the "life is short, eat dessert first" club, you have invented the "just desserts" club. Sara Lee will be so proud of you!
Good thing you don't live in San Fransisco, where they've banned Happy Meals. the "just desserts" club could be next!
Hmm, 'Get Your Just Desserts' — I wonder if that would be a good name for a restaurant? Or would that imply to most people that the diner served only desserts, as opposed to the idea of one's rightful desserts, as in what one deserves? Maybe a restaurant that served only desserts, as in the real meaning of the sense of just desserts, would be a hit in a high traffic urban location. Or would a business that served just desserts fall flat, except of course for my waistline, which if I had unlimited access to just desserts would fill out like a hot air balloon. And then we're REALLY talking about one's just desserts!
I thought it was a ban on the toys that came with the meals, not the meals themselves. Sorry, Coop, no Vermont teddy bears in your Happy Meal box!
Well, well, well…I can comment again! Don't know what happened but I sure am glad the problem is resolved.
Ahh Lessie, I was afraid you were a gonner for a min. there. Glad you're back with us.
So good to be back Cami. I thought I was a gonner too.
I have to quit for the day… Even with all this excitement over the basket of pine cones. Can you believe it??
Deerspring, you're precious. Thanks for that wonderful sneak peek of the DH float. It's gorgeous. Gets me ready for Christmas. HGTV is awesome!!!
PS: Sure love the treats you research and share with us. Thanks!
Deerspring, I would never have imagined such a beautiful 2011 Dream Home Float! After seeing that float, everyone will want to enter the sweepstakes! Which means the 2011 Dream Home winner will be a super extra special person!
Mary, Dream Home 2011 will probably have the greatest number of entries of all the Dream Homes. Can't say I blame the entrants because this is one super-gorgeous home!
I LOVE THE DREAM HOME FLOAT!!
It's done magnificently!! They did it very well!
Thanks Deerspring …….. we are so greatfull for your connections!
And how about the skiers? I love the splash of water with the canoe on the front.
I saw that too Cami. Is that a power boat making a splash at the water's edge? I think the float highlights what Vermont offers in addition to highlighting the Dream Home.
Deerspring, I saw all that yesterday. Of course I increased the screen to 200%. I think it's a silo but don't know why there would be a barn and silo at a ski resort. Maybe it's a clue for the 2012 Dream Home.
Thanks for the info Deerspring. Didn't think about the dairy farms in the area. Wow, the HGTV 2011 Dream Home Float is very detailed. Great job HGTV!
Even a blurry view here is a beautiful one!
I think this picture shows a little bit of the gathering room, the color combination and the wood floors are wow spectacular.
This is very interesting Vermont information. http://vtlife.com/eNews/eNews201011.html
Good link Alicesoneysmom.
OMGosh I am officially excited!!! That pic is a perfect sneak peak….Plus it was awesome to let us know the date it will be officially unveiled….something to look forward to. Mark your calendars!
How did you get to put your picture into the blogg? Your beuitifull. I also hope to be the winner as yourself. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be the winner. This house is so beuitifull. How far from town is it located? Do you know. I have know idea how the hgtv comes up with such cool ideas on the dream homes. I just now realized that im able to write to you, which is cool.
Dear Mary, your words are so relaxing, I can only imagine icicles on the rooftop already, and then to come into the warmth of the DH, to sit on those gorgeous ruby russet colored chairs for an interview with Linda. From diamonds to rubies- what treasures this home has in store!!. What did you girls nibble on? Did you go into the kitchen, to have some delicious tea sweetened with MeKhazSimi's sugar maple leaves? I bet the surprise entrance to the kitchen is through the salvaged barn door. I loved your comment about the bluestone pavors, their placement and how Brendan O'Reilley put some of his own history and melding of materials into the home which is the same roots or ruts as yours.
Icicles dripping outside the windows, but cozy inside…………………. NICE !
These videos show how much care was done to make the DHome an airtight building envelope along with carefully sealed windows and doors and foundation.
Videos…. http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/pac_ctnt/text/0,2595,…
Floorplans…. http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/photo_template/articl…
Thanks Stoney for the great reminder. I took another look, and saw an interesting comment by the builder: "this will be a house of memory". My thought is that it has to do with the insulation, sealing process, ice and water wrap and engineered breathability. Preventing weather problems, air leaking and water ids is quite a feat, but has been successfully and Aplus addressed by the HGTV crew. With high tech use of interlocking weather stripping, caulking and layers of insulation material, the house is a fortress. Details of sealing outlets and air holes in minusa was dealt with. The house releases air, but does not allow it to fold in or be compromised by the weather which accounts for "let the icicles and high winds whip through the valley the DH is a blockbuster" What do you think the builder meant lovey?
He could have meant that even if the weather howls and pours…… all will be cozy and safe inside this strong castle of a Dream Home Haven. All the insulation and sealing up will let YOU decide how much fresh air is let into this home…. not the weather !!
I love what you said. And going back to an earlier post, you wanted to make an announcement on your intercom, that everyone should sleep in because there was a blizzard outside. Just like us- we would do the same thing.
I think if we were all up to the Stowe Dream Home at a time of a Blizzard….. it would be the 'Best of Times'. Many of us would enjoy cooking up some tastey meals!! We would just pull out what we brought with us and have a "Time of Our Lives'. Some could entertain us with their musical instruments, some like COOP (with his Orson Wells voice) could break out in an elegant poem, some could tell stories or jokes, tap dance, read a script to listening ears……. whatever they wanted, just like YOUR very own family 's talent shows, Janzee. We all could enjoy that Blizzard while being cozy warm with friendships, while looking out the many windows of the HGTV Dream Home at the wonderous snowfall. After the snow would stop…. we all could put on our snowshoes and go outside to feed the wild critters and birds! Hope one of you wins!
Whomever wins this amazing Dream Home…… they could have cherished memories with their family there.
We are ready to move!! LOL
Dear Stone, what a wonderrful and generous comment. I soooo look foward to your "best of times" get together with this group. I can feel the echo of friendship and boom of excitement as we all converge for a day into evening of cozy friendships, wonderful foods, and the plethora of skills and talents we all have in this group. You dream like a person with a delightful child like spirit, and bless you for all you stories that carry us away through a candle lit window into the frosty new holiday blizzard at the Stowe DH and the wonders of nature. I just wouldn't be surprised if you knew somebody by the name of Old St. Nick, a few deer that could pass for reindeer… but who will slide down the chimney as we sit around to tell some of the greatest legendary stories ever.
Janice…
You are an amazing storyteller!! Would love to read one of your books!
(Just like the Indian weaving the basket while adding colors and different shaped beads that all turn into a beautiful basket [story] with the talent of the 'basket-weaver'. You are so talented. I feel privileged that someone of your amazing talents would even bother talking to just stoney o' me. Thanks for your friendship.)
(Guess that's one of my faults…. seeing the world thru 'child like eyes'. )
Dear Stone,you are not lil ol stone, you are RJMSTONE!!!!! Thank you for this high compliment. When the peace project is registered I will share it, I must say that like the basket story, we all weavers on this site- adding our own essence, weaving patterns and beautiful touches, as we set and honor each other for our wonderous works. The honor is mine as I enjoy your stories, as much as any great work I have ever read. By the way, Shakespeare, Henry Wadsworth, Samuel Clemens, Tom Jefferson, and the list goes on all had the kindling of childlike wisdom. It's what gave them advanced understanding. P.S. something happened today that was kind of interesting, and since we shared crow stories you might like this one.
Hi Stone, in light of the crow stories we swapped the last few days, something happened a few hours ago, that I thought you would find amusing. Before the story, a little background. My gradma Matea, grew up in a religious home. Her father who was a weaver in Spain, adored his wife, and every week would come home and sometime in the afternoon would take out a sweet candy from his apron and feed it to my Matea's mother, like two love birds. To continue this ritual my gram Matea, instructed Mo my grandpa, to offer her a present each week, and so grandpa an inventor and not much into these frivolous matters began feeding my herbalogist grandma A MINT candy every week. Later my gram shared the story and said sometimes a man needs to be reminded of the niceties a woman likes.
continued Janzee story. So this sharing tradition stuck in my family, and the women and men would often gift each other with little gifts as a reminder. My gram and I often talked about this sharing of a little sweet or a little gift as a metaphor for the importance of sharing with family or community. Now mind you, I have never, but never had a personal face to face experience with crows, You sent me that site, and I thought of the amazing intelligence of these birds and saw the videos a couple of times. That was it. This afternoon, I wound up in front of a store, called Win Win Real Estate, and all of a sudden something was doing a soft shoe on my Scion. Clickety click, knock knock. Suddenly this face reached over the side of the window and stared at me for a few beats, and had such a person like look. When the being flew away, I realized it was a crow. Then another one, a more quiet version and not doing the dance flew off the roof. So I got out to look on the roof to see if it had left any unwanted presents, but instead, there was a piece of a peppermint candy just like grandmas. One could only think it was one of those little life's gifts
…and one other animal sharing story that ties in with these. Years ago when I lived in Cinci Ohio, I took a group of kids on an Eco tour through the zoo. the same one I was locked into during a wolf howling exhibition. At the beginning of the tour we had a bag of peanuts, and I walked around the long winding trail which must have been a few miles, handing peanuts to squirrels. Usually I tossed one, and just like one of those little banks the squirrel ran to grab the nut and voila it would disappear. On the trail back, yards away from the exist, I had one more nut in my pocket. But instead, a squirrel meandered up to my feet, and I reached down to ask what he/she wanted. Then…the most interesting thing happened. The squirrel did this reaching type behavior, tucked down into it's pouch, and pulled out a nut, and handed to me. The kids I was with screamed with laughter, and I saved the lucky nut.
From the mint candy to the crows to the squirrel….
I love the way you tell your stories.
I see you also notice animals and lovingly share your food with them!!
Most admirable!!!!!
Recently I think I am leaning toward whispering to animals, they are remarkable souls and when we watch their behavior they have so much to share. I think the winner of the DH, would have a plethora of experiences in the village of Stowe, and in Vermont to share.
During the day, I often think of your positive comments to everyone, and how terrific you make us all feel, I dont know exactly when you first came on the site, you are a welcome member of this group, and we love you as you were, are and will be with new thoughts experiences and GOOD LUCK to our dear RJMstone.
Love your stories Janzee. What a great family you have! Carrying on their "candy tradition" would be a way for you to honor your sweet families' ideas!! (so romantic)
The animals somehow brought a message to you….. it seems.
So you could remember your family and to share your memory of this story with all of us maybe!
Thank you love RJMstone, you always offer, such fantastic ideas. this offering is one that certainly can create a family legacy. The stories you shared about the HGTV Stowe home, with all of the entertaining family members would also promote legacy- fantastic!!!!
I was asked to share some stories in a circle of musicians at a vintage store in Silverlake LA, and told them about an amazing story that one RJM stone sent about deer on a foggy night. At a time when I am asked to tell some stories for this old fashioned story hour may I have permission to print yours out with your nic on this site, and read the story as you printed it? When I finally put up my blog this year, I would love to invite you and the group to swap stories, with the undertanding that once they are printed the story concept belongs to the writer. P.S. it's okay if you want to keep it private for awhile.
So sorry dear Janzee, I just saw this. I haven't been doing alot on-line stuff lately. YES, you are welcome to use/share in any way… any of my stories. I'm tickled that you want to use them. I think you are my inspiration. I normally don't share these observed incidences. You just bring out the most friendly atmosphere in which to share stories! Thank you for making a wonderful atmosphere in which to "swap true stories around a campfire"! (When I would see something unusual, I just had to come to HGTV to share with you.)
I hope your family knows what a true treasure you are!!
Dear Stone,
I clicked on one of your great gems before having to run off, and I wanted to tell you how important it is to hear about your eco concerns here and in other countries of the world. Your leadership and concern is refreshing, In order to make a better, safer healthier world, the building blocks must be placed, the work must be done, and new information must be obtained. As it is said, knowledge is power. You are the kind of neighbor people would vie for. Going to try to watch some of your suggested programming.
I am so interested in these Jesse Ventura TRU-TV videos, Alex Jones' investigations, Jack Van Impe messages, etc. I hear that the EVIL powers that be, are starting to restrict and even erase some of the info…. that we should all be able to see and judge. The FEMA Camps (prisons secretly built in each state with barbed wire for whom?? for Marshal Law? for homeless people?, for all who don't like what's going on? why all the stacked up black plastic coffins? ) video is being restricted already. News the governnment and 'One World Government' peeps didn't want leaked out, I guess. Heaven help us!
I sure am shocked and saddened by the truths!!!! How corrupt many people do become when they THINK they have power and money to do whatever they want. Not thinking about the other guy and his RIGHTS to live a happy & healthy life also! I was right…. that BP oil spill in the Gulf was NOT an accident! They want to ruin the whole Gulf shore, so people will be forced to move away. Then wealthy peeps can drill for all the oil they want to, I guess. They have to keep up with Russia, I guess. WELL……. wait a minute……. with the "New World Order – one world government" that's already in effect……. there will be only ONE government. Seems we will loose our Democracy & Constitution then! (soo sad)
So much on my mind. So much done behind our backs. The Earth is in a sorry state!
So many don't want to admit to what's really going on…….. too bad…. maybe as a concerned HUGE GROUP, we could make a change for the better. There is evidence that THEY started major wars for their financial gain and have picked out our pressidents long before we knew them, rigged our planet's elections, ETC. ETC.
I am truly concerned ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! (So sorry to bend your ear!)
http://www.fanpop.com/spots/jeep/images/7208640/t…
The sight of this open type of green jeep gave me a huge chuckle a few weeks ago! When I saw it, I thought of Brendan O'Reilly and his grey dog.
I was second in line that day when I got stopped at a red light coming out of a large parking lot. I looked at the open mossy green jeep directly in front of me and did a double take. The strangest thing was happening! I had to chuckle & chuckle. In the driver's seat was a silver haired gent with a green jacket on. Sitting in the passenger seat was a good looking huge German Shepherd dog. cont'd.
cont'd.
Whenever the driver turned his head from left to right and back to the left again to check on traffic….. in unison…. his faithful German Shepherd dog did the exact same thing. This kept up for some time….. until the light finally changed! So hillarious…. their timing was in sync! I've never seen a dog so interested in traffic before! Bet if his legs were longer he just might try driving his own jeep!! LOL
I almost feel like getting a jeep like that man's and seeing if my dog, Dewey, would end up doing this "co-pilot" thing. LOL
Hello dear one RJMstone, I couldn't get back to the site for a few days, as I was tinkering with some projects, but all I could think about was this delightful story you told about the "in unison" dapper driver, and devoted dog. Because you are so in touch with nature, and people, I hope that you also have a camera amongst your toys or serious accoutrements and could start by making some films which the Mac is such a breeze to edit with. Maybe you enter some of these films in a festival. I will betcha Stowe would love you as a film commission participant. The pres. of the woman in film in Vegas wanted me to start a festival, but because of the constant travel and some new passions I decided for at least a year to stay on my own stuff until I am in one place more than another.
I was so sad that I didn't have any kind of camera with me that day! I so wanted to put it on YouTube so you all could have been just as amazed as I was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On a completely separate issue I wanted to share this with you and Eddie, as I know like me you are both sci fi buffs. This story fascinated me, and saw it about a week ago. Let me know what you think. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6a4T2tJaSU
If this doesn't get you to the utube site, look up George Clark, Charlie Chaplin time traveler, then after you see this check out Discovery Channel explanation for Charlie Chaplin time traveler.
THANKS Janzee!! That Charlie Chan movie extra sure was modern, huh? LOL
I have liked Sci-Fi ever since a kid! Learning science helps to erase some of the fears that Sci-Fi movies can conjure up! LOL!
I do believe that the ultra wealthy know much, but don't share all their science knowledge until they are ready to! Many Sci-Fi movies could be just teasers from them! LOL So nice to have the "conspiracy theory" shows.
Electricity is very powerful…. it gives us power, can kill, cure MS, and etc., etc., etc.
So….. maybe…… even Time Travel???
Ouite a brilliant comment dear Watson. I think you may be on to something. The Charlie Chaplin of yesteryear was in box, as this mime of the pretalking era was on the verge of saying something without words. And then for laughs, almost like an anachronism this person strolls along with a teaser for a scientific accomplishment- a cell phone clutched to his/her ear. Perhaps it had already been invented like you say.
Speaking of pine cones, I was just reading some interesting information about the differences between male and female pine cones. Who knew?
As for the pine cones shown in MARY's photo, while they're definitely from a pine tree (not Spruce or Fir) I wonder if Linda Woodrum knows their type and source? Actually, they look much like Knobcone Pine Cones (Pinus Attenuata) but that species is found in Pacific Coastal areas.
MARY has planted a seed that will grow into a mighty quest for answers as Pine Cone aficionados around the nation rally to identify the Dream Home cones in question.
If the pine cones are local, I would guess they are from the white pine, since that is one of the most common trees in Vermont.
I agree, CplusE, that would have been my first guess — but when I looked at photos of cones from the White Pine, they tend to be longer and more slender. However, since there are different varieties of White Pine, maybe the Vermont species produces these more conical cones. We'll just have to wait for a pine cone expert to verify the species.
Regardless, whether they are Vermont White Pine Cones or not, they're a perfect design accessory for the Dream Home.
Just hope they are not those cinnamon scented pinecones that my sweet daughter brought home. Their scent is so strong of cinnamon that it takes over the whole home.
The cinnamon scented small broom wasn't too bad.
RJMstone, you don't like those cinnamon scented pinecones? Can't understand why because they smell wonderful, especially if they're outdoors. If those pinecones are cinnamon scented, sure hope there's not 16 of them. That's TOOOOO strong!
So true Lessie….. would have to open a window!!
Would you believe there's snow showers in Western Maryland already? One of last year's blizzard babies was featured on the news tonight. Funny that these new babies are making their entrance during the first snowfall for the state of Maryland.
I know…I saw snow and believe it or not got hopeful that we might get some…funny that I am WANTING snow after last year!
I felt the same way, Our Army Family. I think snow helps set the mood for the holidays. Yes, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas!
November/December is my favorite time of year…I love that there is already Christmas music in the stores and all of the wonderful holiday foods available- I know others dislike it. I do know that when we get to the actual holidays it will be hard missing a member of our family.
I am also dreaming of a white Christmas…ooh- maybe if I stock up on groceries it will bring us snow (haha- I know it doesn't work that way).
Since we're both dreaming of a white Christmas, maybe we'll get it!
Lessie, I found a German torte, but I am not completely satisfied with the recipe. Want to make sure it has the gelatin that glazes the fruit, plus the chocolate. This is a favorite in Austria where gramps was from, and encouraged Spanish grams to make it along with her whole foods preparations. Whole Foods has a great one with the inclusion of a custard, but I cant seem to find the exact recipe. Give me another day or so.
Take as long as you want Janzee. Love your family heritage. Don't know if I'll be able to get to Whole Foods before leaving for NM.
Love you tooste, checking again today whist working on a couple of assignments. I cant wait to check back later.
Those wine colored chairs in the photo look great. My computer is showing the ottoman as having an interesting tone-on-tone fabric (checkerboard pattern) in the colors of a Caramel Latte drink. LOL This investigative work is making me thirsty. http://www.flickr.com/photos/yaspal/2674115519/in…
Looks like the wooden floor is light colored. The stones on the fireplace wall look to be almost the same color as the floor with other colored horizonal stone accents. Not sure about the mantel. Looks like something is sitting on something or hanging from something.
That pillow on the wine colored chair looks to me like it is made from a satiny light-aqua (like the sky) fabric with leaves on it made of copper colored thread. VERY NICE – looks like Fall leaves just falling from the sky! COOL PILLOW Linda!
Now I'm wondering if the ANNEX area will have similar colored chairs in it.
SWIVEL chairs though…. I'm hoping! So can look out the windows at the amazing scenery and then turn the chair around to join in with the conversations around the warm fireplace!
Hmmmmm….. wonder if a keyboard for Cami's piano wishes will be tucked in somewhere! <3
Maybe the ottoman isn't checkerboard tone on tone after all. It might be just weird blurry shading from the stuffing that I was seeing. Now I'm thinking it may be a light Fawn color of a soft leather.
So interesting, Cami, that you changed your avatar to a bird. BEAUTIFUL!! Bet there are many beautiful birds in the trees near the Stowe Dream Home! BIRDS are a true part of the DH scenery!
I was trimming some trees the other day and stopped for a drink of juice while I sat in my vehicle. To my delight a flock of maybe a dozen black-capped chickadees swooped down into my trees. They especially loved my cedar tree. So fun to watch these tiny birds go from branch to branch eating as they went. Didn't have my camera just then, but watched them for quite awhile with my binoculars! Love chickadees! http://www.suite101.com/content/blackcapped-chick…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/22260937…
That is a stunning bird. Love all the contrasting colors. Maybe I'll adopt that lil' guy next. ; )
Thanks RJ
Those tiny birds are beautiful and fast. Loved watching them. Hope the winner of the DHOME will appreciate the birds.
A birdfeeder could be another Dream Home winner house-warming gift.
Even a camera to take their pictures!!
I can see why you were spellbound RJMstone. That's a beautiful bird. Can't imagine having the opportunity to see a flock of them in MY tree. Yes, that was definitely a great day for you.
It was the highlight of my day. Those tiny birds moved very fast flittering and diving among the cedar tree branches! I kept having to look over the top of my binnoculars to FIND them as they moved around quickly. Wanted to be sure I had correctly indentified these tiny travelers before I stopped enjoying their acrobatics. LOL
I wonder if the smell of the cut wood attracked them.
""Builder Brendan O’Reilly stopped by in the afternoon to chat about the home design and construction details he found particularly challenging.""
Brendan O'Reilly and his team are SUPER GREAT! ! ! Hope HGTV and Jack Thomasson keep using him on their team! The Stowe, VT HGTV Dream Home looks super great from what we can see!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . BRENDAN is our hero!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If there is a party there with the winner, I hope the winner could meet Brendan O'Reilly and his team also!
I agree RJMstone. Brendan and his team should meet the winner. Where would they meet? At the blogger party!!!
WONDERFUL!
THEY INVITE US….. we will come…… with a dish to pass if they want!
I'm thinking Stowe Mountain Resort might be wanting it to be colder, with more precip. in the forecast. http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USVT0234
http://www.stowe.com/ http://www.erh.noaa.gov/btv/html/cams/stowe.shtml
I did a little digging around on the Ethan Allen website and am guessing that the chairs in Mary's photo are their Collin chair:
http://www.ethanallen.com/product?productId=787&a…
There are a huge number of fabric choices in their fabric library, so I won't even attempt to guess which option Linda W. chose!
I think you are right about the chair. And I'm going to guess that the fabric is "chase ruby" there is a fabric called "sydneybordeaux"! If it turned out to be in that color I would accept it as a sign that I will win this home! but I need to ground myself and not get my hopes up anymore! I will already be sad when the winner is announced and its not me.
How right you are! Much as I love to dream about the home, I try not to get too attached or I will start thinking of it as "my" home and the chances of that becoming reality are quite slim! I always love to browse furniture sites, though, so checking out the DH furniture options is always fun whether or not I win!
CplusE, every HGTV or diynetwork home is mine until the winner is announced. That's why I''m enjoying the Urban Oasis now. It's too small to accommodate me and someone else so I'll graciously step aside if I'm not the winner.
They're all mine too, what a coincidence. ; ) However, I'm willing to admit defeat when it comes, as well……
And I will be happy to admit Vern when he comes : )
I've been admitting defeat for nearly 6 years.. So I'm nearly at professional loser status.
Six years, Cami ? Some us have been going through this exquisite misery all 15 years from the very first DH ever !! I even watched the first HGTV shows when the network started up…
I used to watch the Home and Garden show before the network started up…. I think.
It had Joan Steffend on it so I'm sure it must have been the beginning, before they started their own network.
Carol Duvall had a craft spot on another network and then she was brought over to HGTV… I miss her– and ALL the craft shows (quite upset they were all phased out, even from DIY ) I miss Joan Steffend also; her show was great- –Decorating Cents -makeovers for "UNDER 500 dollars "…. Remember when she hosted some of the dream home giveaways ?
(and the 1st Green Home was my favorite; when I tried posting this sentiment I was blocked from the GH posts. I mentioned missing C-a-r-t-e-r O. who hosted the first 2 GH shows too.)
Look! recognize this ottoman??? =D
http://www.ethanallen.com/product?productId=2724&…
I think this is the chair: http://www.ethanallen.com/product?productId=797
Because it's the same model as the ottoman ( the "Seville")
PS: i think i'm not sure anymore… i think it's maybe the "Sville" or the "Adam"
I dont think it's the "seville" because the corners of the front of the arms are pointy in the picture and the seville has the corners cut off. and I dont think its "adam" either because the adam has curved arms and the one in the picture has straight arms. I'm gonna go with C+E and say its the "collin" but you definitely did more investigating then I did Cheesecakelover!
I'm not sure about it being the "collin" because in the blurry pic it looks like the front legs of the chair are a little bit longer than the back legs making it look like its leaning back a bit… or maybe it's just the angle of the pic. what do you think C+E?
I went with the Collin chair because of the longer, more slender legs. Also, if you scroll through the Collin chair pictures to the one chair in black-and-white plaid facing left, the angle of the chair looks very close to that of the one in Mary's picture, only a mirror image (might just be the pic angle like you said).
I LOVE~LOVE~LOVE~ when Linda starts to decorate and we get to see glimpses of her decor choices! Cozy, snugly, warm is what it's about for this Dream Home! Can't wait to see more!
! This is so exiting ! I'm having a cup of coffee this morning, and just by looking at the picture again, my mind just slipped away and I start to wonder about what type of kitchen does the DH/2011 have, is it Classic or Modern, Country, Rustic, and also what color scheme did Linda W. used, did she follow it all through the house or does every Room has it's own?????????????.
I love it ! thank you SydneyNK i just got another mental picture
Mary, how about another blurry picture? How about something in the Master Bedroom?
I have been imagining tons of built-in drawers and shelves in the room. Hoping some of the drawers would be cedar lined to keep moths away from the cozy sweaters, gloves and blankets needed up at Stowe.
Also……. So many questions SuperFanGail has to pick from.
Loving the colors that I can see in the blurry photo !! Red is my favorite color, followed closely by yellow……hope to see some yellow in this fabulous home (kitchen, bath………??)
Wasn't the kitchen to be done in dark charcoal and light colored cabinets?
So 'dark wine red' ceramic canisters and a red mixer would look super!
Maybe a plaid on the dining chairs or kitchen stools? No, no no…… forget that.
Here is an Ethan Allen black and white plaid chair in a rustic setting. http://www.ethanallen.com/product?productId=787&a…
OOPS! Forgot to say…..
to click the black arrow on the left of this chair photo… 3 times!
(Three views if you go that way.)
I have to admit, my first impression was that I forgot to put my glasses on! But alas, the glasses are on, the old eyes working as good as they do these days, and the picture was soft focus except for the basket of pine cones.
Very tricky indeed Mary! not quite a whole peek, kind of a half peek, and here we all are just waiting for whatever little peek we can get. Well a half peek is better than none. It looks promisingly cozy.
Now that our curiosity is peaked, (isn't it always?) that appetizer has made us hungry for the main course.
Napkins on laps, forks and knives in hand, tummies rumbling, bring it on! Feed the monster you have created.
LOL Anne. Wouldn't you like to tweak that peek a bit so everything is sharper?? I wonder if I can copy it and run it through my photoshop program, and wave that magic wand over it to show sharper outlines.
Ye haw the pine cones are back!
B)
Beautiful photo! I am excited knowing there is a date now hanging out there for the virtual tour…I am anxiously waiting to take in every last detail. Personally, I don't mind a photo that focuses on just the pine cones…it leaves the rest as a tease and I'm happy that this won't be one of the homes that we feel we know inside and out before the virtual tour launches. It will be just in time to be an early Christmas present!
While shopping in Stowe Soney and I thought these were cute! Sure fits our personalities! http://www.stowekitchen.net/store/productlist/247…
LOL! Oh, Alice and Soney, this is too funny — I am wearing a pair of those socks right now as I read your post (my husband gave me 2 pairs for Christmas last year)!
You are kidding me this is way too funny. I love those socks. This reminded me not too long ago that Soney took one of my favorite socks and chewed it into shreds. I found another sock that looked like it but wasn't a match. This isn't the first time this has happened when we were thinking alike from what I remember it was the Lindor Lindt commercial. How are you doing did you say you got sick around Halloween? Are you feeling better now? How is Diamond doing does she still have the brace on her leg? As you can tell Soney is doing just fine!
I love those socks too — we are getting our first real taste of cold weather right now and these socks are just warm enough to keep my feet warm without making them too hot. And speaking of shredding, I came home yesterday to find that my terrier had torn up yet another item — only a ring of cedar wood used to discourage moths, but it was not supposed to be her chew toy! I have to be careful what I leave lying around. I am almost recovered from my bout of food poisoning that struck on Halloween — just a little queasiness now and then. Diamond wears her leg brace for her long morning walk — she can now walk for 30 minutes and not suffer any problems so her leg is getting stronger every day! BTW, here is a link you and Soney might enjoy:
http://www.companyc.com/accessories-pillows/holid…
It comes in rug form too! Take care!
Works for me Alicesoneysmom. Love your shopping trips.
I didn't notice Janzee's name yet on this blog topic, but she was asking for the address for my website that I've been writing…it's been my little distraction while my husband is deployed. Anyway, the point of my website is tips and hints for military families…but I am trying to do it in a way that it also has info on it that makes it interesting to non-military too. It is still VERY much in the baby stages.
Since Janzee asked for it, I thought I would post a link. The specific link I am giving is to a way for Facebook users to have $1 donated to help Wounded Warriors. I am posting that link so that anyone who wants to can take a few moments and clicks on the computer to help…regardless of how people feel about the war- it is still good to help those who are serving, especially those injured. A lot of military do not join for political reasons but for a secure job. If you don't care to do that, but are interested in seeing my little "project" (website) that I have been working on then you can click on the "About" page to see my goals for the website. http://www.ourarmyfamily.com/vh1-divas-salute-our…
It's still in the baby stages.
I loved your website, and was so glad to see that I was already logged in. : )
Thanks- I'm trying to it up and have a lot more info that is interesting to a greater audience besides just military…it just takes a while to write all of the articles. As for the Intense Debate…I made sure to have that on so that it is easier for people to comment or start discussion if they want.
Should have known you were up to something good, OurArmyFamily. Great job!
Glad it is something good…definitely something that is "in the works." Thank you for checking it out!
I am right here kidd, and I just went to your site to check it out, thanks for posting your website. You will be very successful with your efforts. Bless you, and all that you think plan and touch.
I am still working on getting the creative element in…right now it is still a lot of getting information out. Some of the information seems to be falling in my lap which makes good content- but doesn't always leave me the time to write what I want.
i am a disabled vetran. I dont feel like the war is a good thing to be in. I was enlisted into the united states marine corps. I chose the corps becoust i really like there uniforms. Im verry sorry that your husband is deployed. I do support the troops, I feel like we should bring them all home, im sure that its not that easy. The goverment sent 2000 more troops into harms way. I pray ervery day for the safe return of our troops.
Some more new Dream Home construction videos over at HgtvPro. http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/pac_ctnt/text/0,2595,…
Even a view at the inside of the garage. (You could stop the video at that point for a longer look).
Alot of wood in there. What are they about to build?
Thanks for the video link…I watched it, but am not too into the building process (as in for the shell of the house), but I did stop and think, "gosh- can they give some insulating tips to the people who build military housing?!?" (hehe)
Can really relate to that Our Army Family and the mess hall could use some tips on how to make a better cup of coffee!
RJMstone. thanks for the link to the new videos. It's nice to know that the Dream Home
is so well built for environmental control. It will be warm and cosy in the winter!
Great link RJMstone. Thanks!
Not sure if anyone said it already but if that's a picture of the inside of the home…..WOW! is all I can say for now
Looking at old photos…I love how cozy the home looks with the lights on at dusk!
Ooh- how they always stock the house…does this year's home come stocked with a fridge full of cheese!!!
Looking at the photo & floor plans, that has to be the gathering room on the main floor !!
Cami- responding to an old comment of yours…Yes- I did notice next year's blog cabin is by me…it would be great to see it in person. As for winning- at this point (even though I think the Stowe house is very awesome) I am holding my hope of winning in the 2011 Green Home- perfect for our family!
I have a feeling you are longing to come back to the West side of the States. I hope you get to someday, however the East side is closer to Disneyworld.. Which do you prefer Army Family? Disneyland or Disneyworld?? Hope all is well with you and your family.
I think our preference is Disneyland…it is more magical and the staff does more to ensure your visit is magic. Disney World has more to offer though and you can stay in the actual Disney hotels for cheaper where as we are yet to stay in the actual Disneyland hotels because it costs more…then the flipside back- Disneyland's tickets are cheaper.
We were going to go to Disneyland with Costco's Southern Cal Attractions pass for Christmas, but decided to go to Alberta Canada to The Edmonton Mall. It will be a long stay and they have 3 mo. passes that are less expensive than Costco's Cal. City Pass. We will get to stay in the mall so once we get there we can stay there in the nice warm indoors and play or shop to our hearts content. I was concerned about all the driving around in California, and changing motels all the time. It's the getting there- over the Rockies and the generally cold and snowy area, that concerns me about going North.
Wow- that sounds like quite a trek. When you say you are staying in the mall…does that meant that there are hotels connected to the mall?
Yes, they have one hotel attached to the mall and one across the street from the mall. It tends to be very cold in the Winter there, so I elected to go with the one in the mall. It is quite a tourist destination so there are many hotels in the area. The West Edmonton Mall used to be the largest mall in North America, until the Mall of America came along.
Sounds like fun, Cami. I imagine that your husband is hoping the Mall stores are not open 24/7, or you may never get out to see the sun.
Me too, Army, me too !!! I'm falling hard for the 2011 Blog Cabin; it seems so perfect for my family & our life style !! I love living in the countryside, and with all that property, you wouldn't have to worry about houses being built right on top of you !!
We are actually more for the Green Home. But the Blog Cabin is in a great location- a lot to do within a short drive and a pretty area. My only concerns would be waterfront and storms/flooding, but it sounds as if they are taking the steps to alleviate that.
Being a native Floridian, I grew up with hurricanes & flooding, we ' know the drill' when weather gets bad, so that's not a big concern. You have to respect Mother Nature, not fear her.
Our Army Family the Von Trapp Family Lodge is definitely a must see but how about their home in Austria that would be fun to see too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M52jML48NE
Thanks…maybe it will have to be on my places to go someday list ;o)
Nice link, Alicesoneysmom. Love traveling with you!
alice: I loved it. Especially the jazz. Thank you.
Thanks so much for sharing Our Army Family! What beautiful butterflies. How very precious.
Thank you…it was funny because the first thing that I thought of when I saw the Vermont cheese (and we weren't even visiting Vermont) was the Dream Home!