..............feels like I have been gone for a long time.......but here I am again. New York was FABULOUS! So much better than when I was there in February! The weather was just perfect and work was fun. Everything was in bloom and people were actually friendly!
This is the front of the building where Harris Publications is located. Right on Broadway......
................it overlooks MADISON SQUARE PARK....................................................
...................lots of pretty flowers....the kind we can't grow in Florida..............
.................tulips, hostas, snowballs and gorgeous trees..................
............people jogging....walking their doggies.......................
and, of course, spectacular buildings..........................................................like these at night (right across from the office)..........................and then...........................
...............walking along 5th Avenue.......................................................................
...you see that building on the left? The one with a cupola-like top? Well, it's under construction but they draped it with a canvas painted like the finished building will look. How clever!...........................
...........so much better than having to look at a construction mess!..................
Of course, there is plenty of shopping for those who can afford great stuff......................
..........................well...............dream on......................................
As much as I enjoyed being able to walk after work I still didn't feel comfortable enough to venture out at night in the streets by myself.....too many weird people...............so I came back to the hotel as soon as it got dark.....................
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Sure was nice to come home and find my fat kitties waiting for me..................on my bed....which they happily messed up.................
Lucy was ready to call me..............
Daisy was yawning away ............
and Lily was snoring......................................
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PIE ANYONE? I got home late and there was nothing to eat in my house....only a frozen pie crust. I defrosted it a little in the microwave then stuffed chunks of dough in muffin tins, topped them with a little butter and Splenda and baked them until golden. They turned out nice and crispy and I ate the whole thing with a cup of tea...............as the saying goes "if there is a will there is a way...) Yum!!
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The weather has been lovely in Florida. Comfortable enough to brave the outdoors and plant a few more things. I added a border of mostly blue flowers in front of my fence.
..........to go with the morning glories on the arbor...............
........also has a bit of pink to recall the oleanders and mandevilla vine........................
........Lucy enjoys the view from the window (when she is not sleeping...)
In the back, I added some Papyrus grass and more bougainvilleas ................. 
...............and homes for the birds....and bees.............................
...moonflowers seeds are sprouting......and the almost dead impatients have come back
That's it for now. I am going to catch up with emails and comments. See you soon!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox fifi
By the way, the above bottle is from HOME GOODS..... in the sale corner ($7)..............
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What a lovely little cottage you have. Its adorable. I want to vacation there :)
I got a bottle very similar to yours, also at Home Goods.. I have mine filled with roses too. Yummy.
Posted by: Heather | May 13, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Hi Fifi,
I have missed you so much! I am glad you are home safe and sound. Your pictures of New York were awesome and I am glad you had a good time. (I would be afraid to walk after dark too.) Your garden pictures are beautiful. I wished I could see your home in person - I know it would be quiet a treat. I am sure your fur babies were glad to see you home too. Can't wait for the coming issue - I know it will be "sweet perfection" for all of us.
Hugs,
Connie
PS: Time to rest up!
Posted by: Connie | May 13, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Your yard is looking gorgeous!! What a beautiful site to come home to.
Posted by: Colleen | May 13, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Hi Fifi!
Good to have you back on the blog again! Looks like a great trip.... How I would love to walk the streets of NY one day. If I could ever get over the fact I need to fly about 7 hours for it.... across a very big pond! I know... I'm a wuss.
Enjoy the lovely wheather!
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 13, 2008 at 01:00 PM
I've been reading and collecting Harris publications for a long time. My all-time favorite. Glad to know someone from there. The kitties look like they missed you. Give them plenty of hugs.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | May 13, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Awww......Fifi....I love your sweet kitties and your beautiful garden.
:-) Rosie
Posted by: Rosie's Whimsy | May 13, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Looks like you had a lovely time in New York. But there is no place like home with little fur babies waiting for you to return.
Welcome home. Your garden is looking wonderful! I love all the blue flowers. Very English Cottage looking.
Joanne
Posted by: Joanne Kennedy | May 13, 2008 at 05:23 PM
That is clever the building cover-up!
All your blue flowers agains the fence? Perfect!
I see Russian sage and Delphiniums etc..Some of my favs..The touch of pink is just right.
How I love Spring and the gardens awakening~
I had alarge vase like yours..All of a sudden the bottom cracked..It was a gift from my daughter a couple of yrs ago..I liked it very much..even as a water pitcher for the table~
What a picture your Morning Glories and home:)!
Les minous sont mignons !
Welcome back..busy girl!
Posted by: Monique | May 13, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Welcome home sweets....looks like you had a much better go of it this time! ~XO~ Janet
Posted by: Janet (Shabbyfufu) | May 13, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Fifi,
You were missed! I always LOVE the photos of the kitties, they are just lil' buckets of love waiting for you! Thanks for sharing your photos with us.
Anita~
Posted by: Anita | May 13, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Fifi...SO nice to have you back home safe & sound. I've missed you! I LOVE your pics of NYC...I love that city too..but would NOT want to live there. Speaking of which, I'm leaving tomorrow to drive a 16' van 'cross country from Seattle to Sarasota! I've been packing up my antiques, boxes of 'stuff' & am SOOOO tired that I think a 3200 mile drive sounds relaxing. My sweet friend, Jim, is flying up to help me drive & I've already told him that we're going to get off the Interstate at times so that I can check out some flea markets along the way! I'm going to have some extra room in the van, so I'm hoping to find some good fleas & yard sales. Yippee!! (as if I need more 'stuff'). I'm looking forward to seeing you & your kitties. I love love love what you're doing with your garden. the blue flowers are gorgeous. Plumbago is a great drought-resistant blue flowering bush..couldn't tell if you had any in with the others. I'm so looking forward to the new Romantic Country! Any hints about what we can expect? Hugs...Seattle Sue (soon to be Sarasota Sue again!)
Posted by: Sue | May 13, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Hi Fifi welcome back.
Thank you so much for all the lovely photos of New York. It looks fabulous, especially Madison Square Park.
Love the building coverup - so clever
How pretty your garden is looking.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | May 13, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Hi Fifi
Good to have you back.....looks like you had a great trip. Love the bleu border you made. Your kitties looking lovely as ever.
oxoxoxox Marga
Posted by: Marga | May 14, 2008 at 12:11 AM
There's no place like home...
there's no place like home...
welcome home Fifi! We all missed you!
LOVE your flowers and the bottle "find".
Hugs, Sherry
Posted by: Edie Marie's Attic | May 14, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Glad to know you had a wonderful time in New York, It really looks like a great city! Your garden is so homely and the pictures exude the love you put into it.
chat soon, Adla
Posted by: Adla | May 14, 2008 at 12:45 AM
You were a lucky girl. I would "die" to go to NYC right now I love NYC during May . Anyway , May is my favorite month but in New york specially ...
I'm sure you were also very happy to be back home with your minous
Posted by: le petit cabinet de curiosites | May 14, 2008 at 03:09 AM
I just love NYC. There is no place like it. Your pictures are great.
Posted by: Susie | May 14, 2008 at 04:22 AM
Your garden is always so inspiring Fifi!!!!
BTW to change the subject, re Romantic Country - do you know if they are going to offer International subscriptions? It's my favourite magazine!
Posted by: Natasha Burns | May 14, 2008 at 04:58 AM
LOL forgot to say how fantastic New York looks and that it is probably very wise not to be out on your own at night! I can't wait to go there in October! Maybe you'll be around then too with some luck?!
Posted by: Natasha Burns | May 14, 2008 at 04:59 AM
Welcome back Fifi - although it's fun to travel, there really is no place like home is there? :) .............
Especially with those wonderful kitties to welcome you!
Joy
Posted by: Joy | May 14, 2008 at 05:11 AM
I'm SO glad you had a wonderful time in New York! You deserve it and I love your blue flowers... a beautiful addition to your sweet gardens!
xo,
Kim
Posted by: daisy cottage | May 14, 2008 at 06:18 AM
Welcome back, Fifi!
I've never seen canvas covering a construction site either, but think its a really cool idea.
Your garden looks beautiful and I am loving the plumbago against your white fence. I planted some myself over the weekend. It's one of my favorites!
I'm glad you're back safe and sound.
Posted by: Marilyn | May 14, 2008 at 06:20 AM
Hi Fifi,
I've come over to introduce myself, after reading your blog for a while now... I'm Joy's (thejoyof) friend, Janet (not to be confused with Janet from shabbyfufu, whom I've just 'met'!)
Looks like I picked a good day! Your pictures of NY look beautiful... I've never been, but Joy & I are determined to get there someday!
Your home always looks so lovely, and I can imagine the feeling you had when you finally got back... I always say that going away is great, but there's nothing like it to really make you appreciate your own place!
Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
(And oh-- I hope you don't mind, but I've added your blog to my favourites list on mine... because it has become such a fave!)
Take care,
'the other' Janet
Posted by: Janet | May 14, 2008 at 06:35 AM
Clever,clever awning.
Posted by: londoncalling | May 14, 2008 at 07:45 AM
What a lovely post this has been.... I totally enjoyed the tour to NY City, and to your lovely FL garden..... verly lovely!
Hugs,
Cielo
Posted by: cielo | May 14, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Hi dear and missed Fifi! every day I was looking at your blog to see if you were back!! I love NYC but I only want to see your beautiful pics of your wonderful home...oh! don´t you think your lovely kitties are a litte fat? Maybe a litte excercise jaja
Posted by: Tere | May 14, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Welcome Back Fifi - I really missed you! I live in New York and I don't go out at night - too many crazy people lurking in the night. I love your kitties, I have three of my own and love them to death. Anyway I'm so glad you're back - love your garden!
Ciao Bella - Madeline
Posted by: Madeline | May 14, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Welcome home...I love New York.....You were missed....Garden is Fabulous.....When you have a chance visit me and see my new baby...I'm in love....Glad you are back.
Mo :-)
Posted by: Mo....Mo's cottage | May 14, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Hi Fifi,
I love your photos of New York - but you're right, there's no place like home! Especially when you've got those little kitty cats waiting for you and muss up that bed like that. I laughed out loud at Daisy yawning (reminds me of my house, hey does she know you took her picture like that?).
Your house looks so beautiful with the Morning Glories draped across the front - ahhh!
You know those silly sports guys where they say I'm going to Disneyland? They need to do a woman's version, where the ladies say "I'm going to Fifi's house!" ;)
xoxo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie | May 14, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Thank for the tour of New York.
Looks like the kitties were relaxing while you were away, but I'm sure they are relieved you are home! Your yard is so lovely. Up here in the North our trees are just starting to leaf out!
Posted by: Ele | May 14, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Your garden is lovely and reminds me of my sisters front yard in, Albuq, New Mexico.
Glenda
Posted by: Glenda | May 14, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Welcome Home Fifi. New York is a beautiful city. I saw the same type of "covering" on buildings under construction in Italy when I was there a few weeks ago!
Your garden is looking wonderful. I hope the weather stays nice, I am heading to Naples in June.
Hugs,
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio | May 14, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Welcome home Fifi!
I know the furry babies are happy to have you back!
Nice photos of the city. So glad the weather behaved for you!
xo
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | May 15, 2008 at 06:50 AM
Fifi... your photos of New York are stunning... glad you had a good time even though you had to work...
Glad you got to see some of the sights
Of course you can always click your ruby red boots and say... theres no place like home....three times!!
JO
Posted by: JO | May 16, 2008 at 07:28 AM
love the city pictures.... but... theres no place like home... there's no place like home...
Posted by: diana | May 16, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Glad you had a good time, and that you are home safe and sound fifi! Nice pics! Very neat the canvas of what the building will look like when it's done hiding the consturction of it! ~Only in New York! :)
Still loving all the garden pics fifi, and now you have gone and done it girl~with all the "Blue" flowers you added!! :)
Adorable shots of your adorable kitties!
Have a beautiful weekend!
xoxoxo
Cat
Posted by: Catherine | May 16, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Hi Fifi,
I have just stumbled across your blog & have to say I have spent the last hour & a half reading & admiring your beautiful posts & pictures.
I have added you to my blog roll & will be popping back frequently to see what beautiful things you have. You have given me a whole lot of new inspiration for my home. THANK YOU!
Sarah xx
Posted by: Sarah | May 17, 2008 at 02:22 AM
Hi Fifi!! I'm so very glad you're back home safe and sound!! Your kitties look so very worried :), you must have someone wonderful looking after them. What amazing photos from New York!! Hope to visit there one day. I am just about to bust Fifi...I would love for you to stop by my blog and see why!!! OMGoodness Fifi...this summer is going to be WONDERFUL!! love & hugs, xxoo, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | May 17, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Fifi,
I think you like gardening as much as decorating! Thus I have a climbing rose question: have you found a pink reblooming fragrant climbing rose that works?
I've found red and yellow ones, but want to stick with the pink color theme. Thought in all your traveling,editing, planting that maybe you've found a good pink climber.Yes New York is an exciting place to visit and see Broadway shows.
Thinking of you.
Mim
Posted by: Mim | May 17, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Hi Fifi, Wonderful pictures from New York. Your kitties look so relaxed and comfortable. Loved seeing your gardens too. Just gorgeous. I also want to share with you my redesign of my art studio that I did last summer after the inspiration from your feature in Romantic Country. I have the post up now. If you find a moment, I invite you to take a peek. Thank you and welcome back home!
Celestina, La Rea Rose
Posted by: Celestina Marie | May 17, 2008 at 04:41 PM
That canvas for the construction is AMAZING! I love that!! Maybe I get one for the house =) I haven't been to NY for years but I live very near to Chicago so I never have the urge for big city. Always craving small town...until I get there and there's nothing to do but rest. I'm not very good at resting. Hmmm... wonder what that says about me? =) Thanks for showing us NY - city or country, they can both be inspiring! Blessings... Polly
Posted by: Polly | May 17, 2008 at 04:41 PM
MIss Fifi,
The photos of the front entrance to your home are so incredibly charming!
I picked up the Coastal Colors magazine today, and saw a glimpse of you in a photo. What a beautiful issue it is!
As always, beautiful, inspiring work!
Trisha Evans
my2roses
a vintage white
Posted by: Trisha Evans | May 17, 2008 at 05:30 PM
The canvas is something we saw often in Italy -- when they're renovating their beautiful sites, they cover it with canvas. Glad someone in the US finally got beyond great board fences with knotholes! Glad your trip to NY was good, and Florida looks pretty good from your pics, as well.
Posted by: Ann | May 17, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Mais c'est tout à fait charmant chez vous !
J'adore vos baies vitrée à carreaux à l'ancienne qui donnent un chic fou à votre façade.
Posted by: Henriette L. | May 21, 2008 at 05:51 AM
Belated welcome home Fifi :)
I love New York too, but at the end of the trip there really is no place like home.
Your flowers look gorgeous! Now I'm off to catch up on all I've missed...
rue
Posted by: rue | May 27, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I finally had a minute to get to your web sight...loved it...will miss seeing you for a few days, having some dental work done...comes with the aging progress you spoke of....but I like you still have lots to do. Must tell you I am going right now to order the pink hose...Thanks
Posted by: Anna Jacobson..From Publix | June 16, 2008 at 01:12 PM