LONDON AND THE YULETIDE SEASON...

Arrived into London on Thanksgiving Day.  Had the most bumpy flight ever -- we had tail winds of approx 240 miles per hour which made for a short flight, i.e. a short, but BUMPY flight.  It was one of the rare times while flying that I've actually started checking for the "little bag" -- and I don't mean "doggie bag".  Now, mind you, that didn't mean I didn't eat my dinner, drink my champagne, nor eat my brekky...!!!

Anyway, the holiday shopping season is in full swing here in Olde London Town and it's very exciting.  The high streets are teeming with shoppers, the streets are aglow with holiday decorations and lights and the shops are incredible.  That said, Harrods (not one of my favorite shops) was soooooo crowded that one could not move -- and I only went there in search of lamps for a certain person -- you know who you are!!!

Well, here are a couple of photos...I hope you enjoy...



The atrium at Fortnum and Mason (F&M)




Truffles at the Candy Counter of F&M




More of the F&M candy counter -- am I fixated???




The Main Food Hall at F&M




Another photo of the Main Food Hall...




An F&M street window -- mmmmm, Candy, Food, Wine -- what could be better....!!!



...and the madness which is Harrods at Christmas...



MORE ON STENTON AVENUE...

Well, the addition is coming along beautifully.  We're under roof and windows and doors have begun to be installed.  Also, the fireplace/chimney structure is complete.

Here are a couple photos.

ORIGINAL KITCHEN/BACK PORCH

KITCHEN/BACK PORCH REMOVED IN PREPARATION
OF THE BUILDING OF THE NEW ADDITION

FOUNDATION COMPLETE AND THE BEGINNING OF THE FRAMING...



FRAMING PROGRESSING...





MORE FRAMING WITH ROOF BEING CONSTRUCTED...





MORE PROGRESS...




ORIGINAL VIEW FROM SIDE PORCH...




...SAME VIEW, BUT WITH A WEE BIT OF A NEW BUILDING IN PLACE...



NEW ADDITION FURTHER ALONG...THE LARGE
OPENING IS FOR FRENCH DOORS
WITH STATIONERY SIDE LIGHTS FLANKING THE DOORS.

THE ADDITION...

Here are a couple of shots of the new addition to the Stenton Avenue project...

STENTON AVENUE -- AGAIN...

Well, this project just keeps getting more and more exciting.  The addition is coming along like gang-busters.  The scaffolding is down -- I guess now people won't be able to refer to the house as "the one with all the scaffolding".  With everything in full progress and with the house unencumbered by the scaffolding the beauty and possibilities for the gardens are starting to show thru.  There is a beautiful view from the side porch -- looking toward the back of the garden which would look incredible planted as an allee with a possible ending point of a sculpture or even a pergola.  Take a look at the pics below:




THE CURRENT VIEW FROM THE SIDE PORCH -
 LOOKING TO THE BACK OF THE GARDEN

 

A RATHER RELAXED ALLEE WITH BASE PLANTINGS
AND ENDING WITH A SCULPTURE...

 

A VERY SIMPLE "RED BERRY" ALLEE
WITH A STRUCTURE AT THE BACK...

FULL VIEW OF THE SIDE PORCH.

CLOSER VIEW OF THE DETAIL OF THE ORIGINAL SIDE PORCH COLUMNS

   

AND THIS IS ONE BEAUTIFUL COMPOSITION -- BEAUTIFUL BIRCH TREES,
PAVING STONES AND A WONDERFUL PERGOLA/DINING AREA.
THE COLUMNS USED WITH THIS STRUCTURE ARE VERY
SIMILAR TO THE ORIGINAL COLUMNS ON THE PORCH  -- AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE TWO PHOTOS ABOVE.




  



NEW PROJECT...

On Friday 11/28 I met with a new client here in Chestnut Hill.  The call came as a result of seeing my space at the designer show house.  It is an exciting project in a beautiful, classic Chestnut Hill home.  I'm in the process of thinking things thru, laying rooms out in my head, selecting fabrics, furniture, carpets, etc.  I'll keep you posted as to the progress.