When I was driving over to look at my mystery stone house the other afternoon, the real reason I headed down that specific road was to get some pictures of these two terrific foo dogs.
I had seen them the week before, and when I slowed to take a picture or two, some eejit came up behind me and blasted his horn, so I had to move along. 
This is a neighbourhood that doesn’t take kindly to people driving through it slowly and taking pictures. Being a middle-aged white gal, driving a Volvo station wagon, I am sure I looked like a huge threat.
The foo dogs are sited in front of a beautiful stone house, and their placement halfway up the front stairs and on stone pedestals is just perfect. 
I would love to know the story behind these dogs. Were they brought back from a trip to China, or were they just selected from the local statuary company!
I know that some people think that foo dogs have been done to death, but in a situation like this, they seem to add a very classic element to the front of this house. What do you think?
P.S. I thought I’d share a picture of two of my gardenias, which smell amazing!
Thanks, as always for reading!
Ha..ha..you stalker you in your Volvo!
ReplyDeleteI'd be stalking too as I love these Foo's. I love how they guard this stately home. Hope all is very well Meg? Really like your new header photo, very clever!
Gorgeous gardenias, Meg.
ReplyDeleteAs for the foo dogs, drop a note in the mailbox asking about them as if you're interested in acquiring some for yourself. Maybe you'll find out what mysterious secret they're guarding. Or what they're protecting the homeowners from. Could prove interesting...
Absolutely lovely!
ReplyDeleteThat house is so me. I'd stalk it, too, which is just what they need. Another middle-aged woman in a sensible car hanging about.
ReplyDeleteGotta comment on the gardenias...so, so lovely. My grandmother used to grow gardenias, bring them over to our home, put them in a bowl and let the sweet aroma permeate the room. I can't smell or see a gardenia without remembering her. Love them.
ReplyDeleteCheck Target's garden dept. They have these same foos... and on sale!!
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of a camera did you use for photographing the gardenias. What a splendid photo. I can almost smell them!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maurie... I used my little Canon Elph SD1100, in macro mode. My office has great light, and the gardenias were on my desk.
ReplyDeleteThose gardenias are absolute perfection!
ReplyDeleteI love the foo dogs - this reminds me of some friends who bought marble statuary in Italy, and then hand carried it on the plane - which was filled to capacity. One of them spent 8 hours holding a piece of statuary! The things we go through to get great finds home...
-SF
The gardenia photo is very successful. I think the Foos add a touch of personality to fairly
ReplyDeletesevere front.
I love gardenias - I think I have four kinds of gardenia perfume! And I know where that house is...
ReplyDeleteThe gardenia is from a cutting from a plant that my parents have had for 40+ years. Mine is about 10+ years old now and is in great health. The scent from the blossoms woke me up the other night. They smell so fabulous and are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteDear Auntie Meg: At the time I adopted G in China, I learned that each province in China is noted for an item. G's is porcelain, but another part of our group went to the province where the Foo dogs originated. Needless to say, I think all of those families brought Foos home, just like we brought porcelain.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are planning on taking the gardenia to your new casa and that they're still blooming then! What a wonderful "moving in" scent you'll have wafting through your rooms!!
Hugs. -- Miss M.A.
The dogs look great at the entrance to that home...I am sure they appreciated you taking their pic Meg ;)....xv
ReplyDeleteHaha, I didn't know there were other house stalkers out there! I've been confronted by homeowners a few times and had to explain myself to them - "I was just admiring the trim details on your porch, that's all, I swear!"
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, I can never get enough vintage or antique foo dogs--as soon as they go on display--they are sold. Being Chinese guardians--they add so much character to a space. The new dogs do not seem to have as much positive energy as the antique or even vintage "guys" as I refer to them. Each set has its own individual character and energy. When buying always look for superb detailing--a little chip here and there is simply (usually) a sign of age and use. Also look for wear to the underside edges of the porcelain; a softness around the edges--no roughness to the rim is also an indication of age. I love all of the various glazes and color variations.
ReplyDeleteWho should ever mind you in any neighborhood? :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE that stone house and the foo dogs! And the gray shutters are perfect too!
XX
Victoria