Fell in love with this dining room. It's decorated to period, but reminds me strongly of Monet's rooms at Giverny. Notice the little object hanging in the right window? It's a fly catcher - a little blue and white porcelain jug, with holes around the side and molasses on the bottom. Life was much harder before modern conveniences, but that didn't prevent determined taste-makers from leading beautiful lives.
Monet's dining room. Another wonderful example of sunny yellow and bright blues. VERY yellow in fact!
![](http://frysingerreunion.org/france/monet02.jpg)
![](http://frysingerreunion.org/france/monet02.jpg)
This last (far more humble) building is the kitchen. Kitchens during this period had such a nefarious habit of burning down, they were kept as far away from the house as possible. I share the same sentiments today - but only because I hate cooking!
Images: Stately Oaks, my own. Monet's dining room, www.galenfrysinger.com