Monday, February 28, 2011

The Windsors in the 1940s

Queen Elizabeth II; King George VI; Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother; Princess Margaret. Photo is probably from the early 1940s don't you think? King George VI died in 1952 and Elizabeth immediately became Queen at age 25. I can't get enough of them and I know you can't either!!!!

How Many Days in February?

Thirty days hath September,

April, June, and November.

February has twenty-eight alone,

All the rest have thirty-one.

Except in Leap Year,

That's the time, when February's days are twenty-nine.

Tomorrow is March 1st.

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Secret Door in Library

Books are so versatile, aren't they. You can collect them, read them, decorate with them, and disguise doors with them too. Secret Door in Library

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PS22 Chorus - Musical Finale at 2011 Oscars


Did you stay awake until the END of the Oscars last night? I did for the first time in years just to see the PS22 Chorus perform at the finale. They were great. Read an article from Staten Island bursting with local pride about these darling 5th graders and also today's New York Times article which explains that their tee shirts are color coded -- green for sopranos and blue for altos.

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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Wonderful Office and Library

What a nice room. I love the black floor to ceiling bookshelves, don't you? This gorgeous office/library is very special. via book lovers never go to bed alone

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Reflections

This photograph of trees in a mist reflected on a lake is breathtakingly beautiful. I've always loved a good water view and I like lakes better than oceans for some reason.

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Godfather House


This is the house in Staten Island where 'The Godfather' was filmed. I got interested in learning more about it after seeing a segment on Sunday Morning today.

This iconic house is for sale with a $2.9 million price tag. I hope you will enjoy watching this video as much as I did. I had no idea the stone walls around the property in the movie were fake, did you? 

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Antique Lamp with Nautilus Shell Shade

I love this early 1900s Nautilus Shell Bronze Desk Lamp from ERIE BASIN

Just for Fun: 109 Cats In Sweaters + One in a Poncho

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Saturday, February 26, 2011

Goodnight, Sleep Tight

I have chosen this amazing bedroom for tonight because it will be so perfect for waking up on Sunday morning, agreed? Goodnight. See you tomorrow. 

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PS22 Chorus Will Open The Oscars


I'm so happy for these 5th grade students from Staten Island, NY's PS22. This talented young chorus and their fabulous music teacher will be opening the Oscars performing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'. I've been a fan of theirs for quite some time and can't wait to see them Sunday night. 


Read the whole story and see more videos at NPR

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Outside My Cottage Yesterday


The snowdrops are coming up right on schedule. I always see them beginning in February.

The wisteria looks very sculptural against the background of the woods. I keep it cut back so it doesn't take over.

The ice in the birdbath has melted but no birds are interested in bathing. Brrrr.

This is the big branch I was talking about last week when I was pining away for a gardener to help me get rid of it.

Here he is. Webster is so handsome, isn't he? The wonder dog got the crazy runs he was so excited about being in the way back.

My guard chicken proudly standing watch outside my bedroom window. It felt good to walk around with my camera now that the weather is improving. Have a great weekend.
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Morning Dew on Spider's Web

Misty Morning Dew ~ A heavily laden spider's web in the long grass at Croome Court, Worcestershire in The Cotswolds. Now that is just beautiful! ©flash of light 

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Friday, February 25, 2011

Tiny Homes With Scavenged Charm + Slide Show


Derek Diedricksen has built four microhouses at his home in Stoughton, Mass., using salvaged materials and ingenuity.
You will love this charming story and slideshow about a man in Massachusetts called a mad scientist with too much wood who has built a village of tiny structures in his back yard. Tiny Homes With Scavenged Charm via NYTimes Don't fail to read the accompanying article called The $200 Microhouse. It's hilarious and inspiring too. The Times reporter Joyce Wadler has a way with words that will make you laugh out loud. You can thank me later for finding this for you.

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Countdown to Oscar


This is the site for Everything Oscar. I'll be watching, will you? Are you having an Oscar party or just eating popcorn in front of the TV? I'll be using my top of the stove vintage Felknor's Theater Popcorn Popper and doing the latter.

I had a hard time finding an original classic Felknor which for some reason is no longer made but I finally got one a couple of years ago and love it. I use olive oil for regular popcorn and sometimes I make kettle corn which is also delicious. I'm told the Whirley Pop is almost as good even though it doesn't have the tapered sides. You'll never eat microwave corn again once you go back in time and make popcorn on your stovetop. If mine ever breaks, I might buy one of these from Lehman's.

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Same Tree 8 Hours Apart at My Cottage

This is the black walnut tree I saw from my front door this morning at 7:00 am when I first got up and let Webster out. I did not convert the photo to black and white. This is a color shot and as you can see it was a very gray and rainy morning.

I just got back from walking the wonder dog and I wanted you to see how different the same tree looked at 3:00 pm. The wind is howling but at least it has stopped raining and the sun looks nice when it's not hiding behind a cloud.

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Balbegno Castle | UK Scotland | Wellies Provided

They even provide wellies, just in case anyone forgets  to bring them. 

Doesn't this look like the perfect place for hunting and fishing? Don't you absolutely love this rolling shelf in the hallway? 

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Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II, Page 35


I agree with both points. I usually find something to ponder on almost every page of this wonderful little book and hope you do too.

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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Windsor Smith's Home in House Beautiful

Windsor Smith's Stunning LA Home - House Beautiful
Pottery Barn sconces and an antique French repoussé mirror add a little romance to the master bath. The sink is skirted in smoky gray-and-white silk from the Silk Trading Company.

How lovely! I can only imagine what a water-spotted mess this sink skirt would be if I had one. Silk is for the very neat, brave and daring, or a little-used bathroom.

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Eat More Fruit


This colorful image could be a poster for all the fruit growers out there, couldn't it? I bought a big bag of navel oranges and two cantaloupes today. I already had red and green apples in the crisper so I'm well on my way to eating more fruit.

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Queen Elizabeth II of England's Parents

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother). By Popperfoto/Getty Images via VanityFair.com

I don't know about you but I want to know everything about these two royals since seeing The King's Speech. I loved this article and slideshow in Vanity Fair From Sketch to Still, A Visual History of The King’s Speech Sets and Costumes. It's a very good pre-Oscar read. Enjoy.

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Cats Really Know How To Get The Best Views


I have never seen a cat sit like this, have you? Hopefully this delightful photo will get your day off to a happy start. :)))

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011