Friday, May 31, 2013

Folding Deck Chairs - Curbside Find

I found these very nice folding deck chairs someone put out for curbside pick up. I like them a lot and they are in perfect condition. They are ideal for the far side of my balcony. I never cease to be amazed at what people toss out. They are the same color even though the one on the right looks more golden because it was in the sun. They fold into a nice tight package and will take up almost no room in my garage when the season is over. See you tomorrow.
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Nancy Lancaster Garden at Haseley Court


Don't you love Nancy Lancaster's trademark blue garden seats? Photographed at her last home, Haseley Court in Oxfordshire England. via Pinterest
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First Peony 2013

I was rewarded for getting out of bed this morning with my first open peony. It must have been waiting for some hot weather. I am so happy. my Nikon photo
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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Nice Porch with Swing

It looks like a good place to be on a hot day, doesn't it? via
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Peony Bud


One of these days the tight pods on my peonies will open. I'm in no hurry though. I like the upright buds. When they bloom, they will droop. Besides, I'm not going outside again anytime soon in this heat. It's 90° right now and I can hardly believe I had the heat on two days ago. my Nikon photo
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Wood's Edge Early This Morning

My woods looked pretty with the morning fog in the background and the early sunlight casting its yellow glow here and there. It is hot now and will be 90° later. Webster is not a happy camper and I'm not either. Tabitha is in 7th heaven. my Nikon photo
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My Birdbath in the Early Morning Light


Now I know why photographers prefer the early morning light. Everything just looks better before the sun has gotten very high in the sky. I took this photo a few minutes ago from the balcony with my Nikon. Of all my birdbaths, this one is the favorite for some reason. It serves as a perch too for the birds looking to pounce on an insect. See you later. Webster is whimpering to be fed.
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French Bulldog Love x 3


The three little pigs. via


I'm up way too early this morning enjoying my coffee and the open windows with the songs of birds wafting in with the cool breeze. Tabitha got me up and I couldn't go back to sleep so here I am.
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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Red Clover at My Cottage


This red clover in my field looks very much like rose colored chive blossoms. I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good evening with sweet dreams. 
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Pink Roses in An English Village

These roses are too beautiful for words. The climate in England was kind to rose species brought in as guests from far off lands in times of old and they soon became residents, grew up, bred and cross bred. via
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Clay Flower Pots In Waiting


I love the upside down flower pot arrangement, don't you? They look so beautiful waiting for the moss on top of the wall to cover them too. via
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J.R.R. Tolkien Quote

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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Hide and Seek with Chickens

Shhhhh. They will never find us in here. via
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Nurturing the Milkweed


It's raining again as you can see.

I have a little stand of milkweed in the rear portion of my property. Every day I weed around the 14 plants. I grew up loving them and I hope they will stay. I used to make things and stuff them with the milkweed floss from the big pods after they popped open. Weeding the weeds -- crazy? I think not. Kids used to gather milkweed for the WWII effort -- read more here. It was used to stuff life preservers. my iPhone photos

Ants on Peonies


I've always wondered why ants like peonies but I don't know the answer. They just do. I took this photo just a few minutes ago on this cool Tuesday morning that feels like a Monday. I have to get this show on the road pretty soon because I have to go to an office meeting. See you later. my iPhone photo

Monday, May 27, 2013

In Flander's Field by John McCrae

 
In Flander's Field by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

"In Flander's Field" is a memorable poem that was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in a cemetery in the Flanders region of Belgium on May 3, 1915, the day after the death of his young friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer.



Perhaps the most famous poem written during World War I, these simple but powerful fifteen lines, and the poppies they immortalize, have come to symbolize fallen soldiers. I think this is the perfect remembrance for Memorial Day and I post it every year.

Image: Painting by Willy Werner
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Memorial Day 2013

Today is a day for patriotism. This large white wall is perfect for displaying the American flag. Don't forget to honor our veterans and soldiers and go to a parade if you can. Have a great Memorial Day. via
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Sunday, May 26, 2013

Amazing Space for Outdoor Entertaining


Wow. This is too wonderful, isn't it? I wouldn't know where to sit. I think the guests would end up playing musical chairs in order to enjoy all the views in every direction. Enjoy your Memorial Day festivities tomorrow. via

Ralph Waldo Emerson quote about Walking


Peace Defined

My wish for you today and every day. via

Benjamin Morrow House with Plans


This lovely New England colonial with breezeway and garage barn has 1,989 square feet. Doesn't it look as if it has a lot more? The floor plan is wonderful. I am finding in my real estate business that many families today want a first floor master bedroom and one could easily be added here. I love this home, don't you? From CONNOR HOMES. They have been building new old homes since 1969.

Duck Paddle


In case you've ever wondered, this is how it's done. This little duckling looks pretty pleased with himself for having mastered the duck paddle, doesn't he? via

'Walk Like an Egyptian' Bird

He has it down pat even without hands, doesn't he?  We have blue skies and bright sun this morning. Yay! Just in time for a great Memorial Day weekend. Have a good long weekend.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

1902 Bookplate Ex Libris Robert Hall

Bookplate, 1902. Robert Hall, an avid collector of Kemscott Press books. via

On the library table are Kelmscott works, including William Morris’s The Glittering Plain and his 1895 translation of Beowulf. All the books are clearly bound in the distinctive Kelmscott full limp vellum tied with silk ribbons. The Wood Beyond the World is open to show a Morris-designed woodcut border and frontispiece. Leaning against the bookcase is a copy of the 1896 edition of Chaucer. Click here to see this wonderful bookplate enlarged.

Have a great long weekend. I'm anxiously awaiting the next episode of Orphan Black on BBC America. I missed the first 6 episodes and had to watch them online. When I was up to date I began watching on Saturday nights at 9pm. This will be my third week of watching on the TV set. It is really GOOD. It has been renewed for a second season too. Will you be watching?

Spring Lambs on Spring Grass


Bluebird Spotting Today at My Cottage


Any day that starts with a bluebird spotting is a good one in my book. This one was pretty far away and I'm thankful my Nikon with the big telephoto lens was near the window. 

Welcoming Entrance + A Wonderful Gate


This is a wonderful entrance, isn't it? Don't you want to open the gate to see what's on the other side? I certainly do. via

Friday, May 24, 2013

Trinity College Library, Dublin Ireland

The views of this Dublin library are breathtaking. Could anyone ever take it for granted? I'm sure everyone speaks in whispers there out of respect for the past. via