Thursday, July 31, 2014

Country Kitchen in Summer

Nothing says summer better than watermelon and peaches, right? via

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 80


This makes me want to finish my weeding. I never did finish the front. We are supposed to have rain for the weekend and I've been waiting for a rainy day to loosen them. xo

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

For Sale: Renée Zellweger’s Old House in Connecticut

Click here for slideshow from Architectural Digest.
The clapboard exterior of Renée Zellweger’s 18th century Connecticut retreat.

The primarily white kitchen has butcher-block countertops. I wouldn't want this half-wall looking into the formal dining room. I wouldn't want to look at the hanging pot rack in the kitchen from the dining room. 

The Quinebaug River runs through the property.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

A Gerdener's Perfection

I would never be able to have anything this perfect without a full-time gardener. Real gardeners are hard to find that can work alone without supervision. via

Webster is still playing nice.

I still can't believe my good luck with Webster and Tabitha and the new furniture in my living room. I have stopped putting barricades in front of the sofas at night because Webster knows his place in the world of new furnishings. I'm not sure how Tabitha is going to behave this winter but we'll see. For now, when I bring her inside she's happy on a blanket on my bed. It was very chilly last night and she slept there all night and went out first thing this morning. We are having delightful weather and the high today is supposed to be only 79° and it feels like the beginning of fall instead of the end of July! Having all the windows wide open is my idea of heaven. See you later. xo

Monday, July 28, 2014

I finished my lawn trimming.

I had a very busy day on Saturday and finished trimming with my electric weed whacker in both the front and the back. Tabitha watched. I'm happy to say I'm all caught up on my mowing and trimming but still have to hand weed the wood-chipped area on the other side of the front walk. It rained last night so the crab grass will be easy to hack out. There's no end to yard work, is there? 

Love this Kitchen

I love the floor. It looks like cork tiles which I love because they are so easy on the feet, legs, and back when standing for long periods. This is a great layout and I wouldn't change much. I would want a sink the width of the window even though there's another in the island. I would probably skip that one for a deep double sink under the window. Wish I could see the rest of the room. via

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Wonderful Period Interior

So understated and simple. Love the colors. via

About Time - A Delightful Movie

Click here if you can't see video below.

I woke up way too early this morning and treated myself to a movie on my iPad. I wasn't at all sure I was going to like it, but ended up loving it. It was a long one too, a little over two hours and that was a huge plus since I didn't want it to end. It takes place in Cornwall, England and London. Here's the review on Rotten Tomatoes. I loved the English family and their delightful house and property. Bill Nighy plays the father. Watch it if you can. Trust me, you'll love it. xo

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Corn on the Cob for Two

Have you had any good corn this year? via

Have a Restful Weekend

This looks like an ideal place to wile away the weekend with a good book. I just finished Every Last One by Anna Quindlen and loved it. In a nutshell - it's a novel about facing every last one of the things we fear the most, about finding ways to navigate a road we never intended to travel. photo credit

Friday, July 25, 2014

Great Cabin Cottages

I can hear the porch swing creaking now. I'll bet it's wonderfully cool inside with all that shade. It's nice being able to sit in the front too. via

This cabin porch in Charlottesville is perfect, isn't it? It's like being inside and outside at the same time. via

Abandoned Cottage

This looks like a fun project. I wonder how long it has been unloved? via

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Enjoying the cut grass.

I mowed for over 6 hours today and it's starting to look pretty good around here. It was a perfect day to cut tall grass on my riding mower. This is only the third or fourth cutting this year. I only cut about once a month. I know that's not often enough but I can always find an excuse for putting it off. Too hot, too wet, no gas, no oil, too late, etc. Actually, I have to be in the mood to mow and today I was! I did use my last drop of SAE 30 small engine motor oil and the empty container is on the kitchen table to remind me to pick up more. I almost always use my walk behind mulching mower for the front so grass doesn't get blown against the house. It was so long I did run my Snapper over it going in only one direction. Tomorrow I will go over it again with the power push mower so I won't have so much hand trimming. Webster and Tabitha like what I've done so far. Webster has decided to join me in the living room on one of his beds. He's over his pout, I guess. Enjoy the evening. I'm sure I hope I won't mow in my sleep tonight. I feel like I still have my roller skates on, if you know what I mean. xo

Best Eye Liner

His name is Sherlock. Mother Nature gave him the most wonderful eye liner, didn't she? We had a storm late yesterday that cooled things off nicely. I had the windows open last night and threw a light blanket on top of my bed spread because Miss Tabitha decided to sleep with me. She woke me up early and wanted to go outside and I went right back to sleep, thankfully. Webster has decided to punish me by spending most of his time upstairs. He has a nice bed in front of an eyebrow window in the attic and I guess that's his preferred substitute for his spot on the old sofa. I'm still babying him to help him get over his hurt leg before it gets to be chronic. We've had three good days in a row and I'm very pleased. I think he views his two dog beds in the living room as "sick" beds. Let's hope he doesn't need them again anytime soon. xo

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Fresh Eggs from Happy Chickens

Great sign in a very interesting kitchen. via

Truly Wonderful Farmhouse

I like the stepped roofline of this white farmhouse. The brick walkway is pretty nice too and the Versailles planter boxes are on my want list. via

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Beautiful Rice Fields

Small reflection on rice field by Yongyot_Therdthai Larger version of this incredible photo here.

Sweet Shingled Cottage

It's getting harder and harder for me to find inspiring photos of real cottages that aren't wings of much larger homes. This appears to be a stand-alone dwelling and I love it. via

Winking Coffee Face

I wonder what Mr. Coffee is trying to say? Isn't this a fun way to start your Tuesday morning? 

Monday, July 21, 2014

Wonderful Pantry Cupboard

At first glance, I thought this was a corner cupboard, but it's not. It tapers back slightly, but it's flat across the back. I love it, don't you? The floor to ceiling glazed double doors are fabulous. via

Oatmeal Pancakes, Gluten Free

This is supposed to be the most popular recipe among the contestants on The Biggest Loser.
Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 cup rolled oats, dry
1 cup cottage cheese
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and that's your batter! Cook 'em up like you would any other pancake! They taste like a delightful cross between pancakes and French toast. Butter on top of mine, please.
I am definitely going to make these. The original recipe calls for 6 egg whites. I changed it to 3 whole eggs. Seems a shame to throw away the yolks, doesn't it? You choose. Here's a list of all the recipes from the show. I've never watched it. Since I started eating unrefined whole foods and stopped eating sugar, bread, and cheese, I've lost 15 pounds since Easter. My favorite snack is a large bowl of popcorn -- 1/3 cup popped in coconut oil or avocado oil. I eat the whole thing too with fine sea salt. I put the salt in with the oil in my stovetop popper. It is the only snack on the list of unrefined carbs

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Prayer of the Woods

Prayer of the Woods. Sign in the Great Swamp in the Morris County portion. In the spirit of Henry David Thoreau.

Dining Room Table Piled High with Books

I think we are all running out of horizontal surfaces for our books and treasures, so why not use the dining room table? via I love these green leather chairs with nailhead trim. 

Asleep on The Sofa

This little one is allowed on her human's sofa. So far, Webster is completely satisfied with his two dog beds in the living room. Sometimes I sneak into the room in the middle of the night and he is always on one of them. He seems to start out on his old one which is big and round and much thinner than his new one. But at some point, he wanders over to the new much thicker one and probably more comfortable.This is usually where he is in the morning. It is actually chilly this morning and I have on long sleeves. It feels sooooo good. Have a great Sunday. xo via

Saturday, July 19, 2014

My wild raspberries are ripe.

You don't know what you are missing if you've never tasted a wild one.

I have a bumper crop of wild raspberries this year. I can stand in one spot and pick a cereal bowl full. The cultivated ones in the market can't compare. I just got back from a before breakfast with Webster and I ate quite a few straight off the vines. He still has no interest in my new seating furniture in the living room. He is living up to his Wonder Dog nickname. Have a great weekend and I will too. I am so enjoying this cooler weather with open windows and no air conditioning. I think I have finally caught up on my sleep after being up with Webster and his ailing leg this week. He is definitely 100% cured and we are both so relieved. xo

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Webster is Back to Normal Today.

I'm happy to report that today he's back to being his old self. Here is with his paw wrist on an ice bag and keeping it there. He's such a good patient. When he goes down, he goes down hard and then all of a sudden he's perfect again. He never lost his appetite over the past couple of days and he drank plenty of water so I wasn't too worried. We've been down this path many times. I think I'm going to have to start walking him on a leash so he doesn't over exert himself chasing rabbits and such. He is finally able to get comfortable and walk around without a limp. He has a lot of sleep to catch up on now that he can get comfortable on his beds. 
We had the most beautiful weather today with low humidity and a nice breeze with no need for air conditioning. I'm looking forward to getting a good night's sleep without having to get up and check on the wonder dog. I'm way behind on my tv shows too. I hope I can stay awake to watch at least a couple of programs before dreamland calls me. xo

What a Great Country Kitchen

I like it! via

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Dogs on Sofa - Ganging up against me!

This ad follows me whereever I go on the internet. I think I told you I had been spending countless hours searching for new seating furniture online. I think it's hilarious that they keep wanting me to click on sofas with dogs sitting on them. There is definitely a spy in my computer.

A Lovely Room

I would prefer a thicker cushion on the chaise and upholstered arms too, please. Anyway, this is a lovely photo of a lovely room. Thankfully, it is cool enough to have my windows open this morning and Webster is better too and he's whining for his breakfast. Off I go to cook the oatmeal. xo

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Still Not Touching!

This is becoming a game, I think. How close can he get without touching the new sofa? I'll keep you posted. See previous post for details.
I know there are those who think I am being mean. This was Webster's favorite spot on the floor rubbed up against my old sofa. The body oils he left behind were quite embarrassing. I cannot do this again. I put my old sofas outside near the road on Saturday hoping someone would pick them up. I had to pay someone on Monday morning to haul them away. Tabitha is sitting on a leather chair right now and that's allowed. I don't feel mean at all, just in charge. Webster is happy with two dog beds in the room, one looking out a front window and the other looking out a French door. Tabitha spent most of this rainy day on my bed on a nice blanket. I think my animals are lucky. I finally have a room I can be proud of and I want to keep it that way.

Another view of my living room.

It's really hard to get a good shot of my front to back living room with my iPhone.
As you can see, Webster is on his best behavior. Every time I see him lounging near my new sofas, I can just hear him saying, "I'm not touching." He's such a good dog. So far, Tabitha has walked by them and hasn't been interested in the least. She's happy when I throw her favorite blanket on top of my bed. We had hard rain yesterday and more is predicted today. It's beyond muggy and it looks almost like fog outside. Stay dry. xo

Monday, July 14, 2014

Log Cabin Cottage

This looks very sweet. I love the crisp white paint against the gray wash on the logs. Yes, please. via

Poignant Quote

Remember this quote because you might need it some day. Those of you who need it now will know what it means. via

Sunday, July 13, 2014

My Beautiful Loveseats and Lamps

I am still tweeking the living room accessories, working around my two new loveseats and lamps from an estate sale this weekend. The custom pieces are in perfect condition and the fabric is wool mohair. The chunky tapered front legs are reeded.

I bought the loveseats within the first 15 minutes of the sale and left a bid on the lamps. I won the pair of Ralph Lauren lamps on the second day and bought the two throw pillows when I picked them up. I loved the tall lamps but wasn't sure about the pleated blue silk shades but they are growing on me. Both rugs in this room have lots of blue so it really looks nice.

I have really never had any fine upholstered furniture and I'm over the moon with my good luck. I have been searching for replacements for the longest time and poof, here they are. I had to get two local guys to pick up and deliver. They did a great job and were very careful. I hope I end up being worthy of these fine furnishings with my dog and a cat. Webster is in shock and the cat hasn't seen them yet. 

I bought the wonder dog a Ralph Lauren dog bed at the sale and he loves it. He is like a displaced dog with no personal sofa at the moment, or ever again for that matter. I still haven't decided where to put the bed. He likes to have his back against a piece of furniture instead of being a floating island like this. We will work it out. I made him sleep in my room last night and that worked well. Wish me luck. 
Enjoy watching Endeavour on PBS tonight. I watched the pilot episode of George Gently this afternoon and now I understand the background of Episodes 2 and 3 that I've already seen. I absolutely love the series. I watched GG online with the link in my previous post and it was free and great. Be sure to watch it there. Enjoy your Sunday evening. xo

Proceed Gently


Here's an article about this new series that should be coming to your PBS station soon. Inspector George Gently, read here. So far, only 3 episodes have aired in the US. I'm not even sure I watched the first one. You can catch up on Hulu free. I hope you can find it in your area. xo

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Heirloom Tomato Tart

Doesn't this look delicious. I've looked everywhere trying to find the recipe with no luck. Recipe for this tomato cheesecake here -- thanks to gkmelton for finding it. Love the photo anyway. I am exhausted from moving furniture and burning up the road. I bought two beautiful loveseats at a house sale, a pair of lamps and a few other things. My living room looks amazing. Photos later. I will be watching inspector George Gently tonight on PBS. Hope you have something that good to watch too. xo

Friday, July 11, 2014

Abandoned Cabin

Abandoned cabin. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada. via It's so sad when the last person in a family dies without anyone to leave their possessions. This looks like a delightful place, doesn't it? Once loved too.

An Ad for My Welch Air Flight Circulator Fan

Now I love mine even more.
Beautifully styled Welch Air-Flight Circulators solve the problem by making offices amazingly comfortable too. Watch office efficiency go up! • Welch Air-Flight Circulators draw in the cool air from the coolest part of the room — just above thefloor level — and circulate it to ... W. W. WELCH COMPANY Department O Cincinnati 2.

Webster approved. The weather is nice and cool this morning after an early evening storm yesterday. I've been moving my vintage round floor fan around from room to room to circulate the fresh air that's coming in the house through the screens. I finally got my attic windows washed inside and out yesterday and put in the last three screens. They were all taken out last September when my house was painted and I left them in the loft over the garage for the winter. I love open windows much better than air conditioning. Webster likes A/C better so he's very happy about having "his" fan again. Happy Friday.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Shingle Cottage Love

I've always loved a cottage with an entrance on the gable end. This one is especially nice! via