Guardian at The Gate

What a nice job to have if you are a dog. He looks more like a 'meet and greet' Collie than one who would chase you away, doesn't he? That stone house is absolutely amazing and he's probably proud to live there and guard it.

I feel like I am living in the mountains today with all of this cool air blowing on me with no humidity. So happy.

Beautiful Morning

Goodness, gracious, what a beautiful morning. Somehow the humidity of yesterday disappeared and it feels almost like autumn here at the cottage. A great day for getting things done all around the house, both inside and outside. Webster and I are thrilled. 

Baby Elephant Having Fun

This photo has been everywhere and now I'm posting it too. It is such a joyful image by Michael Graham. I wish this elephant would squirt me with some nice cold water. That would feel very good in this heat.

Great Summer Bedroom

I would dearly love to have a window over my bed in the summer. I have one on either side but I want one behind the bed too. This small vacation home bedroom is delightful, isn't it? *

Awakening Landscape

I have always loved filtered sun rays. This spectacular photo by Tomáš Záhumenský is called Awakening and it's perfect for my first post this morning. 

Agnes Obel ~ Riverside

I found this lovely song this morning YouTube.

Fritillaria Folklore

I've never even heard of flowering bulbs called Fritillaria, have you? According to folklore, there is a tear inside each one because the flower refused to bow its head when Jesus passed on Good Friday. Gertrude Jekyll wrote that in the middle of each flower, the tear drop looked like a natural pearl, but was of a soft liquid substance. She described this flower as the most strange of all flowers.

Picasso and Lump

Picasso and his beloved Dachshund named Lump.
Photo ©David Douglas Duncan

Lump by Picasso

Picasso loved animals and his work is rich with depictions of them. In contrast to his usual beautifully complex style, Picasso’s animal drawings are loved for their simplicity and minimalism. There is even a book devoted to the artist and his best friend – Picasso and Lump: A Dachshund’s Odyssey, the little-known story of Pablo Picasso and his lovable dog Lump, who is immortalized in many of Picasso's acclaimed works of art. Isn't it wonderful that a dog named Lump became an icon in modern art? via

It will soon be time for bed for Webster and me. Goodnight.

I hope I have a better night than this little boy. With Webster there is no guarantee. I think it's too hot for him since I have yet to turn on the A/C so he will probably sleep in front of the screen door. Poor little guy. I know exactly how he must have felt before he gave up and went under the bed. Webster goes into some sort of a coma when he sleeps on top of the bed and he's incapable of understanding commands such as -- move over. This vintage photo that appeared in Life magazine really made me laugh. I'm so glad the parents had a camera handy. I had a wonderful day today...hope you did too. Click on the link and see all the hilarious photos from Life Laughs Last. This will entertain you for the rest of the evening/day. See you tomorrow.

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. Learn more. I thought this was a perfect remembrance for Memorial Day.

Image: Painting by Willy Werner

Into The Sunset

I hope your Sunday was as nice as mine. Goodnight.*

Colorful Bird Mother Sheltering Her Twins

I love the way this colorful bird is sheltering her young under her wings while they rest on a branch. So sweet. *

Outdoor Shower Raspberry Jam Love

Perfect way to start the day. Who doesn't love an outside shower?

Raspberry jam with hot homemade biscuits, please.

Rolling The Bed Out to The Sleeping Porch Tonight

 

Wouldn't it be fun to have this bunk bed on wheels so you could roll it out to the sleeping porch on hot nights? That would be ever so much better than sleeping in air conditioning. I love the night sounds of summer coming in through open windows.

Refreshing Homemade Popsicles and Spa Pops

I love the idea of a nice cold healthy spa pop on a hot day. Recipe here.

50+ Homemade Popsicle Recipes

Out of Africa

I wish I knew the history behind this amazing photograph. via

Yikes - Be Safe This Weekend

This vintage photo takes my breath away. It's a wonder any of us survived childhood. I look back on some of the things I did myself and wonder where I got the nerve. This however wasn't one of them. I would never have jumped off a building into the water. High dive, yes. Building, no. Be safe this long holiday weekend and have fun whatever you do. 

Folk Art Painting | Child with American Flag

Don't forget to display the American Flag this weekend.

Outdoor Kitchen on The Loggia

One can only imagine the design of inside kitchen and I'll bet it gets little use now that the summer season is getting its big kickoff this weekend. 

Lovely Little Planthouse

I love that this perfect small structure is called a planthouse instead of a greenhouse. I think it's the perfect size for me. An old friend who had one called it her adult sandbox. Is there one in your future?

Maybe you need something a little bigger?