Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Natural Disasters

A farmer and his two sons during a dust storm in Cimarron County, Oklahoma, 1936. Photo: Arthur Rothstein.

Natural disasters are nothing new. Picture this with water and it pretty much sums up my plight here at the cottage. I was outside in the dark across the street swinging the broad side of a pickaxe trying to create a trench to reroute the water coming over the road from the steep slope and paved driveway across from me. Then it was down to the basement to keep the water contained in the utility room with portable pumps and my trusty shop vac. I am happy to say I was successful.

A county engineer with the road department will be coming by soon to view my situation and hopefully come up with a solution. This is the first time I have had water in the cottage since I bought it in 2001. Fingers crossed.

Regards, Superwoman.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Water Over The Dam on Irene Sunday


This is the waterfall around the corner from me near Piggy's house. I found the photo on the Chatham Patch. Now do you understand why I am upset by even a little rain? The grass you see on the left is normally an open field. A quiet country road is under the red truck. Click here to view the lake behind the waterfall.

This is a photo of a local dog swimming through the parking lot of the Minisink Swim Club in Chatham. I hope he was just going for a recreational dog paddle without a membership badge and got ashore safely.

Fresh Acorns

We are in a dreadful weather pattern in the east, aren't we? Three solid days of rain are predicted. So far, so good after it started last night. Rain doesn't make for a restful night for me if you know what I mean.

I'm looking forward to getting some acorns from the way back but I'll have to get down there early in the day before the wild turkeys eat them. via

Monday, September 5, 2011

Time to Say Goodnight to The Moon

Goodnight everyone. Hope you had a good Labor Day. via

Cottage for Two

Don't you love this little duplex cottage? The huge brick yard with firepit would be a great place to end the day and relax. I wish I could see the other side. via

Fall Sampler

This just about covers the best things about fall. via Etsy

Thatched Cottage Bishopston England


My friends are sending their daughter to England today for a year of studies in London. I'm going too (mentally). This wonderful house is near Salisbury in southern England. via enchantedengland

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Cat and Dog People Watching

People watching animals in Paris. My last image of the day. Goodnight. Have a great Labor Day weekend.

Antique Patina

Antiques show their age in so many ways. The stains on this pitcher can be removed but then it would look brand new. I prefer the stained version showing the patina obtained from use. How about you? I love that antique hanging letter clip a lot!

Tennis Ball Repurposed Towel Holder

 
There are no instructions for making this cute little hook but I think you can probably figure it out. It's a great idea, isn't it? I could use one of these in my garage, in the furnace room, and inside my closet for pajamas. His name is Mr. Wilson.

Beach cabana in Biarritz, France


Enjoy the last weekend of summer. Have a great Labor Day weekend. photo by Fabrice RINGARD

Friday, September 2, 2011

Simple Kitchen

It's really all you need, isn't it. I'd much rather have the window wall and door to the outside instead of all the overhead cabinets in my own kitchen. Do you have too much stuff too? I am a minimalist with hoarding tendencies :(

Our Favorite Royals

Isn't this the best photo of our favorite royal couple? Is that a glint of steely resolve in her eye? Love the gold and red and blue of his uniform in the corner too. via Pinterest

French Bulldog Puppy on French Toile


This could possibly be the cutest dog on the planet.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Cat Lookout

I usually post dog pictures but this fat cat really caught my eye. Cats can find the most precarious places to relax, can't they? Can this slingshot branch possibly be comfortable or is he out on a limb?

Little Library Ladder for Books Stored Everywhere

This would be a very handy library for many uses around the house, wouldn't it? I love this passageway library with a brick floor too. I could spend many happy hours before the fire reading on that sofa.

Don't Forget to Close the Gate

This image made me smile. Don't you love the natural archway formed by the trees? Would you go through the gate or around it? The beaten path suggests the former.

Where Did August Go, Quack Quack?

Can you believe it's September already? I am always sad to see August go because once we celebrate Labor Day the rest of the year seems to fly by faster than I can keep up. 

Have a ducky day.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Charming Country Kitchen


Sweet, isn't it?
via Small Place Style

Library Cupboard with Ladder | Wonderful

I absolutely love this custom library cupboard with a rail and library ladder. Aren't the drawers, secretarial slices and closed cupboards below nice too? Sigh. Every home needs one.

Are Your Roses Still Blooming?

Pink roses are my favorite. How does your garden grow on the last day of August?

Come to The Side Door

 
I've always been attracted to gable end details on houses. Don't you like this sweet little side entrance? I like that awning transom window on the front too. I slept very soundly last night. See you later.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II, page 44





More wonderful advice from H. Jackson Brown, Jr. I love this little plaid book that tells us what he told his son.

Restful Bedroom

My mind is still racing too fast to get a really good night's sleep. Plus I've been waking up way too early. Wish I could sneak off and at least get a decent nap in this lovely bedroom. Things are almost back to normal but not quite.

My thoughts and prayers are in Vermont right now. I can't believe what my eyes are seeing on the newscasts. 

I hope everyone will see the light at the end of the tunnel soon.