Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Grey Gardens Before Restoration


Grey Gardens in East Hampton after a lifetime of neglect by Big Edie and Little Edie Beale. Read more about the before and after story on one of my former blog posts: https://contentinacottage.blogspot.com/2009/04/grey-gardens-before-and-after-with.html

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

UK Celebrates Charles Dickens' 200th Birthday


He wrote about life in the modern city, with its lawyers and criminals, bankers and urchins, dreamers and clerks. He created characters still known to millions — Ebeneezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim, Pip and Miss Havisham, Fagin and Oliver Twist. And it made him a star, mobbed by fans on both sides of the Atlantic.


His Bookplate
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, joined Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, actor Ralph Fiennes, a host of dignitaries and scores of Dickens' descendants at a memorial service Tuesday (2/7/12) in London. Prince Charles placed a wreath on Dickens' grave in Westminster Abbey's Poet's corner.

Today's iPhone Cottage Photos


A bad house fire destroyed a very old cottage on a nearby estate a couple of years ago. Everyone is in love with this new replacement. The standing seam metal roof is nice. There is a garage to the left but there was a car in the driveway that I didn't want in my photograph. It's bigger than it looks. One day I'll snap a side view.


Now you know this is so much better than going to the mall, right? There is a complex of small cottage shops nearby painted in off the wall colors.


I've been meaning to stop and photograph them and today I did!

Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah


This windswept tree growing on the side of a cliff is hanging on for dear life. I have never been to Utah, have you? via

Monday, February 6, 2012

Do Want This Woodie Wagon


I can't tell you how much I love this big vintage woodie station wagon. I like the dog and the beach house too. via

Bike Shop Sign


SAVING THE WORLD WITH BIKES
That's a pretty bold statement from such a small bike shop. I photographed this from my car on my way home from a doctor's appointment this morning. A yearly check up resulted in having the doctor tell me that I was perfect. At least one person thinks so!

Vintage Bookmobile from Chicago Public Library


One of the joys of my childhood was the bookmobile! The other was the ice cream truck.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Looking Inside Plus A Wonderful Reflection


I took this iPhone photo at a friend's house a couple of weeks ago and I wasn't even aware at the time of the wonderful reflection. I feel as if I'm looking inside and behind me at the same time.

The Queen of Hearts wants Lemon Tarts


While the mini tart shells are cooling, you can start working on your filling. It’s very simple. Whisk 4 whole eggs in a big bowl, add 2/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of sour cream and 1/2 cup of confectioners sugar. Whisk everything together and pour it into the mini tart shells with a measuring cup. Bake the mini tart shells in the oven at 325 degrees for about 15 – 18 minutes. Now you’re ready to make the whipped cream. Again, very simple. Put 1 cup of cold heavy cream in a big bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer until it becomes thick and makes a soft peak. Your whipped cream is done. Full recipe including instructions for tart shells here

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Visited My Farm Friends Today

I had a real estate showing this morning and on my way home I stopped to visit and photograph these animals.


George the donkey and Penny the horse. She gets her name after the copper coin.


George was the first to come closer. His namesake is George Washington.


The two goats in the background never moved an inch. The white goat is Rufus and the black one's name is David. His human often takes him for a walk leading him with a leafy branch. I think I'll invite both of these goats over this summer to eat some of my weeds. 

A Gathering of Friends


This is the perfect weekend for hanging out with your friends. Are there any sea otters that aren't cute?

Friday, February 3, 2012

Still Life with Globe and Books


A lovely still life by Todd Casey
Have a great weekend.

Rockin' Robin

I took this photo last year -- don't remember when. I have big fat robins hopping around all over my lawn but they won't pose for a picture. Spring must be right around the corner if these birds are back, right? Have a great weekend.

The benefit of making plans

I love it when this happens, don't you? via Millie @TheLaurelHedge on Pinterest

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Trust Your Instincts

DIY Hanging Embroidery Hoop Basket Tutorial


I might make some without the hoops with drawstrings for the upcoming farm-market season. Wonderful tutorial here.

Interesting Figural Wrought Iron Gate


I love seeing the artistry of a talented ironworker. This folk-art gate is dated 1963. It has held up well but it's missing a bell. If it were mine I would move the bottom bell to the middle if I couldn't find a suitable replacement. via

The Groundhog Has Spoken


6 more weeks of winter
Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular American custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. Tradition dictates that if a groundhog sees its shadow that day, there will be six more weeks of winter, though such a prediction seems a sure bet over much of the groundhog's North American range.
National Geographic photo


Wednesday, February 1, 2012