Wednesday, October 17, 2012

My New Microwave Oven


I finally broke down last week and got a microwave after all these years. We have one downstairs but how inconvenient is that to have to run down a flight of steps to use one? So I put mine in the pantry and it worked out ever so much better than I ever thought it could. We have been having healthier meals too -- like a baked sweet potato for lunch. It seems right at home in the pantry too. It wouldn't have been appropriate on any of my kitchen counters. Why did I wait so long?

When you look in the pantry from the kitchen, you don't even know a microwave is hiding just around the left corner.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Door Disguised as a Bookcase


When closed, this door is indistinguishable from the other bookcases that lined the walls -- except for the doorknob. It is the study door of Charles Dickens at his home at Gad's Hill Place. The dummy books contain some humorous titles invented by the author. This was an extremely important room to Dickens that was always kept locked when he was not occupying it and no servants were allowed to enter. More pictures and descriptions of his beloved home here.

A Very Long Book


I adore illustrations by Franco Matticcio. Found here. See a great collection of his artwork here and become a fan too.

Tiger Elephant


Isn't this wonderful? Now he's the King. What good handlers this elephant must have! via

Monday, October 15, 2012

Fabulous Marble and Stone Bathroom


designed by Thomas Hamel and Associates via. So elegant in its simplicity.

Boatload of Pumpkins

Farmer Harald Wenske transports a harvest of pumpkins from a field that can be reached only by his traditional boat in Lehde in the Spreewald forest, Germany. Photo: Patrick Pleul via The Guardian

Great Old Halloween Masks


Homemade ones are always the best, aren't they? The Owl and Pumpkins heads are quite wonderful in spite of the girls' impoverished surroundings. via 25 Totally Odd and Awesome Vintage Halloween Photos

Roses and Tomatoes


This really is one of the last roses of summer.

I'm already missing the wonderful tomatoes. These were floating in my sink last month.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

View from Anne Boleyn's Bedroom

The view from the room traditionally thought to have been Anne Boleyn’s childhood bedroom at Hever Castle. via

HaHa -- Alpha Dog


Halloween Costume

I have no idea who this character is, do you? Is this a Halloween costume or a story illustration? Anyway, I like it!!! via Enjoy your Sunday.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Mahogany Planter Boxes

I was so excited when I spotted this pair of hand-made mahogany planters with string inlay at a rummage sale recently. They have custom zinc liners that are removable too. They cleaned up nicely and I finished them with a coat of Butchers Wax.


I have no idea how long these johnny jump ups will last in the house but it's nice having them in my kitchen for even a short while. They came in my Easter Basket this year. 

Henry went home and Webster is sound asleep after a busy day babysitting and playing. [my photos]

Red Knitted Pullover Shawl Thingie

I'm usually not one for ruffles but I like this knitted pullover whatever you call it (capelet). I'm going to look for a pattern and knit one. I have red yarn! If you find one first, please let me know. Knitter: Anemone.

A Guest for Breakfast this Morning.

 
 

We have Henry the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for the day and he's a cone head. He got an infected nail and this cone collar keeps him from licking the boo boo. It doesn't bother him one bit. You should have seen Tabitha (the cat) trying to figure out what he had on his head. It was hilarious. I gave him a Canine Cottage Special for breakfast and once again, he was a member of the clean plate club. I love to see dogs eat with gusto.

Napping with A Friend

I put Webster's elephant squeak toy in Henry's cone so he could have a little pillow for his after-breakfast nap.

Autumn Harvest

The big crates of local and New York State apples are one of my favorite things about fall. We had our first frost last night and at 8am it was 34 degrees outside my bedroom window. Thankfully, I brought in my geraniums and put a cover on cast iron urn that is by the front door. I have to dig those plants up and repot them. Have a great weekend. See you later. 

Friday, October 12, 2012

These times are hard, but they will pass. SafetySuit



discovered here
Be sure and watch this music video showing fans of the band called SafetySuit holding up signs expressing their 'hard times'. It's very moving. If you can't see it click here.

ADELE - Skyfall (James Bond Theme) 007


Written by ADELE and Paul Epworth.

Skyfall is the name of new James Bond film.

Her voice is so beautiful.

Bobtail Sheep Dog Hiding in Plain Sight


This made me laugh. I love the expression on the dog's face and the sheep appear to really be fooled, don't they. via

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Nice Tree Bark


I took this photo when Webster and I had our dog duty with his two little friends a few weeks ago. I loved the shadows on the bark of this old tree. We have bright sun and crisp cool air outside here at the cottage today. Our town is giving free flu shots this afternoon and that's the only thing on my calendar. The grass in the front needs a good mowing so I'll fire up the push mower after the morning dew evaporates. See you later. 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

In The Clouds


The most beautiful photo I've ever seen!
by Jose Juaquin Perez via

Vintage Photo of an Egg-Scraping Party

WOW...Look at the lengths these brave men with their tall ladders are taking to control an insect. Early efforts to eradicate gypsy moths included "egg-scraping parties" to remove egg masses before the larvae hatched. See other archival photos here.

When The Frost Is On The Padlock


This looks a hoar frost. I wish I could see one in person. via Mother Nature can be so very artistic when the conditions are just right, can't she?

Real Live Stuffed Animals


Have you EVER seen anything more adorable? Tell me please what they are. I want one! via
Update: I found out and if I ever go to Switzerland I want to pet (not eat) one. The Valais Blacknose is a breed of domestic sheep originating in the Valais region. It is a coarse-wooled breed from Switzerland kept primarily for meat. Both rams and ewes are horned.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

The Cutest Kitchen

I adore this kitchen with almost no counter space, don't you. I love that rolling accordion trolley as a sink base too. You will definitely enjoy seeing more of this New Hampshire Lake Cabin via Country Living with lots of before and after photos in the slideshow.

Green Leaves and Red Berries


I'm happy the birds still have plenty to eat in the form of wild berries here at the cottage. These colors look a lot like Christmas, don't they?

Leaves with spots


I don't know if we are going to have a beautiful fall with lots of color this year or not. There seems to be a total lack of red. Just green, yellow, brown, and then they fall to the ground. So many of the leaves have this spotted disease too. We shall see. There is a light rain this morning and Webster got his walk so I don't have to feel guilty today when I leave for my office meeting and my very own open house. See you later.