The Young English Royal Family

I haven't seen this photo before, have you? Love it. William and Catherine must be having a blast getting ready for Christmas this year! via

Mostly Porch Cottage

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Not exactly a Christmas image but it caught my eye. I love that they made the porch almost as large as the first floor. I am making great headway toward Christmas, are you? All I need is a week and I was in full throttle yesterday. Today, so far, has been excellent too. xo

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Yes. It is.

Starting to enjoy it now.

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Restored Farmhouse in Georgia - Before and After

In a hurry this morning to go out in the cold rain to get sick again. Actually, I am trying my best not to get another cold on top of the one I still have. Although I am much better, I'm still not out of the woods. I feel as if I've lost the entire month of December so far on a personal level, but I've had a great month on a professional level. People still want to buy houses even though it's Christmas. Go figure!

Here's the link to read about this fabulous homestead in Georgia complete with an old smokehouse. The History: The farmhouse, the oldest privately owned residence in Forsyth County, is situated less than a mile from the Chattahoochee River (the original owners operated a ferry between Forsyth and Gwinnett counties). While the house was built first as a single-pen, hand-hewn log home, it was eventually enlarged to a double-pen dogtrot. By the early 1990s, the original interior clapboard walls, single pane windows, door hardware, and heart pine floors were still intact, but the home had fallen into disrepair.

Don't you love authentic renovation stories? I'm transfixed by this one! xo

My First Post Today = Good Night

I had a very good day in the house today trying to regroup. I've been away almost every day with real estate and tomorrow there is a septic inspection. I don't know where the day went but it's time to say Good Night. via

Trees and Fog

Don't you want to climb these steps and enter the fog? What lovely old trees! via

Need Very Little

This is so true. I've been very busy lately and the only thing I've really needed is a huge supply of tissues for my cold. Day 12 is coming to an end and it's so much better but still lingering. I'm at the dry cough stage now. So annoying.

Reindeer Bench

This would be a good place to sit after a bit of ice skating or sledding, wouldn't it? via

Pinecone Christmas Trees

These are perfect fill-in deorations. All a pinecone needs is a star on top. via

Christmas Tree w/ White Paper Stars and Pinecones

Simple.

Beautiful.

Simply Beautiful.

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Oh, Holy Night Christmas Card

This is lovely. My favorite Christmas Carol.

Golden Grasses, Sand, Sea and Sky

Fabulous photo found here.

Spruce Up Your Christmas Cookies

Another Good Thing from Martha Stewart

Chickens Playing Hide and Seek

Shhh. They will never find us here. via

Mr. and Mrs. Gingerbread

Unisex cookie cutters, the decorations determine their gender. I love the tartan plate and I would welcome a swig of that eggnog right now. Adorable holiday cookies found here.

Fox Door Handle

Someone should start reproducing this wonderful hand-wrought figural door handle so I can have one. via

Beautiful Holiday Decor

Mother Nature did a great job of adding the finishing touch of snow. So lovely. via

Blue and White Breakfast Room Love

There no words for this charming decor. Every detail is perfect. I'm especially fond of the fabric used on the Roman shade. I'm quite sure I have this identical table cloth and now I want to look for it. The sun is out today and I'm feeling a little better. Thanks for all of your well wishes. xo

Adele Love

I love her so much. See more Adele gifs here.

My First Cold in Years and Years

I've been so proud of myself for longer than I can remember, keeping the cold germs from penetrating my good health. All that went out the window on Sunday night when I started going hoarse and felt a tightening in my chest. The sore throat part started on Tuesday. It's sort of a backward cold and I am treating it with the Neti pot, various gargles wuth salt, Bragg's Cider Vinegar, and anything else I can think of, all to no avail. This was the best image I could find on Google to illustrate my condition. I even broke down and bought Nyquil yesterday and it wasn't all that effective but I do feel rested this morning. I am hoping for a whole day without having to leave the house on this rainy day. Cross your fingers for me. Not complaining, just explaining. I know it's been at least 6 years since my last cold, maybe longer. Darn!

Fabulous Early American Dining Room

This must be a wonderful room to feed and entertain family and friends before the open fire. Don't you love the beautiful stonework inside the firebox? I wish I could see more. via

More Natural Building Materials for a Wonderful Rustic House

Beauthaway House, North GA. Appalachian Antique Hardwoods. Home design by MossCreek. Photo by Erwin Loveland. Wow, I'm very impressed with this one! via

A Very Lovely Bedroom

I can't wait to jump in my own brass bed. It's been a long busy day and I'm pooped. I adore this bedroom with the big bolster propped against the headboard or maybe it's tied from behind. What a great idea for a brass bed. I love the bed clothes too and the table with the pretty lamp with a black shade (my favorite). It's all lovely. Night, night. Zzzzz via

Puppy, Out Cold

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I've never had a dog that slept on its back.

This tired puppy is out cold.

The sound sleep of the very young is like no other.

Memories and Dreams

Wishing you sweet dreams tonight. via

The Beauty of Natural Building Materials

This takes my breath away. The art of the stone mason and fine woodworker. One simple hydrangea set between the stepping stones and moss. This house will stand the test of time. It's practically impossible to find such craftsmen these days. Awesome! via

A Curious Cat Goes Crazy over Catnip

Click here if you cannot see the Simon's Cat video above. It's wonderful.

Webster After a Delicious Breakfast

Webster is already dreaming about his supper. He absolutely loves those cooked Yukon potato skins I boiled for him. They are the perfect topping for his kibble and a great way to recycle food scraps. He has a huge appetite and eats every meal as if he had never tasted anything so delicious. He usually follows me around begging for more but this combination puts him in a food coma. Happy at last.

Fog This Morning

Here is another fog photo from this morning with Webster rounding the bend. Today was very enjoyable with nothing pressing to do. Worked outside for a bit moving wood chips, trying to take advantage of the mild weather. Moving towards the bedroom now. 'Night. See you tomorrow.

Webster in This Morning's Fog

Hers's the Wonder Dog silhouetted in this morning's fog. We are having some very nice weather. I didn't even have on a coat when we went out early this morning to snap some fog photos. A flannel shirt and a scarf around my neck kept me cozy. I didn't even need gloves. It will be quite a shock when it finally gets cold for good, won't it? I had my gutters cleaned on Wednesday and I was so happy that the hose could still be used at the end after all the leaves were removed to wash them out and clear all the downspouts before winter sets in. The timing was perfect. Now I can turn off my outside faucets. 

I had a great Thanksgiving and hope you did too. See you later. xo

A Norman Rockwell Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

This is one of my favorite magazine covers and holidays. Hope yours is as much fun as this one. I made my raw cranberry relish and a Mashed Potato Casserole from the New York Times. I don't think I've ever peeled so many potatoes at one time. It looks delicious and I'm sure it will be a big hit at my gathering with friends. Have a great holiday. xo

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I added this poem years ago and think it's perfect for the Norman Rockwell artwork.

Blue Striped Runners for Stairs and Hallway

Photos from Wendy Posard and Associates

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I can't imagine a better choice of carpeting for this beautiful staircase.

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The companion hall runner is perfect too. This new home is stunning.