Princess Charlotte Waves from The Palace Balcony

She's a natural, isn't she? Prince George looks puzzled. What a beautiful family!

Something's funny here. Wish I knew the inside joke. It was quite a day in England with The Queen's 3-day 90th birthday celebration and Prince Philip's 95th birthday today. It was also Princess Charlotte's first public appearance from the Palace Balcony to an adoring audience. Both photos from Vanity Fair. Read more here.

Atlanta Cottage: SOLD, Sight Unseen

This is a "leap of faith" story about q cottage in Atlanta, Georgia. The photo below is after the renovation!

When the author heard about a dilapidated cottage overtaken by weeds and kudzu in an Atlanta neighborhood, she knew it would become her her family’s home. So she bought it—sight unseen. Is your interest peaked yet? Read the complete story here. There are some interior photos too.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Happy Mother's Day

Nobody loves you like your mother! It's true. I was lucky to have mine for 70 years and I miss her every day. Give yours a kiss from me and enjoy your happy day. We still have rain but the sun is coming out around lunch time, just in time for outdoor celebrations. xo

A Favorite Photo of Webster

This is one of my very favorite photos of Webster The Wonder Dog when he was still able to jump up on the bed and get super comfortable. I want to thank all of you for your comments this week. It has been so comforting to know you were concerned about me and upset about Webster's passing. I know he was loved by so many wonderful friends and he will be missed. 

I love this Thomas Campbell quote.

Webster RIP

My dear Webster died yesterday on his own terms, at home.

I was with him right here at the end, in this very spot.

I called my local Mobile Vet earlier in the day to assist with his passing but Webster died before they arrived. They came and picked up his body for cremation and that was a big help. I considered burying him on the property but decided against doing it. That turned out to be a good thing because my favorite helper who would have helped me dig a grave was in Vermont picking up a new puppy as a companion for his 12-year-old Lab.

Webster was a huge part of my life since he "rescued" me at 9 weeks of age 14 years ago. We had a great life together and of course I miss him terribly. But it was time for him to go and it was a peaceful passing. Boo Hoo.

I know my readers will miss him too. 

Dog -- Waiting

If I ever went out on a boat and disappeared over the horizon, I'm quite sure I would return and find Webster patiently waiting for me too. via

Stay warm. We have really frigid conditions with wind coming my way. I've been running around wearing only a sweater and a vest lately. Time to put on a heavy coat! See you later. xo

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

Small French Boy Trying to Understand the Paris Attack

I saw this on the evening news a day or two ago and was moved by this little boy and his dad.

Click here if you can't see the video above.

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Pages 64 and 65

A few suggestions, observations, and reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life.

More advice from a father to a son when he went off to college.

Amen.

I like all of these, especially the one about the Thanksgiving turkey. I haven't posted these pages in a very long time and I'm glad to see them again. 

Portrait: Proud Royal Grandparents 1987

Isn't this a lovely portrait at Balmoral Castle of the Queen and Prince Philip with their four grandchildren at that time? The youngsters are Prince William, Prince Harry, Peter Phillips and Zara Phillips, Christmas 1987. I've never seen Prince Philip looking more relaxed and handsome. Love the tartan outfits too. via

Tabitha, Two Months Ago

This photo was taken on June 3, 2015. I think it was on this very day that Webster knocked the cat dish off the chair trying to get the last piece of kibble out and it broke on the bluestone walk. Now Tabitha is gone too. 

Thank you all for your kind concern about her passing. I saw it coming so I had some advance warning. I am really okay and I'm glad it happened in the summer while she was outside and happy. She really didn't seem to be suffering either, not even on her last day. Good-bye, sweetheart. You will be missed. xo

Anna and Tabitha -- Together Again.

This is one of my favorite pictures of my mother walking her cat Tabitha. Anna departed 2-1/2 years ago and Tabitha went to join her yesterday. Now it's only Webster and me and we miss them both. Tabitha had been failing for the past couple of weeks and her passing didn't come as a big surprise. I actually thought she was improving since her appetite returned, but I was wrong. She lived a good life here and she loved keeping watch and sleeping in "her" chair next to the front door. Who will guard the cottage now? Not Webster. He's too busy sitting under the air conditioning duct that blows down on his dog bed. 

The Husky and The Kitten

This is a great story about how a Husky nursed this kitten back to health. Read here. There are many heart-warming photos of Lilo and Rosey too. Love!

A Royal Christening: Family Portrait

I was so happy to find this royal family portrait on a cool Saturday morning here at the cottage. This is the first one I've seen with Princess Charlotte out of her pram. They are such a beautiful family and so perfect together. photographed by Mario Testino

Brown Face Sheep

The mother is beautiful and her lamb is very sweet. Love the countryside too. via

Cattle Egret Bird Parents with Young

Mr. and Mrs. Cattle Egret look pretty shocked, don't they? Their triplets look like little aliens but the parents are quite handsome so this awkward, just-hatched stage will soon pass. via

Webster and Tabitha Together

It's very hard to get a decent photo of these two together but somehow I managed on a sunny day last week. As you can see, Tabitha is on her throne ignoring poor Webster but he doesn't mind. He's always happy to be in her presence and he happily lets her rule the roost.

Wisteria at an English Hotel

Wisteria, Judge’s Country House Hotel, Kirklevington, North Yorkshire England

I hope lots of British mothers are being treated today at this beautiful place in honor of Mother's Day. The wisteria is fabulous, isn't it?

Easter Blessings

Have a ducky day.

Remembering my dear Mother shown here on Easter Sunday, 2012. She's one of the angels now and I miss her every day but she continues to live in my heart. I found this photo when I was scrolling through some of my old Easter posts here.

Baby Elephant Sweetness

Baby Elephant to Mother:

"Let me hold your tusk so I won't get lost." 

via