Happy July 4th from My Cottage Kitchen

This was the only thing I could come up with quickly and easily to wish you all a fabulous Independence Day. We are having a lazy July 4th here at the cottage and I am enjoying it to the fullest. Piggy is sleeping on the sofa next to my mom and I think Webster has gone back to bed. Tabitha is stretched out in a cool shady spot. My refrigerator is full of nice cold foods that require no cooking but I'll probably grill a burger later. Enjoy our nation's birthday.

[my iphone photo]

Breakfast at My Cottage

We all slept very late this morning. I almost never get the chance but today my feet didn't hit the floor until 9:30 and it was wonderful. The animals have all been fed and the coffee is made. People will be fed last, as usual. We had an early morning shower that cooled things off a bit and my a/c was turned off before bed so all is well in my neck of the woods with 77 degrees at mid-morning. I'm not bragging, just saying. I know so many of you are sweltering. Try to run through the sprinkler or something like that to cool off in a fun way. See you later. Piggy has discovered the ottoman fan and he loves it. Happy July 4th everyone!!!

[my iPhone  photo of Tabitha and her cute cat dish]

Red, White and Blue Porch

Are you gearing up for July 4th yet? via

Tiny Baby Elephant Tusk

This cute little guy is showing off his first tooth? Have you ever seen anything cuter? Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there. via

Picnic on the Front Porch

Waiting for the parade to go by! I know it's a catalog photo but it's perfect for this Memorial Day porch picnic with watermelon. I love the painted flag from Pottery Barn.

Vintage Memorial Day Postcard

How will you celebrate Memorial Day tomorrow? Parade, cookout, what? Kiss a veteran if you can. Be sure to honor those who serve and remember those who have passed on. Google Images

Serving the Easter Eggs

 

Happy Easter everyone. I always look for vintage images and this is an old Easter postcard I've never seen before. It's a beautiful day here at the cottage and hopefully at your house too. via

Too Much Caffeine | Sleepless Owl

Don't stay up too late tonight. You need to be fresh for this busy holiday weekend. via

Easter Cupcakes

These are very sweet, aren't they? via

Webster says Goodnight

Have a good sleep tonight so you'll be fit as a fiddle for St. Patrick's Day and don't forget to wear something green tomorrow. I took this photo with my new iPad.

St. Patrick's Day Countdown

Tutorial for this St. Patrick's Day cake here. Use your own favorite recipe for a white cake.

Green Tea Iced Latte for St. Patrick's Day *Matcha green tea and milk, lightly sweetened served over ice*

Close your eyes, snap your heels, and pretend you are in Ireland. via

Valentine's Day is For Everyone

A heart-shaped spatterware baking dish I got at a tag sale.

A walnut shell photographed in my birdbath. I never knew there was a heart shape inside.

I still can't believe this picture I took of a wildflower with heart shaped stamens. This is real...not photoshop trickery.

A heart shaped leaf on one of my wild vines.

Happy Day of Hearts via Thresca back in 2009. 

All of the photos are mine.

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

Craving Plain Food

I don't know about you, but nothing tastes good to me except fresh fruit and green vegetables. This must be my body's way of recovering from all the fancy rich food I've been eating lately. I had my first office meeting of the year yesterday and I took some candy for the agents to enjoy so it wouldn't tempt me at a weak moment. 

New Year's Eve

Will you be able to stay up until midnight tonight? I found this delightful Maj Lindman illustration on Flickr and loved it so much I put it in my sidebar. I love the red orange and white striped pajamas, don't you?

The Countdown Has Begun

This photo says it all. It's almost time to say goodbye to 2011. When I look back I remember way too many natural disasters for my liking. I'm ready for a fresh start. via

This Photo is Completely Magical

Agreed? 

via

Be Safe if You Travel Today and Tomorrow

We have rain on the east coast. Be careful on the wet roads if you are traveling home for Thanksgiving. Think pleasant thoughts about those anxiously waiting for you to arrive safely -- humans and pets alike. via

Happy Thanksgiving

I scanned this graphic from my antiquarian book of crests and added the type. This is my Thanksgiving card to all of you.

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. ~ Aesop

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.~Erma Bombeck

image #3 here and #2 here

A Fabulous Dining Room

A big trestle table in a beautiful room looking ready for a gathering of hungry guests. At least someone has it all together. I love the ceiling and the columns that define the dining area of a big open space. via