Illustrated Garden Quote

Poppy or Pansies?

I couldn't decide which one I liked better so I decided to print them both. Which one is your favorite?




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John McCain and the making of a financial crisis ~ Keating Economics . . .

"Keating Economics: the Making of a Financial Crisis" is a documentary that shows why John McCain's failed philosophy and poor judgment are a recipe for deepening the economic crisis.

If you are still on the fence, you won't be if you will take 13 minutes to watch this informative documentary.

Please watch and share with your friends. Thanks!

Knowledge is power.

Interesting chart to review while watching the presidential debates tonight . . .

The first image is a very interesting chart that you can enlarge for better viewing with just one click. It shows the winning presidential candidates from the past based on height and weight. It is not at all scientific...just very interesting.

You know I will be watching the debates tonight and hopefully you will be too.

It has never been more important to be informed! Election Day is exactly 4 weeks from today!

Elephant Stew Recipe . . .

ELEPHANT STEW

1 elephant (medium size)
2 rabbits
Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Cut the elephant into bite-size pieces. This will take about 2 months. Add enough brown gravy to cover. Cook over an open fire for about 4 weeks at 465 degrees. This will serve about 3,800 people. If more are expected, 2 rabbits may be added, but do this only in an emergency, as some people do not like to find a hare in their stew.

Henri, the Parisian cat who opposes everything . . .

My thumbs are not opposable, yet I oppose everything! A film by Will Braden. 'A hilarious parody of European existentialism, on a budget probably no pricier than a week's supply of cat food.' LA Weekly 'Will Braden gives voice to Henri pondering the ennui of his pampered life. 'Seattle Times' If you liked the film, you must be a cat lover. Proceed to this post by Will Braden.

Little known fact . . .

I was quite surprised to learn this. How about you?

Free Download ~ Political Candidates Finger Puppets.

You can make finger puppets for both Presidential Candidates, their wives, and the Vice Presidential candidates too. You will need one sheet of card stock for each puppet. There is a video on the download sheet with instructions...they are really easy to understand without watching it.

Free download from folduscandidate.com


Make all 6 and have some fun. Have your own debates, take some pictures, make a YouTube film, entertain your family and friends. Print lots and share. Have fun.

Enjoy your weekend.

Look what a Kentucky Lawyer did with $10 worth of Sharpie pens . . .

I just had to post about this. Look what Charlie Kratzer of Lexington, Kentucky did to his basement recreation room using $10 worth of sharpie pens and magic markers. Before he started on this project the walls were painted a classic cream. Ten dollars later the place was black and cream and drawn all over.

There are fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, Winston Churchill lounging with George Bernard Shaw, and the TV squirrel Rocky and his moose pal Bullwinkle. Some of the places of interest include Blenheim Palace and the Cornell Law School (the homeowner/artist is the associate general counsel for Lexmark).

Read the entire article from the Lexington Herald-Leader and see the 360-degree scrolling movie of the whole room instead of the stills I am picturing above.

I am so impressed! This project takes tromp l'oeil to a whole new level.

Thanks, Tim.

A fat cat with a sense of humor . . .

Now here's an image to make you smile and get your day off to a good start!

Ready money . . .

Need I say more?

Oliver Airedale ~ Financial Dog and Industrial Leader . . .

A timely page from:

The Ordeal of Oliver Airedale
or
To the Dogs and Back
A Satire with Teeth in It

Written and illustrated by D. T. Carlisle
New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1941

Oliver Airedale was not the only financial and industrial leader in Caninia who disapproved the government's major policies, including those for social relief. At the same time he was acutely aware of the great need for a betterment of conditions, particularly in his city of New Airedale. He gave unstintedly of his time and means in the emergency and invented such slogans as "Keep New Airedale Out of the Dog Pound" and "No Pariahs in New Airedale". Oliver Airedale always believed in helping a lame dog over a stile and served many years as president of the Animal Rescue League.

There are always lessons to be learned from old books!

As always, you can enlarge either of the photographs.

Take care of your antiques and they'll take care of you.

SOLD ~ $5,234,500 to Albert Sack

New York City, September 26, 2008, Sotheby's Americana Sale. This carved walnut compass-seat Philadelphia stool circa 1750 brought a whopping $5.2 million. The figure above includes the buyer's premium.

The pre-auction estimate for this rare object was $200,000/500,000.

Ex-collection Rear Admiral Edward P. Moore and Barbara Bingham Moore.

Antiques really are a good investment. Buy the best you can afford, use them, admire them, care for them, and at the appropriate time in your life pass them on to the next steward.




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Hearts are hiding everywhere . . .

Walnut shell found in a puddle yesterday morning. I was delighted to see a perfect heart in the center!

Vine with heart-shaped leaf. All the leaves will soon be on the ground. My rakes are standing by!

Yellow flower with hearts in the center. A repeat photo from a July post for new readers to enjoy.

I continue to discover hearts on my walks and will share as I find them. Enjoy your day.

Tribute to a life well lived . . .

PAUL NEWMAN

1925 - 2008

Video is no longer available. Sorry.

Try this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSKM0YiU8LU

Rest in Peace. We will miss you. 'Danny Boy' recording by Eva Cassidy. 

Being kind is more important than being important . . .

Make Your Own Path . . .

Pumpkin patch in the yard . . .

I absolutely love this pumpkin patch that comes right up to the porch. Wouldn't it be great to open the door, take a few steps, and pick out your jack-o-lantern or the main ingredient for a pie? Pumpkin pie is my favorite ~ another reason for enjoying this time of year.

It looks as if we are in for a rainy weekend. Not good for the annual Fireman's Auction and Sale in New Vernon. Most things are under a tent...but some of the donations are in a big uncovered field. I hope they keep all the books dry. I'll wear my wellies and walk around in the mud. I always find a treasure.

My diminutive bookcase . . .

I finished the renovation of my cottage in 2004. I sold all the large pieces that did not have a place here before moving in and have been slowly filling in the bare spots ever since. Luckily I am a patient person as it is very hard to find small-scale antiques.

Over the summer I finally found a bookcase for my overflow of antiquarian books. I am thrilled with the size and style. I love the graduated shelves with waterfall sides, the bottom drawer with brass pulls, the legs with brass castors, and there is even an inlaid conch shell on the back panel. I found it at an estate sale nearby. I was not one of the early birds either. Luckily, this treasure was piled high with junk and the other lookers passed it by.

I just wanted to drive home the point that the best homes are not decorated overnight. I went to a realtor open house yesterday that looked as if all the furnishings were purchased on the same day. Not a good look in my opinion.

Don't be in a rush. Slow down and enjoy the hunt.

All things come to those who wait!