Blue sky, hot dog, and a bag of rocks in my driveway . . .

 

Yesterday's blue sky with puffy white clouds.

   

After "helping me" hang out laundry, Webster retreated to a cool, dark spot under the bed. He always leaves his feet sticking out so I will know where he is.

   

I'm beginning to think I must have something printed on my forehead that says, "Please throw something in a plastic bag in my driveway." By the way, I would never hire this person. The conspiracy continues. 

These are a few of my favorite things . . .

Coreposis photographed through the watering can handle.

An old shovel being used as a perch for the birds in my back garden.

Silver-plated dog bookend. One of a pair photographed before my favorite set of fine leather bindings embellished with hunting and equestrian motifs.

An American painting signed and dated (1913).

My gardening hat from the Dollar Store hanging in my vestibule beside an antique shovel. Both are within easy reach of my front garden. The hat has a Burberrys label and was made in Italy. Real or knock-off? Who cares for $1.00? I bought three; gave one to a friend and the other one lives with the riding mower.

Reverse-decoupage lamp ~ one of a pair. Made by my friend Jill and given to me as a housewarming gift 5 years ago. Better than John Derian! One of the nicest gifts I've ever received. These are really hard to make since all of the cutouts are glued from the inside and the paint is the last step before assembly to become a lamp.

Here is the lamp turned off to show the base with no bulb glare.

A circa 1918 Roseville Landscape pitcher. So nice in my cottage.

My little wisk broom hanging in front an a garage-sale wool shawl, also made in Italy.

I should name by blog A Daisy A Day. I am not going to stop until I post the perfect photo. This could be the one. Feel free to give me a shout if you are sick of daisies.

A picture story visit to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home in Virginia . . .

If you want to understand the United States and its people, says artist/author Maira Kalman, you need to visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home in Virginia.

You know how much I love Maira Kalman's picture stories. I've blogged about her in the past and her stories always thrill and delight me. I love Thomas Jefferson too so I was very interested to see what she had to say about him when she visited Monticello.

She was especially interested in the way he managed his time. The title of the New York Times story is TIME WASTES TOO FAST.

Read and enjoy the complete story here. You will be so glad you did.

This is the last weekend in June...enjoy it to the fullest. Thanks for stopping by the cottage. ♥Rosemary

Life's Little Instruction Book, page 105 . . .

...To be continued...

Happy Friday. Hope your weekend is wonderful. Start looking for that small town Fourth of July celebration. It's just around the corner. The summer is whizzing by, isn't it?

PS...I looked out my window this morning to find not one but TWO circulars in my driveway. One at each entrance of my horseshoe drive. It's doubly annoying now! I think it's a conspiracy, don't you?

Daisy after a rain . . .

Webster and I went for a walk early last evening after a hard rain. This was the first time I'd had my camera along in quite a while. Got a good photo of a daisy with a sharply focused center.

I downloaded Google Chrome as an alternate browser. It is a little different but seems to be much faster than Internet Explorer. I've never experimented in this area but thought it was time to give it a try. We shall see.

Real estate has been eating up a huge chunk of my free time. The worst part is having to wear grown up clothes. So far, so good. Webster doesn't think much of this chapter in my life. He likes for me to be "at home" with him. Thanks for stopping by the cottage to check up on me. ♥Rosemary

A wonderful quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson . . .

A Cottage in a Steel Box, An Architectural Wonder by Adam Kalkin with Video . . .

This house is on broker open house today and I can't go because I am conducting an open house too. I hope I will get another chance to see it at a later date.

Built by Architectural Designer Adam Kalkin for his own use.

International shipping containers were used for the outer shell. A real country cottage is inside. Some of the walls lift to bring the outdoors in. I can't believe this is near me and I am just hearing about it. I think it is pretty famous. Welcome to "Bunny Lane" ~ I look forward to your comments.

Photo credits: Peter Aaron / Esto

Let me know if you want to see it. Price $2.4 million. More details about this unique home.

Life's Little Instruction Book, page 104 + Laundry On My Mind . . .

...To be continued...

My back is almost well. No more muscle spasms as of late Saturday night. I am still taking it easy. Never want to pull a muscle or strain my back again. Thanks for all of your notes of concern. I have the greatest blog readers and I really am touched by such caring.

I can't remember the last time I was able to hang the wash outside. Maybe Tuesday will be rainless. I love these posts. My clothes line is stretched between two trees.

What a great idea ... A drying yard with a brick floor. Your clothes are shielded from the street too because of the lattice sides. Swoon. This is definitely on my dream list.

Unwanted newspapers still appearing in my driveway . . .

They're back! I shall have to resort to other tactics to keep the delivery boy from throwing unwanted circulars wrapped in plastic bags at my house. He just doesn't get it. Most of the neighbors don't even pick them up until there is a big pile.

This photograph is an antique folk art carving of a hand holding a newspaper. How appropriate for this post. It is one of my favorite things. The dark areas are tree bark. I added the cool stamp border here.
Have a great Sunday. Happy Father's Day.