Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Minny's Chocolate Pie Recipe | THE HELP
I haven't read the book THE HELP and I haven't seen the movie yet but I will this coming week.
"The Help's ending hinges on a secret involving maid Minny's famous chocolate pie. Newspaper columnist Lee Ann Flemming, one of the best bakers in Greenwood, Mississippi made 53 chocolate pies during the movie's filming, including 12 vegan and gluten-free versions she prepared in just one day for actress Bryce Dallas Howard. Her fudgy version here is neither vegan nor gluten-free: It's as classic as it gets. You can make your own crust, but Flemming uses a packaged mix."
I can't wait to see all the Southern food I grew up on in this film. It is supposed to be a real feast for the eyes. What's unusual is that almost all the food in the movie was made by real Southern cooks—including teachers, a journalist and a cafeteria manager—recruited in Greenwood, Mississippi.
I can't wait to see all the Southern food I grew up on in this film. It is supposed to be a real feast for the eyes. What's unusual is that almost all the food in the movie was made by real Southern cooks—including teachers, a journalist and a cafeteria manager—recruited in Greenwood, Mississippi.
Another Painted Kitchen Floor to Admire
It rained all night and it's still coming down. I'm so happy I emptied my laundry basket yesterday and was able to hang everything on the clothesline to dry. My bed linens smelled wonderful, like sunshine and newly mown grass. I was careful not to discharge the grass clippings in the direction of the sheets. I'm thrilled that I accomplished these two tasks so I can enjoy doing whatever I please today. Enjoy your Sunday.
I love the gray and white diamonds on this painted floor, don't you?
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Mid-August Mowing
The spirit moved me to mow at a little after 3pm this afternoon. All went well and at a little after 6pm I was finished with the back, middle and way back and side. The only thing I still have to do is the front. It is raining now and is supposed to rain tomorrow too. I was so happy I didn't have to stop even once and didn't run out of gas either. Hooray. It was really long but nothing my trusty Snapper couldn't handle.
Pot Envy
Look closely and you'll see Piggy lurking in the background. Webster found the pot somewhere (at least 6 hours after breakfast) and his long pointed snout was able to get some oatmeal The Pig missed.
The houseguest is asking the host if he can have it back and of course Webster said yes.
Fine Bindings at My Cottage | Antiquarian Books
I can't remember when I took this photo of a couple of the bookshelves in my bedroom filled with beautiful bindings. These put me to sleep every night -- my flat screen is below these upper shelves. Have a great weekend. I'm having a wonderful Saturday so far. See you later.
Happiness is a Good Oatmeal Pan to Lick
The oatmeal stuck to the bottom of the pan this morning and Piggy is thrilled. He's had his head stuck in there for the past half hour trying to get every morsel. Food is quite precious to him since he is on a diet. Last week the vet said he must lose a few of his 24 pounds before winter sets in when this breed has a real tendency to pack on weight. He has scooted the pan all over the kitchen so maybe it is a workout as well. Hope you find your bliss too this weekend.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Shaker Style Bedroom in Renovated Barn
This is the virtual bedroom that will be mine for the weekend. Isn't it nice? The renovated barn was moved from Canada to Connecticut. Have a great weekend.
19th Century Gardening Clothes
Dressed and ready to garden by George Dunlop Leslie. English, (1835-1921). There doesn't seem to be much for her to do except for a little watering. Don't you love the walled garden with the little brick building?
Thursday, August 11, 2011
A French Bulldog Watching the Deer
A little after-dinner excitement for The Pig. I am not sure whether or not he has ever seen deer grazing before since his property at home has deer fencing. He didn't make a peep but watched them very intently for quite a while. The fawns are getting big and their spots are almost gone. Webster came inside to look for pans to lick.
Old Fans in My Cottage
This one oscillates almost all the time in the living room. I even have it going when the central air is turned on to move the air around the room. Nothing moves the air like those old metal blades.
This one is in my bedroom and it is as heavy as lead. It also can move the air like nobody's business. I rarely sleep with it on though. I just cool the room down before I jump in bed.
This one is in the computer room/studio on the third floor. All of the fans have dusty blades right now. I usually clean them very well and give them a drop of oil before I put them away for the winter. I always know where they are in case I burn something in the kitchen and have to grab one to blow the smoke out the window.
They are getting harder and harder to find as you can well imagine. They don't make them like this anymore.
They are getting harder and harder to find as you can well imagine. They don't make them like this anymore.
Another Conservatory to Love
This appears to be a very traditional conservatory attached to a very modern house. If and when I find out more I'll update the post. I think it's empty too.
Very Sweet Cottage All Decked Out For Fall
It's coming. I can feel it in the air. The morning dew is so wet I have to wear boots to walk the dogs. I am so not ready. I am trying with all my might to savor August because when it's gone the year just flies by. The next thing you know it will be Labor Day and then all the stores will be pushing Halloween. I know it's a great time of year but I'm still hanging on to summer. How about you?
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
A Toy Tiger Makes Such A Good Pillow
Pretty soon I'm going to find a toy tiger to tuck under my head at the close of a very busy day. I keep this special toy here for Piggy's visits. He loves it and generous Webster is always willing to share. Sleep tight. I'll see you in the morning.
Piggy's Back | French Bulldog
Piggy is roughing it at my house. When I picked him up last night his own home was as cold as a walk-in cooler. We have our a/c turned off so he will just have to adjust his internal thermostat. Webster is thrilled to have his bestie back.
William Shakespeare Library Quote
“Knowing I loved my books, he furnish’d me
From mine own library with volumes that
I prize above my dukedom.”
William Shakespeare
From mine own library with volumes that
I prize above my dukedom.”
William Shakespeare
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Wonderful Bookshop Sign
You see the nicest signs in used bookshops, don't you? This is the Paradox Bookstore (please click on the link and read) 2228 Market Street in Wheeling West Virginia.
Is this a
bed in the office or an office in the bedroom? I could never have my office in my bedroom because it would make me do paperwork in my sleep. I wouldn't mind having a bed in my office though :)
I love the room with its beautiful windows and I love drafting table desks and flat files.
Busy day for me today. I have to do an open house at my listing after my office meeting. I put the signs out last night so I am a little ahead of the game. See you later.
Busy day for me today. I have to do an open house at my listing after my office meeting. I put the signs out last night so I am a little ahead of the game. See you later.
Monday, August 8, 2011
A Bed by the Window
My virtual bedroom for tonight. I love the deep windowsill that serves as an extra bedside table. Wouldn't it be fun to wake up and see a water view the very minute you opened your eyes?
Image
A Seaside House
A beautiful house by the sea at dusk with the lights on inside. I love the many places to look out at the surroundings. I think I'd like to be in the gazebo room on the third level rather than the widow's walk. I'd feel safer there...you know me and my fear of heights. The a/c is on full blast in my house as of about an hour ago. It's so hot outside.
Most Beautiful Poolhouse EVER
Seriously, this is the most beautiful poolhouse I've ever seen. It's one of the few that might actually be used after the pool is closed. I love this use for a conservatory. The interior looks wonderful.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
My Cottage | Entrance After Weeding
My cottage from front driveway. There is a small room to the left that sits back with a white picket fence that doesn't show in this photo.
The area that is down to the dirt was a tangled mess of weeds, crabgrass, forget-me-nots gone to seed, buttercups, variegated pineapple mint and who knows what else. Note to self: pull up the forgetmenots next spring immediately after they begin to look like weeds. I usually do this but this year I did not and they had turned into wire mesh hairnets. I'll definitely have an unwanted bumper crop next year.
I wish it would stay just like this but I can see that the buttercups are already coming right back. They like to play hopscotch and see how fast they can take over an area where they are unwanted.
I haven't tackled around the bend yet. These weeds come up very easily so I will do that area when I clip the boxwood.
This is the only thing I like. I bought 4 small plants of this ground cover at a garden club plant sale around Mothers Day. It has spread wonderfully and I only wish I'd bought more. It's more like a turf that weeds can't permeate. I've weeded so much there is hardly any soil left and it is a step down. This is nice when there is snow on the walk. I can just push it aside.
Here is the plant marker I saved for the Laurentia. It was covered with the sweetest little lilac flowers in May, June and July. Only a few remain. I'm going to look for more locally or order some from this place next spring.
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