PS22 Chorus - Musical Finale at 2011 Oscars

Did you stay awake until the END of the Oscars last night? I did for the first time in years just to see the PS22 Chorus perform at the finale. They were great. Read an article from Staten Island bursting with local pride about these darling 5th graders and also today's New York Times article which explains that their tee shirts are color coded -- green for sopranos and blue for altos.

Wonderful Office and Library

What a nice room. I love the black floor to ceiling bookshelves, don't you? This gorgeous office/library is very special. via book lovers never go to bed alone

Reflections

This photograph of trees in a mist reflected on a lake is breathtakingly beautiful. I've always loved a good water view and I like lakes better than oceans for some reason.

Godfather House

This is the house in Staten Island where 'The Godfather' was filmed. I got interested in learning more about it after seeing a segment on Sunday Morning today.

This iconic house is for sale with a $2.9 million price tag. I hope you will enjoy watching this video as much as I did. I had no idea the stone walls around the property in the movie were fake, did you? 

Antique Lamp with Nautilus Shell Shade

I love this early 1900s Nautilus Shell Bronze Desk Lamp from ERIE BASIN

Just for Fun: 109 Cats In Sweaters + One in a Poncho

Goodnight, Sleep Tight

I have chosen this amazing bedroom for tonight because it will be so perfect for waking up on Sunday morning, agreed? Goodnight. See you tomorrow. 

PS22 Chorus Will Open The Oscars

I'm so happy for these 5th grade students from Staten Island, NY's PS22. This talented young chorus and their fabulous music teacher will be opening the Oscars performing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'. I've been a fan of theirs for quite some time and can't wait to see them Sunday night. 

Read the whole story and see more videos at NPR

Outside My Cottage Yesterday

The snowdrops are coming up right on schedule. I always see them beginning in February.

The wisteria looks very sculptural against the background of the woods. I keep it cut back so it doesn't take over.

The ice in the birdbath has melted but no birds are interested in bathing. Brrrr.

This is the big branch I was talking about last week when I was pining away for a gardener to help me get rid of it.

Here he is. Webster is so handsome, isn't he? The wonder dog got the crazy runs he was so excited about being in the way back.

My guard chicken proudly standing watch outside my bedroom window. It felt good to walk around with my camera now that the weather is improving. Have a great weekend.

Morning Dew on Spider's Web

Misty Morning Dew ~ A heavily laden spider's web in the long grass at Croome Court, Worcestershire in The Cotswolds. Now that is just beautiful! ©flash of light 

Tiny Homes With Scavenged Charm + Slide Show

Derek Diedricksen has built four microhouses at his home in Stoughton, Mass., using salvaged materials and ingenuity.

You will love this charming story and slideshow about a man in Massachusetts called a mad scientist with too much wood who has built a village of tiny structures in his back yard. Tiny Homes With Scavenged Charm via NYTimes Don't fail to read the accompanying article called The $200 Microhouse. It's hilarious and inspiring too. The Times reporter Joyce Wadler has a way with words that will make you laugh out loud. You can thank me later for finding this for you.