Dogs at Rest | This Sofa is Taken

Mae Belle, Maggie, and Banjo ~ Labradors from Raleigh, NC

I love this winning photo from Garden and Gun Magazine's Dogs at Rest contest. I dare not show it to Webster who is not allowed on my similar sofa. I'm picking up Piggie this afternoon for a 2-week visit while my friends go on a spring-break vacation. Remember him, he's our French Bulldog friend. I wonder how he will react to my new rule?

Something tells me I will be outnumbered when Webster and Piggie get back to their old routine here at the cottage.

1947 Saab | Back To The Future Car

This is the first Saab ever. It's the Saab 92001 or the UrSaab. Doesn't it look futuristic and so ahead of its time? It just screams Road Trip, doesn't it? I hope you have a great weekend. Rain is predicted for Sunday in my neck of the woods. 

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II, Page 36

More good advice from our favorite little book. I often wonder how the author's son turned out after his father gave him all of this good advice. Does anyone know?

Beautiful Twin Beds

I think I'll sleep in one of these twin beds tonight. I can't remember the last time I slept in a single bed but these look very inviting as does the room. Are they metal? I love the spreads and linens. Goodnight. See you in the morning. -via

An Insect Alien

You will never convince me that this praying mantis is not an alien, and an exhibitionist as well. Agreed? The Animal Blog

Plaid Infinity Scarf | Tutorial | DIY | Handmade

I love this beautiful wool infinity scarf or cowl. It's very easy to make too; I've already made one this morning (in my mind).  I have some red silk and might make one to wear with my black velvet blazer for an upcoming affair. These would be great made from a light flowery fabric for dressing up spring outfits, especially on a chilly morning. One in a madras plaid would be fabulous too. I like the way this one looks on the headless mannequin. Happy sewing!

Tutorial from H is for Handmade.

Time To Hit The Hay

Time to hit the hay and watch some prime time television. I discovered 'Doc Martin' on PBS recently and it's one of my favorite programs. Thankfully, my station is airing Season One even though Series Four has already been completed. I'm recording it right now on WLIW-21. It is one of those quirky English programs set in Cornwall. Doc Martin (he prefers to be called Dr. Ellingham) is a socially awkward village doctor who had to quit surgery in London because he suddenly became sick at the sight of blood. He relocated to Portwenn, a small Cornish town full of characters. It's filmed on location in the real town of Port Isaac. I'm off to watch it now. See you tomorrow.
I found the full episode of Doc Martin, Season 1, Episode 1 on YouTube here.

More Snowdrops At The Cottage

I was delighted to see the snowdrops coming up at the base of my faux bois birdbath. I think it will be a while before I have blooming flowers but they are well on their way. Yea. The snow has melted from almost everywhere except where it was piled up by the snow plow and hand shoveling. The snow you see in my photo is from the front walk. That area was quite deep and it's interesting to see how different areas have melted and others have not. Must be a geothermal thing.

Putty Colored Home Office

All of the woodwork in my cottage is painted this color except for my kitchen. It's Bennington Gray by Benjamin Moore . . . at least mine is called that. My walls are Lancaster Whitewash. I guess that's one of the reasons I like this home office so much.

Tiny Civil War Cottage in Virginia Circa 1865

The Colonel's Cottage in Petersburg, Virginia 1865
“Cottage of Col. Nathaniel Michler, U.S. Engineers, at Bryant house.”

There is a huge tiny house movement going on but it's not new. This small Civil War era log cottage belonged to Col. Nathaniel Michler (1827-1881). The photo printed from a glass negative is from Shorpy.