New Cottage Style Home

It's refreshing to see that people are building new cottages. Is it possible that sensibility is back? This shingle style Dutch Colonial was designed by Ron Brenner Architects. 

Storm Damaged Old Tree

This grand old tree came down a few days ago for no apparent reason. There was no snow or wind...just some hard rain in the night. I was so sad when I drove around the corner on my way to the post office and saw the whole upper half of this beauty on the ground. It took a smaller evergreen down with it. I guess it was damaged when we had that freak snow while all the leaves were still on the trees in the fall. This area is still recovering from that storm and the tree people aren't able to keep up with all the work it created for them. The local Shade Tree Advisory Committee is starting to rethink their stringent rules for homeowners after so many were without power for over a week in October. I took this iPhone photo yesterday when the sun was going down late in the afternoon. (click photo to enlarge)

Bird Feathers Designed by Mother Nature

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Mother Nature really is the best graphic designer on the planet.

Postcard Town -- Roros, Norway

I'm glad someone left the front light on so we could see this delightful town while it sleeps. via by Øystein E

Girl and her Friends Writing Letters

 

This letter seems to be a real group effort, doesn't it? The girl and her dolls, teddy bear, and pets are very deep in thought and are putting their best efforts into good penmanship.

Illustration for The Christmas Letter circa 1905-07 by Wuanita Smith, American, 1866–1959. Black chalk, red and black wash on illustration board. In the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. via from here

Always Wear Your Invisible Crown

Original watercolor by JooJoo

Amazingly Beautiful Landscape

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Two Smiling Sheep

I love to see smiling animals, don't you? These smiling sheep by Laura L. Ruth got my day off to a great start. It was good to see the sun this morning too after all that rain yesterday. 

Remembering Hydrangeas

The hydrangeas of summer are such a faint memory. via

Cranberry and Chocolate Squares

Made for each other -- that's the contrasting flavors of tangy-sharp cranberries and sweet chocolate.

 

DIY Self-Rising Flour: In a one cup measure, place 1-1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt, then fill to top with flour. Mix well and store in an airtight container if not used right away.

 

 

You probably have all of these ingredients on hand right now. Don't these look delicious? I was too lazy to type everything so I just photographed the recipe from my book: 

COOKIES irresistible biscuits, brownies and bars by Hilaire Walden published by Hermes House in 2002