Dutchess of Cambridge tours the Downton Abbey set

I saw her on the news last night touring the Downton Abbey set and she looks wonderful. The new baby is due in 6 weeks.

Britain's Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge chats with "Downton Abbey" cast members Sophie McShera, left, and Lesley Nicol during an official visit to the popular TV series' set at Ealing Studios in London. (Chris Jackson / Pool / AP). Here she is receiving a very special chocolate cake from Daisy and Mrs. Patmore. Everyone was very impressed that the royal visitor was so knowledgeable about the show -- Kate is a huge fan. Read full story here. The article has many photos to delight you! xo

Summer in The Hamptons

Sagaponack residence, NY. EB Designs, NYC. I'd love to see the inside of the guest house. via

Books and Children

Illustration by Honor C. Appleton via

When I look at this I can hear my mother calling me to supper. I would always reply...I'll be there as soon as I finish this page but it usually turned out to be the chapter. Reading was a huge part of my childhood. Enjoy your evening. xo

Big Moon at Road's End

I would much rather have a harvest moon than a rainbow at the end of a dirt road. via

Books are Your Loyal Friends

I created this repeat blog post a long time ago and I still love it. I found the perfect image for this wonderful quote about books. It's true, isn't it? The big melt continues and spring is trying her best to break through the snow piles. I can see parts of my driveway I haven't seen in ages and for the first time I can remember, there's no snow on top of my car. Hope you can say the same. xo

Snowdrops in England

Mine are still buried under mounds of snow but they will be there when it melts just waiting to pop their little snowdrop heads out. via We got a little rain this afternoon as predicted. My icy gutters are melting slowly and the downspouts are running nicely making such a glorious trickling sound.

Another New Beatrix Potter Watercolor

Appley Dapply - Beatrix Potter 1890 via

There is nothing in real life more frightening to me than a mouse in the kitchen. But when they are wearing clothes, they are fine. Now, more about this mouse. Beatrix Potter gathered material for a book of rhymes over many years. In 1917, when her publisher was in financial difficulties and needed her help, she suggested that Appley Dapply's Nursery Rhymes could be brought out quickly, using her existing collection of rhymes and drawings.

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My Monogram

Copied from one of my antiquarian books.

It was nice to work outside today. I shoveled my balcony because it might rain tomorrow afternoon and the deck has been covered with snow almost all winter. It was a big job but I finished. So happy. 

Big Snow Melt This Week

Just a few days ago. Notice the snow on the bench.

Today is the first time I have seen the top of the bench on my balcony all year long! We are having a nice slow snow melt that is so very welcome. Even the animals are excited to go outside without slipping and sliding.

A Sign to Promote Kindness

Kindness is good for both the giver and the recipient. via