Beautiful Pie Crust

This is too gorgeous for words. It looks like the best pumpkin pie ever! Tutorial for this braided lattice top crust with recipe and 5 more decorations for pies HERE! You're welcome.

Red-bellied woodpecker at my Feeder

He is my favorite bird thus far and the showiest because of his size and beautiful red head. I hope he won't hold it against me when I get my sunflower kernels only bird seed without any peanuts and other tree nuts in the mix. Otherwise, I would be headed to the poor house in no time. This large woodpecker has an easier time at my feeder than the much smaller Downy Woodpecker who doesn't always latch on a perch the first try. But he perseveres and eventually lands and feeds. I am a happy bird lady and will continue to show you photographs whenever I get a great one. Happy Friday. xo

Row of Trees with Fog

This is a lovely portrait mode photo of a stand of trees, perfectly spaced. When planted long ago, someone had a vision and knew how far apart to plant them so they could mature in place and not be crowded. This is the way trees are supposed to look, flared at the base. It always upsets me when I see landscapers covering the natural flare with mulch volcanoes. via

Thanksgiving Shopping: Beatrix Potter

I am always happy when I find another new to me image by Beatrix Potter and I love this one. Have you started your Thanksgiving shopping yet? Some of these animals are enjoying friendship outside the store to catch up on the local gossip before going inside. Won't it be nice we WE can do this once again? xo

Topiary Heaven in France

This courtyard in France is stunning. See more photos and read Habitually Chic's blog post about the renovation of a ruin called Les Ramades in Provence here. I am partial to all of the outdoor photographs.

Activity at My Birdfeeder

As you can see, the birds have discovered my feeder. I have identified goldfinches, several nuthatches, cardinals, downy woodpeckers, red-headed woodpeckers, starlings (ugh), bluejays, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and mourning doves. Some are ground feeders only to clean up the mess on the decking for me. I am enjoying having them around once again and my new arrangement is working beautifully. I don't have trees near my balcony so there are no squirrels and that's a big plus. No bears can get up there either and yes, they are in my area. I thought I might have to take the feeder in at night but I don't. I am definitely going to have to hunt for less expensive bird food and will go to the bulk feed store nearby to see what they have. I don't want the unshelled sunflower seeds for sure because of the debris I would have to sweep up. I took this photo with my Nikon to get the action. I'll keep you posted on new bird sightings as the weather gets colder. The bluebirds have been going in and out of the bluebird house. They stay all winter and it's always a thrill to see them. See you later. xo

Gorgeous Cat Wearing a Sweater

She wears it well and that color is purrfect. via

All You Need is Less

This is very timely since emailing a friend back and forth this morning regarding her quest to simplify her life by downsizing. via

Outdoor Dining At Its Best

This would be a delightful setting for a wonderful outdoor Thanksgiving dinner, wouldn't it? via

White on White Painted House

I love an all white house and am planning that no-color palate when my cottage is painted again. I have similar architectural pediments over my front windows for interest without color. When I washed my house recently and released the shutters to clean behind them, I noticed they are deteriorating on the reverse side and will soon need replacing. The spiders will just have to find someplace else to live!
via @Upcountryliving on Instagram

The goldfinches that have discovered my feeder cannot read and do not realize their food is no waste. They are still throwing shelled sunflower seeds everywhere on my balcony floor. I am sweeping it up with the dustpan and transferring to a dish in my front garden. This experiment is not going as planned but is still enjoyable. xo