Crocheted Cat Hammock and Goodbye August

I love the expression on this cat's face. He seems to be taking for granted his owner crocheted him this wonderful hammock. I have always liked these smoky gray cats. Photo found here.

It's hard to believe August is only a few hours away from the end, isn't it? It was hot and dry but I got a lot done and once September rolls around the days literally fly by. See you next month. 

xo

My Newly Painted Cottage: So Happy♡

I was at the paint store this morning at 7am because today was the last day my painters would be here. We moved mountains getting ready for their departure and it all worked like clockwork. I am so proud of the end result. While the helper primed and stained the outside boards surrounding my balcony, the main painter and I hung the shutters and afterwards he went around and touched up this and that. The sky with big fluffy clouds really cooperated to set off this photo, didn't it? I absolutely love the black shutters and the black front door. My handyman suggested this and I will be forever thankful. It has transformed by cottage into a classic. The wing to the left doesn't show but it has a newly painted picket fence and my bedroom that sits back behind it. It's impossible to show the entire front in one photo. Needless to say I am glad it's all over but I will miss all the excitement of this transformation as I helped right along with the workers to move the project along. I have skills that had been dormant for a long and it was great to see how capable I really am. I honestly could not be happier.

♡xo♡

Cat on Rug -- Dutch Painting

Salomon Meijer (1877 - 1965)

The only subject that has been a constant during Sal Meijer's painting life is that of the cat. He paints portraits of cats as individuals; they are frontally depicted and look the viewer directly in the eye. Meijer's cats are seen in the comfort of their own home and in close up.

I love this one, don't you?

Auctioned by Christie's here.

Wonderful Shakespeare Quote

Still working on the house but can see light at the end of the tunnel. My days have been busy and long lately and I am so looking forward to a lazy Sunday morning to recharge my battery. I found this Shakespeare quote on Pinterest and I love it. My gift for the past two weeks has been teaching my painters things they didn't know and they are so very appreciative. 

Have a great weekend.

xo

Rainbow Over My Cottage + A Project

This rainbow appeared Tuesday evening after my handyman left after doing rotten wood repairs. I was still outside cleaning up when it started to rain very gently and this beautiful rainbow appeared over my cottage. I was so happy to be outdoors to see it and luckily I had my phone in my pocket. The rainbow seems to be pointing to my roof so maybe it approves of the repair. I think it's blessin my cottage and all of my workers.♡🌈♡ The painters got here a little after 7am this morning to get an early start before it gets too hot. I did my wood repair with the product I ordered and now it has to harden until it can be sanded tomorrow. I was going to document the process with photos but my fingers were covered in the stuff and I could barely open my door let alone take a photo. xo

Am I the only one who always does projects at the kitchen table no matter how messy? I have always considered setting up a flat working space in my basement but knew in my heart of hearts I would probably end up at the kitchen table anyway. http://www.abatron.com/

Before and After Wood Repair at My Cottage

Before: My handman came to the rescue once again.

After: Isn't this a wonderful transformation?

I couldn't be happier!

What would I do without him?

♡

Circa 1800 Cat Portrait

How wonderful is this Rare Georgian Crouching Cat Portrait? It is embroidered needlework encased in the original oval frame, English, Circa 1800. It's SOLD, of course, found here.

xo

Power Washing Day One at My Cottage

I couldn't be happier with the work he did all day yesterday. After lunch he called a helper to come and do my red barn/garage while he tried to finish my house and balcony. I have never seen such good workers. My only other experience with power washing was just a once over. The painter doing my house kept going over and over. He was using water only until he got to my balcony flooring and he used a soap solution for the mildew. They stopped at 5pm and my main guy came back this morning for about two hours to finish up. Nobody is coming tomorrow and I am so glad. I need a break and Missy is the only one I have to direct tomorrow. She came at 4:00 this afternoon so I have her for 3 suppers and you can be sure she will have a half-ration breakfast when she goes home on Tuesday. Have a great Saturday evening and a nice Sunday tomorrow. xo

Clover is Green Despite No Rain

My grass is like straw but the clover is thriving. I have been working nonstop outside since I hired a painter to power wash and paint my house. I found him through my handyman who will be doing any wood repair. He stopped by on Tuesday afternoon to do a few chores like chainsawing some weed trees and wisteria and several other chores I couldn't do myself. I mentioned I had interviewed 6 painters and still hadn't found one. He said he knew one he had been working with for 3 years. I called him right away and he came Wednesday morning, gave me a quote and I hired him. Since then I have been working outside nonstop getting ready and I have moved mountains. He's coming to start the power washing tomorrow at 8am and I couldn't be happier. xo

Wonderful New House Compound

Catherine Sloan Architect on Instagram. 

Click here.

xo