The old timber cottage in the snow.

I honestly feel cooler just looking at this photo of an old cabin in the snow. I hope it's cooler at your house than it is at mine. Have a great fun weekend.

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A Wall of Starfish Prints

I've always loved natural history prints. This collection of starfish antiquarian prints is very pleasing and so nicely arranged. I love the old pharmacy lamp too. I have one that is very similar only mine is for a desktop. Have a great weekend. I hope you find a starfish or two if you are doing any beachcombing.




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Cutest Elephant Sneaking A Drink of Pool Water

Why does the water taste sweeter on the other side of the fence? Ask this elephant and he'll tell you it's true.




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Roy Rogers' Stuffed Horse TRIGGER Sells for $266,000

Happy Trails to Trigger in his new home.

Christie's Auction House in NYC held an auction of the contents of the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum which closed in Branson, MO. The new owners of Trigger are RFD-TV in Omaha, Nebraska "Rural America's Most Important Network" who plan to start their own museum. I spent every Saturday morning of my childhood with Roy and Dale. Does any TV network rebroadcast those wonderful shows?

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Gray and White Bathroom | Stunning

I've always loved gray and white in interior design. I love this bathroom, don't you? The gray subway tiles with the gray veined marble tub surround and floor are absolutely beautiful together. S.R. Gambrel - Portfolio

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World's Largest Second-Hand Book Store

This is the castle at Hay-on-Wye

All the books are used and part of the world’s largest second-hand book store.

Hay is a destination for bibliophiles, with over thirty bookshops, many selling specialist and second-hand books and is famous for the Hay Festival. Let's go!




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TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Celebrates 50th in Monroeville, Alabama

"To Kill a Mockingbird," the Pulitzer Prize-winning classic by Harper Lee, turns 50 this year.


On the 50th anniversary of "To Kill a Mockingbird," Bill Whitaker reports on the celebration in author Harper Lee's home town, Monroeville, Ala. Read more ~ great article. Click on the link if you can't see the wonderful video.

To Kill A Mockingbird on DVD

I've been wanting to add this film to my personal collection. I think the time has come, don't you?

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The Choir - BBC America

The Choir - BBC America: Get your British 'gleek' on. If you're in Glee withdrawal... check out the real deal: THE CHOIR, an enthralling 13-part docu-series. Wednesday nights 10pm in the northeast. Last week was the premier. Maybe you can still watch it before the second episode begins tomorrow night. Click on the link to learn more. I highly recommend this uplifting program!!! I really loved it last week.

Read some of the glowing reviews.




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I'm In My Pajamas

Change that to still in my pajamas. Made me laugh. via




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Currently Growing At The Cottage

Wild Morning Glory

Tiny Tomatoes

More Tiny Tomatoes

Weeds Showing Their Fall Colors

Wild Raspberries

Skunk Cabbage Showing Fall Color

Cleome or Spider Plant. They Reseed Every Year.

I took these pictures on Sunday Morning. How does your garden grow? I think all that heat with little or no rain is bring on the fall colors a little earlier than usual. At least our trees aren't dropping their leaves like they are in Virginia.




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Inspirational Kitchens | Architectural Digest

Lots more Inspirational Kitchens to see. I didn't want to spoil the 17-photo slideshow for you so I'm only showing two. via Architectural Digest.




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Katharine Hepburn Illustrated Quote

"If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased."
Katharine Hepburn

Hold that thought! I think she followed her own advice throughout her life.




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Green Cuisine with Carolyne Roehm

Green Cuisine Conversations with Carolyne Roehm on cooking and decorating with nature's most abundant color. Be sure to click on the green cuisine link to read the delightful article and see more beautiful photographs, each with a recipe. Nice!

SHALLOT-HERBED RISOTTO
Serves 4 to 6

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¾ cup shallots, peeled and diced

8 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

1 tablespoon fresh tarragon

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary

2 tablespoons fresh oregano

1 pound Arborio rice

1 cup dry white wine

1 cup asparagus, only tips and tender part of spears

1 cup fresh or frozen peas

3tablespoons butter

½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

salt and pepper

In large saucepan, heat oil and sauté shallots until soft. Remove from heat.

In separate pan, heat chicken stock until warm. Combine 2 cups stock and herbs in blender. Process until smooth, then return to remaining stock over heat.

Return saucepan with shallots to heat, then add rice and toast 2 minutes. Add wine and stir until liquid is evaporated.

Add stock 1 cup at a time, stirring continually, about 13 minutes. Add asparagus and peas to remaining stock. Then continue to add stock and vegetables to risotto 1 cup at a time, stirring continually until rice is al dente, about 5 minutes. Strain any remaining vegetable from leftover stock and fold them into risotto.

Remove from heat, add butter and cheese and a little more stock if necessary. Stir well and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Image: Veranda Magazine

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You Can Never Have Too Many Framed Pictures

This collection of framed pictures is nicely arranged, isn't it?




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