Tranquility and Occupation

"It is neither wealth nor splendor; but tranquility and occupation which give you happiness."

~Thomas Jefferson

An Amazing Carriage House

Now this is one wonderful carriage house. I really want to go inside, don't you? The black doors and shutters are perfect.

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Perfect Cool Weather Reading Room

I wouldn't change a thing, would you? Well I might just have to hang something over the mantel. We are having a cool day. It's only 70 degrees this afternoon and it feels wonderful. 

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A Wonderful Porch

I could do some serious rocking on this front porch, couldn't you?

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Fresh Bedroom

This bedroom is a breath of fresh air, isn't it? What a wonderful place to while away the hours alternating between sleep, daydreaming, and reading.

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The Real Reason for Eating Ice Cream

I try my best to eat ice cream daily. Do you? What a great advertisement painted on the side of an old barn.

Lovely Architecture

I'm sure the rest of this home is way too big so I'll just take this part.

Too Funny

Made me laugh.
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Minny's Chocolate Pie Recipe | THE HELP

Minny's Chocolate Pie Recipe

I haven't read the book THE HELP and I haven't seen the movie yet but I will this coming week.

"The Help's ending hinges on a secret involving maid Minny's famous chocolate pie. Newspaper columnist Lee Ann Flemming, one of the best bakers in Greenwood, Mississippi made 53 chocolate pies during the movie's filming, including 12 vegan and gluten-free versions she prepared in just one day for actress Bryce Dallas Howard. Her fudgy version here is neither vegan nor gluten-free: It's as classic as it gets. You can make your own crust, but Flemming uses a packaged mix."

I can't wait to see all the Southern food I grew up on in this film. It is supposed to be a real feast for the eyes. What's unusual is that almost all the food in the movie was made by real Southern cooks—including teachers, a journalist and a cafeteria manager—recruited in Greenwood, Mississippi.

Another Painted Kitchen Floor to Admire

It rained all night and it's still coming down. I'm so happy I emptied my laundry basket yesterday and was able to hang everything on the clothesline to dry. My bed linens smelled wonderful, like sunshine and newly mown grass. I was careful not to discharge the grass clippings in the direction of the sheets. I'm thrilled that I accomplished these two tasks so I can enjoy doing whatever I please today. Enjoy your Sunday.

I love the gray and white diamonds on this painted floor, don't you?

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Mid-August Mowing

The spirit moved me to mow at a little after 3pm this afternoon. All went well and at a little after 6pm I was finished with the back, middle and way back and side. The only thing I still have to do is the front. It is raining now and is supposed to rain tomorrow too. I was so happy I didn't have to stop even once and didn't run out of gas either. Hooray. It was really long but nothing my trusty Snapper couldn't handle.

Pot Envy

Look closely and you'll see Piggy lurking in the background. Webster found the pot somewhere (at least 6 hours after breakfast) and his long pointed snout was able to get some oatmeal The Pig missed.

The houseguest is asking the host if he can have it back and of course Webster said yes.

Fine Bindings at My Cottage | Antiquarian Books

I can't remember when I took this photo of a couple of the bookshelves in my bedroom filled with beautiful bindings. These put me to sleep every night -- my flat screen is below these upper shelves. Have a great weekend. I'm having a wonderful Saturday so far. See you later.

Happiness is a Good Oatmeal Pan to Lick

The oatmeal stuck to the bottom of the pan this morning and Piggy is thrilled. He's had his head stuck in there for the past half hour trying to get every morsel. Food is quite precious to him since he is on a diet. Last week the vet said he must lose a few of his 24 pounds before winter sets in when this breed has a real tendency to pack on weight. He has scooted the pan all over the kitchen so maybe it is a workout as well. Hope you find your bliss too this weekend.

Shaker Style Bedroom in Renovated Barn

This is the virtual bedroom that will be mine for the weekend. Isn't it nice? The renovated barn was moved from Canada to Connecticut. Have a great weekend.

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A Lifelong Friendship with Books

19th Century Gardening Clothes

Dressed and ready to garden by George Dunlop Leslie. English, (1835-1921). There doesn't seem to be much for her to do except for a little watering. Don't you love the walled garden with the little brick building?

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A French Bulldog Watching the Deer

A little after-dinner excitement for The Pig. I am not sure whether or not he has ever seen deer grazing before since his property at home has deer fencing. He didn't make a peep but watched them very intently for quite a while. The fawns are getting big and their spots are almost gone. Webster came inside to look for pans to lick. 

Old Fans in My Cottage

This one oscillates almost all the time in the living room. I even have it going when the central air is turned on to move the air around the room. Nothing moves the air like those old metal blades.

This one is in my bedroom and it is as heavy as lead. It also can move the air like nobody's business. I rarely sleep with it on though. I just cool the room down before I jump in bed. 

This one is in the computer room/studio on the third floor. All of the fans have dusty blades right now. I usually clean them very well and give them a drop of oil before I put them away for the winter. I always know where they are in case I burn something in the kitchen and have to grab one to blow the smoke out the window.

They are getting harder and harder to find as you can well imagine. They don't make them like this anymore.

I should work on mine and get them all dusted off and shined up like this one.

Another Conservatory to Love

This appears to be a very traditional conservatory attached to a very modern house. If and when I find out more I'll update the post. I think it's empty too. 

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