Winter in Bruges Belgium

It's beautiful any time of year, but Bruges is magical in winter. via

I have always loved Fidel, the most photographed dog of Bruges.  He is constantly looking out his window and usually has a pillow handy in case he needs a little nap.

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Patiently waiting

to lick

the empty cereal bowl

The Countdown Has Begun

This photo says it all. It's almost time to say goodbye to 2011. When I look back I remember way too many natural disasters for my liking. I'm ready for a fresh start. via

New Cottage Style Home

It's refreshing to see that people are building new cottages. Is it possible that sensibility is back? This shingle style Dutch Colonial was designed by Ron Brenner Architects. 

Storm Damaged Old Tree

This grand old tree came down a few days ago for no apparent reason. There was no snow or wind...just some hard rain in the night. I was so sad when I drove around the corner on my way to the post office and saw the whole upper half of this beauty on the ground. It took a smaller evergreen down with it. I guess it was damaged when we had that freak snow while all the leaves were still on the trees in the fall. This area is still recovering from that storm and the tree people aren't able to keep up with all the work it created for them. The local Shade Tree Advisory Committee is starting to rethink their stringent rules for homeowners after so many were without power for over a week in October. I took this iPhone photo yesterday when the sun was going down late in the afternoon. (click photo to enlarge)

Bird Feathers Designed by Mother Nature

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Mother Nature really is the best graphic designer on the planet.

Postcard Town -- Roros, Norway

I'm glad someone left the front light on so we could see this delightful town while it sleeps. via by Øystein E

Girl and her Friends Writing Letters

 

This letter seems to be a real group effort, doesn't it? The girl and her dolls, teddy bear, and pets are very deep in thought and are putting their best efforts into good penmanship.

Illustration for The Christmas Letter circa 1905-07 by Wuanita Smith, American, 1866–1959. Black chalk, red and black wash on illustration board. In the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. via from here

Always Wear Your Invisible Crown

Original watercolor by JooJoo

Amazingly Beautiful Landscape

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Two Smiling Sheep

I love to see smiling animals, don't you? These smiling sheep by Laura L. Ruth got my day off to a great start. It was good to see the sun this morning too after all that rain yesterday. 

Remembering Hydrangeas

The hydrangeas of summer are such a faint memory. via

Cranberry and Chocolate Squares

Made for each other -- that's the contrasting flavors of tangy-sharp cranberries and sweet chocolate.

 

DIY Self-Rising Flour: In a one cup measure, place 1-1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt, then fill to top with flour. Mix well and store in an airtight container if not used right away.

 

 

You probably have all of these ingredients on hand right now. Don't these look delicious? I was too lazy to type everything so I just photographed the recipe from my book: 

COOKIES irresistible biscuits, brownies and bars by Hilaire Walden published by Hermes House in 2002 

Do you cook for your dogs?

Today's breakfast was kibble topped with hot sweet potatoes and leafy left-over brussels sprouts from last night's dinner.

Webster whined while I took the picture of their bowls with my iPhone. Piggy just danced around silently. He has the fastest tongue in the east. This meal got 5 stars *****

Landscape Perfection

Perfectly planned path. via

A Landscape Designer's Masterpiece

I have no information about this stunning geometric garden and reflecting pool. It's really wonderful, isn't it? via

A Fun Project -- DIY Chalkboard Mugs

DIY CHALKBOARD MUG

I've never even heard of chalkboard paint for porcelain, have you. I love the idea of decorating some coffee cups this way and personalizing them with chalk. Read more...

Chalk up your mug before you fill it with a hot beverage.

Webster, King of the Bedroom

Webster just wanted to show everyone that HE doesn't have to sleep in a crate. I think the reason he is so good with Piggy is because he doesn't have to share the bed with him. It's always good to have your own private place, isn't it? 

Country Manor House, Completely Unadorned

No more Christmas decorations. This stately manor looks perfect to me with nothing extra. Great architecture is like that. I would love to see more, wouldn't you? via
Are you venturing out to return any gifts or buy anything on sale? I'm not. Be careful if you have to travel home again in the next day or two. It's a lovely morning here at the cottage. Webster has already been out but Piggy is still fast asleep in his crate. I always drape my polar fleece bathrobe around most of the cage to keep out any drafts and he loves his warm cave. We have him for one more week...hooray! See you later. 

Snow on A Wooden Boat

A beautiful image for the end of A Merry Christmas. via