Perfect Reading Spot

I would turn the chair around and put it where the table is located so the lamp would shine on my book. I would replace the table with an ottoman. I would reserve the middle shelf cubby for placing my coffee or tea cup and then this arrangement would be perfect. What changes would you make? via

Curved Bench Window Seat

Isn't this a nice architectural detail? The cutouts on either end of this bay window seat make it look like a settle bench! via

Listen to Ralph

This sounds like very good advice from Ralph Waldo Emerson. "Be silly, be honest, be kind." via

Wonderful Outdoor Entertaining Space

The house looks wonderful and so does the tiered patio with lovely plantings and beautiful garden furniture. It's fabulous, isn't it? via

This happens every year. I start to see leaves turning color in July. This bright yellow one was floating in the birdbath. I was glad I had my iPhone in my pocket. It's still hot and dry but not as humid here at the cottage.

Red and White Checks

I love them on this kitchen floor. *

They are perfect on these bunk beds too. *

London Olympic Games 1948 and 2012

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South Carolina Farmhouse

Belk Farm inspired by an old ice house on the shore of Cumberland Island Georgia. Love the double roofline with clerestory windows. Ken Pursley Architect. Read article and view more pictures here.

Perfect Vacation--Surfing with Books

This image certainly speaks volumes, doesn't it? A woody piled high with books ending up at the beach certainly looks like a perfect vacation to me. via The illustrator/author is Chris Gall and this poster was for the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in 2007. See the license plate---LA2007. He also illustrated a picture book entitled America The Beautiful. I love his talent!

Brownie Batter Cheesecakes [No Bake]

These look easy, delicious, and fast to assemble. It's too hot to turn on the oven so why not whip up some for dessert one day this coming week? Recipe here with step by step instructions in pictures... very little reading required [smile]. I love ice box pies and cheesecakes, don't you?

Photo Fun - MarbleCam [free download]

This free app was featured in today's New York Times. You can use it with any existing photos in your camera roll or with the iPhone or iPad camera opened in the app.

This is the photo I used from my camera roll for the 'marble' effect above. This is going to be fun!

Best Outdoor Room Ever!

There are no words for this timber frame shelter with fireplace by the pool. It's a wonderful outdoor room, isn't it? via

Yes, please. I'll have my virtual hand-squeezed orange juice on the virtual porch this lovely Sunday morning. You'll join me, right? Sigh. via

Wild Raspberries at My Cottage

I usually eat a big handful of wild raspberries every time I take the dogs for a walk. They are so good. As you can see by the shriveled leaves we badly need a good soaking rain. The heat wave will be ending tomorrow and that's a good thing. Enjoy your Saturday night.

Dining Room overlooks Great Kitchen

This is such a visually pleasing photo to me. I love the neatness of it all and the low backs on the dining room chairs. The dark gray paint is perfect, even on the ceiling in the pantry. Very nice indeed. via

How Do You Count Your Days?

I know it's psychological but when it's hot outside I find it difficult to get anything very productive done inside even though the central air is running. Is this normal? How do you cope with the heat? Even the dogs are lying around like dishrags. Today I shall try to make the day count!! I found the quote in the white box here and I expanded it myself using the Martha Stewart app that's only 'free' for one more day. 

Do You Wander?

I would love to be wandering in the snow too! Stay cool if you are in the heatwave zone and have a good weekend. via

French Bulldog says Goodnight

Piggy is in the most uncomfortable looking position with his head propped up against the sofa arm but he's snoring away in the coolness of the a/c. I'm off to bed myself and Webster tucked in ages ago. We had a pretty exhausting day. I vacuumed and Piggy chased and barked after the beast. His humans don't have an upright. Cleaning wore us both out. Have a good weekend and stay cool.

Wonderful Airstream Campsite

This is a wonderful image, isn't it? Do these people camp at the same spot every year, thus the hollyhocks? I love the awnings. I've always thought this would be the perfect way to travel...with your bed always with you. Have you ever camped or vacationed in an airstream? via

Piggy Enjoys The Morning Sun

We are having a very nice morning here at the cottage. Piggy is stretched out watching me work in the kitchen and he doesn't know I sneaked up on him from behind. It's supposed to be another scorcher but so far the morning is very pleasant. The forecast is for 91 today and 100 tomorrow. Oh dear, I'd better turn the A/C on again.