ANOTHER Snow Day

I was really shocked to wake up to fierce snow that has already accumulated significantly. When the cat came in for the last time last night I could hear the gutters running and all of the snow on my roof was almost gone. Today's snow wasn't supposed to start until 8am but it's way ahead of schedule and I would say we already have about 3 inches. I am so lucky to live on a county road that is always plowed, salted and sanded. Stay safe and stay put if you can. See you later. I put this photo on Instagram this morning. See you later. I still have to watch the second half of Sherlock and I might do that this morning.

Neighboring House

Every house looks better in the snow, doesn't it? I wish that tree that hides the front door had been one of the trees Sandy took down. It's a grand looking house but I also wish it had been elevated to be higher than the front of the property when it was built in 1940 instead of being on a lower plane. Anyway, I love seeing it when I pull out of my driveway.

I went food shopping and now I'm ready for the snow tomorrow. As I've said in the past, I'm not a sports fan so I will be glued to PBS for Downton Abbey and Sherlock while the rest of the world watches Super Bowl 48. I am very glad we had such a nice day today weatherwise that continues into the night for the football game hosted in New Jersey. Enjoy your evening and I hope you house contains more than one TV so everyone will be happy tonight.

More Snow is On the Way

Isn't this snow scene beautiful? via

We are supposed to get 4 to 7 inches of snow tomorrow. Guess I should go food shopping today because I honestly have no staples in the house. I think I'll give the refrigerator a quick cleaning first. I am going to shop carefully and try not to buy too much because I hate to throw out food. I often buy two of something in the fresh produce aisle because it's marked two for $5.00 or whatever when one is all I need.

Webster says Goodnight.

He has already turned in for the night. We both had a good day and hope you did too. Enjoy your Saturday night and the rest of the weekend. xo

The Year of the Horse

The bookcase and horse painting are mine.

I didn't realize I was born in the year of the horse. Were you? Check here. I haven't finished reading the fascinating article....scroll down for the chart to find out your animal sign.

Here is the Waterlogue App watercolor version of the above photo. I am still loving this amazing app for my iPhone. Did you download it yet? Have a great weekend.

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 62

A few more suggestions, observations, and reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life.

I like all of these!

Are you watching FLEMING on BBC America?

This 4-part mini-series is SO good. It's about the life of Ian Fleming.

I stumbled on it quite by accident this past Wednesday. I didn't realize it was a 4-week event. Part One is being repeated tonight at 11:00pm in my area. Here is the website. Check the schedule to see when it's on again in your area. 

I'm really upset that Sunday will be the finale of Sherlock. Didn't it just begin? BooHoo. I would have preferred 6 one hour episodes instead of 3 two hour episodes. How about you? At least I'll have Fleming to look forward to on Wednesday nights. Aren't you glad you have me to tell you what to watch?

Farm Gate at My Cottage

The metal part of this gate was knocked down by a fallen tree during Hurricane Sandy. I pushed it back up as best I could and decided to let the wild roses, grape vines, and various other weeds take over. My plan is working. Can you see the cut remnants of the tree? They are only visible in the winter. I pushed them around so I still have a walking path but the tall weeds hide them in the summer. The blue skies have gone and are replaced by gray this morning. We are supposed to have rain tomorrow. Back to my coffee now; see you later. xo

Dark Blue Skies and Free Bird Seed at My Cottage

This was the dark blue cloudless sky over the cottage this morning. The rusty colored tall foliage that fringes my property is a wonderful food source for the birds in this frigid weather.

Bird tracks in the snow. My tall weeds are in this area and the birds are eating the seeds. I never thought of them as a food source until this year. When I went out with Webster after breakfast there was lots of birdsong in the air and it really sounded like spring even though it was very cold. There were birds hopping around everywhere foraging for seeds. I have an endless supply too. The tall weeds on the bank and all around my property provide good cover for the small birds so they can eat in peace and not worry about the hawks.

Enjoy your evening and I'll see you tomorrow. xo

Antiquarian Books in an Old Library

Old Library at St John’s College, Cambridge England via

The Shadow -- Continued

His collar and tags are forming a wolf mouth.

The wolf keeps following Webster.

He decided to run away from it.

Who's Afraid of The Big Bad Wolf?

Oops, sorry. It's just Webster. The shadow looks scary, doesn't it?

We are getting ready to take the last walk of the day. Enjoy your evening. Hope you are at home where it's safe and warm. I'm sure some of you have been through a tough ordeal. xo

PS...We just got back and the starry sky was beautiful!!!!!

A Little Humor to Brighten the Day

He's taking his time so I guess nobody is home to scold this dog or clean up the mess before he's through eating it. I can see Webster doing this only he never would do anything bad when I'm not home. He does like to steal the cat food though. via

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 61

A few more suggestions, observations, and reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life.

719 is very important when you move. Meet your neighbors, don't wait for them to knock on your door with a chocolate cake.

720 is critical when someone gets sick.

Webster's Watercolors

I remember this day well. It was a nice summer day 2-1/2 years ago when I had a cottage in town under contract. I had to go over to wait for a home inspector and I took my mother and Webster with me. We sat on the front stoop to wait for the man and watched the locals walk up and down the street, with and without dogs. Webster was an angel. He never left the yard and was so happy as you can see from the expression on his face.

I should have doctored up the original a little bit to decrease the contrast so his eyes would show. I just wanted to show you some of the available choices. He looks so happy in all of them. I had an office meeting this morning and all of the agents were so excited when I showed them the watercolors of my listing. I had to make a few for the manager so he could post them on one of his listings too. Nobody could believe how easy it was! Love that Waterlogue app.

Stay warm. Looks as if we are all cold together on the east coast! I heard about the ice and snow in Birmingham, Alabama....I used to live there when I was young. Very tough for those of you not used to driving in it. Stay home and be warm. xo

My Cat, Tabitha

She doesn't turn around and look out very often. She usually just curls herself up in a ball and sleeps. She doesn't stay outdoors very long in this cold but she goes out willingly when I make her. I understand a lot of animals put on their brakes and refuse. Webster and Tabitha never do and I am thankful for that. I'm the one that refuses. Brrrrr.

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 60

A few more suggestions, observations, and reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life.

717 is a good one. "Remove your sunglasses when you talk to someone." Most people don't.

MacAulay - Scottish Clan and Tartan

The MacAulay Tartan, watercolor version

MacAulay Scottish Clan History on left. Motto: Danger is Sweet. This brass running dog paperweight is one of my favorite things.

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 59

A few more suggestions, observations, and reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life.

714 - When opportunity knock, invite it to stay for dinner.