Make your own luck.

I love this and think it's great advice. via

200 Year Old Stylishly Restored Rectory in England

The 200-year-old house, built from Cotswold limestone, sits in a valley in Gloucestershire on a site that has been occupied since the 15th century. The garden has been re-planted by the current owners, who tackle a new project each year, adding two ponds and developing a rose garden, orchard and vegetable garden. The formal garden in front of the house looks out over a wooded valley, part of its seven-acre estate; the small summerhouse behind it was originally built for a footman. View the interior photos here. I wish I could see the footman's cottage too.
photo Simon Brown via The Telegraph

First Autumn Leaf of 2014

I'm always surprised when I see an autumn leaf in the middle of the summer. It is my understanding that real farmers start getting ready for fall right after July 4th so I suppose this leaf is right on time.

Repurposed Doors

Great George Street ~ Liverpool

It must be very confusing trying to get in this building. Which door is the real entrance? What a clever use for salvaged doors. via

A Real Picture Window

The perfect window for the perfect view. via

Mystery Fruit/Vegetable

I saw these in a big bin at an indoor Farm Market recently and wondered what they were. Any ideas?

A Dog and His Fan

Webster always goes to the attic in the early morning hours so he can look out the eyebrow windows. I found this vintage ottoman fan under my antique rope bed that I had completely forgotten about. Its lowest speed is hurricane force and Webster loves it. I usually find him at the top of the stairs in this position. Now he's a cool dog. I'm headed to the bedroom to watch some TV. See you tomorrow. xo

Charming Bathroom

The floor to ceiling window really makes this room! via

A sense of place.

Do you have a sense of place or are you still searching? via Don't give up your current place until you are sure you won't be sorry.

A Sunday Well Spent

I'm going to spend mine well. Hope you will too. via

I can't stop watching this.

See what I mean? Silly parakeet! xo via

Moving Furniture Again

Every time I move a piece of furniture to a new location, I end up spending at least one whole day moving accessories around. This hunt board was downstairs in my mother's sitting room. I moved it into a recessed area in my kitchen and I love it there. My slant front desk used to be in this location and if you remember, I moved that to the living room after having the lid repaired. The same restorers took this piece with them when they delivered the desk. They evened out the color from some water damage and gave it a good French polish. They did such a good job and I'm thrilled. I now have all of my miniatures on ivory displayed together for the first time. I think I need a few more, don't you? The weather is cool and breezy, a rare treat for July. No A/C and all the windows are open so I'm a happy camper and so is Webster. Have a great weekend. xo

Happy July 4th 2014

I took this photo in my kitchen with my iPhone last year to celebrate Independence Day. Here it is again because I still love it and think it's so appropriate. I have eaten three large bags of sweet red cherries in the past couple of weeks and each and every one was delicious. I like them cold and right off the stem rather than cooked, even in a pie. They are my favorite fruit and the season is short so I eat as many as I can! The beaded flag pin is a rummage sale find. We had horrific rain, thunder and lightening last night thanks to Albert but it didn't last very long and I didn't lose power. It's much cooler this morning and still pretty gloomy but it should clear up nicely for evening fireworks. Enjoy the long holiday weekend and I'll do the same. xo

Weedless Garden

This really appeals to me since I have more weeds than I can possibly pull up. Have a great July 4th weekend. via xo

The Audience

This is so cute. I think someone in the kitchen must be preparing their respective meals. Loading the dishwasher couldn't be this fascinating. found on The Meta Picture

I see faces.

I walk by this old cut branch on my black walnut tree every day and yesterday I noticed this face for the first time.

I cooked a baked potato for my lunch a couple of days but didn't have the heart to pick this one that seemed to be winking at me.

Both of these faces have the same crooked smile. Isn't that amazing? I opened my bedroom windows last night and enjoyed a great night's sleep. It wasn't too hot, as I thought it might be. So far, the summer nights have been comfortable enough to turn off the air conditioning. I have a handy man coming this morning to help me with some inside repairs downstairs. Wish me luck! xo

Sweet Dreams

It's never too early to start thinking about jumping in bed. I have a PBS evening to look forward to with no commercials. Yay! Victoria just asked if anyone was watching the Miss Fisher Mysteries. I've been recording the series but I have yet to watch the first episode. I usually start Tuesday nights with Father Brown. Sleep tight when you tuck in. xo via

Lovely Staircase in an Old House

I love the gentle curve of the stairs instead of a landing. I also like this thin radiator and the floors. And the window and the lantern. I guess I like it all ! ! ! via

Hello July

I like this simple red, white, and blue snack tray. People like me can avoid the white chocolate pretzels and concentrate on the "real" foods and still feel like part of the party. Can you believe it's July already? The year is half over! I'm rushing this morning because I have a 10:00 appointment. See you later. Photo from Pinterest.

My 18th Century House Listing

The owners bought a reproduction of a New Jersey fireback from the same period as the house. It is perfect behind the stove. I never even thought of using a cast iron piece instead of tile as a backsplast but it's very appropriate.

The right wing was built in 1763 and the main body of the house was added in 1793. The home inspection was today and I think it went well. "It's not good because it's old, it's old because it's good." This quote is so true. You can't beat 18th century post and beam construction.

Side view looking at the 1763 side facing east. Wish me luck getting through these inspections.