Friday, July 31, 2015

Tabitha, Two Months Ago

This photo was taken on June 3, 2015. I think it was on this very day that Webster knocked the cat dish off the chair trying to get the last piece of kibble out and it broke on the bluestone walk. Now Tabitha is gone too. 
Thank you all for your kind concern about her passing. I saw it coming so I had some advance warning. I am really okay and I'm glad it happened in the summer while she was outside and happy. She really didn't seem to be suffering either, not even on her last day. Good-bye, sweetheart. You will be missed. xo

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Anna and Tabitha -- Together Again.

This is one of my favorite pictures of my mother walking her cat Tabitha. Anna departed 2-1/2 years ago and Tabitha went to join her yesterday. Now it's only Webster and me and we miss them both. Tabitha had been failing for the past couple of weeks and her passing didn't come as a big surprise. I actually thought she was improving since her appetite returned, but I was wrong. She lived a good life here and she loved keeping watch and sleeping in "her" chair next to the front door. Who will guard the cottage now? Not Webster. He's too busy sitting under the air conditioning duct that blows down on his dog bed. 


Wonderful Seashore Cottage

Wouldn't this be the perfect place to spend the month of August? Sign me up. I would love this cottage in any setting, but the seashore would be quite wonderful. via

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Tiny Animal Road Signs in Lithuania

I'm sure the human residents of Vilnius, Lithuania get a kick out of these cute signs. See cat and bird signs here and the boys who make them.

Another Beautiful Antique Garden Urn

The patina on this urn is wonderful. This would be quite a statement piece in any garden, especially mine. via

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Small Cottage with a One-Person Porch

This is too charming! I really want to go inside and look around to see if the inside is as perfect as the outside. via

Golden Laced Wyandotte Chickens

These golden laced wyandotte hens are absolutely stunning. Their patterned feathers in shades of gold and brown brown are so very beautiful, designed by Mother Nature. via

Monday, July 27, 2015

Mind Your Manners for Children

I love this.
Every parent should save this and print a copy for each child. via

Gentleman's Closet Extraordinaire

I hope this beautifully fitted walk-in closet doesn't have a door, for it's far too lovely to be out of view for even a minute. via

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Rustic Shed with Attached Greenhouse

The rustic shed was built with wood recycled from a car dealership that was being demolished and the windows were found in the garbage. The conservatory top was probably the only really expensive item. It's a pretty wonderful DIY project for this handy gentleman and his sheep, isn't it? via

Ferns at My Cottage

The ferns are still going strong in the woods surrounding my property. The skunk cabbage is dying off and I consider that one of the first signs of fall. The crab grass is at its peak and it's the weed I dislike hate the most. I am slowly getting rid of it next to my front walk so I can put down more wood chips. This is not a fun job either. Webster and Tabitha like having me out there in the cool of the evenings before we all turn in. I slept like a log last night and that's an excellent benefit, right? Enjoy your Sunday. xo my photo

Saturday, July 25, 2015

So Many Things To Love in This Kitchen

Where do I start? Dutch door, island, nail-studded stool, floor + ceiling, wall cupboard beside the sink, the window over the sink, and on and on. I love it all. via Elle Decor Have a great weekend.

Greenhouse with Potting Cottage

Greenhouse : The handsome attached brick structure has a slate roof, flower and bulb rooms, and a half bath. I always like the outbuildings better than the mansions. photo source MLS

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Hollyhocks, Tall and Beautiful

This photo looks like a painting. These hollyhocks are perfect against this brick wall and near the weathered shutters. They are my favorite old-fashioned flowers. via

Free Range Chicken + Envious Dog

Maybe the chicken is wishing the dog could come out and play.
They seem okay with each other and the dog looks calm and wishful too. Both are beauties. Source

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Clipped Hedges w/ Potted Orange Trees

This is a really lovely walled garden. I'd like to see a bird's eye view to see the entire geometric design. via

Monday, July 20, 2015

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Beautiful Greek Revival Estate

Di Biase Filkoff Architects Click through to photo #4 and continue for a few more views of this delightful compound.

Elephant Slide: Girona Spain 1975

Have a fun Sunday.
What a great beach jungle gym for these lucky kids.
Boy, I'll bet that metal slide is hot!