Future Gnome Home under Large Mushroom

We had some hard rain yesterday and last night. It has stopped now and it's just hot and muggy. I snapped this large mushroom this morning on an after-breakfast walk out back with the wonder dog. I added the fake rain just for fun. 

Baby Blue Door

This entrance is very sweet and lovely. I like the soft blue with the brick. via

Big Bathroom Mirror

I love this big mirror over the two small sinks. via

Wonderful Bird Choir

Click photo to enlarge for a closer look.

by Tuan Tran

BROADCHURCH on BBC America Season Premier August 7th

Here is the full episode of the premier that airs tomorrow night on BBC America at 10pm in my area.

This new English mystery series looks very good. Click here if you can't see the video above. You're welcome!

Sage Advice

via

Ziggy and Quacker = Puppy Love

This dachshund's name is Ziggy. The duck is Quacker and there's another one called Quack. They are all fast friends. They play and romp together, eat together and are fast friends. Go here and scroll down a bit until you see numerous photos of their antics. They genuinely love each other. 

A Table with a View

I love this table in front of the window and the symmetry of the whole arrangement. The botanical print draperies are lovely too. via

Earl Grey Bath House, Howick England

Built as a bathing house by Earl Grey at Howick, England just inland from the North Sea. I adore this. via

Fabulous Vintage Bathroom

It's perfect. I wouldn't change one thing! via

Secret Window

Bifold raised-panel shutters not only make a handsome frame for the window, as in this Georgian-era library, but they also help keep drafts at bay. If you look closely, you will see the hinges for the bottom shutters. When they are open the room must be twice as wonderful with such a large window to frame the view and let in more natural light. via

Blue Plate Special Dog Breakfast

Henry always eats his fried egg first.

Webster eats his mixed with water, like soup.

Blue Plate Special. Fried egg, kibble and oatmeal.

When is dinner? May I have mine on a plate too?

Books: How to Identify First Editions

I already knew a lot of this but not all. I love learning new things and hope you find this to be of interest too. Video discovered here.

How to Identify First Editions from Peter Harrington on Vimeo.

Webster Loves Peanut Butter

I always let Webster lick the empty peanut butter jars and he does a very good job of getting it all. He's exhausted after a day of puppy sitting. We got in a few walks each time the rain subsided enough to go outside without an umbrella. See you tomorrow. Good night all.

August 1, 2013

We're going to have rain all day and it's so nice.

A Soft Summer Rain Today

I was jolted out of bed this morning by knocking at my door. I forgot I was taking care of Henry, the cavalier king charles spaniel for a couple of days. It was also raining. So there you have it. My morning has calmed down now that I've had breakfast coffee. Now I must prepare some oatmeal and kibble for Webster and Henry. See you later.

My Picture Post Card Back Yard

Sorry I haven't been around much lately. I've been so busy outside and with real estate. I mowed the back yesterday and today and it looks fabulous, doesn't it? We are having some nice low humidity weather and I thought I should take advantage of it. I honestly can't believe today is the last day of July. I always try to savor August, the last full month of summer. my photo

Great Mac and Cheese Recipe

I went to a birthday party last night and took my heart shaped Bennington Pottery spongeware casserole full of the best Mac and Cheese I have ever made. It got rave reviews too. I doubled this recipe. I used unsweetened soy milk instead of 2% milk. I didn't think it tasted quite salty enough so I put some torn slices of muenster cheese all over the top. I was going to take that cheese back to Costco because I thought it was too salty but it ended up coming in handy. I also poked some thick slices of cheddar all around too instead of spreading grated cheddar on top. It was so good.

Nice Country Kitchen

I like this sleek, sophisticated and simple country kitchen -- Shelter Island, NY via

Royal Country Picnic

Another Royal family portrait with young children. William and Kate will be carrying the torch for us now. Can't wait. via

Young Royal Family 1986

I love this family portrait of Prince Charles holding Prince Harry and Diana, Princess of Wales, holding Prince William in the wild flower meadow at Highgrove on July 14, 1986 in Tetbury, England.

Classical Reading-Nook Hideaway

This is almost too wonderful for words. Don't you absolutely love this little reading room designed by Albert, Righter and Tittmann Architects, Inc. Boston, MA. More photos of this house called "Rocksyde" here.

A very Lucky Ducky

Are you considering a pet duckling? This one loves to be dried off with the aid of a warm hair dryer.

Watch here if you can't see the video above.

Kate and William Dueling w/ Magic Wands

Last april, the royal couple toured one of the main locations for Harry Potter films and got a short lesson in wand wizzard fighting and of course they mastered it right away, perfectly and effortlessly. She was wearing a white maternity dress with black polka dots and a black jacket and looked absolutely wonderful. via