Initials on A Garage Floor

When I sold a house recently I took a photo of these initials for the owner. FM died recently and BM is in a care facility. The young couple who bought the house have a new baby and will bring new happiness into a house they bought because of the good vibes it had. The circle of life continues.

Antique Dog Collar 1733

English Brass Engraved Dog Collar

Silas Shepley

Bullock Smithy Bramhall

If I shou'd miss or lose my way

Kind friend direct me right I pray

With padlock. So wonderful!

My Favorite Photo of Prince George

Just look at those eyelashes and his expressive eyebrows. Love his collar and sweater and his hair too. I copied this from Royal Love Story and the caption there was, "Someone call the doctor--Prince George is giving us BABY FEVER." I have a bad case of it, do you?

Kate, William, and Little George

A recent family portrait with 8 month old George and the royal dog, Lupo.

This must be the start of the royal tour to New Zealand. Maybe they are still in England at this point, not sure.

He's adorable, isn't he. Kate is such a hands-on mom! I want to see more of Prince George, don't you?

First Crocus This Year

I could hardly believe my eyes today when I spotted my first crocus in full bloom. I am thrilled! Maybe it really is spring. Winter is starting to be a faint memory too, so I guess it's finally the season of new beginnings.

Let Me In -- Now

I can see her from my seat on the sofa. When she wants to come in she starts looking my way.

When I stand up, she gets closer.

And closer and stares my way until I open the door. Yes, I am her slave.

Tabitha, Queen of Cats

Here she is, the Queen of the Cottage.

Miss Tabitha taking a cat nap and dreaming about fist. We have had a lovely Saturday here at the cottage with several walks. It's still cold enough that a hat and mittens feel good even though a lighter jacket feels fine. Have a great evening. xo

The morning sun keeps going behind the clouds but I think it's going to be a great day.

I put these old gardening tools to work yesterday in the rain when I was transplanting more snowdrops along my wall. I found several more big clumps in a spot where I dump my weeds. Have a great weekend. xo

1922 Cottage Bungalow, Before and After

How much do you love this farmhouse and detached garage?

I love the lookout tower on the side of the garage. The front is shown below.

This is the BEFORE photo.  Read the story of this amazing renovation by Moore Architectects and Designers here. There are more photos too.

Celebrating the Georgian Court in England

17 April - 30 November 2014

The Georgian Court and its intriguing cast of royal characters are brought to life at Hampton Court, Kensington and Kew Palaces this year with a series of events, in celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Hanoverian accession to the British throne.

Watch this short film -- The Glorious Georges

Nice Property Near Me

This green barn building is part of an estate with outbuildings. The happy white building is a garage. Its twin is in the next photo.

Do you see the happy faces? The large stone main house is behind. This is a corner lot and I didn't photograph it because I had to turn in the opposite direction. I photograph it for you another day.

The people kept the landmark old red barn for their horses.

Here's a closer view showing the stone foundation and the stone walls.

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 76

More sage advice from a father to a son. 

Tabitha Says Good Night

I've been in a cleaning frenzy all afternoon and now I'm rushing to finish all my kitchen chores in time for Doc Martin tonight. I have my DVR set so it's not that urgent. I'm really enjoying Season 6, aren't you? Webster is all tucked in after dinner and a walk. He got cornbread on top of both breakfast and supper so he's a happy dog. Tabitha doesn't care because she's the Queen. Sleep tight, my friends. xo

Nuzzling Bunnies

I wonder what they are looking for in that gravel? via

Pink Sky this Morning

I'll be happy when the grass starts looking better in my photos. I woke up early enough this morning to enjoy this beautiful pink sky. Webster had another wedge of cornbread on his breakfast and he thanks you all for his birthday greetings yesterday. See you later. xo

Cornbread Birthday Cake for Webster

He got 2 pieces for his birthday dinner. One was broken up on top of his kibble and he ate it with great gusto. The second piece was broken up in his bowl for dessert. He was one happy dog. The other pieces are wrapped in a used bread bag for tomorrow. The birthday boy is sound asleep and it's not even dark. I have to wake him up for one final walk. xo

UPDATE: History of my cast iron pan above...how odd, it's from a blog post exactly 3 years ago to the day. This vintage pan is very rare.

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 75

More sage advice from a father to a son. 

Looking Down on a Tulip

I don't even have daffodils yet, much less tulips. I took this photo in April last year on a real estate showing. It looks like a lovely first day of April but it's still on the cool side. Today is Webster's birthday and I think I will bake him a pan of cornbread instead of a cake. He will be the happiest dog in the world when it comes out of the oven because it's the Wonder Dog's favorite treat.

Garden at Williamsburg

Perennial garden at Colonial Williamsburg. So lovely! via