Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 79

I haven't posted a page from this delightful book recently.

Can you believe it's June already? I can't. The last tip on this page is worth a try the next time I'm trying to get a better price on an item.

The Elephant Bridge

This takes my breath away.

The Elephant Soul Bridge

Digital Art by Thomas Herbrich

The Perfect Start to Any Day

via

I've always been amazed that there are people who can leave the house without even a sip of coffee. I am not one of them! Having coffee at home is one of my favorite parts of the day. Enjoy this lovely Sunday. xo

Almost Twins

Brother from another Mother.

I adore this photo of these unlikely friends with identical markings. via

Ferns and a Nap Outside

I love the ferns on the edge of the woods here at my cottage.

Webster is loving this cool, breezy Saturday and a nap on the the balcony.

Peony Promise

I have three different varieties of peonies planted together.

For some reason, my favorite one has no buds this year. It's the white one with the yellow center that is flat like a salad plate. I guess it didn't like being buried under the snow all winter. My lilies of the valley didn't bloom either :( this year. They did spread quite a bit so hopefully they will bloom next year. My two remaining peony bushes are loaded with buds (and ants) as you can see from this photo. Have a great weekend and I'll see you later. xo

Multiflora is Blooming

It's hard to be mad at this thorny wild rose that is slowly taking over my woods when it blooms. The flowers are lovely and the scent is heavenly. I especially like the tiny pink rose buds. Every since Super Storm Sandy, when so many trees came down and allowed more sunlight into the woodlands, these bushes are becoming Science Fiction Movie Material. Nothing can penetrate them! And I'm too tired to even try. :-)

Have a great weekend. xo

DIY Miniature Conservatory

Designed by Randolph Scott Keller and constructed by Jennie Hammill, this miniature conservatory incorporates 43 recycled glass windows and doors.

This is wonderful, isn't it? Found on Pinterest.

A Peek into My Pantry

My pantry was once a screened-in porch.

Now it's one of my favorite "rooms" in the cottage.

Dog Mug

Don't you love my dog mug? It was an unexpected present from my friend Stacey of Stacey Snacks. She has the best taste! I love it. There's nothing on TV these days but I'm hopeful there's something on my DVR to put me to sleep. xo

Walk-Out Window to Porch

Wow. I love this idea. Why have I never seen this before? This is so much better than French doors. DO WANT!!! I love the porch railing too. LOVE. via

Beautiful Photo

What a beautiful sight to start your day.

via

Inverness Scotland - Culloden House - Grand Country Estate

Culloden House, Inverness, Scotland via click on link for more pics.

Marble Countertops: Yes or No?

I have marble countertops in my kitchen and bathroom. I have blogged about them in the past, complaining about the way anything and everything can leave an etched mark, even a glass of water that's wet on the bottom. Would I put them in again? Yes. Over time they get a great patina.

Read this article if you are considering them too.

Great Garden Entrance

I love this fence and garden gate. Do want to see the rest, don't you? via

Working on A New Listing

I'm sorry about not posting as much as usual but I've been busy getting this new listing together. The lower wing you see in this photo was built in 1763. The second, much larger portion was built in 1793. There is a family room that was added in 1976. This home has had only 5 owners in 250 years. I have almost finished my paperwork and it will be active any day now. Wish me luck! xo

Great Outside Shower

Outdoor showers are already in full swing in certain areas. Memorial Day weekend heralds the beginning of the summer season. This is a really nice one, isn't it? xo via Enjoy your holiday.

Dog's Birthday Party - Too Funny.

Isn't this the happiest dog face ever? via

Golden Fields of Canola Flowers

The Rape Seed fields in England are in full flower ready to be harvested for Canola Oil. What a lovely sight. via

I wouldn't mind getting stuck in this sort of traffic jam. via Enjoy your Sunday. xo

Violet Memories

It's almost time for me to mow the front yard again and I miss my violets. They were so nice to have in the house. The buttercups are starting to come in as another favorite wildflower. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. xo

Moving Furniture Around in My Cottage

When my desk came back from the restorer after I snapped off the lid (yes, I did!), I decided to put it in the living room instead of its old location in the kitchen and I like it. The guys did a wonderful job repairing the lid and they fixed all of the drawer runners in the case so I can now open and close them with ease. I'm so happy! Have a great weekend. xo

Today, After the Rain

I took these photos this morning on my first walk with Webster. We are in for a muggy weekend. See you later. xo

Adventures with Cats

Russian photographer Andy Prokh has documented his daughter, Katherine, as she grows up alongside two handsome felines. Such an adorable story. More photos here.

Goat Friends

After an open house yesterday I drove by some goats and pulled over.

This was the only one with a beard. I call him Billy Goat Gruff.

They were an active group and quite friendly. Some of them looked like milkers. What a fun way to end my day. See you tomorrow. xo