Great Reading Area Under the Stairs

Isn't this a clever use for an entrance hall. I love the bookshelves going up the twisting stairs and on the landing. More interior photos of this 18th century farmhouse here.

Have a great weekend. See you later. xo

J.R.R. Tolkien Quote

Middle-earth looks very beautiful, doesn't it? via

Biography of Alan Turing -- 1996 BBC Film: Watch Online

A biography of the English mathematician Alan Turing, who was one of the inventors of the digital computer and one of the key figures in the breaking of the Enigma code, used by the Germans to send secret orders to their U-boats in World War II. 

If you cannot see the YouTube Video below, click here.

I found this film that I shall watch today after reading this article from The LA Times. I'm so glad I read it because the 2004 film HAWKING that I have already shared here is being repeated on Thursday on the Discovery channel in celebration of Stephen Hawking's 73rd birthday. I might watch it again on the big screen. 

Heartbreak in Paris

The French satirical magazine was named after Charlie Brown. My heart is broken too by the dreadful terrorist acts. The flag in my town is flying at half mast. 

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Henry David Thoreau Quote about Minimalism

This quote is new to me and I love it. I learned this lesson at a rather early age. I used to want "things" badly and didn't get them. Later, I found I really didn't want them after all so it was a good thing I didn't get them. I can vividly remember thinking I would die if I didn't get kissing ram gold earrings. They were expensive and I never got a pair and later on I was glad. From that time on, as a young adult, I wasn't that tempted to follow fads because I knew they were fleeting.

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Garden Pavilion at Monticello

There are those windows again that go all the way to the floor. I love the caption on this photo I found for you this evening: "FOR THE LOVE OF MONTICELLO Thank you, Thomas Jefferson, for understanding that contrary to modern American sentiment - size does NOT matter, and that a single room garden pavilion can bring you to your knees." Well said. 

Found here.

Amazing New Bathroom in An Old House

This room is absolutely stunning. I love the built-in cabinetry on either side of the shower door. I'm so glad the homeowners left the old wide board floor. Don't you wish we could see the rest? Later today I shall try to find more photos of this fabulous room. I've just finished my coffee and now my oatmeal is calling me. xo

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Beautiful Snow Scene

I was able to take care of my snow today with a stiff broom. I had to go out pretty early this morning and driving was not fun. After my office meeting and a trip to the post office I spent the rest of the day at home getting stuff done. We've all been fed, the animals have been walked, and I'm looking forward to an evening of television. Hope you enjoy your Tuesday night too. via

A Light Dusting of Snow this Morning

The snow at my cottage this morning looks about like this. Disregard everything else in this York England photograph. It's very fine and falling fast but the forecasters say it won't amount to more than two inches. I have learned to disregard almost everything they say and plan for the worst. Tabitha and Webster didn't stay outside very long for their morning outing. It's definitely a stay-inside day. See you later. via

Photobombed by the Cat

I was taking photos of some antique prints from children's books today when Tabitha appeared. This is how she lets me know she wants me to fill the water dish to the top so she can get a drink.

She did glance over to see what was going on and gave the group of prints an approving glance. She and Webster share the same water dish and this arrangement works well. When the water level is all the way to the top she can just walk over and start drinking without lowering her head one bit. She will drink and drink and drink. She's more like a camel in that respect. She's snuggled in her basket in front of the radiator right now. It really got quite frigid all of a sudden and it's windy to boot. It might snow tomorrow too. Good night all.  I'm going to watch the Antiques Roadshow in bed. See you tomorrow. xo

Happy Christmas by Beatrix Potter

Here's another original image I've never seen before by Beatrix Potter.

A Happy Christmas to You.

Watercolor over graphite pencil with touches of pen and black ink on light weight card stock.

Circa 1890

Museum of Fine Arts Boston -- click on this link to view the artwork full size. It's wonderful.

Strategically Placed Windows Bring The Outside In

Tour the home of Architect Barbara Chambers located in the Mill Valley section of San Francisco.

Like what you see? More photos and a great article here.

I missed CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2014

Did you see it or did you miss it too?
It aired on Christmas Day.
You can watch it online at PBS here.

This will be the perfect program to watch while waiting for Downton Abbey later tonight. It's 75 minutes long. I'm so glad my friends told me about it this morning. See you later. xo

Nice Watercolors with Hand Lettering

I picked these three to share with you this Sunday morning. View all 15 charmers here -- watercolor lettering by June Digan.

Love Old Alarm Clocks

image source

I love the looks of old alarm clocks. I have one in my bedroom that doesn't keep very accurate time but I wind it up every night before I go to sleep. I rely on my iPhone to wake me up every morning.

Here is my clock on top of a great dog book, a thoughtful Christmas gift from a friend. The loud ticking of this clock when I first turn off my light at night helps put me to sleep. It also drowns out the "house noises" that usually keep me awake. I have very acute hearing and I can hear a pin drop in the next county. This old clock is a great noise canceling device and I'm so glad it turned out to be a sleeping aid. Enjoy the evening. xo

Downton Abbey Recap Must Read before Tomorrow Night

The Wall Street Journal has a great article to catch you up with each character exactly where you left off 10 months ago with the end of Season Four. Downton Abbey is starting up again Sunday night on PBS. Can't wait.

‘Downton Abbey’: Where We Left Off With Each Character

Pincushion Love

Globe Pincushions

Oh.My.Goodness! What a great idea. I still use my red tomato pincushion with the dangling strawberry to sharpen needles and another one that fits on my wrist. I've had them since high school or even before that. I'm loving these globes. via

A Good New Year's Resolution

If you make only one resolution, this could be it! via

Follow Me said the Little Lamb

Pasarela by Eliseo Miciu

This photo takes my breath away! via

Two Films about Stephen Hawking for You to Watch Online

Click here if you can't see the video below.

I watched it several days ago and loved it. At first I thought it would be too painful to watch and I clicked it off the first time. Then I decided to try again and I'm so glad I did. 

This is his own personal story told in his own words. The thing I liked best was the personal photos and movies from the time he was born. It covered his life at Cambridge and his marriage and family life with Jane Wilde and their children.

Watch it full screen on your computer or mobile device. This movie is 1 hour 28 minutes long. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS when he was 20 years old and he's been living with the threat of an imminent death for the past 52 years. His will to live is unbelievable as you will soon see if you decide to watch. This is real life. No actors. This is his story and this movie is very current, filmed in 2013 when he was 71 years old. He still goes to work every day as a Professor at Cambridge in a position once held by Isaac Newton.

The movie that is either out now or about to be released The Theory of Everything starring Eddie Redmayne is based on a book that was written by Stephen Hawking's first wife. It was published in 2008 and is out of print. This is a hardcover book to look for at garage sales, book sales, and estate sales. Hardcover first editions are selling for around $1,000.00 -- see listing on Amazon. It's also available as an e-book.

The BBC made a movie about Stephen in 2004 starring Benedict Cumberbatch. I watched it too AFTER watching the one above. I suggest you watch them in that order too. The BBC film fills in all the gaps about his education at Cambridge preceding his marriage to Jane. It's fabulous as you can well imagine. Benedict Cumberbatch never disappoints!

This film is offered on YouTube in 6 parts. As each episode ends, you will be prompted to start the next one. It was very seamless. I know you can do it.

Let me know if you watch either or both movies. You know I wouldn't recommend anything I didn't enjoy myself.

H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R !
xo

Vintage Beatrix Potter TOM KITTEN Plush Toy Cat Circa 1973 For Sale on Ebay

I am selling this adorable Tom Kitten doll with no reserve on ebay. It isn't getting much interest so I thought it might be a good idea to blog about it again. Click here to see my no reserve auction. It ends on Sunday afternoon in case you want to bid. There are 12 photos posted for you to view so you can see him from all angles.

This is an old picture from an 2009 blog post about him.

He is sitting in one of my favorite antique side chairs.

I used to have him on the high chair shown in the first picture along with two antique teddy bears until Webster grabbed him one day and started giving him puppy love bites. He managed to rip one side of the little jacket before I could get Tom away from him. I mended it on the reverse side with light blue iron-on tape that I luckily had in my sewing basket. 

I just took this photo of him leaning on a pillow on my living room sofa. I forgot to position his tail so you could see it.

He's all dressed up and ready to go to a loving home. Thanks for helping me say goodbye to this adorable character doll. The Tale of Tom Kitten is a children's book, written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter. It was released by Frederick Warne & Co. in September 1907. The tale is about manners and how children react to them. Tabitha Twitchit, a cat, invites friends for tea. She washes and dresses her three kittens for the party, but within moments the kittens have soiled and lost their clothes while scampering about the garden. Tabitha is "affronted". She sends the kittens to bed, and tells her friends the kittens have the measles. Once the tea party is underway however, its "dignity and repose" are disturbed by the kittens romping overhead and leaving a bedroom in disorder.

Potter's career as a children's author and illustrator was launched in 1902 with the release of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. She continued to publish, and, in 1905, bought Hill Top, a farm in Lancashire, with the sales profits from her books and a small legacy from an aunt. Her tales were also inspired by the farm, its woodland surroundings, and nearby villages. Work began on Tom Kitten in 1906 and its setting became the Hill Top farmhouse. Illustrations depict the interior of the house and the gardens, paths, and gate at the front of the house.

Twenty thousand copies of the book were released in September 1907 and another 12,500 the following December. Potter composed a few miniature letters for child friends as if from the characters in the tale, and, in 1917, she released a painting book under Tom Kitten's name. In 1935, two books of piano pieces and piano duets for children were published with one piece inspired by Tom Kitten and another by the Puddle-Ducks. Tom and other characters in the book have become the subjects of a variety of merchandise over the years including porcelain figurines and plush toys. The tale is still in print, and has been translated and published in several languages.

Happy New Year's Eve

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This is my favorite animated gif ever and I shall post it every year. The link above is to my last year's post. I went to the movies today to see The Imitation Game with Benedict Cumberbatch and it was wonderful. I'm so glad I watched both seasons of The Bletchley Circle on PBS and was already familiar with Bletchley Park. Put it on your list of "must see" movies for 2015. See you next year. xo

Happy New Year 2015

I had to make a return at a small store today. The clerk wished me a Happy New Year and then she said, "The days are long but the years fly by." I haven't heard that one before but somehow it rings true.

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Looking Up in Canterbury Cathedral

Isn't this a gorgeous photo? via 

I would much rather look up at this instead of a falling ball in Times Square. 

Teleport me there at midnight! 

Happy New Year!