Friday, February 5, 2021

My Bootprints in the Snow

The snow that was predicted for today turned out to be very light and not at all problematic. Thankfully. xo

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

My Cottage after Plowing


AFTER THE PLOWING
My entrance looks like a super market parking lot. I wonder how long it will take that snow mountain to melt? My driveway that goes down to my red barn/garage was plowed too for the first time ever and now my car is parked up front in anticipation of more snow on Friday, my phone says a 90% chance.๐Ÿ˜ฑ

My Hero: Captain Sir Tom Moore

Captain Sir Tom Moore RIP Sir Captain Tom Moore. British World War II veteran Captain Tom Moore who raised 39 million pounds for health service workers on the frontline of the battle against COVID-19. Sleep with the angels Thank you. via
Click the photo to enlarge the portrait of this beautiful 100 year old man๐Ÿ’‹

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Snow Scenes Around My Cottage

Late afternoon looking toward the way back.

These Adirondack chairs are under my balcony. See all the bird tracks? 

The first two snow pyramids were formed over round planters. The third one with the melted top is over a light fixture.

Snow mounds over various planters and snow piled high on my brick wall.

Just outside my vestibule door this morning after I shoveled a path one shovel wide.


A Blue Jay Portrait

I have been trying to get a good photograph of a blue jay ever since I started feeding the birds last fall. Today was the day he stopped right outside my door to the balcony and I got a great shot. A good friend nearby sent me the name of a plow person and I have hired him for tomorrow. Today I will work on digging out my car and my generator. We might get another three inches of snow today so tomorrow is the perfect day. xo

Monday, February 1, 2021

Snowed In

I took this photo this morning late and it's still snowing at 7:30 pm. We have over 2 feet of snow it is not going to quit until Tuesday evening. The roads are plowed but I am not and don't know when I will be dug out since I always do it myself and don't have a regular plow person. Oh well, I should be out by spring. I did dig a path to the bird feeder to fill it up so the birds will have a full tube in the morning.

Saturday, January 30, 2021

DIY: Cat Window Perch by Martha Stewart

This is the greatest cat window perch I've ever seen. It's not surprising that Martha Stewart designed it and provided DIY instructions here, is it? Let me know if you decide to make one. It actually looks pretty simple after you get the wood sized to fit your cat's favorite window.  You could also start your flower and vegetable seeds on a "greenhouse" shelf like this! xo

Friday, January 29, 2021

The Flame Trees of Thika on Acorn TV

My current obsession. The Flame Trees of Thika miniseries on Acorn TV is absolutely wonderful. It was filmed on location in 1981 in untamed Africa. If you liked "Out of Africa" you will love it. The movie is based on a Memoir by Elsbeth Huxley so it's also a true story. Enjoy the YouTube preview and be convinced.

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Photos Around My Cottage

I walked around outside yesterday and this was the only "color" I could find.


I photographed a lovely female cardinal this morning on my balcony railing.


This is a little glimpse of my upstairs attic office. Right now I have papers and files everywhere as I have just started working on my taxes.

Night-Time Reading: Moley in the Library

"It’s not the sort of night for bed, anyhow.“  
Kenneth Grahame 
Night-Time Reading: Moley in the Library, inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind In The Willows" illustration by Chris Dunn. via

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Blue and White Tile Mural

A Baroque Interior with Azulejo Tilework 
a·zu·le·jo A kind of glazed colored tile traditionally used in Spanish and Portuguese buildings. via

Lovely Cat Portrait

Do Animals Pose for Their Portraits?
Yes, they do!
Isn't this cat beautiful?

Monday, January 25, 2021

Wonderful Entrance

Old Door. Old Stone Floor. Just Wonderful!
It doesn't get much better than this, does it?

Crocheted Bernie Sanders

It doesn't take the crafters long, does it? I love this crocheted meme of Bernie Sanders with his mittens, don't you? via

These photos and more appear on Instagram if you search @tobeytimecrochet A woman named Tobey Perales King is the one behind this adorable needlework.

UPDATE: THE ARTIST PUT THIS BERNIE DOLL ON EBAY AND PROMISED TO DONATE 100% OF THE PROCEEDS TO MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA.
HE BROUGHT $20,300 FROM AN ANONYMOUS DONOR!

Saturday, January 23, 2021

Reading Room with A View and An Ottoman

I don't see many books but this room has everything else needed to be the perfect reading room. The view is fantastic and at last, I find a chair with an ottoman!❤

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

A Winter Garden in Sweden

Winters are long in Sweden so why not design your garden to be beautiful in the snow?

Read the article about how Maria Dremo Sundström achieved this look with hers.

I wonder if she was inspired by Dutch Landscape Designer. Piet Oudolf? See a video about his Dutch gardens and a film documentary below:

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Cozy Corner for Reading

COZY READING CORNER
Isn't this delightful? I am mentally picturing a matching ottoman that is opposite the easy chair upholstered in stripped ticking. That would make this cozy corner perfect.❤

Monday, January 18, 2021

Ancient Egyptian Pillars

Temple of Esna, Egypt
Interior of the Hypostyle Hall at the Temple of Khnum, Esna. Photo: Wolfgang Kaehler

Hypostyle hall, in architecture, interior space whose roof rests on pillars or columns. The word means literally “under pillars,” and the design allows for the construction of large spaces—as in temples, palaces, or public buildings—without the need for arches. This particular temple was built of red sandstone, and its portico consisted of six rows of four columns each, with lotus-leaf capitals, all of which however differ from each other. The temple contains very late hieroglyphic inscription, dating from the reign of Decius (249–251 AD).

Sunday, January 17, 2021

Robin's Egg Blue Paint

Old Wide-Board Floor in Blue Paint
Wouldn't you love to wake up in this bedroom? I certainly would. I wish I could see more of the upholstered headboard to study the fabric. The room has the look of "just moved in but haven't unpacked yet" but it's probably finished and owned by a minimalist. Sigh!


Words to live by. via

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Low Bookcase: Art Display Wall Above

Low Bookcase with Art Gallery Above
I absolutely love this wall decor. The low bookcase, filled with coffee table books, acts as a wonderful display ledge too. The beautiful artwork above and beside just makes this room. I love it❤