Eider Duck: Absolutely Waterproof

Just rolling off: You’ve probably heard the expression “like water off a duck’s back.” Here's where that idiom comes from. The spectacled eider’s feathers are so waterproof that the water just beads up and rolls off. This image of the near-threatened species, which breeds on the coasts of Alaska and Siberia, attracted nearly a million Instagram likes. Nat Geo Explorer Tim Laman photographed this male at the Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy in Connecticut, which maintains genetic diversity of rare and endangered species. 

The National Geographic Society has funded Laman’s work documenting rare and endangered birds. Photo by ©Tim Laman 

I am so happy to see this bird since I sleep under an Eiderdown comforter almost every night. I don't think I have ever seen a photo of an Eider and I'm sure I would have remembered such an unusual looking waterfowl.

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Happiest Kitten Expression Ever

If this kitty doesn't make you smile, nothing will. I wonder what she's looking at to evoke such a wonderful reaction? via

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Freshly Picked Daffodils

She wore her yellow sun-bonnet, 

She wore her greenest gown; 

She turned to the south wind

And curtsied up and down. 

She turned to the sunlight

And shook her yellow head, 

And whispered to her neighbour: 

“Winter is dead.” 

 ~Daffodowndilly” A.A. Milne.

I love everything about this. Found here.

Don't you love flower-gathering baskets full of daffodils? Photo found here.

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Brown and White Kitten

I have posted a photo of brown and white kittens before and just found this one. I adore this color combination and have never seen it in real life. Photo source here.

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Watering the Plants: Carl Larsson

A delightful painting by Carl Larsson found on Instagram @carllarssongarden Don't you love this large window garden lined with plants in clay pots?

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Blooming Hellebore in My Garden

I worked outside yesterday from dawn until dark. The Hellebore I planted last spring is spectacular and such a welcome spring flower that survived beautifully after being buried under two feet of snow for so long. I neglected to write down the name of this Lenten Rose but I think it must be Spring Party. I searched online and found a photo.

The mature foliage on my hellebore looks exactly like this. The leaves are large and leathery. I am very happy to have this old fashioned plant in a corner of my front walled garden. Photo found here.

I clipped off all the giant mature leathery leaves that looked like the photo above because they were just lying on the ground and didn't look tidy after my spring cleanup.

Prince Philip's Secret Pet Name for Queen Elizabeth

Here's a hint.
photo credit

Yes, he called her "Cabbage". It might have originated with the French phrases "mon petit chou" which means "my little cabbage" as well as "my little pastry puff". Isn't this endearing? Read article in Town & Country with more Royal Family links.

The Washington Post has an excellent photo diary of the wonderful Life of Prince Philip with snapshots I've never seen.

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Prince Philip's LIfe in Pictures

2017 Prince Philip tips his hat to a lifetime of public service at his final solo royal engagement before retirement. Town & Country has a wonderful slideshow of his life 1921-2021. ©Getty images

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Geraniums in Old Clay Pots

I took my geraniums outside today and worked on them after a long winter in the basement. I trimmed all the dead wood, watered them, and they enjoyed a nice day in the sun. I put plastic over them for the night just in case it gets too nippy tonight. Photo found on Google Images.

Open Porch w/ Brick Floor, More Views

I found another view of the brick-floored in yesterday's post. It goes on forever in this house overlooking the Navesink River in Rumson, NJ ~ See link below.

Sitting room with a river view. This new house is simply stunning, designed by Gil Schafer Architect. You will enjoy seeing the entire house, inside and out.

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Stunning Bathroom with Gallery Wall

There are no words to describe my love for this bathroom designed by Christopher Peacock. I have seen many of this firm's bespoke kitchens at realtor open houses and they have all been works of art.

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Covered Open Porch with Brick Floor

 

It will soon be time to throw open the front door and welcome in some fresh air and put the houseplants you have been overwintering outside! via

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Ephrata Cloister: Ephrata, PA

The Ephrata Cloister preserves the remains of a religious communal society founded in 1732 by German immigrant Conrad Beissel. The monastic society of brothers and sisters lived an austere life of work, study, and prayer. They ate one meal a day of grains, fruits, and vegetables, and encouraged celibacy. They even slept on wooden benches with wooden "pillows." Known for its a cappella singing and publishing, the society lived and worked in a cluster of striking buildings with steep-roofed medieval-style architecture. The last sister died in 1813.

Pushing William Penn's "Holy Experiment" to its Limits: Ephrata Cloister

I have never heard of this historic site in Lancaster County. The above link is from the Pennsylvania Heritage website and has more photos including some of the interior with furnishings. I haven't finished reading it yet but have it bookmarked. It is absolutely fascinating! Enjoy. xo

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Easter Bunny Bonnet

Isn't she lovely. This photo is an old repost from long ago. I'm glad to see it again and I hope you are too. Have a Blessed Easter. via

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Tasha Tudor Hanging Laundry (1940)

That's an awfully small basket. It must be for the clothes pins. Maybe she came out to take the laundry down. I adore hanging clothes out in the sun to dry. Have a wonderful Easter weekend. xo

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Spring Lambs for Good Friday

SPRING LAMBS IN IRELAND

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I got my second Covid shot yesterday and, so far, I have no adverse reaction. It was easy in and easy out at a CVS 40 minutes away with good weather for driving. I moved my bird feeder from my balcony to the back yard last week and have started cleaning the flooring before it's time to put the furniture back. The grass gets a little bit greener every day even though it's cold again. This morning it was in the low 20s when I went out with the birdseed. Have a wonderful Easter weekend. xo 🐰🐑🐑🐥

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Small 6" Cakes for Two with Recipes

I have been meaning to tell you about this site with wonderful recipes for small cakes for two people. I made a very plain one a while back and used my heart shaped cake pan and it was so good. I dusted with powdered sugar rather than making icing. Happy baking. Recipes here 🍰Happy April Fool's Day❤️

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Goodbye March Winds

Animated illustration by Oamul Lu 

Are you sorry to say Goodbye to March? 

It's hard to belive tomorrow is April. 

I love this gif. xo

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Easter Table Extraordinare 🐰🌷

I adore this photo posted on Instagram by a fellow realtor and designer with exquisite taste and a great collection of Herend bunnies. They are handmade and hand painted with 24K gold accents. The tulipware in the background couldn't be more perfect for her Easter table. I'm sure this collection wasn't built in a day but over many, many  years and isn't it lovely?

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Lovely Entryway with Wide Wallpaper Border

I love everything in this photo from Martha Stewart. Almost all the woodwork in my cottage is painted the color of the wide horizontal paneled wall with pegs. Don't you adore the wide wallpaper border? Leave it to Martha to have a tray for gardening and dog-walking shoes under the bench.  

Photo found here.

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William Shakespeare Stamp and Quote

Another of my creations from long ago.

Gallery Wall Over A Low Bookcase

I love the black wall for all the artwork and the low bookcases in white paint and topped with interesting things. via

Fence with Horizontal Slats

I like this fence.

The Adirondack chairs too.

Fencing is on my mind since the picket fence around my air conditioning unit is in need of repair. It's on the north side of my cottage and never gets any sun and the pine boards are rotting. I have replaced numerous pickets over the years and this year I am planning on having my house painted and the fence repaired. Article and more fence pics here.