Remembering Hydrangeas

The hydrangeas of summer are such a faint memory. via

Cranberry and Chocolate Squares

Made for each other -- that's the contrasting flavors of tangy-sharp cranberries and sweet chocolate.

 

DIY Self-Rising Flour: In a one cup measure, place 1-1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt, then fill to top with flour. Mix well and store in an airtight container if not used right away.

 

 

You probably have all of these ingredients on hand right now. Don't these look delicious? I was too lazy to type everything so I just photographed the recipe from my book: 

COOKIES irresistible biscuits, brownies and bars by Hilaire Walden published by Hermes House in 2002 

Do you cook for your dogs?

Today's breakfast was kibble topped with hot sweet potatoes and leafy left-over brussels sprouts from last night's dinner.

Webster whined while I took the picture of their bowls with my iPhone. Piggy just danced around silently. He has the fastest tongue in the east. This meal got 5 stars *****

Landscape Perfection

Perfectly planned path. via

A Landscape Designer's Masterpiece

I have no information about this stunning geometric garden and reflecting pool. It's really wonderful, isn't it? via

A Fun Project -- DIY Chalkboard Mugs

DIY CHALKBOARD MUG

I've never even heard of chalkboard paint for porcelain, have you. I love the idea of decorating some coffee cups this way and personalizing them with chalk. Read more...

Chalk up your mug before you fill it with a hot beverage.

Webster, King of the Bedroom

Webster just wanted to show everyone that HE doesn't have to sleep in a crate. I think the reason he is so good with Piggy is because he doesn't have to share the bed with him. It's always good to have your own private place, isn't it? 

Country Manor House, Completely Unadorned

No more Christmas decorations. This stately manor looks perfect to me with nothing extra. Great architecture is like that. I would love to see more, wouldn't you? via
Are you venturing out to return any gifts or buy anything on sale? I'm not. Be careful if you have to travel home again in the next day or two. It's a lovely morning here at the cottage. Webster has already been out but Piggy is still fast asleep in his crate. I always drape my polar fleece bathrobe around most of the cage to keep out any drafts and he loves his warm cave. We have him for one more week...hooray! See you later. 

Snow on A Wooden Boat

A beautiful image for the end of A Merry Christmas. via

Merry Christmas --Ho Ho Ho Hermès Santa

I love this graphic of a happy Hermès Santa flying over the roof tops on a hang glider. He totally missed my house but I don't mind. Have a wonderful Christmas Day. via

A Quiet Christmas Eve

Visions of sugar plums are dancing in his head.

Another view of my Christmas tree.

Merry Christmas to all my friends and blog readers. I hope Santa is good to you. Enjoy your friends and family and don't forget to get treats for your pets.

My Christmas Tree is Finally Up and Decorated

My tree looks about the same every year. No lights, only old glass ornaments that reflect the light in the room and wooden cranberry beads. I'll probably take more pictures later. I don't know why I didn't put it up earlier since it is faux but I didn't. Christmas comes but once a year and I'm never ready.

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon will be here. Merry Christmas.

Sleeping on The Laptop

Snoring too.

Webster and Piggy are ready for a long winter's nap.

We are all so tired we can hardly move.

Is it dark yet?

We just got back from the last walk of the day and this was the 5:15 pm sky.

Snow on Wreath on Barn in Maine

At least someone is going to have a White Christmas. via

Christmas Around the Fireplace

Faux fireplace full of real wood. How do I know it's not real? Look at the floorboards -- there's no hearth. I think this room looks beautiful, don't you? Maybe the wood isn't real either...it might be a photograph. Anyway, it looks nice. via

Trio of Holiday Mice with Free Knitting Pattern

© Barbara Prime
Free pattern -- Download PDF Here.
Details here.

Anna (my mom) and Piggy

It looks as if she's trying to choke him.

They really love each other as you can see.

My mother was 91 this past October. Doesn't she look great? She doesn't dye her hair and has always been blessed with great natural beauty. She is legally blind due to macular degeneration but is otherwise healthy. Having her share my cottage is my greatest blessing. Maybe she will start a trend of mixing prints with plaid. She always wears jumpers and she doesn't look like herself in anything else.

Great place to bake Christmas Cookies

But wait -- where's the oven? I'll take this kitchen even if it doesn't have one; I adore the commercial cooktop. The ovens are probably in the island or on the wall just to the right. I bought a great big fat cookie cookbook this week that I love and I've been doing a lot of virtual baking while reading it. It's on my coffee table instead of in the kitchen. via

Here is an example of an island oven. via

Small Tree, Big Presents

The benefits of a table top tree. via

Hierarchy of Punishment

I guess they are all on Santa's naughty list. Wonder what they did? via

Beautiful Christmas Room

I don't know the source for this lovely room. I've had it saved on my upstairs computer forever. Isn't it perfect? I love the Airedale Wirehaired Wire Fox Terrier by the fire.

What I'm Liking This Morning

A colorful knitted sock monkey bearing gifts. Image found on Tumblr.

100% Christmas -- please follow these instructions.

And last but not least. I couldn't resist these otters.

It is drizzling rain and my quest to get ready for Christmas continues today along with the rest of the world. See you later.

Follow the Rooster

Those girls are not about to let him get away, are they? via

I adore this woodcut and watercolor Christmas card. via

I love this early Christmas greeting card showing Santa holding his sleigh bells. I got a lot done today inching toward the big day. via

Knitted Advent Swag ... Love It!

Wouldn't it be fun to wake up in this bed each morning in December? Other super-creative ideas for advent here.