Are you a fan of open shelving?

I love the look in this particular kitchen. The cutout shelf supports are very nice as are the dishes. I have open shelves in my pantry and there are two windows in the room. Thank goodness it isn't a place that is often viewed close up because the dust is pretty deep in there. via

I like these room-dividing bookcases by Candace Barnes. Those shelves look as though they will never sag no matter how heavy the books. Nice indeed. via

Checking on the Cygnets

What a wonderful way to be transported by Mother Swan. They don't look like ugly ducklings to me. via

Thistle Do

Webster and I are up way too early this morning because I have real estate appointments at my new listing. I took this thistle photo yesterday and it's looking pretty dayglo to my sleepy eyes this morning. I've always liked these giant weeds and the birds go wild over them when they go to seed. Enjoy this August weekend. I just looked at my calendar and saw that Labor day is very early this year...just three weekends away. Slow down August, I have so much to do before you are over. That's an order.

Webster Behind a Chair

The wonder dog's face is rather washed out because the sun was shining on it in the late afternoon. We were both enjoying the coolness after the rain. I washed the insides of my windowsills while it was pouring and they smell so nice and fresh with the windows open. Goodnight from the cottage. See you tomorrow.

Have an Adventurous Weekend

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I have a VERY cluttered mind

I'm always suspicious of people with uncluttered desks. What is your like? via

Beautiful Breezeway

This is such a lovely way to join two buildings, isn't it? via

Do What You Can

I would love this even more if it were embroidered. What a great sampler this would make. I especially like the Use What You Have part. via

Dog with his Elephant Friend

You can't make these things up, can you? I have no history behind this delightful photo. via

Sign of A Nice Mother

with a sense of humor via

Books and Flowers - Perfect Together

This is a stunning image featuring two of my favorite things, antiquarian books with fine bindings and spring flowers. via

Breakfast Room with Fireplace

I love this room with the built-in chimney cupboard. I am posting this delightful image for those of you that are not sweltering in a summer climate. It must be cold somewhere, right? This raised hearth is perfect for dining. via

Scottish Garden of Ian Hamilton Finlay

The Little Sparta Trust Website

‘Little Sparta’ a garden created by the collaboration of poet and artist, Ian Hamilton Finlay and Sue Finley, his wife. Based on the idea that a garden is a place for poetry, philosophy, and political thought, words are carved on stone and wood, etc. throughout the garden. It is thought by some to be Scotland’s greatest contemporary work of art. Located near Edinburgh in Dunsyre. source

photo credit

Books and Globes and Library File Drawers

This room is so interesting. I wish I knew more about it. I can't understand the clothes. Is it a dressing room? I love the books and the globes and the old file drawers. It's a feast for my eyes. via

Miniature Portrait of A Dog

On display in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. I'm not sure if it's a miniature on ivory or a micro mosaic. I want it....badly! via

An Irish Blessing

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Nicely scaled new house with small rooms for cozy family living. I like it, don't you? I'm so glad sensibility is back. via

Family Album Necklace

This ancestry necklace would definitely be a conversation piece wherever it was worn. via

A Dog Named Steve

He can't see you but he can smell you! via

Happy National Lighthouse Day

It was on this day in 1789, that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers. In Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse, Congress passed a resolution which designated August 7, 1989 as National Lighthouse Day. Read more here.

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Tonight's Dinner

This is what I had for dinner. There were three leftover salmon croquettes in the refrigerator that I sliced in half and reheated in a little olive oil. I cut a large red bell pepper in half and spread it with red pepper hummus. Delish. My mom enjoyed hers too. Cleanup was a snap. We had homemade brownie ice cream sandwiches for dessert. Ground Hog Day is over now and I can do as I please until bedtime. 

Eating Porridge | Jessie Willcox Smith

This would be me almost every morning without the table cloth and my blue and white Canton bowl is much smaller. Oh, and no onlookers either except for Webster. via

Kitchen Love

Kitchen by William B. Litchfield Designs

Favorite Flowers at My Cottage

Forget-Me-Nots

Lace Cap Hydrangea

Lily of the Valley

I took these photos in the spring and can still smell the fragrance of the lily of the valley in my mind.

Lovely Library

I'm sure this family spends lots of quality time in this lovely library designed by Boris Baranovich Architects.

In the Hamptons

The nice thing about photographing homes in the winter is being able to see the architecture in spite of the trees. This weathered shingle beauty is in Southampton via The Idyll Explorer