Simpkin at the Tailor's Bedside - Beatrix Potter Watercolor

One of twenty-two original watercolors circa 1902 for The Tailor of Gloucester, Beatrix Potter's second and favorite book. The collection is in the Tate in London. via

Black with A Touch of White

I don't know why, but this house fascinates me. I want to go inside and check it out. Remember when I was trying to decide what color to paint my cottage and I was thinking of a dark color? I'm glad I went with all white. 

It's very interesting inside too. This cabin in Quebec is a rental. See more photos here. All photos by Jean Longpré.

Sundown with Barns

So beautiful. So Serene. So quiet. So untouched. via

The View Reflected - Windows of Gold

I would never close my curtains if I had a wonderful view like this, would you? via

Amazing Folk Art

Too wonderful for words. via

Amazing Flower Photography

image source

Enjoy the beautiful flowers on this frigid Wednesday morning. Brrrr. 

Baby Elephant Sweetness

Baby Elephant to Mother:

"Let me hold your tusk so I won't get lost." 

via

Thomas Jefferson Triple Hung Window

Here's another window that doubles as a door when you open it from the floor. It wasn't long ago that I'd never seen one but now that I'm looking I see them more and more. What a great idea. Isn't this paneled room fabulous? See you later. via

Library in Michelle Williams Brooklyn Townhouse (Recently Sold)

You can never have too many bookshelves, can you? I always like to see how the movie stars live. Want to see more? Click here for the complete tour, inside and out. It was listed for $7.5 million and someone paid over asking and it sold for $8.8 million. How nice!

Fire in The Sky and A Book

This photo stopped me in my tracks this morning. Can you imagine waking up to a sunrise like this? It would be like being on top of the world, wouldn't it? via

I had a very interesting weekend. On Saturday morning I woke up to a very cold house with no heat. I immediately called the emergency hotline at the gas company and arranged an appointment for service by or before noon. Later, I was notified he would be much later. Then I called my plumber as a backup. The gas company guy came around 1:30 and it took him a while but he finally located the problem. I was thrilled. The pilot light was out and he needed to replace a defective thermocouple, whatever that is. The bill was very reasonable too. I called and canceled the plumber.

I started a roaring fire in my living room fireplace in the morning and kept it going until I went to bed. It was so nice. The pets liked it too. All is well this morning with a freezing rain. I'm on the last 100 pages of a great book so that's what I'll be doing until I finish it today. 

"A fast-moving tale about the world of rare books. A wonderful story with absolutely superb casting." read more here. It's a nice fat book too -- 466 pages. I really don't want it to end. See you later.

Rally in Paris

I am watching the live coverage of the march on BBC World News and it's like being there with no commercial breaks. I got this AP photo from their online website. Watch if you can.

View the New York Times coverage of the Anti-terror Rally here.

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. 

via

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.

via

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

via

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