USPS Stamps Honor Lighthouses After Gulf Coast Hurricanes

These Stamps Honor Lighthouses That Stood Defiant to Gulf Coast Hurricanes
Images Based on Photos Taken the Year Following the Wrath of Katrina, Rita and Wilma

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Superb Fruit Dove | Beatiful Bird of New Guinea

This beautiful bird is the perfect image for ending a busy day. Goodnight. See you in the morning. Superb Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus superbus), Papua, New Guinea




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Outdoor Spaces | Slideshow | Architectural Digest

Architect Robert Paxton and designer Bunny Williams restored and expanded a farmhouse near Charlottesville, Virginia, mixing contemporary elements with the region’s vernacular style. A porch that overlooks the gardens was inspired by one the clients had seen in South Africa. The large brick fireplace surrounded by wicker furniture is well used even in the dead of winter. Slideshow of more outdoor spaces from Architectural Digest.

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Nice Symmetry on this Outbuilding

I love the symmetry of all the architectural elements on this carriage house, don't you. It's absolute perfection.




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Basset Hound Puppy with Fan

Is it hot enough for you? Webster is usually parked in front of a fan but this weeks he's discovered the joy of central air. I have to admit I'm enjoying it too. I have the thermostat set at 78 and it's quite pleasant. For some reason in past years I've had it set like a walk-in cooler. I like being cool and conserving energy at the same time.

Image via Pixdaus.




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10 Inexpensive Ways to Improve the Value of Your Home Before Selling

10 Inexpensive Ways to Improve the Value of Your Home Before Selling

One of my listings is under contract after being on the market for one year. What a relief. I think I helped too. The sellers always did everything I asked of them but it wasn't until we applied lots of Feng Shui principles that we found our buyers. I loaned the sellers several of my books for a crash course. The tip that made the most difference was putting live potted red geranium plants all over the house. They added such "life" to every room. The red blossoms and round leaves represent good luck and prosperity too. They also had a pre-sale home inspection which was another smart thing to do. Everything's going well so far. Keep your fingers crossed for us.




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Great Grey Owl

This Great Grey Owl is beautiful, isn't he? I find owls to be very fascinating. Whoooo me? Yes, you.




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By Magic, I Woke Up In This Bedroom

I went to sleep last night in a barn and by magic I woke up in a bed overlooking a lake. Pretty cool, don't you think? I love the way the center window opens up. All things are possible via blogging.




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Wonderful Post and Beam Summer Bedroom

I finally broke down and turned on my central air today. I thought I should since we're supposed to have a whole week of 100+ temperatures. No rain either until Friday at the earliest. Even the weeds are dying it's so dry. They come up easily too. I just tackled a spot near the house that is usually very hard to weed but tonight it was a breeze. Webster chose to stay inside in the A/C.

I'd love to be sleeping in this barn bedroom tonight with the door and windows wide open. Enjoy the fireworks. See you tomorrow, Rosemary.




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Miss Liberty Standing Proud on July 4th

Enjoy your Liberty today. I scanned this image from an old Life Magazine. The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

• Crown: There are 25 windows in the crown which symbolize gemstones and the heaven's rays shining over the world.
• Rays of Crown: The seven rays represent the seven seas and continents of the world.
• Chains: Chains and a broken shackle are at the Statue's feet and cannot be seen from below. This symbolizes the Statue as a goddess free from oppression and servitude.
• Tablet: Represents a book of law.
• The tablet reads in Roman numerals July 4, 1776, the date of American Independence. (JULY IV MDCCLXXVI)

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1952 Family Portrait on the Fourth | Saturday Evening Post

Family Portrait | Saturday Evening Post:
Family Portrait on the Fourth by John Falter July 5, 1952

Have fun with your family today and tomorrow. Don't forget to eat a hot dog, a hamburger, and some watermelon.




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Picnic on the Creek |July 4, 1883 | Thomas Eakins

This looks like a pleasant spot for a family picnic on July 4th long ago. I'm glad they took the dog along for some quality creek swimming. Enjoy the holiday, Rosemary.
July 4, 1883 | Thomas Eakins




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Coney Island | Weegee, 1940

Standing Room only on the beach at Coney Island in 1940! I wonder if this vintage photo was taken on July 4th? I hope you are able to find a less crowded spot to enjoy this long holiday weekend commemorating America's Independence Day.
Coney Island | Weegee, 1940
Weegee, American Photographer, born Hungary, 1899-1968




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Blackberries For Breakfast

As my oatmeal sits simmering on the stove, I dream of blackberries for breakfast. I made a mixed berry buckle last night and it was delicious. My mom and I ate the whole thing! Have a great July 4th weekend, Rosemary.

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Country Road

I hope you can find a nice escape route such as this beautiful country road with no traffic this holiday weekend. via Pixdaus

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Chateau du Grand Luce, Loire...

Chateau du Grand Luce, Loire Valley, France A former property of the French government, Chateau du Grand-Luce’ is now privately owned and has recently undergone a $10 million dollar restoration. The chateau and its magnificent gardens have attained the status of French National Landmarks. And while it is close to numerous other chateaux of the famed Loire Valley, many guests enjoy the pleasures of Chateau du Grand-Luce’ so much that they often choose not to venture beyond the walls with its beautiful gardens and woods! This looks wonderful. I haven't been there, have you? Watch video here.




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So Beautiful

I wish we could see the rest. Beautiful architecture and plantings.

Greener Acres - Perfect Pool House in Chicago

Greener Acres - Chicago Home "Greener Acres ~ A grand home in Lake Forest goes formal and nearly flowerless with Euro-style landscape design" I love this perfect pool house, don't you? The article from Chicago Home Magazine is very interesting. Notice the lack of color in the landscape design . . . green only. Don't forget to view the photo gallery. 

Stockholm Library | WOW

It makes me dizzy just to look at the enormous bookshelves in the Stockholm Library. WOW. Click image to enlarge for the full effect.