Edinburgh in Autumn

Simply lovely! via

A Delightful Bedroom

I love the painted primitive bench at the foot of the bed. via

Linen Storage

I love the built-in linen presses and open shelves for linen storage. So much nicer than a linen closet. via You almost never see this old-fashioned feature in new homes -- only old ones.

Young Queen and Her Dad

Best photo ever of King George VI and a very young Queen Elizabeth II. Her face is still exactly the same, isn't it? via

Primitive Bucket Bench Finds New Life

I love this antique bucket bench used to display collections of very interesting things. via

Perfect Sunday

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I have to host a realtor open house today at my listing with no wifi so I might stop at the Deli and pick up a New York Times. I'm reading a good book too so I'll be fine. Last Sunday was very busy there and I got no reading done at all. I think the same will hold true today as well. 

More Autumn Leaves

There are still lots of leaves on the trees here at the cottage. Some trees are absolutely bare though. It always seems that the trees closest to the house are the last to lose their leaves. So I do fall cleanup until it gets really cold. Last year we had that freak show storm over Halloween weekend that was a nightmare. Fingers crossed for a normal fall from start to finish this year.

A Fabulous Built-in Pantry

This is a great one that would be so useful. I love the painted floor too. The fine woodworker did a great job. I'm sure the rest of the kitchen is wonderful too. I woke up to a foggy Saturday morning and thankfully the rain we had almost all day yesterday has subsided. When the fog burns off, we are supposed to have great fall weather. Enjoy the weekend! via

Cats Planning Another Trip

Remember their last one? Click here. Wonder where they are going this time? via Have a great weekend.

Sleeping Porch Bedroom, Ranch Style

I would love to stretch out here and take an afternoon nap -- right now. via

Adorable Dachshund Puppy with Apple

Do I get to keep the apple after my photo shoot? photo by EmilyDawn2

Doorway Opening in the Hedge

And what a huge hedge it is! I wonder how long it took for it to get this high? via

Some Huge Pumpkins for Fall Decorations

This collection of very large pumpkins looks fabulous against the backdrop of this beautiful old weathered brown house. via Do you decorate your house in the fall? 

Vampire Bat Kitten - Halloween - Scary NOT :)

Adorable

Classical Fireplace

Absolutely beautiful. Love it all. The fireplace surround, the antiquarian books, the vintage photograph, the fencing sword. Not sure about not having any andirons or fireplace screen though. via

Bermuda Shutters

I have several windows that could use Bermuda shutters in the summertime. Especially one in my bedroom that gets the late afternoon sun. I wonder how hard it is to find the hardware? I love this old carved marble dog statuary too. via

Lovely Orange Cat Nose

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My New Microwave Oven

I finally broke down last week and got a microwave after all these years. We have one downstairs but how inconvenient is that to have to run down a flight of steps to use one? So I put mine in the pantry and it worked out ever so much better than I ever thought it could. We have been having healthier meals too -- like a baked sweet potato for lunch. It seems right at home in the pantry too. It wouldn't have been appropriate on any of my kitchen counters. Why did I wait so long?

When you look in the pantry from the kitchen, you don't even know a microwave is hiding just around the left corner.

Door Disguised as a Bookcase

When closed, this door is indistinguishable from the other bookcases that lined the walls -- except for the doorknob. It is the study door of Charles Dickens at his home at Gad's Hill Place. The dummy books contain some humorous titles invented by the author. This was an extremely important room to Dickens that was always kept locked when he was not occupying it and no servants were allowed to enter. More pictures and descriptions of his beloved home here.

A Very Long Book

I adore illustrations by Franco Matticcio. Found here. See a great collection of his artwork here and become a fan too.

Tiger Elephant

Isn't this wonderful? Now he's the King. What good handlers this elephant must have! via

Fabulous Marble and Stone Bathroom

designed by Thomas Hamel and Associates via. So elegant in its simplicity.

Boatload of Pumpkins

Farmer Harald Wenske transports a harvest of pumpkins from a field that can be reached only by his traditional boat in Lehde in the Spreewald forest, Germany. Photo: Patrick Pleul via The Guardian

Great Old Halloween Masks

Homemade ones are always the best, aren't they? The Owl and Pumpkins heads are quite wonderful in spite of the girls' impoverished surroundings. via 25 Totally Odd and Awesome Vintage Halloween Photos

Roses and Tomatoes

This really is one of the last roses of summer.

I'm already missing the wonderful tomatoes. These were floating in my sink last month.

View from Anne Boleyn's Bedroom

The view from the room traditionally thought to have been Anne Boleyn’s childhood bedroom at Hever Castle. via

HaHa -- Alpha Dog

via

Halloween Costume

I have no idea who this character is, do you? Is this a Halloween costume or a story illustration? Anyway, I like it!!! via Enjoy your Sunday.

Mahogany Planter Boxes

I was so excited when I spotted this pair of hand-made mahogany planters with string inlay at a rummage sale recently. They have custom zinc liners that are removable too. They cleaned up nicely and I finished them with a coat of Butchers Wax.

I have no idea how long these johnny jump ups will last in the house but it's nice having them in my kitchen for even a short while. They came in my Easter Basket this year. 

Henry went home and Webster is sound asleep after a busy day babysitting and playing. [my photos]

Red Knitted Pullover Shawl Thingie

I'm usually not one for ruffles but I like this knitted pullover whatever you call it (capelet). I'm going to look for a pattern and knit one. I have red yarn! If you find one first, please let me know. Knitter: Anemone.

A Guest for Breakfast this Morning.

 

 

We have Henry the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for the day and he's a cone head. He got an infected nail and this cone collar keeps him from licking the boo boo. It doesn't bother him one bit. You should have seen Tabitha (the cat) trying to figure out what he had on his head. It was hilarious. I gave him a Canine Cottage Special for breakfast and once again, he was a member of the clean plate club. I love to see dogs eat with gusto.

Napping with A Friend

I put Webster's elephant squeak toy in Henry's cone so he could have a little pillow for his after-breakfast nap.