Paying your Taxes the Old-Fashioned Way

click photo to enlarge

Pieter Brueghel the Younger (1565–1636), Flemish painter. Oil on panel circa 1620. USC Fisher Museum of Art, The Armand Hammer Collection. I always publish a photo of this painting on April 15th. I'm staying away from the post office today because of the lines to mail income taxes. I'll check my box tomorrow. I mailed mine on Friday. 

Pizza for One

 

 

     What to cook when there is nothing to cook? Last night I made a personal pizza using a whole grain tortilla as the crust. I put my well-seasoned pizza stone in the oven at 450 while I was deciding on the toppings. I use Trader Joe's pizza sauce in a jar because it's decent and always on hand. The last pie I made had grilled zucchini slices on top but I didn't have any on hand. I cooked a pot of quinoa earlier in the day so I spread a layer of that on top of the sauce and frozen petite green peas scattered over the quinoa. Shaved parmesan cheese was the final layer. 

     I heated the stone for another 5 minutes after the assembly was complete. I kept an eye on it through the glass door in my oven after I slid the pizza off the peel. These thin things cook up very quickly. It was done in around 8 minutes and it was very good. I have to get a basil plant for future pies. Use your imagination throw one together yourself using what's on hand.

Beautiful Bedroom

This is lovely and very soothing. Very sleep inducing, isn't it? via Do you think there is a TV that pops up from that trunk at the foot of the bed? My guess is YES, so it's perfect for me! I can't go to sleep unless I watch TV first. I hope I can stay awake for Mad Men tonight. Sleep tight when you tuck in.

Amazing Flower Photo

Hold on to your seat and click here to enlarge this amazing photo of purple pea-like flowers. WOW.

Baby Loves Cat

Cat loves Baby. Rock-a-Bye kitty in the tree swing. via

German Shorthair Pointer Pup

This is the most photogenic breed ever, isn't it? I've only known a couple of them in person and they were great, handsome dogs. Smart too. via

Chicken Hatches Ducklings

I wonder what happened to Hilda's eggs? I hope a duck sat on them. I love stories like this. via

My Favorite Necklace

This is practically the only jewelry I ever wear other than my pearl earrings. The necklace seems perfect with everything. It was a thrift shop find purchased years ago and it remains my favorite. 

my iPhone photo

Portrait of a Flop-Eared Bunny

This little bunny is glad to be outside in the sunshine and so am I. I hope there is a patch of clover nearby for him to nibble. It's pretty nippy outside but will get warmer as the day progresses. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. photo source

Santa Barbara Residence

Wouldn't it be fun to ride that trike into the house and back outside again in a big circle. It appears to be set up that way, doesn't it? I like this very inviting home designed by Noyes Architecture. via

Dream Screened Porch with Swing

Love the brick floor and the ceiling fan too. This one is in Palmetto Bluff, SC. Hansen Architects. via

Shaker Kitchen Cabinetry

If you love shaker style kitchen cabinetry, you will love the designs of a British bespoke firm called deVol. One of their showrooms is a 16th century listed water mill. Link not working for this photo that was found on Desire to Inspire. Sorry.

It has stopped raining and is starting to brighten up. Have a great weekend.

I Have Always Liked the Rain.

rain gif

Cottage with Roses

We are having some much-needed rain at my cottage. The two days of warm weather earlier in the week were just a tease. It will be in the 40s all day. I need to catch up on indoor chores so I am happy for a wet, cloudy day with rain drops on my window panes. See you later. image source

Two Authentic Peeps

Peeking out from the coziest place in the world. The mother is beautiful, isn't she? via

Real Working Kitchen

Now this is a serious cook's kitchen. I love the use of an old workbench as a kitchen counter. No kitchen designer was involved either.

Hedgehog Portrait

Isn't this the best photo of a hedgehog you've ever seen? Click here to see it much larger. So cute.

Nice Art Wall

This is a very nicely displayed set of bookcases and artwork. I love black with gray and white. via

The Cat Pushed Me

"The cat didn't want to get her paws muddy so she walked on my back. See how clean she is? Honestly, I was just trying to help. I can't remember, did you put in the mud room before or after you got me? Want a kiss?"

Sail Away Wallpaper

As seen in a powder room that also serves as a dressing room near the pool. I'm not a sailor but I love nautical themes. my iPhone photo

Ducky Fireplace

click image to enlarge

I like the bird tiles surrounding this fireplace. My iPhone photo was taken on the fly at an open house yesterday. The original owners must have been birders. 

Spring Views thru My iPhone Lens

Today was a lovely day and I went to a realtor open house that had a fabulous view. Snapped with my iPhone.

When I got to the bottom of the steep hill where the house was located, I took a closer view of the barn with a blue roof. Spring has arrived in New Jersey!

One Person Porch

It's very sweet, isn't it, and the setting is wonderful. via

Jessica The Hippo -- She's A House Pet

Please promise me you will watch this heart warming video about a coffee-drinking hippo in South Africa named Jessica.

Click here to watch it on YouTube if it doesn't show up for you in my post. I always tuck in my animals at night but I honestly can't imagine tucking in a hippo. Her nighttime routine will definitely make you smile.

Woodchipped Garden Path

I simply must spread my pile of woodchips to keep down the weeds near my front entrance. This garden inside and outside the picket fence is fabulous, isn't it? via

Deck Decor

Have you started getting ready for outdoor living yet? I have worked on the deck floor of my balcony for the past three days and it's looking better. This one looks perfect, doesn't it? via

Mine will look better as the sun bleaches it daily. I still have to clean the furniture.

Mad Men -- Tonight

Mad Men

Season 6

Premier Tonight

9-11pm

Excellent!

Graphic from Google Images

16th Century Book Wheel

For centuries men have been trying to perfect a ways to read multiple books. Is this the eBook Reader of the 1700s? Epic fail because you have to sit in one place to peruse articles. More about Captain Agostino Ramelli's contraption here.

Beautiful Day in Edinburgh Scotland

It looks like spring in Edinburgh in this photo. Wish I were there!!! via

Architectural Artifact from My Collection

This zinc urn was once on a dormer in Newark NJ. A gentleman nearby said his father got it from a building that was being demolished. It was just sitting in a junk pile in his back yard. One day on my way to the post office, I stopped and knocked on his door to ask if I could buy it. He said yes and it's been in my junk pile ever since. Not really, it's in a boxwood garden. my iPhone photo

Tiny wildflowers in the woods

If you didn't do a fall cleanup and wait too long in the spring, this is what will happen. Aren't these tiny flowers charming? via

What Time Is It?

I can almost hear the ticking, can you? via