Morning Walk with Webster

Webster and I enjoyed some sun and mild temperatures this morning when we went for a walk. It was nice to see the sun, however briefly, because tomorrow might bring light snow. We'll see. Have a great long weekend if you have Monday off.

Antiquarian Map of British Isles 1807

A large folio hand-colored map of the British Isles in my living room.

Published in London July 1, 1807 for John Cary, Engraver and Mapseller.

This view attempts to show the large size. I framed it myself. It's one of the first things I put on my walls when I moved in the cottage over 10 years ago and I still love it. There is a small inset map of the Shetland Isles. I have no idea why I love old maps so much because I have the worst internal compass ever. I love the GPS feature on my phone and use it all the time with turn by turn voice directions and I usually have to use it to find my way back home too. Are you a good map reader? 

Custom Screen Door

I love this custom screen door that matches the pattern of the paneled door. I would love to see it from the outside looking in with the solid door closed, wouldn't you? There's a porch too. Such a nice entrance hall! via

Such a Handsome Dog

I'm so happy to have my handsome buddy back to normal. Webster is back to being his old self and isn't he handsome? I love his amber eyes. We just came in from our mid-afternoon walk on a gray day and it was fun for both of us. This was the last photo before going inside to warm up.

People Watching on Vacation

Another quote I photographed from a travel diary.

Travel Quote - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Getting yourself out of the house is hard, isn't it? I photographed this from a travel diary.

Wonderful Original Video

This is guaranteed to make you smile. It's not scary at all. It's a very colorful spider dancing to YMCA by The Village People. You'll love it.

Click here if you can't see the video above. Original Video by Jurgen Otto

I THINK THE CAT WANTS IN

This is what she does. She stares in the window until she gets my attention.

Walk in the Rain at My Cottage

Webster and I enjoyed a nice walk in the rain several times yesterday. It never rained very hard and it was nice to be outside trying to photograph with one hand and hold the umbrella with the other. Today we have a very thick fog that will burn off later when the sun comes out.

Wonderful Pantry or Buttery

I remember seeing this photo in a book when I was designing the interior of my own pantry. I loved it then and still do. via

Sewing A Happy Medium

I found this photo that I had saved but I don't know the source. I thought this was a great label.

What A Lovely Iron Gate

I love this photo. via I woke up to a rainy morning and gray skies. Most of the snow has melted too. Webster is back to being his old self with a complete recovery from his hurt ankle. When he goes down, he goes down hard but he still has the ability to bounce back. I watched Downton Abbey last night and found the end to be very upsetting. That's all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I have an office meeting this morning and I have to say I'm still having a hard time getting back into the swing of things since the first of the new year. How about you?

Garden, Tool, Wood Shed - Nice Paint

I photographed this woodshed on Sunday when I was out and about attending an Open House tour with a friend. Don't you love the paint colors?

Ice Igloo: Best Parent Project Ever!

An igloo constructed out of milk cartons filled with colored water and frozen. Snow is the mortar that holds the ice building blocks together. Isn't this the coolest thing you have ever seen? I guess you would have to start saving milk cartons way ahead of time. The colored ice blocks would freeze outside and wouldn't require a freezer. This would be something you would remember for the rest of your life. I want one too. The tunnel leading into the igloo is made of the ice blocks too. via

I am Sherlocked. Are you?

via

The Wit of Winston Churchill

He had such a way with words, didn't he? I love this. via

The Year for Firewood

This photo reminds me that I need to bring more firewood from the garage into the house. How is your supply holding out? There's no shortage around here thanks to all the trees we lost in superstorm Sandy. via

Nightcap, Shaken not Stirred

The Mixologist
He's mixing up HAIR OF THE DOG :)
Recipe here.

via I'm not much of a drinker but it's Saturday night and lots of you will be having cocktails. 

Making Ice Cream

Fresh from the Cows. via

I was so happy when I got back from the post office a while ago. Webster was waiting for me at the door. He had a really good night last night. He came to the kitchen when he heard me mixing his breakfast kibble too. We can learn from our animals. Throw in the towel and take to the bed when you are ailing. Rest is the best medicine!

Edward Hopper's Art Ledgers

A page from one of Edward Hopper’s art ledgers, a record his wife kept of paintings he made. (He’d sketch the finished painting, she’d write the notes.) This is such a good idea. It could be applied to many things, such as the books you've just read. via

Snow, Rain, Fog Today

We had fast and furious snow this morning that stopped after a couple of hours and a couple of inches. I was able to sweep it away with a stiff broom. It has gotten warmer and now my bluestone walk is a sheet of ice. Yes, I'll be careful. It's supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow. The fog is starting to roll in and it's quite lovely; I've always loved fog as long as I'm not driving in it. Webster and I just got back from the longest walk he's been able to manage so far this week. He gets a little better every day and pretty soon he'll be back to his Wonder Dog status. He doesn't know how to pace himself and when he overdoes it, he pays the price. Poor guy. His nose is cold and he has a great appetite but I know he's not 100% yet. He's got a few more days to go. Have a great weekend.