I Made Soup Today

I made a big pot of soup today and it was so good. Split pea is one of my favorites but I didn't have any dried split peas so I improvised. First I chopped 1 large onion and one small one and sautéed them in a little olive oil. Then I added a large bag of frozen peas and what was left of some french green beans and added 4 cups of water. Then I peeled and chopped a russet potato and a sweet potato. Then I chopped three ribs of celery and a super large carrot. I added more water until it looked about right. I brought everything to a boil and then simmered the pot for about an hour. Then I buzzed the contents with my immersion blender until it looked like classic split pea soup. I didn't add any bouillon or ham hock or any seasoning at all. When I ate my big bowl for supper tonight I added some Bragg's Liquid Aminos and it was absolutely perfect and delicious. It warmed me inside and out. Webster had a ladle full on his kibble and he was so happy. He loves a good hot meal too. Have a great evening. xo image source

The morning sun on my bathroom door and towels was quite nice this morning.

Today looks like an excellent day to get my gutters cleaned. I hope I can find someone. Wish me luck. xo

I Love This Ad for L.L.Bean

I have those boots too. via

Farmhouse Apple Cake baked in Iron Skillet

Apples really shine in this traditional Italian farmhouse cake, where thin slices of the fruit are held together with just-melted butter, a couple of eggs, and a scant amount of flour. Top with crunchy turbinado sugar and bake it in a cast-iron skillet. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat and impressive enough to join the classics on your Thanksgiving buffet. And it’s just the thing for keeping the doctor away.

Farmhouse Apple Cake

Serves 8

Ingredients:

5 Golden Delicious apples
2 large eggs
8 ounces sugar
2 ounces flour
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
4 ounces buttermilk
3 ½ ounces unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.

Peel, core, and quarter the apples, then slice into very thin slivers using a sharp knife or a food processor with a slicing blade. After this is done, pop the skillet into the oven to preheat.

With a wire whisk, beat the eggs and sugar in a very large bowl until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the flour and cardamom, then add the buttermilk, butter, and vanilla. Blend thoroughly. Quickly stir in the baking powder, then fold in the apples.

Pour the mixture into the preheated skillet and sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top. Bake on the center rack until the cake is golden brown and cooked through, about 55 minutes. The cake is done when a small paring knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack and serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe found HERE. I think it's a keeper, don't you? Use your favorite apple variety. Right now I have Gala and Stayman Winesap in my crisper. Happy baking. I love that this is baked in an iron skillet. 

Vintage Post Office Boxes

My post office still has boxes like this. I love spinning my combination each time I have mail in mine. via

Long Live The Queen

The Queen's image, over time, on Bank Notes. She's aging quite well, isn't she? via

Long Woolen Socks

I'm wearing similar socks in winter white right now. I wore them under my wellies yesterday for my open house and my feet stayed nice and warm. I have unearthed all of my gloves, mittens, hats and scarves too. I'm all set for whatever weather Mother Nature throws my way. Today we have rain. The animals have both been fed, walked and dried off and they are down for their morning naps. I didn't go out with them either. I'll do that later. Happy Monday. xo

Yesterday's Guest

Webster and I had an all-day visitor yesterday. Henry enjoyed it as did the Wonder Dog. Our guest went home late in the night and Tabitha was happy, once again. She sleeps with one eye open when he's around. I'm trying to gear up for an open house at my listing today and I must confess I'm not looking forward to it because the house has no heat. I showed it yesterday and almost froze in 45 minutes. Today I'll dress like an Eskimo and close up early when I can no longer feel my feet. It's not worth getting sick, is it? I'm sure the viewing public will understand. I am going armed with a sign to post when I close up. Wish me luck. xo

Vintage Bathroom - Still Very Stylish

Bathrooms like this never go out of style, do they? 'Vintage apothecary bath.' Tracey Stephens Interior Design, Montclair, NJ via

A Phrenology Head to Love

I love Phrenology Heads and the human mind. This is a good one. Have a great weekend. xo via

Landscape Design for the Ages

Could anything be lovelier? I think not. via We got a dusting of snow overnight but we have bright sun this morning to melt it quickly. See you later. xo

A Kitchen to Like

I could work in this kitchen very nicely. Could you? via

Before and After Real Estate Photos

BEFORE -- Archival Photo of my new listing.

AFTER -- Taken back to the original structure. 

Great Recessed Cabinets for Serving Pieces

This is wonderful, isn't it. Everything organized and in plain sight. Sigh. via

Nice Workspace

I like this work space with the cupboards on either side to take care of the clutter. Very nice indeed. via

Sweet Cottage with Fall Decorations

Fall is definitely in the air and we want to go inside, don't we? via

Love this Lamp

This lamp on a library table is perfect, isn't it. Plenty of light and no glare. Do want!! via

Dining Room with Butler's Pantry

I have always loved a good butler's pantry even without the butler. It's such a great decompression room between the kitchen and the dining room with special places for the finer dishes, glassware and serving pieces. Most of them have dishwashers and sinks so they can be used for flower arranging too. This one has a wet bar and it's all set up for the holidays. via

Beautiful Seascape

via

Feeding the Birds = Feeding the Bear

I will not be feeding the birds this year. I actually stopped several years ago because the seeds were bringing mice. I'm especially concerned this year having seen evidence of a bear on my own property. These photos have convinced me I am making the right choice.

Great TV, Sun, Reading Room

I am looking forward to Madam Secretary, The Good Wife and Masterpiece Contemporary tonight. I'm sure I won't be able to watch them all but I'll try! Have a good evening. via xo

Old Home to Be Demolished by Buyer

I've always loved this circa 1806 house. It's not visible from the road so most people in the area won't even miss it when it's torn down but I will. I had to drive by one more time to memorialize it and preserve my memory. I'm very sad that the new owner has chosen this path. Such a sad conclusion for what could have been a wonderful restoration. I'm glad it wasn't my listing.

Penguin Waiting for Love - Video

This is wonderful. Please watch. Click here if you can't see video above. You will adore Monty the Penguin and the little boy too. xo

I didn't realize this was a John Lennon song, Thanks Candice.

Stone-Carved Angel Holding a Sundial

This is so very beautiful. Such a wonderful reason to look up. via

Country Dining

This looks like an inviting setting for casual dining, doesn't it? via

Love the Ruff

This is such a gorgeous detail of a painting. Love the ruff and the earrings. The quilted fabric too. via

Porch with Sliding Screen Doors

It's all pretty wonderful, isn't it? via

Baby Otter Learns to Swim: Video

Click here if you can't see the video below.

Amanda, the baby otter is the cutest thing ever. I want one! She has a voice too. Promise me you'll watch this. It will melt your heart. xo

Colorful Leaves in My Woods

I took this photo yesterday on an overcast day while walking Webster. No filters, right out of my iPhone. The colors were stunning and almost unreal looking. Another busy day with showings and promise. Have a great evening. xo

Tool Box Kitty

The sidekick is so tired. A toolbox kitty is such a handy thing to have around. via

I have two showings today!

Cute Cat Hammock

I wonder what Tabitha would think about a table like this? It looks wonderful with a cat in it but I think it would look strange without one. via

I had some showings today at my new listing on a beautiful day. I threw out an impromptu open house sign and got some lookers off the street too. I had a really good time showing them around. I think I'll do the same thing for an hour or two tomorrow as well. Enjoy your evening. xo

My New Listing

This circa 1780 home was moved to its current location in the village of New Vernon NJ 07976 in the mid 1800s. It is several doors away from my office and it is desperate for a new owner since it's been vacant since 2002. Cross your fingers for it and for me. I put the listing in the MLS yesterday and I'm waiting for my phone to ring but it hasn't. The dwelling is gutted inside so it's a real project for an old house lover or a commercial enterprise. I hope someone with a wonderful vision steps up to save this beautiful survivor with such great bones. It is zoned for business and residential and would be a wonderful place to live and work. It has a great feel inside with high ceilings, many new windows, and new framing installed by Amish post and beam barn builders. The tin roof was removed and replaced with hand-split cedar shakes. The old siding was removed to expose the original clapboards. The fully-floored walk-up attic is an amazing space. I'll keep you posted on the activity. See you later. Maybe this historic home called The Academy has been holding out for someone to love it again.