Unwanted Christmas Surprise

Norman Rockwell at his best.

I woke up this morning at 4:53 and the moon looked the same so I missed the lunar eclipse completely. Luckily it wasn't depending on me and the show in the night sky happened anyway.



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Lunar Eclipse Overnight Tonight

North America and the western portion of South America will be treated to a rare total lunar eclipse in the early morning hours of December 21. I will look out the window if I wake up in the wee small hours of the morning because the moon might look like this. It is coinciding with the December 21st Winter Solstice or the first day of winter or my dear departed brother's birthday.

If you want an astronomer's description of what will be happening click here.

Country Girl from Maryland posted a great simple slideshow animation for the layman; it only lasts a few seconds. Watch it and you'll understand what is going to happen perfectly.

I just got back from walking Webster and it's as clear as a bell here in New Jersey. It is going to be spectacular. I heard a man on TV telling everyone to look for Orion's belt near the moon. I loved finding the constellations when I was a kid. Let me know if you stay up and watch it.

Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

My Christmas Tree with The New Sofa

2010

I put up my tree over the weekend in another location from previous years thanks to the new sofa. The Christmas tree doesn't look very spectacular in this photo but you'll just have to take my word for it when I say it looks nice. I'll keep trying to get a better photo and will post it when I'm successful.

2009

This was the year I added the wooden cranberry beads.

2008

My tree shows up better in the photographs when it was against the wall.

Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Christmas Morning Long Ago

All is calm in this house. The boy is engrossed in his book and has lined up his wooden soldiers. His mother is sitting in a lovely chintz covered chair with an opened gift on her lap. Santa has come and gone. I'd love to know more about this painting, wouldn't you? via

The countdown to Christmas has begun. Can you hear the clock ticking in the back of your head? I can. See you later.

Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Dogs Aren't Almost-Human

This quote made me smile. I often say Webster is just like a person and I must stop. He's way smarter. Designed with a free font you might want to download.



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Magical Children's Room

This is a room you'd never outgrow. via

Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Christmas in An All White Interior

I hope there is another working fireplace or a wood stove in this house so this wood supply will be put to good use. It looks nice, doesn't it? I love the mantle decorations. via



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

View From The Potting Shed

Christmas colors are red and green and it's warm somewhere today. Gardeners everywhere will love this no matter what the weather. I am a person who loves winter because most chores are inside ones and I don't have to worry about the great outdoors, except when it snows.



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Hedgehog Mittens to Knit

Aren't these hedgehog mittens the cutest things you've ever seen? I love them. It's probably too late for you to make these for Christmas 2010 but they would be a great project for the doldrums that set in after the holidays. Order kit here. They will be the most lovable things you'll ever knit to wear on your hands.



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Pastoral Landscape Flagstaff, Arizona

A lone tree + a cow + dark blue blue sky + white puffy clouds = a perfect landscape. Since much of the world is blanketed with snow, we shall remember summer.

Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Busted: Cottage Dog on Sofa

Caught in the act of sneaking on the sofa! If you look closely near the rug to the left of the throw you'll see a disgusting dirty mark on the skirt fabric. I was attempting to disguise it with this wonderful brown wool throw but Webster assumed I put it there for him. This spot on the rug is his favorite. He stands there and slides his front feet forward while leaning on the sofa...thus the long mark on the sofa frame of dirt and his body oils. I've cleaned it before and will again when I have time.

I got a new sofa (long story for later) in another part of the room where my mother and I were sitting enjoying our morning coffee. It is a big comfy one and Webster wanted to join us but wasn't allowed so he politely walked over to his "spot" and defiantly climbed up making eye contact the whole time as if to say, "I'll show you what I do when you're not around and I'll do it to the new one too when I get a chance."



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Winter's Charm circa 1910

Winter's Charm circa 1910

Robert Demachy (France 1859–1938)

Another vintage photograph to please you. There are no people or structures in this image but you can tell it's old just by looking at it. Why is that?



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Bulldog Stuck in A Doggie Door

Hilarious. I wonder if this is even his house? What a face! via



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Smile For The Panda Photographer

This photographer gets paid in bamboo shoots. So cute!



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

A Secret Garden in England

A fabulous Secret Garden in Nymans, West Sussex UK by Nigel Burkitt. England has the best stonework and the best gardens, doesn't it?



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Christmas Classics Sung by Old Crooners [Video]

Can you hear the Christmas music playing in this beautiful room?

Here's hoping you enjoy this trip down Memory Lane. I know I did. Close your eyes and listen; you'll think you're a kid again.



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.