I can't wait to jump in my own brass bed. It's been a long busy day and I'm pooped. I adore this bedroom with the big bolster propped against the headboard or maybe it's tied from behind. What a great idea for a brass bed. I love the bed clothes too and the table with the pretty lamp with a black shade (my favorite). It's all lovely. Night, night. Zzzzz via
Monday, November 30, 2015
Puppy, Out Cold
I've never had a dog that slept on its back.
This tired puppy is out cold.
The sound sleep of the very young is like no other.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
The Beauty of Natural Building Materials
This takes my breath away. The art of the stone mason and fine woodworker. One simple hydrangea set between the stepping stones and moss. This house will stand the test of time. It's practically impossible to find such craftsmen these days. Awesome! via
Saturday, November 28, 2015
A Curious Cat Goes Crazy over Catnip
Click here if you cannot see the Simon's Cat video above. It's wonderful.
Webster After a Delicious Breakfast
Webster is already dreaming about his supper. He absolutely loves those cooked Yukon potato skins I boiled for him. They are the perfect topping for his kibble and a great way to recycle food scraps. He has a huge appetite and eats every meal as if he had never tasted anything so delicious. He usually follows me around begging for more but this combination puts him in a food coma. Happy at last.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Fog This Morning
Here is another fog photo from this morning with Webster rounding the bend. Today was very enjoyable with nothing pressing to do. Worked outside for a bit moving wood chips, trying to take advantage of the mild weather. Moving towards the bedroom now. 'Night. See you tomorrow.
Webster in This Morning's Fog
Hers's the Wonder Dog silhouetted in this morning's fog. We are having some very nice weather. I didn't even have on a coat when we went out early this morning to snap some fog photos. A flannel shirt and a scarf around my neck kept me cozy. I didn't even need gloves. It will be quite a shock when it finally gets cold for good, won't it? I had my gutters cleaned on Wednesday and I was so happy that the hose could still be used at the end after all the leaves were removed to wash them out and clear all the downspouts before winter sets in. The timing was perfect. Now I can turn off my outside faucets.
I had a great Thanksgiving and hope you did too. See you later. xo
Thursday, November 26, 2015
A Norman Rockwell Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
This is one of my favorite magazine covers and holidays. Hope yours is as much fun as this one. I made my raw cranberry relish and a Mashed Potato Casserole from the New York Times. I don't think I've ever peeled so many potatoes at one time. It looks delicious and I'm sure it will be a big hit at my gathering with friends. Have a great holiday. xo
I added this poem years ago and think it's perfect for the Norman Rockwell artwork.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Blue Striped Runners for Stairs and Hallway
Photos from Wendy Posard and Associates
I can't imagine a better choice of carpeting for this beautiful staircase.
The companion hall runner is perfect too. This new home is stunning.
Perfect Kitchen with An AGA Range
All this and an AGA too? WOW, this kitchen has it all. I'm sure there will be a lot of activity there today and tomorrow getting ready for Thanksgiving! I wish my kitchen were this uncluttered but it's not. I have to clear all the junk from my catch-all farm table today so I can do some serious cooking tomorrow. Have a good one! xo
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
How to Garden Like You Live in The Hamptons
Even if you're surrounded by woods, keep your lawn, boxwoods, privet and hedges meticulously manicured.
However, grant your flowers the freedom to grow wildly.
Read and view more tips and suggestions here. Photos from "The Big Book of The Hamptons" from Assouline.
Not A Care in The World
Restful sleep for this pile of pigs because everybody's buying and cooking turkey. via
Monday, November 23, 2015
White Kitchen Love
I love everything about this kitchen including the ebony floor and the wonderful stools. I think you could really cook up a storm in there, don't you? via
Lovely Early American Entrance Hall
I love this 18th century NJ farmhouse with the red dutch door. Aren't the wide board floors amazing? MLS#3214421 Let me know if you want to see it; I'd love to show it to you. My firm has the listing.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Cauliflower Melts are The New Grilled Cheese
PHOTO BY JOHN VON PAMER
Yum. Don't these look delicious? Wouldn't they be great toppers for any leftover Thanksgiving mashed potatoes you might have? Or over leftover stuffing?
Recipe found on epicurious.
Recipe found on epicurious.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup olive oil2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Medium head of cauliflower, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slabs, possibly halved to make a total of 8 slabs
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup white wine (optional)
1/4 cup shelled pistachios
8 1/2-inch-thick slices sourdough bread
4 ounces Comte or Manchego cheese, cut into 8 slices
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
PREPARATION
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the cauliflower slabs and toss to coat.
3. Arrange the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, flip the slabs, and bake another 10 to 20 minutes, until softened and roasty. Set aside to cool but keep the oven on.
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, soak the raisins in wine or water for 10 minutes. Drain.
5. In a small pan over medium-high heat, toast the pistachios, dry or with a little oil. Let cool on a paper towel, then chop coarsely.
6. Lay the bread on the baking sheet and arrange the cauliflower on the bread, cutting it to fit as needed. Sprinkle with pistachios and raisins and top with the cheese.
7. Bake until the cheese melts, 7 to 10 minutes.
8. Top the toasts with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Cozy Bedroom Nook with Fireplace
An Equestrian Estate Bedroom: Ronald F. DiMauro Architects, Jamestown, RI. Warren Jagger Photography. via That's one lucky dog, isn't it?
Thursday, November 19, 2015
The Lamp in The Woods
I like this lamp reflection in the woods to add a bit of cheerful color on a gray rainy day here at my cottage.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Small French Boy Trying to Understand the Paris Attack
I saw this on the evening news a day or two ago and was moved by this little boy and his dad.
Click here if you can't see the video above.
Click here if you can't see the video above.
Maarssen, The Netherlands ~ Farmhouse
18th-Century farmhouse in Maarssen, The Netherlands. I love it! via
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Webster, Inspecting My Fall Cleanup
Here's Webster with his scary shadow inspecting my mowing job yesterday from the balcony. He gave it a gold star after a long walk down and back.
Monday, November 16, 2015
BRAMBLY HEDGE BY JILL BARKLEM
I wish I were sitting in an easy chair before an open fire and someone was bringing me a pie. I think I deserve one too. I've been working outside almost full time for the past 3 days doing my fall cleanup. I mowed everything for the last time today and it's looking fabulous. So happy. Isn't this the sweetest room ever? I adore children's books with interior design by animals. via
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Peace for Paris by Jean Jullien
This viral image by French illustrator, Jean Jullien, was quickly designed around midnight after the attack on Paris. No words are necessary. This graphic design says it all. Read more...
Golden Grasses in the Woods
Golden grasses in my woods on an overcast day. The trees are bare thanks to the windy days we've had lately. I actually got out my giant shop vac yesterday and sucked up lots of leaves around the perimeter of my cottage and barn in the back. It was too cold in the shade to do the same thing in the front. I'm saving that task for tomorrow. Enjoy your Sunday. xo
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Ural Owl in The Forest
Ural owl, native to Europe and Northern Asia,
He's looking cautiously around the corner from his forest lookout. This is a beautiful owl and a beautiful photograph. It's somehow comforting to look at this peaceful image as I watch the news this morning about the carnage in Paris.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Pages 64 and 65
A few suggestions, observations, and reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life.
More advice from a father to a son when he went off to college.
Amen.
I like all of these, especially the one about the Thanksgiving turkey. I haven't posted these pages in a very long time and I'm glad to see them again.
Pantry with Repurposed Screen Doors
This pantry door treatment is a great idea for a country kitchen. The extra storage behind the raised panels is very clever and so handy in this location near the range. via Pinterest
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Another Wonderful Barn Owl Portrait
Regal by Jennifer R. Graevell Photography on Flickr. via The Vintaquarian
Oak Leaf with Rain Drops
Photographed on Tuesday morning on my first walk of the day with Webster the Wonder Dog. We haven't been out yet this morning and he's waiting patiently at my feet for his breakfast. It's raining softly again now and is supposed to continue all day. I feel sorry for my neighbors who are putting on a new roof. They got all the new plywood on yesterday so they are buttoned up. Isn't this always what happens? Beautiful weather for weeks at a time until you schedule outside work. I still have to pinch myself about my unbelievable luck two years ago in September 2013 when I had my house painted and woodwork repaired with storybook beautiful weather every day until the job was finished. I think that will result in my paint job lasting for a very long time.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Lovely Pennsylvania Entrance Hall
New home in Willistown, PA. Peter Zimmerman Architects, Berwyn. Looks beautiful outside too, doesn't it? The large mirror behind the windsor bench looks almost like a window.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Kitchen: natural wood ceiling/floor
I really like this kitchen, a lot! It's nice and bright despite being sandwiched between the dark ceiling and floor. Sign me up. The flush under-cabinet lights are very well hidden, recessed under the thick shelving. I like that! via
Geting Your Garden Ready for Winter
I thought this article in The Guardian had some very good pointers. Our days for working outside are numbered, aren't they?
I liked this article too on resisting the urge to tidy your garden. Leaving some seed head for the wildlife is a good thing. I adore this photograph of poppies that have gone to seed. Less is more when it comes to cleaning the garden this late in the year.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Frost at My Cottage this Morning
Frost is one of my favorite photography subjects. My hands were freezing when I took off my gloves but all the while I was wishing I had gone outside just a little earlier. The morning sun had already started melting the frosty outlines of the leaves.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
A Corner of My Living Room
Another peek into a corner of my living room that never gets any direct sun. We have a bright sunny day here at the cottage and I'm planning so many things in my head right now. Enjoy your Sunday too. xo See detail of the transferware punchbowl here.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Wonderful Architectural Details for the Back of a House
If this is the back, what can the front be like?
Prettiest back door ever.
Wonderful patio with pergola.
Amazing back yard. I honestly have never imagined a quad filled with just grass. I always figured you had to have lots of clipped boxwood. I love this idea.
Photos: GSMLS Have a great weekend. xo
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