Snow Swag on my Picket Fence

I woke up this morning to another snow swag. I have had them in the past and they never cease to amaze me. Unfortunately, I still have my screens in the windows so you can see the grids. This swag is holding on for dear life and I'm glad I captured it before it gets any warmer outside and it turns loose. Isn't nature fascinating? I love the impressions left from the picket tops. I hope it lasts until I can go outside and get a good photo without the screen. See you later. xo

This is an older one from a past snow storm. I see there was a screen in the window then too.

It's very easy to get the straight walls with this shovel. They sort of happen automatically because of the width of the plow-shaped blade. I took this photo so I could measure the depth of the snow but I haven't calculated it yet. The bed is going to feel might good tonight. For some reason, Webster is exhausted. He galloped in the deep stuff this morning and hasn't recovered. He is so happy about our new path. See you tomorrow. Almost time for Downton. xo

Snow Shovel One Door Wide

I got a very wide snow shovel over the summer and put it to the test today. It is almost as wide as my front door and it was great. The snow didn't stick to it either. I hope the people who sold it aren't sorry they parted with it. I have shoveled for 3 hours so far and my car is clean all except for the top. I just came in for lunch and must go out again to take advantage of the bright sun. See you later. Maybe I will take down my Christmas wreath too. (Smile) 

The one I mentioned is the green one. My rubber broom with telescoping handle is up front and only a little bit of the head shows in this photo. I use it to clean off my car. Today, I had to start with the big green shovel on the car too. My old standby and favorite shovel for wet snow is the red one. I almost never use the black one with the ergonomic handle. It's too awkward but I might use it on the balcony. See you later.

Snow Frosted Windows

Webster has had a relaxing day in spite of the snow. So far, so good. We are both hoping it stops completely in the night so we can shovel our way out tomorrow. Be safe and warm. xo

Snow Storm at My Cottage

We got this much overnight. Pic taken at 7:30 am. That was before the wind started howling from the north creating a total whiteout. We are fine!

A quick whiz and back he ran.

It's not obvious in the photo but he was running fast to get back in the house.

He has had breakfast and has gone out twice more. Now he's resting snugly on his dog bed. Sleep is the best way to deal with this stuff. Be safe, stay warm, and don't go out unless you have to! xo

Touched By Snow

I'm voting for this much snow. Just enough to decorate the landscape and then stop. This isn't going to happen though. Be safe and stay inside if you can. Be careful shoveling. Webster has a new bag of food and 3 boxes of biscuits so he's all set. I have nutritious food to keep me satisfied and on track with my food diary. The snow shovels are all lined up so I guess I'm prepared but a little nervous too. Isn't this a fabulous photo? found here

Henry James Quote in Calligraphy

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Yup. 

Shower Head over Sink

I'm intrigued by this shower head over the sink. Is it for watering flowers or washing your hair? I've never seen anything like it, have you. Plumbers can do anything the customer requests I suppose. via

Pair of Antique Staffordshire Lamps in My Cottage

I had to make a quick run to look at a house for a customer yesterday and there was a thrift shop nearby. Look what I scored. A fabulous PAIR of antique staffordshire figures converted to lamps without being drilled with wonderful shades.

I took a photo of my new arrangement last night by lamp light.

This is the Jockey on Horseback facing right. I have the identical one facing left but I won't take a photo of it.

I adore the handmade shades. The pattern goes perfectly with the green checked sofa they are behind. 

As you can see, I haven't lost my touch for spotting great antiques that double as interior design elements. xo

English Brass Engraved Dog Collar Dated 1733

This is so wonderful! via

“Silas Shepley

Bullock Smithy Bramhall

If I shou’d miss or lose my way

Kind friend direct me right I pray”

1733

Keeping a Food Diary: Day 3

I finally decided to do something about my nutrition. Reading labels and choosing proper foods has become increasingly difficult for me. Getting the proper about of protein by the end of the day was the biggest puzzle. I searched online for the best food diary and MyFoodDiary was far and away the best one.

I was surprised when I went to download it to see I already had it. I honestly don't remember paying and downloading it but I guess I did so all I had to do was put the app back on my iPhone. I had to do the normal things like get a user name and password, etc. Then I had to put in personal information like weight (ugh), desired weight, height, age, and I don't remember what else. So I did it. Then it told me how many calories I was to consume daily.

Well. I love it. I am supposed to get down to my desired weight in 4 months losing 1 pound a week. But that's not the best part. It turned out to be pretty easy to identify the foods I am eating. There is a barcode scanner for purchased foods. So easy. Then you just have to put in the amount ie: 1 cup, 1 slice, 1 tablespoon, etc. For whole foods like apples, oranges, bananas, avocados. etc. there is a food search. Also very easy. It remembers things you have already scanned too.

The best part is it tracks the nutritional values of the foods consumed. 

I had a smoothie this morning. Here's what I put in my blender: 1 cup unsweetened soy milk, 1 cup greek yogurt, 3/4 cup frozen organic blueberries, one slice canned pineapple in juice with no added sugar, and 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal. Here is the nutritional values for this delicious drink:

Now isn't this wonderful? I have already changed one bad habit. Yesterday I put half and half in my coffee and it was graded a D food. Soy milk is an A graded food so I put two tablespoons in each cup and avoided the bad fat. I hope to get my cholesterol down too thru diet. I'm not even putting an emphasis on losing weight either. I am also trying to increase my bone density without drugs. If the astronauts can increase theirs in 6 weeks after returning to earth, I should be able to increase mine in 9 months when I am due for another bone scan. Fingers crossed.

So far, I have been doing this on my iPhone exclusively but there is also an online website. Learn all about it here. I don't know if there is a charge for online use as with the iPhone app. Wish me luck!!!

Winter Geranium in My Kitchen Window

A geranium in my kitchen that is being rooted in water and blooming! Geraniums are so easy.

Bed in A Sleeping Nook

I really love this bed that is partially recessed into a sleeping nook. I especially like the built-in bookshelf within easy reach. Wish I could see the rest of the room. Have a great Sunday. xo via

Kitten Sheltering Baby Chick

That little chick looks nice and warm, doesn't he? The blue-eyed kitten is beautiful. via

1760 Cape Home in Falmouth Maine

Whitten Architects ~ Portland Maine

Original structure

More views here.

Feeling Sheepish

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Sheep and fog, my two favorite things. This is such a great photo, showing the contrast between congestion and seclusion. Sheep know best! They just keep climbing until there's breathing room.

Shakespeare. 1st Folio Book Tour. USA

I knew about this tour but didn't know when it was happening. Drew University in Madison was selected as the sole New Jersey location and will host the exhibit for a month during the fall of 2016.

Where will this exhibit be shown to your state? Check the full list here. Once you find out the location, you will be able to search for WHEN yourself as I did for Drew. You're welcome!

Wonderful Dining Alcove Park Ave. NYC

Wonderful Breakfast Room in a Park Avenue Apartment

John B. Murray Architect, LLC

Snow Walk Today with Webster

We got a dusting of snow today. Then it stopped.

This isn't going to be like last year, is it?

Sheep on A Slippery Slope

Okay, now what? via

Nice Clouds at My Cottage

Yesterday started out as a rainy day and ended with beautiful clouds on the horizon at sun down. I took this photo from my back balcony. The temperature dropped overnight and it was very windy. I had to pick up some big sticks on Webster's morning walk.

I read an article online that season 7 of Doc Martin is coming to PBS station KCET in California on Thursday, January 14. I'm so jealous. I hope my local station picks it up soon since it's the final season. Boo Hoo.

Sussex Farmhouse Pictorial Hooked Rug and More

Isn't this wonderful pictorial hooked rug fabulous in this English farmhouse? See more interiors of this fabulous residence here. Enjoy Downtown Abbey and Sherlock tonight!!!

Happy Sunday

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My favorite morning.

We had heavy rain all night.

It's supposed to get up to 60 degrees later.

I'm going to an early afternoon movie with a friend.

The Big Short. I've heard it's very good.

It's the true story of the financial crisis of 2008.

Have you seen it?

Country Snow Scene

This is gorgeous.

I think my blood has thinned this year. We've had a very mild winter so far except for a few cold days when I simply couldn't get warm. via

A Little School Fit for A King

Westacre Montessori School UK

First day of Kindergarten for Prince George.

He's only the royal family's second generation to attend a real school. His father was the first at his mother's insistence he mingle with other children. His grandfather, Prince Charles, was educated in a room at the palace with a desk, a chalkboard, and a tutor. Sounds lonely, doesn't it?

I have been reading a lot about the Montessori history and it's absolutely fascinating! Maria Montessori is my new hero. 

Google Images

Floating Sink / Floating Desk

I like this idea of all your stuff in bags. My bathroom drawers are all in a jumble anyway. 

I love this little work space for listening to the radio and daydreaming. Cozy too with the little radiator underneath. photos

On The Prowl

This is a beautiful cat and a beautiful photo. Look at that paw that's on the ground. I see lots of toes! I have always loved this gray color and this kitty is a beauty. via

Miscanthus Hedge

I keep seeing the most amazing photos of this type of hedge and I finally learned the name. 

Miscanthus produces showy copper colored flower plumes in September and brilliant fall gold foliage. This perennial is zone 5 hardy and is both deer resistant and drought proof once established. Make sure to shear back this hedge plant in the spring to about 12” from the ground. This helps to re-energize the plant for the coming season. This sounds perfect, doesn't it? Except for the shearing back part (smile). photo source

Dog Bed in the Kitchen

Yes. The dog bed next to the island is such a nice touch and proof positive that this is not a trophy kitchen. When I first moved to New Jersey, Sister Parish was a noted interior decorator among the rich and famous and her signature was always putting a dog bed in the living room. That impressed me no end. Complete kitchen renovation with numerous photos including this one here.

Furry Friends Forever, Sleeping

If this isn't the picture of pure contentment, I don't know what is. Don't you love the dog's back leg thrown over the cat? via

Looking for a way to boost your protein intake at breakfast? I am. This one is my favorite for those mornings I'm rushing out the door. I always forget about the amazing amount of protein in cottage cheese. Pot style is my favorite. Other breakfast ideas here and here. Healthy eating when you first rise in the morning is so important. Good luck!

Envelope Art

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I am so glad this lovely 1887 painting survived the post and was saved by the lucky recipient. 

Winter Bluebirds

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I definitely have winter bluebirds but I can't recall ever seeing them in the snow. Isn't this a great photograph?!

Sherlock New Year's Special 2016

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I have to watch Sherlock again, this time on my iPad, really up close and personal. I fell asleep toward the end last night and missed quite a lot. When I watch the full episode online, I will be able to read the writing that pops up now and again in the program that I can't read while watching in bed because my tv screen isn't big enough. I'm sure others must have the same problem. I won't have any trouble with my iPad. I love watching movies on it too. The full episode won't be available on PBS.org until January 11th.

Vermont Farmhouse at Twilight

You know I love a house photo with all the lights on inside and the porch light too. Nothing is more inviting or beautiful. A little snow is the icing on the cake. via

SHERLOCK Special TONIGHT on PBS 9PM

MASTERPIECE and PBS today announced that Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, a 90-minute special, will premiere Friday, January 1, 2016, on MASTERPIECE Mystery! on PBS at 9:00pm ET, and simultaneously online at pbs.org/masterpiece. The special will have an encore broadcast on Sunday, January 10, at 10:00pm ET.

Hooray. I almost forgot about this because it's a Friday night rather than a Sunday night. Set your DVR.

Delicious White Kitchen w/ Stainless Butler's Sink

White marble countertops and a fabulous farm sink with towel rack! Yes to all. Love the leaded window above the cafe curtains. via

Donkey with Dolan Lamb Papoose

These are the world's most expensive sheep, costing in the millions each, being purchased by wealthy Chinese as pets. Better not let their feet touch the ground until these rare lambs can travel in a pack and not get hurt! Read more about Dolan Sheep here and here. photo source

New Year's Fireworks

This is my favorite animated gif.

I post it every year.

I text it to my friends too.

It's fun to have on your phone.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Filled with good health and good friends.

2016 ~ Bring it on!