Old Tools are The Best Tools

I buy all my tools at garage sales and estate sales. They are almost always American made and reasonably priced. Used but not abused! 

via google images

Snow Cat

Yes, it's safe to come out now. It snowed all day long at my house yesterday and somehow amounted to nothing. I would say I have 2 inches of powder this morning. I was able to sweep my walk when it quit last night with a stiff broom. I cleaned off my car too. I know most of you were not this lucky and I hope you have the same cloudless blue sky that I have to dig yourself out Sunday morning. xo

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Unseen Corner of My Pantry Office

This is the corner to the left of my Dutch door going into the home office in my pantry. The back window overlooks my red barn garage. I found the little cork board before Christmas and the window with the bicycle was blank and the glass had become dislodged behind the cork. I added the bicycle graphic that I had always loved and was already printed and ready to go. I organized my favorite things and several appointments on both boards yesterday. I am going to deal with little things like this that I have been sweeping under the rug. So Happy. We have light snow this morning and I need to go out before it gets any worse. Have a great weekend. Stay warm and good luck with the snow at your house. xo

Staffordshire Lamp: Thrift Shop Find

This delightful pair of Royals wearing Prince of Wales Feathers in their hats were waiting for me yesterday when I popped into a thrift shop to drop off some donations. I put this photo on Instagram yesterday.

It amuses me that my iPhone tried to do face recognition on the man. Don't you love the little dog the girl is holding? So happy. I bought a pair of blue silk shades ages ago at a house sale and finally found the proper base for one. The proportions are absolutely perfect too.

Darling Pair

My heart just melted. via

1929 Two Story Brick House from Sears with Floor Plans

I like this 1929 brick two story house too, back when the family room and the living room were one and the same. It appears, there is only one bathroom and it's upstairs. That is considered to be a huge drawback when trying to sell a house with this drawback nowadays. But people managed back then and I think families were closer. via

1929 Brick English Cottage w/ Floor Plans from Sears

Every once in a great while, I have the privilege of touring one of these old cottages built from plans and kits available from Sears. I always love them too. via

Just Enough Snow

I do love a light snow.

Just a dusting.

Enough to add beauty but no danger.

This one is perfect!

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The Queen on Horseback

This must be a happy time for her because she can leave her purse behind. (smile) via

Wonderful Cottage in Dallas, Texas

‘Hanover’
Isler Homes, general contractors, Dallas, TX.

I am in love with this stone  cottage with a slate roof and a walled front yard! via

The Most Wonderful Laundry Room

I do love a stacked washer and dryer! ‘Cottonwood.’ Jackson and LeRoy, home builders, Salt Lake City, UT. via

Favorite Wintery Things

Isn't this delightful?

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Hello January, Hello 2017

Vintage New Year's Greeting

Wishing you all good things for 2017

via Google Images

Best Nine Photos of 2016

The winner!

I put the first group on Instagram

It was fun to look back at old photos and try to choose favorites. I like the first group better because it has a couple from my cottage. I wanted to see both groupings together before I made a final decision. 

Happy New Year everyone.

Happy New Year 2017

Wishing all of my friends and followers a Happy and Healthy New Year! Your health is your wealth, so may you prosper with healthy days all year long in 2017 and beyond.

Circa 1720 House in Virginia Beach VA

This looks just about perfect, doesn't it?

Adam Thoroughgood House, ca. 1720
Virginia Beach, VA
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The Little Prince on Grownups

One of my favorite books.

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The Dog Wants to Go Out

HaHa. So funny. This made me laugh out loud. via

50 Shades of Green

Maidenhair Fern -- So Gorgeous!

image source

Unique Door Wreath

Looking for something different to decorate your door? Click here to see seven (7) unique and very imaginative wreaths.

Hoar Frost in England with Chickens

Free range chickens in Derbyshire, England. via

Bunny Antlers

Here is your smile for the day. So cute! via

Antiques in A Master Bath

View the rest of this wonderful restoration in Architectural Digest

Dogs Wearing Their Christmas Sweaters

They look beautiful in their Christmas sweaters in Santa, don't they? via

Christmas Tree Woodcut

It's still Christmas and not too late for one more post. via My Christmas was wonderful and I hope yours was too.

The Knitting Gnome

The rush is over and it's time to put down your needles and enjoy Christmas Day. My friend Jill sent this darling gif to my phone last night. Love it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Falling Snow at a Boston Post Office

The United States Post Office did a great job this year, didn't they? The Charles Street Station branch in Boston is quite lovely, especially with snow. via

Will You Have a White Christmas?

My weather for Christmas Eve is cold and clear. I'll take it! via

Cat Mesmerized by an Open Fire

Open fires affect me this way too. There is just something about getting lost in thought while staring into the flames. via

A Book Lover's Bedroom

This bedroom has my seal of approval. via

Happy Christmas: Beatrix Potter 1890

Rare original watercolor by Beatrix Potter, 1890

A happy Christmas to you.

My sentiments exactly.

I blogged about this bunny family gathered around the table to enjoy their Christmas pudding several years ago. I worked on the old photo so it would stand out more than the faded original in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. View the provenance and the museum's copy here. I love the little chairs and the way the bunnies are sitting in them. And those bibs!

Fluffy Baby Owls

Here is your smile for the day:

Aren't they the cutest owlets ever? via

Country Kitchen w/ Copper Pots

I am not actually looking for these kitchens with copper pots. They just keep finding me!

This one found me and begged to be posted. I thought it was worthy so here you have it. I love the overhead light fixture too. via

Well Done - Quote

Yes.

Well Done is Better!

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Pink Fog at My Cottage This Morning

I woke up early this morning and my bedroom was enveloped in pink. I hopped out of bed, grabbed my Nikon, and captured this rare pink fog. This photo is right out of the camera with no filters. It was probably the result of the refracted color of the sunrise bouncing off the morning fog. It didn't last long before turning to the normal gray. I'm happy I woke up just in the nick of time. Maybe I'll have purple rain later (smile).

Kitchen Full of Copper Pots WOW

Have You Ever?

So many copper pots and cooking utensils. I'm glad they are all on display too. If you've got them, flaunt them. I love the open step-back cupboard and everything else in this amazing kitchen. via

Farmhouse Decorated for Christmas

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Simple and nice. I love a house photo with all of the inside lights burning bright.

Copper Pots in Home Decor

Beautiful copper pots and lids hanging from old beams in a kitchen.

This must be the back entrance into a kitchen. Copper cookware hanging and displayed everywhere. Wow. Both photos from Architectural Digest.

Tartan Books and Staffordshire Dogs

Tartan Book Jackets and Staffordshire Dalmations! This photo made my morning. via

Meg Ryan's Great Farm Table in Loft Kitchen

This kitchen is in a NYC loft. Love the table and open cupboards. via A little country in the city is always a nice touch to soften the industrial pipes overhead.

Thank you to a reader ( francetaste ) for telling me this is the NYC loft belonging to Meg Ryan. I found the link so we can see inside! Here it is on Architectural Digest. Go inside Meg Ryan's New York City loft.