"Girls Are Like Apples" | Pete Wentz

My photograph, his quote. Please send this to every young girl and boy that you know. ~Rosemary

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Life's Little Instruction Book, page 142 and more

I almost never rush into making a decision, especially if its major. I only have real maple syrup in my refrigerator. The other stuff is just flavored high fructose corn syrup. I could really use one of those antique bookstands like the one in the classroom full of old desks. The last photo is called Nature's Fireworks. Thanks for stopping by the cottage for your daily dose of inspiration. ~Rosemary

Cate Blanchette on Cover of December American Vogue

Cate Blanchette is a good reason to go out and buy the December issue of American Vogue. Don't you agree? She's one of my very favorite actors. I have to admit I prefer calling her an actress or is that politically incorrect these days? ~Rosemary
photo credit

Delightful Catskill Farmhouse

Don't you love this renovated Catskill farmhouse that a painter has filled with vignettes, created by pairing objects old and new, high with low. View more photos by Tony Cenicola via The New York Times slideshow. Enjoy!

My weekend was wonderful. How was yours? I took Webster and Tabitha to the free rabies clinic and they were so good. Can't say the same for some of the other animals though. Now they are set for another three years. I am so glad I remembered the date. I went to a house contents sale just up the road and everyone was talking about a rabid raccoon that was staggering around in broad daylight. The authorities had been called but hadn't arrived. Thankfully, I didn't see the sick animal. ~Rosemary

Albert Einstein Favored The Simple Life

As I continue to clean and purge, organize and rethink, recycle and donate, downsize and resisist the urge to buy more, I am so very inspired by the clear thinking of Albert Einstein. ~Rosemary

New Jersey's Natirar Farm Launched by Sir Richard Branson

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE, NJ -- Take the international influence of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin trademark, a 100-year-old estate in central New Jersey, two young organic farmers from Vermont, and a culinary school -- and you get the beginnings of a farm-to-fork enterprise -- The Farm at Natirar. Sounds like something Alice Waters would embrace.

The World-Class Resort & Spa + Cooking & Wine Schools debut at the restored 1912 estate formerly owned by the King of Morocco who never spent one night there. Read full press release here.

We locals refer to this estate as the Kate Macy Ladd Convalescent Home. Natirar is Raritan spelled backwards after the Raritan River which runs through the property. Malcolm Forbes was instrumental in the sale of this landmark to the King of Morocco. A large portion of the undeveloped land is now Somerset County parkland. It's wonderful that this beautiful landscape is preserved open space with walking trails that are open to the public.

This is quite something for this beautiful part of the NJ countryside where Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had a country home and rode with the hunt on these very grounds. I used to ride my bike past Natirar in the early 1970s when I lived nearby. I am sure everyone involved is very worried about the economic conditions and the timing of this opening which is long overdue. Time will tell. Have a great weekend. 

Royal Mail Stamps Will Feature Classic British Record Album Covers

Next year the Royal Mail will launch its stamp programme (oh how I love British spelling) with a set of ten 1st class stamps designed by Studio Dempsey that celebrate classic British album covers. Read more.
I think these stamps are cool, don't you? ♥Rosemary

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Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have a great Saturday. The ground is completely covered with a thick frost that is sparkling as the sun hits it. I think Mother Nature is finally bringing on the colder weather. Enjoy your day. ♥Rosemary