101 Thanksgiving Dishes To Make Ahead

For most cooks, Thanksgiving problems are brought about by the sheer number of dishes competing for the stove. It’s not easy to roast a turkey and bake sweet potatoes for 20 at the same time. The best solution is to prepare what you can in advance, like any of the 101 dishes by Mark Bittman that follow. Read more ~ full article from The New York Times. Here's hoping you have an extra refrigerator or at least a super large one! Happy cooking. Rosemary

Air Freshener Spray Recipe ~ Vanilla and Cloves

I made some of this DIY air freshener yesterday and it smells wonderful. I couldn't wait for it to cool so I could spray my whole house. I didn't strain mine but left the whole cloves in the bottom of the spray bottle and surprisingly it didn't clog. I love the smell of cloves and figured if I left them in the solution, their aroma will become stronger. The solution is a nut-brown color and I've been spraying it on my wood floors to wipe up spills. I sprayed it on my farm table to clean it too. I lightly spayed my dust cloth as well. It must have some cleaning capabilities because of the vinegar so I'm calling it an all-purpose spray. You can't believe how fresh and clean my house smells. I'm so happy! Chances are you have all the ingredients on hand right now: water, vinegar, vanilla, and cloves. Make some and let me know how you like it. Found at TipNut
Thanks for stopping by the cottage, Rosemary.




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Life Is For Satisfaction | Thoreau

Maxham daguerreotype of Henry David Thoreau made in 1856.

November Bluebirds At The Cottage

I never fail to be thrilled when seeing bluebirds on my property. These photos were taken yesterday morning through window glass and screens. I dared not open a window or a door for fear they would fly away. There were quite a few flying around everywhere checking out the accommodations for spring nesting season. I am overjoyed that my camera was handy! Bluebirds in November are a wonderful preview of what's to come in the spring. Aren't you happy for me? Have a great Friday. It is absolutely beautiful here today after an overnight rain. Rosemary

Scarborough Fair by Simon and Garfunkel with Historical Videos

This English folk song dates back to late medieval times when the seaside resort of Scarborough was an important venue for tradesmen from all over England. Founded nearly 800 years ago, Scarborough Fair was a 45-day trading event that originated from a charter granted by King Henry III of England on 22 January 1253. The author of the following video used images from the illuminated manuscript 'Book of Hours' to tell the story along with baroque paintings by Vermeer and Van Ecke. I'm sorry it isn't in HD but it's still wonderful.



Watch this one too if you have time. I loved reading the lyrics as I listened to Simon and Garfunkel sing them.


Thanks for stopping by the cottage for some music mixed with some medieval history. Rosemary

Rolling Garden Benches | An Antique Finally Reproduced in England

The last picture is my dream rolling garden bench scanned from one of my out-of-print books. The three new ones above are available from Andrew Crace, English Garden Furniture. A nice reader of my blog bought one in England (he lives there) and forwarded the site to me. I have such nice subscribers! I can't even imagine how much it would cost to ship one to my house. Maybe they will send me one in exchange for this free advertising. HaHa ~ another thing to dream about. Click on the first link to read my original post with some history of the antique bench. Click on the second link to learn more about the fabulous bespoke reproductions. These are not designed to roll about with people sitting in them. The wheelbarrow design makes them easy to move so you can mow under them. I still want one before I die. Rosemary

William Arthur Ward Inspirational Quote

I scanned the acorn engraving from my favorite antiquarian book on Royal Crests.

Have a wonderful day. It is still beautiful and very mild in NJ. I hope to get all of the outdoor furniture stored in the barn, rake the remaining leaves, give the front a final mowing, and then I'll be ready to nest for the winter. Wish me luck. - Rosemary

Four Bundles of Laughter to Brighten Your Day

I don't know where I found this but I just had to post it. You should bookmark this video and watch it every time you need a bad day cure. You simply can't watch it and keep a straight face. How does this couple get anything done? Wouldn't you just want to play with these beautiful happy babies all day long? Too cute. Laughter really is contagious, isn't it? -Rosemary