Nanking Sauceboat c.1750 with Repairs

 

 

I have had the most fun recently viewing a wonderful blog devoted to repaired ceramics called Past Imperfect, The Art of Inventive Repair. Dealer/collector Andrew Baseman is especially fond of pieces with more than one form of early repair. This Chinese porcelain sauceboat has a metal replacement handle as its first repair. When it was dropped a second time, an 18th century china mender applied 9 metal staples. I have always been fascinated by these make-do repairs, the ultimate in early recycling.

Traditional Home

Whitestone Builders. Very nice for a new house. Not too big either.

Cute Puppy Warning

 

Can you smell my puppy breath? Wink.

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Weeds, Woods and Snow

Walk and nap. That's what dogs do best, isn't it? I couldn't get a good shot of Webster and Henry playing in the snow so I took a few woodland photos. It has been a gray, overcast, lazy day. Very enjoyable too. My new year's resolution is to do one thing I hate daily, no matter how small. This translates into housework mostly. Maybe I'll strip the bed and put on fresh linens. Different linens too...not just washing and drying the ones that are on there now. That way I'll get the wonderful reward of sleeping between cool, crisp white sheets piled high with blankets.

My Books

Nothing earth shattering. Just playing around with my iPhone trying to master the Camera+ App. As you can see by the dots on the shelf, this was taken in a very low light situation. 

I woke up with this.

Dogs were barking and a cat was meowing but I really didn't want to leave my warm nest this morning. It was so cozy. I hope I'm not entering the New Year on the wrong foot. Everybody has been walked and fed and I have my coffee, so all's right with the world. Happy 2013! via

Best Fireplace Ever

Put me in that leather chair and let me toast myself in front of that wonderful fireplace! I would move the chess board so I could put my feet on the ottoman. I do love this room in a 15th century gatehouse in the Dordogne region of France. Tour here.

Welcoming 2013

Can't think of anything you want to change next year? Try the New Year's Resolution Generator.

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and may each New Year find you a better man." Benjamin Franklin