My Staffordshire Transferware Punchbowl

The inside decoration on my huge Staffordshire punchbowl is every bit as fancy as the outside. The wide banding is repeated on the interior as well.

This transfer is on the bottom of the bowl's interior.

I'm wrapping up the semi-final stage of a real estate transaction today so all parties can breathe a sigh of relief and get on with their lives until early next year when we close. I don't know which end is more stressful, the buying end or the selling end. I'm on the happy side, representing first-home buyers. I'm really shocked at how busy we are for this time of year. It's a good sign for the economy and I'm proud to be helping. 

Sunset Sky at My Cottage Today

I almost missed this evening's fiery sky. I no sooner raised my window, leaned out to take the photo, and it was gone. This is where the sun rises every morning to the left so this is the reflection of the sunset taking place in front of the cottage. I can't see a true sunset because of tall trees. The weather has been so strange lately and now they are saying Sunday will be 66° which is at least 20° above normal. So much for a White Christmas. I know so many people who will be traveling on Christmas Day, I can't say I'm sorry. I'm glad they will probably have good weather for flying or driving. Fingers crossed.

Moon Over Manhattan - animated gif

Moon over Manhattan. via

Tonight we will have a waning Gibbous moon in Cancer with the sun in Sagittarius. It's all very complicated and interesting, isn't it? See the current moon calendar here. I don't really follow the astrological signs but plenty of people do. My mother used to be a dental assistant and one patient wouldn't have any dental work done if the sign was in the head. See the Medical Astrology chart here.

Dogs afraid to pass the cat.

Click here if you can't see video below.

We have the same problem here at the cottage but it has gotten slightly better over the years. Webster and Tabitha go out together first thing in the morning. Tabitha likes to go first and swat Webster when he scoots by. She used to hiss too but doesn't anymore. Actually, lately she's not even swatting. She usually comes back first to eat. Webster won't come in the house unless I stand in front of her, as the cat food dish is in the vestibule. I'm happy to see this problem exists in other households too. Poor dogs, they are so respectfully cautious of the cats they live with, letting them rule the roost. Webster too.

Beach Christmas Tree

First you have to find a starfish. The rest is easy. I love it, don't you? via

Tartan Love

Royal Stewart Tartan and Christmas are perfect together. via

Full Moon Outside My Bedroom Window

Happy Full Moon in Gemini December 17, 2013

I had to pull my bedroom curtains behind my head to prevent window glare. Instead I got blue and white check reflection. Oh, well. XO

Tawny Frogmouth: Watch baby bird grow

Watch this little bird grow at the St. Louis Zoo.

Click here to see more still photos from the moment she hatched through one month of growth. The video is on the website too in case you can't see the one above. She looks like an owl but isn't. Read more about this species from the Australian mainland, Tasmania and southern New Guinea here.