After and Before from Country Living

I thought I'd shake things up and show you the after project first. From Country Living Magazine.

This is what the house looked like three years before the above photo was taken. That's how long the restoration took. I can't find a link to show you what it looked like inside. These photos were on Instagram today. You can't beat good bones, can you. Like the before, love the after.

The snow I had this morning quit by noon and didn't amount to much, thank goodness!

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 69

A few more suggestions, observations, and reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life.

745. This is a good one and not that easy to do for some people.

Oh No, SNOW

It just started and it's coming down hard. Big flakes too. They say it will quit in a few hours and I hope they are right. Will keep you posted. This is a view looking North into the woods outside the guest room Tabitha's window. xo

Red Barn Complex with Windmill

I took this photo yesterday with my iPhone without my feet touching the ground. Yes, I was in my car! This delightful farm is near my cottage and I never tire of driving past. I had been taking a few pictures at The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and had to drive by this pastoral setting coming and going. It was on the driver side on my way home. It has everything, doesn't it? A partially frozen pond with an aerating fountain in the center that is actively working in spite of the cold weather. Look closely and you will see the spray. I especially love the windmill and the long barn complex is fabulous. Swoon. I put this on Instagram too but the top and bottom were cropped because of the square format used there. 

We had a gray day up until just recently. I was sure it was going to snow but it never did. It's still being forecast for tomorrow morning but just a dusting. I've got my TV evening all set up. It's PBS all night -- Pie in The Sky, Father Brown, Scott and Bailey. I'm looking forward to all three English programs. Can't wait! xo

Great Swamp Stream Yesterday

I took this photo yesterday in the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge not far from my house. It was one of the best winter days ever! Today is gray and overcast as we await more snow. Say it isn't so. I don't think it will be a significant snowfall, fingers crossed. I don't think I have much more shoveling in me. See you later. xo

Old Narragansett Church

This is one of the oldest churches in America, located in Wickford, Rhode Island. The church congregation was founded in 1706 as St. Paul's Church and was established by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. The church building was constructed in 1707. The church contains box pews, a balcony, and an organ built in 1680 by Bernard Smith, which is among the oldest organs still used in services in the United States. The portraitist, Gilbert Stuart, was baptized in Old Narragansett Church in 1756. Howie Guja photo

Winslow Homer - Happy Birthday

Flower Garden and Bungalow, Bermuda 1899

Winslow Homer (American 1836-1910). He was considered to be one of the greatest painters of the 19th century. Photo Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Great Sky at My Cottage Recently

The cloud machine was working last week. I got this shot just before the sun went down. How did you like Downton Abbey last night? What a great ending. I won't spoil it for those of you who didn't or haven't watched yet. They really featured every character, didn't they? xo