Pennsylvania Stone Farmhouses in the Brandywine Valley

The 1725 John Chad House has traditional pent eaves between the stories. I've never seen this feature in person but it looks quite wonderful in this photo. 

The brick 1724 Abiah Taylor House, near West Chester, has an unusual second-floor balcony in the center of the pent roof, and restored casement windows. The 1995 frame wing at right was added by architect John Milner, a leader in the continuing farmhouse tradition. These two photos came from this fascinating article.

Farmhouse Love

This is a drive-by photo of the farmhouse that goes with the green barns. It is painted pale yellow. The farm buildings I featured yesterday are to the far left with a good bit of yard between the house and the shed. The previous owners had chickens. I hope the new owners do too. We had a glorious day yesterday as you can see from the beautiful blue sky.

One rooster and five hens.

This is a photo I took inside the barn of the beautiful white rooster. See other photos of the old owners' poultry here.

New Green Paint on Barns and Shed

I was so busy having my own house painted last year, I completely missed these barns and shed getting a new look. The last time I saw them the little on on the right was white and the two bigger barns were brown. The property has changed hands and the new owners are making it their own.

Red Cedar Shingles aged to Brown on Barns

Garden Shed

Old photo of the complex as seen from the house.

Restoring the Cupola

This takes my breath away.

There is a whole complex of old buildings that look like Old England around the corner from me. New roofs are going on all. These guys on the peak of the cupola are so brave and surefooted. I am always amazed at people who can do this since I have a fear of heights!!!

My New Jersey Woods

It's going to be 60° today so the melting will continue.

I have an office meeting this morning. I dare not hope for another open house tour like the stone house last week. You ca be sure I'll take you along if there is anything interesting.

This is the morning sky I looked out upon while I was waiting for my coffee to finish brewing.

My Cottage at Dusk Today

Well, I made it through the first full day of Daylight Saving Time. The sun was going down and casting nice shadows on the front of my cottage. I wanted you to see that the snow on my roof is melting nicely on all 5 levels. You really can't see the one to the right of the front door. I think I take my wreath off the door tomorrow. I keep meaning to but kept putting it off. I can get to the garage now so that's on my list to do tomorrow.

The Wonder Dog is happy he got to go all the way to the deep end of the property today. Good night and sleep tight. xo

Ha Ha -- Fake Snow

I just signed up for Google+ and downloaded the iPhone App so I could upload photos to my blog directly from my phone. I had something called "Auto Awesome" checked and this is what I got. Hey, who knows what else auto awesome does? We'll soon find out. I took this photo just a few minutes ago when the Wonder Dog and I trudged thru the deep snow to get to the way back. The sun was going down and it was nice. I've polenta bubbling on the stove for my dinner. Love it creamy style with tomato sauce and grated cheese on top. Yum. I love being able to post photos directly from my phone. 

Self Portrait Marie-Denise Villers 1801

This Marie-Denise Villers painting, which may be a self-portrait, was once attributed to Jacques-Louis David. Marie-Denise Villers (French, 1774–1821). Charlotte du Val d'Ognes (died 1868), 1801. She's lovely, isn't she? Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art