Apple Slices

Don't you love the perfect stars inside an apple? I don't often slice them this way but today I did.

My pan was still hot after I cooked a scallion pancake from Trader Joe's, so I threw in some apple slices for a quick, hot, top-of-the-stove "baked" apple. It was sooooo good! Have a good evening and a great weekend. xo

New Discovery at My Cottage

I am so happy to get reacquainted with this large wooden charger.

It's perfect in the center of my large farm table in my kitchen. It has been on top of the downstairs refrigerator since 2004 when I moved in. I cleaned out that fridge a couple of weeks ago and washed it down inside and out. Now the charger has a place of honor again instead of being stashed in an unseen place. I've been doing all sorts of rearranging lately and it's nice to see my things with new eyes. I had one of these ripe bananas in a smoothie this morning with soy milk, chia seeds, a blob of peanut butter, and a few ice cubes. It was delicious. my iphone photo

The Woods are Green Again

The amazing skunk cabbage is getting huge and is on its way to covering the entire floor of the wetlands in my woods. I love it. It's almost time for me to jump in bed to watch TV. Have a great evening. xo

Mad about Plaid

I love this and the history behind it.

The Duke of Windsor’s Hermes Plaid Satchel.

A Christmas gift from Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, to her husband in 1941.

Nosegay of Violets from my Lawn

Every year I have these beautiful wild violets, growing profusely in my front lawn, as an excuse for putting off the first mowing. All of my neighbors have cut theirs had theirs cut twice already. Mine is hidden from view by a brick wall and I'm going to wait as long as I can before I crank up my push mower. Aren't they gorgeous? Today it's dark and rainy and I'm doing indoor chores. Have a great day. xo

Tabitha Loves to Eat Outside

Now that the weather is getting nicer, she likes for me to put her bowl outside so she can snack whenever she feels like it.

Enjoy your evening. There's nothing on TV tonight so I will watch some recorded programs. xo

Blairsden: Peapack-Gladstone NJ Mansion in May 2014

It was a beautiful day yesterday, perfect for touring this grand mansion to benefit two important medical causes for children at Morristown Medical Center. Online tour and more here. my photo

Garden in Bloom at Blairsden

Walled garden at a designer showcase house I attended today. my photo