Bear Christmas Tree at Hamburg Zoo

She has her eye on something at the top.

What a great idea. 

View more charming photos of this particular bear here. See more photos of this mother brown bear and her three cubs feeding here.

Nut Pie Crusts - Who Knew?

I read an interesting article about last minute pies at Food and Wine magazine online.

I have never heard of these nut crusts that are shelf stable, have you? I always use frozen pie crusts but my freezer is jam packed right now and can't hold one more item. These prepared nut crusts might be the answer to my problem. I must look for them the next time I go food shopping. Both photos by Sarah Crowder.

Small Garden w/ Greenhouse + Washing Maching Update

This small but mighty garden is so special. There is something to oooh and ahhh over everywhere you rest your eyes. I cannot believe there is even a sizable greenhouse behind the dahlias. A tall wooden privacy fence, assorted picket fences, pea gravel paths, raised beds herbs, flowers, lawn brick patio, etc. Too many amenities to list! Swoon. Found here.

Washing Machine Update: I washed two woolen sweaters by hand in the kitchen sink this morning. It was quick work and I folded them somewhat and took them downstairs to my laundry room and put them soaking wet in my new Maytag washer. I set the dial to "drain and spin" and walked away. I was very pleased at how nearly dry they were. I always take my window screens out for the winter because they block so much light. I put a screen atop each of two wooden drying racks in my furnace room and put a terry towel atop each one. I took a while to arrange them and reblock them somewhat and to pat and shake out the wrinkles.  I went back downstairs after a couple of hours and they had already begun to dry. I shook each one and turned them over. I was afraid to use the handwash cycle but am quite pleased with hand washing them myself. If you try this make sure you have two or more items for balance in the spin cycle rather than just one.

Nature's Christmas

How darling! via

Anne Anderson, “The Busy Bunny Book” illustration, 1916 (by Anne Anderson and Alan Wright)

Happy Christmas by Beatrix Potter

A Happy Christmas to You

The greeting is very faint and Beatrix Potter signed this rare watercolor with her initials only HBP circa 1890. This rabbit family is getting ready to enjoy their Christmas Pudding! See the full-size image and read the provenance ©Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Radiator Tray for Brass Candlestick Collection

Notice the unintended self portrait reflected in the watercolor above the tray. I picked up this old tin tray in the garage at a nearby estate sale about a month ago. I intended to use it under potted plants being overwintered indoors but it turned out to be a perfect fit atop a living room radiator. So now it is the perfect container for brass candlesticks that were scattered here and there. The heat won't harm them either. I am so pleased with my $2.00 purchase! Smile.

Evergreens and Pinecones

This flat lay arrangement is quite beautiful, agreed? via

Weeds in First Snow

Everything looks better with snow on top, even a field of weeds.

I have been clearing my field of weeds by hand and it has been easier than I thought. The first two days, I just used my hand clippers and it was slow going. The third day I employed my electric hedge clippers and it was brilliant as the Brits say. I went over what I had cleared with my mulching lawn mower too. I am determined to whack them all down if it takes all winter and it probably will. Unfortunately the first snow of the season has called this project to a screeching halt. 

Now the weeds are bent over instead of standing tall. I will have to wait until everything melts before I can go back with an electric device but I can still do hand work. It looks like a real winter wonderland and the flakes won't be stopping until after midnight. My heart goes out to all the travelers trying to get home after the Thanksgiving holiday. My problem will wait until next week with temps in the 50s and rain. Be safe. Wishing you all snugness in your own homes. xo