Monday, December 27, 2010

Snow Day At The Cottage


This was Webster last night after we shoveled the walk.


Making yellow show on the walk this morning.
The snow had drifted over the bluestone path in the high wind.


Have a seat and stay a while.


I still have to clean my car and shovel around it.


Looking at the roof from my kitchen.


There is a boxwood under this mound.


The wreath has been decorated by Mother Nature.
The wind is howling and the snow has drifted. I still haven't been outside but must venture out and shovel pretty soon. My living room floor was covered with fine ashes from the fireplace due to the high winds and down drafts. I had to leave the flue open because the embers were still glowing when I went to bed. All in all I think we got off pretty easy. I live on a county road that gets plowed very regularly. Various friends can't say the same. The roads maintained by the small towns around here are often quite treacherous. Be safe and stay warm. See you later.


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Sunday, December 26, 2010

107 Recipes For Favorite Restaurant Dishes

Recipe #20 Oceanaire Seafood Room's Maryland-style crab cakes. I like this recipe because these crab cakes are baked, not fried.

Here is the link for all 107 Recipes.

I loved Recipe #14 for Strawberry Coconut Cake too.

Have fun clicking (and drooling) through all the photos.
Source: Los Angeles Times


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The Day After Christmas + Snow

Enjoying my wireless access in front of the fire. It's nice to be untethered. Thick wool socks and flannel-lined jeans complete this picture of contentment.

The blizzard has begun and I don't even care. I'm as snug as a bug in a rug. Here's hoping you are too. Be careful if you have to be out in it.


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National Gingerbread House Competition



The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC was the site for the 2010 National Gingerbread House Competition. Can you believe the creations in the three photos above are made from gingerbread? The contest wasn't limited to houses as you can see. Click here to see more delightful pictures of the winning entries in all age groups. Aren't they simply awesome?


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Saturday, December 25, 2010

My Wish for You This Christmas

Shakespeare said it best. "Health, Peace, and sweet content be yours." On Christmas and throughout the coming New Year.

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Yule Log with Music ~ Merry Christmas




MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY! There is also a fabulous Yule Log playing on WPIX on your TV set with traditional Christmas Music. Channel 11 in the NY area. I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas.


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Friday, December 24, 2010

Holiday Botanical Bedroom

Wouldn't this be the perfect bedroom to sleep in tonight? I love the Holiday Botanical bedding.


Both images: Pottery Barn
I still have a few presents to wrap and some dishes to make ahead of time for tomorrow. I can't wait until I can jump in bed and cover my head to wait for Christmas morning. Goodnight all. Merry Christmas!


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God Bless Us Every One

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, 1843. Illustration by Jessie Wilcox Smith. I made this illustrated quote last year and I still love it.

I have already set my DVR to record BBC America's Christmas Special Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol I'm a big fan of time travel and Dr. Who The Doctor. I know this broadcast on Christmas Night 12/25 at 9pm will be wonderful. "Time Can Be Rewritten, People Can't." You can watch a trailer if you click on the link.


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Architecture + Christmas Lights = Beautiful

I've never seen a more beautiful photograph of an architectural masterpiece outlined with Christmas lights. via I'm a total failure in this department. Mine are in a big wad in a bag in the closet.


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Christmas Eve Morning Breakfast

This hearty breakfast should take me through until lunch. Bottom layer is half a banana sliced, topped with steel cut oats cooked with black raisins, topped with whole milk European style yogurt from Trader Joe's, topped with pomegranate seeds. It was delicious. My mother loved hers too. See you later.

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

A Little Last-Minute Shopping

Even Santa isn't finished so don't feel bad if you still have gifts to buy. via


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Merry Christmas from A Little Bird

I took this photo last year of a little house wren peeking from one of my bird boxes. I added the Christmas overlay to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas.


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Windmill ~ North Rhine Germany

Such a wonderful photo: Windmill ~ Vlotho, North Rhine, Germany via


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Skarhamn, Vastra Gotaland, Sweden


This spot looks beautiful any time of day, doesn't it? I've never been to Sweden but I enjoy armchair travels there. I'm pretty refreshed and feeling powerful today since I slept the clock around last night. See you later.


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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Winter in Belgium

This winter scene in Belgium looks like a picture postcard, doesn't it? Photographed by Albena Markova


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