Playing House

I moved my bargain shelf to a new location in the living room and staged the shelves over the weekend. Much happier now. I polished all of my silver trophies too. Slowly but surely, I'm getting things spiffy again! The black tole lampshade for my candlestick lamp is a new acquisition. I think it's perfect, don't you. I was thrilled to find it for $3.00! [my photo]

Tabitha Says Hello

Her eyes look so much greener when she's stretched out on a apple green cashmere sweater in the bedroom. She has the best taste. 

[my iphone photo]

Log Cabin in the Snow

This looks like the perfect place to be snowed in, doesn't it? via

Beatrix Potter Original Drawing: The Mice Hear Simpkin Outside

click image to enlarge

This delightful ink and watercolor on paper circa 1902 is in the Tate Gallery in London. Simpkin is the Tailer of Gloucester's cat. He rescued these mice from under a teacup where Simpkin had hidden them and out of gratitude they are helping him finish a waistcoat for the mayor's wedding on Christmas Day. Beatrix Potter based her story on a true happening in Gloucester...read more here.
The Tate has 22 of Beatrix Potter's illustrations from her second book which she declared was her favorite. They were presented to the museum in 1946 by the artist's executor .. read more here.
Read the entire book free online compliments of Project Gutenberg eBook

Bird in Bad Weather

It is very sloppy outside today. It is drizzling rain on top of the snow. This photo reminds me that I must pick up some bird seed after my dental appointment this morning. via

The Icicles are Gone.

 

These long icicles quickly melted this morning. At one point the sky was almost navy blue. What a change from yesterday. Mother Nature can be so fickle.

NOTE: Downton Abbey is two hours long tonight. Set your DVR accordingly. Can't wait!

my iphone photo

Chanhassen Cottage -- Office for Two

Traditional Home Office design by Minneapolis Design-build Highmark Builders

Chanhassen Cottage: Click for a complete tour. This office for two is very nice. I'll take the side with the full window so I can daydream instead of working on my taxes.

Sunday Morning Blues

Fooled you, didn't I? There is nothing sad about this delightful scene and it would be the perfect place to spend a nice Sunday morning. I have always loved big blue and white checks in wool. Enjoy your day. via

I Agree.

Tell that to the economists. I love this Bill Hicks quote. via

Aftermath of the Snow at My Cottage

My backyard this morning thru the screen on the bedroom window.

Tabitha's way of dealing with deep snow. I'm still in my pajamas thinking more seriously about getting out in this white stuff soon. Webster is fast asleep in a sunny spot on my bed. We are all lazy together. See you later.

Snow on My Sundial

This is just outside my front door. It is rather protected from the wind here so this is the best representation of the snow we got overnight and all day yesterday. We were in the area that was supposed to get between 6 and 12 inches. I think we got less than a foot. Hooray.

I was awakened at 5am to an unknown noise that might have been a falling tree but it was just my snowplow man scraping my driveway. The worst is over and there are patches of blue in the sky.

People in Connecticut and Long Island got 30+ inches. Mother Nature has been somewhat kind to my area and I am thankful. 

Here is my sundial earlier this year with melted snow on top.

Stay warm and take it easy if you have to shovel snow. xo

Snowy Commute

This looks like a delightful place to shop and wait for the train, doesn't it? Be careful going home today. Bring home everything you could possibly need for a weekend blizzard. via

Just Enough Snow

So far, so good. This beautiful photo shows the perfect amount of snow. Supposedly the worst will happen overnight. I'm ready for whatever Mother Nature brings. via

Baby Hippo and Old Tortoise

This brings tears to my eyes. Everybody needs a friend! via

An English Spring

We are getting ready for the worst snowstorm of the season so far. By ignoring it and posting about spring, maybe I can head it off or at least lessen the severity. Cupboards are stocked, firewood is stacked, all electronics are charged, and I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I'm nervous about the high winds though. As long as we don't lose power I'll be fine. Cross your fingers for me and I'll cross mine for you if you're getting ready for it too. via

Abraham Lincoln Quote about Roses

I choose to rejoice. via

Post Office - Lark Rise to Candleford

I'm so excited. We are finally getting 'Lark Rise to Candleford' on one of our PBS stations tonight. Season 1, Episode 1. This building is the post office. I cheated and found a website for the whole series so I've already watched the first episode. I wanted to make sure I was seeing it from the beginning. The website is Idaho Public Television and it has full episodes of all four seasons. Keep clicking below on the + sign for more full episodes until you get to the beginning. HERE'S THE LINK. 

Image of the original post office from the book found here.
Here is the link for Season 1, Episode 1 online: http://video.idahoptv.org/video/1922818875

Fireplace on a Covered Elevated Porch

This is absolutely wonderful, please teleport me there now! Photo is from the 2003 book entitled 'The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway' - Taunton Press. Image found here.

Double Mailboxes - Do Want

Here is your smile for the day! This is so clever, isn't it? Love it. Today's News: US Postal Service plans to end Saturday mail delivery by August 2013. Article here.

photo via

Rustic Cabin with Fireplace

This looks so enticing, doesn't it? I love the red leather club chairs and the stone raised hearth fireplace. I think that's a big desk on the left. Isn't this the best study ever? via pinterest

Coffee First

Rise Up and Attack the Day with COFFEE and enthusiasm is more like it here at the cottage. via

Shingle Style Home with Porches

Love the recessed porch upstairs. I would pick that room to be my own, wouldn't you? via

Snow on the Rooftops

Snow on a mansion.

Snow in a village.

We still have snow on the ground and today is supposed to feel very cold because of the wind chill factor. My house is cozy and the coffee is hot. Life is good! via

Downton Abbey or Super Bowl Tonight?

You know what I'll be watching, don't you?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading an interview with 63 year old Julian Fellowes, the creator and writer of "Downton Abbey" in the WSJ. The interview is entitled: The Anti-Snobbery of 'Downton Abbey'

drawing by Ken Falin via The Wall Street Journal

His full title in real life is: Baron Fellowes of West Stafford, Lord of the Manor of Tattershall, Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset. He is properly addressed as Lord Fellowes.

Thank you, Lord Fellowes. I'm a huge fan of your creation!

Winter Snowscape

I woke up to an inch or so of snow this morning. Tabitha didn't want to put her paws in it so I had to literally throw her out. Webster always wants to go out no matter what the weather. He woke me this morning with loud barking. When I looked out the window I saw the fox in the way back hunting for food. Everybody's back inside and we are looking forward to a lazy Sunday morning after a very busy Saturday. Enjoy yours too. xo

photo source

Wonderful Country Bathroom

For those with no modesty. Look if you dare, I don't care! via

Cat Pets Sheep

Good morning Mr. Sheep. Isn't this the perfect image to greet the weekend? Have a good one. via

Carpenter Gothic Cottage - Artist's Studio

This small 19th-century white clapboard house in Bangall, NY doesn’t look like a workplace, but the jewelry designer Gabriella Kiss’s studio is located inside. You are in for a real treat. There is a wonderful slideshow of the inside compliments of The New York Times. via

More Please

Webster always carries his bowl around with him if he has just finished eating a particularly delicious breakfast or supper and wants more. This photo was taken after breakfast yesterday. He had leftover vegetable soup on top of his kibble.

Fermo Italy Public Library Globe Room

Have you ever seen a better globe in a better setting? You could get lost in this room. via

Portland Bungalow

Portland home by architect Brian Hanlen -- house plan details here.

Elephant in Golden Light

Golden Pachyderm by Morkel Erasmus Click image to enlarge. Gorgeous photo of a gorgeous animal.

Wonderful Oscar-Nominated Animated Romantic Video

This is the most charming thing I've seen in ages.

PAPERMAN is a full length short film from Disney Studios. I promise you will love it. Chick here if you can't see it on my blog. This will be the best six minutes of your day. Read more about this Oscar Nominated film here.

Boat House

Love the oar handles on the doors. via

Spruce Bough in Fog

I took this photo this morning after a walk in the fog and mist. Webster and Tabitha went with me as usual. We are pretty worried about the coming storm bringing hard rain and wind overnight. We got a bulletin from the town in our email saying they are going to be in emergency mode along with the power company. They want people to secure things that might blow away like garbage can lids and snow shovels. I hope we don't lose power again. See you tomorrow. 

Tip #3 from Tabitha the Cottage Cat

Never admit your guilt. Always feign innocence.

Potted Plants Inside

I love the rustic table just inside this conservatory. There are no saucers underneath any of the pots so maybe it's faux bois. It looks like real wood to me though. Photo from a slideshow at House to Home in an article about 10 decorating ideas to energize your home.

Toasty Toes

My toes were very toasty on Sunday night. I lit a fire late in the afternoon and tended it until it was time to jump in bed and watch Downton Abbey on the flatscreen in the bedroom. The last glowing embers had just slipped beneath the grate when I put the fire screen back in place before closing down the living room. I'll be tucking in early tonight as soon as I clean up the dirty dishes. I've already walked Webster. It was raining very hard at the end of our walk. Tabitha was with us too and the animals were both soaked. Luckily I had my umbrella. See you tomorrow. xo

my photo, my feet

DIY Origami Heart Page Markers

I love these origami hearts to mark your place in a book. Tuck a few inside any Valentine's Day cards you give or mail. Especially great for avid readers.

Here's the finished product marking a page corner. Full tutorial from How About Orange.

Laundry Day in the Country

Is she doing laundry or dyeing fabric? I can't tell and I want to know more. I love the house and the setting. I'm sure this rustic scene is in England, right? Andrew Montgomery photo. via
UPDATE: The lady is Polly Lyster and her firm is Dyeworks. I have the best researchers working for my blog. Thank you!

Use your strength wisely.

I absolutely love the artwork of Douglas B. Jones. I've been displaying two of his creations on my sidebar ever since I started my blog 4-1/2 years ago.

Jane Austen's 'Pride And Prejudice' At 200

Today is the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I learned this by listening to Fresh Air on NPR.

You can read the article and/or listen to the six-minute podcast here. I would choose listen if I were you. It's a very interesting book review of The Real Jane Austen A life in Small Things by Paula Byrne. I love having articles read to me. You can listen while doing other things. I'm listening again as I write this blog post. You can also read an excerpt of the above-pictured book.

Didn't you love the part about the 200 pound orangutan at a zoo in Poland who refuses to go to sleep at night unless his keeper reads aloud 50 pages of Pride and Prejudice?!!!

Happy 200th Book Birthday P and P.

Paul and Linda McCartney - Heart of the Country

Here is another delightful music video with footage of Paul and Linda McCartney doing what they did best.

Heart of the Country. Click here if you can't see the video.

Sign of The Day

I would definitely have to go inside for another cup of coffee, wouldn't you? Sometimes you need a pat on the back for just getting out of bed and coffee is the ultimate reward.

Babington House - Somerset UK

Two and one-hours outside of London is a place for those who want to enjoy the countryside but don't want to give up any urban luxuries. I've never been to a spa because I'm not the type who likes to be pampered. I would however like wandering around the 18-acre estate at Babington House. Website here in case you want to book a room or become a member. More large photos here. I'll see you in a couple of hours at Downton Abbey.

Seed Saving Envelope to Print

My original post featuring this envelope can be viewed here.

An Amazing Image of Sand and Sun

This beautiful photograph is almost surreal. I thought the image was perfect for a quiet Sunday morning. via

Tabitha's Design Tip #2

Make sure there is always polar fleece on my pillow in cold weather. Preferably in a color that becomes me. Click here if you can't see this short video.