Friday, May 3, 2013

My Goal for Today


I am going to weed and spread wood chips today and I hope I will smell like dirt by supper time. via

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Boxwood and Cabbages


What a great idea. I love the blue cabbages inside the boxwood borders! via

Tabitha's Afternoon Nap


She looks so comfortable, doesn't she?

Delightful Garden Shed

I can tell these carriage doors haven't been opened recently so there must be another way to get inside this wonderful outbuilding. via Pinterest

The Wrecking Ball arrives at 1887 house


I've been photographing quite a bit from my car recently and was sad to see the demise of this grand old gilded age mansion built in 1887 just up the street from my cottage. The house was struck by lightening several years ago and was completely destroyed inside. A builder finally bought it and a new house will be built on the site. Yesterday the house was half gone when I drove by. 

The snow is hiding the blue tarp that was covering the roof on the right side. I was hoping the landmark house would be restored but I guess it was too much of a project after the fire. Boo hoo. A man at town hall told me the old gardens in the back were being preserved and I was happy to hear that. my iPhone photos

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The Advantages of a Detached Garage

LDArc Architects
Maybe we’re finally realizing the advantages of a separate garage. The extra space, lower homeowner’s insurance, and a more attractive façade are worth a few extra steps to the car or from the car to the house. image found here

On a local level, here is the best reason for a detached garage.

I took this iPhone yesterday from my car. I have no idea what caused this old post and beam barn garage fire but I'm so glad it wasn't attached to the house. my iPhone photos

Thankfully this delightful old house was spared. Where is your garage?

Happy May Day

Are you wearing your May Day flower crown? This goat looks very sweet wearing hers. Happy First of May! via

Traditional Kitchen to Love

Very nice traditional kitchen in Philadelphia. I like the arched window over the sink and everything else too. via Houzz

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Monday, April 29, 2013

Recycled Conservatory in Sweden

When your neighbor in Sweden offers you an old greenhouse to recycle, what do you do? Build yourself an orangerie, of course. Everything is recycled except the plexiglass roof. It's beautiful, isn't it? See more views here. Readers' questions answered here.

A Great Story about Pet Adoption

His name is Tank. Get your hankies ready and read the story behind his adoption after many failed attempts. Continue reading here. Sniff, sniff, wiping tears away.

Tabitha Enjoying the Nice Weather

This flagstone at the end of the walk is one of Tabitha's favorite places to nap and bask in the sun. Her face is shaded so she can see me if I open the front door. She wants to come inside less and less now that spring is here. Both animals went back to bed this morning after breakfast because we have rain!!! I'm so glad I got my mowing and trimming done. 

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Bletchley Circle, Episode 2 Tonight

Don't forget to watch Episode 2 Tonight
I love this feminist murder mystery. I just learned there are only 3 episodes in the miniseries (sad face). I'm off to the bedroom to watch The Good Wife beforehand. Here is a good review of all the great television on Sunday nights. Enjoy. 

The Carolina Wren


Nest and eggs of the Carolina Wren photograph by Brian Gordon Green, National Geographic

A Carolina wren. Photograph from Rolf Nussbaumer Photography/Alamy

You will enjoy reading this article about a man who works for National Geographic who was converting his South Carolina backyard into a Wildlife Habitat but was unable to build a proper house to satisfy the nesting requirements of the Carolina wren. This tiny bird picked his brass mailbox instead. Read more.

An Afternoon Nap for Webster

He's been working outside with me and this nap was well deserved. The open bedroom window wasn't far from his nose and he could smell the newly mown grass as he slept. my iPhone photograph

True Love

Don't these two pups look comfy curled into a perfect heart in the back seat of a car? I went back to bed after the cat got me up this morning and I think I might live. I worked outside all day mowing, pulling vines out of trees, trying to tidy up my visual corridor without the aid of power tools, etc. I have rolled giant logs out of sight, rearranged the huge ones so the wild roses will eventually hide them and I have to say I have enjoyed doing some hard physical work. We are having a very dry April, the third driest on record. Rain is on the forecast for tomorrow so I'll work outside again today getting ready. I still need to mow the front. See you later. image