A Fabulous Gallery

This looks like a grand place to while away the hours, doesn't it? via

Tabitha Sunning Herself

I took this photo this morning when Tabitha was sunning herself in the warmth of the sun on the rug. It was actually quite chilly outside and I had to turn on the heat. Mother Nature is still playing with her thermostat, isn't she? I'm off to watch Grey's Anatomy in the bedroom and a few other things I have recorded. Have a great evening and I'll see you tomorrow. xo

Random Photos around My Cottage

I took this photo this morning of the daffodils on my kitchen counter. They are like having sunshine in the house all the time.

This carriage house/garage is new but it's built on an old foundation. I think the owners did a great job with the design. There was an old red barn on the same spot in really bad condition. It's close to me and I love to slow down when I drive by. I took this photo from my car last week.

This is a recent sunrise as seen from my kitchen window. I've been outside blowing stuff around with the leaf blower and I didn't feel guilty at all because the landscaper is working next door. I don't feel as if I am causing the noise pollution if there are already two machines going full blast nearby. I blew off my deck in record time and my front walk. I'm going to see if it will blow the gravel that is in my lawn back into the driveway next. See you later. xo

Love the Freestanding Sink Unit

I love this sink with the high backsplash that comes up to the window trim, don't you? It's nice to see the old cabinets preserved too with new countertops. It's a very sweet kitchen. via

Great Boat Model

I'm not a sailor but I love a good boat model and this is a great one. Love the chair and pillow and throw too. Actually I like everything in this photo, including the view. via

Webster is Sleepy

He told me it was his turn to be featured. Tabitha has had more photos lately than he has. So here's a picture of him entering dreamland. He's sound asleep now after our ice cold walk in the blowing rain. Yes, it's chilly again but for only tonight and part of tomorrow and then it will be somewhat nicer. That's typical spring weather, isn't it? Enjoy your evening. I'm watching Father Brown and then Scott and Bailey. PBS all the way tonight. Have a good evening too. xo

Abandoned But Not Forgotten

I drove through the Great Swamp Wildlife Preserve yesterday on my way home from paying my property taxes in person. I pulled over to the side of the road in front of this abandoned house. I knew the lady who lived there long ago.

Can you imagine using a washing machine like this? 

The old shed has collapsed on itself. That bottle on the ground is brown glass encased in a tin sleeve that says it once held anti-freeze.

You can see my reflection in the door. I didn't want to go on the porch to peek inside because it would be too depressing. I can still remember what the inside looked like when the elderly lady lived there.

I picked lots of her daffodils and they look so nice in the cottage. I will go back when the lilacs are in bloom and pick some of those too. My mother and I always enjoyed these rituals each spring.

Sweetest Easter Lamb

I love the pink ears. Such a sweet face too! via

I love this yellow bird too. via

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 77

More sage advice from a father to a son. 

I don't get the last one, do you?

UPDATE: Okay, I understand now. Thank your wife's mother for bring your wife into the world. Thanks everyone!!!

The Bletchley Circle Season 2 Tonight

I'm off to the bedroom to watch Call the Midwife that is recording on my DVR. I just found out that after Mr. Selfridge, a new season of The Bletchley Circle is on tonight. I loved Season One. Here's a preview of Season Two on PBS.

Mad Men, Season 7 is on tonight too. Why do all the good shows have to be on Sunday night? There are 7 programs on tonight that I want to watch. I'll have to watch half of them online. Oh well, it's a good problem to have. I love TV. Enjoy your programs. xo

Tabitha Outside

Tabitha has claimed her seat at the front door so she can watch what's going on without being on the cold ground. She was watching the sun go down in this photo. She likes to switch things around a little too much and keeps me busy letting her come inside whenever she wants. She will come in and eat a few pieces of kibble and then want to go back out again. In and out, in and out. That's what cats do! Have a great Sunday. xo

Spring Has Sprung at My Cottage

Not a single flower was open this morning. Here's a picture I took before Webster and I went on our after dinner walk. Boy, when they open, they open wide, don't they?

My picket fence still looks brand new after the paint job last fall and all that snow over the winter.

The skunk cabbage is putting out its big green leaves that I love so much. Pretty soon the entire forest floor will be covered with giant green leaves. Enjoy your Saturday evening and the rest of the weekend. xo

Saturday

It's supposed to get up to 71° today and I can hardly contain my enthusiasm. Whole bunches of daffodils have popped open overnight. I still have some fall leaf cleanup to do and today's the day! Enjoy your first good Spring Saturday too. xo

Good Night. The Cottage is Signing Off

Tabitha is tucked in after a day spent mostly outside.

This is my favorite robin photo. It posed for me and let me get really close.

Not my photo but it could be. I have old shovels with handles like this. Have a great weekend.

My Wish for You

I find it very soothing to sit and watch this! via

Love Crocuses

Next spring I want more crocuses. I had purple ones but they seem to have disappeared this year. They make me so happy, just looking at them. I had a busy day today working inside and outside and helping a friend move. Have a great evening.

Decoupage Plates

I love this fantastic decoupage plate by John Derian Company.

I have only one piece and it's signed on the back. There is some paint loss under the backing so it must have been a reject. I got it at a garage sale for 25 cents years ago. I don't know about you, but when I buy something I love at a local house sale, I can usually remember exactly where I bought it, what kind of day it was, the seller, and all sorts of other details. I bought this plate on a beautiful summer day and my mother was with me. The sale was in the driveway and garage of a lovely home. Friends and relatives of the owners brought their goods too, so there was a big variety of good stuff and junk. I hope they have another one this year!

My First Daffodil Bloomed Today

I was very surprised to see this beautiful daffodil had bloomed when I wasn't looking.

Here it is again with a filter to show the time of day. It was dusk after dinner tonight when I took the wonder dog out for his last walk. It's good to see a bit of color, isn't it? xo