Lovely Mountain Cottage

I love the starkness here. When I see secluded cottages like this I always think about the building process and the challenges involved for the original owners. This one was definitely worth those obstacles. xo

Are you watching SCORPION on CBS?

Scorpion is my favorite new show and airs on Mondays. This week was the third episode of Season One. You can catch up online or on demand if you hurry. It's about a group of young geniuses and it's based on a true story. Here is the link for the website. It's very exciting and wholesome too, which is a very rare combination. The people I've told to watch this show like it too.

SCORPION, inspired by a true story, is a high-octane drama about eccentric genius Walter O'Brien (Elyes Gabel) and his team of brilliant misfits who comprise the last line of defense against high-tech, complex threats of the modern age. Life outside their circle confounds them, so they rely on Paige Dineen, who has a young gifted son, to translate the world for them. She thought her son was mentally challenged until Walter noticed the boy's odd behavior as something only another genius could detect. At last, these nerdy masterminds have found the perfect job: a place where they can apply their exceptional brainpower to solve the nation's crises, while also helping each other learn how to fit in. SCORPION will air Monday nights at 9 PM. Pictured left to right: Elyes Gabel as Walter O'Brien and Katharine McPhee as Paige Dineen.

Cutest Dachshund

So cute. I've always loved these little dogs. via

The dachshund is a short-legged, long-bodied dog breed belonging to the hound family. The standard size dachshund was bred to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals.

Origin: Germany

Temperament: Lively, Playful, Devoted, Clever, Stubborn, Courageous

Tabitha and Webster

Tabitha is on my bed on top of an old sweater waiting for Inspector Lewis to start in less than an hour. Photo hot off the press for Karen in VA.

I took this photo of Webster yesterday out on the balcony after the rain stopped. It's not a very good likeness but it's the newest one I have. He's up on the third floor in his attic bed because it's nice and warm up there. I'm too lazy to go up there for a fresh one like Tabitha's. Have a great evening. xo

White Kitchen w/ No Overhead Cabinets

I like this movable island and the artwork in the otherwise all white palate. via

Inspector Lewis TONIGHT on PBS, Season 7 Premier

They're Back! Lewis and Hathaway and the City of Oxford, my favorite UK trio. The new season starts tonight with a 90-minute premier of Season 7 on PBS Masterpiece Mystery. Check your local listings. For me, it's on from 9:00 - 10:30 pm. The new season is only three episodes long, so don't miss the first episode entitled ENTRY WOUNDS: Faced with a crime that bridges the worlds of neurosurgery, blood sports and animal rights, Hathaway works his first case as DI with the help of his new partner, DS Lizzie Maddox. Lewis, struggling to adapt to retired life, jumps at the chance to rejoin the force when Chief Superintendent Innocent seeks his help. Very short preview here. Can't wait! 

Cabin with A Sod Roof

Well, this is just wonderful. I wonder where it is? I think the sod roof keeps it cool. The outside is fabulous and I'm sure the inside is too. It's raining here today and I have every intention of staying in my pajamas and catching up on all the TV shows that have piled up in my recorder. Doesn't that sound like a great idea? The animals have been fed, let out, and are both sleeping. It's dark and dreary and just what we all need. xo

via Rafael Mantesso on Instagram

Matthews Alabama Lakehouse

Very nice, agreed? Matthews, Alabama by Bill Ingram Architect

Historic House - Toured on Tuesday

Tuesday was a beautiful day for realtor open house tours as you can see from my iPhone photos.

The Holt Mansion circa 1855 on 2+ acres in historic Morris Township NJ.

Built by Dr. William Kitchell, a geologist and professor at Newark Institute.

It was later the residence of the American author and novelist, Frank R. Stockton. Stockton renamed the house "The Holt". He and A. B. Frost were neighbors and fast friends.

Theodore Roosevelt spent several summers here in the early 1870s. I could feel the history all around me. What a treat. 

Great Before and After Farmhouse Renovation

A year before the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, a man named Joseph Wheadon built a modest, one-room house in New Milford, Connecticut. Wheadon cut the lumber by hand and scavenged foundation stones from the surrounding property. After his premature death, a Greek Revival wing was built, followed by other less-distinctive additions.

More than 235 years after Wheadon first wielded his ax, a Greenwich woman discovered the property while searching for a weekend retreat. By this time, the house was dated and neglected, with systems that had outlived their usefulness. "It was my duty to the community to maintain and uphold the architectural history of the house," says the homeowner, a former student of historic preservation, now earning a doctorate in environmental policy. "However, on the backside of the house, I wanted to bring nature in and to connect the house to its surroundings."

The Greek Revival wing had been added after the original house was built — probably around 1820. "We wanted to keep that absolutely intact, and use that as a reference point for all the materials and proportions and style of the rest of the house," says the owner.

AFTER. The architect used a variety of architectural tricks to keep the second floor as low as possible, out of deference to the Greek Revival facade. The old shutters were not original or authentic, so the owner opted to remove them.

Working with Mark Goodwin of Beinfield Architecture, and Jim Blansfield of Blansfield Builders, the owner remodeled and expanded the house, opening the interior spaces to each other and the view. I think this is wonderful, don't you? See the inside too ~ here.

Happy October

I can hardly believe it's October already. I got my flu shot today much earlier than usual but that's when my town was conducting the clinic at the Health Department. 

Now you know where ghosts come from -- they are Jack O'lantern breath. via I had a busy day today running around and I'm really looking forward to my bed and some TV time. Have a great evening. xo

Beautiful Fall Leaves

Today was like summer but only the maple trees have started to turn. via

Anne Decker Architects - Kenwood Renovation

See more -- 11 photo slideshow -- here.

Secret Garden with an Amazing Floor

What a nice surprise. What a beautiful garden floor design! via

Classic Colonial Interior

It's only a peek, but I know I would love the rest. Living with antiques is the best, isn't it? via

Lovely White Kitchen

P E R F E C T I O N
via

Beautiful Owl

This owl is so big and beautiful. I hope I can stay awake tonight for all the good Sunday Night TV shows. via

Crayons with Flesh in Many Colors

This is so great. via

Wink

Isn't this the cutest German Short Haired Pointer pup ever? via I am going to clean out my garage today to put things out at the roadway for our annual pick-up day. Wish me luck. 

Be Brave

This looks like an excellent thought for the day. via

Small Lake Cottage

Isn't this a sweet lake cottage? We aren't nearly this advanced but the maple trees in my woods are quite beautiful. Summer's back tomorrow and it's supposed to be 81° and that's a good thing. Have a great weekend. xo via

Interesting Chalkboard Wall

Sorry. This image is not working.

Lovely Powder Room

Isn't this delightful? Love the wallpaper and everything else too. xo via

Hilarious dog bath.

HaHa. I can hardly believe my eyes. Have you ever seen a more contented face or a more relaxed body on a dog getting a bath? via

I miss having Webster in the Car

Don't worry, he's fine. But he can no longer jump into my car to go for a ride. It's too high off the ground. He can't jump up on my bed either and I actually sleep better because of that. Tabitha doesn't move a muscle all night long when she sleeps on my bed but she gets up much earlier that I would like. Right now, she's fast asleep in the vestibule all curled up on an old wool sweater in her cat bed with her food dish in plain sight. The rain arrived right on schedule and we are all enjoying a rainy day. Enjoy yours too. xo via

Rain on the Horizon for Tomorrow

Many of you already have it and it's headed this way. Be safe and stay snug if you can. xo

Which way are you looking?

I love to face the wind and feel it on my face. I never worry about my hair because I like it messy. via

Kitchen Love

This kitchen has everything and I adore it. WOW! via

Cape Cod Renovation

Kelly McGuill Home - click here for more delightful photos of this vacation home for a family of six.

Happy Last Day of Summer

A lovely late summer scene in Budapest Hungary. via Are you excited about the first full day of Fall tomorrow? The Virginia creeper is turning red and I'm starting to see color in the maple trees. Fall is right on schedule. xo

Lovely Entrance and Paver Driveway with Grassy Strip

Wow. This photo proves you can have it all. Don't you love the grassy strip down the middle? These ribbon driveways are coming back and this makes me happy. I found this one on Pinterest. There is even a whole category featuring this welcome comeback on Houzz.

MISS MARPLE Double Feature Tonight on PBS

Click here if you can't see the video below.

I just set my DVR to record both new episodes of Season 7 Miss Marple on Masterpiece Mystery on PBS. Tonight is going to be a wonderful TV night. I am also recording Madam Secretary and The Good Wife on CBS. I'm always happy when the good shows start at 8pm, aren't you? Happy viewing.

Did you sew as a child on a toy sewing machine?

I did and I had a similar toy sewing machine. I can vividly remember sewing doll clothes on the screened porch in the summer before I graduated to my mother's Singer in the sewing room. That was also at a very young age. We always had a sewing room too which was wonderful. I am selling this one on ebay. I photographed it in my guest room. This built-in cupboard with shelves above and drawers below has a pull-out slide that was perfect for attaching the clamp on this vintage child's sewing machine.

Webster, Tabitha and I worked outside all afternoon yesterday and into the early evening getting the yard ready for fall. I weed whacked and they watched. Really! They love to watch me work and they give me lots of moral support just by being close by. Our street was repaved this week and it looks so nice. Now both entrances to my circular driveway are nice and spiffy too. 

A Really Great Walled Garden

I took this photo yesterday with my iPhone. There are some really lovely secret gardens in my area and this one was especially beautiful. As you can see, it was a perfect day for touring several fabulous homes.

Some of My Favorite Things

Cubbies, wire shelves, bins, balls of string, twine, jars, pencils, labels, little gift bags, clothes pins, etc. I love it all. via

E. B. White writing in his boat shed

E.B. White writing in his boat shed overlooking Allen Cove, Maine photographed by Jill Krementz via

There's a lesson to be learned from this photograph. So many of us think we have to have a stage set kind of place in which to work. This isn't necessarily true, is it? Not that this isn't a special place but it doesn't look very comfortable. E.B.White's mind was probably churning with so many things he wanted to put down on paper and he could probably work anywhere. Jill Krementz's childhood home is near my cottage. xo

A Glimpse into Jackie's Fifth Ave Apartment

Jackie lived in the same apartment in NYC on Fifth Avenue for more than 30 years. The apartment overlooked central park and was a lesson in restraint, style and comfort. via Mark D. Sikes

French Choir Boys

Dreaming of Home. I found this wonderful video on Donna Baker's Blog called Gather. She posted the lyrics and the history of this beautiful song too. Choir boys always make me cry. This old Scottish hymn is from the movie JOYEUX NOEL and it's not on my must see list. Thanks, Donna.