I had a good, productive day today moving stuff around. I sometimes feel like an ant. I made several trips to the loft over the garage with lamps that need shades and shades that need lamps. Yes, I'm still working upstairs but pretty soon I shall declare my attic work space finished. It looks a little better every day. The radio station that I usually listen to when I'm not listening to NPR started playing non-stop Christmas music today through Christmas Day. Don't you think it's too early? I certainly do but I found it cheerful and nice to work to so I left it on. Have a great evening and a nice Sunday tomorrow. I just let Tabitha in and there were raindrops on the front walk. It doesn't seem as cold either. I already have on my pajamas and I'm looking forward to a little reading, maybe a movie, ending with Inspector George Gently. Sounds perfect, doesn't it? xo
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Friday, November 21, 2014
BIG Cat Basket
Tabitha found this big bed all by herself. I stashed it under the guest room bed where I have a desk and laptop at the foot of this antique rope bed. I lifted up the spread to take her picture. It's nice and dark down there but I think I should plug in my laptop somewhere else so it doesn't hang in mid-air like this. There is a radiator nearby and she seems warm and quite content. Maybe this will be her daytime bed and she'll continue to sleep at night in her small cat basket on top of my bed.
Best Window Ledge Ever
Who needs a window box when you can have a ledge like this? I have finally tamed all the geraniums I am wintering over in the house. Now they can settle down and enjoy indoor life while the overgrowth can start putting out roots in a pitcher of water. It's frightfully cold outside this morning but we have cloudless blue skies and a little wind. I hired someone to clean my gutters next week which promises to be warmer. It's supposed to be 66° on Monday. I have such sympathy for the people of Buffalo with 7 feet of new snow thanks to the lake effect and a polar vortex. It is difficult to comprehend as I type this post in my cozy cottage with a cat under the bed and a dog sunning himself on a rug. Tabitha discovered the wicker dog bed I bought Webster at the firehouse auction and junk sale this past summer. He has shunned it and she has claimed it as an alternate to the basket on my bed. She's so smart! See you later. xo
photo source
photo source
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Best Walk Ever!
Oh, how much do I love this handmade Plain Pebble Walk by Maggy Howarth. Her website will blow you away!
A Perfect Kitchen
I love everything about this beautiful kitchen. I wouldn't change one single thing! via
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
I Made Soup Today
I made a big pot of soup today and it was so good. Split pea is one of my favorites but I didn't have any dried split peas so I improvised. First I chopped 1 large onion and one small one and sautéed them in a little olive oil. Then I added a large bag of frozen peas and what was left of some french green beans and added 4 cups of water. Then I peeled and chopped a russet potato and a sweet potato. Then I chopped three ribs of celery and a super large carrot. I added more water until it looked about right. I brought everything to a boil and then simmered the pot for about an hour. Then I buzzed the contents with my immersion blender until it looked like classic split pea soup. I didn't add any bouillon or ham hock or any seasoning at all. When I ate my big bowl for supper tonight I added some Bragg's Liquid Aminos and it was absolutely perfect and delicious. It warmed me inside and out. Webster had a ladle full on his kibble and he was so happy. He loves a good hot meal too. Have a great evening. xo image source
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Farmhouse Apple Cake baked in Iron Skillet
Apples really shine in this traditional Italian farmhouse cake, where thin slices of the fruit are held together with just-melted butter, a couple of eggs, and a scant amount of flour. Top with crunchy turbinado sugar and bake it in a cast-iron skillet. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat and impressive enough to join the classics on your Thanksgiving buffet. And it’s just the thing for keeping the doctor away.
Farmhouse Apple Cake
Serves 8
Ingredients:
5 Golden Delicious apples
2 large eggs
8 ounces sugar
2 ounces flour
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
4 ounces buttermilk
3 ½ ounces unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
Peel, core, and quarter the apples, then slice into very thin slivers using a sharp knife or a food processor with a slicing blade. After this is done, pop the skillet into the oven to preheat.
With a wire whisk, beat the eggs and sugar in a very large bowl until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the flour and cardamom, then add the buttermilk, butter, and vanilla. Blend thoroughly. Quickly stir in the baking powder, then fold in the apples.
Pour the mixture into the preheated skillet and sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top. Bake on the center rack until the cake is golden brown and cooked through, about 55 minutes. The cake is done when a small paring knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack and serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe found HERE. I think it's a keeper, don't you? Use your favorite apple variety. Right now I have Gala and Stayman Winesap in my crisper. Happy baking. I love that this is baked in an iron skillet.
Vintage Post Office Boxes
My post office still has boxes like this. I love spinning my combination each time I have mail in mine. via
Monday, November 17, 2014
Long Live The Queen
The Queen's image, over time, on Bank Notes. She's aging quite well, isn't she? via
Long Woolen Socks
I'm wearing similar socks in winter white right now. I wore them under my wellies yesterday for my open house and my feet stayed nice and warm. I have unearthed all of my gloves, mittens, hats and scarves too. I'm all set for whatever weather Mother Nature throws my way. Today we have rain. The animals have both been fed, walked and dried off and they are down for their morning naps. I didn't go out with them either. I'll do that later. Happy Monday. xo
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Yesterday's Guest
Webster and I had an all-day visitor yesterday. Henry enjoyed it as did the Wonder Dog. Our guest went home late in the night and Tabitha was happy, once again. She sleeps with one eye open when he's around. I'm trying to gear up for an open house at my listing today and I must confess I'm not looking forward to it because the house has no heat. I showed it yesterday and almost froze in 45 minutes. Today I'll dress like an Eskimo and close up early when I can no longer feel my feet. It's not worth getting sick, is it? I'm sure the viewing public will understand. I am going armed with a sign to post when I close up. Wish me luck. xo
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Vintage Bathroom - Still Very Stylish
Bathrooms like this never go out of style, do they? 'Vintage apothecary bath.' Tracey Stephens Interior Design, Montclair, NJ via
Friday, November 14, 2014
A Phrenology Head to Love
I love Phrenology Heads and the human mind. This is a good one. Have a great weekend. xo via
Landscape Design for the Ages
Could anything be lovelier? I think not. via We got a dusting of snow overnight but we have bright sun this morning to melt it quickly. See you later. xo
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Great Recessed Cabinets for Serving Pieces
This is wonderful, isn't it. Everything organized and in plain sight. Sigh. via
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Nice Workspace
I like this work space with the cupboards on either side to take care of the clutter. Very nice indeed. via
Sweet Cottage with Fall Decorations
Fall is definitely in the air and we want to go inside, don't we? via
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Love this Lamp
This lamp on a library table is perfect, isn't it. Plenty of light and no glare. Do want!! via
Dining Room with Butler's Pantry
I have always loved a good butler's pantry even without the butler. It's such a great decompression room between the kitchen and the dining room with special places for the finer dishes, glassware and serving pieces. Most of them have dishwashers and sinks so they can be used for flower arranging too. This one has a wet bar and it's all set up for the holidays. via
Monday, November 10, 2014
Feeding the Birds = Feeding the Bear
I will not be feeding the birds this year. I actually stopped several years ago because the seeds were bringing mice. I'm especially concerned this year having seen evidence of a bear on my own property. These photos have convinced me I am making the right choice.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Great TV, Sun, Reading Room
I am looking forward to Madam Secretary, The Good Wife and Masterpiece Contemporary tonight. I'm sure I won't be able to watch them all but I'll try! Have a good evening. via xo
Old Home to Be Demolished by Buyer
I've always loved this circa 1806 house. It's not visible from the road so most people in the area won't even miss it when it's torn down but I will. I had to drive by one more time to memorialize it and preserve my memory. I'm very sad that the new owner has chosen this path. Such a sad conclusion for what could have been a wonderful restoration. I'm glad it wasn't my listing.
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