Sunday, May 3, 2015

The Princess with No Name

She's a beautiful baby, isn't she?
This Telegraph article contains the odds on her name.
Everyone's waiting to hear and it should be soon.
Such a happy occasion for the young royals.
Wonderful slideshow here.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Guinea Pigs Gardening: Beatrix Potter

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These two Beatrix Potter watercolors are new to me. Have you ever seen them? These gardening guinea pigs are in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

A Good Morning in May

Have a lovely day. I wish I had these two helpers to work inside while I work outside. A clone or two would be nice this time of year, wouldn't it? I just do what I can do and try not to fret about the rest. Have a great May weekend. xo
PS -- I'm really excited about the new Royal Princess weighing in at 8 pounds 3 ounces and I can't wait to hear more.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Seaside Village in Crovie Scotland

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Crovie, a small village in Aberdeenshire, is comprised of a single row of houses directly on the sea. Unlike the similar neighboring village called Pennan, Crovie is situated on such a narrow ledge that any cars have to be left at the south of the village. The cars in the foreground are parked as close as you can get by automobile. Hope you don't have something large to deliver on foot to the last cottage. Wow, what an amazing village!

Fritillaria, Checkered Flowering Bulbs

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The graphic designs on this flowering bulb continues to fascinate me. The name is derived from the Latin term for a dice-box (fritillus) and probably refers to the checkered pattern of the flowers of many species. Plants of the genus are known in English as fritillaries. Some North American species are called mission bells. Read more.

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester England

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Gloucester Cathedral corridors by Alan Coles
The magnificent Gloucester Cathedral was built in 1100 as a Norman abbey church and survived the Dissolution thanks to its historical connection with the monarchy. It has one of the largest medieval stained glass windows in England and an elegant and impressive interior. It was from this church that William I ordered the Domesday Book, and, in more recent history, the cathedral was graced by the filming of more than one Harry Potter movie. 

The Manor, 12thC. Home in Cambridgeshire England

The Manor, Hemmingford Grey, Cambridgeshire, England, said to be the oldest continually inhabited house in Britain built in 1130. The house is open for tours. via
This home is fabulous and so fitting for today's life even though it's ancient. The size is perfect and the topiaries are amazing. This should be on your list of places to visit while in England.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Architectural Elements in A Garden

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It would be hard not to think of this as an outdoor cathedral. I went on an English buying trip for architectural artifacts with friends years ago and saw all of these items offered for sale.

Spring in The Country

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Spring in the country. There's nothing better, is there? Nature is unkempt and sometimes I think it's futile trying to taming it. My friend is already fretting about the crabgrass that is coming up in her lawn despite the bags of herbicides she had put down with her new spreader. I actually think she has more than I do and I have never used any chemicals. I think it all looks fine after a mowing if it's green. Weeds are a losing battle. 

Monday, April 27, 2015

White Tulip Forest in China

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This is an absolutely beautiful labor of love.

Seaside Cottage Bedroom DIY Closets

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Well, if this isn't the cutest little seaside cottage bedroom! I never even thought of adding closet space this way in my own cottage that is very short on hanging space for clothing. A window like this one over the bed is on my want list as well. I could have one so easily since my bed is on a north wall with no openings. I would schedule a carpenter today if only I could snap my fingers and make it disappear in the by October since my bedroom is on the chilly side in the winter already. This would be perfect in the summer though since I am a fresh air freak.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Good Dog.

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I like it all, especially the respectful dog. This interior is stunning in every way and I love every inch of it! Homeschooling a dog has its rewards, doesn't it?

It is Spring Again

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It's pretty chilly at my house but the grass is green and the sky is blue, so I can't complain. My daffodils have popped too.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

A Personal Library in Connecticut

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Robert Couturier’s library, adjacent to his Connecticut home, is built around an 18th century doorway from a Federal house in Newport, Rhode Island.

Imaginary Cottage Life Artwork

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I love this imaginary cottage interior drawn by Yelena Bryksenkova. I wouldn't mind having a tiny elephant on my bed or in my kitchen having breakfast. Have a great weekend. xo

Friday, April 24, 2015

Cow Kisses

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If this doesn't make you smile, nothing will. The animal world never ceases to amaze me. These cows seem to really love that dog and he adores their kisses. So sweet!

The Wisdom of Winston Churchill

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Beautiful Embroidery

Flower Detail: Top Panel of Jane Nicholas Mirror stitched by Lorna Loveland.

Middle Panel
I wish I could see the entire finished mirror surround, don't you? Oh, the power of a woman with a needle!

UPDATE: I found the entire mirror!!!
It's beautiful, isn't it? via

Thursday, April 23, 2015

The Destroyers

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Ha. I'm so glad Webster can't jump on the furniture any more. This is my worst nightmare and I'm sure they drink from the toilet too. (Smile) Dogs really know how to get comfortable, don't they?

Wonderful One-Piece Back Splash Behind Stove

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I love this area behind the range because there are no grout lines for easy cleaning and it's beautiful too.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Rainbow at My Cottage Today

It was really a double but you can hardly see the top one.

What a Garden!

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Do I see train tracks between this farm garden and the beautiful old house? Farming is such a noble profession and I think farmers are born, not made. The love of the land and working the soil has to be in your blood or else it's just back-breaking work.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Monday, April 20, 2015

Abandoned House

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Photos like this break my heart. There's no one to tell this old home's story. I like to think it could still be saved. 

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Nice Laundry Room

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Great laundry room. I wouldn't mind being greeted by these two when coming in from the outside.