Topiary Study

Love the big scissors too. via

Morning Mist Rising

It feels like a September day instead of the end of October. The morning mist was still in place at the lowest point of my long and narrow property when I got up and headed for the coffee maker. I'm a big fan of fog as long as I'm not driving in it. 

Haunted House?

I'm sure these people don't get many trick or treaters! It really does look spooky, doesn't it? via

Listen to the Quiet

This is the perfect photograph for this quote, isn't it? via

Oak Leaf Hydrangea Leaves in the Fall

I took this photo at a realtor open house on Sunday. I do love the shape of these leaves and they way they change color in the fall. So lovely. It's cool and overcast today and will rain tomorrow. I really can't complain because we need it. xo

The Tiny Kitchen That Could

This arrangement would work for me. via

Wonderful New Old House

Is this a new house or a restored old house? I can't tell but I love it. I hope there is a staircase into the tower so the owners can climb up and look out. The wrap-around porch is fabulous, isn't it? via

October Apples

Old-fashioned ugly apples right off the tree are one of my favorite things about October. I have two friends with trees that are laden with fruit this year. I'm about ready to pick another batch this week. They are so delicious. photo source

Amazing Built-in Bookcase

These people were so smart to put in a bookcase instead of a raised panel. It's perfect for their larger antiquarian books. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes.

"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. Anna Quindlen"

These homeowners managed to do both!!! photo source

Colorful Maple Leaves Reflected

The glowing maples in the woods next to my cottage look prettier reflected on my car windows than they do in person. They look like they are on fire! 

PS: I posted about a great 2007 movie I watched recently called The Water Horse. I found the complete movie on YouTube. WATCH IT HERE. Yay!

Pumpkin Path for Halloween

This is quite wonderful, isn't it? They must be having a party! Houses like this don't get too many trick or treaters as a rule. Kids like for the houses to be closer together and this long driveway might be a very scary walk in the dark. via

Beautiful Barn Owl

I've always loved the heart-shaped face of a barn owl. This one looks happy to be inside looking out. via

Harrisville Hill House, Concord New Hampshire

This porch is pretty wonderful, isn't it? It would be perfect for coffee and a sunrise this morning since it isn't too cold today. I know that's going to change soon but the weatherman is promising a high of 75° and that sounds good to me for working outside. I can deal with the tumbleweeds that are gathering under all the furniture later, right? More photos here.

Webster, Asleep at the Plate

Did you think he was playing baseball? 

He's a very patient dog, always waiting for a crumb or two of people food. Here he is a few minutes after licking muffin crumbs from a plate. I'm sure he's dreaming about more. 

Henry Moore sheep drawing

Sheep Grazing in Long Grass I, 1981

Henry Moore (British sculptor and artist, 1898-1986)

Ballpoint pen, charcoal, wax crayon, chinagraph, watercolour wash. via

Spider Attack

Simple.

Understated.

Just Wonderful.

The Water Horse Movie: Ardkinglas House, Scottish Manor House

Ardkinglas House on the shore of Loch Fyne, Argyll

Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas House is an architectural gem.

This manor house is the real star of the 2007 movie, The Water Horse. I watched it several days ago and loved it. The manor house if full of antiques and the decorating is wonderful, better than Downton Abbey.

Read Roger Ebert's two thumbs up review here.

Like most British family films, "Water Horse" doesn't dumb down its young characters or insult the intelligence of the audience. It has a lot of sly humor about what we know, or have heard, about the Loch Ness monster and various frauds associated with it, and fills the edges of the screen with first-rate supporting performance. Imagine a family film with actors the caliber of Emily Watson, Ben Chaplin and Brian Cox as an old-timer who spins stories in the local pub."

I ran across this film quite by accident and decided to watch it because it stars Emily Watson, one of my favorite British stars. Watch it, you'll like it.
photos via Google images

UPDATE: I found the complete movie of The Water Horse for you on YouTube. WATCH IT HERE. Yay!

Such A Lovely Sunrise

This misty morning sunrise is spectacular, isn't it? I have tall trees in front of my rising sun so the sun's pretty high in the sky before I can see it. When the trees are bare in the winter, I have more misty mornings. via

West Indies Meets Low Country: Nice!

The wooden counter tops are great, aren't they? The ceiling treatment is wonderful too.

I love the triple double-hung windows over the sink. Most builders try to convince you to put casement windows in this location because they are easier to open and close. Nope! I don't like the screens inside and those cranks always break. I have a special stick with a rubber tip for opening mine. Closing them is no problem.

Tour the rest of this amazing home on a coastal island in South Carolina here. 

Wonderful Small Garden and Shed

Actually, the garden isn't that small if you consider both sides of the wide path. I would want that shed to be at least twice as large to accommodate all my stuff. A window or two would also be nice. via

I have been working outside non-stop this week. I got my riding mower back from the shop on Thursday and mowed my entire property. It's never looked better and I am thrilled. There's nothing like a good blade sharpening to make me happy beyond words. For the past couple of years I have had my tune-up just before the last few Fall mowings before putting my Snapper to bed for the winter and that has worked out very well. This way, it's ready for spring needing nothing but new gasoline.

I woke up to 30° temps this morning. I covered my few potted plants with old white towels last night and they look like Halloween ghosts. Enjoy your Sunday. xo

Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Paint it black and carve it.

Monogram it.

Decoupage it.

See more: 7 Chic Ways to Dress up Your Pumpkin This Halloween

Charming Low Country Guest Cottage: Richmond Hill Georgia

Wouldn't you love to be a permanent guest here? Historical Concepts Atlanta.
This charming guest house is part of a larger estate at The Ford Plantation near Savannah.

Sussex UK Farmhouse Interior Photographs

Interior Design by Nicholas Haslam. View all interiors of this charming Sussex Farmhouse here.

Fall Foliage In Back of My Cottage

As you can see, the trees are still mostly green. The field grass has also recovered from the lack of rain over the summer. From my front windows I can see more color in the sugar maples diagonally across the street. Gas prices are very low too and that pleases me since I've been driving much more than usual showing houses. Enjoy this beautiful day. xo

Woody The Trailer - Cool DIY Project

A young couple on the move built a small home that will go wherever life takes them. They designed this beauty and built it themselves on a very tight budget. It's amazing!

I love reading inspiring stories about smart young couples who beat the system with a very unique home on wheels now permanently parked. Read more here with more photos too. xo

A Friend's Walk-In Closet

She says it's like going shopping every day when she's getting ready for work. 

Her home is for sale. 

Chester Township NJ - MLS # 3253972

Laundry Room Extraordinaire

This room takes laundry to a whole new level, doesn't it? via GSMLS

My Cottage Garden Weeded

I am going to spread some more wood chips today. I have almost depleted my pile that has been sitting and simmering for about three years. They have decomposed enough that they have a rich brown color, almost like topsoil without the expense. The peonies have been chopped down to the ground and the boxwood have been trimmed with my "new" electric hedge clippers scored at the Firehouse Sale several weeks ago. I like putting gardens to sleep in preparation for the winter. Fall is such a great time to be outside. Have a great Columbus Day. xo