I photographed this maple leaf yesterday between showers and there just happened to be a seedpod nearby. My upstairs balcony floor is absolutely covered with these little helicopters and I am surprised that I don't have a maple forest because of them. Today promises to be the first nice day in ages and I am thankful because I have to meet home inspectors at ten o'clock this morning for a pre-listing inspection. Wish me luck! Fingers crossed. See you later. xo
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Beautiful Astilbe Leaves in my Garden
My astilbe plant is loving the constant rain we've been having. I love the leaves even more than the white flowers that will come later. I found a link at White Flower Farm you can look up to show you what they will look like -- Astilbe x arendsii 'Bridal Veil'
Monday, May 13, 2019
Three Black Face Sheep
I love these sheep with their black faces, ears and legs. I would love to have a hand-knit camel colored sweater made from their natural fleece. Aren't they darling? via
Sunday, May 12, 2019
Happy Mother's Day
Anna and Tabitha
My mother was always afraid Tabitha would run away and always walked her on a leash. Anna died in 2012 at age 92 and Tabitha pass about three years later. I still feel that my mom is right by my side and she lives in my heart. Happy Mother's Day to all of you.
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Friday, May 10, 2019
Lovely Raised Bed Flower Garden
I have always loved plantings so close together that weeds don't have a chance. I no longer look at photos like this and want them for myself. I know my limitations and am quite happy with what I've got. I like perennials, geraniums, nasturtiums, limelight hydrangeas and milkweed, lambs ears, and peonies. I overwinter my hardier plants. Right now my lilies of the valley are blooming and I have large buds on my peonies. My Lady's Mantle has been enjoying capturing all the raindrops we've had lately too. I don't do store-bought mulch like most people because I prefer wood chips in my beds. How does your garden grow? Enjoy all of my individual links leading to various photos around my cottage gardening. xo
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Be Patient with Yourself
Don't you just love this quote? I can't imagine living without Spring because I really come alive then after a long winter of being inside. I have to work extra hard to get things done before the hot weather sets in and I absolutely wilt. We are having an extra-late Spring and I'm loving it. xo
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Warming Up in Badger's Kitchen by Chris Dunn
Click on photo to enlarge. via
I love the way Badger has decorated his country kitchen. He looks like the perfect host too.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Gorgeous Planter with Spring Bulbs
I never think of planting spring bulbs in a container until it's too late. This old cememt planter is gorgeous and I love the weathered patina. These bulbs look right at home and I love the contrast between old and new. via
Click here for an important message from the children's book author, Roald Dahl, on the death of his daughter, Olivia, when she had measles at the age of seven.
Monday, May 6, 2019
Wonderful Bathroom with Two Sinks
There are so many things I love about this bathroom. Number one is the painted floor. Number two is the opening to a balcony. Number three is the two vintage pedestal sinks. Number four is the built-in cupboards. Number five is the black french doors with rollup bamboo shades. Now if I could only see the rest of the room.
UPDATE: I have the best followers. Lynette found the tub view for us. Thank you!!!
Sunday, May 5, 2019
Merry May by Walter Crane
I am a few days welcoming May. So far, she's has been chilly and rainy. I heard on the news this morning that in the past 20 days, 16 of them had rain. I have had to mow earlier and more frequently this spring than in any other. An illustration from: The procession of the months: the verses by Beatrice Crane; the designs by Walter Crane, [1889]. via Houghton Library at Harvard.
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Rabbit with Peonies
"My soul can find no staircase to Heaven unless it be through Earth's loveliness." Michelangelo
The Wonderful Artist: Koo Schandler's Homepage
The peonies here at my cottage are standing tall but have no buds yet. They are aching for some sun but there is none on the horizon for the upcoming week. They can't complain about lack of rain though because we have had plenty. Have a great weekend no matter what the weather.
💦💧💦💧💦💧💦UPDATE: I was wrong. All of my peonies have small buds. Yay!
Friday, May 3, 2019
A Carolina Wren Nesting on my Balcony
I snapped these photos yesterday when this nesting wren came out for a breath of fresh air. See more information about this tiny bird here. I am looking forward to more activity when this pair has to deal with feeding their young.
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Potting Shed in a Walled Garden
I took this photo yesterday at a Broker Open House tour. I have worked really hard for the past month on my three large 30-year-old English Boxwood trimming away the winter kill and yellow leaves and they look wonderful. I dug them up and brought them with me from my previous home. Every year, the deep snow breaks a few branches but I manage to rearrange the inner branches to conceal the gaps. I have noticed lots of new growth in the center and that makes me happy. Happy May Day!
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Monday, April 29, 2019
Climbing Roses + Embroidery Stitches
There are so many charming elements wrapped up in a single photo, right?
This handmade cloth needlework book illustrating embroidery stitches is truly a treasure and a work of love. I think this woman is the creator of this embroidery book.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Watering the Pots to Start the Seeds
I should be doing this but I have yet to deal with my seeds. I love this old wooden crate filled with peat pots and lots of good earth. via
Friday, April 26, 2019
Pretty in Pink
Pink perfection. It's nice to see a well-maintained home, even if it's painted pink. via
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Throw Open the Windows
Isn't it joyous to be able to open the windows again? I have been sleeping with one in my bedroom open for about a week and I adore waking up to birdsong. I like what I can see in this country kitchen. The marble backsplash and marble windowsill are nice with the wooden countertop. I have always wanted windows that open like this but everything has a trade off. I would have to move all the stuff I have on my kitchen sill before I could open them. via
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Wild Violets + My Living Room
I need to do a third mowing but I don't have the heart to decapitate my wild violets. They are considered to be a broad leaf weed by some, but not me!!!!
I love both varieties. These are solid purple.
These are white with purple pansy-like faces.
Grape hyacinths, crowded out by long grass, but still gorgeous.
A view of my living room as seen from my kitchen. French doors on either side of the sofa lead to my balcony that was power washed on Saturday. I cannot believe how controlling I am when I hire outside help. The workers did a fabulous job at the house I am getting ready to list but they didn't bring those skills to my cottage. WHY? But in the end, my balcony floor looks much better and my red barn garage looks brand new. So all is well I suppose. I am actually so much happier doing things myself. I am a hard taskmaster when I hire things out and I can usually work circles around almost any worker.
Now if I only had a chain saw and a power washer of my very own. 😂
Monday, April 22, 2019
My Favorite Gardening Tools
I probably own every gardening tool that was ever invented but I use these two the most. All of my tools are second hand purchases from garage sales or in the case of these two, side of the road finds.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
HAPPY EASTER
See all of my Easter posts over the years here. The weather at my cottage today is perfect. Wishing all of you a blessed Easter. xo
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Owl Hatches a Wood Duckling Egg
This is my "feel good post of the week". A wood duck moved her last egg to another nesting box because it had been raided and only one egg had survived. Oddly enough, a mother owl sat on the duck egg for over a month and the hatched duckling thinks he's an owl. Read the charming story here with lots more photos. Am I forgiven now for being missing for almost a week?
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