Old Photos from My Phone

I have no idea where this photograph came from but I loved it and saved it to my phone. I think this cottage is the ideal size and the construction materials are ones that will last several lifetimes. Isn't the chimney fabulous?

I don't know the source of this photo either but I loved the wattle fencing at the time and still do. Isn't this walled garden beautiful. 

I love this childhood oil on canvas portrait of a friend of mine with her cat. I photographed it when her house was for sale. She still has the same face. I didn't get her permission to post it online but I don't think she will mind. Isn't the embroidered name on the sash of her pinafore wonderful? She surely must have been an adored child.

I woke up this morning to a little shower but the sun is out now. Good weather for the seeds I planted yesterday. Have a lovely Sunday. xo

Barn Style Kitchen and Dining Room

I recently toured a fabulous early 19th century house with a very small dining room. Instead of putting an addition on the house, the homeowners built a barn structure with an upstairs sleeping loft instead. Here's the country kitchen view. The middle of the room is the family room for TV viewing as you will see in the next photo.

The farm table with benches makes this the perfect space for entertaining large gatherings or for housing visiting guests. It is a great no-frills space that probably wasn't that expensive to construct. I think it's an Amish-built structure. There was no agonizing about paint colors either. Pine paneling and natural wood prevailed.

Random Photos at My Cottage

I was standing in front of one of the French doors leading out to my balcony for this photo of my kitchen.

I leaned out of my bedroom window for this shot of my backyard. You can see the brick pillars holding up my balcony and one of the Adirondack chairs I set in to cool off while and after mowing. I honestly have mowed more this year already than I did all summer last year. I mowed my front and my back yesterday starting at 6pm and finishing at 7:30. It was worthwhile since today it rained again around lunch time.

This male deer with tiny fuzzy beginning antlers waited for me to go inside to grab my Nikon and hadn't moved an inch when I returned to the balcony to photograph him. The two little wrens on the post were determined to get their picture taken too. The wild buttercups come back every year in this location and they complete this nature photo of the day.

My lady's mantle is the perfect perennial plant for capturing dewdrops and rain drops. It is grown primarily for its leaves but the chartreuse flowers are pretty nice too, especially in mixed arrangements.

That's about it for a Friday post. Click any photo to enlarge. xo

First Naturtium Blossom

The few nasturtiums that survived my overwintering project were planted outside a few weeks ago and I already have one blossom. I learned that they still need a lot of watering while overwintering indoors. I lost quite a few in the basement because I didn't go down there often enough to nurture them. Click here to see them in pots inside my cottage.

Here is a photo of the seed packet.

This photo of mine was posted in August 2008 when my blog was brand new and it still gets a lot of attention from my side bar when viewed on a computer. I remember thinking at the time it was awfully early to see any fall color.

I am planning to enjoy a day with no rain today. Fingers crossed. xo

Life Cycle of a Maple Tree

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

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'

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

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. 

Lovely Raised Bed Flower Garden

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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

Be Patient with Yourself

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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

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.

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. 

Lamb on Bredon Hill, Worcestershire

So cute. Photo of this shy lamb was found here.

Wonderful Bathroom with Two Sinks

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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!!!

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.

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!

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.

Scottish Blackface Sheep: Ewe + Lamb

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Mother and child portrait. Click on the link above to learn more about this easy-care breed.

Potting Shed in a Walled Garden

via my Instagram.

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!

Smooth Sailing

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Safe and secure on Mother Swan's back. So sweet.

Climbing Roses + Embroidery Stitches

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There are so many charming elements wrapped up in a single photo, right?

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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.

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

Pretty in Pink

Pink perfection. It's nice to see a well-maintained home, even if it's painted pink. via

Bunny Ears

He's betting back to normal after a very busy Easter, hiding all those eggs. via

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