Sunday, April 2, 2023

Tiny Bubbles


This is not carbonated water but just plain tap water that has been sitting in this glass overnight. Every night, I have a glass of water at my bedside in case I wake up thirsty which doesn't often very often. I always marvel at the tiny bubbles that form overnight. I jiggled the stainless steel straw to get an action shot. Have a great Sunday. Mine is full of bright sun and a lovely blue sky. xo

Saturday, April 1, 2023

HELLO, APRIL


APRIL --- The trees are budding forth, the grass is springing green, and April, young and fair appears upon the scene. Pale golden is her hair, her eyes are misty blue, and even when she smiles her tears fall like the dew. Clad all in tender green, she comes with timid feet; A basket with her bringing, filled full with blossoms sweet.The primrose pale & fair, T
the yellow daffodil, the wind flower, wild hyacinth, and other flowers still. All these she casts around to show that Spring is here, with first a smile so sweet, but dropping next a tear.
THe verse by Beatrice Crane -- Design by Walter Crane -- 1889

It feels like an April Fool's Day trick but it isn't! Today is really the first day of April full of April showers this morning at my cottage. I'm glad I did my grocery shopping yesterday! Be safe if you are experiencing severe weather. Some of that is in my forecast for later, probably in the night. xo

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Bathroom Decor at My Cottage


It took a while to get all the perfect things for this wall in my bathroom and I love each and every item. I'm pretty sure I have shown this before but this is a brand new photo. The small oil painting below the shelf is the most recent purchase and that space was blank.



It's a local scene (oil on canvas) after the rolling hills have been cut and the round hay bales have been scattered about. All land owners who have farm assessments must mow their fields prior to August 1st every year and it's lovely. I purchased the painting at a local estate sale last year and I think it's perfect on my gallery wall in my bathroom, don't you? xo

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Chicken & Rice with Carrots


I made chicken & rice with peas yesterday and added sliced organic carrots for tonight's dinner. I love having leftovers that I can improve with added ingredients the second time around. The stoneware dish with handle has a "chimney" top and I have three of them. They are the best for microwave cooking or heating leftovers. I cooked the carrots alone for a minute or two before adding the chicken/rice to reheat on top. So good. The brown and white transferware plate is one of my favorites. I don't often photograph my food but I'm glad I decided to snap this one. xo


UPDATE: If you ever see one of these in a charity or thrift shop, RUN and grab it. As I mentioned, I have three of these and use them every day in my microwave. They were originally "As Seen on TV" as the Stone Wave Microwave Cooker at $10.00 each. Now I see them on eBay for $39.00. The handle is hollow and they are honestly just wonderful for heating up leftovers or cooking some things (like carrots) quickly. I found the original link selling them for $7.94 each HERE. I'm tempted to order more but will resist. Three is the perfect number for me. They clean like a breeze too. Let me know if you get one or more. I have never had good luck backing a potato in one. They are perfect for my chicken & rice dish. xo

Monday, March 27, 2023

FABLE: THE BABBOON'S UMBRELLA



HAPPY MONDAY

It's Laundry Day here at the cottage.
Weather is nice enough to hang things outside.
Rain coming at 5:00 this afternoon.
Have a good week.
xo
 

Sunday, March 26, 2023

My Miniature Daffodils

These miniature daffodils in my front garden are in full bloom and they make me very happy just to look at them. The deep yellow color is glorious.


I divide them each year and I have 6 clumps about this size. They were presented as hostess gifts to realtors who attended a broker open house several years ago. Each year, I email a photo to that realtor and thank her once again for them.
xo

Friday, March 24, 2023

Houses and Gardens I like








Southern Living has a great article with many more charming photos HERE. These are a few of my favorites. Enjoy. xo

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Snowdrops Under a Tree Overlooking My Cottage

Are you tired of snowdrops yet? I have seen so many blooming daffodils in friends' yards but mine are all still in the bud stage. Snowdrops never disappoint and keep on blooming until the other spring bulbs start performing. I started these clumps in the fall and they are loving this woodland setting. Have a great Wednesday evening. xo