Tartan Love isn't just for Scotland

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I wonder what their yarn looks like? Instant tartan?

I have always loved Tartanware and I don't own a single piece.

Tartan throws over the back of the chairs at either end of this long table and tartan throws over the white table cloth laid on the diagonal complete this picture.

Tartan behind the secretary desk bookcase looks grand, doesn't it?

Choir, by Candlelight

What a beautiful church service this must have been. via

Santa Delivers

Click here to watch this Christmas surprise at the luggage pick-up carousel.

Isn't this the nicest thing? Poor guy who asked for underwear and socks. Doesn't this make you want to fly on WestJet Airlines?

View from My Kitchen Window

The window over my kitchen sink is perfectly situated. I get to see the sunrise in the morning and the moonrise in the evening. What could be better? This is a southeastern exposure so the sun/moon activity starts in the trees to the far left and travels up and to the right in an arc. Tomorrow is the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. Set your alarm and get up early so you'll have a full day of sun. I like to get home before dark, homebody that I am. How about you?

My Staffordshire Transferware Punchbowl

The inside decoration on my huge Staffordshire punchbowl is every bit as fancy as the outside. The wide banding is repeated on the interior as well.

This transfer is on the bottom of the bowl's interior.

I'm wrapping up the semi-final stage of a real estate transaction today so all parties can breathe a sigh of relief and get on with their lives until early next year when we close. I don't know which end is more stressful, the buying end or the selling end. I'm on the happy side, representing first-home buyers. I'm really shocked at how busy we are for this time of year. It's a good sign for the economy and I'm proud to be helping. 

Sunset Sky at My Cottage Today

I almost missed this evening's fiery sky. I no sooner raised my window, leaned out to take the photo, and it was gone. This is where the sun rises every morning to the left so this is the reflection of the sunset taking place in front of the cottage. I can't see a true sunset because of tall trees. The weather has been so strange lately and now they are saying Sunday will be 66° which is at least 20° above normal. So much for a White Christmas. I know so many people who will be traveling on Christmas Day, I can't say I'm sorry. I'm glad they will probably have good weather for flying or driving. Fingers crossed.

Moon Over Manhattan - animated gif

Moon over Manhattan. via

Tonight we will have a waning Gibbous moon in Cancer with the sun in Sagittarius. It's all very complicated and interesting, isn't it? See the current moon calendar here. I don't really follow the astrological signs but plenty of people do. My mother used to be a dental assistant and one patient wouldn't have any dental work done if the sign was in the head. See the Medical Astrology chart here.

Dogs afraid to pass the cat.

Click here if you can't see video below.

We have the same problem here at the cottage but it has gotten slightly better over the years. Webster and Tabitha go out together first thing in the morning. Tabitha likes to go first and swat Webster when he scoots by. She used to hiss too but doesn't anymore. Actually, lately she's not even swatting. She usually comes back first to eat. Webster won't come in the house unless I stand in front of her, as the cat food dish is in the vestibule. I'm happy to see this problem exists in other households too. Poor dogs, they are so respectfully cautious of the cats they live with, letting them rule the roost. Webster too.

Beach Christmas Tree

First you have to find a starfish. The rest is easy. I love it, don't you? via

Tartan Love

Royal Stewart Tartan and Christmas are perfect together. via

Full Moon Outside My Bedroom Window

Happy Full Moon in Gemini December 17, 2013

I had to pull my bedroom curtains behind my head to prevent window glare. Instead I got blue and white check reflection. Oh, well. XO

Tawny Frogmouth: Watch baby bird grow

Watch this little bird grow at the St. Louis Zoo.

Click here to see more still photos from the moment she hatched through one month of growth. The video is on the website too in case you can't see the one above. She looks like an owl but isn't. Read more about this species from the Australian mainland, Tasmania and southern New Guinea here.

Webster Speaks

His face says it all. "Can we go home now? This coat is doing nothing for my poor feet."

Country Christmas in a Log Cabin

Could anything  be prettier? I hope there's a roaring fire inside and there probably is as it could be the only source of heat. And a big Christmas tree. via

My Footprints in the Snow

I was wishing I had snow shoes yesterday when I decided to come home through untouched snow that had a top layer of ice. Webster was smart. He walked behind me and let me forge the way. Since I took this photo earlier this morning, the sun has come out and I can see blue skies. Hooray. Maybe my front walk will melt. 

And you know they are.

Downton Abbey, Season 4 - three weeks from today. via

Chalkboard Christmas Greeting

So lovely. I adore beautiful handwriting and design. via

Bistro Chair on My Balcony

The sun is trying to break through and I see hints of blue sky to the west since I took this photo. My snow plow man came at four o'clock in the morning and made a huge mess, but that's the way it is when you have a gravel driveway. My car was parked in the middle of my half circle, so he had to plow me out from either end. This system works best for me and I know it's not exactly easy for him.
Webster was hilarious breaking through the thick layer of ice when I let him out this morning. He didn't stay long and neither did Tabitha. The street is black and it is very quiet outside. I'm thinking "French Toast" for my Sunday morning breakfast. Be safe if you have to go out and I'll see you later.

My Wish For You

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The Harvard Club at Christmas

Christmas at the Harvard Club via

I need an angel like Dudley in The Bishop's Wife to help me decorate mine!

The Bishop's Wife: Christmas Sermon 1947

Click here if you can't see video below.

I fell asleep watching this wonderful movie last night and finished it this morning. It's my new favorite old Christmas classic film. I haven't watched it in years. Sniff, sniff.
The Bishop's Wife is being repeated on Hallmark Movie Channel on Christmas Day at 1:30pm in case you want to set your DVR. They are broadcasting old classic Christmas movies all day on 12/25 from 9am thru 9pm. Watch till you drop. I love having vintage Christmas movies playing in the background on Christmas Day.
Here is a link with more video clips from the movie. It's also a place to watch the movie free online if you are good at figuring out how. I would NOT like the color version of this movie that came out in 1948. Black and white is the only way to go, right?

Best Friends

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OMG. I love these two. More photos here. If you are on Instagram and want to follow them, click here.