Lovely Landscape with Wildflowers

Isn't this absolutely beautiful? Love it! via

Gibson Island MD -- Skippers Row

This Gibson Island property was designed and built by noted architect, Edward Palmer as his personal residence. It affords panoramic views of both the harbor and the Chesapeake Bay. This French Normandy beach house is wonderful, isn't it? via

I have real estate on the brain. It's been all I could do lately to keep up with the showings of my new listing and keep my head above water around my own cottage. I mowed the back yesterday and the day before. I still have to do the front---it looks like a jungle and I don't even care. It all gets done in due time. Plus it's hot again and the air conditioning feels very good! I'm off to watch an episode of Father Brown I recorded last night. xo

Estate: Bilbury Gloucestershire England

I've been there but didn't see this house in Bibury, Gloucestershire, England via

Nighty Night

This owl makes me sleepy so off to bed I go. Webster is already tucked in and I have to grab Tabitha from outside. I honestly think she would spend all night out there if I would let her. Hope you have a nice weekend. I certainly did! xo

Rye and Marmalade Pinwheel Cookies

I just loved looking at these moving animations and thought you would too.

Once in a while you need a treat.

I think a clever cook could put something savory in the center with herbed cheese instead of sugar and marmalade. Cheese and rye are such a good combination. Or you could do half savory and half sweet. Let me know if you try.

Recipe here.

Spinning Pinwheels.

Sunroom / Potting Room in a Craftsman Bungalow

Morningside bungalow potting/sunroom, Minneapolis. Meriwether Inc.

This 1919 bungalow was lovingly taken care of but just needed a few things to make it complete. The owner, an avid gardener wanted someplace to bring in plants during the winter months. This small addition accomplishes many things in one small footprint. This potting room, just off the dining room, doubles as a mudroom. Design by Meriwether Felt, Photo by Susan Gilmore

More photos of this delightful bungalow HERE.

Butter + Unrefined Carbs = Perfect Together

image source and another great article about good fats HERE (the article also contains a link to the recent article about good fats in the Wall Street Journal).

I watched a video on NBC related to the EAT BUTTER cover on Time Magazine. The doctor said to put butter on unrefined carbohydrates and you'll be fine. The danger of butter she said was putting it on unrefined carbohydrates like white bread. She said eating butter and other saturated fats like coconuts and coconut oil, butter, marbled meat, and chicken skin (yuk) will actually raise the good HDL (Good) Cholesterol but the opposite happens when those fats are combined with refined carbs. Then the LDL (bad) Cholesterol goes up.

If you put butter on a baked potato, this is a good thing.
If you put butter on a biscuit, that is a bad thing.

I was very happy to find T H E  L I S T below. Now I know the butter I love to put on my morning oatmeal is a good thing. Popcorn too. I am so happy!!! There's nothing better than a baked potato with butter either.

*************************
Un-refined Carbohydrates

Fresh veggies
Fresh fruits
Sweet potatoes/yams/potatoes
Beans and legumes
Whole grains
Oatmeal
Buckwheat
Amaranth
Quinoa
Brown or wild rice
Basmati rice
Popcorn
Raw milk and yogurt (unsweetened)
**********************************

Refined (Processed) Carbohydrates

White sugar
Foods containing corn syrup, HFCS
Sodas
Sugary drinks
(this includes sweetened fruit juice and tea)
Alcohol (beer and wine)

Canned fruits / veggies containing added sugar

Sweetened applesauce

White flour and anything made with white flour; bread, muffins, bagels, cakes, cookies, pasta, biscuits, donuts, etc.

Cereals
Fries/chips
Potato chips/pretzels
Pizza
Desserts
White rice
Boxed puddings
Candy/toffee/sweets

Store bought cooked meats/cold cuts (when they have added sugars and additives)

Sausages/hot dog frankfurters (when they contain carb fillers, additives, or sugar)

Jams/jelly
Jell-O

Time Magazine Cover: Eat Butter

Wow. I can't wait to read this article. Scientists labeled fat the enemy. Why they were wrong.

This is a screen shot I took with my iPhone on Instagram from Time Magazine's feed. Don't you love one of the 561 comments? REJOICE. 

Tucking in now. Good night. xo

A Delightful Spot

I love this corner bookcase, the table and chairs and the window seat. Such a cozy corner. Found on Pinterest. Have a great day. xo

Miss Fat

Here is another place Tabitha likes sit and watch the world go by. It's beside one of my cast iron roosters on top of a brick wall. The flagstones get nice and hot and she loves to bake. We are all getting ready to tuck in. Have a good evening. Good night. xo

Wild Daisy Here At My Cottage

This is my very first daisy this year. I took this photo yesterday when walking the Wonder Dog in the afternoon. There will be raindrops to capture on this dark, dreary day. It's very cool too and I'm happy about that part of the weather forecast. There has been tremendous interest in the old house I listed one week ago.

Click for a copy of the listingm MLS # 3146998

Wonderful Willow Arbor

Woven Wattle fence and Willow Arbor by Katherine Roper Garden Design. More photos here.

Seaside Light

Isn't the light beautiful shining on this lovely shingle-style house. Nantucket? Martha's Vineyard? The Hamptons? Wherever it it, it's lovely. via

Taking the Day to Regroup

Ever since I got up this morning, I've been putting things back in their proper places. My kitchen table was starting to like the photo above. I'm making progress and am almost ready to vacuum. It's a dark and dreary rainy Monday, perfect for regrouping. My new real estate listing has taken all of my time lately with an Open House yesterday. It was great and hopefully we'll have a contract soon. See you later. xo

Wollerton Old Hall English Gardens

More garden photos of this popular garden tour stop in England here.

The Wonder Dog

Here is a new photo of Webster, the wonder dog taken out back after his evening meal. He loves going out after dinner when the sun is going down. It won't be completely dark for an hour and a half and we'll probably take another walk when the stars come out. We have wonderful night skies here at the cottage. Enjoy your Saturday night and the rest of the weekend. xo

Best Photo Ever

Isn't this wonderful? What a perfect way to spend a weekend at the beach with a friend! Read more about Sandy the elephant and Zoot the dog here.

Elevated Cat Feeding Station

With no ants.

Tabitha simply cannot bear to spend even a few minutes inside for meals now that the weather is nice so I feed her outside. This system is working beautifully and she's one happy kitty. Have a great weekend. 

Peonies and Clover Blossoms

My pink peonies are blooming now and they are so beautiful.

I have fields of blooming clover that are spectacular. I can't remember such a profuse first blooming cycle and I don't have the heart to mow over them. The bees are having a "field" day.

Sliding Barn Doors in A House Nearby

I am still fascinated by sliding barn doors inside a home.

The door with the handle slides open to reveal stairs up to the attic and a large storage area for suitcases. So nice!

The Pink Peonies Turned White

They are fully opened now. The pale pink peonies that I have been showing you as they open are now in full flower and they are bright white now.

Miss Tabitha is dining in her chair.

Here is a closeup of a single flower.

Peony, Showing Her Beautiful Center

This peony will be fully opened soon!!!

Here it is after yesterday's hard rain. I love the pale shade of pink.

Dog and Cat Cutouts on Gate

These gates are on actress Reese Witherspoons Ojai, California home. See the cat and dog cutouts? I love this whimsical touch, don't you? via

Love This Garden Path

Isn't this fabulous? I love this cut logs used as path pavers. I love the crowded plantings too in this small space. It all works beautifully! via

Peony Progress

I took these photos this morning. The peony bud I showed you last night is almost open.

Here's one that is letting me peek inside to see the center. I'm so happy!

My Peonies are About to Pop

How does your garden grow?

It won't be long now. I've been waiting patiently for at least one peony bud to bloom and there are three outside my front door that look like this. I hope the hard rain we are expecting doesn't do any damage. Fingers crossed! xo

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 79

I haven't posted a page from this delightful book recently.

Can you believe it's June already? I can't. The last tip on this page is worth a try the next time I'm trying to get a better price on an item.

The Elephant Bridge

This takes my breath away.

The Elephant Soul Bridge

Digital Art by Thomas Herbrich

The Perfect Start to Any Day

via

I've always been amazed that there are people who can leave the house without even a sip of coffee. I am not one of them! Having coffee at home is one of my favorite parts of the day. Enjoy this lovely Sunday. xo

Almost Twins

Brother from another Mother.

I adore this photo of these unlikely friends with identical markings. via

Ferns and a Nap Outside

I love the ferns on the edge of the woods here at my cottage.

Webster is loving this cool, breezy Saturday and a nap on the the balcony.

Peony Promise

I have three different varieties of peonies planted together.

For some reason, my favorite one has no buds this year. It's the white one with the yellow center that is flat like a salad plate. I guess it didn't like being buried under the snow all winter. My lilies of the valley didn't bloom either :( this year. They did spread quite a bit so hopefully they will bloom next year. My two remaining peony bushes are loaded with buds (and ants) as you can see from this photo. Have a great weekend and I'll see you later. xo

Multiflora is Blooming

It's hard to be mad at this thorny wild rose that is slowly taking over my woods when it blooms. The flowers are lovely and the scent is heavenly. I especially like the tiny pink rose buds. Every since Super Storm Sandy, when so many trees came down and allowed more sunlight into the woodlands, these bushes are becoming Science Fiction Movie Material. Nothing can penetrate them! And I'm too tired to even try. :-)

Have a great weekend. xo

DIY Miniature Conservatory

Designed by Randolph Scott Keller and constructed by Jennie Hammill, this miniature conservatory incorporates 43 recycled glass windows and doors.

This is wonderful, isn't it? Found on Pinterest.

A Peek into My Pantry

My pantry was once a screened-in porch.

Now it's one of my favorite "rooms" in the cottage.

Dog Mug

Don't you love my dog mug? It was an unexpected present from my friend Stacey of Stacey Snacks. She has the best taste! I love it. There's nothing on TV these days but I'm hopeful there's something on my DVR to put me to sleep. xo

Walk-Out Window to Porch

Wow. I love this idea. Why have I never seen this before? This is so much better than French doors. DO WANT!!! I love the porch railing too. LOVE. via

Beautiful Photo

What a beautiful sight to start your day.

via

Inverness Scotland - Culloden House - Grand Country Estate

Culloden House, Inverness, Scotland via click on link for more pics.