Meadow Turf

Brookgreen Garden South Carolina from November

2012-01-17T14:36:00.002-05:00

The Singing Tower at Bok Tower Gardens

2011-11-22T11:38:00.006-05:00

Bok Tower Gardens National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales, Florida.
This garden located at 300 feet above sea level;
the recorded highest point in Florida .

The Singing Tower built in 1927-1929 houses the Carillon
made up of 60 bronze bells, weighing 16 lbs to 11+ tons.

The Carillon (60 bells) reside at the very top of the tower

behind these lovely tiled grilles.

Heron and Eagle sculptures were craved in place
at the top and base of the tower.

Edward Bok's study was at ground level complete with a large fireplace.
He is buried not far from the front entrance.

The tower was not in the original 250 acre garden plan
that surrounds the structure.
In all the natural beauty of the Gardens,
Bok believed something was missing.
Remembering the glorious sound of carillons in his native Netherlands,
he decided to build a beautiful Singing Tower
as the focal point of the Gardens.
Architect, Milton B Medary was commissioned to design and build
the majestic Singing Tower.

A Tropical place

2011-11-15T12:08:00.003-05:00

The Camellia trees were just starting to bloom in Early November.

Spanish moss drapes and decorates nearly every tree.
We learned at the Orlando History Center that it was also
worn by the women of the Timucua Indian tribe.

The orange groves were just starting to ripen their fruit.
It was really something to see mile upon mile of orange trees heavy with fruit.

We flew to Florida just as 22 inches of snow arrived in NH.

2011-11-14T14:44:00.004-05:00

An afternoon stop at Cocoa Beach.

We spent a relaxing week taking in the beautiful weather and tropical fauna.
Glad we weren't home in New Hampshire with heavy snow creating power outages.
We only lost three large oak limbs in our yard.

You can't always stop......to take a picture!

2011-10-21T15:15:00.005-04:00

I have to thank Kim over at kitchenwindowbirder.blogspot.com for posting this picture on her web site. I have wanted to pull the car over on the highway every morning and take a similar picture of 5 or 6 turkey vultures who roost in the tops of trees standing in a swamp. The State Police frown on that. I tried to think of some hair brained emergency that would allow me to pull up next to the guardrail so I could snap a few pictures but nothing came to mind.

I'm guessing they were hunkered down looking dejected waiting for the rain to stop and the sun to shine just like the rest of us.

Garden Harvest

2011-09-06T17:11:00.004-04:00

WE HAVE CUCUMBERS!
I easily pick 3 to 5 every day.
I've given them to relatives, neighbors and co-workers.
I've made salads and salads and salads.
What else you wonder could you do with cucumbers?
Soup, yup done that.
I've pureed them and made cucumber cubes to toss in soup this winter.
My favorite is Cucumber limeade.

Puree a couple of peeled, seeded cucumbers, add 1 1/2 cups cold water, juice from one lime, 1/2 cup sugar (I used maple syrup) and 1/2 tsp of kosher salt and crushed ice. Very refreshing.

I planted herbs in and around the veggies and flowers.

This year I planted scarlet runner pole beans.
Very pretty red blossom and huge beans I believe I leave on to dry.

Was away, got a nasty cold, visit from Irene...everything is back to normal

2011-08-30T14:11:00.005-04:00

We went to St. Louis for of a National Tax Conference. It took place at the Hyatt which is right on the park. Just a walk across the road to the ARCH. Well, I failed to take any good pictures of the arch. It's actually so massive that it is quite a challenge to get a good shot. This one is actually taken in the negative.
And of course you can't be in St. Louis without visiting the Anheuser Busch brewery. Just a few miles down the road. This is the original Brew House from 1891 still in operation today.
On our first day in the city we had beautiful 80 degree weather and headed for the Missouri Botanical Garden. We walked for a good two hours and then had lunch in the new cafe.
This fence surrounds the formal rose garden. I love these fun blown glass rays of sun. And we saw other blown glass pieces incorporated through out the garden.

This is the Jewel Box located in Forest Park, home of the 1904 World's Fair.

Half way through the week I got the head cold. I'm guessing I just was not careful enough about washing may hands while in the airport and plane. Coming home on the plane I was so congested that the pressure in my ears was unbearable. When we landed at 1am I couldn't hear out of either ear and that lasted for two days.

We escaped any major hit from Irene. She just left 3 inches of rain and leaves everywhere.
And we are happy to report that our daughter & son-in-law are fine in coastal Stella NC they are now waiting for the power to come back on.

pink

2011-08-05T10:07:00.001-04:00

Bits of the the garden

2011-07-27T12:57:00.001-04:00

"There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments."
-- Janet Kilburn Phillips

Innisfree Garden, Millbrook NY

2011-07-20T14:21:00.003-04:00

On our way to Gettysburg PA for a family reunion we stopped
at this 150-acre public garden for a break from the highway traffic.

A 40 acre glacial lake occupies the center of the cup
at the Innisfree garden estate.

Shelburne Vermont

2011-07-19T13:34:00.003-04:00

Round Barn

Shelburne Farm Inn

Guarding the Lake

We wandered up to Burlington Vermont for the Fourth of July.

A meadow walk .....observations

2011-06-29T14:59:00.005-04:00

I took a mid-day walk in the local park near work.
It is an old pasture with lots of wildflowers.

The earth and plants heated by the sun produced a wonderful fragrance
as I walk up the hill toward the inviting shade of the woods.

Indian Paintbrushes we called these as kids.

Wild Sweet Pea, a new one for me.

Blue Vetch, beautiful in the wild with these milk weed plants
and briars but you never want it in your garden!

Pink Mountain Laurel

Red clover

Coming back to the office after my traipse I find this fellow
sunning on the walkway.

New beginnings

2011-06-21T16:47:00.003-04:00

The wedding on May 28 was wonderful.
(She made her bouquet with broaches and hydrangea: click the photo to see it better.)

Off to North Carolina to live.

Found an apartment with central air!!!!

Adopted two butterscotch kittens in need of a family.
Palmer and Arnold
Lemonade and Ice Tea
White feet & belly and all Tan

2011 Baker of the Year graduates with High Honors

2011-05-23T16:15:00.000-04:00

Why does it all bloom at once?

2011-05-16T16:15:00.003-04:00

They say rain showers for the rest of the week and that mean the beautiful blossoms will fall.

Final adjustments to her wedding gown.

2011-05-12T11:08:00.002-04:00

Our daughter is graduating from college and getting married this month.
She had her final fitting and they made the last adjustments, so we thought.
Trying it on at home the hem on the fifth layer was missed.
The inner taffeta was still 4 inches too long.

So I marked the fabric got out the Fiskars and started in.
A tiny rolled hem was in order and I had just the right tool.
I couldn't let the opportunity go by without adding a bit of fun, so the bobbin thread is bright blue.

It was a long way around the hem of this dress about 6 yards in all.

She was nervous about me cutting her dress.
It's just fabric after all and the inner most layer.

I was pleased with the result.

I found Tulips

2011-05-12T10:39:00.000-04:00

next door in the lot abutting the parking lot at work that no longer has a house.

From a distance I just saw red and yellow but up close they have their own painted canvas.

I love the smell of daffodils

2011-04-25T15:08:00.005-04:00

These are just starting to think about opening. It's been a bit cloudy and with some rain and snow showers but they know it is time.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T08:30:00.003-04:00

I stopped by the farm stand yesterday to buy some fresh dug parsnips and couldn't resist wandering through the green house. The warmth was wonderful and the fragrance of the blooming flowers was even better. I just stood for a moment and drank it in. This is spring!

Of course spring isn't complete until I've stopped by the farm store to check out the newest arrivals. Just days old they know just what to do.

Buddy wants a tuna sandwich!

2011-03-29T16:14:00.001-04:00

Not Spring just yet!

2011-03-21T15:05:00.004-04:00

YESTERDAY
It looked and felt so much like spring.

This morning was a different story.

3 pm Back into winter.

Snow White

2011-02-09T13:15:00.002-05:00

We've had lots of snow fall. 38 inches just in January. Yesterday we woke to a snow that was so beautiful. It left every surface delicately dusted with white. It was just an inch or two, the perfect amount if you have to shovel and I do. It would have been perfect for snowballs!
This is the path across the lawn to the neighbors that we keep open just for the mail man.

You know it's cold when......

2011-01-24T16:23:00.003-05:00

Your car doors have frozen shut.

The snow squeaks under your tires.
Snow stays on the trees.

All the cats were on the bed or under the covers waaaay before the alarm went off.

We had a cold morning of -10 degrees this morning.
The good thing about today: All the cars started and the sun shone bright.
And tomorrow they say a heat wave of 20 degrees!

Yup, it's winter!

2011-01-20T17:04:00.002-05:00

cat nest

the newest fur child, now 5 in total

take me to your tuna

The day Stella was up a tree!

2011-01-10T07:00:00.004-05:00

This is Stella.
One day Stella got scared and raced up a tree.
Up and up Stella went.
But couldn't figure out how to get down.
For hours we tried everything.
But Stella just looked down at us and meowed.
Even going higher in the tree.
Our ladder was way too short.
Yes, we called the central fire house on Sunday afternoon for guidance.
Their truck just barely fit down our little driveway.

The ladder truck is a BIG Truck!

Up they went, slowly to avoid the tree branches.

Stella was afraid of the big truck and those guys with
the funny hats and coats in that bucket.
SO, Stella was motivated to come down to our ladder where
I was waiting and carried the poor thing down.

Lots of catching up, but I'll make it short

2011-01-07T12:41:00.003-05:00

Of course, more renovations!
this time putting a pipe up thru the floor, counters, cabinets, ceiling & into attic

THANKSGIVING IN NEW YORK CITY!

Relaxing after the busy Holidays.

Just in time

2010-10-20T12:15:00.005-04:00

I went out with my camera to "catch" some garden photos.
Because I knew Frost would pay a visit real soon.

This past weekend was a perfect cool 45 degrees to work in the garden.
I pulled up some lily-of-the-valley that was unchecked for way too many years and cut back the peonies and hosta. But I couldn't stand to cut down the Marigolds that had provided color after everything else had stopped.

The Elephant ear is a tropical plant. Frost came and kissed her last night.
I'll cut down her large trunk that has doubled in size and is as large as my thigh. I'll uproot her gently and shake off the dirt from her roots and place her in a box. The box will be put in the root-cellar where its dark and cool. This is our second year with this plant and she had babies about 5 new shoots.

Everyone who comes in the driveway always asks about it.
Next spring we will try again to see if she'll grace the corner of the house.

It was 28 last night and most of the plants got some frost bite.
I'm hoping a few of the hardier ones are still good to harvest.

SHE'S BACK...after a summer internship at Epcot.

2010-10-08T16:51:00.002-04:00

We're celebrating her return to New Hampshire.

Our daughter on her last day as a Culinary Intern At Epcot.

Leaving was easy, saying Good-bye was tough.
Roommates for a summer.

Niagara Falls, Canada

2010-08-10T16:25:00.000-04:00

We stayed at the Sheraton over-looking the falls.
The view was magnificent.

View from the balcony.

Millions of gallons of water come over the falls per second.
You can feel the power of the water when you're there.

Out and about ....the month goes quick.

2010-08-09T15:56:00.002-04:00

Gardens in Niagara Falls Canada

Gardens in Hershey PA

Canons in Gettysburg

Cats waiting for our Return.

How the garden grew!

2010-07-09T16:52:00.003-04:00

New Tomato patch in the front yard.

Cucs and Zucs with herbs and flowers.

With warm weather and humidity and a little water sprinkled in, the plants grew quick!

Porch interior finished.

2010-07-02T12:08:00.001-04:00

Afternoon diversion

2010-06-24T14:58:00.002-04:00

Porch Project keeps us busy.

2010-06-22T11:30:00.007-04:00

Installing this new Window was easier with the help of
our brother-in-law and the truck.

After insulating the exterior wall, the vapor barrier went on.

The windows are trimmed with simple pine.
4 inch pine bead board tongue & grove went on the wall.
The ceiling has 4 inch tongue & grove cedar planks.

Charlie & Nick ran new wiring and lights were attached inside and out.

This view is from the kitchen.
The old entry door and frame have been removed.
(We took it out to the street and put a free sign on it
and a few hours later it was gone.)

This view is from the porch to the kitchen with the new window
installed where the old door was.
The guys installed cedar shakes on what would have been the
exterior of the house before the porch.

Now it's my turn: Paint and Stain.
White wash on the bead board, exterior paint color on the shakes.
The cedar ceiling we are going to leave for now and see if it will gray naturally.
When I'm done spilling paint, the guys will come back and install oak flooring.

Morning walk with Maui

2010-06-04T16:28:00.005-04:00

New door and window on porch.

New door location.

Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron in the side yard.

Maui takes a walk every morning before I head off to work.
One of his favorite stops is the cat-mint for a quick nibble.

The Muzzey Rose Bush in all her glory!

Roses and Renovations

2010-06-03T10:27:00.004-04:00

This rose bush planted long ago by the former owners; the Muzzeys, is like a gift from the past. Last year I think it had one or two blooms. I cut it back hard in the fall and gave her a new trellis and a little food. She has thanked us by providing 50 plus blooms this year.

The renovations are in full swing. The new screen door above goes into the basement. Another place for the indoor kitties to view the chippys and now much easier to bring out the laundry to hang on the line. We customized the size; 10 inches off the top and fit the cross piece back in and restrung the screening. I added heavy wire cloth to the bottom in case one of the cats tried to scratch their way out.
Something is missing!? We are making the back-porch into more than just a hallway. Down came the ceiling, off came the paneling on the walls, up came the rug and tiles on the floor and lastly the door and storm windows gone.

The plan: put in insulated windows and door, rewire this whole end of the house (that includes part of the kitchen, the garage and out-door lights), new beadboard ceiling and walls and then lay down hardwood floors. Oh yes, we'll be building new temporary stairs because we are moving the door location. (The deck is next year.)

Bits of Boston

2010-06-02T06:30:00.000-04:00

Where did the month of May go?

2010-06-01T12:49:00.003-04:00

Cats like to hang out too......on the porch!

2010-04-25T12:29:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the porch!
We've made the decision to have in-door cats.
There is just too much traffic.

Orion and Stella watch the squirrels race around the yard.
Buddy has his spot too!

The squirrels love to take peanuts from the pitcher. I just couldn't part with the pitcher after I broke the bottom out of it. I seems to keep the peanuts well.

Is he dancing for the cats?

A Male & Female cardinal visit the feeding station.

She is in the shade by the blue pitcher.

I like to hang out......I'm talking laundry

2010-04-23T11:51:00.004-04:00

Growing up my mom hung out our laundry and I remember helping take it down and folding the items into her large split wood basket. I love to hang out my laundry when the weather is good.

Clothes smell wonderfully fresh .

The sun brightens and bleaches whites.

I like my towels course and a bit scratchy. (some don't)

It's therapeutic.

It's fun.

It's FREE!

Sometimes it is hard to tell what the weather will be like at the other end of the day. I got home just in time to take in the laundry before the showers arrived.

2010-04-19T15:43:00.002-04:00

Vinca minor also small periwinkle grows under our flowering crab apple tree.

These daffodils popped up in the vacant lot next door to where I work.

If you want to view the teeny spider you'll need to click on the last photo.

Azalea

2010-04-14T12:18:00.000-04:00

Springs seems to be here early.....

2010-04-13T15:43:00.002-04:00

they say it is 25 degrees warmer than usual. I am enjoying the warmer temps.
It's a great time to get out and stroll the neighborhood and enjoy everyone's flowering shrubs.

It's also great to get out into the yard. Part of the lawn has been raked, the twigs and leaves removed from the flower beds and inventory has been taken. This is a new yard and I can't quite remember where or what things are in the garden. We planted some giant allium bulbs last fall and they are starting up through the earth. Our newly planted clematis also came through the winter cold and has started to creep up the trellis.

Spring thaw

2010-03-31T10:40:00.005-04:00

The ice is melting quickly on the pond.
This barn and pond are on the farm where I grew up.
The farm house and barn belong to another family now.
The pond and the 60 acre woodlot are still family owned.

The water flows over the spill way on its journey downstream.

2010-03-26T13:39:00.002-04:00

It's been a while, I know. Spring teased us with some nice warm weather in early March but has gone back to what we should expect. We have seen rain and sleet and flooding rivers. It's been cold and gray. Nothing seemed to charm me out to take pictures.
Out my window at work I see the ski trails on Mount Sunapee in the distance. Taunting me all winter to get out and enjoy the snow. I missed skiing this winter. For me the ski conditions have to be stellar. And this year we had a lot less snow and more "boiler plate" aka: ice.

(click on the photo to see the geese.)

I've tried to be patient. It's just so hard!
So I tried something new to distract me.

Having been inspired by my latest read Banana Heart Summer; the author is constantly describing food from her naive Philippines and the hunger of those without, I have been dabbling in cooking. Recipes, cookbooks and websites & magazines about food can get me excited.
I've always liked to bake. Bread, pie, cake, cookies, etc. But meals have always been a struggle for me. I've always said I hate to cook but I think I've found that I just don't like to coordinate a meal. I'm certain the neighbors could hear me cursing over the baked chops, rice and steamed veggies I attempted to make Tuesday. Nothing seemed to come out right, but they ate it.
Last night was different. I had fun making beef burgundy with bacon & onion dumplings. The day before it was chicken & broccoli Alfredo over penne and last Saturday chicken enchiladas. I guess I'm a one-pot cook. It's tax season and I'm trying to pick up the slack in the kitchen while my accountant husband works 16 hour days helping people with their taxes. He likes to cook and always makes it look so easy.
I'm trying my best to have fun while I experiment.

To be a cat.....

2010-03-12T12:19:00.002-05:00

moving about the house chasing the sun, napping and day dreaming, no worries.

Parade of flowers

2010-03-08T11:51:00.002-05:00

I love spring. Even 40 degrees feels warm.

Hope springs from the ground.

Promise is in the air.

Silk Farm walk about

2010-02-23T16:27:00.004-05:00

I took a hike at our local Audubon Center on Saturday.
I just needed to get out and enjoy the sun.

Waiting for it's summer resident blue birds to return.

The sun was warm on my back and the shadows stretched out across the field
as it moved lower in the sky.

At the bottom of this large white pine were the remains of some squirrel's lunch. I wonder just how many pine cones there were when he started?

It may be hard to see unless you click on the picture for a larger view; this maple leaf is frozen in the ice. There was a unique ice dam where the ground water had frozen and thawed and made a wonderful icy cascade as it was trying to reach Turkey pond.

Home Work

2010-02-15T13:11:00.002-05:00

It's president's Day and I'm home working for my husband.

It's always nice to have help with those large spreadsheets.

With 4 cats you can count on them showing up to "help" steal paper clips, test the refreshments and lay on the papers your reading. I think Buddy is ready to go to the next appointment.

Lumbering along to work.

2010-02-12T12:55:00.007-05:00

My commute to and from is a bit longer than it used to be but the time goes by quickly enough. I'm traveling in the opposite direction of most, out of the city. It's highway driving and the NHDOT does a great job keeping the roads clear of snow and ice. This winter we have gotten off easy without much of the white stuff. Bad for the ski areas but easier on those who shovel it. February is half over and already it seems like spring is not so far away. I was excited last night to walk out to my car in the day light. The days are stretching out and what a difference just a few extra minutes of day light can make to one's spirit.

Sailing on a winter's morning

2010-02-05T16:07:00.003-05:00

The morning sun was shining on it and had to stop.

I pulled into a field across the road where they have been logging. A thought ran through my mind "will I be able to back out of here?" I pulled in. This fence post was handy by to rest my little camera on.
My camera is one of those small, fit in my purse types with an auto-focus (ick!) but it's what I have so lots of blurry shots get tossed and a few make it here to show and tell. We have an old fashioned 35mm camera with a good telephoto lens but waiting for the development and lugging a heavy camera is too frustrating....more than having some blurred shots.

More unique roof art.

2010-02-01T11:30:00.002-05:00

You should be able to get a pretty good look at this rowboat if you click on the photo.

Some folks are really into picking out the right weather vane.
There is one I pass that is a monkey...I wonder what the story is behind that one?

Opossum siting...my first.

2010-01-29T13:34:00.006-05:00

As I was leaving work yesterday in a snow squall I saw what at first I thought was a cat. I slowed as so not to frighten it and to my surprise it was an opossum making its way along the road. He kept on moving along and I put the car in reverse so I might snap a shot or two. He wasn't too concern with me but seemed to be on a bee-line to somewhere.

I did a bit of research and found they are North America's only marsupial (female has a pouch) mammal. And they eat anything, "natures little sanitation engineers".

2010-01-27T16:32:00.002-05:00

I've been meaning to stop and capture some of the wonderfully odd, yet beautiful pieces of art that I pass in my wanderings.

A light dusting makes it seem a bit magical.

2010-01-20T16:45:00.001-05:00

I still can't believe it

2010-01-13T11:28:00.002-05:00

Fireplace during construction,
before insulation, lighting and wallboard.

Now in working order.

I am so thankful every day that we were able to pull off buying and renovating an older house and selling the one we were in. There were times when it seemed like it might not happen. We still have work to do here. Take the mantel piece, I'm thinking Vermont Soapstone. Black with a touch that is smooth and somehow soft. For now the pine 1 x 4 is in place until we scavenge the right piece.

January is here.

2010-01-12T16:27:00.001-05:00

"January opens
The box of the year
And brings out days
That are bright and clear
And brings out days
That are cold and grey
And shouts, "Come see
What I brought today!"
- Leland B. Jacobs, January

Fitting in...

2009-12-30T06:30:00.002-05:00

Doesn't he look relaxed?
It's been 2 months since Buddy joined us.
His owner is 2 months into Marine Boot Camp, one more to go.

Outside my window...light snow

2009-12-29T14:54:00.003-05:00

In the afternoon the sun tries to break through the clouds.

Waiting for Father Christmas

2009-12-12T06:30:00.002-05:00

Thank goodness for artificial trees!
With 2 teenage kittens climbing this baby there is no decorating.
The Angel on top has lost her wings and the bows find their way to the floor on a regular bases.

Buddy however is just too big to climb up the tree.
At 2 years old & 13.5 pounds he just watches from the floor.

Sky watch: Take me away

2009-12-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

A quick stop before board the plane. Fort Lauderdale.

Just a few flowers from Key West

2009-12-10T14:01:00.002-05:00

Falling flower.

No idea what they are. Aren't they beautiful!
Great eye-candy...
A little pick-me-up from a day filled with snow here in New Hampshire (8 inches).

Just a few days away can do wonders!

2009-12-02T16:42:00.002-05:00

As we were nearing the end of the house move and closing I got this need to get-away.
At the last minute we decided to have Thanksgiving in Key West. I'd never been there and it was perfect. Yes, there was Turkey but we didn't have to cook it and it had a Cuban flair.
We stayed at Duval House. It was wonderful! Quiet, yet right in the middle of everything. We couldn't have asked for more on a spur of the moment vacation.

We've had some beauties lately.

2009-11-20T06:30:00.003-05:00

Fall Bog Trot

2009-11-17T16:42:00.004-05:00

A warm November lunch break took me to the bog.

This pitcher plant is filled with water and nutrients it caught.

Another hiding in the grasses.

Lichen grows in abundance on the tree branches.

Papering the sewing room

2009-11-16T15:59:00.003-05:00

I finished this weekend. I haven't papered since my 22 year old was born. I really enjoyed it. Challenging like a puzzle but not so difficult you throw the wet soggy paper on the ground.

The pattern reminds me of peonies. It looks antique and gives the room a warm, calm feel.

Watching Sammy Squirrel from the window.

2009-11-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

Oh, don't mind the mess. Things are coming together.

A little Color

2009-11-06T16:54:00.000-05:00

Bittersweet: maybe because it is pretty but also invasive.

So we've moved......

2009-11-02T18:48:00.002-05:00

Well it took a full week to move and clean the country house.
We've got the computers hooked up and running but has anyone seen the cable for my camera?

Skywatch : Passing storm

2009-10-28T17:52:00.002-04:00

The wind was blowing, pushing the trees and grass about in their spots.

Kitty approved flooring

2009-10-18T09:06:00.002-04:00

Stella is sitting by the Front Door.

Orion basks in the afternoon sun in the living room.

Last weekend Stella went to the Vet for an unscheduled visit. Something was wrong you could tell. Poor thing just sat in one spot and wasn't interested in playing. Stella had a temperature of 104. 2 degrees above normal. Blood work was done to check for liver & kidney functions and white & red blood cell counts. Those were normal. The Vet guessed a virus. So home with Kitty Tylenol and antibiotics with close supervision. Stella is back to normal now!

Flooring...getting closer to move in status

2009-10-15T11:54:00.002-04:00

There are hardwood floors through-out the first floor.
We took on three of them last weekend.

Under the years of dirt and wear was gorgeous Maple flooring.
I'll try to remember to snap a shot of the finished floors.
Done 4 coats of clear polyurethane.

Carpeting for the upstairs Master Suite. Heather Gray.
Three week lead time for this and professionals will install.

Keep you fingers crossed, we have a P & S on the Country House.
Closing date is to be November 2nd.
Now waiting on the buyers bank.

Fall colors

2009-10-14T16:29:00.001-04:00

Sugar Maples glow right before undressing.

2009-10-09T12:45:00.003-04:00

A U T U M N

Very soon the wind and rain will come

a great affair

with swift precision

the trees will be left bare.
Just their bony skeletons will remain.

Early Morning by the river.

2009-10-02T13:37:00.004-04:00

The sun sparkled
the sky was clear and blue
the air was cool and crisp.

The beaver's dam is holding strong.
Ready for the ice and snow in the coming months.

Mist was rising off the water as the sun hit it.
Blue Jays
squirrels
woodpeckers
scold from above.
The river gurgles as it passed by with seamless ease.

Kitty jungle gym

2009-09-29T07:00:00.002-04:00

Stella and Orion love to climb everything.

Stella trying to get that tail. But it always moves.

Kitty attitude!!!

Today IS a gift...enjoy every moment.

2009-09-28T14:46:00.003-04:00

Yesterday is history.............
Tomorrow a mystery.........
Today Is a gift.........
That's why it's called ..............The Present
~unknown

Skywatch: Just passing through.

2009-09-25T16:50:00.001-04:00

Back Road Turkey Trott

2009-09-24T16:44:00.002-04:00

A delightful country drive.

Locals out for a stroll.

Small traces left behind.

Pretty in Pink

2009-09-18T13:48:00.003-04:00

This morning started brisk but sunny. A delight. Stopping at the bank I noticed their flower beds were still beautiful and bright.

Pink perfection!

In a funk....

2009-09-17T13:18:00.004-04:00

This is it. This is all I took a picture of.
Nothing is grabbing my attention.
And I am refusing to submit to taking pictures of colored leaves.

Did summer cheat us of a month or two this year?
I just need a couple more warm days.
This week has been cool and partly cloudy.
Hopefully I'll SNAP OUT OF IT !

Kitty like fish.

2009-09-15T06:08:00.002-04:00

Got laundry?

2009-09-14T13:03:00.002-04:00

Jack likes laundry. Dirty or Clean.
I've even seen him lay on wet clothes.

Sky Watch Friday: Storms a brew'n

2009-09-10T22:00:00.000-04:00

Heading north toward home the light was
a fantastic warm golden yellow color.

The clouds let down their tears and it was pouring.
I got off the highway and took the slow route home.
The Sun broke through and I noticed folks looking...of course!
I put my back to the sun and there it was.
That wonderful, joyful prism of color.

Wordless Wednesday: Itty Bitty Toady

2009-09-09T13:57:00.003-04:00

And this is one reason we send them off to college:

2009-09-08T14:12:00.003-04:00

Things i have learned in my first few days of college:

1. always leave towel in plain sight, so as to not forget it in the room when taking a shower... =(

2. roomates will go to crazy parties and get home at 4 in the morning and wake you up and then sleep in really late making it so you have to stay quiet.

3. being quiet gets you no where. the louder you are (when ur not with your roomate and they are sleeping) the more you will get noticed and the more friends you will most likely get.

4. im eligable for work study and would like to work at the animal shelter!!

5. The basement (where i was supposed to be in the first place) is the best floor. the nicest, kindest, most talkative, and willing to include you in anything they do.
IIl be spending most of my time down there with a girl named nicole who has quickly became a friend and has done everything with me thus far. including a 12 o'clock pizza party including all the "weirdos" (as nicole calls them) who would rather watch the funny movie role models than hang with the kids who were drunk and puking all over the place

7. girls who dress slutty are slutty and best to be avoided.

Right back on the job.

2009-08-31T13:06:00.003-04:00

They passed their check ups with flying colors.
Bright eyes, clean ears, good teeth and sleek coats.
And a quick shot surely wasn't going to slow these 2 down.

Orion on the attic stairs.

Stella checking out the camera.

Renovation Update:

2 bedrooms finished
bathroom finished
office finished
living room only needs two pieces of base board installed.
attic master bedroom is now insulated, sheet-rocked, mud & primed. Ceiling painted. Wired and lighting installation 1/2 done.

Lots more painting upstairs. Flooring and trim to install upstairs.

Anywhere will do.

2009-08-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

Quality Control crew. Everything needs to be just right and these two are always on top of it!
This photo was taken a few weeks ago. Stella & Orion are bigger and today they go for their vaccinations.

The perfect resting spot.

2009-08-28T06:00:00.002-04:00

Early in the morning this bee just hanging out in a squash flower. It was like he had just woken and was washing and fix himself up for the day. Slowly getting going and in no rush.

Blackberry Custard Pie

2009-08-27T14:12:00.003-04:00

I am forever looking for a recipe that uses up eggs. I only have 2 hens that lay now but that's still two eggs nearly everyday. This recipe came from EVERYDAY FOOD cookbook. Simple and quick and no water bath required.
Prep: 15 minutes Total: 1 hour Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS
• 3 Pears or Peaches, peeled, halved, cored, & sliced. Or berries.
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• cinnamon
• REAL maple syrup
• Confectioners' sugar

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees; butter a 9-inch pie dish. Slice pears or peaches 1/4 inch thick lengthwise. Arrange slices, overlapping slightly, in dish. If using berries cover bottom of dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with maple syrup.

2. In a blender, process 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/3 cup each granulated sugar and all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 3 large eggs, 3/4 cup milk, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.

3. Pour batter over fruit; bake until golden and firm to touch, 40 to 45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with confectioners' sugar.

Blackberry Pick'n

2009-08-25T13:44:00.004-04:00

The ever-present "yard boss".

The blackberries are ripening nicely with the warm weather we've had.
I made a custard with some of the berries and froze some for use in smoothies.

Beach : Part 2

2009-08-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

It was low tide at 5:40pm.

The gulls were very busy "clamming".

The water was warm and oh so relaxing.

Day Trip to Crane Beach : Ipswich Massachusetts

2009-08-21T13:07:00.004-04:00

We arrived at the reserve at about 3:30 so it only cost $7.50 instead of $15 to enter.

There are mile of trails to hike.
The dunes were wonderful and only the sounds were of what looked to be swallows swooping overhead.
Yes, Bank Swallows; they dig into the side sand dunes to nest.
The trails lead in and out of wooded areas and eventually down to the ocean.

I spotted this fellow on the wire.
To our amazement he didn't fly...didn't flinch.

We guessed he was people watching.
(Birder pay-back?)

I'll leave you here and show you the beach tomorrow.

Got Corn?

2009-08-18T12:13:00.002-04:00

It is hard for me to describe the excitement I get at the sight of a corn-field.
The farm daughter in me just can't resist stopping and trespassing into the rows of corn.
It is cool and shady in there. The smell is sweet and earthy all at once.

Childhood memories of my father and uncles cutting corn silage
to fill the silos for winter feed flood my mind.

Favorite little path.

2009-08-14T15:31:00.004-04:00

This is where I enjoy a quick morning walk.
Our neighbor mows this path through his woods.

It's not too long and there are several paths to mix it up.
The birds flit about and chirp a morning welcome.

Neighbors walk their dogs here
and deer and turkeys have also visited.

I enjoy walking but really only when my feet are falling on soft earth.
I dislike paved roads, sidewalks and concrete malls.
I'll take the woods with it's bug any-day.

Guard Cats on the look out.

2009-08-13T06:30:00.000-04:00

Well one of them anyway!

Purple Post

2009-08-12T06:30:00.006-04:00

(Joe Pie Weed)
I was on a walk-about and saw bits of purple everywhere.

Eye-candy I caught at the local farm stand.

(Bee Balm)

If you look close there are bees buzzing about.

This hedge of Bee Balm makes its home at the edge of the parking lot at work.
It managed to sneak under the fence to our side.

Cone flower in the early morning light.

(Echinacia Purpurea)
Here with a daddy long-legs.

Ruby Tuesday : Happy Hound & Lovely Lilies

2009-08-10T16:30:00.001-04:00

Wandering about Vermont

2009-08-06T12:02:00.002-04:00

We happened upon this quaint public garden as we were passing through Grafton Vt.

A nice place to stop half way home from the Townsend Dam after going to the cousins party.
After fresh grilled corn on the cob, hamburgers and tons of salads the younger cousins had GIANT marshmallows. I have never seen them so large...the size of your fist.
Then we stopped at my mom's place and picked 2 quarts of her blueberries. Yummy!

I felt fine Saturday......where did the rest of the week go?

2009-08-04T15:57:00.004-04:00

We went to a country wedding for our friend's daughter held on the lawn at their house. A marvelous party with wonderful food and the fun went all afternoon and late into the evening.
Sunday morning was quiet. After I mowed the lawn I had a hard time cooling off and my throat hurt. Monday morning just a sore throat and off to work I go. As the day progressed, ugh, headache and Congestion!!!!
The rest of the week I laid low. My head felt like it was in a huge clamp. I took medicine and slept. The cats thought it was great fun having someone home to nap with.

Last week was just a blur. Something good did come out of this: I realize I don't have to kill my self to get everything done all at once. Some things can wait and it's OK! Driving to work this Monday and even at work I had this feeling of peacefulness and calm.