What an exquisite place to watch the birds be so happy. Really, to watch all animals be in their element. The rabbits, chipmunks, skunks, wild turkeys and of course, the occasional bear (which I have yet to see, but Fred has seen). I’ve heard about their sitings, and one was very close. We’ve been close enough to smell them (smells like a wet dog, which some people can’t smell it, me included – but Fred can, whew!). We’ve seen fresh piles of doo… the ground freshly dug where they likely dug up a bee’s nest (I had no idea), fresh claw marks near an apple tree, the list goes on. You learn so much! #YOAHBEAR

Continue reading “From the Archives – Bird Watching at The Swag!” →

We fell in love with this poster so long ago, after we lost our first Jack Russell Terrier. We saw this in the window at the Farnsworth Museum. What a treasure. Since that time very dear friends who know Jamie sent us the poster with an inscription and a JRT digging, which is exactly what Charlie looked like when he would get to digging in the yard for something.

Continue reading “A Charlie-Like Sketch by Jamie Wyeth!” →

The view from my window… It’s a beautiful house, don’t get me wrong, but I think it’s a little close. I love looking out and seeing this but, things aren’t always what they seem, are they?

Continue reading “My View… it’s a beauty!” →

Happy 4th of July to you!

Isn’t this just the absolute best time of year to grab a good book, soak up the sun (or A/C for a good many of us) – sip an iced tea and disappear into another orbit. I’m reading THE FIVE STAR WEEKEND by Elin Hilderbrand and it’s FABULOUS! I’ve stocked up on several books – it is hurricane season after all!

Continue reading “Book Alert for the 4th of July!” →

The Summer Solstice is today, at 4:51 PM to be exact… This is the longest day of the year, from here on out the days get shorter. (Happy dance!) I like shorter days. 20 hours of sunshine is just a little too much for me.

Continue reading “Happy Summer Solstice!” →

A good saying to live by, right? Make what you can with what you’ve got. I do this all the time when cooking, substituting ingredients I have on hand to skip yet another trip to the store. The other day I made a fabulous fresh peach🍑, goat cheese 🐐, dill 🪴salad 🥗. Three trips to the store (the last one being for the LETTUCE!) – ugh, the frustration. We live nearby so it’s not a big deal, but would have rather spent time prepping and putting it together!

Continue reading “Make what you can with what you’ve got…” →

To those of you with dogs (or humans or any other animal) – sometimes a situation that seems problematic – in time turns out to be the most wonderful gift. No matter how trivial it may seem. Cherish these gifts! (And it doesn’t hurt to have the wherewithal to recognize these irritations as what they will be in the future… a gift!)

Continue reading “Little Surprises Everywhere!” →

Well, can you believe it’s already JUNE? Hurricane season is upon us (woohoo), it’s heating up outside – a perfect time for grilling, smoothies and cold salads! I’ve got a few good recipes on the radar not to mention this amazing little lamp that we bought. Notice there is no cord. It’s rechargeable and so nice for certain spaces (like this table pulled out away from the wall).

Continue reading “A nice way to light up your life!” →

Years ago a friend gave me a few cuttings of coleus. As soon as they had roots that looked as if the plant could sustain itself we planted it in a big pot outside. Watered it daily. It was STUNNING. It grows so quickly it’s mind boggling – when it starts to get leggy snip off a bit as shown here, plop it in some water and wait for the magic to happen…

Continue reading “An Accidental Lesson In Frugality!” →