My Cottage Before the New Paint Job Begins

This photo was taken 2 years ago. The curved bare tree on the left is the one that smashed on my house during Hurricane Sandy. When my house was painted in 2003, the front and sides matched. Now the shingles have faded, mildewed, and most of the color has washed away with some remnants of the semi-transparent Cabot oil stain remaining. The wooden front boards were painted with latex in a Cabot color called Milkweed.

The black mildew on the front is not apparent in this old photo. I had the house power washed once and this photo might have been following that job. All of the weeds around the birdbath were replaced with wood chips, my spring project this year. I'm so glad I did it and it still looks fantastic.

Winter view of the front.

Fallen tree after Sandy. No real damage to the back of the cottage...just scratched singles. The back gets the harsh morning sun and all of the stain has washed away and the shingles have weathered a dark gray. The bottom is a dark gray stucco applied over the foundation.

A good front view. I think the white paint with white trim and white shingles will look very nice with my brick walls and chimney and slate-blend asphalt roof shingles. Shutters will be black or dark green.

My barn garage with upstairs storage loft is red vinyl but the wood trim needs a good paint job. Look carefully under the roof overhang and you'll see the mildew.

I am exhausted from all of my agony in making a painting decision. You really do have to be your own general contractor to get a good job. It's sort of like the lion tamer at the circus coordinating all of the animals so they don't trample each other. This week alone, I've had a refrigerator repair man, an electrician and a painter and it's only Wednesday. I still have to call my plumber for some drippy faucets and furnace service before the winter. Sometimes I think home ownership is extremely overrated. Does anyone know of a retirement village with individual Airstream trailers? Sign me up, please.

I can't wait for BROADCHURCH, episode 4 tonight on BBC America. It will help take my mind off home repair issues. See you in the morning

Pink Hollyhocks Climbing to The Sky

How much do I love this photo? via

Webster in the Car

He was soo happy to have been invited to go along on a cool Sunday evening drive.

Blue Plate Special Dog Breakfast

Henry always eats his fried egg first.

Webster eats his mixed with water, like soup.

Blue Plate Special. Fried egg, kibble and oatmeal.

When is dinner? May I have mine on a plate too?

Webster Loves Peanut Butter

I always let Webster lick the empty peanut butter jars and he does a very good job of getting it all. He's exhausted after a day of puppy sitting. We got in a few walks each time the rain subsided enough to go outside without an umbrella. See you tomorrow. Good night all.

A Soft Summer Rain Today

I was jolted out of bed this morning by knocking at my door. I forgot I was taking care of Henry, the cavalier king charles spaniel for a couple of days. It was also raining. So there you have it. My morning has calmed down now that I've had breakfast coffee. Now I must prepare some oatmeal and kibble for Webster and Henry. See you later.

My Picture Post Card Back Yard

Sorry I haven't been around much lately. I've been so busy outside and with real estate. I mowed the back yesterday and today and it looks fabulous, doesn't it? We are having some nice low humidity weather and I thought I should take advantage of it. I honestly can't believe today is the last day of July. I always try to savor August, the last full month of summer. my photo

Royal Country Picnic

Another Royal family portrait with young children. William and Kate will be carrying the torch for us now. Can't wait. via

Blue Chicory and Hot Sun

I have a whole field of these blue chicory weeds. The blooms close up and go to sleep at the end of the day and all you see is stalks. Today is supposed to be the hottest day of our heat wave so we will get in our longer walks early. Stay cool.

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly on Red Clover

Click photo to enlarge.

I had a super busy day running around taking care of business. Webster has recovered completely and he's now taking walks to the way back with me. I am so happy. We saw this butterfly feeding on red clover on a stroll in the late afternoon. It's still very hot but somehow it doesn't seem quite so smothery, if you know what I mean.

Outdoor Shower Ideas

Nothing says summer like an outdoor shower.

Do you have a favorite? There are more choices here. Stay cool and shower outside if you can. That's one of life's simple pleasures and dogs like them too.

Gorgeous Tree Lined Drive

I love the way the sun is shining through the trees in this photo. It's simply lovely. It looks hot there just like it is here. We won't be out of mid-90° weather until Sunday. Texas stole my weather and sent theirs up here. I heard on the news last night that the high yesterday in Houston was only 72° which sounds more like San Francisco weather. It's crazy everywhere, isn't it? Webster is much, much better but he is still resting. Animals know what to do when they are feeling low and they don't rush getting up unless it's absolutely necessary. He's such a good dog. See you later. via

Lazy Sunday for Cottage Pets

Webster is on the mend and enjoying his dog bed in a new location. I brought the one down from the attic because it has an egg-crate foam mattress and a rectangular shape so he can stretch out. I put it in his favorite spot so he can see me in the kitchen and look down the hall into my bedroom. He's such a good patient. I'm still at a loss about what was wrong with him but I'm pretty sure he was stung by yellow jackets. I have to remember to replenish my supply of antihistamine capsules that helped his rapid breathing get back to normal. He had the same reaction once before when I witnessed the evil insects stinging him. 

Tabitha insisted on spending the night outdoors last night and she promptly crashed on the nearest chair this morning after she ate and she hasn't moved a muscle in hours. We are all enjoying the air conditioning. Hope you are too.

Wild Grape Vine Detail

     Photographed here at the cottage one day this week while on a nature walk with Webster. I love the shape, color and intricate design on wild grape leaves and this one is perfect. Stay cool in this heat wave. Ours is supposed to break on Sunday and I cannot wait. I am so tired of having the air conditioning on 24/7. It's okay during the day, but I really miss sleeping with my windows open.

     The big walk-in closet is empty downstairs. I cleaned it top to bottom yesterday and it looks so nice. I took a break for a few days but now I am moved to continue dealing with my mother's ground level dwelling. I have donated most of the clothes and am feeling good about that. She had the best taste in classic dresses and jumpers that never go out of style. I put aside a few of my favorites and I have them airing outside. Don't ask me why but one day I'll know the reason. 

     There was an interesting segment recently on NPR about "The Global Afterlife of Your Donated Clothes". I didn't know that 80% of all donated clothing ends up in the hands of textile recyclers. Anyway, it's better than having them end up in the landfill. Article and podcast here. Read it and weep.

     Have a great weekend and try to keep cool. I'll see you later.

Wattle Arched Rose Arbor

I love it. What a fun project this would be. Buy here if you live in England.

Webster On The Move

Click photo to enlarge.

Webster and I just got back from a walk after a brief shower. It's so muggy out there you can hardly get your breath. My camera lens was fogging over after a minute or two but I did manage to get a decent picture of the Wonder Dog. Did I ever mention he's addicted to air conditioning? Last night was the first time this year I left it running all night long. I think I'll leave on tonight too. Good night all. Have a great July 4th.

Beautiful Picnic

One of the nicest things about summer is eating outside, especially if you have a wonderful view. This farmland is beautiful and the salad greens were probably just picked, eating local at its best. via 

It is overcast but cool and misty on this first morning of July here at the cottage. I got in some serious mowing over the weekend and the back is looking good. I'll tackle the front one day this week in between thunder showers. See you later.
UPDATE: It's as dark as pitch and pouring rain. Thank goodness I had my gutters cleaned last week.