Sittin' on the steps.

Here's Andy (short for Andrew Jackson the cat) sitting minding his own business. He has long front legs and and an even longer tail, 13 1/2 inches to be exact. The average cat tail is 12 inches. He is an above average cat. Anyway, Andy likes to sit on the bottom step like this.

HAPPY EASTER

Christmas Tree at Work Images 2010

I wanted to post these pictures as we are about to take down the tree this week. There were lots of compliments on it being so cute. Several of us dressed the tree. I used some long lengths of wire to twist around the doll waists where you can't see it and attached them securely. This prevented any of the items from disappearing. There were lots of candy canes on the tree for the taking but most are still there.

SNOW PICTURES 2010

We ended up with about 10 inches of snow when it was all over!

PLANNING FOR FALL

I feel a change. The long hot summer is finally giving way to cooler weather. Just yesterday we noted the slight blush to the leaves in our town. Fall is going to be early I think and I had a pang of planning for fall decor at my cottage. 

Autumn color, fall scents, and warm candle light. I will begin layering around the house, the sights, smells and textures for fall ambiance. This is my favorite time of the year!

We made a trip to Yankee Candle outlet to check out the fall scents. I bought a clearance jar called Be Thankful. It smells great! 
The potpourri looked great, so I bought a bag of spiced orange. I filled hurricanes with little apples and candles.

I need to change out my silk flowers to autumn stems. Perhaps sunflowers. I need to get into the attic to locate my florals. I just can't remember all that is up there. 

It won't be too long for some pictures but wait until I have everything in place.

Try To Remember

The Cottage Girl has the worst time remembering to bring the grocery totes with her shopping. Do you have this same trouble? 

Well, I am making a habit of storing them near the door and many eventually make it out to the car. Still doesn't work. I get to my favorite grocery store and jump out already thinking about what I need to buy and totally forget the totes.

I fill my basket and get in line to check out. I love the cashiers at the local Harris Teeter because not only are they fast and efficient but they are so friendly. We are smiling at each other when it happens. She may say something like paper, plastic or did you bring your own tote bags?  Frown. Oh no I did it again; I forgot them, I say sheepishly. It would be bad form to halt the line, and the process of checking out to dash to the car. So I go with plastic vowing to recycle them.


I am now thinking of posting a note near the drivers seat  that says
GROCERY TOTES,  that way I might remember. Why haven't I ?
It reminds me of my grandmother's house, especially the kitchen where she must have had a hundred little notes posted all over the place, reminding her of something. I hope it doesn't come to that!!!

Water-Are you thirsty?

Are you thirsty? Soda and iced tea a bit more than you desire, but plain old water seems, plain old?

I was at a work conference here at Colonial Williamsburg. They were serving water in large glass decanters with spigots at the bottom. Inside they floated lots of lemon slices and strawberry wedges. It was festive and colorful for a hot summer day, although we were in an air conditioned room. The water was new and the  taste was very light. Not Plain-Old! I thought to myself, I'll have to try this next time I have guests. I'll serve it in a large glass pitcher. I hope they won't think it is lemonade!

Then this morning. I was checking my favorite blogs. Mind you it is really early, say 5AM or so. I really woke up when I saw it. Water. Again in a large decanter with a spigot. I saw it on the Joyworks blog. One of my blog favs! I love their store and visit whenever I am in Snohomish. Anyway, Jana  wrote about the Saturdayz Flea Market at Sand Point. Lovely pictures and then at the end...there it was, water. In it was floating mint leaves and watermelon wedges! Fantastic. I can just imagine how cool and refreshing that must be.

I see a trend. Flavored waters you make yourself and without the chemicals or fizz. What could be better than that? So if you are thirsty, and want something better than plain old water, try one of these. Recipe not necessary!