My Blue Cottage

Torn Between Two Houses

2012-01-17T17:53:00.010-05:00

Oh, my heart aches sometimes..... All my life I wanted

an old house to nurture and dress up. I ' ve dreamed of it

since I was a little girl.

I found one in 2008 and when home prices went down

we could finally afford this OLD 1907 home to fix up

for our retirement home. It was a dream come true!

I truly love the house!

But buying it may not have been such a good idea.

1. It took all our money to buy it and repair it!

No money left for fun or for travel.

2. I'm still working a five hour drive away!

So, I have only spent twelve days in the house in 2011.

3. Our sons can't visit us. One lives 250 miles away and

the other son lives 500 miles away!

How our heart aches ...

4. To keep the house, we have to pay to keep the

utilities on and taxes and yard upkeep, etc.

But...we love the house. We absolutely love it!

I don't know what we are going to do. Twelve days is not

very much time to spend in your dream home.

It's just not practical.

And how can I ever sell my beloved blue cottage?

Can't keep both houses. Oh my heart is torn....

What would you do?

Love,

Lottie

A Year of Monday Motivations

2012-01-16T18:20:00.004-05:00

Last year, I followed Kelly Miller at Tidy Brown Wren blog and
cleaned and organized a room a month. I'm amazed at what great
motivation and tips can be found on Tidy Brown Wren. Kelly is
a professional home organizer.

I work full time and commute to work in a town over an hour a day.
On top of that, I deal with medical issues every day. I only have
the weekend to clean my home. For over ten years I had followed
Fly Lady and cleaned for 15 min. a day in a different room each
week. I always had 15 min., but my house was never really cleaned
all at once.

Kelly's Monday Motivations work!
By focusing on one room a month for a year, I've de-cluttered
everything, including my car. And following Kelly is like having
a friend do it along with you. It's just more fun!

Last year, Kelly followed this plan.

January - Foyer/Entrance
February - Kitchen
March - Bathrooms
April - Bedrooms
May - Closets
June - Kid's rooms
July - Family Room/Living Room
August - Paper Work (I worked on the study/home office)
September - Car
October - Garage
November - Laundry Room
December - Dining Room

What Worked Really Well Last Year
October was great for cleaning out the garage! The weather was
cool and we didn't have to cut grass.

December was really a great month for cleaning the dining room.
I didn't put out Christmas decorations in that room. It was really
nice and cozy. I de-cluttered dishes, tablecloths, napkins, etc.

And then there was January, which was to clean the hall and coat
closet. This year, after already going through this process last
year, it took me and DH all of 5 min. to de-clutter the coat closet.
This year we are washing down walls. Here are some pictures.

After going through the house last year, I can already see how
much easier this year will be. Check out Kelly's blog for some
great motivational tips! Tidy Brown Wren

Love,
Lottie

Three Thoughts

2011-12-28T14:12:00.006-05:00

There are thoughts I can't get past today. Maybe if I share

them I can let them go.

#1. The UNIVERSE really does seem to be in charge.

That's good! Because as I put away the Christmas
decorations and start a new diet, I think about how the
holidays would have still been just as special if we had
not done so much.I couldn't believe it when I walked
out in the yard this morning and saw the buttercups
already up. Spring is on it's way. God is in charge.

#2. Quote I found...."The more busy you are, the more
shallow you are." .....of course, by Unknown

DH brought that to my attention yesterday. I had spent
weeks cleaning the house but almost no time hiking with
my grown sons. My dad was the same way. He would
work late in the evening in the garage working on some
mechanical this or that. He didn't spend much time
everyday with his kids. It's just a shame because you
turn around and you realize you

don't know your own family.

#3. I'm OK! :-)

Yes, that's a funny thing to wake up and realize. I'm not
crazy! For years I had this secret. I like empty rooms.
For years I would give away or throw away things.
I have to do it in secret because DH brings
everything back!

I was wondering if I needed to see a professional

about the my secret. But a friend gave me a

compliment the other day that explains it all.

I am a minimalist! :-)

Great! I'm not only ok, I'm something special.

I am a minimalist!

Thank you for listening! I'm off to purge the den!

Lottie :)

Enjoy the Quiet for a Minute

2011-12-23T18:33:00.003-05:00

There is so much to do! The 25th is quickly approaching.
Time to stay still and enjoy the minute.

The gathering room is clean and Christmas meals are ready!
Soon the quiet will be gone and the wonderful loud chatter of
family will begin. The day is so warm and the sun shining so
bright that I left the back door open. What a grand December!

In my quiet moments, my mind wanders outside to the swing DH
put up for me. I think I'll go out and enjoy the sunny warm weather
right now. Last year at this time it was cold and the ground was
covered with snow. Treasure today I always say. I can even see
the Christmas tree from outside the window.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Love,

Lottie and DH

Winter Solstice Window

2011-12-22T18:41:00.004-05:00

Welcome! I want to invite you to my favorite window to the world.
It's where I watch the sunset every winter evening. And on this
winter solstice evening, this is my favorite spot in our home.

I love seeing my sweet neighbor's creamy yellow painted home

It always makes me smile!

I have a hanging basket of violet pansies in the window as
well as a pot of pansies on the picnic table on the deck. The
pansies in the big black clay pot by the deck chairs always cheer
me up in winter. I love the view out my kitchen window!

This kitchen window means a lot to me. I really do appreciate it.

For many years before I moved to my blue cottage, I lived

in my "little" green cottage. Our kitchen window looked out

across the driveway and a wall of the brick house next door.

So I never saw the sun rise or set. I just saw the red bricks and

white mortar on the brick wall. Just thinking of that brick wall

makes me appreciate our window now more.

Thank you for visiting today! Happy Winter Solstice!

And Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Love,

Lottie

A Little Bit of Christmas

2011-11-28T21:46:00.000-05:00

Times have been busy at My Blue Cottage! But I found a little time
to put up a few decorations on Saturday. Would you like a little
tour? I would love to show you around! I finished the tree on
Saturday. It is a just right tree for my family. Not too fancy.

My mantle decorations are simple, too. Candlesticks, baskets, and
this and that.

I love wreaths. I didn't take pictures of all of them. Here are just

a few.

Every year we have to have something tacky! This year we hung

snowflakes off the roof next to the deck and a blinking star! LOL!

Of course, every year we have deer in the front yard.

Thank you for visiting with us today! I used to decorate "bigger",

and I don't know what happened. I guess I feel very happy with

what I have now. No need to go "bigger".

I do love going on house tours, especially at Christmas.

Thank you for sharing your homes on your blogs!

Blessings,

Lottie

Take the Road Less Traveled

2011-11-06T14:00:00.023-05:00

We have lived here thirty-three years and always turned right on this
country road. Today DH and I were wanderers. When we came
to the crossroads, we turned left and took the road less traveled
by (us). Two miles later, we were crossing a new bridge! Beside it
was the old bridge that has been converted for fishing.

DH thought the rusty old bridge was beautiful!

Wow! When I looked at it through his eyes, it was beautiful!
"Look for beauty and you will find it!" ....Sara Teasdale

What a beautiful day we had together. "I took the road less
traveled by and that has made all the difference." ...Frost

Next time, turn left instead of right and see what you will find!
Love,
Lottie

Jack's Trees

2011-10-31T15:39:00.001-04:00

It is difficult to realize how great a part of all that is cheerful and delightful in the recollections of our own life is associated with trees. ~Wilson Flagg

This is what I see everyday when I walk to my mailbox.

I think they are a particular type of maple, but I just

call them Jack's trees. Jack was my neighbor who set

these trees out when he moved across the street. He was

in his 70's.

At the time I thought it was a silly thing to do. After all,

he had plenty of oak trees in his yard already. Why clutter

up the yard with more trees? But according to Jack, he

loved this particular tree because it was so pretty in the fall.

He was right.

Jack is in heaven now. I'm sure of it! He left more than

beautiful trees in the fall. He left smiles on a lot of people's

faces! :-) If you were in your driveway and he walked out his

door, he would holler "Hello" such that everyone for miles

heard him. He was just that way! I miss Jack.

Jack's family misses him, too. He had lots of grandchildren.

They planted this little tree a few years ago on the other side

of the yard. I can almost hear a big "Hello" when I see it!

Wouldn't it be nice to be remembered by other people by our

big "Hello" and when we see a beautiful red tree?

Have a wonderful Halloween!

Love always,

Lottie

Bewitching Wind

2011-10-28T17:38:00.001-04:00

So much to do! My list is long with things I must do today, so I go
for a walk to clear my thinking. The sky is turning gray and the
cold wind is starting to blow! Then something flapping in the wind
catches my eye! It's three witches in my neighbor's yard! LOL!

Come Fairies, take me out of this dull world, for I would ride with you upon the wind and dance upon the mountains like a flame!

William Butler Yeats

Love,

Lottie

Goals That Are Written Down

2011-10-27T15:57:00.002-04:00

Goals that are not written down are just wishes!

Makes sense. DH and I tried something different to
accomplish our goals. We made a deadline of two months.
That was because we wanted to accomplish all our goals
before it became dark earlier outside and before cold temps.
So these were our goals to accomplish by Nov. 1st. Do you
see what was wrong with the list?

1. Paint the house.
2. Clean the yard
3. Shampoo the carpet, upstairs and down

4. Cut two trees in the front yard
5. Clean out the gardening shed
6. Clean out the garage

7. Work on updating the Wills
8. Clean the study (files, cabinets, desks, computers)
9. Look for a new car

10. Trip to Alabama
11. Trip to Charleston

Too Long!!!!!
Yes, we just about killed ourselves working on our goals, but all
except for one (garden shed), we accomplished them all. Some
took longer than expected (painting the house) and some cost
more than we expected (wow, what a trip to Charleston), but
some were definitely worth it( updating Wills and the study)!
Some seemed more like fun (cutting down the trees and working
in the yard), while others were down and dirty work (garage)!
In fact, next year, the only goal for October will be to clean out
the garage. The weather was perfect, but it involved every day.
We only looked for a new car one weekend because after we
saw what it cost, we decided just to keep fixing the Oldsmobile.
But it was fun looking at new or pre-owned cars. Poor DH, he
had to do most of the work. We will decide what to put on our
new list of goals for November and December on Nov. 1st.

We know two items for November already.
1. Rake Leaves
2. Have Fun!

Hope you have a great weekend!
Love,
Lottie

Staying Focused

2011-10-25T15:17:00.003-04:00

I often accuse the menfolk in my family of being unfocused when
they set out to accomplish a task. I can pretty well start and finish.
Today I had a beautiful afternoon at hand so I thought, why not get
my desk organized?
BEFORE

I don't know why there is an Easter basket on my desk. And if I
keep my vitamins and pills right in front, I'll be sure to take them
all. Also, I'll know when I need to refill them. Wow, I need to
organize and now! So I thought maybe I would be more inspired
if I went to town and bought some...organizers!

So I put on my shoes and headed for town. First, I went to Staples
but I didn't see anything I liked. Then Target, but still nothing.

Then I went to Lowe's and started looking for desk organizers.
I always park at the garden side and walk through to inside.

I was a little distracted by the garden section, but I made my way
towards the middle of the store.

Then I don't know what happened. I stopped to talk to an old friend
and the next thing I knew, I was in the Christmas section.

Time to go home. I bought some pansies on the way out and
started for home. I was way too tired to keep looking for desk
organizers, besides the one I have work when I use them. So
this is what my desk looks like at the end of the afternoon.
AFTER

Oh well, I enjoyed the afternoon! Hope you enjoyed yours, too!

Love,

Lottie

The Mingling of Seasons

2011-10-23T15:11:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite blogs to read is The House in the Roses. I am

always inspired by the beautiful pictures, beautiful music, and most

of all the beautiful writing!

Cielo is a beautiful person, too! She helps practical me see the

mystery of the transition from summer to fall. I always thought

of it as a sad time to say goodby to summer and an anxious time

to rush to finish the preparations for winter. I wasn't standing

still feeling the beauty of the transition...the kiss......

In Cielo's own words.....

Does it happen to you too? I mean, are you enchanted by this mystery too? Because, I’m sure it’s a mystery—this encountering and mingling of seasons, one trailing after the other, almost tumbling upon each other; holding hands; softly kissing at the bend of some lethargic garden, as one fades into nothingness while the other establishes itself in everything there is to see and touch and smell and feel. Like the passing of the torch in some sorts of a magical game.

Treasure today!
Love,
Lottie

As Spooky as it Gets!

2011-10-15T19:07:00.005-04:00

I got rid of my scary Halloween decorations long ago, but every
October I take out my Ghostbuster's decoration. I just love it!
It makes me smile whenever I walk by. Start the video and sing along!

"A day without laughter is a day wasted." Charlie Chaplin

Love,

Lottie

Dinner and a Movie

2011-10-08T16:41:00.001-04:00

Years ago I was in the graduate program for Library Science at USC.
One of the courses was about Reference Resources. It was known
to be the hardest class in the program ...and...the best class in the
program. I looked forward to taking it and dreaded it at the same
time. Finally, I was in the class and at the first meeting, our
professor gave us all the best advice! "Work hard and go out for
dinner and a movie every Friday night!" That doesn't seem like
any kind of advice at all, but believe me, it was golden.

Last week was a "work hard" week, and Friday on the way home
I knew I was ready to go out to dinner and a movie! DH had
already cooked dinner so we ate together and then went out for
an ice cream cone and a movie. Since I didn't give DH notice
that I needed a movie night, I let him pick which movie we saw!

We saw "Moneyball" with Brad Pitt. What a great movie! I
highly recommend it. It was all about choices. I wouldn't
dare give the ending away because it totally surprised me!
I read in one of the reviews that the movie had intelligence.
It did. In fact, because it is about a man's world, I didn't
understand parts. DH explained it to me later. And because
it is about a man's world, I recognized right away why things
worked the way they did. It was truly a great movie!

Was Brad Pitt great in this movie? Yes. Was Robert Redford
great in this movie? YES. Because that is who I saw over
and over in the Brad Pitt performance.

And when David Justice came to the team, I hollered in the
theater " I know who that is!". DH just shushed me.

If you have a chance, don't miss "Moneyball". But if you
can swing it next weekend, go out on Friday for dinner and a
movie....especially if it is a "work hard" week!

Have a great weekend and please share your favorite movies.
Love,
Lottie

2011-10-03T20:09:00.000-04:00

Finally, October is here! I've been waiting all year for October
to come around again! I love summer, but it is time to move on!

I will cherish the petunias until frost! And thank goodness the
gardener has already started the pansies for the winter!

Yes, October is wonderful to look forward to. The gardener is

not too bad, either!

Hope you are looking forward to October, too!

Love,

Lottie

Letting Go

2011-09-10T10:09:00.001-04:00

The hardest thing I've ever had to do was let go of my children.
But I had to. I had to let them experience the world. I've always
enjoyed my independence and I want that for them, too.
But it is so hard to let go.......

But so worth it.... Oh, what beautiful pictures are sent home!

Wow! How wonderful to share our children's lives! Makes it
easier to let go.....

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!
Love,
Lottie

Cucumber Miracle

2011-07-21T20:58:00.005-04:00

I was watering the garden today and I looked under the
leaves of the cucumber vines. I couldn't believe what I saw!

Is that a baby cucumber?

:-)

No...it's a miracle!

Miracles happen everyday, change your perception of

what a miracle is and you'll see them all around you.

...Jon Bon Jovi

Hope your day has been full of miracles!
Love,
Lottie

Pothos - Still Gardening

2011-07-18T22:12:00.004-04:00

It's 100 degrees in South Carolina and I'm still gardening!
This time I'm rooting pothos. I love pothos because they can
stand low light or fluorescent lights for part of the year and
I work in a large library with no windows.

About three weeks ago I cut off some stems and stuck them
in a jar of water. Just kept filling up the jar...that's all.

This jar of pothos is about a week and a half in the water.

I put them both in new pots today.

It is still too hot to be doing this.

They both turned out well.

I think I'll stop gardening for awhile until it cools off. People

are more important than plants. I think I'll call someone who

needs cheering up tomorrow. These plants can wait!

Love,

Lottie

PS: Go to The Ivy Nest for some wonderful pictures of FROST!

Rescue Petunias

2011-07-17T07:10:00.002-04:00

Sometimes in July petunias look spent. That was the case with a
neighbor's hanging basket of petunias. All the blooms were gone,
and the neighbor set the basket by his garbage can on the road. I
noticed there was a little green still left on it and I couldn't stop
thinking about the poor plant. So, we asked the neighbor if we
could try to rescue the hanging basket and he gave us the basket.
DH carefully trimmed it back and nurtured it with Miracle Grow
and LOTS of water. That was two weeks ago.

Look how beautiful it is now!

It's funny how attached you can get to rescue plants!

Better Late Than Never

2011-07-16T22:43:00.001-04:00

I love geraniums!

But they were very expensive this spring. And right before

July 4th, they were expensive! Today I found them

marked 50 % off and I finally have my red, white, and blue

deck...albeit a little late.

Better Late Than Never!

(PS: Valentine candy tastes better on Feb. 15th, too! :-)

Love,

Lottie

Library of Congress July 18 on C-SPAN

2011-07-15T15:49:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I feel SO proud to be an American! It's when I
see documentaries like the one coming up on C-SPAN on
July 18th at 8 pm and 11 pm ET on The Library of Congress
that I am overwhelmed with all this country has achieved.

http://www.c-span.org/loc/

Go to the link and you can watch some of the documentary.

It is great! I wish everyone, especially those with school age

children, would fix an extra special dessert and make the

watching of this program an event. It is 90 min. long and

wonderful! It really is amazing! Put it on your calendar!

After all, we have the largest library in the world! Be proud!

Monday, July 18, 2011 at 8 pm and 11 pm ET on C-SPAN

(If the House of Representatives is in session, the documentary

will air on C-SPAN 2)

Summer Days!

2011-07-15T06:45:00.005-04:00

Wow! It was HOT on Tuesday! 98 degrees in South Carolina. I
stayed inside and kept cool with air conditioning all day. Then
when I went to the mailbox, I saw flowers who love summer days!

They were BEAUTIFUL, but I think I will stay inside with the AC
and look at them through the window! Stay cool and hydrated!
Love,
Lottie

Let's Walk Out to the Garden

2011-07-12T18:28:00.001-04:00

This year, our little garden has done great! I think it is because DH
has been totally in charge. I used to try to plant things, but now I
just pick things and cook them. It works out better that way!
Here is an update of the garden.

The tomatoes by the deck have really gotten tall and are producing

lots of tomatoes for the dinner table.

DH took the seeds from one heirloom, Brandywine, tomato

and planted all these plants. They are bushier than the rest

and the tomato is a purple color. Can't wait till these start.

The okra are coming along.

We grew beets this year. I've never grown beets and don't know
what to do with them, but there is always the internet!

We have a few eggplants, too.

And a few bell pepper plants. The bugs seem to like them, too!

And the cucumbers are climbing up the string. I hope we get
lots of cucumbers this year!

Thank you for walking out to the garden with me today. I love
seeing all my bloggy friend's gardens. Have a great day!
Love,
Lottie

Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC.

2011-07-04T18:49:00.001-04:00

I had the most wonderful trip to the Transportation Museum!
I absolutely loved it! I felt like I had been there before????
We saw the main shops and a roundhouse. I even picked out
the train I wanted! (LOL:-)

The roundhouse was beautiful!

And then there was train I wanted.

This beautiful purple train was just .....beautiful! Then it hit me!

I HAD been here before in another world....the world of raising

two little boys. I even still have the trains!

I still have the back shop! I have had it at least twenty years!

My youngest son spent hours putting it together.

I had a wonderful time at the Transportation Museum.

More than I ever expected.

DH had a great time, too!

So, go someplace different this summer! You may be surprised

and have the time of your life! Where have you been different?

Love,

Lottie

Happy July 4th, 1965!

2011-07-03T17:54:00.003-04:00

It's funny how we always look back to happy times when we

celebrated holidays as children. July 4th during the 60s was fun!

First, we ate hot dogs on the picnic table in the back yard.

Then all five of us piled into my parent's '56 Chevy station wagon.

We drove one mile to Mountain Creek Lake in Grand Prairie, Texas.

(Not much of a mountain.)

Now, can you imagine this shoreline full of old cars backed up next

to the water? Across from the lake was an electrical plant and a

runway for airplanes to take off. Someone on the other side always

shot off fireworks. They were not professional fireworks, but

always pretty next to the water.

I think my mom and dad had the most fun of all watching the

fireworks with all of us kids sitting on the tailgate of the car. I

just remember everyone laughing every time a rocket went up.

And none of it cost a dime!

We went back home afterwards, but a few times my dad would

surprise us with firecrackers for my brothers and a sparkler for me.

One year he brought home a Roman Candle! It was spectacular!

Hope you all have a great 4th of July! Thank you for listening

to my memories. I hope you will share yours, too!

Love,
Lottie

Some Beautiful Homes in Salisbury, NC

2011-06-13T13:53:00.002-04:00

Old houses are beautiful! We were in Salisbury, NC last weekend
and we stopped the car and went for a walk with our camera. Here
are just a few of the beautiful homes we walked by.

Have a good day today!

Love,
Lottie

What Made You Laugh Today?

2011-06-07T15:45:00.002-04:00

Hi!

Oh, how I love summer!

Would you like some ice water on the deck?

I have to laugh at the silly colors of my chairs!

But then, laughing is good for you! :-)

What made you laugh today?

Happy Summer Day!

Lottie

To Be Greek for a Day!

2011-05-21T18:55:00.002-04:00

We LOVE going to the Greek Festival in Greenville, SC! The
festival lasts several days but we drove up just today and it was
wonderful!

Of course, there was the food....
Pastichio, Dolmades, Mousaka, Spanakopeta, and Calamari.......Oh my goodness!

There was inside dining with music and outside dining...WITH

LIVE MUSIC! Just listen!

And then there was the best part of all.....tours of Saint George
Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

This is the side view. We had the most wonderful tour.

This is the 1992 cathedral. Here are some panels from the
1940 small church that was rebuilt as a downstairs chapel.

Really, the best part was just relaxing with DH and listening
to the music!

We all need time away from work to "nurture ourselves" and

regenerate! Take time!

Love,

Lottie

Broccoli Walnut Salad

2011-04-29T20:50:00.001-04:00

I love broccoli walnut salad! My whole family loves broccoli
walnut salad! And the best part is....(drum roll)...it tastes better
when it is made 24 hours ahead. What a time saver!
I love this recipe because it is so simple and good.

Broccoli Walnut Salad

Serves 2 (Just double the recipe for 4)

2 cups fresh broccoli, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons sugar
______________________________

In a small bowl, mix broccoli, walnuts, and raisins.
Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and sugar. Mix
into salad. Cover and refrigerate 1 hr. ( STOP! Wait
until the next day! It is too good then!)

Love,
Lottie

Completed Covered Swing!

2011-04-23T16:51:00.004-04:00

This is a story about my sweet Dear Husband. Several years

ago, he started building a swing for us in the back yard. He

built the frame so the chain would be long for a gentle swing.

But life and other projects took priority so the swing stayed

unfinished awhile until DH could finish it just like he wanted.

Years ago he finished the roof. He used cedar shingles that

would weather just so!

And he gave the squirrels a place to sit, but alas, no swing...

We set a garden bench under the roof but it never looked
like it really belonged. Here is my son walking away.
No one ever sat on the bench.

Then Dear Husband found a craftsman who made beautiful

cedar swings. Time to finish the covered swing!

Of course, Dear Husband had to make an extra trip to the

hardware store to get... extra hardware ...

Finally, it is finished and it is wonderful! I know I will

enjoy many an evening to come in my swing. I thought

about it, and from start to finish took about nine years.

But so what! It was well worth the wait!

Thanks for listening to my story today! Come swing awhile!

Love,

Lottie

Happy Easter to all!

2011-04-23T16:07:00.000-04:00

Hope you have a wonderful Easter!

Love,

Lottie

Spring Break Stay-cation

2011-04-14T18:49:00.002-04:00

Last week was spring break and we were off from school. We
normally travel and get out to visit relatives in distant states. This
year I wanted to stay at home with all my heart. So we took a
staycation (I love that word). To be honest, I just wanted to rest
and enjoy my azaleas! Glad you could stop by. Let's take a walk
around the front yard!

I feel like I went to a resort with all the
flowers blooming around me! The best
part was I got to sleep in my own bed
and cook my own food. We started our
garden, ate out a couple of nights at
local restaurants, walked every day,
took it slow and slept late. Ah, what
a wonderful thing this stay-cation is!

Thank you for stopping by today! Hope
you have a great week ahead!

Love,
Lottie

Spring + Old Houses = A Beautiful Walk

2011-04-07T14:29:00.004-04:00

I was in Greenville, SC this morning and just happen to have my
camera along. I needed to stop the car and walk a little bit. Just
beautiful homes are in the Hampton-Pickney Historic District.
The first home was our favorite because we were welcomed by
the owner. What a beautiful day for a walk!

These are beautiful homes, but Love The House You're In is

good advice. Now, I better go cut the grass in case someone

with a camera walks by my house. Have a great week!

Love,

Lottie

Love my Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

2011-04-06T16:40:00.002-04:00

This is one of my favorite houseplants, mainly because it is

still alive after two years! The Sansevieria is called the Snake

Plant because it has such beautiful stiff upright leaves. Mine

are now 3 feet tall. This plant is the Snake Plant, where the

Mother-in-Law's Tongue is very similar but with a yellow

border on the leaves. According to About.com , these are

the toughest of all houseplants! I believe it! I read that these

plants were native to Africa and preferred no water for the three

winter months. So I tried it. I took this plant to work, set it in

a corner with only artificial light, and FORBID anyone at work

to water it! It still looks great! I brought it home to divide it

and start back watering once a month.

I've always thought the Snake Plant to be just

beautiful! When I was a little girl, I remember

the Snake Plants in our doctor's waiting room. I
would wait in my big chair with my legs swinging
while I studied all the tropical patterns on the
leaves. Somehow, the plants were a comfort.

It sounds funny, but our dentist had a Snake Plant

in his waiting room, too.

Then, when I was pregnant with my boys, my

obstetrician's waiting room had a large sunny

window with all kinds of tropical plants,

including Snake Plants and Mother-in-Law's

Tongues. I always enjoyed looking at the plants

and happily chatting with the other new mothers.

Maybe I make too much of houseplants, ...but maybe not.

"Plants have been shown to decrease infection rates in

nursing homes and lower blood pressure..." (p. 87 YOU

Staying Young, Oz and Roizen)

Maybe my Snake Plant takes better care of me than I take of it.

For some great pictures of Snake Plants and Mother-in-Law's

Tongues, visit Pam at House of Hawthornes. She has a 50 year

year old Snake Plant!

Love,

Lottie.

Use Those Treasures!

2011-03-27T20:12:00.002-04:00

I was watching the squirrels out my dining room window today
when I turned and looked into our china cabinet.

There was my green wedding china and the blue Charlotte
china that DH buys for me now. I smiled as I thought of all
the love in that china cabinet.

I looked a little closer at the salt and pepper shakers and ....

wondered .....where in the world did I get those? After a few

minutes of thinking about it, I'm sure I got them on vacation at

Helen, Georgia, over twenty years ago! But I don't remember

actually buying them or the store I bought them in. They have

been stored behind glass like this for over twenty years. I've

never used them. I'm sure it was because I was raising two

very active little boys and they were safer in the china cabinet.

Time to start using my treasures! So I took out the salt and

pepper shakers and decided to put them in action! But where?

I filled them with salt and pepper and put them right on

the gathering room table! Beautiful!

After looking at them, maybe they are too big for the small

table. I moved them to the counter where we set our

dishes and fix our plates, now. Yes, a better fit.

These are only salt and pepper shakers. A simple thing. But
time is short and we shouldn't keep our personal treasures
behind glass. Our real treasures are the people we love.
We should hug them every minute we can! Laugh all the
time! And smile when we use our pretty salt and pepper
shakers!

Have a great week!

Love,
Lottie

Coconut Oil to Homemade Graham Crackers

2011-03-21T06:05:00.005-04:00

I've been reading about the wonders of coconut oil, but I don't
have experience baking with it. So, late one night while
looking for recipes to use coconut oil, I came across this recipe
for homemade graham crackers. Graham crackers? I just love
graham crackers and usually eat one sheet a day with milk.
When I read the recipe, questions popped in my mind. (Pop!)
Why don't they use graham flour? Is there such a thing as
graham flour? How will it taste with coconut oil? What
kind of oil is in my box of store bought graham crackers?

So I looked at the side of the box....and there is was......
hydrogenated soybean oil....YUK :-( That made me
determined to make Homemade Graham Crackers. They were
delicious! The coconut oil made them moist. And what flavor!
They were so good! They even made the milk taste better!

This recipe makes 30 biscuit sized crackers. They should
keep in an airtight container for weeks, but we could only
keep them a few days before they were eaten. Making the
cookies were a little labor intensive, but that was fun, too.
DH helped me roll out the cookie dough and cut the cookies
with a biscuit cutter. I had to poke holes in the cookies with
a fork, but it didn't hurt me! Ha! I hope you try these. I just
can't say enough about how good they were. No more store
bought graham crackers for me!

Homemade Graham Crackers

1 cup all purpose flour

1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour

5 Tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup coconut oil (chilled)

3 Tablespoons chilled butter cut into small pieces

2 Tablespoons honey

1 Tablespoon molasses

1/4 cup cold water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blend together all dry ingredients in a bowl. With a
pastry

blender, food processor or your finger tips, work in the

butter and coconut oil until small even particles are formed.

(The author of this recipe prefers using a food process to

do this and I will try it with one next time.) If you use a

food processor, the coconut oil can also be chilled and the

blade will break it up into small pieces. Otherwise, the

coconut oil should be room temperature so that it is softer

and can be worked by hand or with a pastry blender.

Mix together the honey, molasses, water and vanilla extract

and sprinkle this mixture gradually into the dry ingredients,

tossing with a fork until the liquid is evenly incorporated.

Press the dough together into a ball. It may be crumbly, but

do not add water. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for several

hours or overnight. (At this point, the dough smells YUM!)

Halve the dough. Let it soften for about 15 minutes. Roll

the dough out to pie crust thickness. Prick the dough all over

with a sharp tined fork and then cut into approximately 2.5"

squares or cut with a biscuit cutter. Transfer to a parch-

ment covered baking sheet with a spatula, placing them

very close together, almost touching. Repeat the process

with the remaining pieces of dough.

Bake the crackers on the middle shelf of a preheated 350

degree oven for about 15 minutes or until browned (graham

cracker color). If underbaked the crackers will not develop

either flavor or texture. Transfer from the parchment to a

wire rack and let cool completely, then store in an airtight

container.

I work such long hours during the winter that I don't have

time to cook as much as I would like. But I certainly do

collect wonderful recipes from your blogs! Thank you for

posting what you are cooking! Have a great week!

Love,
Lottie (Please, pass the milk!)

Welcome Spring!

2011-03-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

Spring starts small at My Blue Cottage. It cautiously peeks out

to see if winter is over.

Then the buttercups trumpet, "Spring is here."

The snowbells jingle in the wind, "Spring is here."

The flowering quince proclaimed, "Spring is here."

Then.....I knew it was here......

on a drive in the country.....when I had to stop my car....

there.......... was Spring!

Welcome Spring!

Love,

Lottie

The End of Winter

2011-03-19T22:26:00.009-04:00

What a beautiful morning!

Tomorrow is the first day of spring and I will miss these early

morning views through the trees.

The trees are like old friends waving goodby!

Mostly, I think I will miss the winter sky.

Oh well.... I better go inside and start the day.

Hope you have a great day!

Love,

Lottie

Growing our own food!

2011-03-13T22:13:00.000-04:00

We have somehow already started our garden and plan to eat
as much food as we can that we grow ourselves. But we didn't
have time to till up a spot yet, so we started in the flower bed.

We planted lettuce around the edge. We had some of our lettuce

in our salad for lunch today. I'm sure it was our imagination,

but it tasted really good coming from our little garden!

Can't wait to see your vegetable gardens!

Love,

Lottie

Pancho's

2011-03-12T20:57:00.000-05:00

We have a hundred Mexican restaurants close to home, but we
love to take a drive out in the country and find our way to
Pancho's in Liberty, SC.

The food is fantastic! It always is!

Sometimes it's good to get out and let someone else cook!

I just wanted to share one of our favorite places to eat lunch!
Yes, it is a long drive, 46 miles round trip, but what a great
excuse to go for a drive in the country!

Hope you are having a great weekend!
Love,
Lottie

Forsythia on my Mind

2011-03-11T18:04:00.000-05:00

It's spring and everywhere I go I see bright golden blooms of
forsythias! I pass by this lovely chocolate cottage everyday on
my commute to work. I love the three chimneys across the top
and broad windows. I especially love the white porch with the
chocolate brown color! Then this week the yellow forsythia
bloomed! I had to stop my car and get out and snap this picture!

Some of my favorite bloggers have forsythia on the mind,
too! Kelly at Tidy Brown Wren posts about how to start
a new plant by cutting branches and placing in a vase of
water. Be sure to visit her. And at A Sentimental Life,
see how forsythia can decorate your home with just the
right container!

Everywhere I go I spy yellow forsythia!
Love,
Lottie

It's Spring Again

2011-03-06T08:29:00.001-05:00

Spring is here and buttercups and flowering quince are in full
glory! How wonderful to walk in the yard. But it has been
raining for days and the pictures are coming out dark, so I
am linking to my favorite post about spring! Enjoy!

Honey, I Shrunk the Bloggers!

Hugs,
Lottie

Yearly Pilgrimage

2011-02-20T18:34:00.002-05:00

At least once I year, we have to go to the country for some
great cooking. And what good eats you will find there!

In the middle of South Carolina, you will find a great little
place to eat, called Grits and Groceries. The owner once
had a restaurant in New Orleans, but moved home to convert
an old store at Saylor's Crossroads, SC into one of the best
restaurants in the south.

And talk about real food, done real good....the food is
incredible! And talk about ambiance!!!!!!

Here is DH standing in the front door.

We drive 40 miles to eat here at least once a year, and

every time we do we love it! My favorite is the

homemade pimento cheese sandwich! And of course,

the glass of sweet tea with it is not bad either!

It's spring and we went on our yearly pilgrimage!

Thanks for coming along with us. Where do you

go every year?

Love,

Lottie

Anticipation - Long Hard Winter Gone

2011-02-13T17:51:00.003-05:00

When I come home from work at 4pm, I walk up the driveway
and check on my spring bulbs. This is how they looked today!

ANTICIPATION!

So, I'm pretty excited about spring coming. One of my students
told me Friday she was looking forward to the warm weekend,
because this had been such a "long, hard, winter." She is
only sixteen but still she recognizes that this has been an
especially hard winter. Still....I have some tricks to keep
my spirits up. First, I don't see how anyone can do without
beautiful pansies all winter.

and Lenten Rose

and of course, I keep a calendar.

Even my February calendar is in bloom!

Spring will be here soon. Oh, the

ANTICIPATION!

Love,

Lottie

Snow Creatures - Outdoor Adventures

2011-01-19T05:13:00.004-05:00

Warning! This post contains pictures of animals

in the snow. (Includes tame, wild and fake)

What a beautiful week!

But what did the animals think about it?

Elizabeth watched the snow out the bay window everyday. I

know she was wondering when it would all go away.

The little blue cottage was snowed in, too! I wish I had

thought to have someone fill it with food for the birds before the snow.

Sardis loved the snow! He thought it was play time!

I think this squirrel was bored because he/she stayed on this

branch looking IN the window at us!

This little buddy was slipping and sliding everywhere! He stopped

running when he was able to get some traction. Again, this is by the

bay window so he/she can watch us inside the house.

Now, for the fake animals......

The deck squirrels stayed put the whole snow. I

think they liked it!

The deck bunnies still have a front row seat!

The front door dog kept his cool!

And the back door frog kept everyone safe.

(My son says when you start checking on fake animals,

you might be an old lady! He just might be right! ;-D

Hope you are having a good week! See other pictures of

Outdoor Wednesday at Southern Daydreamer. Stay warm!

Hugs,

Lottie

Hall Makeover - Blue Cottage

2011-01-17T05:32:00.004-05:00

I love January. Not only is it a beautiful time of year, but you

get to stay inside and read....and watch movies ...and drink

hot chocolate.....and....CLEAN and SHINE your house! YES!

I washed down my hallway and cleaned all the wainscoting.

(Be careful what you wish for.)

I was talking about polishing the banisters on the stairs when
I turned around and DH had finished them!

Door on the left goes to a full bath downstairs and the door
on the right goes to the kitchen. The hall mirror was the only
thing I bought for the hall. Our first home (that would be My

Little Tiny Green Cottage) had no hall. The sofa table fit

nicely in here.

BEFORE

So here is my problem. The wall on the right has lots of odd

shapes about it (thermostat, doorbell, stairs) and nothing
about it was beautiful. So I took some things off the walls
from other places in the house and created a special wall.

AFTER

I love it!

The plate in the middle is the Syracuse China plate that DH
gave me for Christmas! The only thing I bought was a $2.76
plate hanger from Micheals for the new plate. Everything
else I have had for years.

I'll do the rest of the walls another day! Thanks for dropping
by to see the hall makeover. Be sure to stop by
Between Naps On the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday to
see other makeovers!
Hugs,
Lottie

Pink Saturday! Syracuse China

2011-01-15T17:13:00.003-05:00

Happy Pink Saturday!

This is about the best Christmas gift I have ever received!
DH was with me when I saw it in a little dark antique shop
on a shopping trip 40 miles away early in December. I
thought this was the most beautiful dish I had ever seen.

I didn't buy it because I was being practical that day. DH,
after 38 years of marriage, knew I would never forget it.
So, one day before Christmas, he drove back to that shop
(80 miles round trip) to buy me this beautiful $3.00 dish!

What a sweetie!

Be sure to check out the other Pink Saturday treasures at

Beverly's How Sweet the Sound.

Happy Pink Saturday!

Lottie

The Power of Three

2011-01-10T20:27:00.003-05:00

It snowed! We got 6 inches and the world is beautiful! I stayed
inside and organized and cleaned. My son (26) was home today,
too. Maybe it was cabin fever, but he moved things around on the
mantle in the kitchen.

BEFORE

I told him I didn't like the new mantle and he gave me a lecture
on symmetry in engineering. I told him decorating was a little
different. I explained about the power of grouping three objects.
He didn't believe me so I waited till he left to change it back.

AFTER

Then I started looking around the house. I saw where I could
make some changes by grouping things together. I didn't see it
before but now with the Christmas decor put up, I can see it.

I thought the top of this corner cabinet could be improved on.

So I grouped three pieces of folk pottery together. I love the
look now.

I grouped three photos in three different frames across the
top of the train cabinet on the opposite wall of the den. It
may have looked better with three different heights, but this
is what I had to work with on a snowy afternoon.

It is funny how we have such busy lives that we sometimes
don't notice our surroundings. This was fun! What are you
doing on your snow days?
Hugs,
Lottie

The Snow is Coming!

2011-01-09T19:52:00.000-05:00

This is my view out my kitchen window at 5pm.

Those are snow clouds behind those trees. The weatherman

says the snow will be here at 9 pm tonight! We have prepared all day!

In the South, we don't do snow well. Really, we don't do snow!

We can't drive in it and we don't know what to do but prepare.

So we go to the grocery store. Yes, I've gone twice!

We go to Sam's. Yes, I've stocked up today.

And we go to the Dollar General Store. Have to stock up

on everyday things. We have to prepare because we are afraid.

What are we afraid of? The darkness, of course...

Why sometimes the power goes off....for days!

And the roads are not clear .... for days!

So in order to prepare, we shop and eat out.

After all, we may be cooped up with our relatives... for days!

This is what I found at Dollar General today on the markdown.

A HAPPY HOLIDAYS plate for 37 cents!

OK snow, come on....I'm prepared!

SNOW *********

(Really, we ARE scared of snow

here in the south. It overwhelms us!)

Hope you have a good week!

Hugs,

Lottie

Resolutions and Wants for 2011

2011-01-06T20:34:00.007-05:00

"An unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates

This year I took a little more time to think about my New Year's

resolutions. I wanted to make sure I really "resolve" to do the

things I come up with. So here goes...

1, To eat "real" food this year. I resolve to eat healthy whole
      foods and try to eliminate 99% of processed food. I plan
      to continue learning about healthy eating and make changes
      in our diet, such as whole wheat flour instead of white.
      (I've done this for five months and lost over 30 pounds
      so why not do it again in 2011.)

2. To not procrastinate by over thinking decisions. I will
      put a time limit on my "thinking" and a due date on my
      final decision. I often think about going on vacation
      for a whole year and then three days before I go I still
      don't have definite plans where to go or where to stay.

3. To reach out to people more. I tend to be a little shy
     and enjoy a quiet day alone. So I plan to use my
     telephone and check on people more. My mother had
     a great telephone outreach while she was living. She
     had a way of keeping everyone connected!

I think three resolutions are enough to work on during the

year, but I have three little "wants" for 2011
.

1.   I want to build more fun into our lives. We often work
      hard all week so we can come home on the weekend and
      work hard at home. Work, work, work!
2. I want to stop and recognize beauty everyday. The sky in
     the morning is spectacular! The gray clouds in a winter
     sky are majestic. I want to feel the "wind" blowing my
     hair when I walk down to the mailbox. This is real life!
     Stop and live it!
3. I want to take the time to tell people I love them (because
     I do), or squeeze their hand because they are special (they
     are).

So, this is where my thinking is. I've enjoyed reading all the

New Year's Resolutions on other blogs and I felt like I wanted

to open my heart in this post.

Hugs,

Lottie

Spectacular Morning Sky

(during morning commute to work)

New Year's Menu

2011-01-01T19:16:00.002-05:00

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

2011

Wish you could come celebrate with us tonight!

Herb and Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Collard Greens

Black-eyed Peas

Sweet Potatoes

Corn Bread

Cold Buttermilk

Best Wishes for the New Year!

Hugs,

Lottie

Christmas Lessons: Do's and Don'ts

2010-12-31T19:55:00.001-05:00

I like to reflect back on holidays and think about what I have
learned that will make the next year even better! So every
year I come up with a list of Do's and Don'ts for our holiday.
I want to post them here today and maybe my friends in
blogland will post theirs and we can all learn together! This
year we didn't travel to stay with family and no one traveled
to visit us. I know many of you have house guests and would
welcome comments about that, too! First, .....

The Do's.....
1. Do buy yourself something very nice that you really need!
DH and I gave each other a new mattress!
2. Do super clean the house before putting out the Christmas
decorations.
3. Do plan some FUN during the holidays. We planned to
go to two movies at the theater and really enjoyed ourselves.
Make of list of FUN things to do and do them!
4. Keep your routines. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner as
much as you can at the same times. Keep laundry done.
5. Do eat lots of protein.
6. Do make time to be alone. Too much together time can
leave one frazzled.
7. Do indulge in a few holiday favorites, such as a couple
of Christmas cookies and eggnog.
8. Do attend and enjoy your local church services.
9. Do listen to Christmas music all month long.
10. Do watch Christmas movies on TV and DVD.
11. Do PLAY. We had the best basketball games in the
snow this year!
12. Do visit your beauty shop for a new cut and color!
13. Do send out Christmas cards!
14. Do be generous in your giving!
15. Do give MONEY to young people. They need it!
16. Do give MONEY to old people. They need it!

17. Do give MONEY. Everyone needs it!
17. Do buy fresh baked bread for the neighbors.

18. Do make a plan to rest and enjoy the holidays!

You may have some other Do's that you would like to share!

The Don'ts....
1. Don't remodel the house while the Christmas decorations
are up!
2. Don't redecorate while the Christmas decorations are up!
3. Don't do major cleaning when you should be enjoying the
holidays!
4. Don't stay up all night cooking!
5. Don't go to the grocery store EVERY day!
6. Don't eat desserts ALL day! (Do eat protein)
7. Don't buy too much at the after Christmas sale! ( I still
am trying to use up 75% off Christmas wrap from three
years ago)
8. Don't eat at the office party. I realized this year that half
the people didn't even come....it was the skinny half!
9. Don't drive in snow storms to visit relatives. Call them
on the phone!
10. And the biggest lesson I learned this year..........
[[[DON'T REMODEL THE HOUSE AT CHRISTMAS!]]]

Well, every year is different. What did you learn this
year? What did you put on your Do's and Don'ts list?

Love,

Lottie

Great Date Night Movies

2010-12-30T22:54:00.001-05:00

If you have time in the New Year, there are two great movies
you might enjoy. We were given movie tickets by my youngest
son, something called Fandango where you print your ticket
on your printer at home and get a discount.

A wonderful movie is The King's Speech. It is
excellent! You don't want to miss it! We drove
40 miles to see it and it was definitely worth it!
It lifts you up to heights above the everyday!!!

Another movie we saw was The Tourist with Johnny Depp.

It is a great date night movie just because the setting is

beautiful Venice, Italy! It also has lots of speed boats on the
canals and train rides. The story was trivial and the actors
looked too beautiful on the screen, but to it was definitely worth

spending an evening on the water in Venice!

So, I think DH and I have seen two movies now in 2010. LOL!
It was fun and everyone in the audience were our age.
I'm thankful to my son for getting us out of the house a couple
of nights these two weeks. One of our New Year's resolutions
for 2011 is to build more fun into our lives. Somehow we
set our lives up to work all the time.

Hope you have a chance to see The King's Speech. It really
is a wonderful movie!
Love,
Lottie

Day after Christmas snow!

2010-12-26T10:54:00.000-05:00

What beauty God has given us today!

Do you have snow today? We have squirrels and birds
and all kinds of critters running around in the snow.
Quite a show to watch. Hope you are having a good day!
Love,
Lottie

Merry Christmas to all!

2010-12-23T17:12:00.000-05:00

Can you believe these two have

been stored in a box all year waiting for this week? Can't see why

they can't spend some time out in January, too! \

Merry Christmas to all!

Update on Christmas Cards!

2010-12-21T19:48:00.003-05:00

If I had doubts before, I have none now! We
have received some of the most warm and
wonderful Christmas cards ever! Thank you,
Elaine, for reminding me that it is the thought
that counts and we send out Christmas cards
to let people know we are thinking of them!

And people have sent cards with wonderful
messages that let us know they were thinking
of us! What a wonderful time of year!

Some cards are from old friends we have not
seen all year. We meet in the grocery store
from time to time (maybe July) and we thank
each other for our card. It is a way to stay
connected....a way to pick up where we left
off last time.

A way to remember we were great friends
one time and maybe again some day.

Some cards only say "Merry Christmas"
and contain the senders signature. Others
have a long message about all that is going
on at their home.

When 88 year old Auntie writes, "I'm doing
fine!", it means she is using her walker and
getting around and eating good meals.... it
means something. What a great card!

There are cards that have
come a long way across the
continent from a niece who
is in the Army. Good to
read her long letter to keep
in touch. Glad she is also
"Doin' Fine!"

DH sent lots of cards this year to friends
and family that I didn't even know. Oh,
wonderful cards we received!

So, next year, we will start our cards earlier
and write longer messages.

Now look what our neighbor did!!!!!!!!!

What a beautiful mailbox! I'm plan to copy hers next year and
the poor mailman will have have to hunt for where to put the

Christmas cards next year!

Wishing a Merry Christmas to all!
Love,
Lottie

Christmas Library

2010-12-13T19:59:00.002-05:00

DH and I love to travel and a few years ago we visited Old
Winston-Salem in North Carolina. What a great trip! It was
Christmas and on the way up, we stayed at this beautiful B&B
in Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC. It was called, The
Manor House. Inside is a small library full of red. How warm!

This is where I would like to stop and listen to Christmas
music and enjoy a cup of "hot" chocolate! Join me!

Hope you are having a great day! Enjoy your chocolate!
Love,
Lottie

Christmas Cards

2010-12-10T18:33:00.003-05:00

It's December 10th and I've only received two Christmas cards.
One card is from my boss and the other from a distant relative
of my husband whom I've never met. They always send a nice
picture of their children so I'm glad we are on their card list.

I wasn't sure what to do about sending Christmas cards this year.

Some complain that cards are too expensive or time consuming.

Some of our very close relatives don't send us a card in return.

With email and text messages, it seems the Christmas card as

a tradition is disappearing. But what better way to send the

message, "Wishing You a Merry Christmas!" I looked back at

all the precious and beautiful cards I had saved over the years.

I still want to wish loved ones a Merry Christmas, so I found

a box of simple and sweet cards at 20 for $2.

The stamps cost $8.80 so with the cards it only cost around $11.

I spent Sunday afternoon writing out cards to all my family that
lived out-of-state. It made me feel good to connect that way. I
hope family is glad to receive their cards.

My dad is 86 and loves machines. He doesn't like Christmas
decorations or cards. All my life my mom called him
Mr. Scrooge in December. So I try to find him a funny card.
He doesn't like my pets either, so I sent him one similar to this.

When it is cold outside, and you have to put on your coat

to go down to that cold mailbox and open it up.....it would

be nice to get Christmas cards instead of medical bills!

So, get out your address book and address a few cards to

family and friends. Maybe they will send you a card, too,

and you can put up a string in your hall to hang your cards

on. Well, I mailed my cards five days ago and still only

have two cards on my string so far. But I'm sure more

will come in soon!

What do you do about Christmas cards at your home?

Wishing Everyone A Merry Christmas!

Love,

Lottie

Christmas Tour of Homes

2010-12-05T13:14:00.002-05:00

Anderson, SC is a pretty neat place! Every year DH and I go
on the Anderson Heritage Tour of Homes walking tour before
we decorate our own blue cottage. We love talking with the
owners of the homes about what they did with their gutters, or
how they chose the colors for the bedrooms. Here are some
of the homes on the tour. Hope you enjoy them, too!

I was so excited that 106 Webb St. was on the tour. It was

built in 1897 and the owner is restoring it. It is already a very livable home.

View from across the street.

This home at 707 West Market had incredible sunlight streaming

in the windows!

There I am holding a guide book to the homes. This home at 902 West Market

was once in disrepair but has been renovated. It is beautiful inside.

Across the street, 809 West Market, is the Marshall Orr House.

It is now the home of the Anderson County Woman's Club.

A bake sale was going on inside. Here are a few pictures.

Then back to 104 Webb Street, where old and new exist together.

Sometimes you meet people who are so warm and inviting that it
makes your whole day! We met a neighbor at the first house on
the tour that set that tone. His home was not on the tour. He is
an elderly gentlemen who had taken great care of his home and
had lived in the neighborhood for many years.

His home is my favorite! (....a blueish-gray cottage?....)

Thank you for coming along on the tour with us! We enjoyed
your company!

Love,
Lottie

Little Things

2010-11-28T16:31:00.002-05:00

I love tangerines and found a great buy at the grocery store.
A 4 lb. bag of Florida Tangerines for $1.50 That's 11 cents
each and a powerhouse of Vit. C. And they taste great!

A re-blooming Iris? I don't remember the name of it, but it

blooms in late November. Here is the last bloom that I cut

before the rain.

My neighbor found some old windows in her shed and

asked me if I had a need for them. I had seen windows

decorated at craft fairs and thought I would try it. That was

years and years ago. DH took them out of our shed and

covered the spinach bed before the leaves fall. What

beautiful green spinach leaves I see through the windows!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a good week!
Be sure to grab a tangerine and enjoy!

Love,
Lottie

Let's Look at Leaves!

2010-11-26T14:18:00.003-05:00

I love this time of year when Thanksgiving is over and we still
have beautiful colors of fall. Many houses in my neighborhood
have already put up their Christmas decorations and lights with
leaves still falling. Take a walk with me. Let's look at leaves...

There are leaves everywhere today. It rained last night and
no one is out making noise with a leaf blower or raking.
And it is just like magic outside with leaves everywhere!

Leaves everywhere. How wonderful to just enjoy them for one
day out of the year instead of trying to rake them up.

Leaves everywhere outside my front door!

Leaves everywhere around the woodpile in the back yard.

Leaves all over the deck and chairs......they seem to belong.

We'll rake tomorrow. Today we will just enjoy the leaves.

Thank you for walking with me to look at leaves.

Love,
Lottie

PS, if you're over my way tomorrow, I have an extra rake
and leaf blower. We can look at the leaves again! :-D

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

Usually at this point in the Thanksgiving holiday, I am so frantic
from planning, cooking, and cleaning that it is crying time. Not
so this year. I am calm and feeling pretty good.

This year, because of medical issues, I can't cook the big
traditional dinner so my DH is doing it. But my DSs asked
for a different menu. They asked for broccoli and spinach
salad! What sweethearts!

Since May 8th, I've lost 37 pounds. That is seven months
of healthy eating. I never wrote down a single food, calorie
or carb. I feel so much better! I still have 40 pounds to
go so I'm half way there! I still have diabetes but things
are better. Here is what I did.

1. Eat three vegetables every day. (Most important!)

2. Eat three fruits every day. (Raw and colorful!)
3. Drink 2 glasses of skim milk. ( I chose organic milk.)
4. Eat a serving of lean protein every meal.
5. In my mind, I counted 2 or 3 carb servings each meal.
Such as blueberries, a roll, broccoli, tomatoes and chicken is
2 carbs.
6. Walk around the block 2 or 3 times each day you can.

No stress. That was the important thing. And eating for
vitamins and the nutrients was the goal. So, because of
Thanksgiving dinner, we don't want to change our focus.
Oh, and DH is cooking the turkey this year! What a
sweetheart!

Everyone enjoy time with your families!
(It is really not about the food.)

Love,
Lottie

Look for Beauty, and You Will Find It!

2010-10-23T16:53:00.006-04:00

When I was young, I read a poem by Sara Teasdale about looking
for beauty in life. I've lost the poem but I think about the
sentiment often. If you don't actually look for what is beautiful in
life, sometimes you will miss it. That is what I thought about today
when I glanced beside my front door and saw a lone rose.

I gasped it was so beautiful! Then I think I heard a
whisper, "Look for beauty, and you will find it ...!"

Love,

Lottie

Beautiful Fall Day! Hey, why not paint the house?

2010-10-09T20:22:00.001-04:00

The weather has been gorgeous this week! We still have
temperatures in the 80's and no rain in sight. Everything
is still green in South Carolina and the only hint of fall is
the beautiful Goldenrod along the roads! DH decided to
paint the north side of the house to take advantage of this
beautiful weather.

I just love a retired man with time on his hands and an
itch to get his scaffolding out! Ha! :-)

Hope you are having a great day, too!

Hugs,

Lottie

Travel Gatlinburg, Tenn. - Romantic Gazebo

2010-10-03T15:09:00.001-04:00

When we went to the mountains in Gatlinburg, Tenn., we stayed
at Oakmont timeshare. It was really more like apartments but it
had some beautful landscaping. One night, on our walk, we
came across this beautiful gazebo! Notice the lights on
each post. They were dim at night and gave the gazebo a
romantic look. But it was the aroma of the purple butterfly
bushes planted around it that made the gazebo like heaven!

Then we followed a path to a rose arbor. Again, the scent was
like heaven. (DH is standing under the arbor.)

It was hot so we made use of the pool, both indoor and outdoor.

There were large pots of heat loving plants everywhere. Yes, it
was hot!

The people who worked at Oakmont were the nicest ever. And

some of the other guests became very good friends that week.
But I have to be honest....the mattress was the worst I had ever
slept on. I thought that was why I had such back pain and just
went on with the vacation with the worse pain in my life. I
should have gone to a doctor. Thank you for coming along
today with us. I'll post pictures of the actual mountains soon.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Hugs,
Lottie

Good Health and Good Sense

2010-09-29T19:34:00.000-04:00

Hi,
It's been over two months that I have been down and out
with some medical issues. But things are better and I'm able
to sit in a chair and type tonight. It was all my fault. I've not
put my health first, like we all should do.

Publilius Syrus, a Roman author, wrote in 1st century B.C. that

"Good health and good sense are two of life's greatest blessings."

I've been working on my health and have lost 18 pounds. REAL
food has made a positive difference. There is still pain and difficulties,
but I'm exercising (walking) through it. Things are slowly getting
better. I hope to start blogging again.

My message tonight to you is to take very good care of your health!

Love,
Lottie

Dreams of the Mountains

2010-07-27T03:25:00.001-04:00

The temps are in the 100s, and it is so HOT! I dream
of the Blue Ridge and the Smokey Mountains!

I can't believe we are actually going next week to someplace
COOL for vacation. I can't wait! I better pack our sweaters!

But then again, we'll need our shorts and flip flops, too!

Thank you for visiting today. Where do you go to keep cool
in the summer?

Love,

Lottie

New Deck

2010-07-22T12:33:00.001-04:00

We love to be outdoors! I especially like to set a picnic table for
simple meals like breakfast and lunch.

Can you see my problem?

Yes, I have to carry the dishes and food up and down four steps!

The patio was nice and I enjoyed it, but it was small. DH started
building a deck last winter. It turned out better than I ever
imagined.

I can't wait to set a table on the deck and enjoy the sunset
in the evenings. DH is my hero!

Thank you for visiting today. I wish we could share a
lemonaide on the deck together. Hope you are having
a good week!
Love,
Lottie

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without"

2010-07-21T17:37:00.006-04:00

I have learned so much since I started following blogs
about how to live a more abundant life through frugality
and thriftiness. And it has been incredibly fulfilling!

I discovered Tina's blog over at Tightwad Mom's Frugal
Forum and love it! I found this cup at a yard sale and
think of her blog whenever I see it. I keep my pens
and pencils in this cup on my desk now.

Hope everyone is having a good week! I hurt my

back a couple of weeks ago and have not helped

DH at all on the renovation. In fact, I've been

such a pain, he is ready to send me back home! :-)

Love,

Lottie

Granola (Homemade and Delicious!)

2010-07-19T16:52:00.005-04:00

I know it it HOT outside and I should be thinking of homemade

ice cream or ice slush. But no, I started thinking about how good

a bowl of granola and cold milk would be. I remembered seeing a

recipe for homemade granola that sounded wonderful!

I mixed the ingredients together in a large bowl, spread it evenly in
a pan and put it in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 min., then stirred
it, put it in for 7 min., stirred it again and let it cool. It was so easy
I made another batch the next night while I was cooking dinner.
For a great recipe, go to this link and read the list of ingredients. I
put coconut, walnuts, and raisins in mine. As a result, I have no
"after" pictures as everyone ate my granola as soon as I put it in
little bags for later! (Hide yours when you make it! :-)

Love,
Lottie

Welcome to Pink Saturday - Dream Bath

2010-07-17T00:30:00.011-04:00

I have a large bathroom with a claw foot tub in our old
home place. We are busy with other projects this summer

so the relaxing bath in beautiful surroundings will have to
wait awhile longer. Here is my inspiration picture.

I don't have a fireplace in my bathroom, but I do have
a long claw foot tub. It is painted black on the sides. I
have a pale pink color picked out to paint the walls
(Pink Shadow by Sherwin Williams). Right now, we
have 4 ft. of white bead board below with 8 ft. of red
painted plaster wall with a RED plaster ceiling!

So, I'm very, very eager for DH to paint the walls pink.

Poor man, I have sooo much for him to do. I'll have to

draw him a warm bath. But first, I better run get him

a blue towel!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Pink Saturday
and be sure to visit Beverly for more sweet pinks at

How Sweet the Sound.

Have a great weekend!

Love,

Lottie

In the Garden - Happy Day

2010-07-08T20:47:00.003-04:00

I've neglected my garden.

It is hot outside and everything needs water

to survive. I went for a walk yesterday,

and I know it is just my imagination,

but it seemed like the garden

was.....happy to see me!

Hello, Lottie!

The Black Eyed Susans seemed to shout for joy!

The red Salvia seemed to salute as I walked by.

The Vinca was giggling in the old wooden barrel.

The Crepe Myrtle was singing and swaying in the breeze.

The Hydrangea was happy I brought the water hose.

And sweet Sardis seemed happy we were walking in the garden.

The Tiger Lily and the Dragonfly caught me by surprise!

The Dragonfly looked.......like he was..........smiling?

If he says, "Hello, Lottie," I'm going to run!

Hope you enjoyed a walk in the garden. I know Disney must have put this

idea in my head from all those cartoons, but it does seem the garden is as

happy as I am when we spend time together. Hope your garden is happy!

Love,

Lottie

The Reality : Of an Old House (vs. the Romance)

2010-07-07T10:56:00.002-04:00

There are some hard realities that go along with the romance

of owning an old house. We are finding out the hard way what

some of those are. As with any house, you have to constantly

repair it. There are special things you have to do with a home

over 100 years old. This is not romance. But then again, it is.

I'll add a hall update later.

It took an entire day to scrape and prime

both sides of one section. How many days
are left in summer?

DH was wondering the same thing.

What happened to the romance?

As they say, "Work makes life sweet!"

Hope you are having a great week!
Love,

Lottie

The Romance : Of an Old House Part 4 of 4

2010-07-06T14:46:00.004-04:00

Old houses are romantic! Yes, indeed. They are so beautiful that they
capture you and they just won't let go! And the world around you just
changes while you are looking at an old house.

The reality is that you have to pay someone to paint those columns, or
you have to climb a ladder and do it yourself! That is what I am doing
at the homeplace. I'm washing columns by hand and painting them. DH
is up on scaffolding painting the trim. It "IS" reality.

Nevermind reality, let's take a tour today of Shorter Mansion in Eufaula,
AL, and get a good dose of "romance." It makes the washing down the
columns a little easier. This is Part 4 and the last pictures of our trip to
Eufaula, AL.

Beautiful mirror and doors in the foyer.

One of two fireplaces and two chandeliers

in the ladies' parlor.

Two green chairs that were donated by

The White House during the Kennedy years.

Decorative plaster on the walls that

once were painted with gold leaf.

One of two side marble tables in the dining room.

Looking from back hall to front door.

This mirror only will fit in a room with 14 ft. ceilings.

This porch has been featured in many home magazines.

Yes, the glass in the windows is curved, too.

In the library.

At the top of the stairs.

Back downstairs and looking at those columns

again.

This "IS" romance.

And this is "really" romance!

So, keep a lock on your heart,

and your pocketbook!

Because just when you think you have

escaped the lure of romance,

down the street is another one!

Love,

Lottie

PINK SATURDAY from Eufaula, AL

2010-07-03T05:08:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Pink Saturday!

I found this wonderful pink chair on a tour of the Shorter Mansion
in Eufaula, AL on our trip last week.

We also took a walking tour and saw these beautiful climbing
roses which were pale yellow with touches of pink on the petals.
Does anyone know the name of these? I'll look it up when I am
home and put it on my gardening buy list.

I snapped this picture of a bowl and pitcher on a tour in Eufaula
at Kendall Hall. I've posted pictures from that tour at an earlier post.

For more great Pink Saturday posts, visit Beverly at
How Sweet the Sound.

Love,
Lottie

Images of Eufaula, AL (Lots of Old Houses) Part 3 of 4

2010-07-01T20:53:00.002-04:00

We saw some beautiful homes and gardens on our trip to Eufaula, AL.
Some are just so beautiful, and so elegant, and so unforgettable that I
can't not put them on my blog. If you like old homes, sit back, sip a
glass of ice tea, and enjoy.

Yes, those are marble steps.

Those flat roofs are so expensive to repair. Here they put a roof on
top of the flat roof. Good solution.

The top of this house was called the Belvedere, or "beautiful view."
The belvedere was also an air conditioning system for the house.

And along this fence to the house above, I saw the yellow and pink
rose! I have to find one to plant at my home. I'm also putting the
picture on Pink Saturday.

As we walked along, we met other walkers and runners. But it is
getting a little "hot." Time to stop and get a glass of cold ice tea!
Hope you enjoyed the pictures. I will blog one more time about

Eufaula, AL, when I share pictures of the Shorter Mansion.
Until then, have a great week!
Love,
Lottie

Union Springs, Al (Lots of old houses) Part 2 of 4

2010-06-30T20:54:00.007-04:00

This is summer and we are working on the homeplace. Sometimes
you have to get away and renew. That is what DH and I did. We
visited a small town, Union Springs, about halfway between
Montgomery and Eufaula. Here are some pictures.

This house is getting some repair work done.

This is the side view of the above house. A truck was parked in front.

I think this is the courthouse (above) in town. And right in the middle

of the street is this.......

I think it is a bird dog. Anyway, you have to drive around it.

I have a dear friend and colleague, Susan, who is from Union Springs.

I think of her every time I drive through. After all, it is the people,

not the houses, that make the town.

Remember to love the house you're in. Have a great week!

Love,

Lottie

Fendall Hall, Eufaula, AL Part 1 of 4

2010-06-29T17:56:00.006-04:00

DH and I have done our share of camping and adventure type
vacations when our two sons were growing up. We both loved
to tour old houses, but the boys absolutely hated it! Can you
imagine two little blond haired boys having to keep their hands
by their sides, listen politely to a tour guide, not run, not talk,
not scream, not, not, not..... so we stopped going on house tours.
Now, in our golden years, we are trying to do what we love.

Would you like to go along with us today? We woud love to
have your company. Remember, no running, no screaming, no:-)

The houses in Eufaula, AL, have been on our wish list for many years.
Here we are visiting Fendall Hall, which was built in 1860. It is
restored and interpreted to the 1880 - 1916 occupancy of the home.

The Young family was rich enough to have murals painted in their
foyer. It was 1860, cotton was king, and this family regularly
traveled by boat from Alabama to New York City!

Ladies' Parlor

Pocket Doors into Formal Dining Room

Dining Room Ceiling

Next is the Informal Family Dining Room

(I love this room!)

and on the opposite wall is the china cabinet.

Let's go into the Gentleman's Parlor next.

I think I like it better than the ladies' parlor. Let's go upstairs and see the bedrooms.

DH is looking at the picture rail next to the ceiling.

This is a beautiful house with beautiful antiques!
As we were walking through, we saw
something very, very valuable!

Yes, look at that gutter system! I asked
DH why we didn't put a metal gutter like
this on our internal gutters and he said
because we couldn't afford it. (DH has
been painstakingly laboring to repair
our internal gutters for two summers.)
So of all the beautiful rooms, and furniture,
the one thing I wish I could take home is the
new metal gutters on Fendall Hall.

I have to remember the rules......
no running and no screaming!

I hope you enjoyed getting ideas from our little trip. Thank you for
joining us! We are back at the old homepace today and DH is
painting the front hall. Have a good week and always remember,
love the house you're in!

Love,

Lottie