Saw these on FB, couldn’t agree more. Thought I’d share them here with you today.
Amen, and Amen again.
Hypocrite
… yep, that’s me. I spent almost 24 hours with no background on my blog and honestly, I felt naked. And I’m not even a wallpaper girl when it comes to interior decorating.
This particular wallpaper you see is called Gypsy caravan wildflower, and I love it. Many years ago someone called me a gypsy and she meant it in a negative way. I took it as a compliment. I knew my way of living was different from hers, but I was sad for her because it is my opinion that a life so closely self-restricted, regimented, regulated, held close to the vest… is not really letting yourself LIVE.
Anyway… I also regret removing the followers button, but it’s too late, done deal. Why do I regret it? A friend told me she uses that feature to keep track of her favorite blogs and I never thought of it as a tool others use for convenience.
*sigh*. It is what it is. Thank you for your input on the previous post, I like to hear what blogging means to all of you too. If you’re a reader but not a blogger, feel free to join the conversation and let us know what appeals to you and what doesn’t.
It’s a new day, all. Make it a good one 🙂
The reasons
Recently another blogger discussed blogging, it’s pros and cons and all the things she found out about it while trying to make the decision to become a dot.com. I was surprised by some of her findings and did some googling of my own and .. behold!.. all the articles about how blogging is dead or dying. I don’t know that I agree with it but I suppose it has something to do with why you blog in the first place.
My reason for blogging is personal – I use it as a journal of sorts. It’s an outlet for my photography, a way to record special moments I don’t want to forget, and it’s a way to share things with anyone who wants to sit for a minute or two and read my little ponderings in this space I call This Old House 2. Someday when I’m gone, my kids and grand kids and great grand kids might enjoy browsing through these posts. – Or not!- but at least they have the option. Oh, if this were only possible years ago, I would love to browse my grandmother Elsie’s “blog”. Although she was so careful with her thoughts I don’t think she’d be a blogger.
Another blogger I came to know who has become a huge success and has thousands of followers asked me once If I’d like her to help me boost my readership so that I’d have more followers. While I appreciate the generous offer, it’s not about the number of followers I have on the sidebar. Another felt she needed to suggest I do more give aways, because that would –bring me more followers-, especially if I insist they “follow” me to enter to win. Again, the advice appreciated, but I’m not in it to tally numbers. * I just decided to remove that particular feature.
I’m in it to share with my family. I’m in it to share with any of you who care to stop by here what I saw that was cool today. What I cooked and enjoyed today. What really pissed me off today. What inspired me, what ired me, what made me think.. let me spread this out in the world and hope that it will bring more good vibes to the universe.
Two more things I learned while doing a little research about blogging. Photos are important. Well, dang.. I got that right. I take lots of photos… it’s safe to say I’m addicted to taking photos. I see a photo opportunity everywhere! Even in a blade of grass. I don’t mark each of my photos before I put them on the blog or facebook, because that particular habit annoys me. When I see a beautiful photo that has a watermark or blog name on it, I can’t help but feel it’s been violated somewhat. I get it if you’re a photographer and that’s where your grocery money comes from. But most of us don’t make money off our images. And now there is the pinterest red “button” that appears on some images to make it easier for you to pin that image on your Pinterest board. But.. while viewing it, you’ve got that big red P button right smack in the middle of your image. Call me a purist here (because it doesn’t fit anywhere else in my life…LOL)… but it’s a practice you won’t see here.
*** After reading TexWis girl’s comment below, I realized this post might sound -snarky- and I want to clarify before you read further. I don’t want to imply that having or wanting followers is wrong. It’s a great tool if it’s something that appeals to you. I also know that there are several reasons why some people watermark their images… one of them being theft. I understand the desire to protect your images especially if you make money off them. Many of my images have been used by others, and it doesn’t bother me. I take it as a form of flattery. But again, I don’t make my living by those images and I might feel differently if I did. I still stand by my belief that it does take away from the beautiful image originally created and I am willing to risk someone else using my image without my permission.
The second important tip?…. Keep it simple, Stupid. Hmmmm…. So I pulled out the backgrounds I often employ here, and made it simpler to look at. I’d like to know what appeals to you. Simple? as in what I have here now?
One more thing about blogging – I want to thank you… for checking in now and then and sharing whatever we’re sharing here in this space. Some of you have become very dear friends. This little community we create in these spaces is not dead, nor is it dying. It’s what we make of it, aren’t most things? ……
Icebox Cake
I had no idea what Icebox Cake was until I married my husband and his family presented it at someone’s birthday celebration. Apparently it was a favorite and once I had a piece I could see the appeal. There aren’t many recipes easier than this…
What’s needed:
a box of Graham Crackers – I use Nabisco Original
2 boxes of chocolate pudding mix – the kind you cook.
Milk for the pudding cooking – 8 cups needed for four boxes of pudding.
2 boxes vanilla pudding mix –
1 or two ripe bananas
How to assemble:
In large glass baking dish, place a layer of graham crackers on the bottom. Cook your vanilla pudding according to package directions, let it cool a little and then pour it on top of the first layer of grahams, gently… or the grahams will slide around. Then slice a banana thin and place the slices all over the top of the vanilla pudding layer. Add another layer of graham crackers, cook the chocolate pudding, allow it to cool some and pour on top. Crush a few remaining grahams and sprinkle across the top. Chill for atleast several hours in the refridge. Use a spatula to cut out squares … enjoy!
Apparently there are many versions of ice box cake. If you have your own version and care to share, please do so in the comments section, either via link or brief description.
Here’s a link to another kind, just as easy, completely different ingredients.. I might give it a go one of these days….just forget about the calorie counting for these desserts.. sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.
It’s not about the Mansions
Oh, you’ve gotta see ’em at least once, the Mansions that line Cliff Walk in Newport, RI. I’ve posted on it before… see HERE if interested. They aren’t what I love most about that incredible place, though.
This Old House is located about four miles from the coast. Our “coast” isn’t quite –the ocean– because we are on Long Island Sound and the barrier it creates, calming things a bit as far as the water is concerned. Once you get to the mouth of the sound and beyond… the Newport area is an example, the water turns a deeper, colder, moodier blue-turquoise-green-navy color and the roil and foam are a crisp white. So refreshing and soul soothing, that’s what I love most. We often bring beach chairs and sit by the water with good reading material, taking in the salty sea breezes and Vitamin D.
located on the bulkhead
Clear water
This boats sail reminds me of a shark fin

He was flirting with the girls.. hoping for a bit of their lunch.

Del’s is a Newport staple.. if you’re out near the water, you gotta get a lemon
slushy from the Dels Lemon Truck (it’s yellow & Green, like the cup)
Most refreshing drink ever created, I believe.
Wind whipped but happy girl here, in her element.
But enough about me…this picture is about one of my
buddies from back in my artisan shop days…
Mickey Johnson, formerly Nicholas Landon Jewelry,
is now living in beautiful Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.
I love her sea-inspired jewelry designs, and they are affordable!
I’m wearing one of her simpler original pieces, pearls are
among her favorite natural gems to work with.
Her studio and creations can be found here –
(you’d think I woulda put the clasp in the back, right?)
The best part of yesterday was meeting up with these characters
for an early dinner before heading home.
They spent the day on the beach below the Cliff walk and Mansions.
What I love about this particular crew right here is … they are all each others
best friend. There isn’t drama, no petty bickering… they really enjoy each
others company and holy cow – even ours on occasion.
It’s a beautiful thing.

Just a side note because I found it kinda funny –
What exactly was in the cooler they packed for themselves?
Water* Cheez-its * Swedish Fish * a Nerf Football
Who could ask for anything more 🙂


The Trickle Down Effect
No.. I’m not talking about politics or economics or wealth distribution or lack thereof … I’m talking that trickling down I almost hear as I sit on the lounge chair and R.E.L.A.X as the water gently drip drips over the sides of the newly installed fountain, pitter pattering and rippling in a way that soothes the soul.
Or so one would think.
Apparently…. this particular fountain… makes an -annoying- drip drip drip drip drip noise… if you’re asking my significant other.
Suck it up, buttercup.
Seriously.. I was concerned that this item I lusted over for well over a year would arrive and we’d install it and I’d say GOOD GAWD, that is GAUDY. To avoid this if at all possible, I hauled rocks out of the woods and made a rock,shrub and perennial border in hopes that it would soften the look. And I believe it has. I absolutely love it. I have always found water to be soothing and this fountain adds to the serenity I try to create in our living spaces.
The installation was not for sissies, however. chopping out the grass, complete with good ole Connecticut rocks, for the mini garden and then assembling and leveling this sucker was no easy feat.
Then *we* broke the pump while inspecting it, and discovered there were no stoppers in the drain holes. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, right? I just keep whispering that very sentiment in the Mr.’s ear as he accustoms himself to that annoying – drip drip drip – in between trips to the hardware store.
I’ve always been a huge fan of making a house a “home”. No matter what kind of life you live, we can all count on things that will frustrate, frazzle, test our last nerve. Home should be a haven where we can sit for a while and rest, relax, rejuvenate, recharge. No matter what your budget, little touches can make a big difference. Candles, sea shells, plants, pillows in vibrant colors, photos or a child’s artwork on a refrigerator with fun magnets, a new soap in the soap dish, a pot of geraniums or impatiens at the front door. It doesn’t have to be BIG things like an ornate water fountain. You know it’s true – sometimes the people with the biggest balance in their checkbook are the most unhappy. Be good to yourself and feather YOUR nest with the things that bring you happiness, peace of mind, remind you of what you love, more importantly WHO you love. (and one of those people should be YOU.)
In my best Forrest Gump impression – That’s all I’m gonna say about that.
Tacky?
Hmmmm… I often go back and forth over something I happen to be lusting after for This Old House. For over a year now I have admired and coveted this particular fountain at the local garden center. The guy and I were in there yesterday buying a few things for the vegetable garden and I stopped and goggled and maybe even begged a little in his general direction.
It’s about my height.
Really. 
We’ve pretty much decided we are not putting a pool in, too much work and the kids are grown and you know how everyone says… Oh, I’ll do the work! I’ll clean it! I’ll do the water testing!… and it doesn’t happen. We’ve been down that road twice and I do not want to go back to pulling dead or almost dead frogs out of the skimmers….AND.. I’m the only one in this house willing to do so, SO!… my logic is, and this was my sales pitch…. here’s our peaceful water without all the hassle!
And since I knew it had been setting there in that greenhouse for over a year… I figured they might be willing to bargain a little to unload it. They sure did!… and the husband without so much as an eye roll whipped out the card and said.. OK then… as long as it’s my fathers day gift and there will be no more purchases for that particular reason.
How could a girl resist?!
I do love Newport and all those impossible mansions with their ornateness and stonework and opulence… and this fountain and the small garden design I plan to put around it is just a touch of Newport here at This Old House. I can just imaging the serenity of that cascading, gently rippling water.. if only I could hear it!
I’ll keep you posted, don’t you know it. It’s a new day all… I hope you have a good one.

Goin to the Dogs
Heeeeeey, Moooom…..you lied to me. That’s the grooming truck!.. you said we were going for a walk. ( -drool commences – not kidding, see towel? )
This lady is a great friend of mine. We met through Dog Days Adoption Events. She was the volunteer I went searching around with in the neighborhood where Frasier was dumped by his original adopter. A fearless and tireless defender of animals and volunteer for shelter dogs, she’s on her way out west this weekend to care for dogs and horses at an animal sanctuary…
Lillian has a mobile dog grooming business and you couldn’t ask for a kinder approach. She has mega patience with neurotic Frasier, who seems to believe the clippers want to pull his toenails out. If you live in the shoreline area and like the idea of a mobile dog groomer for your dogs grooming needs, her rates are very reasonable and the service is so convenient. She can be reached at 203-481-3994.
Laid
Now get your mind out of the gutter…
🙂
We’ve got nests and eggs and mom and pop birds
flittering and fluttering all about This Old House.
Up at the barn we’ve got barn swallows nesting again,
and right here above the kitchen slider too.
This tiny little egg I discovered on the ground under a pine tree we have on the front lawn. The nest above it was empty. I have no idea what kind of bird lays such a tiny little blue egg..
perhaps a finch of some sort. It could sit on a dime.


Lions Mane Jellies
I can almost hear the collective “HUH?”…..
Frasier and I took a hike along Hammonassets rocky waterfront trails this morning and when we came to where we like to dip our feet in the water, well…. we didn’t. Just as I kicked off my sneaks and stepped into the chilly ocean water I spotted them. Hundreds of what I thought were man o’war jellyfish. Come to find out later after posting on FB, they are actually Lions Mane Jellies. For all these years whenever I spotted one of these, I pretty much yiped and got out of the water. Turns out they are not deadly. Their sting might be annoying, but it’s a mild irritation. I’ve read some conflicting info on the Lions Mane jellies though… Supposedily originating in the deep arctic oceans, they can reach huge sizes, like 40 lbs. and 7 feet long, I kid you not. These are very small in comparison. Some the size of a dessert plate, others like a silver dollar.
Beautiful, aren’t they?
Some jellyfish facts:
* Jellies are ancient animals, having roamed the seas
for at least 500 million years
* Jellies don’t have brains as we typically think of them: rather, they have a network of neurons (“nerve net”) that allows jellies to sense their environments, such as changes in water chemistry indicating food or the touch of another animal. The nerve net has some specialized structures such as statocysts, which are balance sensors that help jellies know whether they are facing up or down, and light-sensing organs called ocelli, which can sense the presence and absence of light.
* Jellies are found in oceans worldwide, in shallow and deep water, and a few can even be found living in freshwater.
* Jellyfish are carnivorous, and will eat just about anything they run into! Most jellies primarily eat plankton, tiny organisms that drift along in the water, although larger ones may also eat crustaceans, fish and even other jellyfish .
* Humans eat jellyfish: people have fished for jellies for at least 1700 years off the coast of China.
* Many jellyfish are able to produce light—an ability known as bioluminescence. They have proteins in some tissues that undergo a chemical reaction to produce blue or green light in response to stimuli such as touch. No one’s quite sure why jellies bioluminesce, but it seems to be mainly a defense tactic. A bright enough flash could be enough to startle a predator—or to attract an even bigger predator to make the jelly’s predator into prey.
I had the lovely experience of getting stung by the long tentacles of a clear jelly fish that had been lying on the beach in Panama City, Florida years ago. OUCH! The only relief? … soaking my foot in meat tenderizer mixed with Vinegar. So there’s your remedy in case you ever find yourself afflicted with a jellyfish sting. It works!