An award and 7 things

A few weeks back I received the Kreativ Blogger award from Yarnigras. I am sorry it took me so long to acknowledge it. She said I am a Kreative blogger because of my "storytelling and gorgeous photography". I am honored to receive the award. Val was my very first swap partner. We did a swap last year, the Artsy Autumn swap, and she sent me some fabulous things. Check out her blog. She is always doing something fun and her stories are hilarious! Especially the one about the dog and the security alarm.

So I have to list 7 things you didn't know about me and then pass the award on to 7 other Kreative Bloggers. First, the 7 things:



I have cashmere sweaters in at least a dozen colors and I suspect the collection will grow.





My cat, Molly, was rescued with her mother and siblings from a trailer park in Hooksett, New Hampshire. Now she's living the good life!



I have a super sensitive sense of smell. I am always the first to smell a skunk or something burning, etc. The other day I walked out of a Dunkin Donuts because it smelled like a public restroom. No one else in line seemed to be bothered but I wouldn't buy my coffee there.




I am not a morning person. I tried exercising in the morning (aerobics) and it was a disaster. Actually, I almost fell through the sliding glass door and onto my balcony. I am just not coordinated or coherent before 10AM. Luckily, my new condo does not have a balcony or a slider.




I think the best coffee ever served is at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston.






My cat Oscar has learned to say the word NO. No, I didn't teach him that!



I have a large collection of Christmas CDs and I listen to them from November to January. Every year I find a few more that I just have to have.

Now for the 7 Kreativ Bloggers. First, here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you.
2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.
5. Nominate seven 'Kreativ Bloggers' .
6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

Here are the 7 bloggers I truly admire:

Donna at An Enchanted Cottage- her blog is charming and full of stories of the
various animals in her life, family, crafts, food, places to go. It's always
a good read.

Michelle at Chocolate and Marmalade Tea- she entertains her readers with postings about her cats, her adventures and her baking. Another great blog.

KayEllen at Kayellen. Her tablescapes and decorating ideas keeping me coming back for me. Fabulous photography too!

Sharon at My New England Life. Her photography is gorgeous and I've learned
about some interesting places to go in New England. She has such sweet animals too!

Carol at Paris Breakfasts. Her subtitle is I paint Paris Dreams. That alone would draw you to her blog. Once you're there, enjoy your tour of Paris and savor Carol's
watercolors of Paris, it's buildings and the food.

Kim At Sweet Sage Vintage. Her blog is the sweetest, vintage photos, sweet thoughts
and wonderful cat photography. It's always a joy to read.

Alice at Thoughts from Alice W.Love her phtography, vignettes and adorable dog.

Ladies, do not feel obligated to post the award or pass it along. I just wanted to
let you know I adore your blogs and you all keep me interested, entertained, and often in awe of your writing, photography, and all that you do.

Please visit the aforementioned blogs and enjoy!









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My Buddy

Nothing much to report today. Just trying to chill out with the Kits after an insane week. Crazy on every level, work, home, you name it. Anyway, it's always nice to come home to the Kits' sweet little faces.

Also, congratulations to Teresa, you won my cookbook and tea giveaway. Plese email me your contact info. Thanks to all who participated.

A Blog Giveaway

I know it's a bit late but I am participating in Cindy @ My Romantic Home's second Monday of the month giveaway. I am giving away a Stonewall Kitchen Winter Celebrations cookbook and a tea surprise. Not that I am rushing the Winter season, but, I want you to be prepared with some great recipes.



Look the book is autographed. I picked up this cookbok when I was in Maine in August.



All you need to do is leave a comment on this post and I will enter you. On Saturday, October 17th I will draw the winner. In the meantime check out Cindy's blog for other participants of the second Monday of the month giveaway.

A Day in Boston

I had the day off from work so I decided to take a trip into Boston.



The weather was perfect. Actually it started out a little cool and very windy but otherwise a spectacular Autumn day.



The Public Garden looked beautiful. Everyone was out enjoying the sunshine, eating lunch and lounging on the grass.



I met my friend Kim at the Four Seasons Hotel. While I waited for her, I took a little tour of the hotel. The view of the Public Garden was lovely.



This staircase was so grand. I wonder what celebrities have walked down these stairs? This is where the famous stay when they are in town.



Another view from the staircase.



The floor of the lobby was so shiny. The autumnal arrangement was colorful and tasteful.



We had lunch at Finale's. Soup and a half sandwich and of course the finale was dessert. So many to choose from.




We walked off dessert by touring Marlborough and Newbury Streets. One of the dogs was definitely a charmer and quite the girl watcher!



So many pretty windowboxes.




And iron gates, gorgeous lanterns.



Wonderful plantings.



Fantastic doorways.



Lovely entrances all along the street.



A scene on Newbury St.



I love his beret.



Had we not already eaten, we probably would have had lunch at Tealuxe. I was intrigued by a sign for chaider, a cinnamon chai drink steeped in apple cider.
Perfect for a windy day in Boston.



I loved window shopping on Newbury Street. Newbury Street is known for it's
pricey stores. I only spent money on public transportation and food and I didn't give in to my shopaholic tendencies. That means there's money left over for another vacation day...maybe next week?

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Looking for a fun movie to watch this Halloween season? I recommend The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The TV version with Jeff Goldblum as Ichabod Crane is my favorite. It's humorous and I love the costumes.

Check out a sneak preview from You Tube. Don't forget to mute the music on my playlist.

Morning Rituals

We all have our morning routines and Molly and Oscar have theirs too. Actually none of us like mornings. But once we are awake...



and I mean when we are really awake and ready to set foot or paw out of bed, we head to the bathroom.



Molly immediately heads to the sink so she can have that first drink of water of the morning. That first sip is nirvana.



Oscar likes to get out of bed and then go right to his next place of rest. He usually likes the ledge by the shower where he can nap on the towel I want to use for my shower.



Molly demands chin scratches while she sits on the toilet.



The bathroom ritual is over and on to the next ritual, the morning confrontation.

Happy Birthday Mum

Today is my Mother's birthday. For the last 5 years she's been in a nursing home due to a stroke, so we couldn't go out for a birthday dinner this evening. I could post a photo of her, but most of my photos of her are of a big hand. She despised having her photo taken so she always put her hand up in front of the camera. Yes, it's extremely difficult to find a photo of Mum.

I found this short video of a sunset in Humarock, Massachusetts. Humarock is where my mom spent many happy Summers in her childhood. I'm sure she would love to see this view again.

Well, she did have a nice birthday, special breakfast and lunch at the nursing home. Some snazzy clothes from the family, flowers, cards from her fellow residents and her favorite Starbucks decaf this evening. Happy Birthday Mum!