Spring Dreaming

Just when I thought winter was over the temperatures dropped and the snow returned. Not a lot of snow mind you, but still. . .it's not spring yet, Toto.

I want to thank all of you for the lovely comments you left on my Angie's List Weekly Feature post. I appreciate being able to share a special event like that with all my friends, whether they leave a comment or not. It surely gives me a big boost, though, to hear from you. You really are The Best.

I also want to thank Connie of Crafty Home Cottage for the gift she recently sent to me. 

Aren't these kitchen towels sweet? Connie made these for me as a "housewarming" present. 

Look at the cute gift tag, which I suspect is one of her own designs.

I have no idea what she means because the towels are perfect!

I think most everyone knows Connie. She's a very popular blogger and extremely creative. I'm honored to call her my friend. (We've met in person, you know.) Just in case you've somehow missed her wonderful blog here's the link to Crafty Home Cottage.

(Connie, my friend, thank you so much. I love the towels.)

Before this latest cold snap I managed to get some work done in my flower beds. My 91 year-old friend Barbara dug up some of her blooming crocuses and gave them to me. I planted them in my perennial bed.

Unfortunately, a critter (probably a deer) made a meal out of half of them and this is all that's left.

I've been covering these at night in an effort to save them, and now I'm thinking I'd like to make some garden cloches like this one for keeping munchers at bay.

Blomsterverkstad

Wouldn't this be a charming addition to a cottage garden, just for those plants that need protection? I love this.

I admire all the spring and Easter decorating I've seen on other blogs the past few weeks, especially all the bunnies and eggs. I think I may have mentioned that I don't do a lot of holiday decorating, aside from Thanksgiving and Christmas. I did, however, find a sweet bunny at the thrift store last week for $1, so I brought him home. 

He's getting a makeover now.

I'm not sure how I'll finish him off, but once he's ready I'll plant a little flower in him and he can hang out with me all spring and summer. 


Do you ever look at something in your home and suddenly get a hairbrained idea to change it up a bit? That's what happened to me while I was up to my elbows in dishwater, staring at the Christmas Cactus in the garden window. The wintry green plaid fabric around its pot needed to go.

Christmas 2015

So I dried my hands and looked through the fabric scraps stash until I found an old round tablecloth with a ruffle. I snipped off some of the ruffle and wrapped it around the pot with a twine bow. Just a little cottagey fun that brought some cheer to my kitchen. 

To tell you the truth, I think it looks like the plant is wearing a strapless sundress. Hah! I'll probably trade it for something with a little more class. Did I hear the word "decoupage"? Why yes, I believe I did.

And finally, I bid you a joyful St. Patrick's Day.

Renees Soirees -Freebie St. Patrick's Day Printable

© Copyright Joseph Mischyshyn and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

     Niarbyl - Thatched cottage (Ned Devine's cottage) on the Isle of Man