Tiny Houses

With the trend to tiny houses, micro cottages, and smaller living, I can't help but love these old house plans. They new back then, when home ownership was a new thing for many people, that small space was affordable but also could be darling. Two of these were obviously inspired by Massachusetts because Duxbury and Eastham are both Ma towns. I lived in Eastham on Cape Cod years ago. Any way, if one is thinking of going small these simple shapes seem adorable with the right siding, trim and proximity landscaping.

My Morning Walk

Autumn is kissing Summer's cheek goodbye. The cool morning is still filled with the fragrance of her, the lingering heady mix of warm air and flowers. Autumn is beginning to don her own scent: an earthy aroma.

My morning walk was six miles. The cooler air compels me onward. I am lucky in my morning jaunts as I see shore and tree lined glen. The rise and fall of the wood and the flat salted beauty of the beach. There is a scent of smoke and even the sea has taken on her Autumn flavor: A bit sharper and more fresh.

A fine crisp Day heralding what I hope shall be a lovely season before Old Man Winter arrives. He can be a pushy sort of guest who can oft times over stay his welcome. At least his departure always leaves the door open for Spring.

My Walk:

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A Vintage Inspired set for Fall 2015 fashion show in London

This is such a great idea. I do love to watch the production (and the clothes too) of fashion shows. The trend over the past few years have begun to move towards more theatrical dressings and set ups, rather than just models walking.For example the Fall Chanel show had stars and actors in the center protraying themselves at a high end Monte' Carlo style Casino whilst the models walk around them, as if they were breaking into the tableau.

This set was made to seem like an apartment caught between the 1950's to 1970's and it really is fitting for the lovely fall 2015 line of Erdem Moralioglu. Here is the article with some photo's of the set and the show, which has some wonderful vintage inspired looks.

1950's Hat Design inspired by the Kitchen

Is it a tea kettle? Is it a Hat? You decide. Interesting designs inspired by the kitchen.

Kitchen Hats (1959)

South Molton Street, London. Madge Chard has a whacky range of hats inspired by her kitchen. Designer Madge Chard is seen in her typical 1950's kitchen, incl...

The laughter of children at Toad Hall

We just had a friend over with her two little boys aged 3 and 1. It was so nice to have the laughter of children resound through Toad Hall and the beach and garden. This place has been child free since Nate and Ria were small in the 70s. I wonder what the ole' gal thinks of it. Monty was not happy but oddly Sophie followed us to the beach and stood by their side whilst we caught crabs and tossed pebbles in the sea. It was as if she was keeping her eyes (as blind as she is) on them. Perhaps she misses the days when she was a mother chasing puppies, which she once did here when we used to live in the boat house. Lovely day for it anyway.

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Night time Pepper picking in Garden and Toad Hall Martinis

Took Than to the Garden tonight to pick his peppers. These were given to me as seedlings by our Summer Neighbour, Lucy. The seeds came from her son who lives in Italy.

Although we have picked and used them in their green state, the red are so pretty and as hubby hoped, even hotter! He is right now working on his home-made creation he invented this Summer, the "Toad Hall Martini" it's basically a dirty vodka martini with fresh and pickled hot peppers and their juice.

This is the first time, however, he is making it with them red. When I had him taste it in the greenhouse when we picked them a few minutes ago, I said, "are they hotter" and he gave me that 'smoke coming out of the ears' look, so he was pleased. I, personally, don't do hot. To each their own.

Puss, of course, joined us for her nightly checking of the chickens, eyeing up Gree the frog in the pond and having her moonlight pond drink. We like our traditions here at Toad Hall. wink emoticon

Sunday night dinner

Sunday night dinner al fresco at Toad Hall. Steak tips again, ooh well wink emoticon

Calling all birds to Toad Hall.

We call the birds down from the trees at Toad Hall.

Puss n the Sea

Puss gazing out to sea. ‪#‎ToadHallsummer‬

Vintage Irons in Toad Hall kitchen.

In the recesses of the Toad Hall kitchen cabinets I found these two irons. One is from 1957 and has a cloth cord the other is from the 60" s and has a plastic type cord. Both of these day made in USA and both still work. I also found a modern iron and guess what? It doesn't work. I am going to keep both vintage irons as they are right for this house. Here is the ad for the 1957 version it's the best I could find and to smalll to read details.