So ready

CheriGENERAL

Last spring when we uncovered the pool it looked like this . . . This year when we uncovered the pool it looked like this: It doesn’t matter to Gabby if the water is green or blue — she always jumps in after the cover is off. We are ready for warm weather here at … Read More

They’rrrrre Baaaaaaaack

CheriGENERAL

These two are still hanging around our house.  And our windows.  I introduced them to you here. That was over two years ago. Today I came home from work to this… First glance made me think “etched glass”. Second glance and I started thinking, “good thing Mr. D likes to wash windows.” Because there are … Read More

Fowl play in the neighborhood . . .

CheriGENERAL

Recent fowl at play in the neighborhood. Mr. Mallard seems to be checking out the property. He didn’t seem to be concerned about getting a “bigger place”.  Wonder if he will bring Mrs. Mallard around soon.

Cottage Life

CheriGENERAL

I’m reliving life with kids again! The Cottage is alive with constant chatter, motion, hungry children, and sweet laughter. Last Monday we picked up our 7 year old niece Jersti, and her 5 year old brother, Kale on our way through Chicago and brought them back to MN with us.  We  had them all to … Read More

Today at The Cottage

CheriCREATIVE ENDEAVORS, FAVORITE PHOTOS, GENERAL

Randomography: 1.  Amur Maples.  One of my favorite trees. 2.  Gabby loves the new window seat in the bay window. 3.  Changed up the mantle today.  Still needs work. 4.  Picked my favorite wildflower. Queen Anne’s Lace.     Love it on the “hearth”. 5.  Baby Girl painted my toenails for me this evening.     French … Read More

A moment to play

CheriCREATIVE ENDEAVORS, FAVORITE PHOTOS, GENERAL

The kids were playing together nicely this evening, which allowed me to get quite a bit more done than usual. So I baked a batch of oatmeal-craisin cookies, cleaned up the baking mess, wrapped a gift, did a couple loads of laundry (and put them away), straightened up a few rooms — as in putting … Read More

Chick update

CheriGENERAL

“Chick”  . . . as in Poultry. Rosie — the oldest hen in our pen (rhyme intended) has been a part of my flock from the beginning.  I’ve always been partial to her — she has a sweet disposition and is the most tame of all the hens.  When we brought Rosie home she was a … Read More

Garden Review

CheriGENERAL

I’ll tell you .. it grows.. which is starting to turn to seed and gobs and gobs of birdhouse gourds  which are shamelessly taking over the garden AND the yard  but then, so are their cousins the pumpkins Every day I have to re-route the pumpkin, birdhouse gourd and ornamental gourd vines out to the … Read More

Parties

CheriGENERAL

This weekend we had both at The Cottage. Saturday was a planned party. We hosted a gathering for the artsy people who serve at our church — the musicians, vocalists, tech team, actors/actresses…  At about 7:30 pm we realized it had been nearly 4 hours since we had guests at The Cottage, so we called Darold and … Read More

Monkey Bread

CheriGENERAL

A favorite recipe at The Cottage is an oldie and goodie Last week Ryan wrote this on my Facebook wall:   “heeeeeeyyyy.. remember that one time you made monkey bread? wanna do that this summer? then eat it all in one night?” This is Ryan with his super cute girlfriend, Sarah. I haven’t met Sarah … Read More