Shoulda hadda kitty...

... when I was little as I still have the urge to dress up animals.  Problem is that now my pet is a dog who really hates having me put hats, etc. on her.  It only lasts long enough for the picture. 

What do you suppose she's thinking?

The Ginko 2011

If you happen to look back at last year's photo of the Ginko  Tree you'll see the difference a year can make.

This year my son's ailing Jeep caught the leaves which pretty much all drop within a week's time.

Monday was Biscotti Baking Day

Almost every year my long time (high school - yikes!) friend Sue and I get together before the holidays to bake biscotti.  This year we made 2 batches each of 3 varieties; Prado - the familiar hard ones with almonds that taste so good with a glass of Vin Santo, triple ginger and a fruit/nut variety with pistachio and cranberries.  It's pretty much an all day affair, especially in those years where we've made more than twice what we did yesterday.

Some time today I'll melt some chocolate and dip the Prado for an extra special treat.

Getting 1st batch ready for 2nd baking.

Sue in her Mill Valley kitchen

  

Toasting baked biscotti

Triple Ginger cooling 

Pistachio/Cranberry

Lacey, pretty, vintage...

...Sachets.  That's what I've been working on lately for this weekend's Arts of Point Richmond's Holiday Fest.  Also scarves, small paintings, and lots more.  Check out my other blog for more info.

Susan Shore Studio: Martini anyone?

Susan Shore Studio: Martini anyone? Don't forget to check out my new artwork on my other blog.

Halloween 2011

Last minute decorations for Halloween. Not a lot of imagination this year. It's been a busy time.

About 70 goblins, witches and superheros showed up on the door step. One little 3 year old Spiderman in particular stole the show.

Thekla "greeted" each and every one, but no one seemed deterred by the barking.

Lights out by 9 PM. Just in time to watch "House".

New additions

I'm beginning to think that there is a sign over the house that says “ANIMAL SHELTER - Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses needing to be housed and fed."

This little girl was recently found in our driveway. In spite of having to contend with four dogs, she's decided to stay.

Oh yes, it's four dogs now. Did I mention that Homer (Homey for short) was found on the front porch several months ago?

Despite multiple and various efforts, no owners have been found.

Warm at last

Today it was finally warm enough to sit outside in the late afternoon on the deck in my new summer room. I cut a couple of the more tropical looking flowers in my garden to celebrate the occasion. As an artist I'm constantly awed and intimidated by the beauty created by nature. What is more stunning than a flower or a shell? Each unique and spectacular.

Summer Room

My "summer room" is finally done. It only took a couple of days to complete, plus several weeks of procrastination. The roof is shade cloth which blocks the fall out from the neighbors messy buckeye tree. The hanging lantern casts a nice glow in the evening. Now if only summer weather will arrive, I'll have a nice place to read a book, or enjoy a meal or a glass of wine on the deck.

A Little Birdie Greets You.

It's a very quiet Christmas day here in my Cozy Cottage. It's raining outside and after a quick walk with Thekla this morning, we've been spending the day trying out new recipes in the kitchen. First a Veggie Frittata with mushrooms and broccoli, then a fruit salad with grapefruit, tangerines, cherries, kiwi, and coconut, and finally a one crust apple pie. This is my own invention that has half the calories because there is only crust on the top and very little sugar added. But it is delicious!

My minimalist twinkling tree.

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year in 2011.