ButtonWillowCottage

Hello Summer...

we're looking forward to spending some quality time with you.

Rain...or snow for that matter!

"Consider this.  From the first few drops of gentle sprinkling, to a wind-lashing deluge, rain is a permissive pal.  Rain restores serenity to our daily endeavors because it slows us down, or it should.  It's been my observation that when it rains, no one--from the dog to the boss--really expects much to happen or get done.  This means we get to indulge in activities that would otherwise make us feel guilty--dawdling, idle converstaion with coworkers, naps.  "Gosh, isn't the weather dreadful," we mutter as our frazzled bodies and restless spirits downshift with a sigh of relief."

~Sarah Ban Breathnach-- Romancing The Ordinary

Farewell Warm Friend

Changes are on the wind...have you said your good-byes?

Worries...

After scolding one's cat one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word.

And has filed it for reference. 

~Charlotte Gray

Enjoying Summer's Final Chapters

"There is a temperate zone in the mind, between luxurious indolence and exacting work; and it is to this region, just between laziness and labor, that summer reading belongs."

~Henry Ward Beecher

Playing Catch Up

Well it's back to work as usual around ButtonWillow!  Well, not "as usual" really... when one has had an entire household sick for two weeks, the chores do add up don't they? And, Cottage schooling has gotten fearfully behind.  Ah well, life moves forward and we do our best to go with the flow.  Stress will only add to the, well... stress!  So, we wont add that burden onto ourselves and we will just carry on.  Hope that Mrs. Rabbit, Mrs. Mouse and Mr. Mole did their very best to take care of you all during my illness.  Thank you all for your lovely notes and for joining our little group over at our Book.  Be well dear ones!

 

 
 

Rosemary and Thyme and Getting Well

Nothing better when your down with a nasty little chest cold than tea, your fireplace and a cozy little mystery... 

If you aren't familiar with these two sleuths, do yourself a favor and meet them wont you?

 
 
 
 

Brrrrr...

Mrs. Rabbit begs you all stay as close to this as you can dear ones,

 it's a wee bit chilly out there! 

 

Explanations

"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you ..... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself."

~Ruth Stout

Remember

Winter came down to our home one night

Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,

And we, we were children once again.

~Bill Morgan, Jr.

Today

Hello Winter. 

Welcome.

Only Slightly Dimmer

Just popping in quickly to let you know that last night's full moon was the brightest in the last 50 years! If you missed it, then take a peek at it tonight...it will be only slightly dimmer. If it was anything like last nights (which we spied through breaks in huge white marshmallow clouds that looked close enough to touch) it should take your breath away--that is if the frigid air doesn't do it first!

Thanks Diane!
Pssst...P.S. you may catch a meteor or two if you watch the moon for long enough.  The ongoing Geminid meteor shower is going on also.  It runs from now until the 17th--although tonight is the best night to see it.  We laid on (and under!!) blankets in the freezing cold and saw a few awe inspiring beauties!!  Well worth braving the frigid air!

Goosebumps and Good Wishes

Oh brrrrr...

It should be a cold one for many this weekend. Still in all, perhaps it would be invigorating to bundle up really well (hats and mittens included) and head out for a bracing walk in the last of the late autumn ambiance? Sounds like it could be a delightful tonic to the stale air that can sometimes take over our little cottages during these seasons. Just remember that upon your return
it should be cocoa and cookies all around!

Here's wishing for a lovely weekend, whatever your weather or plans.

Left To Be

Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves.

~Abbé Dimnet

High In The Sky

Our resident scientist, world traveler, francophile and deep-thinker, Mr. Mole, has told me to report to all of you to be sure to take a peek at the sky some time in the next couple evenings...until Monday. For there you will see, next to the beautiful crescent moon, two other two bright lights in the sky.  They are Venus (not unusual...) and JUPITER! These two planets will not be seen in this way again-- right next to each other and a crescent moon--until the year 2052.

(I'm quite sure by that time, my eyesight would be too compromised to enjoy the view. So, thank you Mr. Mole)

Excuse Me While I Have a Tiff!

The first day of winter is 38 days away. 38 days. Not a few days away. Even more than a few weeks away.

38 days!

And I for one, intend to relish every one of them.

Don't misunderstand, we love winter too. It's a cozy season just as much as Autumn is, but for some reason, for us here at ButtonWillow, just not the same. And, I will not succumb to the masses (and the markets) making me feel as if Winter is pressing at my cottage door. It's Autumn.

Autumn! 

Do you hear me?!  

AUUU  TUUUMN!!

Phew.  That's a load off.

Tiff over.  Thanks for listening.

(Oh, and please don't tell Mrs. Rabbit about my tiff, she will think it unseemly and un-ladylike...sigh)

Snuggling In

Another cold, rainy, breezy weekend. Autumnal and cozy in every way.

Just the sort we love around here.

Enjoy!

Hello Week END

There are sometimes those weeks that are good to see go. Not that the days aren't enjoyed, savored, and appreciated...as always, thankfulness should be at the core of any of our time. But, sometimes it is still nice to leave some days behind, isn't it? Busy weeks that leave us weary. A few too many extra chores, an especially difficult schooling week,  a few too much running hither and tither.

And, dare I say it? A little too much of Mrs. Rabbit.

Well, that dear, sweet bunny is off to do her own busyness in her own little hovel this coming weekend, so at ButtonWillow I will be free to putter without her constraints.

Sounds delicious.

Oh, but please don't mention anything to her, I sincerely couldn't get much done without her and wouldn't want to offend, so this is just between me and you.

O.k.?

Have a perfectly lovely week END, wont you?