In the absence of guests, the girls’ dolls and teddies appear to be taking over. They get to every seat in the house before me!

Got this beautiful 100% cashmere rug at a local auction for a really good price. It had been placed in storage and nibbled by a few mice but no damage done that couldn’t be strategically hidden by a piece of furniture. Isn’t she a beauty?

February 11th 2021. It’s freezing out with a bitterly cold East wind. We’re happy to be tucked up inside by a blazing fire. We’re also happy that we don’t have to worry about keeping guests warm today, always a challenge in this 300 year old house of ours when temperatures drop below zero!

Today, February 1st, known as Imbolc in old Gaelic, is a pagan festival traditionally marking the beginning of Spring. St. Brigid is also celebrated on this day.