I don’t profess to know all of Caroline’s comings and goings. She is very independent, as you know. Yesterday, during her absence, I snuck a peak at the interior of her house.
She’s clearly been to the beach. I know those seashells were not there before.
They’re pretty.
I wonder where Caroline was? California? Some Caribbean island? Hawaii? I mean, I know it’s none of my business, technically, but don’t you think letting me know when she’s going to be out of town would be the polite thing to do?
A wonderful performance last night by these guys.
Although there was a table of very loud patrons who were annoyingly clueless about their volume level and the fact that people were trying to listen to the words Don was singing. One woman eventually turned to them to ask them to keep it down. I walked over and stood by their table and gave them the evil eye. Twice.
There are people who travel in their own little bubbles and have no clue as to what is going on around them.
I wanted to knock their heads together.
Ah, well.
Today, my friends, is the tenth anniversary of Mockingbird Hill Cottage. We moved in on August 30th, 2005.
Ten years!
The name Mockingbird Hill Cottage was not in existence on that day. It was just our very own house. That was enough, believe me.
Mockingbird Hill Cottage came a couple of years later. And then the blog appeared about a year after that.
Yep. Ten years. See?
Does this mean we’re adults now?
Happy Sunday.
Eileen says
Love the shells…Love Don …..Love your cottage….Love You!
Eileen
Claudia says
Love you right back, Eileen!
Kathy says
I hope you continue to be blessed and protected there for many more years. Happiness lives there!
Claudia says
Thank you, Kathy. As the cable technician once said upon entering the house, “This is a happy place. I can tell.”
Debbie Price says
Oh my goodness, the shells are so tiny! I hope Caroline had a lovely time on her trip. Nothing like a day at the seaside to make you feel alive again! Thank you for posting the picture of the guys. I would have been giving the stink eye to those ignorant patrons right along with you. Ten years…well, you and Don have created a charming cottage in those ten years. It will be exciting to see what the next ten years bring!
Hugs all around,
Deb
Claudia says
Thanks, Deb! The guys sounded great and it was a very nice way to usher in our 10th MHC anniversary!
Linda @ A La Carte says
Caroline is my kind of gal! Travels, shells, coffee and a good book. I hate when others are so disrespectful…sigh. I love your cottage and yay for 10 years.
hugs,
Linda
Claudia says
Thank you, my friend. Ten years is the longest I’ve ever lived in any house (except for my childhood home.)
Barbara W. says
The tiny seashells are lovely!
It must be satisfying to look back at your first photos of the cottage and realize how much you’ve accomplished, indoors and out. Just like the dollhouse.
Claudia says
It is. We have much more to accomplish – we just need to win the lottery!
Donnamae says
I suppose Caroline has to have some secrets…eh? Those shells must be so tiny. As for those loud patrons…they obviously weren’t there for the entertainment. Glad you were there to give them the old stink-eye routine! Congrats on 10 years…lovely name, lovely cottage, lovely people! ;)
Claudia says
My stink-eye is very powerful – from years of teaching!
Donnamae says
LOL
elizabeth s says
Congratulations to you and Don on 10 years together! Being happy being with someone, is truly A Very Special Blessing.
Claudia says
Thank you, Elizabeth! 10 years in the house…21 years together!
elizabeth s says
Even Better! :D
Nancy Blue Moon says
Oh that Caroline..she just couldn’t let you get ahead of her could she??…She must have been reading your posts and knew you were at the beach collecting shells…so off she went to get some of her own…and aren’t they just so tiny and pretty?…and then she lays them on her desk where she knows you will see them and figure out what she’s been up to..Isn’t she the clever one?…What more can I say about rude people…there are many of us who would have loved to have been there to hear the guys…we would have been enjoying it all…then there are people who actually get to be there but they prefer to try and make themselves the entertainment…then they are so dense that they have to be given the message several times that others would prefer listening to the band instead of their obnoxious drivel…Anyhow….Happy 10th Houseiversary…Hummm…I just made that up…I rather like it..lol…A sweet cottage home full of sweet cottage love…Hugs to all of you…
Claudia says
I like Houseiversary, too! Perfect!
Addie says
Hello Claudia!!!!
Well, I don’t think the larger of the two shells were found in Bay Area of California……those are never around here!!!!….at least not found by me!!!
Bravo to Don!!!
The picture of your home is stunning……you captured just the perfect angle and coziness of it!!! I know all the mowing, weeding and humidity is really worth it in the end….continue to enjoy.
Addie
Claudia says
Well, we can eliminate California, then. Perhaps the Caribbean? She wouldn’t have dared to go to Florida, would she?
Susan says
What an absolutely beautiful photo of your cottage! You, and Don, have been blessed to have 10 years in this special place – may you have many, many more~
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Susan. It seems like just a few years ago – hard to believe it’s been 10!
Amy at love made my home says
Yeah! I reckon that after 10 years you can count yourselves as grown ups! Congratulations on 10 years! I wonder where Caroline has got too, off exploring somewhere no doubt! xx
Claudia says
She’s a mystery, that one!
Lea says
Never, never, let us become adults! Love your sense of humour and know Caroline
appreciates your wit as well.
Rude people are the pits, you were brave to walk over and give them the stink eye.
Happy 10th Home Coming.
Claudia says
Thank you, Lea. As for a sense of humor, I don’t think I could get through a day without one!
Dawn says
I’m just cracking up thinking of you giving that table of rowdy people the evil eye. You go girl!
Claudia says
Oh, anyone who upsets my husband…I’m going to be right over there, giving them the eye!
Debbie says
Wishing you many more years of happiness in your sweet cottage! I love those tiny seashells!
Claudia says
Thanks so much, Debbie. They are so small – as soon as I saw them, I thought of the dollhouse!
Wendy TC says
Happy Anniversary! You, Don and Scout deserve every bit of bliss there!
Claudia says
Aw, thank you, Wendy!
Karen says
Happy Anniversary! Your cottage is so warm, so welcoming, so charming. So is your blog.
Claudia says
Thank you so much for those kind words, Karen!
Chris K in Wisconsin says
Oh, Caroline! So silly to think she wouldn’t be found out! The shells are perfect.
Don’t you just wonder about some people…. perhaps they felt the guys “interrupted” their evening by entertaining everyone. And in this day and age it is almost scary to challenge anyone for rude behavior as they might be lurking somewhere…… ugh.
The pic of the house is beautiful. I love evening pictures with lamplight coming through the windows. It makes me happy. I love walking or driving by houses at that time of day.
As someone said, Happy Housiversary…… and many many more. Oh, and remember, to WIN the lottery, one has to PLAY the lottery. I am always reminded about that part!! :-)
Claudia says
You’re so right – and I hardly ever buy a ticket!
These people were apparently unaware that Saturday nights are all about music at this place. It’s the only night they have music, and it’s clearly advertised. One woman was the worst offender – loud, cackling laugh, and no inner sense of what volume level is appropriate.
Susan Swartz says
Your sweet cottage looks so cozy with the lights on inside. May you and Don enjoy many more years together and in this home you have made together.
People are so rude these days in movie theaters, concert venues, you name it. They have no sense that people have paid to be there and not interested in listening to them. Glad you gave them the evil eye.
Carolyn must have been getting in her summer fun before it is over. Good for her!
Susan
Claudia says
More on Caroline today….she’s been reading.
Patricia says
It’s a wonderful home! I think her porch makes her look much bigger than she is… Yes your house has a female personna !
The shells … So tiny.
Love them.
Have a wonderful week.
Claudia says
It does indeed. This is a small cottage, but we have a big old porch!
Janet in Rochester says
Happy Anniversary to you guys – and your perfect cottage, of course. Ten years – let’s see. For weddings, that’s traditionally tin or aluminum. And in the modern era, leather. Pick yourself out something wonderful, even if it’s just your imagination, and enjoy. Or maybe the new car has leather seats? Bet it does – that can be a leather present!
PS – There was a rumor “around town” that Caroline was thinking about getting away to Key West before Summer’s end – and there are wonderful shells there. I bet she went last week, and is very glad to have missed those tropical storms… :>)
Claudia says
The seats are not leather. I’ll rip off a piece of aluminum foil in honor of the day!
Deanna says
Many more happy years at Mockingbird Hill Cottage!
Rude patrons deserve a good clocking! It amazes me of how rude people can be.
Mockingbird Hill Cottage is so warm and inviting and I love that big tree in the front yard.
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Deanna!
Sue Silva says
You are blessed.
S
xo
Claudia says
I am, indeed.