Grey sea and skies


As I sit and write this wind is howling outside and the rain slamming against the windows! It's a good evening to be snug and warm inside. We have seen more grey sea and sky this week......


  
This was just when I was hoping for some sunshine for a special Australian blogging friend who stopped by to see us on her extended break in Europe. Despite the weather we had a wonderful time, it was just too short!  In the past I have joined in her cookery challenges - unfortunately this time she had taste them too!

Image by Lucent's husband


In the winter I  always love seeing the empty branches silhouetted against the sky. We have been surprised how many planes fly high above us here, creating their smoke trails across the sky. I have been trying to track them over the internet to discover where they have come from and where they are heading. Have you ever passed over the Dorset coastline on a plane?




  I was so excited at the weekend to see lots of bottoms from one of our bedroom windows - we have some new neighbours!


Dog Training classes have started this week too - of course it is us who need the training more than Tavi!  He didn't do too badly and was very encouraged by all the extra treats he was suddenly being given! Have you ever attended any dog training classes?



We have recently bought a second-hand kitchen dresser. As you can see I'm not the only one who likes it! Maybe I need to ask Twinkle what colour to paint it!
Have a great week whether it is in rain,snow,wind or sunshine!

Sarah x

Comments

  1. Anne, Life LackaDaisiCal14 January 2015 at 21:21

    There is an "app" for the iPhone, Flight Tracker....we get a lot of planes overhead as we are only about a 40 minute drive to the Toronto Airport.....so you can actually see where the planes overhead are coming from....it is quite intriguing....especially on a lovely summers day when outside on the deck! We have also used it while out walking the dogs when a plane happens to go by :) Tavi will do brilliantly at puppy class I am sure! I would paint your kitchen dresser creamy white....or that lovely green on the leaf cushion in the Tavi photo.....but what do I know :) ??

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  2. Down by the sea14 January 2015 at 21:30

    Thanks Anne for all of those suggestions! Sarah x

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  3. Jane and Lance Hattatt14 January 2015 at 21:30

    Hello Sarah,

    We have heard that the weather in England is pretty rough at the moment. Your pictures do show a rather gloomy scene but we do love the sea in all its moods.Make sure that you take care and stay warm.

    Both your dog and cat have rather cheeky expressions. It looks very much like they are up to something. Perhaps they are plotting together.....

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  4. Vintage Sheet Addict14 January 2015 at 22:00

    Yes it's been very stormy.....I'm listening to the wind hustling around the house at the moment......just hoping the bins not blown over again! Bloggy meet ups are great :) xxx

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  5. CJ14 January 2015 at 22:04

    Love the new dresser, and how wonderful to be able to see sheep from your bedroom window. Good luck to you all in dog training, it's not something I've ever attempted. The wind is howling here too, let's hope it's not too damaging. CJ xx

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  6. Kezzie14 January 2015 at 22:13

    Hee hee, the sheepy picture makes me think of little bo peep!x

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  7. DeniseinVA14 January 2015 at 22:14

    Hi Sarah, these are lovely photos. I love the rugged coastline, your sweet dog and cat, the pretty scenery. A great post all round.

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  8. Gardeningbren14 January 2015 at 23:02

    Oh Sarah, do paint the dresser the softest blue...it will bring the outside in.
    I've missed commenting but hopefully more in the future.
    Dog training..well it's three we've gone to classes with over our married time together...all cocker spaniels..all smart, but this Chief is the smartest of them all.
    Tavi is beautiful...adorable. xo

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  9. rusty duck14 January 2015 at 23:15

    Have fun with the dog/handler training. It sounds like Tavi will!

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  10. ANNE15 January 2015 at 00:34

    Oh I remember dog obedience classes from the 1980s! I went with my very first dog and never went again for any other of my dogs!! lol Tavi is adorable.

    Love that piece of furniture, too. Have fun decorating it!

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  11. Cathy15 January 2015 at 01:02

    Sarah, I didn't take Gabriel to classes but I was able to teach him to sit and lie down when he was a puppy. Also, if he gets pushy about a treat all I have to do is say "How do you ask?" and he'll get down on the floor and look like he's waiting. But he's not good about not jumping up on people or "staying" or "heeling". Good luck at the classes!

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    1. Down by the sea15 January 2015 at 22:04

      As Daisy was 5 years old when we got her we didn't go to classes with her either! I'm not sure the training however will stop the brakes going on when we walk Tavi the way he doesn't want to go! S

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    2. Cathy16 January 2015 at 00:20

      What I have found interesting about Gabriel (he's almost 7 now) is since I started letting him run off leash in the part of our yard that's not fenced this past year he'll follow me. Sometimes he runs ahead (he loves to run), but if I change directions and say "this way" he'll come (as long as there's not a squirrel he's got his eye on). When I walk him on a leash he won't listen to me at all! I think what it is, when he's off leash he's just enough of a scaredy cat to not want to lose sight of me.

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  12. Thimble Fingers15 January 2015 at 01:24

    How lovely to see those little bottoms - no doubt Tavi will have a bit of fun with his new neighbours. Hope you stay safe and warm during the horrid weather. Have fun at puppy classes, I'm sure there will be lots of laughter.

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  13. Lynn15 January 2015 at 01:25

    That seems like quite a storm so I hope my cottage in Cornwall is safe and sound. Lovely to have helpful neighbours though who pop in and e-mail me.
    I have flown over the Dorset coast many times on the Gatwick to Newquay airport run. As I had a geography field trip to Dorset in 1964, I like to spot Isle of Portland, Chesil Beach and the lagoon behind it, as well as spotting earthworks and tumuli from above.
    Stay warm and cosy!

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    1. Down by the sea15 January 2015 at 22:06

      It must been wonderful flying over the Dorset coast! Hope your cottage in Cornwall is safe. Sx

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  14. Claudia15 January 2015 at 04:50

    Hi Sarah,
    lovely photos .....I like the one with the sheep ...and with Tavi and your cat too :O)
    Have a wonderful rest of the week,
    Love and hugs,
    Claudia

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  15. Patricia15 January 2015 at 07:31

    We had an oak dresser years ago and oh so wish I'd kept it. Mind you back in the day painting them for a makeover was unheard of. Fashions in furniture definitely do the rounds. Dark days here too and very strong winds. Roll on Spring. :))

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  16. Amy at love made my home15 January 2015 at 07:39

    It was horrible wind and rain here yesterday, I cannot begin to imagine what it would have been like with you on the coast! I hope that you are OK. Your dresser is lovely, enjoy decorating it! Hope that Tavi keeps enjoying his classes and getting you all trained up! xx

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  17. Jennifer Tetlow15 January 2015 at 07:41

    Lovely to see all the bottoms isn't it - I have them for neighbours too - what do the different colours mean, is it one lamb or twins, or strays from another farm? Already we've had all those weather conditions, all at once!

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    1. Down by the sea15 January 2015 at 22:14

      Hi Jennifer, I think the colour on the bottoms is either to tell how many lambs the ewes are carrying, or sometimes it can show tell which ram they have been mated with. Did you see any of the Lambing Live TV programmes last year? Sarah x

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  18. Castles Crowns and Cottages15 January 2015 at 11:27

    teeehee.....Tavi looks a bit exhausted! Maybe all those treats sunk down into his little belly, being soporific! teeeheeee

    What a cozy post, Sarah! Soon these grey days however, will be bright blue. I HOPE.

    Enjoy your weekend my friend. Anita

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  19. elaine 15 January 2015 at 12:09

    Not so many grey skies for us at the moment - nice bright blue sky today. Love the photo of the sheep bottoms with all their various colours.

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  20. Janneke 15 January 2015 at 13:06

    These photos are all gorgeous, I love the sea by sun or rain, the bottoms of the sheep is such a remarkable sight when you look outof your window, great you made this picture. It's nice to follow a dog class, we did this with Snarf too, more than 12 years ago. In the beginning it was fun, but he was too clever in comparison to other dog breeds and he got bored and at last refused moving one paw...... Twinkle has found her spot on the new dresser, she looks very sweet.

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  21. Bobbie Lynn15 January 2015 at 13:22

    Lovely photos Sarah. What a great find. I have been looking all over the internet on how to make my own chalk paint to do some small projects. I can't wait to see your before and after. : )
    Have a wonderful day. It will be a beautiful day here.
    Blessings!

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    1. Down by the sea15 January 2015 at 22:16

      I did make my own chalk paint to cover a table a few years ago. it worked quite well. Sarah x

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  22. kristieinbc15 January 2015 at 15:17

    The sheep picture made me smile. They look very colourful in the midst of your grey January days! I took Fergus to dog/human training when he was about Tavi's age. It was actually quite helpful, in spite of the fact Fergus hated going. Even the extra treats couldn't make up for having to be around the other scary dogs. :-)

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  23. Heldasland15 January 2015 at 15:19

    I love your cat sat on the dresser, I would paint it white like the beautiful French stuff. I love the paints by Ann Sloan .It gives the effect that's of vintage shabby chic . Its delightful. Having said that there is nothing quite as pretty as wood that has had a good sand down and oiling it.

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  24. SeagullSuzie15 January 2015 at 15:52

    I use Marinetraffic.com to track what's in the bay, so I'm sure there'll be a plane one too. Lovely to see sheep from your bedroom windows.
    Yes I took a 14 week training course with Harvey, no treats were allowed and I thought we'd never make it (he was the oldest dog in the class at 9yrs) but he and I did just great together and it was fun too.

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  25. Freda15 January 2015 at 17:33

    So glad you are enjoying things and visitors in spite of the weather! We have cancelled ferries at present, and some snow but that's rather expected here in January. Do you know of Annie Sloan paints? The joy of them is no preparation but I don't know how well they wear - beautiful colours though. I use them on the frames for my paintings. Stay warm!

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    1. Down by the sea15 January 2015 at 22:20

      I used Annie Sloan paint on our dining room table and chairs. Although I covered it in Annie Sloan wax it has not worn very well. I do love the colours and a new shop has recently opened in Dorchester just selling their paints. I now have a good excuse to go in there! Sarah x

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  26. Claire15 January 2015 at 19:09

    Yes the wind howled here too last night, not too bad at the moment though and are about to go out for a blustery evening walk!

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  27. Leanne15 January 2015 at 19:41

    I think your dresser is rather lovely. And your new header is too!!
    Leanne xx

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  28. Things and Thoughts15 January 2015 at 20:00

    Marvellous photos Sarah! Your new neighboors thriving on grass made me smile.Your pets look enjoying their home life...
    Take care!
    Olympia

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  29. Jennifer Hays15 January 2015 at 22:23

    These are really beautiful winter scenes. Your new neighbors are very wooly! I love it. The new dresser is beautiful, enjoy it.

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  30. Caro16 January 2015 at 12:44

    I love the drama of the seas in your first photo, Sarah - and, unbelievably, a person on the end of the pier! Must have been very invigorating! Will your new neighbours be in permanent residence? As a teenager, my bedroom window overlooked a field used as a donkey sanctuary - it was a lovely sight in the mornings and I still have a soft spot for donkeys. There's frost forecast here for the weekend - unbelievable as the sun has just come out! Have a good weekend, Sarah, I'm going to make the most of the weather and get some pruning done! Caro xx

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  31. Mark Willis16 January 2015 at 18:11

    Haha, I read that as you had acquired a "kitten dresser"! As long as you don't have to be out in it (and especially not if you have to work in it), stormy weather can actually be quite exciting. For instance, I find the sound of rain beating on the bedroom windows very relaxing.

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  32. Madelief16 January 2015 at 18:48

    So exciting to welcome a blog friend from Australia. I am sure she had a lovely meal in your home Sarah! The sea looks spectacular on your first photo, but like you I hope for calmer waters and more sunshine.

    Happy weekend!

    Madelief x

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  33. Em Parkinson16 January 2015 at 20:00

    Grey is more photogenic than blue Sarah! xx

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  34. Irene17 January 2015 at 08:19

    Wonderful photos Sarah, the sea is just amazing, I love how it can be like this then round a corner
    it is peaceful and calm., the beauty of Nature. Love, love the skeleton tree branches against the sky.
    Twinkle and Tavi are just adorable, and what a fabulous dresser, I can't wait to see what you do with it.

    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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  35. Draffin Bears17 January 2015 at 10:32

    Dear Sarah,

    I loved seeing all your wonderful photos and the beautiful coastline and your neighbours from the bedroom window.
    Oh yes we have done the dog obedience classes - they are hard work but so worth doing.
    Great to see sweet Tavi and Twinkle.
    Happy weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  36. Anonymous18 January 2015 at 15:35

    How awesome to spend time with a blogging buddy - yeah for you guys. I'm smitten with your new neighbors - more photos please! Tavi is so adorable. Mr. Cottage and I were just talking last night about dog training for the next dog that comes into our life, we have never done that. The kitchen dresser is perfect with Twinkle as an accessory.

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  37. Unknown18 January 2015 at 19:32

    Hi Sarah, lovely photos, especially love the sheep! I can't give you any advice on dog classes, but I can give you some advice on your lovely dresser. I know what you mean about the Annie Sloan wax. I had a similar situation especially if the piece of furniture is in a high traffic area. I found a new paint called Authentico and they have a wide range of soft pastel colours which are in eggshell and which don't need a wax coating to seal from finger marks. I think you might find a few suppliers down your way. Sharon x

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    1. Down by the sea18 January 2015 at 21:01

      Thank you Sharon for this suggestion. I shall investigate further I love their colours! Sarah x

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  38. susan19 January 2015 at 01:04

    Lovely photos and I love the view from your bedroom window! How wonderful to have a visit from a fellow blogger. That must have been a great day. Lovely views of the sea, even on grey days.

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  39. handmade by amalia19 January 2015 at 05:57

    Beautiful photos! That sea looks intense :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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  40. Share my Garden20 January 2015 at 14:51

    When I took my dear, departed fox-terrier, Maisie, to dog training classes she refused to walk. If I'd placed her on a duster she would have polished the hall floor really well! She was intimidated by so many large dogs and after a few weeks I wimped out and the classes were abandoned!
    I love to visit the coast and shall enjoy doing so at second hand by following your blog.

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    1. Down by the sea20 January 2015 at 18:40

      Tavi wasn't keen on walking this week, it was a bit like the way you described,! I don't know why,as he is always keen to say hello to other dogs no matter what their size! Sarah

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  41. Rosemary21 January 2015 at 10:20

    It must have been lovely connecting with your blog friend all the way from Australia - I suspect that most people must now be more familiar with your wonderful cliffs having seen them on Broadchurch.

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  42. Lowcarb team member21 January 2015 at 23:47

    Dorset is a lovely county and your photo's are lovely too.

    All the best Jan

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  43. Annie Cholewa22 January 2015 at 23:33

    I'm loving the bottoms pick. There'll be plenty of lambs among that lot soon!

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  44. Pallavi23 January 2015 at 11:15

    Love your new neighbors sarah :)

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  45. Art and Sand24 January 2015 at 04:39

    Even your gray skies are lovely and your new neighbors are so cute.

    Thanks for dropping by Art and Sand. You asked about houses along the sea in our part of California. There are stretches with no houses followed by a long stretch of houses. That particular section of the beach I showed in my last post is Montecito which is home to many of the rich and famous. It is very pricey and I am actually surprised that the beach is not private. It is a lovely walk for us. Lulu is only allowed on a small stretch of beach near our house. If we want to walk with her and go on our 6 mile walks, we have to head north to dog friendly beaches.

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  46. Maison Beldecor24 January 2015 at 14:15

    Dear Sarah,
    lovely winter pictures from the Devon coastline. Today the Winter arrived here, with lots of snow, but currently the sun comes out, and the snow begins to melt... such a short delight.
    Wishing you a cosy weekend!
    Bine

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  47. Lee24 January 2015 at 14:41

    Hi Greetings from Cornwall,just found your lovely blog.Beautiful pics,love the woolly bottoms,we have the girls in our field ( cows ) at the moment they are so beautiful,I always talk to them lol.Happy Weekend

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  48. HWIT BLOGG24 January 2015 at 17:59

    Hi hi, what a lovely picture with the woolly bottoms...you show so beautiful views from the Devon coastline, magic!
    Have a happy weekend, take care!
    Warm hug,
    Titti

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  49. Sierra Sue27 January 2015 at 03:12

    Going to "school" made me very smart, indeed. But, our "Duchess" broke during the sit/stay portion, took 6 other dogs with her on a happy romp.
    She won Miss Congeniality, but did not pass the class --hope you have better results !!

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