NOT DONE WITH THE HOLIDAYS!

January 4, 2017 153 Comments

THIS has to BE one of MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SHOTS.

CHRISTMAS EVE with my GRAND DOG GOOSE!

He had been given a NO SINK Life jacket as he likes to swim but DOES NOT FLOAT!

IT was the PERFECT GIFT from MY SISTER IN LAW to my SON.

The only thing I bought AFTER CHRISTMAS via my COMPUTER.

NOT SURE THEY ARE ME!!!!!

NEW YEARS EVE

A small packet arrived via NEW YORK from one of the METS OPERA SINGERS!

You see I follow her on INSTAGRAM

I commented on her TREE

and what happens NEXT is she wants to send me something from THAT tree!

Could she please have my address.

I had to say YES!

DO you see the sparkly rectangle like tree ornament?

Well, instead of adorning my TREE I adorned MYSELF

on NEW YEARS EVE!

I will get to NEW YORK to see HER SING!

YES, I will

YOU just wait and SEE!

Wearing MY GIFT from AGENT 43!

THE WREATH on TOP of MY HEAD!

Can YOU BELIEVE IT?

I think it SUITS me to a TEE!

AND Then

A CHRISTMAS GIFT from MY SON

The SPARKLY NECK BIT

Just ADDED MORE POP To my VINTAGE TEXTILE FUN!

GOOSEMAN (the BOXER) almost ASLEEP on my lap on Christmas EVE.

YES,

I did have a good CHRISTMAS INDEED I DID!

THE BIG GIFT from the ITALIAN to me

Besides the much NEEDED NEW BLENDER came as a puzzle.

I was given three boxes with letters.

ONE TWO and THREE.

A word puzzle.

THANK GOODNESS I had HELP.

First born GOT GARDEN right after I laid the letters down!

SECOND BORN got CHELSEA .

I came in THIRD with ENGLISH.

I will be attending THE CHELSEA GARDEN SHOW in LONDON this SPRING!

2017

IT has been on MY bucket list for YEARS!!!!!!

YOU can IMAGINE HOW THRILLED I AM.

Sometimes HE does LISTEN TO ME!

HOW GRATEFUL AM I!

But

I have mentioned one week just willNOT cut it as I have FRIENDS; BLOGGING FRIENDS and INSTAGRAM friends who I have never met in person and well, I canNOT be SO close and NOT MEET THEM!

CAN I?

The answer to THAT is SIMPLE.

NO,

I will do MY VERY BEST TO SQUEEZE YOU ALL IN only if YOU have time for ME!

AND if you are a READER here and you reside in ENGLAND make certain I know!

As I would LOVE to MEET UP WITH YOU

AS WELL!

THE DECEMBER FESTIVITIES

came to an end. ONLY to CREATE MORE FOOD and FESTIVITIES for THE ITALIAN as he has a BIRTHDAY on the SECOND day of JANUARY!

FESTOONING

THE BIRTHDAY BOY

who cooked the entire meal HIMSELF.

WE LOVE MEN WHO CAN COOK!

OH, YES WE DO!

YES, he makes BREAD which I caNNOT EAT!

GLUTEN FREE HERE.

One DAY he tells me HE will attempt the GF version!

I think I can wait as that will just ADD on MORE if you know what I mean!

The ORANGE CAT

THEODORE

on the ORANGE LOUNGE!

He has been spending LOADS of time indoors as our temps are COLD.

IN the 30 and 40’s.

I know CANADA and BACK EAST

LAUGH AWAY!!!!!

WE CALIFORNIANS ARE FREEZING!

WHIMPS, is MORE like it!

GO ahead and laugh with GLEE!

WINSTON

“Got my SANTA hat MOM now what do I DO?”

Nothing better than to be SMOTHERED in SMOOCHES from your GRAND BABIES!

These BOXERS are MOTHER and SON.

The MAMA LICKING ME can you see that TONQUE?!!

AND perhaps the ULTIMATE GIFT this past year

is for this little BOY to be moving in across the STREET!

You see it was a GOOD thing we took those 1940 windows to the GROUND and MADE FRENCH DOORS.

As I will have them OPEN in the late afternoons

Hoping for HIS Music to come wafting in across the way!

YOU SEE HE SINGS OPERA.

ITALIAN OPERA.

The PIANO as well.

CONTESSA HERE is THRILLED.

I find this ALL to be JUST SWELL.

PAWS on VELVET

Works for ME any day of the WEEK.

Nothing could make ME SMILE MORE.

MAY YOU BE HEALTHY AND HAPPY in THIS COMING YEAR!

You READERS bring me JOY day in and day out

I HOPE

I have brought you something to SMILE ABOUT!

153 Comments

Leave your reply.

Lillian Plummer
· Reply

February 8, 2017 at 12:54 PM

Don’t know how I missed this post? Exciting news and fabulous Christmas gift, London will ne waiting for you! Looking forward to seeing all your pics and Penelope is quite right – you do weave a certain magic. Creativity you are born with, it is not something you learn, you either have it or not and you dear Contessa have loads.
Merisi in Vienna
· Reply

January 19, 2017 at 10:21 AM

Such fun seeing you had a great end of the past year and are way ahead to have a fantastic 2017!
How wonderful to have this ute musician moving in across the street. I am sure you two will have a blast!

Wishing you a wonderful year, thank you for being such great company to visit with all year long, much love, Merisi
P.S.: London is quite close to Vienna! How about a side trip?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 19, 2017 at 4:27 PM
  
  HOW I WOULD LOVE THAT!
  I SHALL START WORKING ON THE ITALIAN NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
  XX
That's Not My Age
· Reply

January 16, 2017 at 8:20 AM

You’re coming to London! I’m very excited – we must meet up.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 17, 2017 at 7:32 AM
  
  INDEED……..I will be in touch closer to THE DATE!!!XX
janina
· Reply

January 13, 2017 at 3:36 PM

The new year is still fresh enough to send greetings to you for a wonderful 2017. I have no doubt you will be more glamorous, if that’s possible, and sending out more love and laughs to us poor sods who need it. We all need it! Thank you.
What a pleasure it will be to have opera sung within earshot to you. He must be all of seven! Wow. Incredible. And he looks an angel.
As for men cooking, I agree. You are very lucky. And you’re still so slim. How do you do it?! When my ex was cooking, I was the size of a house, but then so was he. Lol.
Ciao, bella.
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

January 12, 2017 at 10:30 PM

I forgot to add……..and the PIG!!! When she wrote about the miniature pig…..who was going to weigh 30 pounds……I TOLD her! Try 135 pounds!!! She loves Bansky anyway……and I do believe, he is up to 135! Her love knows no bounds! Nor does her magic!
Allena Behnke
· Reply

January 12, 2017 at 8:31 PM

Send that bread over here next time! Yes we do love men that cook. Steve is good at BBQ and leftover prime rib roast hash, but that’s it. But he can mix a perfect martini, does that count? But son Jon has turned out to be a great cook! Oh, the boxer dogs, my absolute favorite breed! Did I ever tell you that my aunt bred boxers and had her own kennel. Attended many boxer dog shows. Love the pics, the hats, the jewelry! I wish my spring weren’t so awfully busy, I would beg to go to the Chelsea Flower show with you. OM goodness, what a treat! The Italian did good. Thanks for treating us to a special treat, Happy New Year, my friend, hugs and kisses to the boys……dogs, cat, chickens and you too! :0)
Vicki
· Reply

January 12, 2017 at 1:58 PM

Happy New Year! Best Wishes for a happy and healthy 2017! Thank you for a fun blog I always look forward to reading. Love the animals, the flowers, trinkets, etc. and YOU!
- Penelope Bianchi
  · Reply
  
  January 12, 2017 at 10:28 PM
  
  La Contessa is the real treasure of this entire blog! The cat, the dogs…..the granddogs, the sons….the Italian…….they are all her treasures!
  The STAR of the SHOW is La Contessa! She makes MAGIC (I cannot copy her italics and stuff….I have tried and failed!)
  She makes magic. Serious and REAL magic. She took a house that she says was “ordinary”; (well it sure isn’t now!! Is it?) And added, and added, and hung and painted, and added, and hung…..and sparkled…..and added crystals….and LOVE! And children and dogs and cat…..
  And more magic! And the GARDEN!!!!!!!!!! She says it was just plain……I hope someday she will show us….before and after! It is a magical mystery tour! Fountains….roses…..arbors…not a neighbor in sight! It seems like 3 acres!!!
  The woman is a sorceress!!!! BRAVA Contessa! Take your bow!!!!!
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

January 11, 2017 at 9:37 PM

OHHHHHH!!!! GRRRR!!!!

I left a comment days ago! Something is wrong! Here it is again! As well as I can remember!
(it isn’t like emails that you can go look under “sent”!)
I love the pictures……with the boxers…..I adore boxers….and I remember your own boxer who is now at the bridge.

Your present of the tour is beyond!
What a darling husband!! (eat your heart out girls…..I had lunch with him and Sandy and Bruce….etc…..what a day!!!) At my favorite restaurant. in LA….the Ivy! (been my fave in LA for
35 years?!?)
I adore you, as you know, and admire your stardom….your following, and your success on your blog, instagram……all of it!
How lucky we all are to know you! And our little gif at the antique show……..wow! I had the best time with you at the SF Antiques show! Obvious!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  January 12, 2017 at 7:25 AM
  
  YOU will LOVE this when I read the COMMENTS to THE ITALIAN after the first day of PUBLISHING he ASKED ABOUT YOU!!!You did comment but they were a ONE LINER not the NORM………….so HE was MISSING your INPUT!HE LISTENS!!!!!I am STILL AMAZED by THAT!
  NO STARDOM HERE……….just ME being ME!I consider YOU all MY FRIENDS and this is where we VISIT and get to know one another.Kinda like a BOOK CLUB but without the FOOD and WINE!
  I hope the TWO houses you were doing up are a SMASHING SUCCESS and I will hear from YOU soon!
  PS.YOU have a BIRTHDAY coming UP…………any plans???START THINKING!
  XO
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

January 11, 2017 at 8:44 PM

Other than a glimpse into your fabulous Christmas and that divine little man across the street who sings opera, the Chelsea Flower Show? Seriously? The smells and textures and colors…. You will be in heaven and getting to meet new/old friends. So special. I’ve subscribed so I’ll stay in touch and live vicariously through you! Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  January 12, 2017 at 7:17 AM
  
  HELLO BRENDA!
  THANK YOU for SUBSCRIBING!!
  I am THRILLED to be going to ENGLAND!MY LAST visit there was 1981………………
  You are SO SPOT ON!I will be in HEAVEN!
  XX
meason miller
· Reply

January 11, 2017 at 4:01 PM

i LOVED this letter, all of it especially the photos of the critters and the hub and the portraits and the new neighbor boy!!!! & bien sur; the news of your venture to England!!!!!!!!
such a good life Elizabeth!!!!!!
xoxo
Meason
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  January 12, 2017 at 7:14 AM
  
  I DO!
  LUCKY ME!
  XO
Anna Mapp
· Reply

January 11, 2017 at 2:41 PM

Exciting! Chelsea is fantastic, as are Sissinghurst and Great Dixter. If you’re here at the right time though, have you thought about seeing the David Austin roses at Hyde Hall in Essex? Love your blog – it seems like there’s never a dull moment in your house!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 12, 2017 at 7:30 AM
  
  I will be seeing SISSINGHURST and GREAT DIXTER!!!!
  I am on a TOUR and there is not much FREE time…………how far away is HYDE HALL from LONDON or RYE?
  I would LOVE to GO…….as it will be MAY the ROSES should be at THEIR PEAK PERFORMANCE!!!!!!!!!
  Where are you ANNA…….LONDON??
  XX
Kathleen Y.
· Reply

January 10, 2017 at 11:17 PM

Dear Contessa:

I just LOVE you! You always make me laugh!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 12, 2017 at 7:28 AM
  
  FANTASTIC!
  THAT is MY INTENTION to make you laugh or GRIN from EAR to EAR……………XX
Lisa
· Reply

January 10, 2017 at 2:40 PM

SCREAM!!! I’m so excited you’re going to be in London! Let’s definitely get together; I hope you can squeeze me in! The Chelsea Flower Show is such a fabulous event. I’ve been several times, and it is always mind-blowing. I hope you stay in London for a long time because there is SO much to see and do. Let me know your dates when you have them. xxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  January 11, 2017 at 2:26 PM
  
  I will follow up SOON!
  YES, I CAN SQUEEZE YOU IN!!!!!!!!!
  NOT THERE LONG ENOUGH………….
  Let me know if you want any AMERICAN ITEMS……………PEANUT BUTTER, ETC!!!
  XX
elizabeth@pineconesandacornsblog
· Reply

January 10, 2017 at 12:28 PM

It sounds like a magic Christmas! I love your grand pups, so cute! And your new neighbor, adorable! You must ask him if you can tape him so that we can hear a bit of his magical singing.

I want to jump through the screen and devour that bread that your husband made. Oh my goodness, bread is my favorite! Especially home made crusty bread with butter or olive oil.

I hope that you have a wonderful, healthy and fabulous 2017. If you get to the South I would love to meet you. Or maybe I will have to plan to be in London for the big meet up!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 10, 2017 at 1:38 PM
  
  NOW THATS AN IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!
  WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU!
  XX
Diane
· Reply

January 10, 2017 at 1:20 AM

Even though I’m so late to this party, it is still fresh with your zest and sparkle, a winter cavalcade. The only one missing was Banksy! Can’t wait for Milo’s arias and concerts in 2017~
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 10, 2017 at 7:24 AM
  
  THE COURT NOW has THEATRE!!!!!!!!
  Never too late here…………..XX
Barb Chapman
· Reply

January 9, 2017 at 6:33 PM

Hello again, Contessa!
I goofed and hit the post button before finishing. Ugh!
Love reading your posts, thank you!
Barb 🙂
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 10, 2017 at 7:22 AM
  
  THANK YOU BARB……………YOU have been here from the VERY BEGINNING I THINK!
  THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
  XX
Barb Chapman
· Reply

January 9, 2017 at 6:30 PM

Love your latest chapeau! And happy birthday to your sweet husband! Mine was the 7th. Wish I could have had a bite of one of his bread loaves!!! Yum! Enjoy the Chelsea Flower Show when you go. !!!!
joanne
· Reply

January 9, 2017 at 5:07 PM

My dear Elizabeth,
Happy New Year to you and your lovely family! I so enjoy your posts, despite my absence from commenting. Just reading your joyful words have lifted me up, as 2016 definitely kicked my backside.
Your darling chef husband really knocked it out of the park with your trip to London and the Chelsea Garden Show. He’s set a high bar for future gifts! My un-Husband didn’t do so bad himself, with tickets to the traveling Broadway cast of the “Book of Mormon”, which we’ll see later this month. I was also amazed that he actually had heard me say I wanted to see it.
Granted, he knew this after a discussion about me and one of my oldest friends meeting in NYC and seeing shows and getting cheap hotels during inauguration week. Who knew? I’m not going for a variety of reasons, but we’ll still go later this year.
The last kick in the gut 2016 leveled at me: my beloved rescue dog, Charlie, was diagnosed with diabetes, and despite insulin injections twice a day, suddenly went blind with cataracts (which I also have). It totally broke my heart when he actually bit me on NYE because he was so freaked out by the fireworks and didn’t see me reaching for him. Many tears, blood and a very sad and confused pooch.
The good news for 2017: we’ve seen a doggie eye surgeon, who is very hopeful his sight will be restored, and the un-Husband is more than willing to shoulder the expense (which is a lot). So, as soon as he’s stabilized on his insulin, hopefully, Charlie will be his old self again. So I need to start hiding the wastebaskets again!
Keep uplifting us, dear Contessa!
Much love from chilly Florida,
Joanne
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 10, 2017 at 7:13 AM
  
  OH JOANNE,
  IT WILL BE A GOOD YEAR FOR YOU AND CHARLIE………….
  THANKS for taking the TIME to let me KNOW YOU ARE OUT THERE READING!
  SOMetimes I wonder WHY IAM doing this but if I “LIFTED YOU UP”by all means I shall CONTINUE.YOUR Gift sounds WONDERFUL………..I too wanted to get to NYC this year.I think it will have to wait NOW!MY BEST to YOU and the UN~HUSBAND!!!!!!!!XX
LA CONTESSA
· Reply

January 9, 2017 at 5:03 PM

VIA EMAIL: Hi Elizabeth!
I love your holiday post! You will be such an Auntie Mame to your young neighbor! I’m hoping to come north in 2017; you’ve inspired me to check out Moraga – it’s been too long.BOB
Susie Craig
· Reply

January 9, 2017 at 3:14 PM

You will love the Chelsea Garden Show, for which I am assuming that gorgeous Italian has already bought tickets online. Don’t forget to walk around lower Sloane Street and Sloane Square because the shops decorate their windows with garden and flower themes which are just as spectacular as the Show.
How long are you there for? There are so many gardens to visit in addition to all the other wonderful activities. A lifetime isn’t enough time. Hope you aren’t feeling too cold.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 10, 2017 at 7:20 AM
  
  THANK YOU for THAT TIP!!!!!!!WE have a full day at the show so hopefully I can CRUISE through and HIT SLOANE STREET AS WELL.I am on a TOUR so my FREE time is LIMITED!I will see HEVER CASTLE,CHARTWELL,WINDSOR CASTLE, RYE, SISSINGHURST,GREAT DIXTER and a couple MORE!!!!!!!10 days……….NOT ENOUGH TIME!
  XX
Lola Martínez Iniesta
· Reply

January 8, 2017 at 4:01 PM

SWEET CONTESSA, I wish I had such a WONDERFUL NEIGHBOUR as YOURS: listening to GOOD LIVE MUSIC… walking in your PARADISE… DREAMING while the SUN is SETTING…
Votre âme est un paysage choisi
Que vont charmant masques…

MARVILLOSO.

BESITOS,

Lola.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 10, 2017 at 7:17 AM
  
  LOVE YOU AND YOUR CAPS!!!!!!!!!XX
Lola Martínez Iniesta
· Reply

January 8, 2017 at 3:50 PM

MAJESTUOSA CONTESSA, deseo LO MEJOR para TI, TU FAMILA y AMIGOS, pero sobretodo SALUD y ARMONÍA.

Con todo mi CARIÑO,

Lola. ?????????????????????????
Anita
· Reply

January 8, 2017 at 2:48 PM

Just a delight to read Elizabeth.
I’m so excited for your up and coming trip.
It would be wonderful to see your delight as you traverse across London and down to Rye.
Vita will be waiting for you………she’s in the Tower at Sissinghurst……haha.
Great photos and lots of fun shared here.
Ciao Bella
Neat xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 10, 2017 at 7:16 AM
  
  NOW, If ONLY The AUSSIE GIRLFRIEND was standing at the BASE of the TOWER………..that would DEFINITELY be a GOOD STORY TO SHARE!
  ONE DAY……………..
  YOU go find your PUFFIN and I will find some INSPIRATION and WE shall compare NOTES!
  XX
Diana Amato
· Reply

January 8, 2017 at 8:05 AM

Oh my!! What an exciting dance card of activity you have shared! I am thrilled for your trip to London and the Chelsea Garden Show… WOW!! This will be an incredible journey and time to not only admire the Show, but just think of all the amazing friends to be made! I am sending you ALL the very best and good wishes for a BRILLIANT New Year!! May love abound and health be strong. And may your passions come to life!????
- Diana Amato
  · Reply
  
  January 8, 2017 at 8:06 AM
  
  Gosh.. where did those question marks come from? It was suppose to be a Purple Heart!!:-)
Catherine Robinson
· Reply

January 7, 2017 at 3:24 AM

I’m so excited you’re coming to London, yes, we must meet!!!!!!!!! Have you been before? Are you coming with your husband? I have so many questions…what dates are you here for? I must make sure I’m not away. Can’t wait to meet you 🙂
With Love from London xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2017 at 8:26 AM
  
  I will send YOU an email and or CALL!!!
  YES
  NO
  I must GO LOOK……………..I will be in TOUCH!
  XX
Hélène Flont
· Reply

January 6, 2017 at 11:43 PM

Bread, songs, flowers and ” un voyage parmi les merveilleux jardins créés du Chealsea Flower Show”, Christmas is definitely a wonderful and elegant journey !!!!
BONNE ANNEE ! ??
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2017 at 7:46 AM
  
  MERCI MERCI HELENE…………HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS TO YOU and YOUR JARDIN!!!!!XX
Michelle
· Reply

January 6, 2017 at 10:59 PM

“paws on velvet”! Your blog is a delight and so will be that new opera singer piano player neighbour……. I don’t post on blogs often but your pictures and captions are irresistible. Your husband is so thoughtful and looks sweet in his chef’s coat with his bread (ordered my first senza glutina pizza here in Italy yesterday (!)). How special that your family helped you solve the puzzle – wish I lived in London to be able to meet you! You between those 2 gorgeous mother-and-son boxers – you look so happy. Happy New Year!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2017 at 7:45 AM
  
  MICHELLE!
  DOVE ABITA in ITALIA????
  DO TELL……………you know I lived OUTSIDE of FIRENZE Right?
  MANY MOONS AGO!I being THE AMERICAN did not want TO LEAVE!!!
  PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH……maybe send me an email!
  iolacontessa@gmail.com
  I would LOVE THAT!
  XX