Just joining us? Did you miss the start of Mary’s “First Christmas in the Rose Cottage” series? Click here to start at the beginning.

By Mary Duggan

Finally my home and healing center were bone dry and fresh smelling and all that was left to do was complete plans for the holidays and Clare’s arrival. But first I had to call a lawyer (more…)

Just joining us? Did you miss the start of Mary’s “First Christmas in the Rose Cottage” series? Click here to start at the beginning.

By Mary Duggan

My now completely hideous but heated and cooled and sealed basement still had one redeeming feature: a full-blown white ceramic bathroom complete with a kick-ass steam room. Go figure.

Not having been a pot smoker myself (more…)

Just joining us? Did you miss the start of Mary’s “First Christmas in the Rose Cottage” series? Click here to start at the beginning.

By Mary Duggan

I had never in my life lived with ants. Never. Ever. Ever. (more…)

Just joining us? Did you miss the start of Mary’s “First Christmas in the Rose Cottage” series? Click here to start at the beginning.

By Mary Duggan

The frustrations and of course, the joys, of my new home had to share space with Clare’s September wedding in Rome. Every time I turned around Annie was reminding me of yet another shopping expedition required. A dress and shoes and all the trimmings. With two weeks in Italy and all the clothing changes for wedding and rehearsal dinner and travel excursions it seemed that all I did was shop AND SPEND MORE MONEY. (more…)

Just joining us? Did you miss the start of Mary’s “First Christmas in the Rose Cottage” series? Click here to start at the beginning.

By Mary Duggan

With the first and most gentle rains of Spring, I watched my sweet new yard come budding back to life and my basement walls gush water. Not seep – gush. When I’d purchased my home, just a few months earlier, the contract had stated that there was some minor seepage along the Western wall of the basement – but only following VERY severe rains. But as soon as the first gentle rains of Spring arrived, I realized I did not own enough towels and buckets to stanch the flow. (more…)

Just joining us? Did you miss the start of Mary’s “First Christmas in the Rose Cottage” series? Click here to start at the beginning.

By Mary Duggan

And so I settled in with my new furnace purring and my air conditioner ready for summer and my appliances turned back on and a sea of boxes to unpack. Annie was still much too sick to be of much help; and she would lie on the couch and keep me company, apologizing repeatedly for being too sick to help. I was just glad to have the company and pushed ahead. I put things quickly in order and got my little healing center up and running ASAP. I had already made too many unanticipated withdrawals from my rapidly dwindling decorating resources. Money was going fast and yet I hadn’t done a thing to update the hideous 25-year old interior design.

In short order the washer and dryer went on the fritz; (more…)

Just joining us? Did you miss the start of Mary’s “First Christmas in the Rose Cottage” series? Click here to start at the beginning.

By Mary Duggan

The first call from my new home was to a heating and cooling outfit that came highly recommended by my Uncle Frank. In my prime as an interior designer I had a treasure trove of GUYS that I could depend upon. I prided myself on having nothing but the finest of tradesmen and my clients appreciated and respected the team I had assembled. I had the absolute best for paint and wallpapering, for upholstering, for tile work, for drapery fabrication and installation. I had faux finishers and carpet layers, purveyors of Oriental carpets and appliance guys. I had consultants for lighting and antiques, artwork and handicrafts. What I didn’t have were homeowner tradesmen: plumber, furnace guy, roofer and the like. So I turned to my Mom (more…)