These desultory days I've been wandering in and out of sites; I can't seem to commit to the heat of writing, so all I can offer is what I've seen along the way...

Need summer music? Try Otto's. I can only get the dial-up link to work, but this music would probably be just as grand played on a transitor radio.

The Guardian has their style guide on-line, for when you're too lazy to get out of the chair and look it up, which, sadly, is most of the time for me. The prescriptions are British, so fellow Yanks take care.

Thank you Cool Tools: this is a great way to tie up cables; using velcro beats twist-ties from the grocery store.

This is the kind of backyard it would be nice to have now. [from the Edith Wharton collection at Yale's Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Worth a visit.]

The cool summer jewelry of Rena Tom. I would like one of each. [via Design*Sponge]

I don't even know how to sew, but I'm thinking of figuring it out to get this apron/skirt from Amy Butler. I love all of her fabrics and this pattern would let you go wild. And while we're out on the porch swing sewing, why not work up some heirlooms from Subversive Cross Stitch? Your granny will pass out.

Those Romans knew what they were about when it came to water; I can't think of a civilization before or since that used it so well or had as much fun with it. (Yes, I know, also demonstrations of overwhelming imperial or papal power, but still, amazing.)

That is all...