Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Landings, Stairs, and Wallpaper almost Finished

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I’m writing this on Friday because we have to get outside early on Saturday morning to mow. It’s hot and humid again – not as bad as the heat wave, but still, pretty uncomfortable!

I’ve been working on the dollhouse hallways and I just have a tiny bit to finish up on the third floor. The second floor is finished. It’s not perfect, but I think I’m the only one who will know that. (I hope so.) It was quite the challenge. I took the day off yesterday because I needed a big old break. I have to work in tiny spaces and that involves my body being put in awkward positions. My back was hurting, as well as my shoulders.

Here’s a glimpse of the second floor walls and landing.

Here’s an interesting story. It took me ages to realize that something was off on the triple windows. The center section looked unfinished. So did the two windows on either side. I guess I was used to seeing them that way. Then, on Wednesday,  I searched for Beacon Hills on Instagram and realized it was missing another layer of the middle window (it’s assembled in layers) and all of the trim for finishing. So yesterday, I went out to Don’s car where the kit box is stored, and dug through everything (with the help of the kit schematic) and I grabbed everything I thought might be needed. I figured out what needed to go where and sanded and painted the pieces. Now, it looks SO much better!

So my next session will involved finishing the  section that still needs to be papered, touching up the stairs with stain. Painting sections of the ceilings that were accidentallly marked with stain, then I’ll start on the floors.

Then the baseboards and ceiling trim.

The project that never ends, though – to be honest – I like that. I need a project right now.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

My Thoughts This Morning

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I am really, really tired today. I’ve worked hard on the dollhouse all week, the heat and humidity are back, I’m dealing with ongoing congestion. We found out a dear friend of Don’s died yesterday. I knew him as well, but he and Don go back decades. Then one of the women in my smaller text group heard from Joe. He hasn’t moved to the rehab facility. He’s still in the hospital and he’s very frustrated. The hospital wants Joe to go to acute rehab and Joe said he desperately needs to go there, but insurance is fighting it. He also said he is very, very weak and they are dealing with numerous problems caused by the ECMO machine – something I feared might happen.

Then I read a series of posts/articles about the drop in literacy in this country, something that is now being called “Post Literacy.” Much of it is due to smart phones, declining attention spans, with people losing the desire to read. If you search, you can learn about this. It’s depressing as hell.  I’ve run into it online – a bunch of younger people on Threads were asking authors to use “smaller words.” I was shocked. Professors are finding that students doing take-home exams cheated using ChatGPT – which is AI. Less and less Americans are reading books. People consume information in shorter spans but spend much less time engaging in critical thinking and “long-form reading and critical analysis.” Some of this I have pulled from Aaron Parnas – whose independent journalism I follow, and from a in-depth Substack post that Don forwarded to me.

It’s really bad.

And I felt a twinge of unease because I realize I am reading less and less. Lately the dollhouse has been taking up time, and the stress from the current administration can be all-consuming, but I’ve had to force myself to sit down with a novel and stay away from my devices. So, I too, am addicted. That has to change.

I’m beginning to think that the smart phone should never have been invented.

I’m taking steps to change that in my life. Turning off my devices, working outside more, and reading a LOT more. Reading has always been my greatest comfort and pleasure. I need to get back to it.  I started this morning – I read a chunk from the newest Maggie O’Farrell – Land.

I took this picture this morning:

I’m taking a break from the dollhouse today. I need a day off.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Wallpapering the Hallways

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A lovely day today; sunny and in the mid-eighties. Tomorrow, I’ll have to venture out there and mow, but I’m giving the grass another day to dry out.

Wallpaper. Wallpaper. Wallpaper.

Yesterday, I spent four hours working on wallpapering the three floors enclosing the stairways. In the middle of all of it, I fielded a call from Darko, found my original Anastasia Broadway script, packed it up and had Don mail it to Darko, as Darko needs it temporarily. Back to wallpapering: I cannot tell you how hard it is! It is the most tedious and difficult task I’ve ever had in my miniature world. If it wasn’t already pre-built and installed, it would be much easier, of course, but it is what it is. I have to try to get my hand in little places that I can’t really see. I sometimes use my camera – if I can – to show me what is behind a staircase. And then I try to cut a piece to fit. But it’s impossible, really, and I can’t even get a photo to show you how impossible it is!

I just have to step back and know that no one will see these little patched together areas but me.

And I can’t even see them!

Anyway, these photos will give you and idea of the wallpaper I’m using.

This is the first floor entrance.

I stained the wood on all the staircases the other day.

On the second floor.

First floor again.

The third floor has been started, as well.

I’ve now worked on this for three days in a row.

Will I work on it today? Only another cup of coffee can provide the answer.

Joe has been moved to an acute rehab facility and once again, we are being kept out of the loop. It’s at an “undisclosed location.” This is really because they don’t want the congregation peppering them and him with questions. But the three of us who have known Joe the longest are NOT part of the congregation and he would want us to know details. We’re all frustrated.

I did text him yesterday to tell him I love him. I also said that he didn’t have to respond. I know he’s still very weak and this process is frustrating for him.

If Jan was still alive, we would know what is going on.

That’s it, my friends. I’m going to make our second cup of coffee now.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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