We mowed the front lawn on Saturday, which was tiring, especially since we haven’t mowed lately. Everything else is growing more slowly because we haven’t had a lot of rain. I need to weed whack, which I might do this morning, but I suspect I’ll have to recharge the battery. Then on Tuesday, we have a heat advisory.  High temps and humidity will be back for 3 days.

In the meantime, I have to pack up a big Etsy order of some dishes I was selling. I was so surprised when someone purchased them! They’ve been listed for about 3 years. Four of each: butter plates, saucers, teacups, dinner plates, and bowls. So I had to go out yesterday and buy packing supplies because I had nothing on hand. Add to that the box I’m going to have to buy and my profit margin is quickly shrinking. I noticed a small chip on the inner rim of a teacup and I messaged the buyer with a picture asking if he still wanted it. Yes, he said, it was his mother’s wedding pattern and the original set was lost. He has been searching for replacement pieces. That made me smile. So, even though, my head was saying “Maybe you should cancel the order” my heart said “I’m so happy to help replace his mom’s china.”

Third floor hallway wallpapering complete. I just finished a little section this morning.

I’m not sure about the big buffet (is that what it’s called?) Will it stay yellow? I have to wait to see what the wood floor looks like.

And…I heard from Joe! I sent him a text yesterday morning saying “I love you” and he answered me in the afternoon. I can’t tell you how happy that made me! He hopes he’s moving to rehab the first of the week. He said he’s still very weak and they are dealing with many complications from the “life saving equipment” (sarcastic, that’s my Joe) – in other words, ECMO. He is working hard, he said, and he loves me.

Bless his heart. I can’t imaging how hard this all is. I reminded him that ‘slow and steady wins the race.’ But, my heavens, his heart stopped. He was on an ECMO machine for five days.

If you’re so inclined, keep those prayers coming.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

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.

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.