Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Rainy Days

July 29, 2026 at 8:33 am by Claudia

Rain, rain, rain. Yesterday we had thunderstorms and lots of rain later in the day. Today, we have a steady rain and there are flood watches up all over our area. We live right between two rivers, but our house is on a little hill and floods have never been a worry.

The Lenape – the indigenous people who lived here before us – called the land we live on “the land between the rivers” because we’re surrounded by rivers, just steps away from our property.

The first Rose of Sharon popped up yesterday morning. In fact, right after I got up, I looked out the window of the kitchen door, and there it was! What a lovely greeting. It is getting pummeled, of course, by the rain. And today, another bloom has appeared. Oh, I love these flowers!

I’ve been reading and putzing around the house. I’ve also been working on the Beacon Hill a bit. I’ve painted and repainted that darned buffet and I’m still not sure I like what I’ve done. I do so want it to be a part of the house because it was one of the pieces that the previous owners included with the house. A little homage to the house’s history, if you will. I’ll post something or other about the buffet soon – when I get it the way I want it.  (If that ever happens.) I know it sounds silly, but I’m trying to use only the acrylic paints I have on hand. I don’t want to drive to Michael’s, which is a bit of a haul, and spend more money on paint and gas (so expensive!) for the car. So, I do a lot of mixing and experimenting.

I forgot about this chair, which I was going to put in that upstairs room where I removed the fireplace. It may not work there, but I’m waiting to see what it looks like when it’s wallpapered. I’ve had my eye on a chair for the living room, but it’s too expensive for me right now. So I tried the Morris chair in the living room and it just might work there.

I could make replacement cushions that coordinate with the sofa. Or I could use the “leather” cushions that came with the chair.

Nothing is written in stone, of course. That’s the fun of a dollhouse. And it’s much easier to move furniture around than in real life.

I’ll be back at work on the buffet later this morning. I also have to do a little more spackling around the sealed up fireplace on the third floor. Wish me luck!

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: Beacon Hill Dollhouse, flowers 22 Comments

A Stormy and Smoky Saturday

July 18, 2026 at 8:09 am by Claudia

Coneflowers are blooming on all sides of the house, even the edge of the secret garden, where a volunteer popped up! I love these flowers, most of which have self-seeded from the originals I planted many, many years ago. To me, they are the quintessential cottage garden flower. I’m very, very happy when they finally appear.

More smoke warnings for today, along with lots of thunderstorms. The air quality will be pretty bad. The title for this summer should be: The Summer We Had to Stay Indoors. Heat waves, unhealthy air quality, huge storms –  it’s crazy.

I finished up the main entrance flooring yesterday. As I was heading for the finish line, I wanted to scream. Some pieces have to be cut down to fit and cutting them can be very frustrating. But, it’s done and I’m fairly happy with it.

The photo includes a cabinet I got online when Minatures (dot) com was closing down. It has a drawer that’s somewhere in this messy studio. It had a fleur de lis design which I am attempting to paint over. But I have no idea what color to paint it. Do I age it, or keep it new looking? And does it really fit in this part of the hallway? Should it be taller? I think I’ll go ahead and do something with it. If anything, it can function as a filler until I get just the right piece.

I like this view. Though I am now thinking I need more than this light stain on the Grandfather clock. What to do, what to do, what to do. Is it too tall? It’s sort of looking that way. Or do I need one of those Swedish clocks? I believe they’re called “Mora” clocks. All will eventually be revealed.

I’ll do something with the clock and the cabinet today, I think. A good indoors activity.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: Beacon Hill Dollhouse, flowers, garden 12 Comments

Monday Update

July 13, 2026 at 8:17 am by Claudia

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.

Filed Under: Beacon Hill Dollhouse 16 Comments

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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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