Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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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.

 

Mini Stella

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The high today will be 95 – the heat index over 100. Right now, at 7:30 am, it’s bearable. My congested head tells me it’s very humid out there. Anyway, here we go. Tomorrow, it will be 101. I’m watering twice a day, doing my best to help the plants hang in there during this dangerous stretch.

The wallpaper saga has an update. I wrote the seller on Monday, expressing my frustration (firmly but politely.) The tracking number had been issued 8 days ago at that point, yet the package had not arrived at the post office. No responses to any of my questions. I always sign up for updates when I’m tracking something and yesterday, late in the day, I finally got an update. It had arrived at the DC post office. Not only had it arrived, it then left the post office to go off on its journey. No response or explanation from the seller, but it’s now very clear to me that she issues a tracking number so it seems like all is in process and then does nothing with the package for several days at minimum.

I need the replacement wallpaper and she’s the only seller who carries it. Otherwise, I would have cancelled the order. But that’s it. I will not order from her again. One time? A fluke…maybe. Twice? Inexcusable.

The post office says it should be here by Friday. Meanwhile, the other wallpaper (for the hallways) order I placed is still at the local post office in Minnesota. This is coming from a larger company and it’s part of a carton filled with lots of other orders.

Okay.

Would you like to meet Mini Stella?

Can you believe this?

Don and I opened the package together and we were gobsmacked! It’s our beloved Stella in 1:12 mini size.

It arrived later in the day and I was running around trying to find a good spot for a photo – late afternoon light is always problematic.

3D printed items are made of plastic/resin.

This is the unpainted version of Stella and I think I will leave her as is. Trying to recreate the porcelain finish without creating paint brush lines might fail and I don’t want to try to tape off tiny little sections of the stove. I’m quite happy with her the way she is. By the way, all four doors open and there are racks that can be placed in 3 different positions!

The price was $60. The other stove I was considering was over $300. That makes this one-fifth of that price. I couldn’t be happier! The shop owners waited two days before they listed it for other miniature collectors so I had time to write a post and link to them. Mini Stella is highly popular and I think she’ll be a hit. I’m happy to be part of this creation. The desire, the photos, and the measurements all came from me.

Hurrah!

Nor more work on the Beacon Hill until I get the wallpaper. (It will be too hot, anyway.) Then I’ll get that kitchen ready for Mini Stella.

Okay, everyone. Stay cool!

And stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

This and That

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The coneflowers are coming! My favorites will be in full color very shortly.

Beautiful yarrow, which is popping up everywhere.

Well. Yesterday was frustrating. I was filming a video of the Beacon Hill kitchen for my YouTube channel and, in watching it before I was going to to upload, I noticed that there were little stains on the wallpaper right below the center window. I must have checked and rechecked that area twenty times before I could believe it was real. The wallpaper paste had bled through the wallpaper. I’ve used the same wallpaper paste for years and I have never had that happen before. The more I looked at it, the more I realized I would have to remove it and order some more sheets. And I’m going to try another paste that she recommends – guaranteed not to bleed through. I was able to peel it off the center back wall and the long wall where the door is.  I ordered the wallpaper and now I wait because this is the woman in Washington DC. Remember? It took two weeks to get the first order.

Now, I’m not sure what to do. I can paint the bare walls in the hallways, I guess.

Today, though, I’m going to mow the front lawn.

And finish The Black Wolf  because I just picked up Maggie O’Farrell’s newest from the library – Land.

I really don’t want to lose my momentum on the dollhouse because I worry about losing interest. So I’m going to have to start work on another room. But wallpaper is expensive and I just can’t order things any time I want to.

Good news, though – You’ve heard me talk about Dragonfly Blythe, the customizer who created Nina and Pru.

About three years ago, she stopped customizing and those of us who love her work have been in mourning ever since. My dream has been owning one of her redheads and several times I’ve missed on out one that was being resold. Two owners wouldn’t ship to the USA. One promised me hers but then it fell through. And that’s the only way you could get a Dragonfly because Ola was no longer creating.

Yesterday, I got a message from her. She’s coming back! She has had a tough time of it for 3 years, but she’s doing better and misses her work. I’ve already put in a request for a redhead. But first, she has to get her sea legs back.

Sure enough, two of my friends received the same message and we’re all thrilled.

Okay.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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