Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for Blythe dolls

Trees, Books, and the Girls

April 23, 2022 at 8:23 am by Claudia

Saturday morning.

I did some more work outside yesterday, but once my lower back started aching a bit, I stopped. The main/big garden bed has been completely cleared of fallen leaves and debris. So have the two beds near the porch. I still have to clear out the memorial garden and the beds where I sow seeds, as well as the beds on the other side of the house. But there’s no hurry.

In the past couple of years I’ve discovered all the youngish crabapple trees on this property and this time of year, when they’re in bloom or about to bloom, is the best. In yet another ‘get to know your property line, Claudia’ story, I was looking out the kitchen window at the crabapple that is just off of the Secret Garden, right behind The Dude. It’s the first crabapple I discovered several years ago and I was so charmed by it that I cleared a path which leads to the tree.

As I looked at it, I also looked at the much larger and very tall crabapple that is beyond it. It’s in full bloom as well and it’s gorgeous and I sort of envied my neighbors for owning that large tree.

Until I looked closer, went outside and looked at the property line.

It’s our tree.

Go figure.

I’m thrilled that it’s ours. Do you remember last year when we discovered that our property lines were a bit more expansive than we had thought? These are the things you discover when you continue to stay close to home due to a pandemic and do a lot of chores on the property.

I’ll try to get a photo of that tree today.

We might take our first stab at the front lawn today. We had to wait for a couple of replacement parts for our lawnmower and they’ve arrived. The grass is really long in some places, so we will have to  stop the mower periodically to unclog it. Happens every spring.

But darned if I don’t love mowing the lawn so I’m rather excited!

So far this week, I’ve started one book and after reading a few pages, stopped. I just didn’t connect to the author and her writing style. I’ve started another book – a mystery – that was in my TBR pile and I’m not far into it but I must admit, I’m a little thrown by the occasional occurrence of awkward sentence structure. Where was the editor? In all cases so far, it would have been a simple fix. It’s not enough to deter me at this point, but every time it happens, it pulls me out of the story.

I recognize this particular error because sometimes I’m guilty of the same thing when writing this blog, but the difference is that I go back and reread my post before I publish and ninety per cent of the time I catch it and make the necessary correction. But this is a blog and that’s a BOOK.

Anyway, I’ll move on.

Just because I haven’t shown them lately – The Girls.

I suspect they’re anxious to get outside and explore the property. Soon, girls, soon.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, books, trees 28 Comments

Blossoms, Batteries, And Blythes

April 15, 2022 at 9:09 am by Claudia

The crabapple tree by the catalpa has flower buds! Frankly, it might have taken me a while to notice this, but I happened to be standing in that area because Don’s car wouldn’t start, which necessitated a call to our road service/Geico, which resulted in the discovery that the connection to the battery was loose. The battery was jumped, then Don stopped off at a local place to have the charge/battery checked, and it was discovered that it needed to be replaced. An unexpected money outlay, but essential.

So that’s why I was hanging out near the tree. I love these blossoms, by the way, with their tinge of pink and green and cream – perfection.

It was unseasonably hot yesterday and we were sort of grumbly about it, but later in the afternoon, the wind kicked up and the clouds darkened and we had some thunderstorms. The temperature has now dropped to the more seasonable 60s. It’s sunny right now.

I ventured out for a little walk yesterday with Sophie. She wanted to see the daffodils.

I call this “Free Spirit.”

I succumbed to this Blythe obsession last October and almost immediately, I left for six weeks in Brooklyn, so I haven’t really had the chance to explore the outdoors with the girls. I’m looking forward to watching them explore the property and – who knows? – go on a few jaunts with us.

Those sneakers were on Olivia when she came to me in the mail.

I have a lot of clothes for the girls, but when you have 8 Blythes and another smaller girl, you quickly realize that you need more shoes. When I do order something in the future, it will definitely be shoes!

Okay.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, flowers 20 Comments

A Bit of Everything Today

April 9, 2022 at 9:32 am by Claudia

This morning I opened up the blinds and saw the trailer bird house tilted downward, looking precarious. It was raining, but I went out and got the ladder from the shed and proceeded to try and prop it against the tree, which involved unlocking certain sections of the ladder.

Then, I thought I should wait for Don to help me. Of course, he lectured me about carrying the ladder. He was right, so I can’t challenge him on that one. I can only say in my defense that I have no idea whether mama is sitting on eggs yet, and I was worried. I was also worried that they might not come back if they saw the house in a dangerous position. So we went out there, and Don put it firmly back in place.

You know, the other day I saw a squirrel run up the tree and pause by the house, then jump on top of it and continue up the tree. Maybe that kind of thing caused the house to tilt downward? Who knows?

I just hope my Carolina wrens were in blissful ignorance of this morning’s change to their property and will never know the difference.

For Vicki, per her request:

Fabric Easter eggs, made by yours truly many moons ago.

That will most likely be the extent of my Easter decorations…maybe a Vintage by Crystal figurine.

I ordered a dress from my friend LenaLittleDresses long before the war started. Lena lives in Russia. I gave up hope of ever receiving it.

It landed in my mailbox on Thursday, much to my surprise.

Here it is on Madeleine. Isn’t it lovely?

I sat in my blogging chair yesterday and watched the opening game of the baseball season. Sadly, the Red Sox lost. But it was so nice to sit there in the afternoon listening to the game, quilting hoop and thread in hand. I love baseball.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

 

 

Filed Under: baseball, bird nest, birds, Blythe dolls, Easter, fabric 12 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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The Dogs

The Dogs

Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

Winston - Our first dog. We miss you, sweetheart.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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