Thank you, thank you for your kind comments yesterday. You make all of this worthwhile and I so appreciate every one of you. On to year 15!

We are getting a tremendous amount of wind today – the remnants of the storm that crossed the country. No snow, some rain overnight, but lots and lots of wind. I gather our friends in the UK are also battling wind today. Stay safe, everyone.

As far as Women’s Figure Skating goes, words fail me. And the adults who are in charge of the ROC athletes failed them. I’ve never witnessed anything like it. Let me get this straight: Russia was forbidden to compete under their name because of a doping scandal. But the ‘clean’ athletes are allowed to compete under ROC. And when they are found to be ‘not clean,’ they’re allowed to compete because of the possibility of irreparable harm to the skater, and the end result is irreparable harm to everyone involved. Good job. These are talented young skaters, but they are being coached by a woman who uses them up and spits them out. And what happens to them then? I’ve read a lot about that training facility this morning and what I read is sickening.

Moving on.

We have pillows on the bed in the English Cottage.

I didn’t make them, I got them from a seller on Etsy. They’re perfect.

The last two Blythe outfits I’m going to buy for a long time arrived the other day. I’ve imposed a moratorium as I have more than enough. But what beauties they are! Made by Qiulizio, who lives in China. Her designs are so imaginative and beautifully made.

Zoe. I love, love, love this outfit! (Don can’t get over Zoe’s eyebrows. He loves them.)

And Madeleine. This charming ensemble looks like something a French girl would wear, don’t you think?

I threw my back out again the other day. It’s getting much better. I know it’s exacerbated by leaning over the table when I work on jigsaw puzzles. I have to be vigilant as to my movements when I work on the puzzles and how many hours I put in. I’m making changes. Yesterday, I stood by the table and inserted two puzzle pieces. And then I went back to the den.

It’s maddening because I am so close to finishing it! But I have to be a big girl.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Today, the warm up begins. I could hear a bird singing this morning. I know it’s way too early, but I have spring fever. So does Don. And so begins the next month or so, when I think everything I see and hear means spring is coming and then we get snow. Or ice.

Madeleine is preparing for her recital. (She’s a soprano.) Imogen is directing the whole thing. No information yet as to when it will take place, but we’re all looking forward to it.

More views of the living room in the English Cottage:

When decorating each of my dollhouses, I’ve been inspired by a special piece of furniture. With this cottage, it was the sofa, which I purchased during the early demolition stage. And the mustard colored cupboard, which I already had.

In Hummingbird Cottage, I was also inspired by the sofa.

And with Don’s studio, it was also the sofa.

I guess the sofa is key, just as in a real life house.

I made a lot of progress with the puzzle yesterday. I’ll take a picture of it today.

It’s supposed to reach 57 degrees tomorrow, so we’re going to take a drive in the afternoon. Maybe we’ll stop by an antique shop or a bookstore. We just need to give ourselves a mini-adventure so we don’t go crazy. A bit of fresh air and a different perspective – always important.

Also: Johnny Weir (commentator on Figure Skating) in his outfit yesterday, and Don, as Malvolio in Twelfth Night:

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.