Happy day, then a day of penance. I don’t really believe that, but it sure seemed to be the case yesterday.

Don took on the task of raking leaves and we had tons of them all over the driveway and upper parking area and in the corral. On the front lawn, too, but I took care of some of that. Don raked for a few hours and then moved all the leaves in to a big pile by the shed. While he was doing all of that, I mowed. I was going to mow the secret garden, which has been wet and soggy for a few weeks. I figured I couldn’t wait for it to fully dry, so I mowed. And then I thought I’d do the upper part of the lawn on the side of the house.

But then I looked at the grass and it was getting long, so I mowed a third of the lawn – the part that’s always the longest. I took a short break. Maybe I should tackle the middle section? Alright, I’ll just do that and leave the rest for another day. You know where this is heading – I ended up mowing the entire lawn. I haven’t done that in a long time. Usually, Don and I mow together, but since he was already raking, well…there you go. I also knew it was going to rain today.

But our reward was a dinner of crabbiless crab cakes, which had been slated for our anniversary, but Don was tired and we decided to save it for yesterday. Oh my goodness. Delicious.

Today is a day of rest for both of us.

Remember my telling you that I needed an inspiration piece for the dollhouse? It arrived the other day.

It’s a Knole sofa made by the extraordinary miniaturist, Joanne Shimakawa. A guy I know who is a longtime collector was auctioning off pieces from an estate and this was one of them. I ended up getting it for a good price – it was one of those auctions where, towards the end, one person is bidding against you. I raised my bid by a mere $10 and much to my surprise, the other bidder dropped out. I couldn’t believe my good fortune!

This sofa is so exquisite, so detailed. I simply cannot conceive of having this kind of skill. There’s even tiny piping. I felt the same sort of delight when I found the sofa that now lives in Dove Cottage. I’m not exactly sure where I’m going with the Beacon Hill – there is quite a bit of repair to deal with first – but I’m thinking ‘spare and elegant.’ Dollhouse lovers are collectors and there is always the temptation to cram the rooms full of amazing miniatures. I get it – I often have that urge, as well. But my budget is limited and this time around, I’m going to consider that a plus, not a minus.

It’s currently sitting in the living room of the Beacon Hill, but I’ll soon be moving it to a safe place, as the rooms with dark walls are being primed.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.