Stella

Mini Stella

July 1, 2026 at 8:39 am by Claudia

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.

Saturday Thoughts

November 5, 2022 at 9:40 am by Claudia

Boy, I felt crappy yesterday! A combination of sinus and a real lack of sleep. I took two naps in the afternoon, which helped a bit. But the best thing was a really good night’s sleep. I slept in until 7 am, which is about two and a half hours later than yesterday and the day before and the day before that.

I’m waking up rather slowly today, but I had a good session with my current book and now I’m on my second cup of coffee.

It’s supposed to reach 75 degrees today, which is very unseasonable. I won’t complain, however, because colder temps are just around the corner. On Tuesday, election day, the high will only reach 57 and then I think we’ll be back to normal for this time of year.

I realized the other day that Stella needed a long overdue exterior cleaning. I apologized to her, got to work, and now she’s beautiful again.

Just like a new car, you vow to keep it looking brand spanking new, and then time passes, and you (meaning me) never get it washed. Your husband has to do it. But in this case, I did it. You look lovely, Stella.

Mei is modeling a new pair of boots which arrived yesterday all the way from England. They’re slouchy and weathered and I love them. They are made by Etsy seller Piccolabammbola, aka Karen. When I have some more spare change, I’m going to buy another pair as they come in all sorts of colors. They’re easy to put on – no fiddly little laces – so that makes them a winner. I have one more dress coming via the mail and that’s it for a while. I’m on a Blythe accessories diet.

I will crochet another beret, but I already have that yarn on hand.

I’m very close to finishing The Furies by John Connolly. He’s such a wonderful writer and I think I’ve read all of his books but one and I have that one upstairs on the TBR pile. His detective novels are infused with the supernatural and I don’t read supernatural books as a rule. But I quite love the way he uses it in his stories.

Still feeling under the weather, so I’ll take it easy today. Meredith is feeling much better, by the way.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Day Three Hundred Thirty-Four

February 10, 2021 at 10:28 am by Claudia

We have at least 30 inches of snow on the ground. Today is sunny and the snow is sparkling. There are big wavy mounds of snow here and there – Don says it looks like whipped cream. Very magical. But that’s all the snow we need, thank you very much.

I took a break from the very challenging jigsaw puzzle to give Stella a major cleaning – there’s still a bit more to go. She really needed it. Here’s a view you don’t often see:

Stella with her ‘lid’ down. The lid converts into the shelf you see normally. Such a smart design! I keep forgetting about that gold strip across the back which glitters when the light is on. I have to say, getting Stella is one of the best things we have ever done. She’s clean now, nearly grease-free. I just have to soak the burner grates in some Dawn to degrease them and we should be all set. I just have to remember to do a deep cleaning more often.

As for the puzzle…it’s hard…which is what I want, of course. So while I mildly complain, I really love the challenge. You won’t see as much visible progress from day to day, but believe me, it’s there.

I’m currently working on the proscenium arch.

Have you seen puzzle tables? Someone I follow on IG bought one from Amazon and it has nifty side drawers. She has a cat and it keeps the pieces relatively safe from cat paws. I’d love one for the portability, but I can’t justify the expense.

Heck, I need to keep the pieces free from my hands and arms. I continually knock puzzle pieces off the table and have to go searching for them.

I finished Winter Solstice. Sob. I started Mrs. Tim Carries On by D. E. Stevenson. I’m going to order The Shell Seekers today. Mrs. Tim is a relatively short read, so I should be finished by the time the new Pilcher arrives. Thanks so much for your advice yesterday!

Of course, it’s not like I don’t have stacks of books to read. I do. But I’m yearning for simple comfort reads that are well written and engaging. That’s what I need right now as we get ready to head into our second year of this strange time. And while I’m so happy for those of you getting your vaccinations, there are no appointments available here. We have a shortage of vaccine here in NY. So I feel like a kid who doesn’t get picked for the team (that happened to me a lot when I was young) but in this case, the stakes are much higher. We check every day. But we’re still isolating and are fortunately able to do that, so it’s not like we’re facing danger on a daily basis. I must be patient.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Mini Stella

Saturday Thoughts

Day Three Hundred Thirty-Four

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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