Alstromeria = best bang for your buck. They last a good two weeks or more; I’ve had them last as long as three weeks. That’s why I buy them. (And they are very pretty.)
In my continuing quest not to go insane this winter, I’m trying to motivate myself to do things around here. You’ve all heard more than enough about the crazy weather I’ve been coping with. Add in Don being gone and an extended period without coaching work, which is not helping things at all, and you get a Claudia who is a wee bit depressed and stir crazy. Not to mention a wee bit worried about my income and my seemingly waning career.
Anyway, those two cooking pots I bought at IKEA needed to be stored somewhere, which sparked a rather massive clean-out and reorganization of my lower kitchen cupboards, as well as the two cupboards in the kitchen island. You’ve been there, right? Tupperware containers without lids, lids without containers, pot lids that don’t fit any pot; it’s really mind boggling how those things pile up and magically reproduce in the dark corners of kitchen cabinets. I wiped down surfaces, vacuumed out crumbs, reorganized and dumped.
Much better.
I also cleaned out and wiped down the inside of the dishwasher, which we don’t use because it has never worked right, and now it is the new home for some pots and pans. I told Don yesterday that I’d like a dishwasher that works. I don’t think that’s asking too much, do you?
A week or so ago, I also cleaned out a junk drawer or two in the kitchen.
Don won’t know what hit him when he gets back home.
Now I’d like to tackle the guest bedroom/office/studio but a lot of the stuff in there is Don’s. Hmmm.
I have another rapper-like nickname for a medical condition to add to yesterday’s list: AFib. Because, apparently, atrial fibrillation isn’t hip enough for pharmaceutical commercials.
A dear reader, Sharon, sent me two sweet additions for my dollhouse and I’ve been meaning to share them with you.
A lovely sewing machine, not unlike my Featherweight, Mabel. Isn’t it perfect?
And a furry addition:
This doggie knows where the treats are, just like someone else I know.
Thank you so much, Sharon!
Okay, beloved readers: suggestions for this doggie’s name are now being taken. The owner of the dollhouse needs your help!
Happy Monday.
Doris says
Good Morning Claudia, I love your flowers. I have started spring cleaning here also. The dogs name should be Sharon! A nice way to remember your friend! Doris
Claudia says
Not sure I like the name Sharon for a dog (though I love it for a person!) xo
Julie says
Hi Claudia. Would you mind sharing where you purchased the gorgeous little wood stove in your dollhouse kitchen and the lovely butler sink? Hope the sun starts shining for you soon. Take care. Regards Julie in Western Australia
Claudia says
I got the sink unit at New England Miniatures (you can google them) but I think it is also available at miniatures.com, which is also where I got the Aga stove. Come to think of it, New England Miniatures might also have the stove.
Nidia Szucs says
Claudia..Honey for many reasons…..Nidia
Claudia says
Thanks, Nidia!
connielivingbeautifully says
He looks like a “Snack” so that’s my contribution—Snack, just love that word. I’d forgotten that you haven’t worked for a while. Hope that turns around soon for you.
xoxo,
Connie
Claudia says
Me too, Connie!
Julie says
Thanks Claudia. Just looked at all the gorgeous goodies for doll houses but New England dont post to Australia! :( I can only window shop. Thanks again. Julie in OZ x
Claudia says
Oh darn it! Sorry!
Janie F. says
I’ve been cleaning n reorganizing too. I missed a step on Saturday and fell on concrete. My right knee took most of my weight but thankfully nothing seems broken but it really scared me and will make me more cautious. How about Trixie if the dog is a girl?
Claudia says
Oh Janie, take care! You must have a big old bruise there. Be careful!
LauraC says
After the winter that you’ve had to deal with alone, you deserve a working dishwasher.
tiger lily says
I agree!!
Claudia says
Yes, I do!
Donnamae says
Cute dog…how ’bout Rusty? I dislike washing dishes…so I would vote for a working dishwasher. But, it’s always good storage. Our dishwasher didn’t work for about three years once…I used the dishwasher to store wet dishes after I hand washed them. I have one cabinet that desperately needs cleaning out…and I’ve been putting it off. Wanna come over and help? ;)
Claudia says
It’s working pretty well as storage at the moment for things like a bundt pan and a big pot, various lids, etc.
tiger lily says
I relate to cabin fever and now that I know for sure that you are in NY state, I think I get it about your references to the snow! Here in drought-ridden central NM we have cabin fever about middle of June to August when we can’t venture out for several hours in the afternoons. I get a lot of knitting done then. You may not have a decent dishwasher but what about that Aga!! Oh, yeah that’s in the dollhouse!! (just joking) I never saw a dollhouse Aga and the darling country sink! Too cute! The doggie looks Aust. Shepherd–how about Matilda if it’s a girl.
Claudia says
Does look like an Aussie, but a small Aussie!
Regena Fickes says
That is a female dog for sure and a flirt at that! Look at that. She should be called Josephine. The sewing machine is adorable.
I too am bothered by all the commercials for pharmaceuticals. My Grandmother used to say that she would not take something because the “cure” was worse than the illness. I have come to believe she was right.
Claudia says
I think your grandmother was absolutely right!
Susie says
Claudia, I know that stir crazy feeling…oh boy. You were productive with your time. I love your little sewing machine. :) Blessings to you, hope you are able to get out for a walk or sit on the porch, even 5 minutes is good. xoxo,Susie
Claudia says
Going to take Scout for a walk later in the day, Susie.
Linda @ A La Carte says
It is good to keep busy on these dreary days of winter. I am hoping Spring is around the corner. Love the new additions to the doll house. I like Sunny for the dog’s name! Hugs, Linda
Claudia says
Today I cleaned the grout on the kitchen counter which is tiled (and which I loathe…)
Melanie says
Cute new things for your dollhouse. We’re having the same weather – melting snow, but resulting in a lot of mud. That’s OK – I’ll take the mud over the snow any day. I hear ya on the prescription drug commercials. They’re not only annoying, but Brian and I laugh because the possible side effects are worse than the original diagnosis! Did you know we’re the only country who advertises prescription drugs on TV? Don’t get me started on Big Pharma and all that they control.
Claudia says
Yes, I do know that – it’s unbelievable, isn’t it? Big business and money and lobbies seem to win out here in the USA.
nancy says
I’m glad your dollhouse has a dog. Every house should have a dog. How about Jasper?
nancyr
Claudia says
I’m getting some good suggestions, Nancy!
Nancy B. says
Claudia…. been such a long winter here in the Northeast. It must be overwhelming to cope through it without Don. Looking at the beautiful new dollhouse mascot, the name Patience came to mind immediately. Something of a reminder to all of us to be patient, Spring will come.
Claudia says
I’m trying to be patient, Nancy!
Lori Cassaro says
‘Minnie’!
Claudia says
Cute, Lori!
Janet in Rochester says
Isn’t it a great feeling to clean and weed out some household area? I always feel extremely productive afterwards. Love your new dollhouse additions, and the beautiful flowers. And since I’m partial to naming things for beloved family and friends, I vote for “O’Riley” for your new pooch. Enjoy your walk with Scout – and Happy St Paddy’s Day!
Claudia says
It feels very good, indeed!
Judy Clark says
Love your pretty flowers and your additions to your dollhouse, I agree with the person who suggested the name Honey. I think it fits her perfectly. Happy St, Patricks Day!
Judy
Claudia says
Happy Birthday, Miss Judy!
Diane says
I just popped in and see that you’re looking for a name for your little dog with the orangish coat. How about Lucy, after Lucille Ball? We could all use a good laugh these days. Your mini sewing machine is such a nice addition to your dollhouse too, so cute!
Claudia says
Good suggestion, Diane!
Betsy says
Every house needs a furry friend! Yours looks like a “Honey” to me. So sweet and patient. You’re a busy lady these days Claudia. And now, you’ve motivated me to tackle the bathrooms. I detest cleaning bathrooms but it has to be done, doesn’t it?
Blessings,
Betsy
Claudia says
Oh my goodness, I HATE cleaning the bathroom. That’s next on my list and I’m dreading it.
The Quintessential Magpie says
Adorable machine and dog! The dog looks something like a Corgi and reminds me of a Fergie. I had a friend who named her Corgi that. Or is it part Pomeranian? I think Fergie would work there, too! I also like the name that was used on “Lucy”: McGillicotty (sp). She/he could be Mr. or Mrs. McGillicotty. She/he could be called “Gilly” or “Gill” for short. Trying to think of famous redheads! ;-)
xo
Sheila
Claudia says
Can’t figure out exactly what kind of dog it is, Sheila!
Chris k in Wisconsin says
My first thought when I saw the cutie patootie pup was also Honey…. must be the color or that it looks so shiny. But I also love the name Lucy!! And “Lucille “McGillicuddy” if she was being naughty. (I even checked the spelling!!)
And exactly how do those storage items lose their tops/ bottoms? And did you know that margarine/ Earth Balance/ cottage cheese/ sour cream containers multiply in a dark room?? And why in the world do we even save those?
Hope you have a good walk w/ Scout today! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!
Claudia says
They do multiply. I have proof!
Suzie says
How about Harper?
Claudia says
Well you know I love Harper as in Harper Lee. But I’m saving that for a real-sized dog someday!
Tana says
I just love your dollhouse and all the stuff! My mind is a blank on a name for the doggie.
Tana
Claudia says
So is mine, Tana!
tracy says
count me another vote for Lucy!
Claudia says
Okay, I will, Tracy!
Nancy Blue Moon says
I’m also voting for Honey..because of her color and because she looks so sweet..lol..Love the sewing machine..aren’t you going to name it too? LOL
Claudia says
I may have to stop naming anything else in the dollhouse, Nancy!
Ranee says
How about Bailey?
Claudia says
Another good suggestion!
Debbie says
How about “Atty” (funky spelling) as a nod to Atticus Finch? Lol ;)
Claudia says
Good suggestion, Debbie!
Luanne says
Claudia,
Just stumbled upon a new medical abbreviation and it’s pretty awful: ABL. It’ s on page 93 in the April Family Circle. It stands for, are you ready? Accidental bowel leakage. Gross! It is an ad for a product called “Butterfly”. Some sort of pad. This is worse than “Low T”
Claudia says
Oh my god. I’ll have to add that to the list, Luanne.
Ronda says
How about Sandy?
Ruta says
I like the name Honey too. One of my dogs, a rescue dog, is called Honey (that was the name she came to us with) but we kept it because it suits her down to the ground. And my Honey is the spitting image of your little doll house doggie. Having said that, all of the other suggestions are pretty neat as well.
Claudia says
There are so many good ones, it’s hard to choose!
Claudia says
Good suggestion, Ronda.
The Quintessential Magpie says
Claudia, I was almost asleep when I thought about the dog. I think it needs to be an Irish name on St. Patrick’s Day. What about Darby as in Darby O’Gill, my husband’s favorite character in his favorite childhood book that his sister cut up with the scissors? Or Bailey as in Bailey’s Irish Cream? Guinness? Oscar as in Oscar Wilde? Was he not Irish? JJ for James Joyce?
Okay. Going back to bed.
Nite.
xo
Sheila
Claudia says
Go back to bed, Sheila!
Lucy says
Oh Claudia to me he looks like a Milo. So cute <3
Claudia says
Cute name, Lucy!
Lilian says
Monty…most definitely a Monty
Claudia says
Well, I already have a cow in my living room named Monty, Lilian!
Haworth says
Oh gosh, Claudia, you’ve just described every kitchen cleaning escapade I’ve ever had. (Those plastic containers…. nine lids, 4 bottoms…) I went on a tear a while back and was ruthless about throwing away those kinds of things. And I thought I would invariably have a pang a few days later but I didn’t. (Now that’s progress!) As for the doggie…. since your friend sent you a mini-Mabel, as well as the dog, and it’s for your Doll’s House, I think the dog’s name should be Pippin…. from the Pippin and Mabel children’s stories. xx