If I had any nails, I would be biting them. This is a big day. Since we won’t know anything until tonight or even later, I’ll be busying myself with chores around the house, including a little dollhouse work.
Speaking of chores: Doug gave us (several months ago) their wireless router set-up, which was relatively new, as he had upgraded. Doug is the tech guy in that house. At the time, I was overwhelmed with things to do, including losing the tree in the hurricane, texting for Biden, etc. I’ve had the box with the router and a couple of satellite pods upstairs on the chair in the office for a long, long time.
(Our router was over 9 years old and kept cutting in and out and should have been replaced a long time ago.)
Yesterday, I decided to set it up.
It was not as simple as I had thought it would be. After removing the old router and connecting the new, I kept getting a red light, which meant it was not connecting to the modem. I tried everything. Finally, I called our cable provider but I was on hold so long (“We are experiencing a high volume of calls…”) that I hung up. I texted Doug and his suggestion was to call Spectrum (cable.) So I called again and after a long wait was connected to a very helpful guy who made sure the modem was working – it was – and had me try a few things. He finally suggested that I call Linksys, the maker of the router. So I did. Endless time on hold, getting hungrier by the minute, and finally a guy came on the line who was enormously helpful. He helped me to set it up. Since it had been used by Rick and Doug, it had to be reset and registered online and he had to keep checking all sorts of things. Same thing with the little satellite, which is in the kitchen. This took a long time. All told, I spent about 4 hours getting everything to work. The gentleman at Linksys was incredibly calm and patient and serious, and – in true Claudia fashion – I made him laugh a couple of times. (Don and I always go for the laugh.)
Anyway, after it was over I was exhausted. But, it works! And the connection is so much better and now we can use our phones in the kitchen which has always been a dead zone. Thank you Doug and Rick. And thanks to helpful tech consultants at both our cable provider and Linksys.
I’m the tech person, for want of a better word, in this house. I put things together, I figure out how to set up the Smart TV and the remotes. I do all the computer and WiFi set ups. Don doesn’t do so well with that, though I suspect he could. He knows I’ll take care of it. On the other hand, he goes up on the roof, shovels the snow, nails down a tarp on the shed roof, etc. We balance each other. I have no complaints.
I have one thing to share with you, which was a wee splurge. I saw this on the Etsy site of Tiny Dollhouse NYC and I marked it as a favorite. I looked at it every day. It was one of a pair and one day I noticed that one had just sold, which left only one remaining, so when I got some ad income at the end of December, I went for it. It’s for the future Beacon Hill dollhouse.
This chair. It’s made by one of the foremost miniaturists in this country, if not the world, June Clinkscales. I admire her work so much. This is a heavy, solid chair (the heaviest miniature I own) and it is impeccably made. It has a curved back. The fabric is toile. I’ll take more photos when I can get more light – it’s awfully cloudy and gray around here – but isn’t it exquisite? It looks awfully good in this room, but it’s earmarked for the Beacon Hill. My first piece for that project.
This is a real collector’s item and I’m very proud to be its caretaker. Oh my heavens, I sigh with pleasure each time I look at it.
I got some baseboard trim in the mail yesterday, so I’ll start to add that to the bedroom and living room of the English Cottage. It involves mitering corners, which I’ve only done once before in Don’s studio. I also have two beds arriving today!
By the way, in case you didn’t see it, I did another IG video a few days ago on the Modern Dollhouse because I realized I’d neglected to mention it. You can see it on my Instagram account.
Don released another single today – this one is Guess I Still Get Crazy. On a personal note, this is one of my top four favorites that he’s written, so I’m thrilled. He’s been singing it for years but has never recorded it. This one is a collaboration between Don and our friend Rob Edwards. Rob has his own recording studio back in San Diego. (Rob’s the one who sold me our big oak coffee table and helped us find our Craftsman rental when we were living there.) Here’s the link.
Hang in there today.
Stay safe.
Happy Tuesday.
Oh dear, what a lovely chair… Just your style, too.
It is. I’d like in my real house!
Stay safe, Petra!
I love the chair.
And I love the song!!
Marion
Thank you, Marion!
I’ll tell Don.
Stay safe!
Amazing Don…wow…I divorced in 2018 and ex was a country gospel singer all his life besides other job…I followed him in concerts etc after we married. One night he was on stage singing in another state…woman sat beside me and asked if I knew him. I said I did. She wanted to meet him as she was enthralled.. I played dumb and took her backstage to meet..she about flipped learning he was my husband. I didn’t care…I was enthralled with his singing also…his first wife and I were friends…they were married almost fifty years…lovely woman…we tried for five years and just didn’t make it…sad and just another painful memory…I love music and love this song by Don. Must be something about the letter D and music…both men sound like Don Williams…my D had Elvis voice and others also…
Don’s been a musician since he was about 9 – he played steel guitar in his godfather’s band1
Stay safe, Brenda!
Nice song !
I guess donald will find out who Stacy Abrams is today.
Ha!
Finger crossed, Leslie!
Stay safe.
to linda piazza …
best wishes and prayers for your health and hopefully being able to get a vaccine or otherwise never get covid-19!
stay safe!
kathy in iowa
Loved the song! Amazing!
I’ll pass that on to Don, Lyn.
Thank you!
Stay safe.
LOVE your new chair. Exquisite and it looks so intricate and well made. What a treat for you!
I relate to the tech issues. It is SO not my thing — I get terribly frustrated (and probably would have stuck with the router that cuts out!)
I love the song — the rhythm, tune and Don’s wonderful voice. I think the tune will be stuck in my head for the rest of the day and the theme — sort of perfect!
I am so anxious for this election to be over. Not only because of the outcome but because of the ads on TV (which I seldom watch), the mailings and people knocking on my door. I should be glad so many have been serious about getting out the vote but after a heated election in Nov and the ongoing strife, I am truly ready for Jan 20th.
Love the chair. Its something I would love to own in my own home. I keep thinking one day I will redo my furniture but not sure when that will happen. I’m going to listen to Don’s new song. I enjoy his music so much and please tell him I’m a fan! Hugs!
Yes, well – you live in Georgia so I can well understand!
Hang in there, Linda!
Stay safe.
That chair is fabulous! Anxious for today and tomorrow to be over – not looking forward to the demonstrations in DC and other cities and in Congress. A mass gathering of Fools.
Yes. The demonstrations will not be watched by the Hill-Sparks household. Nope. I’m not giving them any of my energy.
Stay safe, Dottie!
Love your new chair and love love Don’s song, would love this on a cd!
You can buy the song itself, I noticed. Then you’d have it on your computer or phone.
Thanks so much, Deb.
Stay safe.
Lovely little chair! I do enjoy toile print. Will listen to Don’s song later today. By the way, I have a brother named Rob Edwards. On pins and needles waiting to see what happens with Georgia.
Me too. I have a feeling we won’t know the results tonight. And that will be hard. I just want it over and I want tomorrow to be over.
Stay safe, April.
What a great song! Please tell Don! And I am now humming…..
Yes, I am wondering how long this process will take today. Poor Linda!! All the ads til Nov, then the nonsense plus all the more ads for this “round”. That truly must have been painful. We will hope and pray and hope and pray some more that the pain will provide a good outcome. If only…
Then there is tomorrow. Oh, the absolutel craziness of one insane loser and his minions…and the price we have all had to pay. Take care!!
I am so sick of this sh*tshow. I would love nothing better than to spit in his face.
Hang in there, Chris.
Stay safe.
I’m the more techy one in this household, too. I don’t enjoy it, but when things need to get done, someone has to do it! Though the funny thing is, Brian has always set up the routers. I do the rest (fixing computer bugs, setting up the Smart TV, etc.)
That chair is beautiful. I’m fascinated by miniatures. It’s amazing how these artisans can make pieces look like they’d go in a real house.
Don’s song is wonderful. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thanks for your kind words, Melanie. I’ll pass them along to Don.
Stay safe!
Claudia, you techy-gal you; bravo.
And the chair, the chair, THE CHAIR. Miniature heaven!
The chair is incredible. I love, love, love it!
Stay safe, Vicki!
Don wrote that! he is so talented.
and I’m not even that fond of that kind of music usually.
but he is something else. his heart is in it.
and he’s so good! I’m glad he’s recording.
my husband Bob played by ear… the piano. the mandolin. guitar. and oh my… he was wonderful!
he captured my heart early in our dating when he made up a song for me while playing the guitar. he called it ‘This Time I’m Sure.”
later he couldn’t remember it exactly the way he sang it that night. none of it was written down! but I’ve never forgotten it. and the way that beautiful man made me feel. he was the love of my life.
you’re a very lucky lady. but then you know that. I totally believe in soulmates.
and… I LOVE that tiny chair in the house you’re doing. you have your OWN wonderful talents!
the entire cottage is coming together beautifully.
(just came from buying groceries at a little neighborhood market. and the radio was on NPR news. it said they are gathering in DC by the thousands to protest. the police expect possibly 30,000. will this crazieness NEVER EVER END???!!! I don’t even recognize America anymore.) XO
Love that your husband wrote a song for you, Tammy. What a precious memory!
I’m dreading tomorrow but I refuse to watch anything during the day. They want attention and I refuse to give it to them!
Stay safe, Tammy.
I loved hearing your voice on IG. And now, I got to hear Don sing too!
I’ve gotta get my techie cap on as I choose and figure out new photo editing software. Sigh.
Stay hopeful and safe!
Been there! It’s tricky, isn’t it?
Stay safe, Roxie!
claudia…I just listened to Dons album….love it. His latest song, very nice. Husband Doug plays guitar and played in a band in the 60s and plays whenever he can. Music is and was always important to us…love the lyrics. You married a poet!
I did. We love music as well. I sang professionally for years and play the piano. Don has been playing guitar since he was 9!
Stay safe, Maria!
Claudia, you really are doing a wonderful job on the doll houses. You make it look easy. Makes me want to try…LOL! I know I would not be that good. No really….I am 75 so pretty much know that is reality. It is really amazing to watch how you transform them. I will have to listen to Don’ recording.
Oh, thank you for your kind words, Rose!
By the way, it doesn’t matter how good you are in terms of working with a dollhouse. Just do what makes you happy. That’s perfect!
Stay safe!
Didn’t realize you were the techie in the family….good for you. Love Don’s song…got a great rhythm to it…and a dreamy voice!
I’ve been keeping busy today so I wouldn’t think about Georgia. We still have to get through tomorrow….ugh. Fingers crossed! Stay safe! ;)
…great chair, too!
Same here! We cleaned out Don’s side of the office. Believe me, that kept us busy!
Tomorrow, I will be staying away from the television or news during the day. They want to stir things up and get attention and I refuse to give it to them.
Stay safe, Donna!
Great song!! Love the chair…it looks so real & comfy!
Thank you, Priscilla!
Stay safe!
Claudia, I love the chair. It’s not my preferred style, but you can just see how it would be to hold in your hand or sit in the real-life version.
I loved hearing Don’s song.
Someone in a group to which I belong posted notice that a protest is expected in Austin tomorrow, too, with the group holding it saying protestors should “drag the Interstate,” too. I have to travel tomorrow, but it will be the opposite direction, through small-town Texas on my way to my rheumatologist more than two hours away for my infusion. He will be giving me the verdict as to whether I can safely take the Covid vaccination, since I have had a previous serious reaction (serum sickness) to an injectable vaccination. We both were leaning toward me taking the risk the last time I talked to him, but it’s a big risk since the effect of serum sickness are cumulative, according to him. It gets worse each time. I want to be part of the solution.
hej, linda piazza …
i replied to what you wrote, just in the wrong place. scroll up above, if you like.
stay safe!
kathy in iowa
Not everything in my dollhouse is my preferred style either. That’s what makes it fun!
I’m sorry to hear of a possible protest in Austin today, Linda. And I sure hope and pray that you will be able to have the vaccination, my friend.
Stay safe!
hej, claudia …
good for you for staying current with tech stuff! and i’m glad you found kind helpers (when needed) in that regard.
that balance you and don have sounds wonderful to me.
i am not tech-y at all and i’m okay with that. kind of like my cooking and my knitting … there’s no creme brulee happening here, no sweaters or fancy fair isle … just the basic stuff. later i’ll pick up a challenge, but not now with all the stressful things going on in the world. i believe in and practice life-long learning, but don’t want my hobbies to turn from stress-relieving to stress-inducing.
also, cooking is definitely not a hobby! i keep that simple just because i dislike cooking (i’d much rather wash the dishes than dirty them).
that little chair is beautiful and i’d like one in life-size, for sure!
and i love don’s new song … the lyrics, the music and his voice! since i am not tech-y, i will likely have to ask for help to buy and put it on my phone, but it’s now on my to-do list. please thank don for sharing his music with us and thanks to you for the link and so much other goodness here at mhc!
avoiding the tv and news tonight. hope to wake up to good news (with a clear, undeniable count) tomorrow morning. and then get the electoral votes officially accepted tomorrow. i feel like vp pence will do the right thing then.
what a world …! stay safe, comfy and strong, everyone!
off to listen to don’s song again (thanks again)!
kathy in iowa
You know that I’m no fan of cooking, either! Baking, yes. Cooking? No.
Thanks so much for your thoughts on Don’s song. I’ll pass the along.
Stay safe!