On this dark, dreary, and rainy day, I thought I’d share this little corner with you. We recently bought an inexpensive up light from Lowe’s. Remember Christopher Lowell, the decorator that had a show on HGTV? Back in the days when every show wasn’t like every other show? He loved up lights. This corner can be dark and we have a beautiful plant there as well as our vintage advertising from Paris and a Maxfield Parrish hanging on the walls. Don had been complaining that he’d like to see the artwork more clearly, so…up light. It makes a wonderful difference in that corner.
Yesterday was all about Don buying some 1 x 4s from Lowes, me measuring our big tarp and cutting it to fit the rear section of the shed roof, then Don up on the roof with me passing tools to him, getting the tarp in place and then nailing down the wood that will secure the tarp. I spent a lot of time inside the shed, tapping on the support beams so Don knew where to nail. It took several hours, but it’s done. Boy, were we tired afterwards! Today, we’re supposed to get an inch of rain, so we’ll see if the caulk and the tarp are working. Cross your fingers for us!
We’ll stay indoors today and start making calls about dental insurance for me and Don’s coverage for his eye. We have a week until our decisions need to be firmed up so I’m taking it slow and trying not to stress about it all.
And the Christmas tree will be purchased tomorrow or Wednesday, depending on the weather. I cannot wait to decorate this year! Oh boy, do we need it!
Select Blinds had a 50% off sale yesterday, so I ordered two more mini blinds, this time, for the bedroom windows. That should do it for a while, though the bathroom will need one eventually. In looking back through my planner for this year, I saw that I had it on my list of things that needed to be done this year. Hey, I actually accomplished a goal! (Actually, several items on the list have been ticked off.)
The dollhouse may have to be ignored for a few days as I sort out insurance and we decorate for Christmas, as well as organize the interior of the shed and put things away for the winter. But I hope to be back at it next week.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
HGTV had Christopher Lowell. I also enjoyed his show. Good luck with the insurance. My husbands dental is through a former employer. The price is higher for next year.
Correcting that immediately! Thanks, Olivia.
Stay safe.
Sounds like you have a busy few days ahead. I sort of like the days when I have a “to do” list. Otherwise, I seem to lose track of days and they all blend into each other when I have no focus. I love the uplighting in your corner. The shadows are so pretty. Great idea!!
It is quite cold here today w/ wind chills of about 19*! But we do have some sun. Hope your tarp and roof repairs are successful! It is always something, isn’t it? Hope the remainder of your day is peaceful. Take care.
Roof over front door not successful. We are having a rare intense rain here – it hasn’t stopped coming down like cats and dogs since this morning. The culverts are flooding, the sump pump is on overdrive.
Partially successful Shed. One corner is still leaking though I can’t figure out how the rain is getting in there – it’s the weakest part of the roof.
A depressing day, Chris.
Stay safe.
Oh yes…I was a big fan of Christopher Lowell. He taught me quite a few things about decorating a home. I do miss shows like his…they were varied, and you actually learned something. Your plant and the pictures look great with the up light!
Sounds like you have a busy week ahead. Good luck on the insurance ….hope you find something. And, I’ll keep my fingers crossed on the tarp! Stay safe! ;)
See my answer to Chris for an update on the success/not a success status.
I’m still confused on the insurance. I did some research this morning and I’ll do some more tomorrow morning.
Thanks, Donna.
Stay safe.
Oh…I didn’t realize your porch roof was leaking! Oh my….I am so sorry to hear this. We had horrible rains earlier this year, combined with high winds…we found a few new leaks ourselves. I do know how you are feeling. Truly wish we could help. ;)
Aw, thank you for kind words.
I remember those days! they were wonderful.
Christopher was good. as was Kitty Bartholomew. and that couple.. can remember his name…
he looked like a body builder (with red hair) and a girl who assisted him… they were excellent.
he would re-do people’s home with simple ‘fixes’ and often used their own things.
there was also the wonderful designer whose name escapes me now also. darn it! yet I can SEE him in my mind’s eye!
each show then had its own ‘flavor.’ now they are all simply repeats of the last type with different hosts. and it seemed like it happened overnight! like it was bought by someone else and they decided to change the entire format of HGTV. all those creative people just disappeared. so sad.
HGTV used to have such imaginative shows. now it’s ALL about buying and selling and
people spending gobs of money. and it’s ALL so much alike.
and for awhile there was ALWAYS a trumped up deadline they were ‘facing.’ it got so tiresome.
it was literally part of the plot. fake and stupid. I quit watching.
except for one. I happened onto them. and they’re great.
they’re a delightful couple named Ben and Erin from Laurel MS. and they have turned their little town into a success almost single handedly! the format is simple but original… with no silly
made-up deadlines. she’s a gifted designer and he’s fabulous. and they so in love. a breath of fresh air!
their show is Home Town and it’s wonderful! they are major craftsmen and have a down to earth appreciation for what they do.
and ps…. I love what you do in all your little doll houses. but I LOVE Don’s house/music studio the best. just seeing it in that picture here is so beautiful!
I never watch HGTV anymore. I do watch Home Town, though after watching the previous seasons, I find I haven’t been watching it.
THanks, Tammy!
Stay safe.
I liked that show and some others before every room now looks the same and you know the people don’t get to keep it all. Anyway. Glad you got the shed roof done and hope it holds. I’m rearranging a bit today trying to find more storage options. Being careful of my back and lots of breaks. I’m ready to get Christmas decorations out and find time to relax and enjoy. Hugs!
It isn’t holding in one corner, which keeps leaking. The rest of the shed is doing better. I’m not sure how the water is getting in but today is a rare and unrelenting rain. Pouring down constantly all day long. The sump pump is going nonstop, our culvert is flooded.
I’m pretty depressed about the whole thing. We can’t stop the leaking over the front door so I’m afraid we have exhausted our
‘skills’ and we’re going to have to call someone. Where we’re going to get the money for the shed roof and repair to the porch roof, I don’t know.
Stay safe, Linda.
You two are a good team! It’s been pouring here for hours, so I hope you’re getting less and that your hard work yesterday is paying off. After my husband gave me a good talking too about not buying anymore big, awkward items because he’s hurt his hip and he can’t carry them out of the post office, I was afraid to tell him that I’d ordered a 4′ artificial tree…Since I’m still laid up with arthritic knee and elbow, I can’t get it either if it’s an odd shape. We might have to imagine one. If so, at least we won’t worry about the cats knocking off the ornaments. LOL. Stay safe!
See my other responses to see what has worked and what hasn’t worked. It’s been raining torrentially non-stop since this morning.
A rare what they call “100 years rain” around here. That hasn’t helped.
Stay safe, Nora.
OMG, I’m sick for you. What a totally crap year. You must feel at the breaking point. I wish that we could help you somehow. Sending love and prayers.
Thanks, Nora.
Feeling the same as Nora. GoFundMe?
Is Don still attached (perhaps you are also) to AEA?
I’m not much for great suggestions these days, having become completely overwhelmed with clearing out my house & deceased mother’s condo.
I certainly don’t mean to upset you. Not what you need from any of us.
The up light is a wonderful idea and shows the art work off beautifully. I am going
to look at Lowe’s website. I wish our Canadian dollar was higher like yours. We are
about 74 cents to an American dollar.
Fingers crossed that the tarp works . Lots of snow is arriving this evening and tomorrow in our area, 30 minutes south of Orillia.
Looking forward to seeing your decorated Christmas tree Claudia.
Not working fully – part of the shed is dry, but one corner is not. How it’s leaking through the tarp, I don’t know. At this point, I’d prefer snow and some surprise money coming our way!
Stay safe, Lea.
No HGTV anymore! Everything looks the same as do most of the BIG bloggers posts. I used to use up lights, thanks for the reminder. I love your cottage.
Thank you, Gayle.
Stay safe!
Hi Claudia,
I have found it really hard to accomplish goals this year. Truthfully, I will be so glad when 2020 is over. It seems like my husband and I have become “hermits” but I feel we all have to do our part so “maybe” one day we can go back to a semi normal life. I miss my kids and grandkids and just the freedom I know now I took for granted.
Keep strong.
Linda Cunha
We are hermits as well. I think it’s what we have to be until we get a vaccine.
Stay safe, Linda.
Sweet little hom (miniature!)
It may help you decide on your ins. by using an ins. broker. They normally don’t charge the customer any fees. They get paid by the ins. co. you sign up with. We did that & it saved so much time & effort. They know all the complications & can guide you for your needs.
Be well.
We used an insurance broker for our new health insurance. They’re working with the union. They didn’t have much to offer, however, on dental insurance.
Stay safe.
Prayers
Going through so much also
Not sure how we cope
Good luck
Hang in there, Brenda.
Stay safe!
oh, no! claudia … i feel bad for you that some rain’s been leaking in (especially by your front door) after all the hard work you and don put in. today and most of 2020 have brought a lot of choice words out of my mouth, but since i’m trying not to cuss, i’ll just say this … poop!!!
if we lived closer, i’d invite myself, my toolbox, some homemade veggie soup or chili and wonderful raspberry bars over. i like helping and you know rain wouldn’t stop me. wish i could help in some way to make something easier right now (while also knowing you and
don will get through these challenges). i will keep praying. and i can send recipes, if you want. :)
yes to christopher lowell. also kitty bartholomew, lynette jennings and individuality!
hope you all are feeling good, staying safe and know you are kept in prayers.
kathy in iowa
Yes, keep praying, Kathy. We’d so appreciate it.
Stay safe.
will do, for sure!
kathy in iowa
xo
Love the ‘up light.’ One starts to see dimensions, definition. Love the shadows, as well. Beautiful job you have done, Claudia. That’s the Maxfield Parrish print over there also? His paintings would be a challenge to highlight.
Hoping/praying with some dry days & viewing where the sun comes through, answers will come about the leaks.
XO
Thanks so much, Martha.
Stay safe.
I saw on the TV nightly news that you’re to be slammed with some stormy rain for sure, so brrrr; stay cozy!
Thanks, Vicki. We were slammed in more ways than one.
Stay safe.