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.
Well, that was smart to do all the mowing at once to get it done for a while. Sometimes I have to absolutely force myself to get some chore/chores done…and afterward it feels so good knowing I can take a break and relax… reward for a job well done! I love seeing the miniature furniture and accessories for your dollhouses…your new sofa is amazing! Incredible detail! I like your idea of ‘spare and elegant’…… Unfortunately, it looks like we won’t be able to see the annular eclipse here this morning…too cloudy! Enjoy your Saturday!
It was raining here and cloudy so I didn’t even think about it!
Stay safe, Barrie.
I am so thankful my duplex has a lawn service! Just sayin! Love the sofa, what a little work of art. Always nice to have an inspiration piece. Rest up.
We like mowing the lawn a lot! It’s just harder right now because the lawnmower is missing the front wheel drive. But mowing keeps me in shape and that’s a good thing. I was quite proud of myself for doing all of that by myself at the age of almost 71!
Stay safe, Linda
Your beautiful little sofa is your reward for all your hard work, Claudia. I’m sure Don is just as pleased with it as you are. Enjoy your refurbishing work on Beacon Hill. The other bidder sensed that you were a serious rival and meant business. Hugs, Elaine
Thanks so much, Elaine.
Stay safe.
A bit late,but Happy Anniversary! Love the sofa and really love hearing about your anniversary lunch and all the encounters.xo
Thank you, Annette.
Stay safe.
Claudia, goo job with the mowing. Hope your muscles are fine.
The sofa is gorgeous. Do all Knole sofas have the wooden sticks (for lack of the proper term) at the back corners? Was that a design feature, or a construction feature?
Yes. You can untie them and it becomes a daybed.
Thanks, Wendy.
Stay safe.
Look at that tiny piping! That’s what got to me, too. It’s a stunning piece, Claudia and what a wonderful and lucky buy. Yes, sometimes a bit of motivation is all we need. I’m glad you were so productive in the yard and that you treated yourself a bit after. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend.
Thank you, Jeanie!
Stay safe.
even if you enjoy it, yay you and yay don for powering through all that tough and wet lawnwork! hope right this second you two are resting and relaxing.
and wow, what a great piece for the beacon hill! am pretty sure i gasped when i saw it because the fabric is nearly identical to that on an old upholstered rocking chair my maternal grandparents had (loved by ten grandvhildren, including me, and which is gratefully and currently in my parents’ basement until i can move to a larger place with room for it). anyway, enjoy where the inspiration takes you … “spare and elegant” sounds perfect!
in the middle of lots of laundry right now … got out a blanket for the bed so am washing everything. will also go for a walk and a ride with some family members before long … it’s getting dark so early now!
hope you all are having a great weekend and stay safe!
kathy
Thanks, Kathy.
Stay safe.
The detail on that little sofa is unbelievable!
I know! It’s stunning!
Stay safe, Shanna.
You must be in excellent shape to take on all that mowing in one day. I’m in awe because I’d be in bed with a heating pad after that. That sofa is just adorable. This is a good time of year too, with the cold weather settling in, to get involved with a project. Looking forward to seeing your progress with the Beacon Hill.
The idea of “crabless” crab cakes intrigues me. We lived in Maryland for a few years in the late eighties and fell in love with crab cakes but I’m open to new ways of preparing. Any chance you’d consider sharing the recipe?
Take care,
Kay
PS we watched Spoiler Alert last night at long last. Was wonderful story and even husband really enjoyed it despite the fact nothing was blown up and James Bond did not make an appearance.
Well, I do use a heating pad after that. It takes a toll on my back.
I won’t share the recipe as it’s in a book by Deirdre Imus which was sold to benefit a charity, so I don’t feel right sharing it. But others have told me they found it online, so have at it!
Glad you enjoyed Spoiler Alert.
Stay safe.
I have often thought that it would be so much fun to do a dollhouse. I even found one I really liked, and I already collect miniature chairs and tables when I come across them, to use to display other itms. It would be so easy to cross the line. But then I put the whoa on my giddy- up. Where would I put it? How would I ever afford it? How would I learn to wire and plumb? Besides, I have so many other things I already do for which I have trouble finding time. But it keeps on stealing back into my thoughts, because I think it would be so gosh-darn fun! And that’s where it stands right now, a constant pushme-pullyou internal argument. Love, love, love the Knole sofa, the detail is exquisite, although I’ve never found an explanation for the design. Any thoughts on that? Do the arms lie flat, to make a kind of bed? Hope you’re having a wonderful autumn, and that the weather in your part of the world has decided to play nice.
I never wire my dollhouses, so there’s that. The rare times I might want a light on are not worth the time and effort to wire it. Besides, there are battery lights available.
Yes, if you wanted to, you could release wooden pieces holding up the sides and it would become a day bed.
Stay safe, Elizabeth.
Oh, I know, I know; I was in another town last week that has a large, amazing, miniatures store with a lot of dollhouses and so many accessories (the store has been there for a long, long time and there are ALWAYS doll house enthusiasts shopping in there, men and women both) and I wanted to go in SO BADLY but I knew I just couldn’t or I’d drive myself crazy with, “I want!!”
I’ve never seen a dollhouse sofa like what you’ve obtained; it is wondrous; I’ve looked and looked at the detail. Your careful searching nabs you the most-gorgeous pieces for your houses, Claudia!
I was fortunate to actually read the email from the gentleman selling the items. I usually don’t pay attention.
Wish I had a dollhouse shop like that around here! There was a great one in San Diego. Sigh.
Stay safe.