Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

  • About MHC
    • Disclosure
  • Dollhouses/Minis
    • Hummingbird Cottage
    • The Studio (Formerly TSP)
    • Dove Cottage
    • The Lake House
    • The Folk Art Dollhouse
    • The Modern Dollhouse
    • The Beacon Hill Dollhouse
    • Dollhouse Source List, Information and Tutorials
  • On the Road
  • Collecting
    • Roseville Pottery
    • McCoy Pottery
    • Egg Cups
    • Bakelite
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy

Deconstructed

August 7, 2019 at 9:44 am by Claudia

You might have seen this on Instagram yesterday.

My dear husband had been watering the plants for me while I rested my back. He tends to be overzealous with the water. The day before yesterday, I felt ready to water the porch plants once more (Don was in the city.)

I immediately noticed a large amount of water on top of the former kitchen island. And some of that water had run down the front of the piece. I ran for some paper towels and quickly realized that the water had probably been there for a couple of days, resulting in the veneer warping – both on top of the cabinet and on the drawer fronts.

I was actually pretty calm about it since I knew the veneers were problematical given the fact that this piece is now outside on the porch. The sides of the cabinet had already shown some evidence of warping. I grabbed a screwdriver to separate the two drawers (which had expanded due to the water) and then I started peeling the veneer.

Current status.

There’s more to do. Frankly, I had already envisioned getting rid of the veneer, which has been troublesome from the beginning – way back when I first painted this formerly dark sideboard. When it was still in the kitchen, I pondered taking the top down to the raw wood. But then Stella came and all of that was shelved.

The whole thing needs a new paint job and some weather proofing. Whether I keep it two-toned or paint it all white again is the question. So far, the cupboard doors are fine. I may peel the veneer on the sides of the cabinet.

Don, having been told of his overwatering mistake, said: “I like it better this way.” (I’m sure he does.)

I’m not averse to it either. It gives it some texture. And I like chippy things, which, given the current condition of the sideboard, is putting it mildly.

This will be a good Autumn Project.

Maybe Don is just trying to keep me busy.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Filed Under: Don, kitchen island, porch 12 Comments

The Mundane

August 6, 2019 at 10:05 am by Claudia

“These are the days of our lives…”

For some reason the theme music for that soap went through my head this morning as I wondered what I would write about today. My days of late consist of babying my back. Or not babying it and paying the price.

What a giant bore!

As you know, I like to be active, even if ‘active’ consists of routine chores. I did do some chores yesterday, mostly because I was so sleep deprived. When I’m really, really tired I tend to do more chores as it keeps me from feeling sorry for myself and/or sighing constantly and bemoaning my lack of sleep. So I did do a few things and it helped me get through the day.

But I’m really sick of talking about it. So let’s move on.

Don is in the city today for an audition. I’m glad he has one, but the grass needs to be cut and I can’t do it. And we need groceries. These are first world problems, I realize. All in good time.

I will most likely finish Big Sky  by Kate Atkinson today. It’s wonderful, just as I expected. I’m not sure what I’ll start next. Maybe a bit of non-fiction? Another first world problem: trying to figure out what to read from the piles of unread books sitting in my den.

So far so good, the rest of the sunflowers haven’t been chomped on – I checked this morning. We did have a visit from our lovely bunny, but he eats the grass and weeds. I’m most appreciative.

That’s about it, my friends. I realize this is rather mundane, but it’s real!

I just read that Toni Morrison died. What a profound loss. Rest in Peace.

Happy Tuesday.

 

 

Filed Under: books, life, McCoy pottery, reading 32 Comments

Guilty as Charged

August 5, 2019 at 9:33 am by Claudia

I looked out the kitchen window to see the young deer to the right chomping on a sunflower that hadn’t even bloomed yet. He was standing in the corral leaning over the fence – the sunflower was on the other side of the fence. I opened the door, the deer jumped over the fence to join his sibling (I presume.) Then they just stood there and stared at us, fascinated, no doubt, by these strange looking beings (by now, Don had joined me) who were telling them ‘No!’

They stayed there a long time. Mr. Guilty turned and went into the woods, but the other one stayed and stared at me for about 10 minutes. They’re darned adorable, but don’t eat my plants that I’ve raised from seed!!!

Don took the picture.

I didn’t sleep all that well last night – probably about 4 hours in the chair – but I woke up feeling stiff. Eventually, I went upstairs to our bed, where I slept another hour. But I woke up sore. As you all know, pain can be exhausting and when you add in a lack of sleep, it’s not a pretty picture. I’m not a fan of recliners, but I sure wish I had one just for a week or so!

Don’s in the city for the day, helping out a friend by participating in a reading of the latest draft of a play. It’s the same play/musical that is being workshopped and in which he performed one song not long after Margaritaville  closed. He had a good day at the Farmer’s Market yesterday; lots of people wanted their portraits taken.

The gardens are starting to look overgrown and a bit past their prime, which is the usual look come August. And though they should be weeded, I’m not about to start bending over and yanking weeds. So, they’ll just be.

That’s about it for this Monday, my friends.

Happy Monday.

Filed Under: deer 37 Comments

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 660
  • 661
  • 662
  • 663
  • 664
  • …
  • 1851
  • Next Page »
  • Email
  • Instagram

Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

Thanks for stopping by.

Searching?

The Dogs

The Dogs

Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

Winston - Our first dog. We miss you, sweetheart.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Thanks for visiting! Feel free to browse, read and enjoy. All content is my own; including photos and text. Please do not use anything on this site without permission.

Disclosure/Privacy Policy can be found in the Navigation Bar under ‘About MHC.’

Also, I love receiving comments! I do, however, reserve the right to delete any comment that is in poor taste, offensive or is verging on spam. It’s my blog. If you’re a bot or a troll you’ll be blocked. Thanks!

Archives

All Content © 2008 - 2026 Mockingbird Hill Cottage · Log in