The tree is still up. Do Christmas trees have a more intense scent as they begin to dry out? Because for the past few days, the scent has been much stronger. Anyway, we came downstairs this morning, turned on the tree lights and decided we would wait until New Year’s Day to take the tree down. We can’t quite say goodbye yet. I’ll miss seeing the tree from my chair in the den.
But we’ve had it up since December 1st, so January 1st seems like a good long run.
I spent about three hours up in the office working on the rescued dollhouse, Dove Cottage. The ‘stonework’ is slow going. Here is its current status:
I’ll try for a clearer picture today but it’s awfully dark out there as we’re into our second day of rain. I’m heartened by the fact that I was able to cut the stones to fit the curve of the doorway. I’m still not sure whether I like the whole thing, but I think when I paint the shingles, which might be sooner rather than later, and put the shutters up, the look of all that stone will be softened.
Dollhouses on the brain. That seems to be all I’m thinking about lately. That, and the high cost of living, which we have vowed to do something about this coming year. Budget. Budget. Budget. We’ve had a good couple of years, but it’s time to cut way back. We lost a lot of money this year with the changes to the tax laws. As you know, actors and performers and freelancers were royally screwed. We paid far more than either of us has ever paid in all our years of earning a living. Until the law is changed, that will be our reality and it’s a grim one. Cross your fingers for us; we both need to work more in 2020. And we’re ready, willing, and able!
I just might paint that roof today.
Happy Monday.
Your ‘stonework’ looks soooo good! I’m excited to see what color you choose for shingles and shutters.
Thanks, Shanna!
that looks wonderful!
what are you using to make the “stones”?
i hope and pray that you and don get all the work you want and need next year … and that the tax laws change for the better.
kathy in iowa
Egg cartons – the kind with the pebbled look to the cardboard. Thanks so much, Kathy!
Happy new year, Claudia. It’s so interesting to see what you do with the houses!Thanks!
Please forgive my ignorance, and this is not a challenge, nor a defense, but why are the new tax laws so onerous for artists? I realize you (and lawyers, engineers, architects…) don’t get the pass-through deductions other free-lance professions have been given, and that does seem unfair!
I know Gary can’t deduct uniform costs, or other job-related expenses, and our charitable donations, though high, are not large enough to be itemized, but the higher (almost double) standard deduction encompasses these for us
Did the higher standard deductions not cover your freelance expenses?
I can only speak for actors. Actors have been able to take many deductions in the past; travel to auditions, expenses on the road, including food, union fees, commissions paid to agents, headshots, and on and on. Basically everything an actor has to pay for to do his job and pursue further work. NONE of that is allowed now. In the case of Escape to Margaritaville, Don paid sizable commissions to his agents – none of that is allowed now. Likewise his union dues, which increased due to his work on Broadway. There’s even more, but that’s all my tired brain will come up with now. We usually get a refund. Instead, we paid nearly $7000 in Federal taxes.
Our accountant, who works primarily with actors and directors, says every one of her clients got slammed this year. And by slammed I mean, huge payments to the Feds. When you’re talking about artists who don’t work consistently, and have to pay to pursue work, it’s been horrible.
Thank you, Claudia, for explaining. I’m so sorry the larger standard deduction wasn’t helpful.
We have to itemize, unfortunately!
I think the stonework looks great and will be even more so when the painting is done. That looks like tedious but rewarding work and perfect for winter.
I could sit and look at that photo of your living area and tree all day and imagine myself there. It’s lovely. I’d hate to take the tree down, too. Mine aren’t real so they will stay up till at least twelfth night give or take and down soon after that if they don’t make it that far. Rick’s is live and will come down on New Year’s or maybe the weekend depending on life as we know it. I always hate to see them go.
So do I. I just hate to see them go! Thanks so much, Jeanie.
Love the stonework and can’t wait to see what color you paint the shingles. I have this dollhouse as well and it is currently a light mustard color with white trim and natural shingles. Not the color I would have chosen if I had been the first owner. Trying to figure out what color to paint the outside. Looking forward to your finished pictures.
Our tree is up for January for sure. I just read the other day that our Queen Elizabeth keeps hers up at Sandringham until February 6th, to honor her late father, King George VI, who died on that day in 1952. Every year since, she keeps the decorations up and though we won’t go in to February, I love the idea of keeping light for our loved ones and to warm the dark and chilly nights. The fairy lights are just to calming at night to take way. Living in the country, only the deer and our few close neighbors down our little lane see the tree.
Have a lovely day! We’re off to town to fill up our pantry for the week ahead.
X Chy
How sweet that she keeps it up until Feb. 6th. Very touching!
The people driving by on our county road see our outdoor lights so they’ll stay up through February. Thanks, Chy!
Our Christmas decorations don’t come down until after the New Year. I find the scent of Christmas greens very soothing. You’re doing a grand job on the rescue house! Stonework seemingly takes forever, but the end result is well worth it. It’s back to work for me on Thursday. It’s been so lovely to not be on a rigid schedule for a few days and to be talked to, not “at”.
I’m so glad you’ve had a good break, Barbara. Much needed, I’m sure. Happy New Year!
I think your stone work looks amazing!
Thanks, Tammy!
I love the stonework. You do such a great job on your doll houses!
Thank you, Jenny!
The stone work looks good. We will be taking our tree down this week after new Years day. Claudia trees do smell stronger when they get dry.
Marilyn
Ah, that explains it! Thanks, Marilyn!
Love your stonework! ( Your own cottage is wonderful, and always so inviting) Very anxious to see your amazing little doll house, step by step come back to life.. Already know it will be enchanting. Thank you for writing a blog I love to follow!
You are most welcome, Marcy Ray!
I see wood shingles roofs with yellow green moss from the camp growing on them. Maybe sponge a little color there. Just a thought. I love the stone!
Thanks, Suzanne!
That should be damp!
xo