It rained (and even sleeted) all day yesterday, so I went upstairs to the office and worked on the dollhouse. I’d had an idea that painting the roof – even a preliminary coat – would help to define the stone exterior and that by doing so, I might like it more.

I have lots of photos of English stone cottages and they seem to have roofs that are dark in color – they may be some kind of slate for all I know. I hoped that I had some sort of dark color on hand, gray or black, that I could use without spending any money. Thankfully, I did.

I spent about 4 hours painting the shingles and I have to say, it’s the best thing to quell anxiety. I was in my happy place. This photo shows you a solid dark gray, but there are traces of the brown of the shingles showing through, which is what I wanted. I may age them more, but for now, here it is.

Painting it accomplished just what I wanted. The contrast shows off the stonework and I’m happy with the look.

We’re watching Unbelievable  on Netflix. I sought it out because Barack Obama put it on his personal best of 2019 list. It’s based on a true story involving a serial rapist. I can’t say enough about the quality of the production. There are 8 episodes and we’re halfway through. Excellent.

What do we have planned today? I’m cleaning a bit, working on Dove Cottage. Don will no doubt practice his guitar. And Don is making the dinner we were going to have on Christmas but were too tired and full to make. I think we’ll appreciate it more tonight; it’s a calmer day all around. We’ll watch more of Unbelievable  and then, I can guarantee it, we’ll go to bed early.

Happy New Year, my friends. I hope the coming year brings peace and joy and an end to the ongoing attack on human rights and civility and a new beginning on the path to healing and tolerance and good.

Happy Tuesday.