We did a heck of a lot of work outside last week; mowing the entire property, pruning, weeding, weed trimming, mowing the trails in the woods. After all of the rain, followed by the dangerous heat, we had a lot of catching up to do. We don’t like the fact that doing all of that work is not as easy as it used to be. But it is what it is.
Anyway, we worked outside again on Saturday. I pruned several bushes, yanked weeds and vines, cleaned up the garden beds. Don mowed the trails. So we rested yesterday. We sat on the porch for an hour or so, all the while expressing gratitude for our house and our property. We are blessed. It was so beautiful out there! Don played and wrote some music. And I played with the girls/dolls.
I have this loft dollhouse that was available at Target years ago. A couple of years ago, I removed the loft and the stairs, with the idea of using it for the girls for another photo opportunity. But, I haven’t purchased any furniture in this scale (1:6) and my initial idea of wallpapering the box isn’t something I want to do now.
So I grabbed a vintage glove box out of the cabinet in the studio to use as a sofa, made a makeshift table from a yogurt container I got in Paris and arranged the girls. That’s a fabric-covered board behind the window as I didn’t want a view of Don’s desk.
I like the way it looks.
Afterward, I brought the girls and animals back down to the den and I ended up removing the dolls from their cubbies, while I dusted and readjusted the wallpaper, which is temporarily attached and tends to slip downward a bit over time.
And Katie got a new outfit.
I can’t tell you how calming it all was! These girls bring peace.
Down by the street, our annual burst of orange beauty is takin place.
Ditch lilies are all blooming everywhere in our little town.
Later, I’m going to snip off the now dead blooms on the lilac bush (the ones I can reach) which will promote more flowers next year. And clean the bathroom and vacuum.
Or not.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
I’m glad all of your hard work in the garden pays off for you with beauty and peaceful calm.
Thank you, Ellen.
Stay safe.
you were busy, and in such hot, humid weather! glad that you took a day off yesterday and are giving yourself that “or not” permission to take it easier in the future. :)
clever you repurposing things for the loft photoshoot with some of the girls and animals! glad they bring you peace.
highs in mid-80s here this week, plus humidity. better than the upper 90s like last week, for sure, but am grateful that most of my have-to-do things can be done indoors with air conditioning. what a blessing.
happy, safe, cool monday (and every day) to everyone.
kathy
It’s humid here, as well. I was doing some chores outside and I was very uncomfortable!
Stay safe, Kathy.
So glad you can find peace amidst the world and national situation, the heat and the outdoor work. You don’t need furniture for that space — you’d got it already, so nice and clean. The girls look really cute there!
I finally made it to the lake and while things are in fairly good shape, there is much pruning to do and the beach needs serious weeding. It actually needs rototilling but not sure that will happen so today I’ll get out there with my claw and at least beat a path through the sand! Then settle down with paints and/or a book!
Oh, I’m now in cottage envy, Jeanie. Enjoy! I’ll live vicariously through you.
Stay safe.
I love the dolls in their cute little house! Very innovative and pretty interior decorating. <3
Going to go out and weed some more…
Thanks, Betsy. I weeded this morning, as well!
Stay safe.
I love how you are surrounded by so much natural beauty. I am feeling so blessed. My surgery went well and while it was more complicated then anticipated (part of my lungs were fused together and my stomach was twisted around my esophagus )) I’m recovering well and so glad to just be alive. I am already breathing so much better and just need to keep healing. My Dr said it will take several months for my lungs to get back to normal but yes, normal is the word I was pleased to hear. My friend stayed a week with me and now I’m able to care for myself. Life is good. A visit from my daughter and my grands yesterday have put a smile on my face as always. I am so thankful for family, friends and those who kept me in their thoughts and prayers. Thank you Claudia for your years of friendship and caring.
Oh, I’m so happy it was a success. The issue with your lungs and your stomach sounds very scary and must have caused pain. Thank goodness you’re already feeling better. Saying a prayer of thanks, Linda. Bless you, my dear friend.
glad you have family and friends nearby anyway and especially when going through something that sounds like it was very scary. i’m smiling at your good news, saying hooray and thanking God for your successful surgery and recuperation! very happy for you to have that relief.
sending hugs (if okay),
kathy
Thank you Kathy! It’s so good to feel better once again. Hugs to you.
hej, linda.
if you like, look below for a comment from me. think i clicked in the wrong spot.
not-very-techy kathy
Sounds like you’ve had a very busy week with outdoor work…us too. Thinning out plants, transplanting some, and weed pulling have been the main priorities. Everything seems to take longer the older we get. Is it real…or imagined?
I’m glad you have the girls as a creative diversion, and Don has his music. That improvised furniture is very creative…I’m sure the girls appreciated it. Enjoy your day! ;)
It’s real, Donnamae.
Thanks so much!
Stay safe.
Claudia, is your yogurt pot a La Fermière? My local grocery store had their yogurt some years ago and I only bought it bc I love the pot. I guess they have become collectible since people are selling the empty pots on eBay. Amazon is even selling lids that fit the pot. I use mine on my dresser to hold my favorite lip glosses.
I can’t remember, Wendy. I’ll have to check.
I was so taken with it!
I’ll check the name later.
Stay safe, Wendy.
Just checked. It is La Fermiere. I want more of them!
Hi Claudia! I am glad you got caught up with the yard work, even if only temporarily. It is such a good feeling even when the work is exhausting. My garden suffered some neglect this spring because I was needed elsewhere… but it is still beautiful and gives me such pleasure to look for all the blooming treasures every morning after my walk. Those daylilies are magnificent and always say “Summer” to me. Mine are just starting to bloom too.
And any time in mini-land is so restorative for me… just being able to look into tiny worlds and daydream about what needs to be done next is so therapeutic! I am glad you have all your girls to spend time with… they are pieces of loving magic just waiting for your time. Enjoy! :)
Ah, thank you, Betsy! Much appreciated.
Stay safe.
I am glad your home and beautiful property brings you joy, comfort and peace. Some people see the work you see the results and the beauty.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thank you, Kaye.
Stay safe.
Love those kind of overalls. Love the room you’ve made for some of the girls. The young Indian girl that I pick up from her job each day is a cutie! We’re getting to know each more. She and I think its too hot today to do canada day at the park. Everybody is putting up our flag! People drive the city with car flags. We are being very loyal to our country, now more than ever.
Happy Canada Day, Irene.
Stay safe.