New Gate & A Browse Around Home Sense

We've been using an expandable, wooden gate between the kitchen & family room.....for years.  Years.  And it was so heavy & cumbersome....and a nuisance to use-it was beginning to have a bit of a lean to it!  I decided I'd had enough & it was time to replace it!

I scoured FB Marketplace....the best place to purchase gates, dog kennels...and I found one perfect for a wide opening.  I messaged the seller....making her an offer & after accepting...... we ventured out that evening to pick it up.  

When I tell you it was located in the middle of nowhere....I am not kidding!  Well....if it wasn't the middle of nowhere....you could see it from there!

From his years with the forestry service, Mr. Seventies has a vast knowledge of out of the way areas & back roads (think dirt roads)....how he ever found this place is beyond me!  The road had so many twists & turns....but we finally prevailed & found the address.  The seller had set the gate outside for us....

After giving the gate a thorough wipe down, Mr. Seventies got to work installing it....it never occurred to us since this is moulding at the bottom of the opening....the measurements would not be the same at the top.   I suggested he screw in a couple of extra pieces of the moulding....to house the top brackets.  While not pretty....very serviceable & they can be removed, holes filled & touched up with paint once the gate is no longer needed...(you can see the holes filled & drying from the old gate....now they have been sanded & painted....

The gate slides to open & close....or swings like a door to open completely....and I don't mind the pieces of moulding at the top.....it is what it is....

When needed....I can keep Clancy Mae in the kitchen with me....so I can keep an eye on her.....cause she needs an eye or two kept on her....hahaha....

I spent a little time at Home Sense one afternoon.....I'm still secretly looking for an outdoor rug for the small deck....not certain if I will get one....I did find pretty lamps on this visit....

 

Daughter is loving these LED sconces.....no hardwiring required....I agree they are gorgeous....

This candle warmer lamp is just so pretty....and a safer method of burning candles as well......

Pretty little summer butter dish....

I'm not sure what this piece could store....but it gave me a chuckle at least....

The top came off....it was a tight fit...it was not what I'm looking for tho for a treat jar for Clancy Mae....and it's a cat I think.....

Now this one is made to store treats....but it's just too plain for me....I'll know what I'm looking for when I see it....

This pretty piece needs no explanation.....

How pretty is this strainer?  Not oversized.....perfect for small batches of anything that needs to be strained....

Canada Day will be upon us before we know it....with decor available everywhere!  I'm loving these Maple Leaf cushions....

Nothing says Canada like our beloved maple leaf....it's on our flag after all....fingers crossed Canada Day, on July 1st will be sunny & warm for the many barbecues & festivities.....

Mr. Seventies finished staining the pool deck yesterday.....even that hit a snag!!  When he opened a new gallon of stain & put a few rolls on.....he noticed a difference in the colour!  It was quite orange.....and it's supposed to be brown!  We returned to the paint store with it.....and sure enough.....it had been mixed wrong.....

Once that was sorted out....Mr. Seventies was able to continue with the final coat of stain!  We set out two wicker chairs & side tables on the small deck....today we'll add the love seat.  Oh....and the swing umbrella we use on that deck....this piece broke....and is needed to slide the umbrella up & lock it in place....before it can be cranked open....

This one little piece has a big job holding the umbrella in place....and I found replacements on Amazon & Wal Mart - I ordered on both & whichever arrives first is the ones we will keep....(set of two)....

Fenteer Patio Umbrella Accessories - Umbrella Replacement Parts - Heavy Duty Holder Parts Parasol, Fixed Sleeve....(quite a mouthful for such a small part)...who knew to even look for it??  But I searched online til I found it....I think I might qualify as a private investigator in my next life....

We're back into rain tomorrow.....after all two days of sun is enough, right?   At this stage....I want to buzz through summer.....and get directly into fall mode!!

Thanks for spending time with me today.....so appreciate it!

Til next time....

Finally - Some Spring Cleaning Done!

I just had to get it done...if I was waiting for nicer weather.....I'd still be waiting!  The first room detailed was the master bedroom....I love having Murphy's Oil soap used on the hardwood floors....it smells amazing & the floors looks so clean & feel wonderful underfoot....

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of these crotchet lace valances....from Temu!  Had I purchased them at a brick & mortar store....I would have paid three times the amount.....(sorry for the off colour photo...we happened to have sun on this day).....

 I've had this bedding set from Anthrolopologie Canada for a time now......it was advertised as "pink".......but it's on the coral shade.  I paired it with one of my Pottery Barn Canada quilt sets.  This coral jersey quilt set is heavy......and a very generous size......

I noticed a few days ago the Anthrolopologie quilt & shams (sold separately) were on sale.....they weren't when I purchased them.....but now would be a great opportunity to buy their bedding on sale.....

This is the set advertised on their site.....it states the colour is pink...

Moving on to the kitchen.....the countertops were polished....and the cabinets wiped down....windows & shutters cleaned....along with the top of the cabinets & my Gripstand bowls washed & dried & put back in place....

These valances (again sorry for the off colour photos.....dark gloomy day requiring the overhead pot lights to be turned on).....were also a Temu purchase.....I love they are longer than my previous valances....

My tart collection is not as large as I thought!!  I take a lot of "ribbing" for my tart obsession....I feel vindicated now....lol!  

This is my pile of partially used packages.....I plan to use them up before opening any new ones....notice I said plan...not promise....

Now they are neatly arranged & some in plastic cases....some holding ten packages....a couple of others can store twelve packages....the rest are stacked on the lower shelf...

And you should see my tart warmers!!  I'll save that for another day....lol!!

Clancy Mae has been getting much use out of her ball pit - grand daughter was here & they had a great time....balls flying everywhere!   The pool & ball are a great investment.....it keeps Clancy Mae busy when she doesn't know what else to do......that being said she's chewed a number of balls...she doesn't eat any...just chews on them!  Those ones get tossed....if we need to purchase another bag we will...

The weather not looking too horrible the next few days.....risk of thundershower later today & this evening (we seldom get them).   Mr. Seventies hopes to get the second coat of stain on the pool deck...he's been busy vacuuming the pool & doing backwashes,  it has come a long way the last few days.....

Be sure to join me later, as I'll be sharing over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphosis Monday & again tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Taking About It Tuesdays.....

Greatly appreciate you stopping by today....happy you've spent a bit of your time with me....

Til next time.....

Ball Pitt - Huge Success!

I just have to pop on here real quick & share how much fun Clancy Mae is having in her ball Pitt (and yes ball are found.....everywhere!).

Short video....our girl having a blast.....enjoy.....

I wasn't sure if she would play in it....but she was just in the right mood to have some fun.....

Much cooler here today.....it was quite hot here yesterday.  My iron infusion went fine....nothing to show but an IV bruise.  The SUV needs a catalytic converter.....the garage is searching for one....

After supper, we took Clancy Mae to a trail nearby....that has trees on both sides & it was wonderfully cool there for a short walk.  We saw three bunnies together this time.....I left my phone home....and when we got close enough.....they hopped into the woods....

The second coat of stain on the pool deck will need to wait until next week....showers in the forecast for today & tomorrow....still waiting to set out the patio furniture.....

The pool is still in the cleaning stages.....quite a bit of silt on the bottom.....my neighbour advised they were in their pool last evening.   Ours isn't ready....and I doubt the water temperature reached a level suitable for my comfort.   

They're Here!!

I was excited the other day when Canada Post delivered my canister set from Etsy.....right to my front door!  All pieces in perfect "vintage" condition & took forever to unwrap the various layers of protective paper& bubble wrap!!  It was worth the painstakingly long process & I happened to be cleaning & polishing the granite countertops when they arrived....

Even Mr. Seventies thinks they are awesome!  I would have loved to have painted this set "back in the day" at ceramic class!  That makes me "vintage" as well.....

We've had some lovely days with temperatures rising to 27 C (80 F).....after today we drop back down to cooler temperatures again....

Mr. Seventies has the pool up & running....the water was green to start with...and the decking looks pretty beat up (don't judge...lol)....blech, right?

The water is now clear & he has finished the first coat of fresh stain.....today he plans to do the second coat....and after tracking mud from the garden.....he has the small deck cleaned off & we hope to set out the deck furniture.  I'd love to put down an outdoor rug under the furniture....but from past experience don't want to contend with a sopping wet rug when it rains!  It's uncomfortable to walk across a squishy rug until it eventually dries out....

This deck is too small as to use a canopy or gazebo of any type for protection....it's too narrow...and would interfere with the door opening & closing.  Gotta love this seventies split!!  We're used to working with what we have.....

Today is a busy day.....the SUV goes in the shop for an oil change and MVI.....and.....I have an iron infusion appointment at the hospital this afternoon.  Ugh.   Our doctor called yesterday to add more medications to my ever growing daily consumption & advised my iron is bottoming out......again. Along with my B12.  And we keep going round & round & even though I'm not keen on undergoing another gastroscope....it may come to that....

Such is life....

We've been taking Clancy Mae for morning & evening walks on the trails.....look how big she is getting....able to see out the window for a back row seat to the world.....so stinking cute!!

The evening walks especially tire her out.....so the "witching" hour or two isn't near as bad.....and she loves running on the trails....

She's not much of a "huntress"..... having missed this adorable bunny we ran into on the trail....we've been seeing them more and more....their numbers have grown since the depletion in foxes due to a bout of mange thinning them out.   Their numbers are starting to bounce back as well......we don't see them in the field behind our hone like we had in previous years either.....

I also did a good spring cleaning of our master bedroom....placing my Anthrolopologie & Pottery Barn quilt sets on the bed....I've only used the set from PB & it washed & dried beautifully on the line....I'll be sharing likely on Monday....

Have an awesome weekend & thanks so much for spending time with me.....

Til next time.....

Another Cool & Windy Day

The long range forecast for the week is looking to be an improvement with more seasonal temps....yesterday it rained or drizzled most of the day!  Of course it did.....

Today, with the North gale force winds....it feels like 3 C (about 37 F) out there!  But....the sun is out & we will bundle up, along with Clancy Mae & get out for our walks.  Even in the drizzle early last evening, we donned our rain jackets (even Clancy Mae) & walked on a trail close by that is sheltered by trees from the wind....and went for a short walk.

Evenings are when Clancy Mae gets "crazy".....for about two hours she can be a little terror! (albeit a cute one).....a short ride in the SUV & an evening walk do help.....

We're setting up a ball pit for her....I ordered both the kiddie pool from Wal Mart's website & will pick up later today....I think she will have fun....especially when granddaughter visits....

I think 400 balls should do the trick....it was the smallest size bag available & will arrive Thursday (Amazon) .......

The pool pump is in place....Mr. Seventies just has to hook it up....make sure everything is tight & working well...then add a bit of water to the pool and get it running.  With all the rain we've had.....it won't need much water added.  Then the chlorine can be added tomorrow followed by algicide the following day.

Upon closing the pool last fall....we decided the solar blanket would need replacing....they only last 2-3 years.....this one is on order....they are insanely expensive to purchase locally....

Once it arrives,  Mr. Seventies will attach it to the blanket roller....the temperatures are supposed to be more seasonal this week....later in the week he can set the steps in.....and we will be able to stain the pool deck.....

While I was out & about last week....I decided to check out the Giddy Goose clothing at Inspired Living.  Sadly, all but four outfits had sold...and nothing I was interested in....but came across a few great pieces....

How adorable is this cell phone holder?  Cute little pair of cowboy boots...

I almost purchased this mat....for the front step.  Except I'm not a fan of coir mats!!  The feel horrible on the feet...and I'd never use it on the back step....for that reason.

But oh....it was tempting!  Just goes to show....I don't buy everything just because it's doxie related!!

This framed canvas tho....the colours are what I'm obsessed with....and it is a huge piece....you'd need a large space with high ceilings!  Neither of which this seventies split has....

This canvas looks vaguely familiar....with a red truck this time....

I purchased it a while back....for the guest bedroom....only with a blue truck.....

These hydrangea are "real to the touch".... meaning they don't have a paper feel to this as some do...these ones are dye-able.... I dyed mine to get them the teal colour I wanted....and it worked out beautifully....

This adorable little vase stood about 4" tall.... cutest little thing ever....

The store is packed full of beachy/summer decor....all things I'm not a fan of....after leaving Inspired I popped into a drug store/grocery/pharmacy/gift shop.....and look what I discovered.....eeeek!!

Wow.... my version of "Tart Heaven" (if that exists).... almost too good to be true!  So many to pick from....although highly overpriced..... I chose two amazing scents...... Vanilla & Butterscotch &  Caramel Brownie Crunch....

The concrete place has a pop up outdoor shop set up close to us....(they supply a number of stores & shops with their pieces.....Kool Breeze being one where Mr. Seventies picks up the paw print stepping stones)....he was three pavers short from where he & grand daughter wanted to end the path in the gardens....

I stopped in to purchase the pavers required......and took a quick trip around what was available....they were bringing more pieces from their large spot in Albany...... near the Confederation Bridge....

This is the first statue that I came across....don't think Mr. Seventies would want it in our gardens tho....anyone got an extra fig leaf??   He will certainly get your attention......

These guys don't look very happy...

How about a mermaid or two?  

Grand daughter always places a foot on one of these pavers....she's got a long way to grow......

These are what I came for....the medium size paw prints on the right....aren't the little paw prints adorable tho??  Mr. Seventies is happy to have the paw print walk way completed!!  Once he has the mulch delivered and laid in.....I'l share some photos....

The lilac hedge is in full bloom.....with most of the flowers being at the top of the shrubs....Mr. Seventies used his long handled "loppers" to pick a beautiful bouquet.....the smell amazing.....

Bath & Body Works opened in the mall last Thursday......I popped in that afternoon & while busy the store is large enough to accommodate the crowd.....I'll was able to get a few photos of the wall plugins....

This one is my favourite.....I think.....

For a bath.....absolutely adorable......

There were so many choices.....I was only able to get a pic of just a few....my next visit I'm sure the store won't be as full....it always smells amazing in Bath & Body Works....

A busy week ahead for sure.....Clancy Mae has fully recovered from her vaccine reaction....which now I suspect was to the Lepto vaccine....after owning dachshunds for about 25 years I was unaware they are prone to react to that vaccine......although she didn't react to it the last set of vaccinations....maybe with the rabies vaccine.....the combination of the two perhaps?

When she has the one year booster I'll either opt to split up the vaccine doses or leave Lepto out .......have some time before then......

That's about all the news & going ons from here....please join me later today as I'll be sharing over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphosis Monday and again Tuesday at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About it Tuesday.....

Thanks so much for stopping by & visiting with me.....greatly appreciated.

Until next time....