Things of Late

Our heat wave continues....and that's just fine with me.  Poor Mr. Seventies is suffering with a summer cold!  And with this humidity...and his cough...he's feeling pretty miserable.  He's having a down day...

Remember the floor lamp I ordered?  It has arrived and when Mr. Seventies is feeling better he will put it together!

I ordered new cushion covers...I only needed two...but these came in sets of four...even better! Pretty fall colours...my favourites are the top right and bottom left....I have down inserts to put in them...

I've been wanting one of these for ages.  So, I pulled the trigger and order one in white!  It should be cozy on my chair during the colder months....

I want to share a beautiful, vibrant yellow lily growing along our deck...photos don't do it justice...

And with the hot weather...our corn is thriving....

When vegetable are ready...this is my favourite part of summer!  The potatoes are off bloom and the peas are ready!  Its awesome to pick your veggies a half hour before you eat them!  

If it's hot where you are....stay cool and hydrated!  I'll be nursing Mr. Seventies back to health...in between dips in the pool!

Warm Memories

When Mr. Seventies and I were returning from the mainland...we took a short detour through Sackville, NB....a place where he spent a great deal of his childhood summers....with his grandparents.  Though they have both been gone a number of years....the house still stands...sporting a newer ugly (in my opinion) red roof....

And the overgrown shrub on the small front lawn.  I have always loved this little house...complete with an original claw foot tub.  We shared many a home cooked meal that Gram put together...when motoring between PEI and NB, we always had to make a stop in and visit with her and share a meal.  There was a highchair...that many of the children and grandchildren had enjoyed many meals...our youngest daughter included.  Her favourite pastime was to sit with her great grandmother and "play" the piano with her.

There were three bedrooms upstairs and of course all had iron beds.  The two windows seen on the second floor in the photo..the one of the left is a bedroom and to the right is the bathroom.
Downstairs consists of a small kitchen, dining room and family room,.    And check out that adorable front porch,  *sigh*.

And this just happens to be the street where the house is located....pretty fitting if you ask me...

And not to far from there is..

Pretty cool!  Estabrooks is a very common name in Sackville, NB....not too much in PEI.  People always assume we are from "away"...due to are last name being uncommon.  True born Islanders call people who move here "CFA"  meaning Come From Away.

The little train station is still in operation..although no where near as busy when train travel was the way to go.

It was fun to stroll down memory lane...Sackville is a pretty University town. Beautiful homes are very well taken care of....numerous tree lined streets.  

We spent about an hour browsing about....and then it was time to continue the road home.  That is the best part of being away....coming home. 

Fun Weekend!

Any time I get to visit a couple of my favourite stores....I'm a happy camper!  Mr. Seventies & I motored off Island to take in a comedian who was playing at the Casino in Moncton.  Well, in the Casino complex, as there is a gorgeous motel & events room attached to the Casino.  We didn't have an opportunity to peruse the Casino....but we're not much for gambling.  I'm too cheap...lol.  I spend $$ I want something in return!  I'd rather take the $$ and donate to our hospital or animal shelter, where it can do some good.

Anyhow.....I snapped a few photos of my awesome finds....and this was a good sign!  Most of the decor stores are  transitioning from summer to fall....

I don't usually purchase much along the line of summer decor....it's such a short season here.  There is always a great selection of oversized clocks!

And, as always....an amazing selection of cushions!  One of my weaknesses.....these are feather filled, all squishy and soft!!

I fell in love instantly with this gorgeous throw...and it came home with me...you can never have too many throws....right?

I apologize for the terrible photo....it was taken just at dusk...so needed to have lights on....but here is the throw tossed on the love seat....

And Mr Seventies, bless is awesome heart...picked a beautiful bouquet of lavender...at dusk as well...the mosquitos are always out for blood this time of night!  Once the lavender dries...I will crush them and fill a few small sachets.  By request from my youngest daughter...I'll do one for her sister and myself as well,. 

I even had enough time to do a quick browse in Home Sense!  I prefer the Moncton location, as it is much larger than ours and carries a lot more stock!

And this greeted me in the first aisle!    I know, right?  Love it!!  From now until Christmas...this is by far my favourite time of year!!  

A couple of fall signs...

Who doesn't love a turkey??  This one is gorgeous!

So much eye candy!  I need someone's house to re-decorate! I could have some gorgeous fun!!  

Everyone tells me I should be a decorator....but my taste may not be for anyone...I purchase what I love.  Trouble is...I love it all!  So, yup...I need a house to decorate!!  Or maybe two...

Today is also a very special girl's 5th birthday!!   Happy Birthday to my precious girl, Liesel!  We cannot believe how fast five years have gone by so fast!   We purchased a large bag of her favourite treats...she is a pretty happy dachshund!

Another heat warning in effect here today....third day in a row!  So lucky to have the weather to enjoy the pool.  That's where I'm going to be hanging out today!

Last Weekend in July

Can you believe how fast July has flown by?  Why the summers go by so quickly...yet the winter months drag on forever?

Its forecast to be a hot and beautiful weekend here.  Mr. Seventies is heading out to purchase a new lawn mower...it seems our current one is giving him nothing but grief...and one or more of the wheels keep falling off.  I agree...time to retire it and buy a new one.  I'll leave it up to him where and what he choses to get.  In August he wants to get started building a new storage shed!  And not a moment too soon...the old one is needing to be torn down,  It's a 8 x 10 shed..it's served us well over the years.  I know he intends to build the new shed larger...to store the roto tiller, lawn mower, various lawn tools, leaf hedger and odds and ends of small tools.  Again, that is his domain, I leave the specifications up to him....

I was out running errands the other day....and came across some really great decor....at Wal Mart of all places?  Who knew?  Cute sign...

Our store is typically not known (in my opinion) for it's selection of home fashions, but I discovered some great items...such as this gorgeous buffalo check pouf...great for extra seating...or propping feet on...

I'm crushing big time on a couple of end tables!  Solid wood...with a drawer...and how about that rope handle?  Since we have tables for either side of the love seat....these would look amazing on either end of the sofa...hmmmm

I think I've been clear with my obsession with throw pillows...I mean...this one is so Canadiana...love it!!  Only drawback is that it is not feather/down filled.  I don't like when pillows have cheap, polyester cushions inside.  They wash terrible, usually bunch up and lose their shape.  Which is why I prefer down or feather inserts.  They can be machine washed...and flump (is that a word?) up nicely!

If I find a cushion I really love and the cover is removable.....I take out the foam filler and replace it with a feather cushion....this one would look great in the downstairs tv room (where there actually is no tv...)

Same goes for this adorable cushion!   And look a dachshund or two!!

At first I thought these were drawer pulls...turns out their napkin rings!!  

Who doesn't love antler napkin rings??

And my latest obsession continues....although this is not my next addition...she will be very similar.  Likely making her arrival in November or December.  Tell ya folks when I fall....I fall hard.  

Or maybe I'm going into my second child hood?  Maybe?

Either way, I cannot wait to see the artist's creation when she is completed!

We have tickets to see our favourite comedian...and it's definitely shaping up to be a pool weekend!  Have a great one!!

Saturday Sun Day!

Great weather with lots of sun on Saturday!  We spent the day on the decks and in the pool...our daughter and grandchildren visited from Nova Scotia and we had a great time swimming, catching up and of course Mr Seventies cooked hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill.  And fresh Island strawberrie shortcake for dessert!

I think the Unicorn was a hit!  This little one is like a fish in water...

Yesterday it showered most of the day...today is looking like sunny and hot!  We'll take it!

I had ordered new leather wallets for myself and Mr. Seventies....his was looking pretty beat up...tome for a replacement. This one from Timberland is perfect...lots of slots to hold bank cards...

I was wanting one small enough to use in smaller purses...I don't like carrying a large bag most of the time...this one fit the bill perfectly.  One thing I really like about this wallet...there are two zippered pouches for change!  And about double the slots for cards...cause every store has a loyalty card..and I think I have them all!

I received my new slippers as well...and they are so comfortable...not to mention dachshund fashionable!  I'm currently wearing them!

And remember my new reborns?  

They need a bit of a wardrobe...and Etsy and other on line shops cater to reborn obsessed people!  (that would be me).  I placed an order...just this once...for some cute outfits...adorable rompers for each...they are preemie size dolls...getting clothes small enough can be a challenge.  

And the cutest head covers....I sent for a pink one and a gray one...I think they can be used on newborns as well....

Anyways it was fun looking at all the different outfits...my grand daughters thought the reborn dolls were pretty special....

I can hardly believe we are in the last full week in July already!  We wait so long for summer...and then it flies by in an instant.   

So, on that note...I'm heading to the deck and pool later this morning!  Hope you have an awesome day where you are!!

Have A Great Weekend!!

Wanted to pop in and wish everyone an awesome weekend!  Going to be a scorcher here!

The grand daughters are coming for an afternoon of fun swimming, barbecue and strawberry shortcakes!!

Fall Decor

Yes, it's true....fall decor is starting to show up in shops!  And I love it!  Don't get me wrong...I'm loving the hot, sunny weather we are happening and I don't want to rush it away....but fall and the pre-Christmas months are my favourite time of year!

While I was looking for a specific basket...I couldn't help but mull about and get some photos....this happy guy greets you as you come in....

An imitation dough bowl...I'm waiting until they go on sale...then I'll snatch one up for Mr. Seventies to stain for me...

Anyone remember the old wash tubs?  I sure do...my first washing machine was a wringer washer...and a wash tub was needed for rinsing clothes....before being hung on the line!  

As a child...I was bathed in one!  The apartment my parents temporarily rented, while our house was being renovated...had no bath tub!   So the wash tub was called into play!  

We don't use butter...but if we did this butter dish would be perfect!  

Red trucks are still popular in decorating....I use mine mostly at Christmas time....and this one is the perfect size...

I'm crushing so hard on these fall chargers!!  And the price was fantastic...buy one get one free!  (or 2 chargers for $8)

A touch of fall.....

And the whole reason for my visit, was to pick up a suitable basket to hold my new reborns!  Introducing, on the left...Summer Rain and Irelyn Marie!

The detail and real life likeness the artist puts into her dolls is nothing short of exceptional.  Reborns are sold in large box stores or mail order....but their quality pales in comparison.  If I was going to invest in reborn dolls...I wanted them to be perfect!  And Christina, the artist,  is a master in her craft.  These dolls are an investment and collector items...with certificates of authenticity.  Each order is custom and while I planned to adopt only one....Irelyn's deal fell through.  I took that as a sign she belonged to me...so Summer Rain has a sweet ginger haired sister!

A Little Off Topic

Hope you had a great weekend....it was very hot and humid yesterday!  We had a thundershower last evening...not something we get a lot.  Today is cooler and showers in the forecast...

I'm sharing my latest love (ok, obsession).   We have an amazing artist on the Island who makes reborn dolls.  So, what is a reborn doll?

A reborn doll is a manufactured doll that has been transformed, by an artist, to resemble a human infant as much as possible.  The process of creating a reborn doll is referred to as "reborning" and the artists are referred to as "reborners".

Up until a few months ago, other than seeing the dolls in magazines or sites like Bradford Exchange....I was unaware of reborn dolls.   For clarity's sake...these dolls are not play toys for children...but collectors items for people...such as myself...who love dolls.

Reborn dolls also bring comfort to mothers who have suffered a loss...through miscarriage, still born or any loss that may have occurred.  Even empty nest Moms find great comfort when collecting reborn dolls.

I knew, after meeting the amazing and loving artist and purchasing a reborn for my youngest daughter...that I would be a collector of reborns!    I'm pleased to introduce Jaycee....all pretty in pink!

She weighs 5 lbs. 6 oz., so she is pretty tiny!  She came with a certificate of authenticity,  beautiful card and gift bag with two outfits, hair bows...even a soother (which is magnetic to keep it in place against the mouth).  Now, I ask you....how can you not love this precious creation?
She was a collector's gift from me to my youngest daughter...to bring her comfort.  (My grand dog, Benson loves her...and kisses her head!). Jaycee looks and feels just like a live baby...

So what is a grandmother to do?  Why, obtain her own reborn doll!  Few people are aware I have loved dolls my entire life. Growing up, each Christmas I was gifted a beautiful doll.  My Mom's friends would visit to see what doll I received!  

I introduce you to my first reborn Irelyn Marie...(I'm partial to redheads, my grand daughters are gingers)...

I checked her out for days...hoping her Mama was out there...waiting to take her home.  Most reborn dolls are private orders...sold as they are being created. Buyers can choose hair (if hair is desired....each hair is rmeticously rooted...which takes hours and hours of work). If open eyes are preferred, you can choose the eye colour, eyelash colour, whether a girl or boy reborn is desired, preferred clothing colour,  the detail that goes into each doll is incredible.  The artist works from a blank head, body parts and body kit...and the dolls are brought to life.

So, I have shared my dark side, lol!  Oh...and did I mention Irelyn is one of two that I have chosen.  She and Summer Rain should be completed tomorrow...I'll post photos when they both arrive. 

Quiet Week-Weather Cool Down

We've been having some cooler weather and rain in the forecast for at least the next three days.  So, not exactly pool weather...but the gardens are flourishing in spite of of it....this lilac shrub is blooming beautifully.  Neither Mr. Seventies nor I remember where and when we obtained it...but it's lovely to see the blooms....

The Red Prince Wiegilia is showing off its blooms....

Our Pink Varigated Wigilia (and I checked the spelling with my handy google assistant)...is slower to bloom, I think it needs some sun....

Mr. Seventies informs me these are called Sweet Williams.....I call them pretty...

A beautiful blooming Spirea on the side corner of the house...

This is our memorial garden to our three previous dachshunds who have passed on...

It's really pretty when things are blooming...Mr. Seventies has flowers and shrubs planted to bloom at different times....

The potatoes are just about ready to blossom....loving me some new potatoes!!

And the leaf lettuce is doing great...for those who eat such things!  In my opinion...lettuce is what you eat on your way to real food!  Not a fan of it....Mr. Seventies loves salad.   Blech!  Nuff said. 

That's a catch up on the gardens.  In other news....look at these adorable slippers....you know that's a dachshund on them....therefore I ordered a pair for moi and a pair for my daughter (shhhh).  Going to be toasty in the cold weather.  And they were on sale....win-win.

For as long as I can remember, I've had a love affair with baby dolls.  Whodathunk?  Growing up my Mom's lady friends would visit us during the Christmas holidays...just to see what kind of doll I received for Christmas!

Are you familiar with reborn dolls?  There are many collectors of dolls and I've been wanting one forever.  This is one example of the artist's latest creation....loving the ginger hair and eyelashes....cutest baby ever!!!

She (the artist) usually does custom orders...but occasionally she does one up just because.  Her dolls are snapped up pretty quit.  I mean...look at that gorgeous hair...that takes hours and hours of rooting.

I'm waiting for my little one...Summer Rain is her name.  She has the cutest pout...and is currently waiting to have her hair rooted (it's on order)...she is going to have hair like Linus from the Charlie Brown series....scraggly and adorable.  I'll post pics when she comes home to me.

These dolls are not play things....they are collector items...and quite pricey to obtain.  But worth every penny!

Even this little red head is pulling at my heart strings...I hope someone scoops her up fast!!