Catching Up!

I hope everyone is remaining healthy and safe during these uncertain times.  We have been fortunate here...with no new cases in twelve days.  And the cases we did have arrived from international travellers...and have all recovered.  There is talk of ease-back...the officials will share what that means and will look like for us here.  Travel to and from the Island will remain restricted...and will for some time to come.  I'm okay with that...for as long as it takes....

We've had some lovely spring days...Mr. Seventies has been in his glory...cleaning up the yard and overturning the vegetable garden.  It's early yet...but as the soil dries up...it will be ready for tilling.  We set up a couple of folding patio chairs and have been able to enjoy the fresh air and sun!

Since our groomer is closed...Liesel had a home "spa" day.  A bath will have to suffice until she has an appointment...but she's looking a bit scruffy in the meantime...gotta admit...she's pretty darn cute just the same!!

I'm just loving the LED candles I ordered.  They feel & look like wax candles, flicker like real candles, remote operated...and set on timers!  So awesome to have them come on just at dusk.  I set three in one of my lanterns.  (the set I ordered came with nine various height candles and two remotes).  

Love how they look in the master bedroom on the dresser.  (this photo was taken during the day)...

I still have three candles yet to place...but I have plans for them! 

I decided to order this cute guy for my kitchen counter...since I had a gift card...and a thing for cows...he will add a bit of whimsy...

And I had enough left on the gift card to order a new runner for the kitchen table...love buffalo check...

We've had the opportunity to meet our new grand baby! (since we are low risk, having followed all the criteria over the past two months).  I know every grandparent thinks their grandchildren are the most beautiful (and they are never wrong)...but Annabelle truly is a little angel and such a wonderful gift from God.  We are concerned to learn she has a heart murmur and her paediatrician has ordered an EKG and ultrasound & yesterday an x-ray of the heart was done.  Her appetite is not great & her weight is not where they would like it to be.  

They should receive notification today when her tests will be performed..as the paediatrician ordered them to be completed this week.  Once they have the results...they will have a clear idea of what treatment is necessary.  So prayers and thoughts for our dear little one would be greatly appreciated...

Difficult enough to be born during a pandemic...but to have a possible health issue is keeping us preoccupied.   We are remaining confident everything will be resolved...and oh the stories we will tell her of her arrival!!  She's for certain a Daddy's girl...

Stay safe everyone...and hug those you love a little tighter today!  

Guest Bedroom Lamps

It's been a busy week here...we finally got to meet our new grand daughter.  Her parents were a little worried...as she had her first appointment with her paediatrician...and they detected a heart murmur and she has not gained weight as they would like.  An EKG and ultra-sound has been ordered...and the Doctor suspected Annabelle is not tolerating her current diet and has changed her to a Lactose Sensitivity formula to supplement.    She is eating better and has a recheck the first of next week with her paediatrician.

Since we are at low risk...we were given the okay to assist them and with her care.  New Moms sometimes just need their own Mom for support.  I remember those days...

So, the lamps I ordered arrived...and they are the perfect size and colour...

There are a couple of special pieces in this room...the cranberry bowl on the night table belonged to Mr. Seventies mother....and his parents wedding photo is on the left night table.

The photo on the wall...is my Mom's college graduation photo from Teacher's College.  She was 23 years old at the time...having lost her first husband when she was 21 to a liver disease.  She was waitressing in a diner...and decided she always wanted to teach...so she left her then 9 month old son with my grandparents, boarded a train and continued her education. Eight years later....she married my Dad.  She was terribly young to be a widow...and in those days there was no support programs...except my grandparents. 

Not only did I get to love on my grand baby...I got to see my precious grand dog....Benson.  His recovery continues...his x pen confinement is working out.  He does spend time with his humans, snuggling and getting lots of love...but when they tend to Annabelle...he gets set in the pen.  He loves to lay and sleep in the sun, chew on bones or lick treats out of a frozen Kong. 

It's hard to believe it's Friday already!  Hope everyone has a great weekend!  Mr. Seventies has the pool cover off and this may be the weekend for the first barbecue of the year!  

New Kitchen Faucet & Other Stuff

We've had a busy few days here and the weather has been sunny...but cool.  We decided it was time to upgrade our kitchen faucet...so with Mr. Seventies on his tablet and I on my laptop...we shopped Home Depot website together.  My criteria were...pull down sprayer...no shiny stainless steel or chrome...and durable.  And a budget allowance of $250.

This one from Moen is the one we chose...it has over 800 positive reviews...and fit the criteria...(sorry for the lights....the pot lights where on...Mr. Seventies was unhooking the old faucet).  He was able to purchase the new faucet when the store was quiet....as with most stores here...a maximum of five shoppers are allowed inside at one time...

The installation had one snafu...the hose for the pull out sprayer...had 2-3 holes...and when turned on..water shot everywhere!  Since the base was already installed...I called Home Depot...(great customer service btw) and was advised to just return the hose...and they would replace it.  So, after a quick exchange...Mr. Seventies had the new faucet installed and flowing beautifully...(not going to apologize for the brightness...the sun was beaming!!)

I love the polished chrome finish..it matches the appliances.  I'm not confident about the warranty you know the whole "Buy It For Looks...Buy It For Life" advertised warranty...didn't play well for us a few years ago when our Moen bathroom faucets began to leak.  Since the model had been discontinued...the warranty was no longer valid we were told.  Whatever....we moved on.  This time, I registered the warranty online..with a photo of our receipt uploaded..so if anything breaks or leaks...at least the faucet is registered.   I'm loving the spray function...my old faucet did not have it...and I missed being able to spray rinse my sink and dishware.  Liesel...standing by my feet...managed to inadvertently get a few shots of water...

And...my rooster figurine arrived!   Not well...I might add.  I knew when I was handed the box...it arrived in pieces.  A very poor pack job on the seller's side.  Seriously....one wrap in plastic and a bunch of styrofoam popcorn pieces.  Nothing to prevent it from moving about when in shipment.  I've received breakables so tightly packed...nothing would break the contents.  This seller lacked the experience of proper packaging for sure.   I was refunded fully...but still...I finally found the "one"...but I will continue in my search....

I had forgotten the adorable dog with cigar cushion cover I had ordered...love it!!

I decided to switch out the sunflower tin on my window frame...and think my Farmers Market pig has found a new home!!

I'm not sure if you could see in my last bedroom photo reveal...the cute items on my nightstand...(still waiting for the wooden beads)...

And my leather handbag arrived...it is gorgeous!!  The softest, buttery leather ever...just the way I like it!  

The quality is amazing...and there is a detachable shoulder strap.  Lots of storage...with a zipper area on the back side...so pretty!!

And lastly, grand dog Benson (who had undergone back surgery a few weeks back) is not going great with his recovery.  Since his new baby sister arrived...he has not been adhering to strict rest rules...but feels he needs to be involved in every aspect of her care.  He doesn't.  

His follow up appointment the the Atlantic Veterinary College was last week..and it was determined he was in pain...from overdoing it.  Since, unlike our Liesel..he is not trained to being confined in a crate...we decided the next best thing...was to purchase an X pen (or exercise pen as they are known by).  

If the pandemic was not happening and his parents were at work all day, he would be content to lay in his bed & watch the squirrels through the patio doors.  Since they are home...with a new family member...he feels anxious and stressed that he has to be in the middle of things.  Again...he doesn't.

We picked up the pen...and dropped it off on their deck (and had another quick distance visit with them from the deck).....

His bed, water bowl & chew toys are in the pen with him...their home is open concept...so he can see all the goings on...without adding un-necessary stress on his back...or attempting to run and walk.  When he can be supervised...he certainly can snuggle with his parents...but when they are tending to the baby...he can safely be confined without concern he is trying to get on the sofa...running down the hallway or walking at all.  It gives them peace of mind...and the required rest and recovery he needs.  He has a recheck in four weeks...we are hoping to see a huge improvement.  And rest will continue beyond that point as well.  My daughter reports he is doing well in his new digs. 

That's all the excitement from here...since Liesel is unable to have her grooming appointment today...an at home spa treatment is in order for her.  Keep that between us!!

Finally-Master Bedroom Spring Refresh

I've spent the last couple of days cleaning and re-freshing the master bedroom.  I forgot to save my inspiration photo...and if you remember...I set a budget for the refresh and that budget was $200.  I do remember, in the inspiration photo...the cost of the bedding was way beyond that...and I wasn't willing to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on just one set...let alone two.   So I set out to do my version of what I fell in love with...and with the way I change our bedding seasonally...it makes sense to keep costs down a bit...

I love the combination of navy mixed with red and white buffalo check!  And...does it surprise you where the awesome cow canvas found a home?

It was a gloomy day...so getting light photos was near impossible.  I ordered a navy quilt set from Wal Mart's website...it is a three piece set...quilt plus two shams.  In the inspiration photo...the buffalo check was also a quilt set...but it was sold out in queen size...and I found a duvet cover set I love even more....and was much less expensive on Amazon.  And the decorator cushion covers and Home cushion look awesome on the bed!

The duvet cover set is great quality...to get the duvet into the cover....I turn the cover inside out and spread it out on the bed.  To my delight...there are ties to keep the duvet in place!!  I was able to slip the ties through two corner tags on the duvet (Pacific Coast duvet)...

Once tied, I then turned the cover inside right...with the duvet inside and shook it...

I spread it out on the bottom of the bed to allow the wrinkles to fall out...and will take my steamer and smooth the rest out...

Better idea of the colours in this photo....

The three piece candle holder set arrived...and I love them!  I haven't decided if I'm going to place real candles....or use the LED ones I ordered.  They have arrived...so may try them today to see if I like them.....or prefer real ones.  I kinda like the idea of the LED ones...on a timer..so the can be on in the evenings...but turn off without having to get out of bed!!

You can see I moved our window frame and attached the little sunflower sign to it.  Do these eggs look real or what?  They are actually made of wood!  I found them years ago...at work...while cleaning out our store room.  No one seem to know where they came from....or what purpose they served...but my boss told me they were all mine if I wanted them!   Ahh...yeah I do.  I then found the wire basket at the second hand shop.   Mr Seventies came across the eggs and basket, in my kitchen cabinets the other day...and I was happy to be able to put them out again!  There are both white and brown "eggs" in the basket...

If you remember from my post the other day, I mentioned finding the decorative glass door pieces in my cabinet that Mr. Seventies re-did for me.  These are them.....I'm going to hang them close together and hang small (likely 8") floral wreath on the front of each one.  What I can't decide is if I should spray paint them a lighter colour...since they will be hung in our master bedroom....where the walls are painted a dark gray on three walls.   Mr. Seventies thinks a lighter colour would allow them to show better....but I'll wait until I'm able to purchase the wreaths and decide then.  I'm happy to be able to repurpose these...

I've been keeping my eyes open for an ironstone pitcher and basin set...and the junkin' shop contacted me when they brought this set in...and was I interested?

Markings on the bottom...J & G Meakin (England).   Of course I gratefully said yes.  It has been set aside with my cabinet I purchased earlier...and once this pandemic runs it's course...we will make arrangements to pick everything up!

And a precious photo of my little monkey doodle...sleeping so peacefully!  Her Grampie & I had a "social distance" introduction the other day...we sat on their patio and admired her through the patio doors.  Still not able to touch or hold her...but doing the best we can with Face Time...and social distancing....

And if that isn't the best way to start a day....I don't know what is!  

Have an awesome day!!

Today Is Another Day

I hope everyone had a lovely, self-distancing Easter weekend.  It was unusual not having family here for the traditional Easter ham dinner...but Mr. Seventies and I enjoyed a mini Easter meal.  The weather was warm and sunny...we dropped off dear Annabelle's Easter duck filled with goodies...here she is relaxing with her Mama and precious big brother Benson...(keeping a watchful eye on his little sister).  And we still have not met Annabelle yet...and yes it is beyond excruciating not being able to do so...today she is eleven days old.  Thankfully, we are able to Face Time...but it's not the same.

I've been trying to keep busy in other ways....the crocus are blooming and giving a wonderful pop of colour in the front gardens.  I picked a small bouquet...to join my tulips...

And I found lamps for the guest bedroom...hoping they will be perfect.  I think being 20" is the perfect height...and ordered two from Bed Bath and Beyond...(using a 20% off coupon...of course).

I hung a spring wreath on both the front and back entry doors...and noted both doors will be needing a fresh coat of paint this year.  I'm needing a new outdoor mat to set on the steps at the front door...the pretty one I had previously became faded and worn looking...so I will search for it's replacement.  The front of our home gets full sun in the afternoons and evenings...and during the summer months it gets very hot...things fade.  I can't wait to put my outdoor lanterns together and set out....but it's much too early yet.  Hard to wait though!!

While I was taking the wreaths out of storage...I saw where Mr. Seventies had not discarded the decorative pieces that were in the glass doors of my cabinet he re-did....(seen here in the glass doors). They are lightweight and popped right out.  When I saw them in the storage room...my mind clicked...and I'm going to use them as wall decor...hang them side by side...and maybe hang a couple of wreaths on each.  Very happy Mr. Seventies did not discard them....

We are supposed to have rain showers today...if not we plan a distance viewing with Annabelle and family.  We will be able to sit on daughter's deck, in patio chairs and see them through the patio doors.  At least it will give us an up close and more personal view.  I hope this pandemic is over before she graduates high school!!  

And on that note...have an awesome day!!

Happy Easter!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter!  It is going to be a different one for certain...no church service or family Easter dinner get together!

And to top it all off...we have a winter storm warning!  You read that right...a snowfall and high wind warning has been issued for tonight and tomorrow.

Winter is far from done with us.  It is not uncommon to have Nor'easter storms in April or May!  I remember one Easter weekend, my sister and Mr. Seventies parents arrived...Good Friday was a beautiful spring day.  Saturday and Easter Sunday....we had a blizzard!  Two days of blinding snow and winds...we were house bound both days.  Then...on Easter Monday...the sun came out...and it was a beautiful day!  Spent shovelling vehicles out of snow and clearing walkways!  

Today...is the calm before the storm.  It's going to be a gorgeous day...great for getting some fresh air and taking walks.

Mr. Seventies, has been our designated shopper...and while picking up a few things...he surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of tulips & sugar free chocolates!  Really brightened up my day...but he has a habit of doing that!

We have an Easter basket of goodies for our new grand baby...sadly we are still unable to meet her.  And she is seven days old today!  Even though we Face Time with daughter and get to see them virtually, it is not the same.  And so difficult not to be able to hold Annabelle and snuggle with her.  We plan to leave her duck basket on their front step...that will be as close as we get to her....daughter and I both have shed a lot of tears...as this was not the way our new arrival was supposed to go.  But we are healthy and doing what needs to be done...so we can put this pandemic behind us...let's hope it's sooner rather than later....

It's difficult to stay motivated on freshening up our home for spring...but doing a little bit at a time helps.  I've been wanting to try LED flickering candles for a while now....and these ones on Amazon have great reviews...and remotes...I'll be able to set them in different spots inside and out and in lanterns...apparently these ones have a lifelike wax feel to them.  I'm anxious to receive them and see how they look...

The cushion I ordered from Bed Bath & Beyond arrived...and it will be a perfect addition to the master bedroom. Still waiting on the other decor pieces I ordered...

Mr. Seventies has been able to do some lawn raking outside...where the snow had melted.  Numerous Crocus are up...adding some much needed colour.  For the first time....ever...we placed our vegetable seed order with Vesey's...online.  Most years we take the 10-15 minute drive to their store and shop in person...but that is not possible this year.  I read a piece in the local newspaper where they are swamped with mail orders from all across the country....and many seeds have sold out.  Which is what prompted us to get an order in...Mr. Seventies also ordered a couple of packages of flower seeds to start inside and transplant later.  One item not available...seed potatoes!  We prefer red potatoes and since they were sold out at Vesey's...Mr. Seventies was able to pick up a bag at our local grocery store...and when they root...he will plant them.   Ironically they were about $7 cheaper a bag...as opposed to getting them at the garden centre.

Lastly, my little angel...snuggled in her stroller while out for a walk in the beautiful fresh air with her parents....and big brother Benson...carried by her Dad in a sling (he is still in recovery from his back surgery).   

And that, my friends...sums about what has been happening in our little part of the Island.  Wishing everyone again a very Happy & Blessed Easter.   Til next time.....

Dealing With Shack Happy

We are into our third week (or maybe a little longer) of self isolation....and while we are not stir crazy yet...it helps to try to keep busy.

The weather has been beautiful...we are able to get out for fresh air walks with Liesel.  The snow is melting...and the beautiful crocus are popping up.  Mr. Seventies (like our neighbours) was able to do a bit of raking on the front lawn....uncover mulch from the flower beds so the tulips and daffodils can spring upwards.   He is going to set the fire pit on the crushed rock on one end of our driveway,  grab a couple of folding lawn chairs and we plan to sit out there this evening.  Anything to be able to get outside.

Our new grand baby and family are home, in isolation and doing well.  At her Mom's request we ordered a couple more sleep sacks for her...because apparently..blankets and swaddling while they sleep is not recommended...best to have their arms out...this is similar to the ones ordered...baby wears a sleeper underneath...

I also had a couple of reward cards from my favourite clothing shops...which I was able to use online.  One item I chose is this tangerine duster...perfect to slip on if and when I'm ever able to get out of the house!

And this pretty knot sweater is gorgeous...and I have a fuchsia leather hand bag to co-ordinate perfectly with it...

I can't tell you how long I've been looking for the "perfect" rooster statue!  Like...forever.  I finally came across one on E-bay (I love the Make An Offer option..was able to score it $15 cheaper)....look at these bright colours!  He's fairly large....approximately 15" or so...

Gorgeous, right?

Cannot wait for him to arrive!  I'll share photos...he might just end up in the most of unexpected place in the house!

Today, our oldest grand daughter turns 20!  Cannot believe how the years have gone!  Luvin' these April babies!

Have an awesome day...and remember to self distance!  Let's put this pandemic behind us by doing our part!!

She's Here!!

I'm a bit late in posting on the blog today...after going on little sleep last night.  But we have exciting news!!!

At 1:37 a.m. this morning, Annabelle Charlotte made her debut....... weighing in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 18" long!  Now I might be biased...but she is beautiful!  And she has my name...what an honour!  We are thrilled to add her to our collection of grand daughters!!  More love to spread around....

She is a little bit late to the party...due back in March...but that's ok...she is shares the same horoscope sign as her Mimi! (that's me)...

That's all I have today peeps...still walking on cloud nine!  Only thing more perfect would be the opportunity to hold and love on her...but with this pandemic...that is just too much of a risk we are not willing to take.  

I thank God every minute that she is here....safe and sound...our little rainbow baby.   Her Mom & Dad are so in love...as is the rest of our family!  She should be able to go home in a few days, once her Momma gets on her feet...and anxiously awaiting at home is her big doxie brother, Benson.  

Nothing...not even a pandemic is going to ruin the joy we have in our hearts!