New Table & Other "Stuff"

The new dining table was delivered Monday afternoon...I luv, luv, luv it!  (that's a lotta luv)...



It is very sturdy....and how about that gorgeous tiered tray?  Finally...after a couple of tries to obtain one...can't wait for my faux cupcakes to arrive!!



You will notice a couple of things missing...such as the benches!!  Well...there is a story to them!!   I had purchased one...and it was delivered with the table.  When I was purchasing the table...the store had only one bench in stock...and I was assured it would be no issue to have one ordered in.  It may take a few weeks...before the store had an order the bench could be included in.  I was on board with that.

Then...I receive notification...due to Covid 19...the supplier had shut down for three weeks...again...I was okay with waiting.  Then...I was advised...the bench could be ordered...but the store had received a new "price list" and I would not get the bench for the same price...assuming it would be higher.  And...that it would needed to be ordered separate...for which I would be required to pay $60 for having it shipped to the store.  Okay...that irked me...I advised (very nicely) not to order it...as I could probably get a couple of benches online...Wayfair perhaps.  Black benches are not in short supply!

I then received an email...lecturing me the "pitfalls" of ordering from Wayfair...how shipping is not actually "free" (cause I was born yesterday apparently) and so on.  My final response was rather than admonish me for my shopping choices...spend the effort on customer service...(of which Wayfair is exceptional)...and in my attempt to "shop local"...they had now forced me to go elsewhere.

I loaded the already purchased bench in the SUV and returned it to the store.  At first, the manager refused to accept it..but once I explained all that had transpired...she graciously apologized and refunded my money.  I had not been dealing with her...but rather the owner of the store...in another province.   So...not only did they lose the sale of one bench...but a second one as well.  I did advise that I would never deal with the store again....

So...two black benches are on order...from Wayfair.  I should have done that in the first place!  Moving on....to the recently picked up cabinet....



The top was able to be removed!  Which will make sanding for Mr. Seventies much easier.  I've decided to have him stain the top a dark stain...such as chocolate or dark walnut.  Then we picked out this gorgeous paint colour...(which will be darker when dried)...as well as waxed...



I've been wanting to try transfers for a while now...I ordered these pretty florals rom a Canadian Etsy member.  They can be cut and applied in various patterns...I plan to use them on the front of the cabinet doors.   Once applied...I can wax the whole cabinet...to give it a soft, protective coat.





And an update on my precious grand baby...she is on her way to the IWK today...in an ambulance with her Mama and paramedics to care for her on her trip.  (about a 3-4 hour travel by vehicle).  Her appointment was scheduled for tomorrow...but her paediatrician was concerned about travel by car...and Annabelle has been having great difficulty keeping her tubed feedings down.

Annabelle, her Mama, myself & her grandmother  June, were given these adorable pink hearts...to keep us all connected as we weave our way through this journey with her.   We have sent her with all our love...and know the amazing cardiologists and staff will take exceptional care of our precious girl!




It's currently raining here...much needed.   The sun is forecast to make an appearance later this morning!

Have an awesome day!!

Spring Has Finally Sprung!!

Sort of...we're still having cooler temps at night...but the upcoming temperatures are in the high teens and low twenties for this week!  Long overdue...

We hope to get the pool up and running in the next few days...the "eye" spout (where the water circulates) is requiring replacement...a new pump has arrived.  Upon my strong recommendation, we are having the pool company do both installs.  While they are not complicated jobs...it's time for Mr. Seventies to let some of this work go and allow the professionals to do it.  And we need not be worrying or concerned about it.  So, whenever they come and do those couple of things...we will get the pool open for the season.

Because the weather has been so gorgeous...we loaded Liesel in the car and went to Summerside to visit a couple of green houses...and pick up my "stash" from the antique/junkin' shop!

First stop was a cute little greenhouse establishment in Hunter River...where I fell in love with the prettiest rosy pink Hydrangea...which Mr. Seventies purchased for me.  We have two currently...an orange one...and blue one...so this beauty will be a nice addition.  This was the front of the shop...there was a small greenhouse off to the left....Liesel and I were off checking things out....

These are but a few of the plants Mr. Seventies picked up...he was taking them in from the SUV...I snapped this photo to show the Hydrangea...and it requires little pruning...as do our others...isn't it a gorgeous rosy pink?

We stopped at Kool Breeze Farms...this is one of our favourite greenhouses...and usually where Mr. Seventies is in his element!  Everyone was great at social distancing...and while he browsed...Liesel and I strolled around...

How adorable is this wooden bear bird feeder?  I near fainted with sticker shock though...$175!!  Little overpriced maybe?   Cute...but not that priced cute...

At lunch time...we went through a local drive through and then made our way to the Summerside waterfront...this area is known as Spinnaker's Landing...a huge tourist attraction...during normal years...enjoyed our lunch and the pretty view....

Liesel enjoyed a cold drink, a few snacks and a walk about to check everything out...while she thoroughly enjoys car rides...she prefers her own familiar surroundings...but a few sniffs here and there were up to her liking...

After lunch, we met the owner of the antique/junkin' shop to pick up my goodies...so happy to have this piece...can't wait to get it refinished.  The top removed easily....which will make sanding the damage easier...once it gets a thorough wipe down and a coat of primer.  I have no clue what colour to paint it...it will be going in the family room.  Today I need to pick up a few brushes and rollers...and check out paint chips...

I got this large shelf also...I'm thinking to put it to good use in the main bath...to hold containers of bath salts, bombs and oils.  While the colour is nice...it does not match my taste.  Once I chose a new colour...it will get a fresh coat or two of paint as well...(I set it on the guest room bed to take a photo)...

And...I've been wanting an ironstone pitcher and basin set for eons!!  How gorgeous is this one...and I love it sitting on our dresser.  It is ironstone...manufactured in England...and in amazing condition...no chips or cracks....just so pretty.  

I picked up another ironstone pitcher as well...not quite as large as the one above...and with no bowl...perfect for holding large floral bouquets.

And...if you remember...this was our kitchen set....(notice I said was)....

Notice anything missing?

While the set was beautiful...and solid wood & sturdy...it was too big for not only our narrow kitchen..but for us in general.  Our kitchen is a whopping 9 feet wide...and only one place or an eating area..and we can't count the number of times we have caught our foot or other body part on a chair...while trying to manouever around a dog...a dog gate...and dog crate!!

I put our set on FB marketplace...and would you believe it sold within five minutes!!  And picked up within an hour!  A sweet couple in town from eastern PEI purchased it immediately...and came with a truck and trailer to take it home!  Win-win for both of us!!

What I had in mind...was a small kitchen table...and a couple of benches to tuck underneath..out of the way and taking up less floor space.  These are the pieces I found at Wicker Emporium...I love the farmhouse vibe!

And two black benches!  They only had one bench in stock...and ordered a second one for me....exactly the pieces I was looking for!  Delivery is to be either today or tomorrow. 

If we decide, for whatever reasons...we require more seating.....we can pick up a couple of upholstered dining chairs to put on each end.  But for now...I think the benches will suffice nicely for us.  My daughter has a dining table with one bench and two upholstered chairs...and they are gorgeous.

Grand baby update - Annabelle (who is now 6 weeks old) completed another short stay in the hospital..is home and doing better.  She is tube fed for the most part...as sucking requires her to burn more calories than she can consume.  The tubing connects to a pump which feeds her much slower than using the gravity fed system.  Today she will see her paediatrician, get weighed, etc.  Thursday she will undergo her assessment at the sick children's hospital in Halifax.  Her Mama & I have a morning planned to do some photo shoots with her....she has some really cute outfits....and of course a crown and tutu set to debut!!

Mr. Seventies has begun scraping the deck lattice and walls...and preparing for fresh stain.  All the deck walls, floors and steps will need a fresh coat of stain.  Once that is done...we can set out the wicker furniture and enjoy the warmer days to follow.  

The garden has five rows of red potatoes (my favs) planted.  Until we know we are past the concern of overnight frost...Mr. Seventies will hold off on planting anything else.  

That's pretty much all the news on the Island front.  The stores have mostly re-opened...I'll wait a few more days before I venture in to Michaels and Home Sense...and will continue to wear my mask, hand sanitize, and so on.  The new catch phrase here is "Learning to Live with Covid"...and thankfully we have no cases & no fatalities...we've done a pretty good job in complying with the rules.  Let's pray we continue...and not jump into things too quickly.  

Have an awesome day!!

It's That Time of Year!

"Spring" is always later arriving here...and although we've had a number of beautiful, sunny days...the nights are still plagued with risk of frost!  It feels like every year we are later and later getting things done outside.

I managed to pick a small bouquet of hyacinth and miniature tulips...and the hyacinth smell amazing...

The vanity of tulips and daffodils are poking their way through...Mr. Seventies was busy puttering all weekend...moving plants here and there, splitting some apart that have over grown...and spreading two yards of compost around the gardens.  The vegetable garden is tilled & rows done up...with one row of beets planted (for beet greens).  There is always so much to do...and we get anxious to get outside and begin.  But, as in other years...it will get done.

The pool is not up and running...Mr. Seventies is checking on the status of the new pump on order...but with low temps at night...there is no great rush to get it operational.  Neighbours close by that have not started their pools up for the season either.    And with Covid 19...things are slowly starting to open...with guidelines and restrictions in place.

I'm not having much luck obtaining a tiered tray!  The one I ordered for pick up at Home Depot was unsuitable...it was huge!!  Much to big for my needs....so I was back to square one.  I'm determined to have one though...let's hope third time is a charm...this one I discovered on Amazon.  I love it's weathered look...and two trays should suit my needs perfectly...

Anyone an Outlander fan?  I'm a huge fan...having watched the series twice and have the complete set of books on order...one of my sweet daughters ordered this t-shirt for me...I am so excited for it to arrive.  Fans, like me....obsessed with the series will know exactly what the caption on the t-shirt means.  Scotland has always been on my bucket list to visit...as much as I dislike air travel...I would suck it up for a chance to vacation there!  Maybe fall 2021?  I can always hope the world becomes a safer place for travel by then...

Mr. Seventies is anxious to visit the greenhouses once it is determined to be safe to do so...perhaps later this week or into next.

Have an awesome day!!

Life As We Know It Now...

Life has changed so much in the past few months...the way we live...and do things.  While restrictions are easing here a bit...and some stores re-opening after May 22...with restrictions in place...I'm not certain if things will ever go back to the way they were before.  Of if so...it is going to take a long time.  I'm hoping a vaccine will be developed...and it will help.  Other diseases have been eradicated....let's hope this one is as well.

With that being said..this week has been the first time in two months that I've been "out".  And by out...I mean one store.  Wearing my mask, gloves & hand sanitizer is my new norm.  Of course I had to check out a bit of home decor....this sign pretty much describes me...just sayin...

I love this vase...if I didn't have a number of them...I would have put this one in my cart...it's got that rustic feel that I like...

And pretty mason jars...soft mauve and soft pink...great for holding anything from flowers to toothbrushes!

And I know my unicorn loving grand daughter will be wanting this float again...the one I purchased last year had a slow leak.  I paid double for it then...should have waited and picked up this one for $10...

And I love this lantern..be so pretty on the deck this summer.  I wasn't about to pay $20 plus tax for it though...and I would want two of them...

Remember in one of my previous posts I had ordered a white enamel tiered tray?  It arrived...and was gorgeous...but not all the parts came with it.  Two metal tubes were needed to put it together properly...and there was only one with it.  So, boxed it up & returned it...return shipping was free.  

I found this one...which I love just as much...at Home Depot!  I did an online order & picking it up today....will show it in an upcoming post...

I want to share what the fabulous nurses (since it is Nurses Week) on paediatrics floor made for Annabelle's Mama while Annabelle was a patient last week...beautiful canvases for her nursery wall!  Using her own little feet & toes!!  How precious are these?

So thoughtful for Annabelle's Mama's first Mothers Day!  And this painting done using her little hands for the flowers and leaves...it's going in a frame for her nursery as well.   Amazing nursing deserve huge hugs for the care they give and love they lavished on our precious grand baby. 

I'm spending most of the day with her & her Mama...need some cuddle time pretty bad!  Hope you have an awesome day!!

Happy Belated Mother's Day!!

I hope all Moms were treated like royalty on Mother's Day!  While it was very cod and windy here...the weather did nothing to dampen the day for this Mama.

Getting to see this little nugget was pure joy...she is home and doing better feeding and weight wise (thanks to the feeding tube).  It is a relief to her parents that she is taking in enough nourishment...what she doesn't take from her bottle...the remainder is fed through the tube.  Now, the little monkey pulled the feeding tube out the other evening...but a quick trip to the get assistance from the paediatric nurses resolved the issue.  And how about those nurses, eh?  Amazing men & women...and it just so happened the nurse who assisted with the tube....is a neighbour of ours.

So, all is well for now....and Annabelle has gained 8 ounces...weighing 7 lbs 9 oz. currently!  She will  continue weekly appointments with her paediatrician....and will require a visit to the IWK (children's hospital) in NS in the coming weeks.

Never could we have predicted she would be born during a pandemic! The stories we will share with her!!

My Mother's Day was wonderful....Liesel gifted me a beautiful potted mum...along with delicious cupcakes & chocolates....that girl spoils her Mama so!! (And no...you still have to go to the groomers when she reopens)...

When the weather decides to warm up....I will place it on the deck.  Annabelle & her parents gifted me a beautiful card and Amazon gift cards!!  (they know me too well!!).   And just so happens a full boxed set of the Outlander series books is on it way as well!!  And I'm so excited to receive a t-shirt....with wording from the show...any Outlander fan out there will understand it's meaning!!  A vacation to Scotland is on my bucket list...my heritage is Scottish.  Maybe 2021 will be the year!!

Upon arriving home...there was a large wave petunia hanging basket & beautiful cake waiting on the front step!  A card was attached...but no signature to tell who had sent it!!

Such a delicious and beautiful cake....and after a bit of sleuthing...discovered my older daughter Sarah arranged to have these sent....and the delivery person....forgot to sign the card!!  No matter...my sweet girl was thoughtful to honour me so beautifully.  What can I say...my girls are my world. 

I'm very happy my cow cookie jar arrived safe & sound...gorgeous piece and I love how she looks on my counter!

Mr. Seventies had taken our pool pump in for repairs...only to discover it has seen better days.  After 10 great summers...it was time for a replacement.   One is on order...as a rule...if Ma Nature co-operates we open the pool Victoria Day weekend.  A number of factors will determine if that is the case this year...if memory serves me correct last year was the first year since we had the pool installed that we weren't enjoying it before the end of June!    Hoping this year things turn around.

Places and services are slowly opening up here...they intend to do things in phases and we are currently in Phase 1.   Schools will remained closed for the remainder of the school year...and traffic is still restricted to gain access to the Island...that will likely be in place for a number of weeks yet.  I'm okay with that...as all our Covid 19 cases were not community based...but rather from travellers to PEI.  

In the meantime, have an awesome Monday!!

Twig Wreaths

Happy May!!  Although it's not feeling much like spring weather today...cool and wet!  Over the weekend I asked Mr. Seventies to make me a couple of twig wreaths...about 8" each.  I didn't care if they weren't round or any particular shape.  He snipped a few branches from a willow tree on our property....and wired them to form a wreath....

I then took some florals I had on hand and hot glued it to the wreaths!  Cost $0.  While one looks round..the other a bit mis-shapen...very original.  I decided not to paint the lattice pieces....if you remember they were taken from the glass doors from my dish hutch Mr. Seventies painted during the winter.  I love how these turned out...and will likely change the wreaths out in the fall....

I was doing some "browsing" on line the other day...and came across this metal tiered stand I'd been mooning over....time to order it and be done with it!!

Does it not look awesome with some goodies on it!  Well....since I'm no longer baking these days...how about some faux cupcakes??   These look good enough to eat...and from the reviews they smell delicious too!  I think they will look amazing on the tiered stand!  Will share photos when these items arrive!

While Liesel & I were out doing a walkabout of the yard and taking in all the flowers that are poking up...I thought this was such a cool sight...growing on the stump of a previous apple tree...kind of cool looking...

Update on our little grand baby Annabelle, who was admitted to the hospital to implement tube feeding while supplementing with formula.  She needs to gain weight and get strong & healthy to undergo heart surgery later in the summer.  Her Mama is staying with her...the nurses and her paediatrician have been amazing...and have fallen in love with our Annabelle.   Here Dad is able to be there as well....but he needs to care for our grand dog Benson...so he goes home in the afternoons to be with him.  With the pandemic restrictions still in place...he can come in and out....once daily.

Mama is getting some well needed rest...the nurses are handling a few of Annabelle's feedings and care.  And she is thrilled they have a Mamaroo at the hospital....one of her favourite spots to be.....girl loves movement!!  Yup...she is snuggled in there....

Understandably, it has been a bit worrisome around here...but we are keeping our fingers crossed for our Sweet Pea..prayers gratefully accepted!

Have an awesome day!!