It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas

 It's only 25 days til the big day!!  It seems to come upon us quicker each year...but what a year 2020 has been!  

We decided to put our tree in the upstairs family room...for a number of reasons.  We seldom use the lower level room...unless there is a power outage..the propane stove heats without electricity.  Not to mention...Liesel...having short little legs...is not able to do stairs..so in addition to continually carrying her up and down the steps..along with my laptop, mug of tea and whatever ever else I need at the time...we quickly decided to set the tree upstairs.  We were required to move one end table...so that wasn't soon ordeal....

And I would miss the fireplace...Liesel is currently curled up on the white faux fur rug...enjoying a warm fire...

It might be hard to tell...but I did downsize my Christmas cushion collection...and I'm obsessed with my battery operated pink tree!  

And my base cover looks amazing...so happy I was able to pick it up for one quarter of the original price! I feel the shops here are a couple of years behind the times...when I was searching for a top had tree topper...there were none to be found!  I discovered this one at Pier One a couple of years ago in New Brunswick (so miss Pier 1)...now...I see them in home decor stores here!  Either I'm ahead of the game...or they are behind...

Liesel's favourite spot to sit on the back of the love seat and watch the world go by.  Which is fine...until she starts barking at every.....little...thing...so that no longer works.  I didn't mind laying a throw across the cushions for her to lay on...but she cannot control her yapper...

My snuggle spot...this is where I'm currently perched..with my cup of tea...

And my beautiful Willow Tree nativity set...my cabinet is the perfect place to display it...I wish I had picked up that angel with the copper lantern at the thrift store...I may visit it again...it might still be there.  When my daughter and I were in the Hallmark store last week...I checked out the creche that accompanies my set...but it's over $350!  And for me to pay that price...I'd have to love it a lot!  And I don't...it's large and cumbersome and if it ever fell over and broke a figurine or two...I would be heartbroken.  So...leaving it as is...

That's is...the sum total of our family room...all decked out for Christmas!  Last evening...with a full moon...was a beautiful night to harness up Liesel and walk the neighbourhood and admire the beautiful Christmas lights!  We love doing that...as opposed to seeing them through a windshield.

The annual Santa Claus parade is being done differently this year...it is travelling various routes in the city...and on Friday evening...it will pass right by our house!  We hope it's a nice enough evening (since it starts at 5:30 p.m.)...to sit out with our neighbours in a couple of lawn chairs and hot chocolate!  Otherwise...we will sit in our vehicle and watch as it goes by!

Unfortunately, it will be past grand baby's bed time...so she won't be able to watch the pretty lights and floats...but hopefully next year the world will right itself..and we can watch the parade along a city street!

Toolbox Reveal

 By looking at the before photo...you would think the toolbox could be used as is.  But in truth...it was very dirty (used for tools...after all)...there was a large paint dripping inside...and a leather strap secured inside at one end.  Not sure of it's purpose..but I'd hazard a guess it was used to stand up screwdrivers and such.

Here is the before...as I mentioned...it didn't look that bad in photos.  You can see a bit of the leather strap in the right side of the photo...

Mr. Seventies removed the strap without issue...then sanded it down to fresh wood and applied two fresh coats of cherry stain.  

I wanted to keep it quite natural...added a few greens (with battery lights)...laid in some pinecones (from our property)...and stuck in a few springs of holly (from our shrubs).  The black & white buffalo check flowers are from Wal Mart...and match the runner on the table.  

And just like that...something old...is new again.  And I can remove everything and use it all year round with various trimmings inside.  

Very mild here today...Mr. Seventies is busy putting together a fresh wreath and outdoor container for daughter's exterior door and step.

Have an awesome weekend!!  

What A Wienerful World!!

 I did a little bit of Christmas decor in the master bedroom...not a whole lot...as I'm attempting to purge and downsize a bit.  I have purchased nothing new this year...in the line of Christmas decor...but rather use what I have...and in my mind...it's less clutter...

I apologize for the photo quality...the sun was gorgeous this day...and I didn't want to close the shutters and block all that gorgeous warmth & light.  The faux fur shams and spread at the end of the bed were from Bed Bath & Beyond a few years back...the  set also pairs well with a red & white toile quilt set I have.  But...since it's the holiday season...I chose to use my Christmas dachshund quilt set.  The faux fur red throw...I think was an Amazon purchase last year...

The Santa hat dachshund..moves and sings "Low Rider"...drives Liesel insane...she barks and wants to play with it...the cute Black and Tan stuffed doxie was probably one of the first plush ones I received...there are some I can't part with...the square Santa doxie cushion was a gift from a friend in New Brunswick...the other I ordered a couple of years ago from Simons.  We don't use the Canada knitted stockings..they are keepsakes...along with matching mittens...

A great spot for this wreath...and a couple of my nutcrackers I purchased last year...I placed on the dresser.

And that is about all for the master bedroom Christmas decor...as I've mentioned many times before...the bedrooms in this Seventies Split are small...if Liesel's night time crate was not sitting next to the dresser on the floor...I would put a slender tree in this corner...would be so pretty at night lit up!  But girl needs warm & cozy sleeping quarters close to us...so I'm okay with her having her own space.  She's happy...makes me happy.

Finally...after two days of high winds...and rain...today is looking like a cool but decent day.  Mr. Seventies hopes to finish sanding the toolbox (the inside left to finish)...and then apply a couple of coats of stain.  I'm excited to get it filled and place it on the kitchen table...since I've downsized the Christmas decor in the kitchen as well....

Liesel has a spa treatment today.  In other news, we have switched to a new vet clinic...after going to the same clinic for almost 20 years.  Our veterinarian is retiring and sold his clinic...and while we are sad to say goodbye..the location of the clinic accompanied with the loss of connection we had there prompted us to make a move to a new clinic. 

After much thought and consultation with friends....we chose a new clinic...with amazing recommendations for a couple of veterinarians.  We chose Dr. Jody Mokler...she is part of a small animal clinic at a clinic in the city (there are also large animal veterinarians as well)...and as nervous and stressed out as Liesel was...we couldn't be more thrilled with our new vet!  She is amazing....she took time to get to know Liesel as well as spend a great deal of time talking with me.  Her vast knowledge of the dachshund breed was much appreciated...and I felt instantly at ease.  

Liesel received a first rate examination...and I'm happy to report she is in excellent health, weight and condition. Her teeth are beautiful...no need for a dental cleaning at this time...we will continue home care dental brushing.  One vaccination was required...for kennel cough...as Liesel does visit a groomer.  Even then...spread of disease is low key...as her groomer attends to one dog at a time...there are never other dog present.  It's one on one dog grooming...and Liesel has built up a trust with Tracy...her groomer.  It's very important to us that Liesel receives the best of care...she is a much loved member of our family. 

I'll have a few more Christmas decor room posts in the upcoming days...can you believe one month from today is Christmas!!

 

Outdoor Christmas Decor

 We did a little bit of Christmas decor outside..while it seems like a good idea...realistically most of the time it just isn't feasible.  We get a lot of wind...like yesterday...when it blows hard enough to restrict high sided vehicle traffic on the Confederation Bridge to the mainland. 

With that in mind..unless you want to never see your outdoor pieces again...we sometimes have to bring them in...the snowman sign at the front door...blew off twice yesterday...so I set it inside until the winds died down.  The crock of boughs is heavy enough it usually stays put...although..we have had winds in previous years that have caused it to tumble.  Here you can see the holly wreath Mr. Seventies put together....

So far so good at the back entrance...it depends on the direction of the wind...so we keep that in mind daily to ensure nothing flies off the deck...a smaller holly wreath hangs on the door...

We hung lights on the tree closest to the house...and a flood light aimed at the front door to illuminate the front step display.  It will soon be time to hang our bird feeders with seed in the tree...we usually have three or so...it's a great spot for them as Mr. Seventies hangs them in far enough that the tree provides protection from the winds...as well as nourishment for the winter months.  Each spring we bring the feeders inside for a thorough cleaning and disinfection...to avoid spreading disease amongst the birds...and squirrels...

And a recap of the holly wreath...I love that we are able to use branches and holly from our own property...it will stay fresh for weeks...

Sure sign of things to come...when the SNOW sign goes up...

I've been puttering away at decorating the inside of our home.  We decided not to put our Christmas tree in the downstairs family room...for a few reasons.  One being...Liesel...being a dachshund...does not do stairs...so she needs to be carried up and down...add my laptop...water bottle...hot cups of tea or hot chocolate..the odd snack or two...and it becomes a lot of work.  We don't use that room much...therefore the propane stove is only on when we do use it...and that requires an hour or so to warm up the room.  Whereas upstairs...we have the wood pellet stove running most times. It seemed feasible to keep the tree upstairs on the main level...it's where we spend the most time. 

Mr. Seventies is going to saw up a tree on our daughter's property... it was in danger of falling on their house (or their neighbours) during a potential storm...so the tree was taken down...but not blocked up.  Enter Mr. Seventies and his trust chainsaw.  Their neighbours wanted to pay half the cost for the tree being taken down...and it wasn't even on their property!  Of course, daughter and her husband declined that generous offer....but that is what great neighbours they have!

We don't know anyone who burns wood...so it will either be piled at the end of their drive with a "Free" sign or placed on FB marketplace.  They don't have a fire pit (too many trees on their property)...and we have no place to store the wood...but I'm sure someone will take advantage of free firewood.

Another rainy, blustery day in the forecast today.  PEI decided yesterday to no longer participate in the Atlantic bubble...which means people from New Brunswick or Nova Scotia can no longer travel here (or us there) without first applying to do so...and must self isolate for fourteen days.  Of course compassionate or medical travel will be allowed with proper documentation...and essential workers (truck drivers) can still go back and forth...following all safety protocols.   We do what is necessary to keep our family and friends safe...and hope a vaccine will be rolling out in the near future.  And we can put this ordeal behind us.  

New Cooktop

 Things happen for a reason...and in this case..we were very lucky not to have had an electrical fire!

The electrician arrived and discovered the wires from the previous cooktop had burned through the marrets!  These marrets are the proper size for light fixtures...not heavy duty wiring...like an appliance!  Neither Mr. Seventies or I can remember the electrician hired at the time to install the original cooktop...and perhaps at the time these smaller marrets were up to code....but I highly doubt it...

You can see where the blue marrets were burned away... the exposed wire was hot enough to melt them.  This could have been deadly...and gone from smouldering to an electrical fire very quickly.  We are very thankful we decided to replace the cooktop....and not continue to use it...it scares. me to think of what could have happened...

To recap...this is the previous cooktop...

I'm am loving the new one!!  The knobs on the side are taking a minute to get used to...but clean up is super easy...burned or boiled over food....just wipes clean!  Very happy that it is installed properly as well. 

I happened to come across some tart warmers (electric) on clearance...and picked up this pretty one..

And when turned on...it really lights up a room...not to mention the awesome scent of the tarts...

Mr. Seventies sanded the toolbox...I need to pick up a couple of stain brushes so he can freshen it up.  It was fairly dirty...and once sanded and wiped down...it really needs a couple of coats of stain before I fill it will greenery, holly and candles....

We decided to use holly from our shrubs (which needed trimming anyways)...and made a couple of wreaths for the exterior doors....bit of a sneak peek!

Mr. Seventies has been cleaning out his storage building...he and our contractor friend are planning to build a larger one next month.   I questioned the time of year for such an endeavour...but houses, apartments and commercial buildings go up during winter...so a storage shed shouldn't be an issue.  Fingers crossed we don't see cold temperatures....or snow!

Busy upcoming week ahead...appointments...Liesel has a grooming session...and our Home Decor Trends evening out with daughter and friends is this week!  (and dinner plans beforehand).

How is your week shaping up?

Tools Of The Trade

 Or should I say toolbox!  I've been wanting an antique wooden toolbox for ages...and my favourite junk/antique shop in Summerside posted one on their FB page!  I immediately purchased it...and didn't even need to drive forty-five minutes to pick it up.  

The shop owners daughter works close by our home...and brought it with her to her work one evening.  She left it in her unlocked trunk...and Mr. Seventies and I retrieved it.  

It's in gorgeous condition, as is....despite needing a good cleaning.  I've been scouring Pinterest for ideas (I don't as a rule go on Pinterest...it is too overwhelming..) and found some great ideas!  I think for the upcoming holidays I will fill it will greenery, candles, pine cones, red berries...and set it on the kitchen farmhouse table. 

The sky is the limit once Christmas is over!  I am so happy to have found my toolbox!

Mr. Seventies was a huge help this week with our Christmas wrapping (a chore I do not enjoy!). Gift bags were made for people like me!  Having him assist with cutting and taping was very welcomed!  

Tomorrow is supposed to be a milder day...with sun.  We plan to put together our outside planters, wreaths and decor.  We've seen an increase in homes fully decorated earlier this year...and trees up...people are in the mood for some festive joy!  

We may even put our tree up over the weekend!  How about you...do you have your home ready for the holidays?

Oh Yes I Did

Resistance was futile...

Whose Ready To Decorate For Christmas?

 I suspect with all the craziness going on currently in our world...the reason many are chasing to decorate inside and outside their homes this year!  The mild weather we embraced last week had many people putting up outdoor lights and decor...those are smart people!  Mr. Seventies says it doesn't feel like Christmas unless your are freezing your extremities off putting up outdoor lights!! 

There's a back story to that...when I was a child..my Dad would wait until bone freezing temperatures to put up the outdoor lights.  Back then...they were coloured lights...which had to be in a certain order....red, blue, yellow, green....then red, blue, yellow...and so on.  One particularly frigid Saturday...while Dad was putting up lights (of course they were lit...so see if any had blown out...why this wasn't done inside...beforehand...as a child...I was not one to question).  As he struggled..not only to stay on the ladder....but get them attached to the house...my Mom demanded I go outside and inform my Dad he had two blue lights together...and that needed to be remedied!  Yah...that worked out well.  Mr. Seventies still chuckles about that...as he knew my Mom and Dad in the early years of our dating and marriage.  

That's not to say we don't have a couple of Clarke Griswold moments decorating outside ourselves.  One particular year comes to mind when Mr. Seventies was putting lights on the tree near our large window,  It's early evening...dark...snow on the ground...and while daughter and I are there for assistance (or comical relief)...we watch...as Mr. Seventies loses his balance...and falls into the tree.  I swear it happened in slow motion...the ladder fell sideways...and he was left hanging...clutching to the tree for dear life.  Where were daughter and I?  On the ground...unable to breathe...laughing hysterically!!  It took us a few minutes (and a few choice words from Mr. Seventies) to gain our composure...and come to his assistance.  It was one of those moments where you wish you had video...

Sorry to digress there...we haven't started decorating yet...but I'm pretty certain I'm going to be needed one or two of these cute fellows!!   Serious Santa vibes going on.  And the heads and mittens can be kept and used each year...I'm sure at least one will be coming home with me!

I've been debating whether I've wanted a Christmas tree collar...I've seen everything used from baskets to metal tubs to even an old wheelbarrow!  I found this one at Michael's...regular price $69.99.  Now I wasn't about to pay anywhere near that...so when it came on sale for 40% off...that weighed in on my decision.  And of course...and additional 10% off...(Senior's discount & all)...plus I discovered a Michaels gift card in my wallet...apparently a gift from last Christmas!  I took that as a sign this collar was meant to be mine...and when all was said and done...I paid around $18.00 for it!   It's going to look awesome around the base of our tree...not to mention hide the base!

I popped into a couple of home decor stores last week...it was so busy...traffic was insane...so I didn't stay too long.  I picked this up for a certain doxie Mama...great to use for when she goes back to work...a water bottle/travel mug combo...

They keep tempting me with cushions...it's like they know my Achilles heel!  Daughter is looking for Christmas cushion covers...not cushions...but I was tempted to pick this up for her!  But Mama had a couple of covers to spare...and share...

This tray is not only adorable...but so functional for finger foods, spring rolls, cheeses and snacks...and the little center has a place to store toothpicks!  Such a great festive piece!

That is about as long as I stayed in the store...there was a maximum of people allowed in...and social distancing was becoming increasingly more difficult...and I can go to the stores during days when they are less busy.  There happened to be no school Thursday or Friday of last week...so it was busier in the city...

Liesel has her annual check up today...with a whole new veterinarian and veterinary clinic!  The clinic and veterinarian we have been going to for the last umpteen years...has sold the clinic and is retiring!  When we previously had three little rescue dachshunds...it seemed we were at the veterinarian at least weekly with one of them!  We had a great relationship with not only our vet..but his staff and technicians.  Now...we never see the same people twice!  Thankfully, over the past six years...Liesel has been very healthy...with just a couple of minor issues...and has undergone a dental cleaning yearly. But times...as they say...are a changing. 

After much consultation with other animal owners...and vet technicians...we decided to switch clinics..another reason being location.  The new clinic is in the heart of the city...as opposed to the other one being further distance.  It worked well when my office was located across the street from our former clinic.  We also have a clinic within walking distance to our home...but I prefer a clinic that comes highly recommended...so we booked our appointment...and Liesel gets to meet her new veterinarian Dr. Mokler today (and I hear she is amazing).  There are sixteen veterinarians at this clinic...some deal with small animals only....others larger ones.  Fingers crossed it is all we hope it to be.  The gal I booked the appointment with was super friendly...and answered all my questions...and Liesel's records will be transferred to their clinic....as I requested.

I've almost finished my Christmas shopping!  Of course that doesn't mean I won't be out there in other people's way...just because I can.  Actually...with a second wave of Covid on the horizon...I'm keeping fingers crossed we won't go into another lockdown.  Getting things done in the event that happens...and taking every precaution in the meantime. 

That's a wrap for today!   And speaking of wrap...wrapping is next on my agenda!  That way...I forgot what I purchased...and it's a surprise to me on Christmas morning as well!!  

Have a great day all!!

Gutter Talk

 We finally are the proud owners of new gutters!  It took the installers about half a day to remove the old ones and install the new gutters. 

We spent the extra money and had leaf guards added inside them...highly recommended to keep them flowing clearly...especially in winter.  If debris sits in the gutters...snow & rain freezes...and things dam up...

Nothing pretty to show...but money well spent.  I though Liesel would bark her wire head off...but after the first few woofs...she seemed not to care.  A crew suddenly arriving with numerous extension ladders...I thought would warrant a stressful dog...but she seemed to take it in stride.  

Daughter and I made a quick trip to the thrift store...I didn't get many photos.  It was extremely busy...maybe people were like us and not visited in months!  One thing I did see...and forgot to swing back around and pick up....was this angel!

While it isn't Willow Tree...I thought it might look nice with my Willow Tree nativity set.  A spare angel never goes awry!  The aisle was crowded...and attempting to keep six feet distance...I meant to to go back and pick it up. But...grand baby was getting hungry...and we still had one stop to make at the pharmacy.  

Her formula is very expensive (since it is required to contain no milk protein or soy)...and she drinks one can each day.  Enter "Seniors Day" at the pharmacy!  My daughter checked each pharmacy location the night before...to ensure there were enough cases in stock...as she gets multiple cases at a time.  One box only contains four cans...a case holds six boxes of four cans.  On Thursdays...20% Senior discounts are offered...well worth this old gal ringing it through checkout.  The saving is equivalent to the cost of one case...so it's like getting one case free!!  Once a month we stock up on formula!  The manufacturer also offers coupons...so those are taken advantage of as well. 

The weather is going to cool down today...more seasonal.  We've been seeing record high temperatures this week...I've seen so many people putting up outdoor Christmas decor!  I suspect between the nice weather and people just wanting something to look forward to after such challenging months.

Some craft fairs are organized with guidelines for the number of allowable shoppers at one time...social distancing and mandatory masks.  Our province has not made masks mandatory...stupid in my opinion...so most shops and stores have taken it upon themselves to mandate masks are mandatory.  Which is fine with me...we wear masks every time.   And use hand disinfectant when hand washing can't be done.  Seems like such little inconveniences...to save lives.  

I truly do not want to see us go into another full blown lockdown and it annoys me they allow flights in and out of the province.  That is how our cases seem to arrive...someone travelling outside the Maritime bubble...(four Atlantic provinces).  Thankfully, the infection numbers are low...for now...our Chief Health Officer has warned of a second wave.  We are an Island...we depend on goods coming from off Island...and truckers have been very respectful to follow protocols...travellers should do no less.

Hopping off my soapbox now....these are scary times we are living in.  If everyone would just do their part...the number of infections would diminish drastically.  On that note...stay safe, be kind...and have a great weekend!!

 

Monday Catch Up

 Happy Monday!!   I hope everyone had a great weekend...we celebrated Mr. Seventies birthday..and it was a milestone one at that!  He loved his cake again this year...depicts him perfectly!  Sitting amongst his flowers..with a cup of coffee...enjoying the outdoors!  I forgot to have a small dachshund placed on his knee...but we were still enjoyed his cake.  We had a delicious meal of pizza and garlic fingers...and he received thoughtful gifts and phone calls to wish him well...

I was out and about..scouting some gorgeous Christmas decor...and as always couldn't resist checking out the decor cushions...and again I was able to resist.  Almost like I'm tempting fate...

Crushing hard on this one...anything with a truck..gets me..my Dad had a truck...brings back warm memories...

I thought these lamps were beautiful...and available in a couple of gorgeous colours...

So pretty on bedside tables...or anywhere a touch of light is required...

Love these plush dachshunds..available in two sizes and colours.  I didn't purchase any...I have a collection of them...and some I've passed on to my daughter already....but oh so cute!

I came across this adorable tree ornament...and since a certain precious grand baby is celebrating her first Christmas this year...I picked it up as a keepsake.... she hopefully will have for many years to come.

One year ago this day we learned she was a beautiful baby girl!  So much excitement at that reveal!

She is required to travel to the IWK  (where her heart surgery was performed) for a check up this week...

We are beginning to look like new parents ourselves...we have a playpen, round saucer for her to sit it...and now a base to her car seat is in the works to be installed in our SUV!  It does make it easier though than having to haul all her baby gear back & forth...and babies come with a lot of "stuff"!

And....my tart obsession continues!  Blame it on Covid...for months...in lockdown...very few were in stock....so I've been hoarding....I pick up a pack or two when I'm in Wal Mart...

And delicious new scents available!  Finally.  The Pecan Waffles smells a-m-a-z-i-n-g!!

Actually they are all heavily scented...which makes me very happy!!

For the past few years...a local interior designer has been hosting a Christmas Decor & Trends night of fun & food!  (last year we enjoyed house tours as well..). With Covid...it looked like the event was going to be viral.  But...it is going ahead..in person..with all Covid protocols in place.  Tickets are limited...the venue has changed...and limited tickets will be available only sold in batches of five.  There will be tables set up...accommodating five people...and each table will be six feet apart.  And screens will be set up so everyone will have a good view of what is being shown.  And we will wear masks until we are seated.  

My daughter, myself, a dear friend, her daughter & daughter-in-law...are planning to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant...then make our way to the event!  We will make up five for one table!  So happy to have this event...some Christmas joy put back into an otherwise stressful year!  A few craft sales are able to be held...of course following all the rules...but I think I will forgo them this year.  

Overcast and very mild here today!  Mr. Seventies built a hand rail over the weekend on the steps leading from the pool deck to the back yard.  Liesel usually zooms down her ramp while I navigate the steps...and a hand rail will provide a bit of stability especially during the winter months.  Something for me to hang on to...after a bit of snow & ice last week...I'm a bit timid without having a hand rail.  Now it works great for me!

Have an awesome day wherever you are today!!

This and That...and Other Things...

A bit of wintery weather here this week...chilly temps, cold winds...and a light dusting of snow.  Typical November weather for us..

The new cooktop has been ordered...and as expected it won't be arriving until the end of the month.  No big deal..we can manage with three burners until then...

I'm excited to pick up a copy of this book...written by two characters from my favourite tv series Outlander!  There is also a television show "Men In Kilts"...due out in a couple of months.  Until then..they have written a book...about their travels around Scotland...and seriously...who doesn't love men in kilts?  Must be my Scottish heritage...so picking this up at the bookstore...it was released on November 3rd. 

I spent some time packing up the fall decor from my cabinet...giving it a good dusting..and decided to showcase a few of my dachshund items...and this is just the tip of the iceberg...also a good spot to share my wire dachshund cushion...in honour of Liesel...

An up close look at one of the shelves...Mr. Seventies collected all the dachshund plates on the first and second shelves...there were eight in the series...then they added an additional four...I've placed ten in my cabinet.  They range from smooth dachshunds...long hair and wire dachshunds...and mean everything to me..

The frame in the centre holds a black and white photo of Liesel..the bottom shelf displays dachshund dinnerware...only one set is on display...the other set is at my daughter's home.  When grand baby is old enough they will invest in a cabinet and can display breakables then...

I've discovered Poshmark!  (the Canadian site)...have been pleased with the two purchases I have made so far...

I've been needing a pair of rain boots...these are brand new from the seller...originally from Mark's Work Wearhouse...I paid a mere $20 for them (shipping was free that day)...they are really cute and comfortable...

And as you can see the tags were still on this leather hand bag...somedays I just need a larger bag...and this one fit the bill...I'm not a fan of the leather tassel...but do not want to ruin the bag by cutting it off...so I will learn to live with it.  I'm not the fringe/tassel type....on anything...

And I sorely needed a rain jacket...the colour of this Columbia jacket is just so pretty...it has a lining and fits beautifully....(Amazon)...it's a pretty dark pink/rose colour...the sleeves have velcro closing..and it zips with ease every time.  I have no patience for a zipper that is constantly getting caught or stuck...

Tomorrow is Mr. Seventies birthday!  We'll be having a celebration at our daughter & son-in-law's home...I cannot wait to share his cake I've ordered!  My son-in-law is picking it up today...the previous place where I used to order amazing cakes from...sold..at the start of Covid!   My daughter in Nova Scotia has a friend who makes the most incredible cakes...but it's not feasible to order from her...so I had to look around for a new baker!  Fingers crossed the cake is not only incredible..but tastes delicious!

No word from the gutter replacement company...but it's only been four months waiting...(sarcasm)...they were supposed to show up last week.  With all the construction going on here...work is plentiful.  So...we wait....

Going to be out and about today...one major road is closed...and traffic was backed up yesterday for over an hour coming into the city from where my daughter lives.  She & grand baby had an appointment..and it took 50 minutes during the morning commute to get through...today we will take alternate routes and go late morning/early afternoon.  People joke because we are relatively small Island...but our roads are not equipped for the amount of traffic we have.  Where it used to take me ten minutes to get to....now is about thirty minutes...time spent sitting at intersections and lights. But it is what it is...

Wishing you a great day where ever you are today!!

Shopping for New Cooktop

We are in the market for a new cooktop!  One burner..has stopped working.  Now...this appliance owes us nothing.  I purchased it at least 18 years ago...from a co-worker...whose parents had purchased a new home with this cooktop and wall oven.  For whatever reason..they wanted a standard range with oven...and removed the wall oven...and cooktop.  The wall oven had sold...and in chatting I mentioned we were shopping for a cooktop.  She mentioned her parents were selling one...it was in storage in their garage..and in perfect condition.   I quickly purchased it for either $300 or $350...

The knobs were originally white...I switched them out for black ones...and it has served us well.  Few stores carry cooktops in stock here...our contractor is ordering a Whirlpool model with stainless knobs...and his electrician will install it.  Because our counters are granite...there is a special adhesive required for installation...(the electrician has installed numerous ones in granite)...he will assure installation is done correctly.  He also has done numerous electrical jobs in our home...

In the last few years...we have replaced our wall oven once (apparently their life span is 7 years)..three dishwashers...one new over the cooktop microwave/vent combo...and now the cooktop.  And they only appliance I really prefer would crash...is the refrigerator!  I have a specific size and model in mind..but cannot justify replacing it...until it quits working.  

It will likely be the end of the month or into early December before the new cooktop arrives and is installed.  Which is fine..three burners will have to suffice until then.  When Mr. Seventies & I first married...we rented a house with no stove or fridge!  And made do until we had the funds to purchase them...second hand!  I was very creative with meals using an electric frying pan & wood stove....and a cooler with ice my neighbour supplied to keep milk & necessities cold!  Oh...the good old days..

It's quite cold here today...chance of the odd flurries.  Great day to do some Christmas shopping!  

Now That Halloween is Over...

 Bring on the holiday cheer!  Yesterday packed away all the fall decor (two totes full)...and Mr. Seventies brought in the outdoor stack of pumpkins and gnome-mobile...and put them in the storage room downstairs.  I love fall...so a little sad to see it move into November...which is usually a windy, rainy and cold month here.  The trees will soon be bare...the time has moved back an hour...making evenings so dark...almost feel like hibernating...

With Covid..there will be no craft shows, Christmas home tours or decorating workshops to attend...although a couple are in the works for on-line events...so there is that...but it kind of dampens the holiday mood...

Our grand daughter Charly celebrated her birthday...mixed with Halloween..she was such an adorable little witch...and just look at her amazing cake!! 

Moving forward...let's get right into the Christmas goodies I scouted out!  I didn't purchase anything...as have a shopping outing planned with youngest grand baby and her Mama...but saw a couple of things I don't think I can resist...this adorable Grinch being one of them!    I love me a Grinch...

The second item is this Santa....I mean..check out those adorable slippers...and yummy cookie & hot chocolate!  Adorable...

I may have to add one new piece...just sayin'.  Moving on...gotta feed my Nutcracker obsession..this life size guy is only a mere $500!!  Whoa...unless he does laundry and vacuuming...he can stand at attention right where he is...

Thankfully there are smaller....and cheaper versions available...like this cute woodsman...

Crushing on these adorable dachshund picks...I picked one up a while ago for grand baby's first Christmas tree...they are so cute...with moveable legs as well...

These lanterns are so pretty...not as large as the ones I have...but I love the off white finish...and they come with flickering battery operated candles...watching to see if they come on sale.  They would look awesome on our farmhouse kitchen table...

Quite a variety of larger picks available again this year...but no elf feet...maybe they haven't got everything out on display yet...if you remember from last year...I have the large red & white lollipops..

Lots of beautiful garlands...however I discovered nearly identical ones as this..in another store...for a much, much lower price...so noted...unless daughter wants one for her mantle..and BOGO is on...we'd pass on these ones...

This will be the first time we have put our tree in our downstairs family room...so likely won't have has much decor on the main floor...but will have some touches here and there...

Mr. Seventies & I celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary last week...I woke up to the most beautiful bouquet of roses...a beautiful card...containing two Amazon gift cards!  This man knows the way to this old gal's heart!!  We get Chinese food about once a year...so chose that as our anniversary meal...ordered in rather than dine out in a restaurant.  With restrictions on the number of diners...and social distancing...this was a safer choice.

So..that is a wrap for today.  Today sweet grand baby is seven months old!  We are happy to report she is thriving...such a happy, healthy baby!  Today she meets with her paediatrician...for a check up and later in the month she will be seen in Halifax where she had her heart surgery.  Just a follow up appointment...all is well.

Have an awesome fall day where ever you are!