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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Mid Week Catch Up

Raining off & on here today....will turn the lawns from winter brown to lush green!  The snow in the pool is completely melted....the pool is about 3/4 full of water.  It won't take much water to top it up.  It will be a few weeks yet before we get it up & running....it will depend on the weather. 

A shot of the deck nearing completion in this photo...the hand rails on the steps were installed...and matched the railings.  I mentioned in my previous post the build got off to a wet & rocky start...that little back hoe in the back ground was needed to dig for two cement piers.  Nova Scotia soil is extremely rocky...and a post hole digger was not going to do the job....our soil is much sandier.  Mr. Seventies is such a great carpenter....even if it is his second career.  His engineering background certainly helps....

Besides rocks...another thing we don't have....are deer!!  Mr. Seventies & I grew up seeing deer our entire lives...but there are none in PEI!  (or bears, moose...or porcupines).  While beautiful to look at...the deer can be quite dangerous when driving the highways and roads...as many accidents have been caused by them attempting to run across in front of vehicles.  But pretty to look at and enjoy.....this particular morning we counted five of them enjoying breakfast......these three were very relaxed...


I needed to order a can of Citronella spray for Liesel's bark collar...as a rule the collar doesn't get used that often...unless she is having a particularly "barky" day.   It is a very humane, non violent method to curb barking...no pain....just a scent that will spray that most dogs don't like.  The spray (battery & collar) are no longer sold locally...but are available on Amazon.  This will give you an idea how wasteful Amazon is with their packaging....oversize box not required....


I understand that a spray needs to be contained...and not sent in a padded envelope.  But a smaller box would suffice!   I've gotten many packages with one small item inside...so un-necessary.  Most aerosol items are sent in larger boxes...maybe it's a requirement.  Very happy cardboard is recyclable!


I picked up this pretty piece to hang to the right of the dresser in the master bedroom....it is another piece in the Chateau home decor line at Michaels.  (in this lighting...doesn't the wall colour take on a green vibe?).  I can't recall the paint colour name...but it's more on the gray side....except in photos....


The candles I picked up at Wheatons.... I inadvertently picked ones with a white flickering flame...I thought I had yellow.  No matter...they look so pretty when they come on.  They are on a timer set for early evening.  They came three in a set...I've just used two on pillars....they are very realistic when the flames are flickering.....



Thanks so much for stopping by today!  April is slipping away on us....rain in the forecast for the next few days.  April showers bring May flowers...let's hope!!




Monday, April 25, 2022

Greetings from Nova Scotia!!

It's been a busy last week or so for the Seventies....we arrived in Nova Scotia last Monday.  Our original plan was to drive here Tuesday, but we had a large rain and wind storm blow through...and after having a few difficulties with getting a start on building a new deck....things finally got underway on Wednesday.  The deck has been completed!

There is a shop here I love to visit...Wheatons!!  Chock full of home decor, bedding, furniture...and everything in between....lots of blue sky on this day....


The shop is huge.....with two floors to take in....


Lots of wonderful home decor items...


How adorable is this bumble bee butter dish?


I fell hard for this enormous lantern...isn't it gorgeous?


Crushing on this sign....


Isn't this a great display?  Love the old fashion washing machine.....and I'm old enough to remember using one!  And the pig is just awesome!


I came across some of these flickering candles....and they look so real!  The flame actually flickers!!


These are much more expensive home....so I was quick to pick up a box of three!!  I think I may use them on some pillars....


Such cute table lamps....


And the furniture on the second floor is beautiful....sofas, dining sets, buffets....reproduction iron beds!   *swoon*


And this blue velvet with the green cushions!!!


This chair wasn't my thing...little too busy....


An an assortment of iron beds....not lightweight...heavy iron & metal...and various designs and colours...


You can understand why I love Wheatons!  (they have a website too!!)

A crafter who lives in Kensington, PEI makes gorgeous wooden barn quilts...and is delivering this beautiful piece to me on Wednesday!!  I haven't decided where to hang it....outdoors.  It has numerous coats of exterior clear protectant sealant!  Isn't it pretty?  I'm almost rethinking hanging it outside...



Today we are travelling home.  That's the best part of being away....there is no place like home!  Join us over at Between Naps on the Porch for  Metamorphosis Monday .











Monday, April 18, 2022

No Way To Pretty It Up!

Our heat pump/air conditioning unit has been installed!  Two technicians arrived right on time and it took about three hours to complete.  We are now the proud owners of a white wall vent...and here she is.  As someone mentioned to me...it won't look as ugly when the heat comes this summer!  True that. 


And the actual unit directly on the outside of that wall.  One technician stated we had the ideal spot for placement...no attics, closets or garages to go through...just straight to the outside.  The unit is secured to a stand with heavy duty brackets and to the house...and along side the walkway.  We don't get a lot of drifting snow there in the winter...and it will be easy to keep it cleared off....as we walk by it to get into the house. 
Some are located out of the way....people build structures to keep snow off.   We won't need to do that.  Mr. Seventies does have to check our propane vents during the winter...on the opposite side of the house...to ensure snow drifts don't cover them...


The company is having a couple of great deals right now...ten years free warranty on labor & parts, ten free cleanings (done yearly) and the unit manufacturer Mitsubishi is offering a $750 Visa card for installs done in April.  Along with a $1200 rebate from the province! Wins on many levels. 

The pellet stove has been officially turned off...and cleaned out one last time!  I thought I would miss the heat from it more...or notice a huge difference....but I really don't.  Next on our to do list...to have it removed and and switched out to propane.   That will get done before fall....

The snow is pretty much gone now...but the lawns and grounds are water logged and mucky!  I desperately needed a pair of water proof rain or duck boots.  Since I needed them asap...I was able to find the perfect pair at Marks....on sale!  Even better....


They were also available in yellow...but none left in my size.  They are super comfortable and very easy to slip on and off when taking Liesel out for potty breaks....

Remember last week, after I dropped Liesel off for grooming...I visited a home decor store close by?  The store has a Facebook page...and happened to have these adorable whale mugs come in!  Well, that meant a second trip to the store....how adorable are these?  It was time to put the snowman mugs away til next winter...and these mugs are so cute!  I picked up one in each available colour...


And remember also...I mentioned an alarm clock that would be perfect for the master bedroom?   It made the trip home with me as well....


I hope everyone had a lovely Easter weekend.  We enjoyed a delicious ham dinner with daughter & family...and son-in-law baked yummy cheesecake tarts for dessert!  Very enjoyable...and grand baby loved her bunny Easter basket...and we read her new book together.

So glad you stopped by today...hop on over to  Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch...I'll be sharing over there on Mondays!!



Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Home Decor Browsing

Liesel's groomer is located east of the city (ironically called East Royalty)...and after dropping her off for a spa treatment, I headed to a decor store near by.  It's about the only time I visit the store...it's easier to stay in the area than make the twenty minute trek home and then turn around shortly after and head back to pick her up.  

Liesel did not co-operate & allow her front legs or chest to be trimmed.  Soon after returning home, she yelped when Mr. Seventies picked her up....a sign that she perhaps is sore.  I spoke with our veterinarian and was advised to give her pain medication.  I don't think Liesel is in pain...as much as she might be sore.  Having arthritis most of my adult life...I understand better than most how arthritis works.  She & Mr. Seventies went for a short stroll in the afternoon...she was up for it...and it keeps her from being stiff.  This is how life will be...some days are going to be good...others not so good. 

Anyhow....back to some prettiness at the decor store...I'm obsessed with terra cotta roasters...and this one was such a great price!  Had it been a four quart instead of a six quart I would have picked it up.  We don't need one this large....but it was tempting....


Some very pretty dough bowls....I've never seen them in anything other than brown or dark stain...but am loving the teal colour....


And very pretty spring coloured lamps, vases and plant pots....and those lanterns on the bottom shelf!!


Is this sign not true?  I should have picked one up for the back entry....


Some very pretty cushions...loving the texture of these!!  And I'd love to have one of the pink alarm clocks for a night table!!   Might be worth another trip.....


This shelf contained a great assortment of accent lamps...navy seems to be the go to colour this year...I'm seeing it everywhere....


I enjoyed my stroll around and wished I had more time to browse longer...but it was time to retrieve Liesel.

The last few days have been spring like...I decided to hang my forsythia wreath on the exterior front door.  It was my first time using Command strips (for glass)...and they work like a charm!  And so easy to use...they will be my go to now for hanging anything!  Lots of pretty crocus and tulips are poking their way through the soil in the front gardens....



I hung this pretty wreath on the mirror in the front entry...using a Command strip as well...


I've been searching here for a while now for new hand towels and face cloths...and haven't had much luck.  Anyone ever ordered them from Amazon?  I decided to give them a try...and ordered six teal hand towels.  And I couldn't be happier...they fluffed up beautifully once washed and dried!  Despite looking otherwise ...they are very soft and absorbent...


The face cloths haven't arrived yet...but I'm certain I'll be happy with them as well...these are for everyday use...I'm not overly fussy about colours or matching.  Just that they be durable and serviceable.  I do want thickness and softness....and pink.  Because why not?

Hanging out today with my friend Judy...we have so much to catch up on!  And plan a short road trip for some retail therapy!  It's been a long winter peeps!

Wishing you an amazing day today!  It's going to be sunny & seasonal here ...most of the snow is gone!  Mr. Seventies is anxious for the lawns to dry up so he can putter at raking and cleaning up the property!  Isn't it wonderful to see everything outside waking up after a winter's sleep?









Friday, April 8, 2022

Bedroom Refresh....Done!

And I couldn't be happier!  I did, however remember why I'm not a huge fan of draperies or curtain panels. Unless you have them professionally measured and installed...your measurements have to be precise.  I was praying through the whole install that I had done so properly. 

And I did!  I measured four inches down from the ceiling for a custom length of 90"panels and three inches on either side beyond the window frame and still have the proper fullness.  It seemed simple enough.  The look on Mr, Seventies face though when I advised the panels were to  "kiss the floor"....I'm sure he thinks I made that up!  Hanging them this way...makes the window and room appear larger...




And the comforter and panels are the exact same fabric and pattern!  Almost like I knew what I was doing!!

Liesel's "bedroom" underwent a refresh as well!!  New custom crate pad and cover...


When the weather warms up, the cover will be removed...although dachshunds like to be burrowed in...she also has her red and white bone pattern throw in her crate to snuggle....(it was in the dryer at time of photo).....


And since it is that time of year, P.J. Bunny has made an appearance...he's just kind of hanging out.  (P.J. Funny Bunny was a book we used to read our daughter when she was little....now grand baby has it read to her)....


I'm happy to have the room completed and with the quality of the bedding and curtains.  I promise I won't be redoing them anytime soon.  When hot weather comes...I will switch out the comforter to a white Matelasse coverlet I have on hand.  I packed up the electric blanket for another year...although I'm not certain it will be needed next winter...the weight of this comforter will probably be enough.

We are still on schedule for the heat pump tomorrow.  These pumps not only provide heat...but also air conditioning in the summer months.  While I'm not thrilled with the location of the vent being installed in the family room...it is the suitable location.  And it won't look so bad when it's 32 degrees with a humidex of 42 degrees.  We are seeing those warm temps here...something we couldn't say 20 years ago.  Air conditioning wasn't required much then...but our summers are longer and hotter now.  No complaints from me on that. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!   Apparently the install will take most of Monday to complete...I'll be sure to share pics of our new addition!! 

I'll be joining Between Naps on the Porch on Monday for Metamorphosis Monday 






Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Mid Week Catch Up

That little dusting of snow we were forecast to receive on Monday...turned into a full blown spring snow storm...with very high winds...and 15-20 cm of snowfall!  The storm really didn't get into full swing until after lunch...then it came full force.  Schools, universities, day cares and businesses scrambled to close.  My son-in-law's forty-five minute drive from work was challenging...taking much longer to get home safely.  

It was a typical Nor'Easter storm...tracking up the eastern seaboard...and hard to predict which way it will track.  Milder temperatures and rain in the forecast later in the week will hopefully melt what snow we did get!

The sandals I ordered arrived...and I think I'm going to love them....they are not my usual slip ons....



I purchased them was to accommodate my new orthotics.  For lengthy wear or walking....I need support.  I walk on the balls of my foot...and it is painful...hence the new orthotics.  These are my first pair that don't cover the whole footbed.  When I tried them in my new walking sneakers...pre-foot surgery...they seemed very comfortable...despite not looking so.  They won't be visible once my feet are in the sandals.  This brand of shoe/sandal was recommended for use with orthotics.  I currently have other orthotics...I slip them into my Blundstone boots...



Yesterday, I was able to wear a lightweight pair of boots...first footwear in two weeks...Liesel and I took a leisurely stroll to our mailbox up the street!   Today...I might see how my sneakers feel!  

I also want to share this texture spray for your  hair ....it is amazing!!  I'm obsessed!  While my hair is not long...it is extremely thick and course....and this spray is perfect!  My hair stylist used it...and while she was not a huge fan...I love it!  And the smell is incredible!  She is always amazed at the amount of hair she thins out on every five weeks!  



And finally....news on my curtain panels!!   They arrived at our local facility!  Which I presume means they are close by....not actually delivered...but in the general vicinity!  Am I being too hopeful they will be delivered today?  

Our daughter has a birthday in the near future....and her birthday request was for a closet organizer!  This one, from Amazon is the one chosen and Mr. Seventies installed it over the weekend!  The closet is almost eight feet wide....and this one worked best for their closet...it is the Rubbermaid brand...



We have these organizers in our bedroom closets as well...except for the guest bedroom.  I have ordered this one for there.   Our closets are much smaller....three feet wide to be exact...and these are so wonderful to have to organize clothes, purses & hats.  This one is the same brand and the one we currently have in the main bedroom.  I'm looking forward to getting it installed once it arrives.....


I'm hopeful to get out & about today!  Even if it's just for a short time...the weather is beautiful here today.  I hope you have an awesome day!  Thanks ever so much for stopping by!!


Monday, April 4, 2022

April Snow Brings....

More shovelling!  We're expecting a snowy day here....not too much in the way of the white stuff...5-10 cm...it's usually the winds that cause the most problems.  Getting snow this time of year though...means it won't stick around long.  We have crocus up in the gardens!

Grand baby had a wonderful birthday celebration...we enjoyed a delicious barbecue followed by cupcakes & cookies!!


And a very special cookie for a very special day...


And the adorable Easter basket arrived....I'm having fun adding treats....

 

Our heat pump install scheduled for tomorrow has been rescheduled for Saturday.  Mr. Seventies picked up a few bags of wood pellets to get us through the week.  And.. until 6:30 last evening...my curtain panels were held up at Canadian Customs...waiting for clearance since March 30, 2022?  Yet, the Easter basket (also shipped from the US)...sailed right on through. I mean...they are curtain panels.  Perhaps a staffing issue at Customs...so I'm trying to be patient.  (not my strong suit).....

I should  receive a tracking update today & hope they arrive in the next day or two.  

Foot surgery recovery is coming along...still not able to wear footwear yet.  I'm hoping another week of healing will make a big difference.  I've missed getting out & about and walking with Liesel.  

I hope spring has officially sprung where you are!  Winter isn't finished with us just yet.  Have an awesome day!!

I'm joining Metamorphosis Monday at the blog, Between Naps On The Porch.