Mr. Seventies - My Super Hero

Another start to another week! While I have been under the weather....Mr. Seventies managed to take excellent care of me....while completing dozens of tasks around the house!  He is my real life super hero!  

Firstly he started with cleaning & disinfecting our home, wiping up the kitchen floor, hallway, front & back entries, both baths...stripped the master bedroom bedding...washed & hung everything on the line to sanitize in the sun, he vacuumed and then turned his attention to the windows.  He removed each shutter...cleaned every window inside and out...wiped each shutter down before re-installing them and replaced three screens that needed new screening (including the exterior storm door).  

Then he turned his attention to the outside....re-building the front walk!  He took this photo...he did such an amazing job.  There is one little area....off the the right of the walk...where he is putting in a little pathway...with paw print cement stones.  We plan a trip to our favourite green house in Summerside this week...where he will pick up 3-4 more to complete the pathway....

He also completed the back walkway to the storage shed...I'll get a photo of that once he has it finished to his satisfaction.  There was also 5 yards of soil/compost he spread in the gardens...and another 3 yards to be delivered this week!  He plans to re-seed the area where my new fire pot will sit...

Since I was feeling better yesterday...he set up the deck furniture!  It was a beautiful, warm day...and even Liesel enjoyed lounging in the sun!!

Every year we wait impatiently for Mother Nature to bestow warm weather on us....and she hasn't disappointed....(love how my girl's little noggin is peeking up...).  The string of Edison bulbs was also attached to the ped way....I enjoy seeing them lit up after dark....(found a use for an extra tobacco basket..love how it turned out)....

There is nothing more healing than sitting in the fresh air.  I had thought about adding some outdoor decor cushions....but while they would look amazing...they'd serve no purpose....still mulling it around in my head though....

My new garden flag holder arrived....I love where we decided to place it this year!  In the next couple of weeks 5-6 yards of black mulch will be delivered....and all the flower gardens and this area will receive a fresh layer!  Another task Mr. Seventies enjoys doing....topping up the gardens....and he potted a couple of Begonias for the steps...

I'm sure I'm forgetting a number of chores Mr. Seventies crossed off his list... I am blessed to have such an awesome husband & partner.  And so very thankful, while he had a bit of a flu bug...it passed quickly and he felt no ill effects....

It was necessary to cancel plans with my friend last week....to make up for lost time....we are planning an evening at dinner and then attending a class to make this adorable sign...the truck is included...as are the six interchangeable pieces of your choosing!  I've decided I want to do the popsicles, pumpkins, stars and Christmas tree.    They also have a "Welcome Gnome" sign class I plan to take next time it is offered!

And Mr. Seventies hung my barn quilt!  I just did not have the heart to hang it outside...so here is her new home!  

The pool is not up and running yet.  Depending on the weather....that may be a chore for next weekend.  Once Mr. Seventies installs the pump....after 24 hours of circulating....we will take a water sample in for testing...pick up whatever supplies are needed (usually just a container of buffer)...and we will be ready for another season of swimming!  We have enough pucks and shock to do us for some time....as last year...due to shortages rumours....we stocked up!!

I hope everyone had an eventful week as well!  As always, I'll be sharing later over on Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday and tomorrow at a Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday!  Hope to see you there!

This Week Is A Write Off

We've been advised from reliable sources the Norwalk or Noro virus is making the rounds in our area.  Mr. Seventies came down with it Sunday into Monday....and early Tuesday morning it hit me.  And we are still not back to normal....far from it.  Our daughter has the unfortunate luck of coming down with it as well...so it's been a fun week here (insert sarcasm).  Mr. Seventies has recovered a bit quicker than me.

Today is the first day I'm topside...haven't eaten much in days...the usual ginger ale, popsicles, crackers or toast is our menu of choice.  But it can only get better from here, right?

I received a small clothes order....from the Emery Rose collection on Shein's website (not a sponsored post...if I'm doing an online order it's usually from Shein)...how pretty is this tee? Can be worn with just about anything...

And I love these pull on capri leggings...these are cute with a tee shirt & sneakers....great for walking Liesel around the neighbourhood....

And this pretty halter top....I love the lace detail...and will be so cool and comfortable for the upcoming hot weeks....

Another great tee...I love the shape and fit of this one....

When Mr. Seventies was outside spreading around the yards of soil & compost...he snapped a photo of our Azalea in full bloom.  She is a bit on the gangly side...but we hesitate to trim her....as it takes 1-2 years to recover.  So we let her do her thing...

We've had a number of "peekers" stopping & enjoying the gardens....some even taking photographs!  And if Mr. Seventies is outside...they are a captive audience!  The man can talk flowers.....for days.  

It's only been since Christmas that I saw my garden flag holder...and in five months it has up and vanished.  It's not in the storage shed nor downstairs in the furnace room.  It's just...missing.  And since I previously purchased a new garden flag....I needed to order a new holder!  If mine ever does show up...I'll have two.  One for the front entrance....another for the back....this one should be arriving this weekend.  I like how it has a clip to secure the flag during winds...although where I'm placing it....it will be out of the wind....

So that is what is new in our little corner of the globe.  The weather has been amazing the past couple of days...although I haven't been able to enjoy it.  We didn't bother putting out our deck furniture...showers expected the next few days....and the furthest I've gone is from the sofa to the bed.  I'm a lousy patient!

Thankful to have my faithful bff to keep me company and on the mend.  Have a great weekend everyone!!

Decks & Steps Re-Freshed

We took advantage of the amazing weather over the weekend....and completed re-staining the decks and two sets of steps!  Nothing better than being outside in the fresh air and sun....our favourite place!  

Some areas could be stained using rollers...others required a paint brush....but everything was able to receive two coats....the back stairs before & after....snow & ice and snow shovels are hard on them...

Pretty beaten up....and one piece of decking needed replacement.  Just to note....the small deck was built (by Mr. Seventies) in August 1994!  And in all that time....only one piece of floor decking has required replacement!

The steps needed to be replaced a couple of years ago...and a dog ramp was removed at the same time.  When we had three dachshunds...the ramps were imperative...not to mention made it much easier to herd them outside.  Now with only Liesel...we kept the ramp from the pool deck to the back yard...but carry her down these steps.   You can see the new piece of decking in this photo....

Looking much nicer now.....

The small deck after one coat...I forgot to take a before photo...(maple buds thankfully fell after the deck had dried)....

And now that it's finished...if the weather co-operates we will set our deck furniture & rug out next weekend....

The ped way that leads over to the pool....another area that suffers winter's wrath....

And all fresh and ready for another summer....

A section of the pool deck...required three decking boards replaced...it takes a lot of punishment during the winter... snow lays on it for a few months.  I won't share the majority of the pool deck...as no one needs to see a green, icky pool!  

We haven't opened the pool yet...a few hot days doesn't warrant getting it ready...as in previous years...we usually get a cool down and rain...which is about to happen this week....

Another area of the pool deck....where the grill sits....

The back steps leading off the pool deck into the back yard before....(Mr. Seventies has four rows of potatoes planted)...these steps take snow and shovel abuse as well....

Nothing a couple of coats of stain cannot remedy....

And an overshot of the small deck connecting to the pool deck....

And the maple tree in the front yard chose this weekend to share it's buds everywhere!  But everything was dry...and if you can see on the thermometer it really was 29 degrees Celsius!  We were out early though and worked when it was cooler...

And it between coats....Mr. Seventies had five yards of soil delivered...to top up the gardens...and he plans to do some work in the area of where the new fire pit will sit.  It needs new soil & grass seed....he loves working outside....his happy place!

We also made time to visit a green house located in the centre of the city!  The beautiful weather and long weekend meant people were out in droves....picking up plants and garden supplies!  Mr. Seventies didn't do too bad...we left with only four new perennials and a new garden flag....

Lots of flowers blooming in our gardens...and the trees are leafing out!  I've picked a couple of bouquets of beautiful tulips....we have such a variety of shapes and colours....

I'm going to check out the outdoor rug selection...I've seen a couple of places have them on sale this week and we could use a new one.  It will depend on the colours available.  I also need a wreath to hang one the house near the back door.

It was a very busy & productive weekend.  Thanks so much for spending time with me...I'll be sharing over at Between Naps on the Porch for  Metamorphosis Monday and A Stroll Thru Life on Tuesday for Inspire Me Tuesday.  Make sure you drop over and check out both blogs....

It's Victoria Day Weekend!!!

 

Monday is Victoria Day...and the weather looks amazing for the weekend!  Mr. Seventies intends to replace three deck floor boards this evening....and tomorrow we will stain both decks & sets of stairs!!  It will be nice to have those freshened up & done!  And maybe get the patio furniture set out!!

Still early to open the pool....will leave that for another week or two.  Unless we get into some hot weather (wishful thinking)....

The garden is tilled...and four rows of potatoes are planted.  Usually Mr. Seventies waits til June to plant vegetable seeds...but again will see if the weather co-operates...  And the lawns need mowing for the first time this year!

We're looking forward to a delicious barbecue at our daughter's & her husband's over the weekend....and enjoy our grand baby & grand-dog.

Again....enjoy your weekend where ever you are!!  

An Afternoon Outing With My BFF

Liesel and I took in a bit of retail therapy.....she's not a huge fan of being in strange places so we didn't go for too long.   She does enjoy seeing all the different sights...of course her favourite being the car ride....

Most of the stores here...with the exception of grocery stores....allow and encourage dogs....so we love to visit those places....see how excited she is??

Maybe excited is not the correct description....but she does like to look about...and people always stop and chat with us.....she is pretty adorable, after all....

Most decor collections were BOGO....not my favourite sale....but fun to check it out just the same...wow...I'm loving this truck in pink.  I'm not sure if the faux flower stems were included or if someone placed them in the back....

I love the non traditional truck colours (red is the most common)...so pretty for the spring and summer seasons!

This wall piece is from the same collection I have in our master bedroom.....so pretty....our tulips are in full bloom....I'll share a bouquet I picked....

I almost picked up this adorable glass container....the lid closes tightly & it would be perfect for holding bath salts.  I ended up not purchasing anything as there was quite a line up at the check out....and I suspected my shopping pal would be ready to leave soon....

And this piece....did not come with the faux flowers as they were priced separate....but I'm crushing hard on it.   You could put any seasonal decor in it....or even a faux plant.....

We took a few minutes and perused around Home Sense....and found some pretty things....this beautiful pitcher would be perfect for mixing up cold drinks this summer....

And some Rae Dunn goodness available...I typically lean towards the fall and Christmas Rae Dunn pieces...but these cookie jars are so nice....

And who doesn't love gnomes?  And gnome cookie jars even better.  I almost purchased one....not for cookies....but for storing Liesel's biscuits!!  I may pick one up if any are still available....

And I thought these lamps were awesome...very different from the typical base and shade style....

No trip to Home Sense would be complete without checking out the pet section....Liesel in particular was very interested in this toy basket....(we have three filled already)....and usually her toys are strewn about the floor most days...

By this time she was getting antsy and I didn't want to push my luck....so we decided it was time to head home.....

It was such a beautiful day....once home I picked a few tulips....there are so many more colours, shapes and sizes yet to bloom...

Look what I scored on FB Marketplace!!  I think this wall plug, which holds a wax melt...has been discontinued so I quickly messaged the seller....made an offer & she accepted.  I've seen these on eBay selling for $70 or more....plus shipping.  And I paid less than half that....so I'm pretty happy to have been able to pick this up.  I like that it plugs in & takes up no counter space.....the wax melt sits on top....

Besides our outing this week....the SUV went to the garage... the annual inspection was due.  It  needs a couple of parts....one is covered under the warranty....and four new tires are on order for install in early June & the remaining parts needed will be replaced at the same time. 

I set up an appointment with the dealership to have the part installed next week....(the part is needed to pass inspection).  Since it is covered under the warranty....the dealership is responsible for the install.  I have to say the garage we now take the SUV to & the dealership have given us exceptional customer service.  It was the mechanic who advised the part needed was likely covered by the warranty & he called the dealership to inquire.  Customer service is everything!   

Thanks so much for spending time with me!  I hope you have an awesome day...and if you are in Canada...Happy Victoria Day weekend!  The weather here is forecast to be sun, sun & more sun!  Might be a good time to stain the decks!!

Jump Start Of A New Week

It was one of those weeks since last post...so let's dive right in.  Firstly....I had a 24 hour stomach bug...so there was that.  Not a major bout...but enough to knock me down for about 24-36 hours or so.  Mr. Seventies avoided it...but then again...I avoided his head cold.  We are both fully recovered & none the worse for wear...

So...this happened last week!  A birthday gift back in March from my oldest daughter...she gifted me a tattoo!!  This girl knows her Mama all too well!   I'm obsessed with the way it turned out...this photo is right upon completion ...in the shop & still some stencil ink...but otherwise perfect.  And...truly...there was very little discomfort involved...as the artist used a tattoo tool...much like a large pen.  Very kind to "fragile" skin he explained.  It has healed beautifully...

We visited a few of our favourite garden centres...this one is our favourite...with an amazing gift shop!  This indoor pond has beautiful large goldfish swimming around....

Some beautiful plants and hanging baskets....and that archway is gorgeous!!

It was very busy with many shoppers milling about....I was fortunate to shoot my photos without catching any unsuspecting people...beautiful gazebo!!

While Mr. Seventies perused the perennials outside...it was time for me to scope out the gift shop!  And it did not disappoint...and you know I was drawn to the Plow & Hearth hooked cushions!!

I think this one is my favourite...but then again it's hard to pick just one...

And Plow & Hearth hooked wool rugs are awesome....this one caught my eye immediately!  I almost purchased it for the front entry....almost.   Gorgeous, right??

But this one....this one...just might have come home with me!  A pretty poppy is hard to resist!!

And a couple of the cutest salt & pepper shakers...the Queen and one of her beloved Corgis!!

And a blue truck....with I presume "bales of hay" on the back (which were the salt & pepper shakers).....so cute!!

And this wooden sign...I was crushing on it pretty hard!  I saw it at another gift shop we visited it as well....I love the variety of birds....

And this canvas was not for sale...but too adorable not to catch a photo of...sweet littles ones....and a pup!!

I chuckled when I saw these ball caps...pretty fitting for Mr. Seventies!!

Oh...and did I mention the poppy rug may have come home with me?  And it looks so pretty in the front entry....

That was just one of the green houses we checked out....and Mr. Seventies did not come home empty handed either.  He was happy to pick up three new perennials and two annual Begonias.....

One thing I discovered....Scentsationals wax melts have a Canadian line of scented tarts!  I thought I'd give one scent a go....and it did not dissapoint!  There were 4-5 other scents available as well....I'll have to give them a try as well!  The Cinnamon Sugar Pastry melts are amazing!  Long lasting scent as well!  You'd think I'd been baking all day!!

I used a bit of my Amazon gift card and ordered a sleeve for my laptop!  It arrived the other day...and is a perfect fit & amazing quality with zip enclosure!  There is an extra pocket for headphones & charger...and I'm loving the rust orange colour!!

One change we made this week was discontinuing our television cable service!  We watch little television & it was seldom on from one week to the next!  With cell phones, laptops & tablets....we have numerous options for watching programs or sporting events.   Not that it was the driving factor...but it seemed ridiculous to spend over $1,200 annually....for a service we didn't use.  It was an easy decision.

And lastly....the first bouquet from the gardens this year...beautifully scented Hyacinth!!  

We are just about to the middle of May!  Waiting for the weather to co-operate so we can put a coat of fresh stain on the decks!  I picked up a couple of gallons...still need to replenish our roller and paint brush supply.  Mr. Seventies finished the back walk way, tilled the vegetable garden & has two rows of potatoes planted....with a couple more rows to do.  We picked up our vegetable seeds at Veseys Seeds...he usually waits til June before putting seeds in the ground.  

And if Mother Nature co-operates....we will get the pool opened and up & running for the summer!  Very much looking forward to that & spending as much time outside as possible! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today & spending time with me.  I will be hanging out over at A Stroll Thru Life  on Tuesday and Between Naps on the Couch for Metamorphosis Monday.