Happy Birthday Liesel!!

 Liesel  (front & centre) and her sister siblings....even then I could pick her out amongst the rest!!

At six weeks of age  Liesel required very expensive eye surgery at the veterinary hospital in Guelph, Ontario...she had hair growing in her eye...and it needed to be removed.  I bless her breeder for spending the large sum of money to save Liesel.....even before we knew she was coming to us!  For that reason....she was almost four months old when she joined us...

She flew in a heated cargo plane (it was November)....not in cargo on a passenger plane...on a flight from Toronto, Ontario to Halifax, NS...her flight lasted a little over an hour.  She arrived with her water bowl still full....a very smooth flight!   We were right there...and watched her plane land...and within minutes she was brought, in her carrier to us!    After a few minutes to stretch her legs & have a treat, we called her breeder to advise she had arrived safely...then Liesel was hooked into her car seat and we began the three hour drive home.  She immediately curled up & slept the whole trip.....

We're very happy she has been in good health for the most part....and pray no back issues ever surface.  We are mindful of the arthritis in both front legs and left shoulder...keeping a close eye for signs of pain or discomfort.  These days we've been giving her quick swims in the pool...not her favourite pastime!!

She received a bag of her favourite salmon treats and two new toys to celebrate her day!

Happy 8th Birthday to our resident wire hair!!  You are very much loved!

July Is Winding Down....

The month has flown by!  I won't complain as the weather has been glorious....and given the long range forecast, it plans to continue for the next several days!

The guest bedroom lamps have arrived & I picked them up the other day....love them!!  Kind of quirky....but sure add a pop of colour.  Daughter was happy to receive the old ones...she's been busy doing a bedroom refresh with a beautiful new dresser and an one piece king headboard and frame...

I strolled the aisles of Home Sense earlier in the week...not an over abundance of fall or Hallowe'en decor....I'm finding our stores here are lacking.  Whether it's a supply issue or what....but stock has been slow...and low.   Maybe there will be more to come....

I adore these!!  Could be used for serving...or cooking small soups or casserole for one or two people.  It would be difficult to choose which ones are my favourites.....

I almost picked up this candle...but it had a chip on the under-side of the cover.  And the most discount given would be 10%-hardly worth it....and they only had the one.  50% off maybe I would have considered...but Home Sense "clearance" and "markdowns" are not worth the sticker used....

I do love these pumpkins!  Reminds me of a couple of smaller ones I picked up at the thrift store that were ceramic bisque...and I spray painted them!  For a fraction of the cost.  I kept one...and gave the other to daughter...

Now...this Happy Haunting banner...is everything!  Crazy price tag of $24.99 though!!

Look at the colour of this sofa!  Stunning!  Not the type to curl up and have a nap on...but the "just for looks" kind of sofa!   I didn't have time to remove the ugly cushions though...as there were shoppers just about coming in to view.   Swoon worthy for sure!!

I dropped into Michaels as well....still no colour pumpkins...other than orange or white.  Will check back another day....and share my findings. 

The hand soap order arrived!  Half price shipping....the haul arrived in 2-3 days!   Lots of fall scents...and a couple of cute ones for Halloween!  Daughter chose eight...and I kept the remaining eight.  Should keep us in hand soap for a little while!!

I opened my adorable black truck tart warmer!  How cute the headlights light up when the burner is on!  They are not painted on...but actually light up...which also reminds me that it is turned on.  You can see the lights reflecting on the counter...

It's going to be another hot & sunny day!  Join me tomorrow in wishing our resident wire hair a Happy 8th Birthday!  Cannot believe 8 years have flown by.  Mama has a bit of birthday shopping to do for her today!!

Have an awesome day!!

Monday Catch Up!

Another hot & humid day in the forecast....and it has been great to have the air conditioning (even though it still looks ugly on the wall....just saying)..... we have enjoyed cooling off in the pool three or four times each day.  And we've been entertained with visits from grand baby & parents...and delicious bar-be-ques & treats for dining el fresco!

And....I have a summer cold!  Not a full on one yet...just sinus pain, aching joints...Mr. Seventies suffered a miserable cold earlier in the month...it dragged on for over two weeks!  I don't think I have the same strain...but it's enough to make it a bit miserable.  Hopefully, it will clear up quickly.....

Pre-cold...I came across a couple of hooked Plough & Hearth cushions (same company my peony area rug is from)....and they were on half price clearance!  As usual, the cushions inside were not great quality polyfil...which I quickly switched out for feather ones.  I had Mr. Seventies remove the "Always Kiss Me Goodnight" plaque from above the bed....I'll pick a few pieces of wall decor when I come across them.  The bedside lamps should arrive in a couple of days.....hopefully.....

I spied this the other day at Home Sense...I know...I do not need another ( some would say tacky) cow canvas...but she is pretty.  And to each his own...right?

The were just starting to set out their fall goodies...you can see the empty shelves in the back ground.  I have since been advised...they are full to the brim now!  Maybe later in the week I'll check everything out! In the meantime...can we just crush on these knit pumpkins??   Love!!

I did almost pick up this awesome Citrus & Sandalwood scented candle!  I have new, unopened candles for fall (and Christmas)...... I need to sort through and see what I have....

Bath & Body Works was having a huge sale on their hand soaps....and half price shipping!  Daughter and I each ordered eight various ones to have on hand...a couple like Ghoul Friend and Vampire Blood...will be perfect for Hallowe'en!  I'll share that order when it arrives....

Has anyone heard of or used this leather conditioner?  I ordered a bottle on Amazon...for my leather bags, shoes & boots.  And interior seats in the SUV.  Our furniture in the family room is suede leather...so don't think it could be used on them...but they are pretty much maintenance free anyways.    We do have leather furniture in the downstairs family room it can be used on though....I'm looking forward to giving it a try.....

I'm going to take my morning tea and head to the deck before it gets too hot....another heat warning issued for today!  I'll be sharing over at Between Naps on the Porch later today for Metamorphosis Monday .

And at A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire me Tuesday!  Drop on over and check us out!!

Just Floating By....

To wish everyone a happy weekend!!  Spending lots of time cooling off in the pool!  Ruff life!!

A Tale Of Two Curtain Panels

I'm happy to report the curtain panels arrived!  After a bit of sleuthing & chatting with Canada Post..I suspect the panels were not actually made in Canada...but rather China.  It appears they were shipped within Canada...via a warehouse in Toronto.  But first...they were required to clear customs arriving from China...then make their way to Toronto & then me. Explains the three week plus delivery time!!

Burst my vision of a seamstress lovingly stitching them in her sewing room!  Very misleading to the consumer...but it may very well be a common practice with sellers on Etsy.  

Anyways...the panels did arrive and they are amazing quality & the fabric is beautiful.  Now here is where things went sideways on me.  Mr. Seventies was installing them....and we discovered they were way too long!!   If he raised the curtain rod up almost to the ceiling....the finials couldn't be screwed on the rod.  What had I done wrong??

Turns out...I ordered the wrong length!  Talk about a brain bubble!! The panels should have been 90" in length...and they turned out to be 95"!  What was I thinking at the time?  I'm usually not that careless.    I was so annoyed with myself...but not defeated.

I took the panels...and headed to a local fabric shop where they keep list of names & contact info for available seamstresses in the area. I was given three names...and one seamstress in particular was highly recommended.  I gave her a quick call, happy to hear she lived close by.... and I could drop the panels off for hemming!  

They would require hemming to 90"  for them to just touch the floor, while having the curtain rod 4" down from the ceiling and 3" out from the window frame.   When I dropped them off, she not only charged me just $20 to hem both panels....she had them ready that afternoon!!   Once I retrieved them, Mr. Seventies installed the curtain rod hardware at the correct height and spacing.  Please forgive the patch job above the rod...it has now been sanded....and ready for paint touch up.  Our failed attempt to hang the panels hung at the right height....pre-hemming.  It was also dark & raining heavily outside...so lighting is not the best...

I planned to use a red toile quilt set on the bed, however it appeared quite "red".... as opposed to the cranberry colour of the panels....and the two colours clashed.  I went through my stash...and came across this quilt set from Anthrolopologie and it's a perfect match!!

I cannot tell you how relieved and happy I am to have this little project finally completed!  We are having company in August & I wanted the room put together in time.  I hope to pick up a few decorator cushions...and have ordered a couple of unique lamps from a local shop.   I like things that are different...and these lamps are definately that!! 

We are back into high temps and sun after a wet & windy day yesterday.  I took advantage of the warm weather  a couple of days ago & picked a bouquet of lavender and a bunch for daughter as well.   Lavender is a such a soothing and relaxing scent....

So there we have the tale of two curtain panels!   We are back into warm temperatures for the next few days....we are loving this weather!  We've run the air conditioning a couple of times...as a rule our house stays quite cool until about supper time into early evening.  

I'm so glad you dropped by....how is your summer going?  We are getting just the right amount of heat...and rain showers....with a couple of thundershowers tossed into the mix.  Have an awesome day wherever you are today!  

Hot Summer Days!!

Summer has arrived!  It's been hot & humid...and we are loving it!  That being said....I've spent most of my time...outside!  Today....before it gets too warm....I plan to pick my lavender...it's blooming & ready to be dried.

And....drum roll please....my curtain panels are here!  Well...not in my mail box yet...but tracking reports they have arrived !  First piece of tracking information since they were shipped on June 29th!  Hopefully, next update will be "out for delivery"!!  

I was cleaning a seldom used kitchen cabinet the other day...and came across my McCoy cookie jar!  I had seen one...either on eBay or Etsy...and it made me think of the one I inherited.  Growing up, it was stored under neath my Mom's china cabinet....and held receipts!  I have no clue where it came from...my Mom passed away at an early age....and later my Dad gave the cookie jar to me.  I wish I had asked anything about it's origins, where it came from and when...but he may not have known anyways.   This is a photo the one that I came across online...

And this is mine....I'll likely find a more permanent home for it.  I'd love to display it....without fear of it being broken...for now it's on top of my dish cabinet.  I do know the jar is McCoy pottery (USA)....and likely produced in the 1960's.  Some I've seen listed are not in the best of condition...with paint missing...but mine has been kept pristine...keeping it safely tucked away has likely helped....

I did pop into Michaels again earlier in the week to check out their pumpkin stock....for the topiary I planned to make.  All that is available in pumpkin colours were orange or white.  The sales clerk didn't know if they would be getting in any additional colours....which was disappointing.  In the meantime...I picked up this one....even though I'm not a fan of the bucket and there is a lot of glue holding the bottom pumpkin in place.  To attempt to remove it....would damage it I'm afraid.   There was only the one...and the colours are more to my liking...

I purchased it in the event they did not bring in more pumpkin colours....if they do...I have the option of returning this one I purchased.  If not...I will glue some faux leaves around the bottom pumpkin...as I'm not liking the faux moss they used.   It is a perfect size for setting on the hearth though....

That is going to be it for today!  Have the covers off the patio furniture...and other than running a couple of quick errands this morning...I plan to hang out on the deck!  

How is your summer going so far?  We had quite a thunderstorm overnight a few days ago...and a thundering downpour.  I love when it rains overnight...then is hot & sunny the following day!

Thank you for stopping by....and hope you return soon!  I'll be sharing over at Between Naps on the Porch for  Metamorphosis Monday .  

And check out A Stroll Thru Life on Tuesday for Inspire Me Tuesday!  Hope to see you there!!

Rainy Morning

After a beautiful, hot week of weather we have some showers in the forecast for this morning!  Then back into sunny days & hot temperatures.   We've had enjoyable days in the pool and lazying on the deck....grand baby was over for a dip....she loves the water. 

Our grand dog Benson...he's a smooth coated dachshund...was having an IVDD flare up about mid week.  He is two years post op from back surgery...and a few days ago started to display discomfort & pain.  A quick trip to his veterinarian and it was confirmed his back had flared up again.  An actual disc rupture...as before was not suspected....he was prescribed two pain medications and complete rest in his x pen.  I'm happy to report, as of yesterday...he is showing improvement.  Should his situation deteriorate...he will be taken to the veterinary hospital for further care.  Fingers crossed that won't happen.  A photo from when he & Liesel were play mates...she's a bit too rough & tumble for him now....(she's such a tomboy) ......

Mr. Seventies took advantage of the great weather to apply a coat of sealant to the drive way....we parked our SUV in our neighbours drive for 24 hours afterwards....(as the company instructed to let it set for that amount of time)...not particularly pretty...but it is good to topcoat the asphalt every year or so....

And the saga of the curtain panels continues....they have yet to arrive...but are "in transit"....thus far it has taken sixteen days...shipped from Ontario.  I may call Canada Post today...and inquire if there is any tracking update....as obviously on line tracking is of little assistance.  I don't have my hopes set high....

This cooler day has me thinking about fall...and no...I'm not done with summer by any means.  I popped into Michael's again....as they are putting out more stock every day....and it got my wheels to turning.   I think I will put together one of these...for inside...on the hearth....or something similar.  This is a stock photo from Home Depot (where it is currently unavailable)....but it would be too easy to cut off a couple of stems and glue vinyl pumpkins from Michaels in a stack.   The one we set on the step is resin...and heavy so as not to blow off...an indoor one doesn't need to be weighted.  

And speaking of the hearth.....we have decided to hold off on switching out the pellet stove for a propane insert...since we had the mini-split heat pump/air conditioner installed this year.  I'm okay with that decision...we won't be using the stove anyways....

While I was in Michaels...I took a brief look around...and picked up this pumpkin banner to hang on the mantel. I used a coupon....and chose not to wait until they go on sale...as I suspect they will sell out pretty quickly.   Last fall I picked up an old truck banner than I hung across my kitchen windows....

I'm loving these pieces...and I may pick up a couple for my tiered tray....I'll wait until they go on BOGO...

I came across these adorable plates...both are my favourites!  

And this adorable pumpkin over the door wreath hanger!  I'll be looking for a new fall wreath for the front door as well....

And with fall...let's swing right into Christmas....nothing like rushing the seasons!  Bath & Body Works was having an awesome sale on candles...as I mentioned in an earlier post...and my order arrived the other day....these smell amazing!  I put them away until December....but at such a great sale price...it was a great time to stock up...

The rain has stopped...it's supposed to clear off...now that the gardens have had a good quenching.  Our potatoes in the garden are in blossom...so we'll have new potatoes in the next week or so!!  The weather for the weekend....full sun & hot!!  

And you know where we'll be hanging out!  Grand baby & family plan to join us for a bar-be-cue and cool down in the pool!  We are thrilled she loves the water...she comes wearing the cutest swim wear and water shoes!   We have such a wonderful time!

I hope you have an amazing weekend!  

One Of Those Weeks!!

Last week...was just one of those weeks!  Nothing tragic...just one that leaves your head shaking! The weather has been cool & windy...not pool weather...at all.  Fingers crossed this week looks a bit more promising.

It wasn't all bad....Miss Liesel had dental surgery on Thursday....and all went exceptionally well!  Her pearly whites are scaled & polished...no issues other than a little sleepy....

And.....still no curtain panels!  Last time I updated...they were to arrive last Wednesday.  Nada.   Then I received notification...from Canada Post...they would arrive Friday.  Still a no show.  I decided to call Canada Post...was advised the package "had not been processed".....and while the young man I spoke to was very nice...he offered explanations of staff shortages, delivery slow down and so on.  All this time, there had been no updates with tracking...other than they had been shipped on June 29, 2022.

Today....tracking advised my package "cleared customs" in Vancouver, BC and was on its way!  What???  Why did a package....shipped from Toronto, Ontario....need to be cleared in customs at the opposite side of the country??   Makes absolutely no sense!   Customs is for items being shipped into Canada...not within Canada!!  But...it is Canada Post...enuf said. 

On the other hand....a part ordered for our whipper snipper was due to arrive this Wednesday.  It arrived last Friday....much to Mr. Seventies delight.  Go figure.  

So the curtain panels will arrive...when they arrive!  That's all I can hope for.

One item that did arrive...although it was not without a small debacle..is my truck tart warmer!  Tracking claimed it arrived on July 7, 2022...and had been picked up (presumably by me).  Um..no.   When I called Wal Mart customer service...again a very pleasant representative...advised the information was wrong...and I should ignore it.

Within a few hours...I received notification it had arrived & was ready for pick up.  You can order just about anything from Wal Mart's website & have it shipped to the store...free of charge.  Which is great, as you've read my complaints our local store...has little stock of anything....

My latest acquisition will be another re-born doll...some are being discontinued...and sold at discounted prices.  The artist ordered the kit...and she will paint & sculpt her to perfection...complete with yarn for hair.  I've always had a love of anything Raggedy Ann....and this cutie is no exception.  She will be the fourth doll in my collection....(pink horse not included)...

Her outfit will be different....as I have chosen this one...custom ordered....complete with an adorable hair bow!

These dolls will be keep sakes for my grand-daughters....one for each girl.  I had to pack my dolls away for now...as Liesel is obsessed with her "babies"......Raggedy Ann will likely sit on a dresser when she is completed.  Hours and hours of work go into bringing these dolls to life...and I'm excited to see her when she is completed.

Last evening we enjoyed another fire pot party....and toasted marshmallows.  The wind died down early evening....so we took advantage of the calmness.  I've been taking it easy the last few days....I had the misfortune of turning my ankle in the driveway...while returning from a walk with Liesel.  I landed on my knees like a bag of cement!  Nothing graceful about it at all.  I did not sprain or break my ankle...just bruised it...and have pavement rash on one knee and elbow.  Nothing a soak in a hot bath didn't help.  But still a bit sore...so spent a couple of days...not doing much of anything.

This week hopefully will be a bit more productive...Ma Nature promises heat & sun...temps in the low 50's F just aren't cutting it.  Our summers are so short here...by the time it arrives....we only enjoy a few weeks.  The vegetable garden is thriving though...the potatoes have blossomed...and we've enjoyed beet greens already!!  

We took in an afternoon matinee at the movie theatre...a great way to pass a rainy afternoon!  We've been wanting to catch a production at one of the theatre houses...but there hasn't been anything that appeals to us.  There is one showing at the Confederation Centre we plan to attend with friends from Nova Scotia in early August....

Thanks so much for spending time with me today, as always I'll be sharing over at Between Naps on the Couch for  Metamorphosis Monday.   

And again on Tuesday, at A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday.  I'm considering giving the lamps in our guest bedroom a make over...or if I find larger ones I like...I may go that route.  

Have an awesome day!!   Leave a comment & share all your news!!  

Michaels!! What Are You Thinking?

From June until the end of December are my favourite months....but I do love all things fall!  However, when I walked into Michaels the other day....I actually gasped!  Yes...gasped!  Partly from shock....partly from  a tinge of excitement!!

Staff were busy....putting out fall decor!  I love this stack of standing pumpkins!!

And a variety of standing welcome signs...as much as I love them....if I set one on the step....it gets blown over....every time...

Crushing hard on these little wheel barrows....set a couple of pumpkins in...and a really cute piece of all decor...or for greater impact a couple of fall Mums....

Decorated pumpkins....they were just setting these out...with some annoying lady snapping photos close by....

Sunflower mats...while I love the look...not a fan of coir mats though....but they are everywhere....with just about everything painted on them.  I do love the look of a black & white Buffalo check mat underneath a coir rug though...

I thoughtfully considered purchasing one of these egg trays!  So much cuter than a boring egg carton...I'd love to use one in the refrigerator.  But I could see this being a disaster with Mr. Seventies...so I decided against getting one.  Oh so cute...I'm not sure they are specifically for storing eggs....but that is what I would use one for...

I can't wait to visit Michaels again in a few days...when they have all their fall decor out!  Please don't hate me. 

I skipped ahead to Christmas candles!  Bath & Body works is having an amazing sale on candles...so I ordered two of each to have on hand for this holiday season.  Ordering on their website and having them shipped for $9.99...is less painful than paying sky high gas prices...and the $50 bridge to the mainland...(since we don't have a brick & mortar store here).  The three wick candles regular price is $26.95....now on for $6.95...I ordered two of each of these scents...

Yesterday, Mr. Seventies removed the two windows that need glass replacement and we took them in for measuring.  When the glass is ready, the shop will call & we'll drop them off for repair...usually takes only a few hours and they will be ready...

And we had one screen left that needed to be replaced....Mr. Seventies took the screen frame outside, removed the old screening and replaced it with new....

And today....my curtain panels should arrive!  The weather is forecast to rain all day...so getting them installed will be a great rainy day project!!  Cannot wait to see them hung!!

Tomorrow is Liesel's dental cleaning appointment.  She will be dropped off early morning...and likely be ready for pick up mid afternoon.  Fingers crossed she will not require extractions!  It was exactly one year ago today she had a dental...no extractions then.  With the exception of having two baby teeth taken out...she hasn't had any periodontal issues....

Thank you for spending a bit of time with me today!  I hope you have an awesome day where ever you are!  We've had a bit of a cool down in weather this week...so hoping for the heat to return in the next few days!  

Busy Weekend

Welcome to Monday!  We had a great weekend...the weather was amazing!  Canada Day we didn't venture too far... hung out at the pool....and put my new fire pit to use!!

At dusk, Mr. Seventies loaded it with kindling & wood....and in no time we had a beautiful fire.....and a few marshmallows were toasted!  

The next day, the cover was secured to protect it from rain and dampness.  It was wonderful to sit under the stars and enjoy the fire!  Others in our neighbourhood were in their back yards doing the same thing!!

I had picked up a couple of things for grand baby's special day....she loved her new clock...and knows all the shapes!  She will be telling time in "no time"....(the pink monkey was for Liesel).  Her heart anniversary was a great success...we enjoyed a meal of pizza and a few sweet treats!  And of course....the guest of honour...

She loves books...so added a couple of new reads for her....she loves being read to... and "reading" on her own.  Her bookshelves are getting pretty full.  She was being read to....even before she was born....

While I was out and about...I had previously seen this table runner...and left the store without it . You would think I would learn!   I happened to come across it again....and thought better this time!  Not only are the sunflowers gorgeous...but the runner is a full 90" long!  Most are 72" or shorter...so the longer length was an added bonus.  I had to move my bee hive out of Liesel's line of vision...she insists it is a toy!

And the pool vacuum arrived!  Where has it been the past 12 years??  It did an amazing job vacuuming the pool floor...and as promised...it moved up & cleaned the pool walls!  We've named her "Squiggly"...and she is my new best friend.  Our previous vacuum, "Wanda the Whale".....sold quickly on FB Marketplace...

When my friend & I were on our shopping expedition last week....we checked out the Salvation Army thrift shop!  I picked up this glass jug for under $5.00....

The price was the cheapest part of it's makeover!  I had a vision in mind when I purchased it!  I had no idea spray paint for glass was almost $22 a can!  And then....I saw the plumes at Michaels.   Not on sale or BOGO.  Regular price. Add an additional $70 for them...and my "vision" cost a bit more than I had planned.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out!  If I didn't purchase the plumes when I saw them...they would sell out before they ever went on sale!  And Mr. Seventies really likes it...so that is an added bonus!

While at Wal Mart, I checked out the wax melts....and discovered another new to me scent!  And it is amazing...cannot wait to use them in the fall!  Notice how just one package would never do?  Anyone else like that?  If one is good....more is better?   It can't be just me...

Guest room curtain panels update - they will be arriving on Wednesday!!  I cannot wait for Mr. Seventies to install the curtain rod...and hang the panels!  I know he's looking forward to it too!  (bit of sarcasm there).  He's very easy going...but I do get a few raised eyebrow looks occasionally....

We have two windows with broken seals in the glass....making them appear foggy all the time.  One is in the kitchen...the other in the master bedroom.  Tomorrow we will remove them & take them to the glass shop for measurement for glass replacement.

They don't keep the windows, but rather we bring them home & they call when the glass is in & set up a date & time to bring them back in for repair.   If a larger window requires glass replacement...they will come & remove the old and install the new glass on site.  When the windows are manufactured...they are sealed with argon gas (it's a bit of an insulator).  And over time...the seal can sometimes "break"...and that causes the windows to look foggy or dirty......drives me insane.  I'll be happy when they are repaired.  Last summer the main bathroom window glass was replaced.  We had the old 70's wooden windows replaced in 1995 (new exterior siding & insulation installed at the same time)....with these single hung vinyl windows....they work exceptionally well...but the seals do let go.  

Liesel is having a dental this week...she has her teeth cleaned once a year.  I brush them as well...but dachshunds are prone to periodontal disease...so it's important we keep her oral hygiene in check.  She was in the pool briefly the other day....just a quick dip to cool off.  Not her favourite activity.

I trust everyone had a great weekend & is enjoying beautiful weather.  We are in a cool down this week...but with a busy week of appointments, not much time for hanging out at the pool anyways.

I plan to be over at Between Naps On The Porch for Metamorphosis Monday and A Stroll Thru Life on Inspire Me Tuesday.   Come join us & catch up with some amazing bloggers!