Spring Sprucing Up

The weather has been amazing the past few days....and looks to continue into the long Victoria Day weekend...

Mr. Seventies plans to get started staining both decks & steps...starting with the pool deck.  Once both decks are done & thoroughly dry....we will be able to put out the wicker furniture!   Hopefully, in the next week or two we'll get the pool opened & up & running for the summer...it's a lovely shade of green currently....

I discovered when getting Liesel out of her safety seat in the SUV...(we call it her "bucket") .....hers is covered in dark brown washable canvas material like this one in the photo.    It's secured using a seat belt fed through the seat,  as shown here...

Then....this happened...the tether used to secure her....ripped apart.  Now, somewhere in this Seventies Split....I have an extra tether.  And therein lies my issue....we have searched high & low....and cannot find it!  

I was pretty certain I should be able to order a replacement.   One would think it would be an easy fix.  It isn't.  Firstly, the brand name of the seat ....has changed.  It is no longer known under the name Sol Vit...(when I purchased it eons ago)....but now under Pet Safe.   After falling down the google rabbit hole...I found I could order a new tether... the design is a bit different. 

Then I remembered we have a great leather/shoe repair shop here...I took the tether in & it's going to be glued & sewn back together!  It's still sturdy enough for repair....and ready for pick up tomorrow.   Issue resolved. 

As I was cleaning & puttering in the main bedroom....I inadvertently cracked a table lamp on a night stand....twice.  Because smacking it once just wasn't enough!  I set it on the floor while I dusted...and well...when I went to put it back on....I smacked it against the night stand.  Hard.  I set it down to check the damage....and did it again attempting to set it back on the second time.   And they are very noticeable cracks!  

These ones are being delivered today...I like how they have charging ports!   I listen to music...all night...either on my phone or lap top...having the ability to charge at the same time...is such a bonus.  And they are easy lamps to turn on...as you can see in the photo....and I will be more careful this time when cleaning....

I spent three hours the other day out & about running errands....and while it felt great to be mobile again....I was a hurting unit by the time I headed for home.  Between my ankle, my knee and back....I was barely shuffling around!  

I did purchase this pretty crotchet cardigan....this green is my new go to colour...

And a throwback to my teenage years....who doesn't love a granny square crotchet tank?  Looks amazing with a pair of denim shorts.....

I'm obsessed with this little bag....cannot wait to use it!  I love that it's roomy enough to hold my cell phone, wallet & more!  So easy to open and close...my favourite feature.   Have you noticed crotchet anything is so in this summer?  Or maybe it's just me...

I plan to make a quick run & do a couple of errands I didn't get done the other day....then stay off this ankle.  The bruising has lessened...but if I'm on it for any length of time....it tends to ache & swell a bit.    Liesel & I will be supervising Mr. Seventies today!   Every job needs a couple of supervisors!

Til next time....

Let's Catch Up

Happy Monday!  I hope all Mom's had a beautiful celebration yesterday....my day was lovely!  We shared delicious home made pizza & Mother's Day cupcakes with our youngest daughter & family.  My daughter in Nova Scotia...(had to work part of her day)....was delighted to receive the beautiful flower arrangement from us to brighten her day. 

She spoiled me with a custom perfume, mixed just for me, bath bombs & bath salts...all greatly appreciated.  Daughter here gifted me an Amazon card (she knows her Mama too well).....and Liesel gave me a gift certificate to the hair salon I visit.   And, of course a few heartfelt cards....

Quick update Liesel's ultrasound revealed thickening (inflammation) in the stomach lining.  Usually caused by a combination of food allergies & irritable bowel syndrome.  Her system is unable to process protein...she is now fed a hydrolyzed diet (protein is broken down so small her body doesn't react or recognize it).  She has prescription kibble, canned & treats....and no other food of any sort.  Not that she is accustomed to human food...but we keep tight control of what she consumes...in eight weeks if she has greatly improved we will continue on this path....if not...further investigation & biopsy will be required. 

She was shaved on her belly, from behind her front paws to her groin!  That is going to itch when it starts to grow back...but necessary for the ultrasound.  She was very sleepy & unsure on her feet afterwards....but after a good night's sleep...was back to her old self the next day.....

I took a quick visit around Inspired Living (home decor)....they had a variety of new items in...these pretty faux flowers greeted shoppers at the door...

These plaques are a huge hit....with a wide variety of places on the Island....a bit pricey at $60, but were selling quickly for cottages and Mother's Day....

What do you think chances were this came home with me?  Pretty good, I'd say....

I'm crushing hard on this faux floral arrangement.....not sure if you can see the pussy willows....my favourite....had to find real ones here...

Love, love, love these canisters!  Could find a dozen uses for them....

These "real flame" candles are popular....they come in a variety of colours.....gray, green, white & red...and a few different sizes and shapes...they truly do look like real burning candles....but work with batteries....

Dough bowls are another of my favourite...of any size...and this one was no exception....

And the fishy mugs are back in stock!!   I have one in this colour....they are just so darn adorable....

In other news....Mr. Seventies gifted me with a beautiful peony!  (we gave daughter an identical one for Mother's Day).....this makes a total of six peonies now in our gardens....this is a new colour for us...it's a dark eggplant colour....

And our beautiful forsythia shrub is blooming!  It is the first bit of colour we get here in spring!  The tulips are starting to show off as well....

Mr. Seventies hung my dragonfly....I purchased last year...and one for my friend as well....

And my baskets arrived!!  I am so happy I ordered them....they are worth every penny!  I left them sitting on the dresser where I unpackaged them....and decided to leave them there!!

I've been putting pretty tv art on...these pretty lavender I chose the other day.  Not sure why the wall looks green....it certainly is not....

And speaking of wall colour....we suspect when the stucco is removed & the ceilings are painted....most of the walls will need new paint as well.  When painting previously....because of the rough texture on the ceilings....you could only get a small paintbrush up under the stucco....when it's removed and the ceiling flat...there likely will be a small area around the perimeter that will be visible.  We might have leftover paint for some walls....be definitely not for all the rooms....Mr. Seventies might be into a painting marathon....we will see....

And....remember the new rug?  To refresh your memory.....this one....

I've been living with it now for three months.....long enough to determine I really, really don't love it!  Or even like it for that matter.   Yup...call it buyer's remorse...or stupidity on my part....but I just can't live with it any longer!  And when Mama ain't happy....ain't no one happy!  Mr. Seventies had suggested I keep it for one year and decide then....but three months is about all I can handle!  It will fit perfectly in daughter's downstairs family room....so that is where it will be going!  

I'm going to take my time & make sure to choose an area rug I absolutely love this time!  Same with wall colour paint.  The ceilings will likely be started within the next couple of weeks....once the carpet is rolled up....it will not be going back down!

The kitchen is likely where the ceiling scraping will be started....not much has to be removed there....

Make sure you join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday and again tomorrow with Joanne at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays and https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Inspire Me Tuesday....

Til next time....

To All Moms

A little bouquet from the flower gardens!  Wishing all Mom's a very blessed & happy Mother's Day!  

Liesel - Update

As a pet paw-rent it's impossible to explain why things are happening....such as no food or water today!  Oh, the guilt I feel!

Our resident wire hair is undergoing a tummy ultrasound today....and that requires sedation....which requires an empty tummy!  It sucks the procedure couldn't be done early morning  (I asked) - rather than mid afternoon.  Long time to go without food or drink....for anyone!

Her vomiting issue continues...her veterinarian insists since the medication isn't working (or working well)....an ultrasound is the next step to investigate the source.   I'm not a vet...so I don't know what she is looking for...but hope she discovers no issues. 

I have long thought Liesel's issue is a food allergy issue, of some sort.  One of our previous dachshunds, Oskar had skin issues & through blood testing we discovered a number of foods that caused him side effects.  Foods such as white potato, tomato, eggs, dairy of any kind....certain grasses and bugs.   Once we had a diagnosis....we adjusted his diet...and had great success.  

Or perhaps Liesel has an acid tummy....at any rate this is the first step to reach a diagnosis & hopefully treatment.

None of all that helps with the guilt I feel -not being able to allow her food or drink....those begging eyes are hard to take!  She doesn't understand it's being done for her....and Mama will have supper ready for her when she comes home!

Quick Thrifting Outing

I'm still nursing a badly bruised sprained ankle... and while the swelling has gone down, ugly bruising remains....today will be the first opportunity to put on foot wear.  I have a dentist appointment...and although I could go with a slipper on one foot....I hope to manage a pair of soft  leather Doc Martin's for a couple of hours, then I'll rest it for the remainder of the day.  

Prior to hurting my ankle....I did a quick tour around one of our thrift stores...it was discount day which meant 30% off everything.   This handmade, ceramic mug would be adorable as a planter...I considered it for annuals on the deck...

I picked up these....great in the microwave...or perfect size little ice cream dish for me.....

A cute candy dish?  Soap dish?  Displayed on some books?  I like this piece...and the cute little pitcher in the background....

A large piece for chips, veggies or crackers and dip....but that price tag is ridiculous!!  But we know the prices in just about every thrift store have sky rocketed!!  Keep in mind....everything in this thrift store is donated...

The same with this hand painted tray....highly overpriced...which looks like a first painting project someone donated...and the cow's face is a bit wonky....I'm not judging....the painter may have put their heart & soul into it...

The sticker price on this covered set was $19.99 as well!  At that price....you can buy it new at Home Sense for less!

I checked out one aisle of women's summer dresses....and each one was selling for $14.99....and one I noticed had a huge rip under the pocket!  I don't purchase many pieces of clothing at thrift stores.....unless it's an exceptional deal....and those are few and far between these days....

We spent an enjoyable afternoon with daughter & family with Mr. Seventies & grand baby doing some serious gardening & moving plants & adding new ones to their flower gardens.   Grand daughter loves being outside & was a huge help (wearing adorable rain boots) & using her new watering can to give everything a good soaking.  We shared a delicious bar-b-cue after awards....(I supervised from a lawn chair)....

If my foot continues to heal, we hope to take a trip to a couple of Mr. Seventies favourite greenhouses in Summerside..... sometime this week with our little one in tow.  We will make an afternoon of it....stopping off in our favourite bake shop for a few treats for grand baby.

Since Mother's Day is coming up soon...we celebrate & honour our daughters as beautiful mothers....and always pick up a new plant or shrub for daughter's gardens here....(I think we've settled on a peony for this year) ...and daughter in Nova Scotia will be receiving a beautiful floral arrangement from a flower shop in her little town.  Plans are in the works to celebrate Mother's Day....I hear rumours of a home made pizza being on the menu!!   My favourite....

Join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday & again on Tuesday with Joanne at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About it Tuesdays and 

https://www.astrollthrulife.net/ for Inspire Me Tuesday with Marty....

Thank you for sharing a bit of your time with me today...I've been advised Inspired Living home decor store has been bringing in a lot of new merchandise.....so need to check it out soon!  Hopefully, you can tag along....

Til next time....

Welcome May!!

 

As thrilled as I am to get into the month of May....the weather has taken a bit of a downturn!  It's been very cool, windy & showers for the past few days!  The weekend weather is looking much better though!

It's early morning as I type this....but it's been an eventful one!  Liesel woke us about 4:30 a.m vomiting in her crate.  Nothing will get you out of bed quicker than the sound of a pet vomiting!  I'm going to have a conversation with her veterinarian...as this issue continues...even with medication.  

The vomiting is happening often again..maybe an allergy to something in her food?  One of our previous dachshunds has allergies to tomato, potato, dairy, eggs and a host of other foods.  The first ingredients were the first three items listed in his kibble!  He did not have a vomiting problem....but skin issues.  Once we got him on the right food...he did so much better.  So....Liesel's saga continues....

And I fell getting up off the sofa this morning!  Turned my ankle somehow...went down hard & boy did it hurt!  I'm sitting currently with my leg elevated & an ice pack on it,  it is quite swollen.    I can move it & put weight on it...but I think it's going to be sore!  Have no clue how I managed to trip over nothing.   I hope my day improves!!

I've picked up a few new clothing items....one item being this cardigan!  It is so soft & comfortable...

This comfy & casual dress ties at the neck....it's shown in black....but I chose an army green colour....

And this adorable sweatshirt...going to be great for the fall season...the comfort & colour is amazing....

How adorable is this hat with the bow? It is adjustable - ties on the inside you can tighten or loosen it.  I have it resting on a lantern on our dresser....it's going to be perfect to wear when out in the sun....

And this waffle sweatshirt is going to be perfect for cool summer evenings!!  And the colour is so vibrant!!

These high rise boot cut jeans were on sale....too good a deal to pass up...I live in jeans three seasons of the year...

I snagged this pretty sweater on Temu....so far I have been very happy with everything I've ordered from them!  This one is pink is gorgeous....although the V neck is not as low as shown in the photo....

I was in Wal Mart the other day, picking up printer paper....when I came across this lovely embroidered cardigan!  Only one left in size XS....so while I was in the store...I was able to order a Medium...free delivery & to arrive on Saturday at the store.   The photo does not do it justice....it is so soft & feminine...

I picked up a couple of pairs of denim shorts....I fully intend to live in them on the deck....when Mother Nature finally gets over her hissy fit & sends good weather!!

The beautiful Lenten roses are blooming in the gardens....I picked a small bouquet....

Mr. Seventies mentioned he wants another-  they come in a variety of colours....Liesel ordered one (she's good that way)  - a gift for Father's Day!  This one is called "Whirlwind Romance".....absolutely gorgeous!!  Planting time is May....when it arrives from Vesey's Seeds....we'll give it to him for planting....

Well, my ankle is now pretty swollen....both inside & outside ankle...and even on the top of my foot!  When I do something.....I really do it good!  I'm still able to put weight on it...but plan to spend most of the day with it elevated & iced!  Oh so pretty....

In one of the upcoming days....we plan to take grand daughter & do a day trip to Summerside ..... her grandfather wants to visit his favourite greenhouse....may stop into a couple of thrift stores and find a park for her to burn off some energy!  

Thanks so much for stopping by today.....until next time!!