Sneak Peek

Hello friends!!  October is slipping away on us, isn't it?  Cleanup from Fiona continues...stumps, branches and limbs were removed from the edge of our property...with gouges left in the grass from the front end loader...but it is what it is.   Mr. Seventies will spread topsoil and grass seed in the spring...even though it technically isn't part of our property....but doubtful repairs are on the top of the city's or province's priority list...

The small bedroom is coming together...the curtain panels...as expected will be a few weeks arriving.  I decided to use this olive green quilt set on the bed...since it's a beautiful fall colour....

My wicker basket sits perfectly at the bottom of the bed...and I laid a velour golden throw across the bed.  The photo on the wall....is my beloved Mom's graduation photo from Teacher's College....she was twenty two at the time....(a very young widow as well. )  She met & married my Dad eight or nine years later...

My cabinet remains in the room...with ample space to move about.  The curtain rod arrived & sets in the corner awaiting installation....

I'm so excited my cookware finally arrived!  Since it was sold out in the store (and such an amazing deal)...it needed to be ordered.  And well worth the wait!   It comes with a huge frying pan & lid as well not shown in the photo....

Besides the pots being non-stick..the covers have vent holes!  Things my previous stainless steel Paderno cookware did not have!

While I was in store picking up the cookware....I couldn't help but browse the Christmas decor...still being set out.  I found these adorable cupcake tree decorations...and could not resist picking up a few!  Our tree is going to fall over if I add much more to it!!

And found this adorable outdoor dachshund piece as well!  We looked at this a couple of years back...and decided it wasn't durable enough for outdoor use here.   Unless placed in an enclosed area where winds wouldn't rip it apart...it just won't withstand our harsh weather.  And we don't have any areas not exposed on our property....

And look what I find at the Mission Store (thrift shop)!   Benny, the dachshund...from the All About Pets movie!  My friend in New Brunswick wants him...so he will be hers...

We plan to meet up next month...where she has a couple of these adorable candles set aside for me.  I love that there are three wicks!  I have not seen them in Home Sense here...she is my own personal shopper!

Mr. Seventies intends to power wash the front walk...especially when he noticed how black the cement pads have become....and the outdoor lantern & post will need a fresh coat of paint in the spring....

Wishing you a great weekend!  The weather looks beautiful here for the next few days...wishing we could walk on the trails.  They are working hard to clear them!  There is very little fall colours to enjoy...what leaves were left...are now on the ground...much too early.  

Until next time.....

Our Attempt to Walk The Trail

We've been having gorgeous weather & ventured to one of the trails with Liesel for some fresh air and exercise.  And get a sneak peek at the damage left behind by Hurricane Fiona.  And she did not disappoint. 

The walking trails...are former railway tracks...with tracks removed & trails roomed for 260 km of walking & biking trails from one end of the Island to the other.   A great way to see the beauty and back woods of Prince Edward Island...

We were only able to do a short section of this area of the trail....it looked promising in the beginning...with a bit of gorgeous fall colour showing off...

Soon though we understood the the devastation Fiona left behind...

And it was eerily quiet...although we did meet some folks doing the same thing...walking & shaking heads...

It soon began to feel like an obstacle course...we were having to dodge around fallen trees...and under a few...

Trees uprooted is a common sight these days...not only on the trails but on homes and properties....

Yet some managed to hang on and share their beauty with us...most leaves are down now...either from the high winds....or stress from the storm.  It feels like the fall that wasn't....

Sadly, we decided there were just too many trees blocking the trail...and we turned back.  It will take a long time before they become useable again.

Anyone with wells...is being urged to boil t& get their water tested...being without power for so long...with water sitting in pipes would be contaminated with bacteria.  We are on municipal water...and sewer...and thankfully so. 

The new twin bed arrived and is put together...I love it!  It's going to be a while for the curtain panels to arrive...once they do and are hung....I will share.  I couldn't be happier with how the room is looking...

I'll be sharing over at Between Naps on the Porch for  Metamorphosis Monday

And with A Stroll thru Life tomorrow for Inspire Me Tuesday!

Clean up continues on our property...Mr. Seventies has been working hard to remove large stumps left behind after taking down fallen trees.  There are still a few trees to come down yet...with one we won't be doing ourselves.  It's a bit too close to the power lines...and assistance is available.  

So glad you stopped by today...thank you so much for doing so!  See you again soon...

Vanity Room/Third Bedroom Re-Do

Lately I haven't been using my vanity much....the room had become a catch-all room.  A place to "set" things....until they were put away.  And we all know how that ends....it was becoming a glorified junk room.  Just what we don't need...or want....

The vanity is enjoying it's new home....somewhere on the eastern end of the Island...compliments of Facebook Marketplace.  The white storage cabinet seen in the mirror will be staying...it may not be on that wall...but we will be utilizing it.

The area rug has been rolled up....yet to decide where it's going....likely on Marketplace as well.    Starting with a clean slate!  We first need to clean the hardwood floor with Murphy's Oil Soap....I love how clean it makes the floors feel...and the fresh scent.  Once that is done...it will be time to set in a new twin size bed.  This is the smallest of bedrooms...and anything larger than a twin...would never fit.  I decided to use a black metal bed this time....while a box spring is not required....I will decide if I prefer a mattress only...or if a box spring is required or will fit.....

I've ordered these rod pocket curtain panels...again from Etsy...and this time made sure I gave the correct 90" length!  (with no tassels...).  I must have suffered fog brain when I ordered the panels for the guest bedroom at 95".....then needed them cut and hemmed 5" shorter.  As with all our curtain panels...these are semi blackout...but will still allow in light.  The fabric is so pretty...and feminine.  

And I've ordered my go to curtain rod as well...as I've used it in the other bedrooms.  It is such a sturdy, well constructed rod.  And easy for Mr. Seventies to install at just the right height & width...

I have in my stash a white matelasse coverlet to use on the bed...still have some tweaking to do on dressing the bed.  Along with needing a small night stand...

I'm hoping my Fortnum and Mason basket will fit at the end of the bed...for extra throws & pillows...

That is what we've been working on...that and still cleaning up fallen trees.  Mr. Seventies has a few large stumps to contend with.  We've requested assistance from the province in taking down one particular tree...it sits closely under a power line.  Once it's down...it can be sawed into pieces...but we need professionals to get it down safely....

A few thousand homes still without power here!  We spent an hour or so checking out some of the areas close by that were hardest hit.  Devastating to see...

A couple of great weather days here in the forecast!  Liesel has a grooming appointment...cancelled earlier following the storm...so overdue.   Many thanks for stopping by....until next time....hope to see you then.

Catching Up & Christmas Awesomeness!

Clean up continues after the major storm...after two weeks there are still homes on the Island without power!  Lines and power poles down all over the Island...we are so thankful to have ours back in service!  It's heartbreaking for those who don't....especially with the temperatures low enough to produce frost overnight.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers....and let's hope power will be restored soon.  There are 225 electric crews working 16 hours days to make that happen!

Since my fire pit was destroyed...we purchased it again for use next year!  It's the exact same one...except this time of year it was marked down in price almost $90 less!  Mr. Seventies placed it in the storage barn...as it will need to be put together...it is sold unassembled...

The other item(s) that need replacement/additional pieces is my cookware.  It took a beating when used on an open fire needed when Fiona hit.  Paderno stainless steel  cookware, when mine were first gifted to me by Mr. Seventies...were manufactured here in Charlottetown!  I've enjoyed using them all these years....since then the company has sold...they have expanded their lines and various pieces...but the quality is still the same.    There are little tweaks I love...like non-stick coating...and vents in the covers!  The replacement set is called Vida by Paderno....

And while Mr. Seventies is still busy taking down damaged trees on our property...he took a few minutes and cut three sets of rustic chargers from what we now know was a black walnut tree on our neighbour's property.....not a butternut tree as previously thought.  Anyhow...once they are sanded & sealed..they will make beautiful pieces for use with rustic table settings.   This is my set....with additional ones cut for my neighbour and our daughter....

Fair warning - if you are not into seeing Christmas decor just yet...unlike me...hold on!  The stores are winding up for the upcoming holiday season!   And after two years of thing being delayed and postponed due to Covid...craft fairs, Christmas parades, and open markets are going to be upon us!  And I cannot wait!!

When I was shopping for new cookware last week....look what I came upon!  One of my absolute favourite tree ornaments...I purchased quite a few of these last year!   Remember these?  Adorable mugs of hot chocolate & marshmallows!!!

And Michael's is gearing up for the upcoming holiday season!  So many new pieces already in store....I'm crushing on this sign...but it's currently overpriced...it will come on sale...or BOGO in the next few weeks...

This adorable piece was bit lower in price...and every bit as adorable...

In keeping with my sweet treats tree decor....I'm crushing on these yummy gingerbread pieces....I'm keeping an eye in hopes they come on BOGO sale...

And some adorable tree ornaments....Mr. Seventies would love these ones...(and no...they don't fit in with my theme...well...I might allow the beer mugs)....lol.  Or maybe we could do a smaller, second tree...with all things Mr. Seventies!!!

There is a wonderful assortment of tree ornament & decor yumminess available....I would need a larger tree....

And these would look delicious worked into my tiered tray or accompany the gingerbread houses!!

The sweetest pom pom wreath ever!!  I could browse and enjoy looking at Christmas items forever...I hope you are like me....

I'm sure as the weeks go by...more decor pieces will be coming!  Home Sense and Winners are just barely getting started....as Halloween and fall items are disappearing off the shelves.

And lastly....I'll share my latest (and last) acquisition...a Raggedy Ann doll....affectionaly named Annabelle...for a special little lady in our lives.   The artist did an amazing job on her!  Check out her boots....those are actually painted on, you would think they are actually leather boots....true craftsmanship.....

I want to take this time to thank you for stopping by & sharing a bit of your time with me...and wish everyone....

We had a delicious Thanksgiving celebration with our son-in-laws parents & family yesterday....and gobbled til we couldn't wobble!  

As usual, on Mondays I'm hanging out over at Between Naps on the Porch for  Metamorphosis Monday.

And drop over to A Stroll Thru Life tomorrow for Inspire Me Tuesday!!   Have an awesome day all!!

Major Hurricane Fiona Clean Up!!

Ten days after Fiona slammed us....we finally had our power restored!!  It's been a journey...one we hope not to take again!  The first two days were the most difficult...as we ran out of propane for the barbecue...and it was in extremely short supply... and with no power to be able to fill empty tanks...or run gas pumps.

Even though Mr. Seventies thought he secured our fire-pit with two cement blocks....it ended up in pieces in our neighbour's yard!!  Ever the Boy Scout...he was able to cobble together an "outdoor kitchen"...and was able to cook breakfasts...even baked tin foiled wrapped potatoes!!

Where the fire-pit previously sat...

And our outdoor kitchen....pretty primitive....but food was delicious over a wood fire cooked by my handsome chef!  

The impact of the power of Hurricane Fiona...is evident is how our storage building....which weights about one ton....was slammed off it's piers and twisted sideways.  It was not pushed in increments...as when it hit a tree behind it....the trim around the roof line had been dented!!  The shed should be facing forward!

Mr. Seventies and our neighbour have since been able to set it back straight, on it's piers.  A job requiring the better part of a day to complete!

And trees went down everywhere!  We lost thirteen on our property!  A row of pine trees on either side of our house....completely wiped out...

This tree required much cutting to remove it from our neighbour's yard...and it will be taken completely down...sadly.  A large part had snapped off during Hurricane Dorian....now Fiona has pretty much finished the job.  We learned...this tree was planted about many years ago....by the previous owner's children...as a Father's Day gift to their Dad.  We are sad to see it have to come down....

Other trees toppled....one coming very close to power lines....Mr. Seventies will not be taking it down...we have requested assistance from our province to come do that...they have crews that can cut it down without danger of touching utility or cable lines...

Mr. Seventies...has been busy with his chainsaw...and when they can...our neighbours have been over to assist...and vice versa...

This piece is actually one of the pool deck doors...which was latched open....and Fiona ripped it off....Liesel is on damage inspection control.....

Branches are everywhere....one positive thing about all this wood...our neighbour across the road have a wood stove!!  So far...they have filled about four half ton truck loads of wood from our property!  Lots of free firewood around!

Our neighbour lost a butternut tree...and Mr. Seventies was able to cut some chargers for myself, my neighbour and daughter!  He will take them to our friend's shop for sanding...and clear coating of sealer...I've seen sets of these sell on Etsy for $75 for a set of four!!  Fiona provided them "free of charge"....

Once we were able to get our propane tank for the barbecue filled...it was much easier to prepare food & heat water for dishes, tea, etc.  We have amazing neighbours... they had their power turned on days before we did (as there were trees on power lines)....there were about five homes (ours included) that ended up waiting five days longer to be hooked up again.  In the meantime...we were invited out for meals...able to take hot showers and catch up on laundry!  And we were so thankful to have our propane stove in the family room downstairs provide heat!!

Mr. Seventies had previously spent a day cleaning our windows...inside and out....and now our house and windows are covered with dirt and debris!  A good power washing...hopefully this weekend will clean things up a bit....

And Liesel...managed to find a delicious sun puddle to snooze in...blissfully unaware of the carnage around her...

We cancelled our mini vacation next week to travel the Cabot Trail...there is still so much to do around our home and property.  Not only the outside....but the inside as well.  The things I missed when the power was out....hot running water....the dishwasher...vacuuming (go figure)....my tart warmers...hanging out in the upstairs family room....(since there was no heat upstairs).....food not stored on ice...in coolers...(ice was hard to come by)....reliable cell & internet service!  I don't miss going to warming stations to charge...but it is wonderful they are in place...with hot meals and wifi!!  And lots of conversation....

Some are still without power!  My heart goes out to them....as I know what they are going through.

That is a brief glimpse of what life has been like here for the past couple of weeks.  We are thankful our home didn't sustain any major damage or structural issues....so many homes with roof, window and siding damage.  Not to mention loss of dozens of cottages due to storm surges...

Fiona's effects will be with us for a long time.  The city park...where daughter & husband had their wedding photos taken...destroyed.  Not one tree left standing....total devastation.  The trails where we enjoy walking....trees cover them...not sure if we will be able to walk on them and enjoy fall colours as what is left of the leaves...turn colour....

This is Thanksgiving weekend here!  We have been invited to our daughter's in-laws for turkey and all the trimmings and look forward to spending time with everyone and sharing a delicious meal!  They invited us previously for a scrumptious dinner of lasagna with apple crisp & ice cream for dessert!  They live in the country....and had power long before us city dwellers!!   Lots of trees down on their property as well....

Have an awesome weekend!  Hopefully things will get back to normal here soon!!  Sharing over at Between Naps on the Porch  Metamorphosis Monday 

Aftermath of Hurricane Fiona!

I haven't forgotten about my blog....Fiona hit with a fury last Friday night/Saturday...and here we are over a week later...and we are still without power!

We are doing okay....we have a propane stove for heat downstairs (runs without electricity)....and were finally able to get propane for the barbecue...(for cooking and heating water)....and ice, which was in high demand...is now available for purchase.  We have a tote with ice for milk, margarine, etc. out on the deck...nights are getting down to frost warning levels.  Our frozen goods are at our neighbours who has a generator...and now restored power. 

We have amazing neighbours (most with the exception of five homes...ours included...have no power yet)...they have power.  We've been able to have hot meals, showers and do laundry.   Lots of warming stations where we can grab a hot meal, coffee or tea and charge our devices.  I am at our neighbour's typing this...charging my laptop.  

The first 48 hours after Fiona...were brutal.  But we are getting by...daughter & family have no power yet, either.  Fingers crossed we will be up & running in the next 24-48 hours!

We had 13 trees ripped up on our property...big mature trees...Mr. Seventies has been very busy with the chainsaw!  Our lot is a mess.  Our storage building....was actually moved several feet off it's piers...can you imagine the force of the wind to move a heavy, filled building?  Lots of damage and loss of homes, roofs, cottages, and power poles and lines & trees down everywhere!  

Those who burn wood...are going round collecting what has been cut down.  Our wood is going to our neighbour across the street...they have a wood stove.  

Just a quick update....I miss my blog...but once the power has been restored...I'll post again with some photos of the carnage!!