Victorian Home Tour

Mr. Seventies & I enjoyed a "haunted" ghost tour of Beaconsfield.....a victorian manor built in 1877 for James & Edith Peake.......

James was a wealthy shipbuilder.....sadly they did not enjoy the home for very long....amd four of their six children tragically died....two I think from diphtheria.....

This is the view from the front of the house.....on the beautiful Charlottetown waterfront....it was just at sunset.....

The front of the house facing the harbour....

It wasn't easy to capture photos inside the mansion.....as there were other people on the tour mingling about....but I was able to capture a few....this is the entrance...one of my favourite spots.  The floor....is original tile....shipped from England & still in perfect condition.....the colours & wallpapers used...gorgeous!  No secret I'm a huge fan of colour....notice the wooden rosettes around the top mouldings.  The small room on the left.....was a gift shop.....

The dining room was right off the entry.....straight ahead.  There is a coal burning fireplace in just about every room....with the exception of the nursery upstairs.....just look at those mouldings!  The ceilings were twelve feet.....with the doors being about ten feet tall!!  And solid wood.....

These were the double sitting rooms.....to the right of the main entrance....and my favourite rooms of all.....the colours used - gorgeous!  The paint colours on the mouldings was matched perfectly with the colours in the wallpaper.....*swoon*.....

Something else I noticed.....throughout the home.....the pictures were all hung at the right height!!  Nothing drives me crazy when pictures and photographs are hung either too high or too low!  I'm sure I'm the only one who notices things like that....

I also noticed in a few of the rooms.....radiators had been added for heat....perhaps as the years went on.....much easier & more efficient than coal I presume.....the radiator to the left of the window in this photo was one of a few I noticed.....and the details around the ceilings in some rooms.....amazing.....and most rooms had medallions on the ceilings as well.....

There was a coal fireplace in each of the sitting rooms....this one is solid marble......

Our tour guide was amazing.....I'm not certain the house is actually "haunted".....but there have been reports of footsteps heard, whispers, things moved around over the years.....

We made our way upstairs.....where there were at least six rooms.....one of which was a sewing room.  I was unable to get photos of each room......as again....there were others enjoying the tour as well.....I think the wheelchair was more of a period prop.....as nothing was mentioned of any of the owners requiring one....

The nursery was the smallest of bedrooms....I was not able to get decent photos.....also lighting was minimal......for added effect on the tour......

There was a look out turret or cupola which had a set of very narrow, winding stairs to get to....I didn't dare brave the stairs....my knee is not conducive to some stairs yet.....Mr. Seventies went up & reported it was a room used to watching ships in the harbour.....and the windows all contained the old, thick wavey glass.....

Nor did I venture to the basement.....as the stairs were steep, narrow and other than doors being stored there.....not much to see I was told....

We really enjoyed our evening.....and as we were leaving a huge group of people were being led around the waterfront.....by a man carrying a lantern!  I quickly realized this large gathering was on the "ghost tour" around the city.....we are signed up to take that in later in the month!!  

Cool here this morning.....we had our first frost!!  Today we celebrate Thanksgiving....Canada being the first country to celebrate Thanksgiving with Martin Frobisher and his crew holding a feast back in 1578 to give thanks for a safe voyage to North America...also before the 1621 feast that is the basis for the American Thanksgiving.....which is linked to a harvest festival.   Likely why Canadian Thanksgiving is earlier than in the US.....growing up we celebrated both days......as we had family living close to us in the US.....trips back & fourth then were a common occurrence.....

To those of us celebrating today.....wishing everyone....

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 Tuesday.....

Thank you for spending time with me today.....hope to see you back again!!

Til next time.....

Little Bit Of Christmas

Too early?  Maybe.....but the stores are gearing up for Christmas!  I thought I'd share a few pics of finds on my recent afternoon out & about!

As we gear up to celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend....it's a confusing time of year.....Thanksgiving..... Hallowe'en.....Christmas all happening so close together.....

A bit of Grinch-mas going on.....still popular.....

These mugs are pretty cute....and they have an awesome selection of real touch greenery.....I purchased my mantle garland last year & it's excellent quality....

The greenery is expensive.....a small wreath is around $25.....but it will last "forever"......

Gingerbread anything is always popular....I happen to be a fan.....

Under the display tables were buckets of tree ornaments....and a huge assortment of piks for your tree....

I love the simplicity of this piece.....years ago when this store first opened and it was strictly a Christmas decor store......I purchased my wooden dachshund wearing a Santa hat.....made just like this....

I won't overload you  in one post with all the Christmas goodness I came across....I'll save some for another post....

Since the outdoor fire ban has been lifted.....(we've finally had rain).....we enjoyed our first fire pit since July.....there were marshmallows involved....

We have our little grand daughter with us today.....we plan to go to our favourite apple orchard & pick a basket of fresh applies.....and maybe a pumpkin or two ........(since we only were able to grow a couple of small ones this year).....Mr. Seventies needs to pick up a new gardening shovel......we'll have a lunch date & if time.....our fall bulb order is in & will need to be planted!

Tomorrow evening is the ghost tour of the Victorian Mansion, Beaconsfield.  And we have turkey & all the fixins' ready to go on Monday! I t's been a few years since we've hosted Thanksgiving dinner......we are very much looking forward to enjoying a delicious meal & family time.....

Have an awesome weekend.....until next time....



 

New Mantle

The new mantle is installed & I'm loving it!!  It's exactly what was needed....I think it looks amazing...

The before....when the fireplace was constructed I was adamant back then I didn't want a mantle....the previous fireplace was huge & took up most of the wall....and had a thin mantle....

Once it was built, Mr. Seventies applied two coats of Early American stain followed by two coats of clear satin  varathane....I'm loving how it brings out the "brown" in the bricks.  Such a simple change....but it really finishes off the fireplace....

It's been feeling like "sweater weather" the past few days.....although the forecast is calling for a couple of warm days this week.  I picked up a couple of cozy, warm sweaters....I absolutely love sweaters!

The first one looks muted....the colours are a bit more vibrant....such a fall feeling to it...

This one is equally as soft & cozy....and great for pulling a puffer vest on over...and it's equally soft & cozy....with a bit of a turtleneck....the colour is gorgeous....

Christmas decor is starting to creep into the stores here...if Hallowe'en decor can be set out in August....I guess Christmas decor is due in October!  I'm fine with it....I enjoy browsing and seeing what is new this season.  I did come across some tarts I'd not seen before....and you know I picked up a couple to test...

We're attending a couple of "spooky" events later in the month....the first being held in an old Victorian heritage house located in the downtown area of the city.....Beaconsfield is the name of the mansion...built in 1877....ghost stories, tour & music should be an entertaining evening....

The second event...we are participating with our friend & his wife....plan to enjoy a meal beforehand...and then take in a "ghost" tour around the city...... with our tour director being a "grave digger"!  All in the spirit and fun of Hallowe'en....

My mouth is healing...my recheck appointment with the oral surgeon is later this week.  I pushed my dentist appointment  (to have temporary crowns & bridge put in place).... back an additional couple of weeks.  I am no where near healed enough & suspect the surgery was more invasive than previously anticipated....(there are stitches as well).....

The swelling is down....and still no pain.  Soreness....but no pain & four more days with rounds of antibiotics....

Join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday and again tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays...

Thank you ever so much for spending a bit of your time with me....

Til next time....

New Chairs In The Kitchen

I've been keeping my eyes open for suitable "dining" chairs to set at both ends of our kitchen table...keeping in mind our kitchen is only nine feet wide!  Or as I call it "a one bum kitchen"!   Before adding the cabinetry a number of years ago.....the kitchen felt like a bowling alley!

I'm so pleased with the chairs I found....on Amazon!  Exactly what I had in mind....the quality (solid ash)....and the best part - they slide under the table perfectly!  Weight limit is 275 pounds....they are constructed so well....

They will work great when we need extra seating at the table!  The seat is 18" up from the floor - exactly the same height as the benches....and they are not large or clunky....most I had seen up til these had much higher backs.  I wanted chairs that could easily be wiped down....it's amazing how much food lands on the seats & floor from a five year old...lol.  Anything upholstered wouldn't work!!

Side note - I was not aware prices "fluctuate" on Amazon!  The day after I ordered....the list price of the chairs....went sky high!!  Only to be reduced today....but still double in price than when I ordered!   Good to know, right?

*Surgery Update* - Surgery went well.....I slept through it all!  I arrived home about supper time - and crashed.  My face is quite swollen today....and my mouth is tender....I re-scheduled the appointment set for this morning....to have temporary crowns & bridge put in....until next week.   Not sure why my dentist thought I wouldn't be sore.....or appear to have a softball tucked into my cheek!  

Nice to have it over with....my oral surgeon & his team are amazing - I received excellent care....and have a recheck next week.  The surgeon reminds me of my son-in-law..... a bit taller...and just as sweet & caring....

The next few days will be spent with ice packs, antibiotics, rinses & pain meds (although I am in no pain)....

It poured rain off & on yesterday.....much needed!  The sun is out & the next few days look pretty amazing with lots of sun!

Wishing you an awesome weekend....

Til next time....

 

 

Hallowe'en In The Family Room

Happy Monday!!  Here we are at the end of September already!  We finally had some much needed rain...enough so the province removed the outdoor fire ban....(no open fire pits or camp fires)....we had planned to enjoy a fire last evening.....but it was too windy.  Perhaps this evening....it's been weeks since we've enjoyed sitting by an outside fire.....

In the meantime....the family room is all "spooked" out!!  I'm hopeful my mantle will be built soon....may have to jog someone's memory.....

Doug the ghost dog cushion is keeping a watchful eye....

I'm loving the lamp that melts a candle....I don't have to worry about an open flame....

Can you believe the size of the pumpkin kitty cushion?  So cool kitty's eyes are reflective & glow in the dark!!  Available on PB website.....but also on Simons for a fraction of the price.....I do love me a bargain....

This lantern has been kicking around for years....I had Mr. Seventies remove the plastic panels...gave it a good cleaning & added new batteries & a bow....

The family room is so cozy in the evenings....it's my favourite place to hang out!!  I did order one more little Hallowe'en piece...an Amazon find...how adorable is this little lamp? (operates with batteries).....cannot wait for it to arrive.....

This is the week of my oral surgery.....I'll be so happy to have it done with.  I have dental implants....and one has failed miserably & needs to be removed!  My dentist will remove the crowns Wednesday morning....two hours after I head to the oral surgeon....& he removes the problem implant.  The next day....my dentist will attach two crowns & bridge.  Sounds easy enough, right?   This procedure was scheduled for last April....but my knee replacement took priority....

Please join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphosis Monday and tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays!

Thank you for stopping by today.....I hope you have an awesome day!!

Until next time.....

Front Door & Thrift Store Finds

I puttered a little bit outside a few days ago....see that green birdhouse?  There is a wasp nest inside....we've had an abundance of wasps this year....Mr. Seventies removed one nest during the summer from underneath the pool steps!  Go figure.  This nest....we are leaving alone....when the frost hits Mr. Seventies will remove it then....

They were in abundance of them on this day....so I didn't spend too much time out there....the corn stalks will have to wait....

That same afternoon I took a quick visit to a couple of thrift stores.....it boggles my mind the outrageous prices they are selling things for!!  The bargains are few & far between nowadays....I found this bundt cake pan & since I didn't have one....I picked it up.   Along with a couple of books....

That was the extent of my purchases!  I really didn't find any bargains....

While browsing La Vie En Rose website....I came across this snuggly robe.....and since I only have a knee length one suitable for summer.....I ordered it in a size Large.  I should have ordered a size Medium....as it's quite roomy....but I decided to keep it....some things I like roomy!  This was also available in a navy colour.....but I went with pink....

And....the fire ban has been lifted!  We've been under "No Burn" restrictions for weeks....(due to lack of rain).  We've had the odd shower or two.....it must have been enough to ease the restrictions....we're looking forward to enjoying our outside fire pit again......especially since the evenings are darker earlier & the temps are cooler!  Propane fire pits were allowed...(daughter has one).....but open wood burning fires at home or campsites have been forbidden.....too much risk involved.....

Today....I'm on the hunt for jeans!  With the arrival of fall....summer clothes have been packed into totes....and I am in need of jeans.  It always feels strange the first few times getting back into long pants....after a summer of shorts & t shirt dresses.....

I hope you have an awesome day & weekend.....I'll be finishing up decorating the family room for Hallowe'en....

Til next time....

Hallowe'en In The Kitchen

 It's officially fall!!  While we are still having sunny days....the overnight temperatures are dipping low!  If you have a few minutes....pour a cup of your favourite hot beverage & join me in the kitchen & enjoy a bit of Hallowe'en fun.......a couple of dish towels are hung on the freezer drawer handle....

I'm still crushing on the witch & ghost dancing canvas.....purchased on Etsy.....along with the two canvases in the family room....the wicker pumpkin place mats were purchased last year on Simons website for a fraction of the price on Pottery Barn....and the table runner was a Temu purchase from last year as well....

I now purchase all my table runners on Temu.....they are a fraction of the price Home Sense charges.   I have a number of runners folded over hangers in the guest room bedroom closet.....

The Hello Fall sign was painted at a class I took with my friend....(sadly she has passed away).....I cherish this piece & remember our evening together & the fun we had painting that evening.....the stack of pumpkins was on clearance at Michael's a few years ago....

The coffee bar area is Mr. Seventies favourite spot....he loves putting on a coffee or cappuccino or the kettle for a hot cup of tea.  I made a fresh batch of sprinkle cherry cupcakes & apple crisp....(cupcakes are little granddaughters favourites).....

She was very much taken with the witches legs in the cauldron as well....

The adorable pumpkin tissue box cover finally arrived.....this one through Amazon....as well as ordered on Wal Mart's website.....but it never arrived....(that happens a lot when I order through their website....always a good chance it will never arrive).....

I haven't filled Marvin's pumpkin candy dish yet....I live with someone who has a real sweet tooth when it comes to candy.....so I'll hold off for a couple of weeks before filling it.....and of course the candy corn tart warmer throws off an amazing pumpkin spice scent....

This little mat I found on Temu....for an economical price too....

Any wonder why this is my favourite time of year?  I am thinking ahead though....my neighbour advised Simons has their Christmas decor available on their site.....(thanks for that).....I couldn't resist this cute guy.....he's tucked away for now....but will make an appearance later in the fall.....

Since the pool is closed for the season....we also washed & packed up swimsuits & pool towels....(which are stored all summer in this wicker trunk in the kitchen).   It now holds winter mitts, gloves, scarves & hats....as well as three of Liesel's winter wear....(*sniff).  Since grand puppy Oliver is growing & will be needing some warmth this winter....I'm passing them on to him.....an adorable hand knit red sweater, a warm hoodie & wrap to keep him cozy & warm.....

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

Thanks so much for spending a bit of your day with me....I do so appreciate it!

Til next time.....