Christmas bedrooms

 Decorating around the house for the holidays especially Christmas has been enjoying. I have taken my time to make each bedroom special. 

This is our guest room. This cottage bedroom set makes me happy.  I have dressed this room with vintage toys and linens. 

 

 

My sister made the wreath for me and I added a Furlong Angel Madonna. This one had broken and I repaired it. In the next room across the hall is the other guest bedroom and my art/craft room. 

I made another display with a wreath with more Margaret Furlong Angels. I love vintage frames and gathered my favorite ones on the painted shelf. I added my German red and white shelf liner and hung my sign.   The red and white linen translates to Where you spin and Weave. 

Our master bedroom is on the opposite end of the house. It is a peaceful retreat in creamy white. 

 

  

I added a touch of color with the blue stockings and quilted bear. 

I hope your holidays are full of joy. Joining https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/charming-homes-garden-link-party/

Di

 

 

 

Friendship School, ca 1916-17. Harvey Toler is the tall man on the right, back row

Clem Cirthworth Toler

Ottis Ipock

M, b. 12 December 1913, d. 25 January 1999

 

Heath and Wellness

 

2020 has been a health stress for me.  Just when I solve one problem, my body directs me somewhere else.  At first, I cancelled my appointments, trying to keep safe.  Then it was recommened people should keep their  health appointments.  I made my appointments and a problem was found.  After weeks of tests, I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.  Yes, like Beau Bridges.  Mine is stage 1, no treatment needed at this time.  I have one more test to check all my lymph glands  

I am a retired nurse and worked my early career in cancer nursing.  I didn't like the sound of that!  Goggle is not your friend when you look up key words in your referral.  But, I still looked.  Waiting for appointments and tests are mind blowing.  This is not what my mind, heart and body wanted to hear.  

I have kept busy by helping with the grands, crafting and visiting my blogger friends on instagram.  I even attended a recent Junk in the Truck event in Brevard, NC and went to Leipers Fork in TN.  All this helps keep my mind busy.  But...in the back of my mind is the results of my tests  

My mind clicks to prayers for health and put that positive energy out there.  My years of treatment for Rhematoid Arthritis has taught me to do things anyway.  I haven't stopped doing things I love or limit the possibilities of what I want to do.  I love to garden, craft, junk/treasure shopping and embrodery.

I have family and friends checking on me and sending prayers up!  CLL is a blood cancer.  Since it is a chronic condition, my Rheumatoid medication is stopped.  We will address options for that after my scan  

 I am learning new techniques through on line classes and love the sharing of talents.  Sweet teachers, family and friends keep me focused.  I can not tell you how having a support system makes the world of difference.  A text , message, call or card keeps me upbeat  I am thankful for my hubby who is the kindest, most thoughtful person.  My family is walking beside me every step of the way.

Please don’t put your health on the back burner, thankfully I am in the hands of our great Healer, Di

Di

Storybook Cottage

 A girls getaway with my sister and nieces at Storybook Cottage was a dream!  We felt like in a Snow White cottage upon entering. I was waiting for the bluebirds and butterflies to sweep down and flutter around us!  This was a much needed girls weekend in Leipers Fork, Tn.  

We went to see City FARMHOUSE’s new shop in Franklin, met Kim Leggett and attended the show.  Of course, her new book is out and we got a personal signing.  She is such a genuine and gracious person. 

  

The show was over the top wonderful. I met my favorites on Instagram!  Stacy with Barkingbirds Antiques, the cotton shed ( from Evansville Indian, where my grandfathers family immigrated to); Fatcat & magpie and so many more. 

My goodies from the show

This piece will be used as a frame!

The City Farmhouse shop was fantastic, so many goodies. 

Now to the cottage, which was styled by Kim.  

 

This is just the front entry room. I will share more and the impact it had on us. If you are interested in staying go to Home&sanctuary. Until later, Di

Porch and deck Refresh/Redo

When we moved into our house I made these covers they well looks wise but not weather wise .  The porch redo started with my rattan set. I got my rattan vintage set from my parents when I moved into my first house in the 80’s. I have recovered it twice. The third time was a job by me but with the fabric I choose and it being on the porch it needed replacement after 4 years. This time we went with a quality outside fabric and had professionals do the work. 

We had a year to stain the wood. Oh the choices. The weather is very moist so you have to really keep up with the wood work. 

That led to looking at the floors. Well, we had time and could not travel with Covid restrictions, let’s do it. 

Hubby did all the hard work sanding the floors. We went with clay color red for the deck. The sanding was the key to prepare the boards and prevent chipping. Any nails that had popped up were hammered down. 

The trim and railing were painted next. Looking at the deck floors, we then felt we needed to address the covered area. I had used Chalk paint and sealed it but the weather, 2 dogs and grands took a toil. I actually love this look but the peeling was getting worse. Hubby wanted to seal the floor so bugs would not come up through the boards. 

Hardy Backer concrete boards were layed. These were used to prevent moisture. Each board is  65 pounds, which this structure will support. 

Next, hubby used joint compound to seal seams. After drying and sanding ready to lay tile. I chose an industrial peel and stick tile. I wanted a brick paver look and found it at Wayfair (here). 

We started in the middle as directed and worked our way around. Hubby is very meticulous, so I peeled and directed placements and he applied. We used a roller (aka crust roller tool) after applying each square. 

This took about 3 hours. We Then put the furniture back in place. 

This porch is right off our bedroom

Thank goodness no bugs with the doors open. Now if you excuse me, I need to rest for a few days!

Joining A Morning Cup of Joe  https://thecottagemarket.com/a-morning-cup-of-joe-filled-with-features-and-linky-party-15/

https://www.commonground-do.com/

https://stilettosandshiplap.com/wonderful-wednesday-blog-hop-2/6011/

Di