Ordinary Things in Extraordinary Times -

I am posting these because I want my friend Melinda to see how clean and sparkling the votive holders she gave me (Along with so many other wonderful things for Quiltville Inn) are being put out and ready for others to enjoy now that we are close to reopening!

I love the story that came with these – more than 2 dozen of them – they had been stored away after her wedding and when she asked if I would like them for the porch, I said YES!

Because this summer weather is just what I envisioned for candles on porch rails, on the tables, creating an ambiance of “Let’s Sit a While” and memories being made as the creek rolls by behind the inn.

I have citronella tea lights on order.  Hopefully they will be here any day.

I washed out old wax, soot and debris in hot soapy water in the sink, and once clean that way, ran them through the dishwasher which brightened up the “grout” around the reflective tiles on the outside of the candle holders.

Lola, Helping  as Always!

Several have asked how the cats are doing now that they are back to the way things were.

Some older female cats (Emmy is 20 in August and Lola is 11) are pretty territorial and set in their ways.  I think it really IS best to keep them apart.  No one needs the drama or trauma.

Emmy Lou is back to her old self.  She loves being out on the porch, and will wander to the edge of the woods to do her “business” but doesn’t wander far off.  She comes right back in again.

Lola has always only been an inside cat, and she loves her cat trees at the QPO, and is always present when I am sewing – usually behind my back in my chair, or sometimes on the table like this just watching.

Some have suggested I get a kitten for her to keep company with, but see above.  Just not interested in the drama and trauma!

I know Emmy Lou’s days are numbered.  When she goes, we will move Lola to the cabin again.  She seemed to like it there, other than the fact that there was Emmy Lou.

Amassing A Stack

This project has been slow going over the past weeks as – well, I don’t know why other than LIFE has taken over.  Isn’t that the way it goes for all of us?

Yesterday afternoon I pulled all of the painters tape off from around door frames, base boards, window frames and panes – there was a bunch of dry wall dust to sweep up, floors to be dusted and mopped, bannister rungs to wipe down as well as stair treads.  We had fixed a bad spot in the ceiling and you can’t even tell now.  It looks so clean and fresh.

All pictures are back hanging on the walls, furniture and decor moved back. 

Paper towel holders are installed in the bathrooms!

And I love the Wash Up, Buttercup! sign – that was a Hobby Lobby find from my trip to Bristol the other day.

Only 9 of 12 coverlets have arrived, though!

Still waiting on 3 more.

At 5pm Dave came to help with the moving of the furniture back, and to help hang all of the pictures and decorations (If there is anything that men hate more than hanging decorations – let me know! LOL!) so I had planned ahead, brought the leftover BBQ chicken, some corn on the cob and some potatoes to bake.

The potatoes were in the oven cooking when he arrived – we got our work done and then ate out on the back porch as evening fell.  NICE.  Just SO NICE!

Binding is half-way done!

I also keep plugging away at this – with the late hours we’ve put in at the retreat house, not as much evening sewing time has been happening.  And it isn’t only because we are tired at the end of the day -

It’s THIS ONE saying “Play with Me!”

This morning’s candlelight breakfast alfresco.

Notice the spray can of OFF in the corner!

Through this whole pandemic thing (Which is FAR FROM OVER folks – people are still dying by the 1000s every day so remain vigilant!) the one thing that has really been fun is to bring the whole concept of “dining” back into our lives, instead of just “eating”.  There is a difference.

Notice – NO CELL PHONES at the table. (Other than taking this photo and then setting mine aside.) TALKING.  Reconnecting with family members on a deeper level.

I remember after 9/11 that for days and weeks I was glued to the news with an overwhelming NEED for updated information.  Didn’t want to miss anything. Needed to be informed.  I wasn’t sleeping well.  I could hardly focus.  My heart and mind were in turmoil. And after a couple of weeks I had to turn it off and just get back to life as best as I could finding comfort in every day ordinary things.

I’m feeling that now. I’m starting to find the pounding of constant news, even though important, starting to have a downward spiral effect on my emotions and my motivation. Are you feeling that too?  The feeling of not doing enough.  Or of not doing things the right way.

There are times when I feel I need a narrower focus to make a difference where I live.  For myself, personally.  For my family.  For my immediate community.  And then outward from there.

This is where I am resting from the world.

All of the changes begin here.  And then we go out and treat others the way we would wish to be treated.  We look deeper, we connect deeper, and from there we can begin to heal hurts and build bridges.

My today?

I wanted an early morning walk with Zoey that can’t happen as I have to make the 1/2 hour drive to Lowes and pick up reflective window film for the upstairs bedroom windows on the west side of Quiltville Inn, specifically bedrooms 4 and 5, and the big picture window in the upstairs hall.  Because that afternoon sun is now HOT and the air conditioner on that side is struggling to keep up. 

We weren’t even close to opening last Summer, and we had never run the a/c at a comfort level until now in an effort to conserve energy.

The window film we put in the huge front windows at the QPO has really helped with the heat from the morning sun.  My hope is that putting some reflective film on these windows will also keep things cooler so the a/c can work its magic and have things back to cool sleeping temps by bedtime.

I am so glad we put ceiling fans in all of the rooms because that really helps.

Which means – we will be filming the windows this evening after 5pm!  Old houses sure have their challenges.

Kielbasa and fried up leftover baked potatoes from yesterday are on the plan for dinner.

Anything going on for your Wednesday ahead?

Quiltville Quote of the Day

My words to myself this morning:

Don't let the opinions of others consume you!

There is a lot of opinion flinging out there in the form of "You know, you should, you need to, why don't you, (fill in the blank) from those who aren't living your life.

Be informed and listen to your heart when it comes to your life.

The choices are yours, as are the consequences.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!