Summer is definitely here!!

Well, summer has definitely arrived and I'm already fed up with this hot, humid weather.  I guess I just cannot be pleased - complain when the winter lasts six months and then when the temperature is above 70 degrees.  Ah well, just have to put up with it I guess!!

I'm still busy with my Boutique and on my way there from my apartment just down the street are some pretty flowers planted alongside the road.....

Makes the walk enjoyable.

Talking about the Boutique, sad to say but things were not going too well.  There were three of us when it began and we seemed to be getting along fine but the old adage "Two's company, three's a crowd" came into play and it ended with me having no choice but to go out on my own, for my own peace of mind.  Quite a few people had warned me about three never working out, but as we seemed to get along so well I didn't pay much attention until I became the third wheel, LOL  I rented my own space just across the hall.  I'm loving this and am hoping that they will let me enjoy what I am doing.  I have a goodly amount of valued customers who love to come and visit me - they don't always make a purchase and that's okay.  It's not about money with me (although I don't say no to it, LOL).  No, it's having a hobby which fills my retirement days and satisfies my artistic side.  I'm always making something or other or re-doing an item.  Here are a few things that I have been working on.....

Just finished painting and re-upholstering these dining chairs.  I have done a few in the past but I am particularly proud of these two.

A couple more lighthouses.  Aren't they adorable?

A couple of plant holders, into which I put a couple of clay pots.  Quite cute.

And, I repainted an old highchair.  It wasn't selling in it's natural state so I asked some of my online friends what colour I should paint it and this was the colour which was mentioned the most.

Repainted an old mirror.

and that's about it.  From now on, things are going to be a lot better.  I'm certainly going to do my best to make it work.

Now that I have got all that out of the way, I saved the best for last.  I just returned a while ago from visiting my darling grandchildren and celebrated Rhys's 4th birthday.  It's amazing how quickly these kiddies are changing and growing up.  A few photos of the sweethearts to end this blog.

Oh, before I leave, just have to mention that I sold my crow table that I painted this past Saturday at the Boutique.  She said it was going to a loving home.

That's all for now folks.  Have a wonderful week.  Be kind to each other.

Hugs, 

Dreaming of Springtime

Winter hasn't begun to give up its grip just yet.  I was out walking the other day and stopped to take a couple of photos......

This one was taken across the road from our City Hall

and this was taken just outside of the place from whence I retired almost two years ago, The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library

The snowbanks are really high this year and the sidewalks haven't been cleared as well as they used to be, which makes it difficult for people like myself who don't drive to get out and about.  Perhaps "they" just don't have the money in the budget this year to spend on snow removal.  By the time I arrive at my destination, even though perhaps only about a ten minute walk, I am in major pain from the jarring and can't wait to sit and rest for a while.  I may as well add that the lack of snow removal has also created large puddles of water at the intersections which one has to wade through to get across the road and I have thoroughly ruined a beautiful (new this year) pair of boots through the dirty, stinky water finding its way in.  I'm sure a few of you know what this means - stinky boots for the rest of their lives.  Not to worry, I bought two more pairs of boots last week, one pair for "best" and the other for trudging to and from the mall, etc. and both sets are guaranteed to be waterproof - we'll see.  Enough of that drivel, onto more fun stuff.

My dear friend Laurie made me this boy doll to sit in an antique highchair which I have for sale at my Boutique.  What a darling she is - always thinking of others, in spite of her eyesight failing - she probably didn't want me to mention that, but hey, it's reality and that lady battles demons on a daily basis and never lets them get her down, especially knowing that one day she will lose her sight completely - pretty worrisome for a lady who is much younger than I (I really love this woman and her hubby isn't too shabby either, LOL)...............

He's only sitting in this antique pram until I take it over to the Boutique

What have I been up to since my last post?  Well, let's take a look..............

This is a letter holder that I repainted and updated.........

and this is another older model which I just re-varnished, looks almost as good as new.........

I did two more lighthouses - I think I like these better than the last ones.....

I repainted an old mirror - the mirror itself is a little damaged but the frame was in great shape........

I dirtied it up a little to give it that "aged" look, but you might like it better left the lighter shade.

I did a few more potpourrie jars with lace and lights..............

Sold this blue one on the weekend.

Look what my darling grandson sent me (aided and abetted by his sweet mum).......................

My very first grandchild painting - can you imagine how my heart skipped a beat when I opened that envelope????

I painted and aged a couple of small tables, one (the red one) is a wall-mounted one and the turquoise is a floor model.........

Before

After

I did a few more Chalkboards - they seem to be very popular at the moment so I'm hoping that the ones I make will be too......

The most fun project I had this last week was creating these pretty boxes.  I guess they can be used for most anything, not just for jewelry, the white one in particular could be used as a small sewing box, especially if your talent only extends to sewing on a button or two.....

Well, I hope you have enjoyed my blog and I'll leave you again with photos of my darling grandbabies, although Rhys is going to be four in June and Katherine will be one in March - time is going just too fast.....

Until we meet again.  Hugs,