Monday, December 2, 2013

Rain, a project and a thank you



Good morning dear friends ~ It is Monday, gray, drippy and cool.  We had quite a bit of rain yesterday, starting in the afternoon and going on into the night.  Good for gardens.

Thank you for your  kind comments, they really uplift my spirits at this time. On the 9th will make one year since Mark left this planet for his heavenly home. Prayers work wonders too and I am grateful for them also.

I got a name of a man who is a computer geek from the church, and was introduced to him yesterday morning and will be taking my computer to him maybe tomorrow.  I've got to call him later today. I met his wife also, and liked them both.

I've been wanting to create some sort of mantle over the tv for quite some time now, and yesterday afternoon I did something about it.  I found in our stash a stripped vanity top. I sanded it down with fine sand paper then used lemon oil polish on it and it turned out nice.  I then screwed a strip of wood to the wall, (the third time I got it right. I'm sure Mark got a good laugh over that), to rest the back of mantle on, and the front rests on the tv.  Then I searched for the right material from my stash, to hang from the mantle and after several maybes, I finally found what I wanted and love the results.

I'm in my lap top and had to take pictures with my little camera as this computer wouldn't take the photos from my other camera's chip.  I'm probably not doing something right, obviously.  With the other camera I got before and after pics of the top and you can see the shape of the top with a nice routed edge. I'll post later when I get my repaired/restored computer back.

The Christmas Creche that dear Mark made me many moons ago will go on the mantle and I will work the angels in somewhere too.  I am looking forward to decorating, may put up 2-3 trees, a first.  They are all in the attic along with all of the ornies. I have always enjoyed decorating for Christmas.





Well, folks, that is it for now from Plum Cottage. My spirits feel better and I am thankful for so much.  Mark is in a better place and when my turn comes I will be reunited with him.  Until then, I want to be thankful every single day for all that God blesses me with, for lessons learned and that I am learning.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

22 comments:

lil red hen said...

Good for you! I need to take lessons on doing some projects for myself, like hanging a shelf.

Your positive attitude is so inspiring to me; indeed, we should be thankful every single day for all God's blessings.

The farmer here could care less about decorations, so it isn't as much fun as it could be.

Jillayne said...

Your mantle looks wonderful, and I am so glad you persevered to get it just the way you wanted it to be.
The first year after losing someone seems to be a series of "anniversaries" that culminate in that one day - it's as if you are sliding inexorably to it. I rarely give advice, rather think of myself as supportive instead, but I wonder if you thought of something very purposeful you could do that would "mark the day", if that wouldn't help make it pass in a quieter and gentler way?
I will be thinking of you...

Sandy said...

Everything looks beautiful, Lorraine. I agree that your positive attitude is inspiring and I also try to keep one at all times. It helps greatly with the tests and trials of this earthly life.
Love & Prayers~

Rebecca said...

What a perfect spot for those Christmas decorations! (Personally, I love the white lights....and I know the nativity set will look SO nice there, too.)

Karen said...

Rainey, I'm so glad you found a computer geek to help you out. I know how frustrating computer problems can be and getting one of my sons to work on mine takes some bribing with cookies, lol.

I'm glad you're feeling a little better, gosh, it will be a year on the 9th.....hugs to you, dear friend.

I love the decorations and your beautiful home. I have to get into the spirit this year, it's just not with me yet.

Sallysmom said...

You are so talented, Lorraine. Thinking of you each day and holding you up in prayer.

Ruth Hiebert said...

You are so adventurous when it comes to making stuff for your home. The results are beautiful.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Another project! Looks great. Can't wait to see all your Christmas decorations.

Mrs. E said...

I have been away too long. Love the light and mirror combination. I was just thinking about you, but I thought that I had missed the one year mark. I'm so glad you are decorating--it has to be tough at this time of year. I admire your faith and your attitude.

Julie said...

You done good!!! Great job! Glad you found a good person to work on your computer too! Can't wait to see all your Christmas decor as you do it!!!

organicgardendreams said...

Dear Lorraine, I am glad that you are getting help to deal with your computer problem. It must be very challenging to have to rely on your own with everything that comes up and of course there are always problems to fix in the house, in the garden, and especially with the computer that most of us depend on so heavily. I often have problems with my computer, too, and mostly don't know at all what to do and would be quite lost if I couldn't turn to my husband to ask for help. Wishing you that you are continuing to manage well, one step at a time!
Christina

Gary said...

Good morning Lorraine,

It's been dry here in Bournemouth for quite some time now, and the newspapers are warning of a BIG freeze at the weekend, which in reality means we probably just have to close a window. Your new project looks good, and the lights make it look even more cosy. I hate it when my computer goes down, as I am pretty useless with them. I used to have my computer whizz brother sort it out, but that's not likely to happen for some time.

It's Just Dottie said...

I pray everyday for God's peace in your life.You have made everything look so wonderful.
Hugs to you,sweet friend.
Dottie

jerilanders said...

Are the oval paintings in pine straw frames? They look so charming as a back drop. Bless you and your positive, cheerful outlook that sees you through all things thick and thin. I love that you are always staying busy with your "carpentry" and creative endeavors.

Val said...

A big hug to you, Lorraine. I was thinking of you on your "first Thanksgiving" Thursday. Holidays are so hard when you've recently lost someone, and all the "firsts" feel SO strange. I'm glad you continue to post here. ♥

The Mantel and material you found to go with it are perfect. How cozy! I look forward to being able to hide/camouflage our TV again--When I lived on my own, I kept it inside an old gun cabdinet-turned-armoire-turned-TV-cabinet I fixed up--but the TV and space we have now doesn't lend itself to that as easily. I like the way you did this.

The "Love" blocks on your mantel are dear.

And imagining your little forest of Christmas trees this year makes me happy. I'm glad you're looking forward to decorating. There's something soothing to the soul about it, as there is to anything creative, I think.

Sunray Gardens said...

Looks very pretty. You did very well on this project. Surprising what people can do when they just do it.
Cher Sunray Gardens

GRACE PETERSON said...

Hi Lorraine, I love your term, "Ornies." May I borrow it, please? I know you'll say yes, with a smile and chuckle.

My how the year has flown by. I am sending hugs as the one-year approaches. I'm glad you're feeling creative. You've always been such a creative person. I'm sure Mark is watching and delighting in your accomplishments.

Thank you for your comments on my blog. I was actually thinking of you when I wrote that about "you southerners." I am very jealous of your mild weather but in a friendly way. It's cold here but it's sunny--at least today--so I'm not complaining. I may lose a few plants but I can always buy more, right? :)

Have a great week my friend. Hugs.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Beautiful
Seems all you create
is beautiful
and your words always special.
Thank you always
for your kind words
to this one

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Hi Lorraine, I want to add my hugs and prayers as well at this time. You do sound like you are healing.

I wish I was as creative as you. I love the mantle! I liked seeing you in the mirror, too. I was thinking Mark would like what you did, too.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

A challenging week approaching for you dearest Lorraine, never doubt I will be thinking of you.
Your decorating is simply lovely.
And, may your computer probs be fixed quickly.
Hugs
Rose

gld said...

I love the mantle project. I am glad Sue pointed out seeing you....I had to go back and check and there you were! I do entirely too much fast reading and scanning....need to slow down.

I know this Thanksgiving was exceptionally hard for you. I think about you often and how well you are handling things. You are an inspiration for all of us in everything you do.

Darcie said...

What a beautiful job you have done!! My thoughts have been going your way a lot since the calendar turned to December, because I remember it was this time last year that you lost Mark. I came over here to tell you that you are always in my thoughts and prayers, and what an inspiration and encouragement you have been to all your readers during this last year. We all love you!!!