Tuesday, December 8, 2015

This & that at Plum Cottage

 

Hello Folks ~ Here it is a new week, hope you had a great weekend. Saturday my BIL Todd and I spent the dreary, rainy day working on fixing a leak under the house, putting in a new faucet, and putting up a medicine chest. We laughed, talked, and worked well together. We remembered my DH with love and great memories.

Todd did the hard work, I was his helper, just like I was with his older brother for 43 years. We were both pooped by the end of the day.  8-5, in and out of the rain too. But, we were happy with what we did.  A productive Saturday.  Thank you dear brother Todd. I appreciate all of your help in my life.

Here’s a view of the ‘scullery’, definition of scullery is “a small kitchen or room at the back of a house used for washing dishes”. When my DH was first in the US Navy, he had to work in the Navy’s scullery washing dishes and it wasn’t pleasant at all. When we opened up our kitchen, which ended at the edge of the fridge on the bottom left of pic below, I wanted to call this part of our opened kitchen, the scullery. Mine is pretty, and it is a dream come true to have a window over the sink. This long view space is about 10 ft. long by 6 ft. wide.

12-08-new-faucet2

This old picture is from 1999. The hutch is in a 3 ft. alcove.  The spice rack next to it is hanging on the utility room door. Opening up the space really made a huge difference in our little cottage. The fridge is now in it’s own little alcove, as seen in pic above, bottom left, so does not stick out into the room.

Kitchen17Aug99

I love the new faucet. We didn’t install the sprayer, as it is not something I would use.  I had one once and wasn’t crazy about it. The little faucet next to the new one is our reverse osmosis faucet.  The tank and filters are behind the curtains under the sink/counter.  A lot of love and hard work went into making this space from a falling down utility room.  Lots of memories in the making of this room. I feel love surrounding me all of the time.

12-08-new-faucet

The bathroom in this cottage is tiny. To take the picture I’m standing in the doorway. We had a 24x36 inch beveled edge mirror on the wall, which replaced a tiny medicine chest that was on the wall when we moved in. Todd and I took the mirror down to put up a medicine chest I had gotten earlier this year at a yard sale on my way to work. I paid $5 for it.  I saw it in HD when I bought the scullery faucet and the price is $69.  It doesn’t look like it was ever used, still smelled new. I would have put it somewhere else if I had the wall space, but this was the only space for it. I liked the large mirror, but needed some place for my essential oils, make up, etc. I just need to repaint the walls as the wall is a different color under where the larger mirror had been.

12-08-med-chest

Found out about a week or so before this plumbing business that I have a hole in my van roof. That is the one poor area of construction in a Ford van, the roof.

Anyway, I turned the van around and parked with the front of van up under the awning that you can see in the picture below.  Well, that didn’t help at all as I found out Sunday morning when I got ready to go to church. The water had run from the back to the front right into the hole and into the van. It smelled wet, and I couldn’t believe what I saw, the cups in the console were filled with water, and water was on the floor.  More rain was expected, so I decided to just stay home. I emptied the water, and put this ratty old tarp over the van, and it never did rain again that day. 

Todd would have worked on this Saturday except we had that emergency fix needed for the water leak under the house. (Having water to the house was oh so nice and my first hot shower in over a week felt fantastic.)

I got out a tall extension ladder and leaned it onto the van with a tarp to pad it. I had my cell phone in my pocket, and I prayed as I went up the ladder.

12-07-b

Van is in great shape otherwise, with low mileage. The ‘hole’ is in the lower part of pic. Another one is about to happen to the back and to the right is a rusting out area above the windshield.  When Todd can, in January we hope, he will grind out the areas, do bondo work and paint.

12-07-a

I knew we had this super-duper really stick down tight metallic tape, so I decided to do a ‘FlowerLady temp repair’. Smile  I climbed the ladder and brushed off loose dirt, didn’t wash it down because I couldn’t really reach that far where I was on the ladder and I wasn’t going any higher. This should last, I hope. It is several layers going both ways and burnished down.

12-07

I stopped at the Salvation Army Family Store on my way home from P.O. today.

Found this bed skirt, which lays under mattress. I got it home and it’s either a queen or king size. Not sure what I will do with it, but all of that crocheted edging is what nabbed me.  I paid $3.99. It would take me hours and hours to crochet all of that.

12-08-bedskirt

12-08-bedskirt2

A nice cookbook, wonderful photos.

12-08-ckbkjpg

Next are my latest two creations, both are gifts.

12-04-gift

This is for an ornament swap which is happening tomorrow with a potluck lunch.

ornie-swap

A lovely handmade surprise was in my mailbox this afternoon.  It was from an online friend who I’ve known since around 2000. We were in a forum called Country Life. Over several years we had ornie swaps at Christmas and they were always fun and putting them on the tree/s each year brings back memories of these friends.

I had already hung Pam’s two snow people that she made one year.  I always hang them together like this. Her surprise ornament is the heart below. It made me smile and also made me cry.

12-08-from-pam

Tomorrow makes 3 years since my DH went to his heavenly home. He’s in a much better place, but I miss him every single day.

As we think of love, peace and joy at this time of year, love your family and friends and let them know. Life can change in an instant and you might never have the opportunity again.

This turned out to be a rambling post of daily happenings.

Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady

P.S. Unexpected expense, transferring title of van to my name, so I can get a new tag. I didn’t get a renewal notice this year, called up the  tax collector and told them and the nice lady told me what I needed to do. I have an appt. with someone to help me fill out the paper work, next Tues. I have to take a copy of the death certificate, our marriage certificate, title, registration and proof of insurance to take to the DMV office after that. Probably a week from tomorrow.

35 comments:

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

So glad that you have your plumbing fixed, and what an angel your BIL is! Sounds like you also had a very nice visit, too, while working together. I love your sweet little kitchen and all your bird figurines and artwork! That is a great temporary fix for your van roof, too. How sweet your friend is for remembering your ornament exchange and sending you a new one. Your Angel ornament is lovely. Hope your week goes well with no more leaks! Missing our loved ones is even harder this time of year. Sending hugs xo Karen

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

So much to see in your kitchen!! I'd love to be able to have my treasures on display, but since they put a mulch factory 1/2 mile from me my house is a dust collection. My mother had the same flamingos that are shown in one of your pictures. I love your sweet little angel. It is so cute, then I noticed the pearls...so pretty. I would have grabbed that crochet piece if I had seen it. Wonder what I would do with it though.

Merry Christmas Rainey. I can't believe it's almost here.
xx, Carol

Connie in Hartwood said...

I love your kitchen ... and I am in awe of your attitude toward repairs, maintenance, and upgrades that come about in your little cottage. Your angel ornament for the swap is so sweet!

Hugs to you today. I know that it's a hard one.

Connie

gld said...

The kitchen is perfect. I bet you love working in it.
Pleasant surroundings make a huge difference.

Glad BIL was such a great help with the repairs and can do the van for you. The tape should do the job for a while.

Have a wonderful day.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

You have been under some water-woes curse lately! Thank heavens for your handy BIL and I love your temporary van roof solutions!

Your little kitchen is just adorable ! So cozy and pretty :)

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Lorraine, your kitchen is adorable. So glad your plumbing is fixed. I know that was a big job and how special to have your brother's help. I bet you enjoyed working together. Looks like you did a great job on the van and the medicine chest is wonderful.
Love the bed skirt and your new creations are beautiful.
Enjoy the rest of the week and be blessed sweet friend.
XO

Melanie said...

Thank God for your BIL - he is a gem! I feel badly for you with the water issues in your house and then the hole in the roof of your van, too. You have such a good attitude about it though...I admit, I'd probably be in tears and at my wit's end.
Love your scully kitchen - it's so homey with all your pretty displays.
I know today will be an extra hard day for you. Anniversary death dates are the worst - at least they are for me (with my oldest son). I will keep you in my prayers.
What a cute snowman ornament! Surprises in the mailbox are the best. (Well, unless it's a surprise bill, lol.)

Rose ~ from Oz said...

I love your ramblings and your wonderful bits of this and that Lorraine, and hearing how things are going in your world - that's why I so enjoy stopping by for a visit. You are so right, life certainly can change in an instant. Love and hugs Rose.

Janice said...


What an amazing difference in your kitchen, just beautiful. Memories of shared projects...lovely.
Your attitude is so refreshing, one thing and one day at a time. It'll all get done eventually, won't it? You are an inspiration to a lot of us.
If your angel for the swap is not wrapped, everyone will want it!

Nancy J said...

3 years, and you day might just be starting. Paperwork, that will sort out, plumbing, done, leaks fixed with tape and ingenuity, and beautiful gifts, both to and from. Hugs for you and your memories.

L. D. said...

I enjoy seeing others' places. Your kitchen is a fun place with all of you spaces well organized and all space in use. The shelving is a neat idea.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I feel like I've had a visit to your home and I like that. I trust that on the anniversary of your dear Hubby's home going,you will find peace in knowing that the day is drawing ever nearer that you will be together again.

Deb said...

Your BIL is an absolute angel, lovely kitchen and I envy your window over the sink.
Great bedskirt lovely lace, and the snowmen are so cute, Love the two new creations. Thanks for sharing.

Jessica Jarrell said...

My parents had a Ford van with a leaky roof too! And that was in the early 90's. You would think they would have improved there roof construction over time. Sheesh. I have to say I love the kitchen. Having a window behind the sink is something I sorely miss. Gorgeous!

Leslie Kimel said...

Your kitchen certainly is adorable, with so many interesting details. It looks so well organized! I love your curtains and all your pictures and decorations.

The little angel you made is so precious. Whoever gets your ornament at the ornament swap is going to be really happy.

Jane said...

Hi Rainey! Cute little place you have there. Couldn't the bedskirt be made smaller by stitching it up the center? I did that once. Glad you got your leak fixed!

Hugs
Jane

Rebecca said...

What would we DO without complications????
Lorraine, I love the glimpses into your cottage. Your sweetness spills over into every single item.
What a gift your BIL is to you!
I am praying that the memories of your DH today will come accompanied by comfort, peace & gratitude.

Debbie Harris said...

I so enjoyed your post today, Lorraine.
Your kitchen turned out just beautiful, and that window! Lovely in deed. I would find myself in the kitchen quite often and enjoying the beauty out side of that window.
You certainly had a good idea for a quick fix on your van. :) What ever works, right?
Your Christmas tree looks quite beautiful.

I have been praying for you and thinking of you during this time.
May the Lord fill your lonely heart with His abundant grace and love.

Blessings~~ Debbie

Susan said...

It's wonderful that your BIL is so helpful. I'm sure you greatly appreciate it. Sorry to hear about the leak in your van. That is a bummer and hopefully can be fixed soon. Your gift from a friend is very adorable and looks so nice on your pretty tree. Wishing you a happy Christmas season.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

My goodness you have many projects. Love seeing your scullery. It looks very inviting. Crazy to have your van flood like that. Hope it all gets sealed well so you don't have that again. The crocheted edging on the bed skirt is really nice. Good that you found it. The issues of updating ownership on items when one passes can be overwhelming. My short stint working as a bank teller taught me to put both of our names on all our property.

Karen said...

Dear Rainey, three years. Oh, I know you miss him still and will forever, how could you not? All the lovely views of your cottage, so nice to visit with you. I wish I could be there to help you with all the repairs, I'm glad you were able to patch the hole in the van roof temporarily, how awful to have the interior wet. I'm glad your BIL has been able to help you, such a blessing. Hugs to you, my dear, sweet friend.

RockWhisperer said...

The bathrooms and kitchen are always the first ones that I redo whenever we move. Lots of work, but sure pays off. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think how much I enjoy our redone rooms.

If that patch doesn't work there's a product in a spray can that might. It's advertised on TV here. It's called FlexSeal. They have a website, I think.

So glad you got your water leak fixed. Hubs and I work side-by-side like that. Sometimes what I should do is not apparent, so I ask Hubs "What can I do?" He usually thinks of something.

Mrs. E said...

Three years ago? That doesn't seem possible. Thinking of you!

Deborah Montgomery said...

I'm sorry I haven't been over for a visit lately. I thought I was busy, but it sounds like you have been too. How wonderful that your brother in law was able to help get so much work done. Love your kitchen; very cozy and home-like. And what a great find of all that lovely crocheted edging.
Blessings to you as you remember your dear husband, gone ahead now for three years. xo Deborah

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Lorraine I love your scullery! Your kitchen sink and faucet with a window view make for very pleasant times spent attending to food preparation and clean up. I hope all goes smoothly with the van transfer.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

How odd...just today I was thinking about a scullery in my next house...whenever that is. So glad you had someone to remember DH; it makes all the difference, having someone to talk to and remember. The crochet is beautiful...would have bought it in a NY second. I like your roof fix; it'll work until you can get to doing it better.

KathyB. said...

No water coming in the right places and lots of water running into the wrong places ! Some times we have to just laugh and carry on.

Your scullery looks so cozy and I can see labors of love everywhere in your pictures. I hope everything goes smoothly with the van transfer .

Cheryl said...

How wonderful that your brother-in-law was able to help you with the needed repairs...and that you both had an enjoyable time together sharing memories old and new! I loved seeing the before-and-after shots of your charming kitchen. I am sure it was a lot of work to change it, but the "after" is such an improvement in the use of your space, I'll bet you've been glad over and over that you went to the trouble.

I came across a comment you left on my blog about a year ago, the first time that you visited, I think. I was reminded that your dear husband passed away in December...so you have been on my mind since then. Those sorts of "anniversaries" are so challenging. I pray that your memories are sweet and comforting, and that the Lord continues to wrap His arms around you!

Unknown said...

Oh goodness! You have had so much going on and now a roof leak in your van. You are a wonderful example of patience and resilience! I just love your kitchen and the new faucet is beautiful. I love the concept of a scullery because all old English homes have one. Your cottage is so lovely and cosy and reminds me so much of an English cottage - just beautiful!

-Kate

GRACE PETERSON said...

Hi Lorraine, I'm glad to see you're doing well and keeping busy. You've always got so many fun projects going on. I love your scullery. I'm sure a lot of delicious meals have been created in that space. Would you believe our Ford van (Aerostar) also had a leaky roof? Actually it leaked from one of the door seals but what a mess that was. You're right in that they are good vehicles except for that. The crocheted bedskirt is beautiful. I'm pretty sure it would have been much more costly at our thrift stores. Your stitchery creations are lovely. I am sure who ever receives the angel is going to be thrilled. Take care and keep in touch. (Oh if you have time, I know you love old things just like I do. I wrote about a recent find on my other blog... www.gracepete.com) Love and hugs.

Deb J. in Utah said...

You have such a lovely, cozy home. Looking at pictures of the inside make me smile. You can tell, just from the pictures, that it is a special place filled with love. I love your little Christmas tree filled with special ornaments. It is so good that your brother-in-law is kind and willing and has good plumbing skills. Have a great week and a very Merry Christmas.

Rue said...

Lainey, your kitchen is absolutely darling. No wonder you love it so much :)

I'm sorry you had all those issues with your plumbing, but I'm glad your brother-in-law took care of it. You're a trooper!

I love your trees and I had a feeling your tree would be full of memories as well ;)

Big hugs during this anniversary. If I could, I would give them to you in person, because I can only imagine how hard it is.

love to you,
rue

Morning's Minion said...

What a mind-boggling amount of paperwork merely to get clear title to your van! These things can be so frustrating.
I enjoyed the before and after pix of your kitchen--a nice transformation.
Your beaded angel is a lovely creature!
I'm glad you have your BIL to help with so many of the things which need fixing--we are definitely a 'do-it-yourself' family, but much of whatever needs done is very much in my husband's realm.

A Joyful Cottage said...

It was nice to see photos of your charming kitchen, Rainey. I love it. And your new bathroom cabinet is an amazing bargain. I'm glad you have Todd to help you out. Such a blessing. You are so right about not taking our loved ones for granted and letting them know they are loved. Life is so fleeting. Hugs dear friend. Nancy

M.K. said...

Hi, dear Rainey! I'm back to visit your blog home. Sorry about that van roof leak -- what a pain! But you did a great job of patching it up until you can get back to it with help. I love your kitchen, esp. the window with the light about it, and I adore the curtain below the sink. I love the look of that. Merry Christmas to you!