Anticipation

Smell of wood burning in the fireplace

Hot soup and grilled cheese sandwiches

Fuzzy socks

Falling leaves

Back to Work

I have two pieces I am refinishing - a chest of drawers and a bookcase.  The bookcase was built by my maternal grandfather.  I was my grandfather's shadow back in the old days and learned much by his side in his small carpenter's shop.  The big thing in finishes at the time was "antiquing" which really amounted to multiple coats of paint with the top coat swirled or wiped to expose the underlying color(s) much like distressing and exposing today.  People want things to look old, but do not want it to be old.

I have chosen a CLARK + KENSINGTON paint carried by Ace Hardware.  I have not used this brand before so I proceed with caution.  Much prep work is needed as this bookcase was built about 55 years ago, however the structure is very sound and the piece is very sturdy.  I am sure I can proceed after roughing the surface so I am sure the new paint will adhere.  I have yet to see the actual wood, but the weight of the book case indicates it is a heavier hardwood.  I prefer the natural wood on most furniture, so I am not even going to try to strip to the base.  

The chest is for my daughter in law and is in good shape.  She was a dark natural finish and I am almost ready to seal and stain.  A few repairs to the chest, but it also is a sturdy piece.  I am using MIN WAX Stain and Sealer in a walnut.

I bought myself a new palm sander by Skil which makes the work go faster and is much easier on the hands and arms.  I have given it a real workout on the chest, but I have found that I still do better with sanding blocks on the joints and small spaces.

I am excited to get back at it.  The days are not so extraordinarily hot and humid which makes it pleasant to work outside.  So many projects running through my head, so I should stay quite busy for the weeks to come.

Thanks for stopping by and remember to
Keep Smilin!

Belle

WOW!

A year and a half of news - how could I go so long without sharing my thoughts.  Says a lot about my state of mind.  Much loss, too much heart break, in my life in that year and a half.  How do people worm their way into your life and then just pull out - no goodbyes, no hugs, nothing - just gone.  

In August of last year my brother-in-law did just that!  He was my friend and he died without even a good bye. In October a dear friend of many years lay dead at her computer while we waited on her at the Tea House.  Just gone - no goodbyes, no "Love you", nothing.  November brought the deadly stroke that started the illnesses that took my Father in January.  Then another friend in June.  In July Mother had two major blockages repaired and I am convinced they were from a broken heart.  It is so hard when nothing brings joy to the broken hearted - the ones you love.

Some days my heart hurts with the missing of these family and friends and some days I laugh with joy at my memories.  That is the way I want to be remembered - with joy and laughter!

Then a miracle was born in June and my heart starting melting and came out of shock.  God knows our needs better than we do and he knows what we are going through every day.  My fourth granddaughter was born bringing much joy and happiness.  The birth of this child reminded me that life will go on - we have no control over God's plans for each and every one of us.  

Now on to the present and the future with joy in our hearts!

About my little farm - out of 34 yard birds, I have 10 left (9 hens and 1 rooster).  I am on the verge of transferring them to my daughter's farm as they have become very demanding and hard to handle.  The coyotes and hawks have killed off most of my feathered friends and the snakes (removed two in one day from the laying box) and opossums (we trapped 6 in one week) are getting more eggs than I am getting.  I think next Spring I will start over with a new batch and see how I manage.  With no food here, maybe the varmints will move on to greener pastures.  I have acquired a beautiful Land Shun that will be hard to part with. 

It has been a hot summer here in central Georgia.  One of the wettest springs that I can remember, but when the rain left it left for weeks.  Even my rosemary dried on its own. The hibiscus is droopy and woody and the blooms have fallen off without opening.  What the weather hasn't killed, the chickens have and they have enjoyed a wonderful crop of tomatoes while I had none!  

Thanks for visiting and remember to Keep Smiling!

Belle