basement Bedrooms update 2019.............

When Gabby moved out it gave me back the two downstairs rooms. Prior to her moving in one room was "the Indian room" and that was moved to Tristens room upstairs as Cooper was to occupy that room. He was a toddler at the time and some things were quite unique. The "Blue room" became Gabby's room. So when they left it was time for a makeover.
Lets start with the Blue room. We have not repainted that but I moved the room around.

I bought new bedding to start with. I loved the shade of blue so felt no need for change. I had fun with some new pillows.


The dressing table went back where Gabby had put the bed. I could have used new carpet but a clean was sufficient.

I had some things put away from the last time I decorated the room. I am pretty sure I still have stuff packed away but for now thats good enough.


I still need to get some pictures done and framed but other than that I am pretty much done for now.
The other room I bought new bedding also. Moved a chair down from the entrance and went with more earthy tones.
I didn't want to buy any new furniture so moved some stuff around. The wicker chair my mum bought me and it was getting too much wear upstairs.
The dresser Cooper had broken drawers so Gerry fixed those and it wont get much use so will suffice.


The bedding seemed bright and neutral enough. The blanket on the end of the bed was one that my Mum knitted a very long time ago. It never had a place and it goes well with the colours so finally it has a place.


I had a couple of pieces of amber glass and I will be looking for more. I haven't filled the shelves and bookshelves yet so, well I can look for more. I can collect glass balls and cut glass in amber. I will also buy some nice things too. I am framing pictures and will put some of those around as well.

I have put a picture my Dad did up in this room. An owl. It's never had a place but it does now. Most of the pictures are either embroidered or drawn and the subject is wildlife. I will stick with that theme in there.

Well he too needed a home and for now he has one. I still have several pieces my Dad did. Some I have given away to Carrie and Justin and hope they will find a place for them. Once I am gone I have no control so I am trying to find homes for things made by my parents. Anyway, next job is the basement stairs and then I intend to put up family pictures on those walls. Or maybe I will do that in the hallway upstairs seeing as that has more traffic. Anyway thats done for now.

Boxing Day at the Beach.........................

It still seems strange to me that we don't get Boxing Day in the U.S. It's hardly right to have to go back to work the day after Christmas. In England it was the day to visit the "other side" of the family. The ones we didn't get to on Christmas Day. Here its just work as usual. Thank goodness for retirement.
It was a sunny day and beautiful sky. I had wanted to stop by Cedar Creek for some time to get pictures and actually remembered this time.


It was so pretty, a lady was walking her dog and we had a nice chat about the place.
next we went the back way towards Suttons Bay and got some pictures of old barns. I love old barns. I suppose I have said that a million times before. Here are a few from this day.




We found the one with the Donkeys and I just loved them sunning themselves.





I loved how the little chickens ran over to them when they saw me. Their protectors? The little black pony hid behind some rocks so I couldn't get him and the goats were inside I would guess.
After that we cut across to avoid Suttons Bay and went over to Lake Leelanau. We stopped at the Peddlers Corner to check them out and I found a few things I could not resist. I got two cups and saucers for the blue bedroom and a red and white mug for my collection of red and white stuff.
Here are my finds.






Seven dollars for the lot, I gave them 10. I love that place and they will soon be moving, thats sort of a shame as this place is so convenient. Next we got coffee and a goodie at Peddling Beans before going into Leland where we hit Van's Beach. It was easy getting down on that side. No snow. As we left a bunch of people arrived. I didn't find much. The sun shining and wind blowing. My eyes didn't work too well, but I got a few Petoskey's and some tiny blues.







Instead of our usual trips out there we headed home through Maple City, I had mentioned Burrito's so we were both ready to eat by then and headed for the Hayloft. Always good there and we have enough leftover for tonight. Woo hoo.......No cooking for me.

Sunny December Day..........

Saturday and Sunday were sunny and warm for December. Tristen spent the day with us on Saturday and gave us the best Christmas Present ever. A hand written letter to us.

Well I was a bit worried we would miss the one sunny day but were rewarded with a sunny Sunday. So off we went. I was hoping to see some snowy owls but we didn't see a dang thing until we got to Empire, we knew we could probably find some deer there and were not disappointed.
So off we went via Suttons Bay and Omena.



We went further north because someone said they saw a Snowy Owl often at Omena, but nope, not us. We went around Omena Point so maybe we had stuck to the main road we may have seen it. Ah well never mind.Next sunny day we will try again.We went into Northport but no bird life at the Marina not even a duck. The Cherry trees shone red against the snow.




Went South to Leland because I wanted to go see what North Beach was like. We usually go to Van's Beach or South Beach. I found loads of Petoskey stones. There was ice at the far end of the beach so I went to take pictures picking up stones on the way. By the time I got back to the car I was worn out with maybe 5 pounds of rocks in my pockets.I must remember when lollygagging around climbing through shrubs I must look up. Overhanging branches are a peril when you don't see on one side. Nearly poked me eyeball out.






From North Beach you can see right into the harbor. No sea birds on the breakwall this day. You can see the Whaleback as you look towards the harbour from the other end of the beach.







A few Petoskey's


I had intended to go to Van's Beach but was pooped. So set off for our usual destinations. Good Harbour Bay and Shalda Creek first then back on the main Road.







Checked out the Beavers at Port Oneida......Busy as a Beaver takes on a whole new meaning when you see how much territory they have taken over








No wildlife so next stop Glen Haven.


Nothing there, so on to Empire in hopes of seeing some deer. They were there.
Saw the first in the church yard. They are so beautiful how can anyone hurt them




We left them to their business and went into town, checked the usual places and saw more.




We left them in peace for now and went to see how the repair work was coming on at the beach front. They are putting the boulders closer to the water to break the waves........then I assume with repair the wall.






Instead of leaving through town we backtracked and saw the herd joining up with the others. Some were rather frisky




With that we headed back to Traverse City, the end of a lovely day. Coming into town you can see both Bays but I was not quick enough

Must plan for the next sunny day and see what we can see............