I am on a week long mid-semester break now. I want to get several things on my to-do list done while I have more time at home.
After the weekly house cleaning, I made 10 liters of laundry liquid.
I use store bought laundry detergent made for dark clothes for my black office clothes and homemade laundry liquid for everything else.
Finally all plantation shutters are installed in my bedroom. All three shutters cost $60 plus approximately $20 for nails and wood for hanging strips. I have the curtains between the glass and the shutters for extra privacy. Once shutters are closed at night the room is completely dark. No more street light filtering through windows. I love the way they look and how I can adjust the slats to let more or less light into the room.
Yesterday I took a break from house work. A friend and I drove to a small town called Brooksville, about 45 miles north. I always look for small towns to visit; towns where there is less traffic, full of trees, no big name restaurants, towns rich with history and old world charm. But its harder to find such towns in this area. We took a more scenic path to avoid traffic.
There were several farms along the way. We even stopped at several yard sales, but didn't buy anything. I like visiting old houses, so went to see a house called May - Stringer House. The house was built in 1856 and added to National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
It is a beautiful house, though completely renovated only some original features still remain. There are only guided tours. Most rooms were filled with donated old items, but not really related to the house. The house is said to be haunted and there are even ghost tours. 👀 I didn't see any ghosts though the guide claimed she saw a door opening and closing by itself on the first day she visited the place. My friend later said that could be because the floor was not leveled any where in the house. 😊
On the way back we stopped at a feed store and bought a bale of straw. Tomorrow I'm going to prepare a couple of raised beds. I also need to clean the car, the trunk has bits of straw all over even after I used a tarp to protect it.
The break officially starts tomorrow. I already did grocery shopping so it's time to cook now. I am going to make spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.
On the way back we stopped at a feed store and bought a bale of straw. Tomorrow I'm going to prepare a couple of raised beds. I also need to clean the car, the trunk has bits of straw all over even after I used a tarp to protect it.
The break officially starts tomorrow. I already did grocery shopping so it's time to cook now. I am going to make spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.
How was your weekend?
XX
Nil
Doesn't it feel good to both get things done and have a bit of a break? I miss that about working for the schools - more than 2 days off. That house is 4 stories! Have fun playing in the dirt😊 I will start planting next weekend.
ReplyDeleteYes Lady Locust, I am getting a much needed rest and also getting some work done.
DeleteUnfortunately it's raining here, so I had to postpone gardening.
Yes, I put a bale of straw in the car once....that stuff goes EVERYWHERE
ReplyDeleteI thought placing the bale on a tarp and then covering well would be enough. But no, somehow pieces of straw and dust got everywhere. :)
DeleteYour bedroom and the shutters look beautiful Nil. You're doing such a great job with your renovations and decorating.
ReplyDeleteThank you Fran. It takes a while to find good deals, but sometimes patience pays off. :)
DeleteEnjoy your well earn't break.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy looking at houses.
Thank you Marlene.
DeleteI love old architecture. More beautiful and ornate than modern buildings.
How wonderful to have those shutters to block out the light. You always inspire me to do more and be more...
ReplyDeleteThose trees and that old house look so charming. Glad to hear you had an enjoyable jaunt with your friend.
Thank you Stephenie. I too love the shutters. I never thought I could find used ones. I wouldn't have bought brand new shutters, because they are really expensive.
DeleteA good start to your break, with chores out of the way. I really like your shutters, they look terrific. A neighbour put shuttetx in her house and I wish I'd done it too when I saw how good they look, instead of blinds. Cost was a factor though. Enjoy getting your hands dorty in the garden:)
ReplyDeleteIt's true Nanette plantation shutters are expensive. Luckily I found used shutters at a Habitat for Humanity store. It's a lot of work to adjust them for my windows, so unlike custom made new shutters, installing these take time.
DeleteYour bedroom space, with those shutters, looks lovely, Nil. Great for controlling the amount of light too. Aren't old homes fun to visit? I love exploring them too. Enjoy your break. Meg:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Meg. The break is productive so far. :)
DeleteYour shutters are looking great Nil, and your room is much tidier than mine! I hope you've enjoyed your break. X
ReplyDeleteThanks Jules. You should see the spare room and the dining area. That's where I keep all my tools. :)
DeleteSo far I'm happy with how the bedroom and library look, the next project is fixing the living room.
Oh wow, the shutters look beautiful! We used to live in an old house that had shutters indoors, but they were dark brown. Your white ones look so clean and crisp. Simply beautiful. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Belinda. These shutters remind me of old houses and that's one reason I like them. :)
Delete