My Dearest

Dearest Hurricane,
I am sorry to inform you that your twin, the one I purchased at the thrift store when I purchased you, has undergone some cosmetic changes.You see, while giving her a bath in the kitchen sink I heard a loud pop and noticed a large crack in her base (likely a result of the combination of scalding hot water inside her while she sat on a cold sink bottom).
A few weeks later the crack turned into a severed break! I could not bear to throw her out but instead I placed your twin upside down to mourn her unfortunate state.
Then one day my hubby, desiring to relieve the two of us from our misery, had a wondrous plan! He would gently break off the rest of her base and sand down the sharp edges. The plan was successful with one exception, she was still a bit rough around the edges. Thank goodness a little dressing of burlap and rope could come to her aide and cover her flaws.

So you see my little hurricane, there is no need to mourn for your twin. She is living a new life.
She has blossomed into a beautiful cloche!

A Little Nesting

This is the view outside my window this morning. Yes, old man winter has returned.

Fortunately before his arrival we had a few warm days which I tried to take full advantage of by bringing in a few signs of spring.

In my flower bed are two old cement urns that once belonged to my in-laws. I love to change these urns with the seasons. Recently I found two unusual wreaths at the thrift store for a dollar each. I placed them a top each urn and, luckily enough, pots from the nursery fit snug inside the center.

I like the way they resemble birds nests.
I planted pansies nestled amongst spanish moss.
And to finish out the display and give it height, I added
beautiful red branches a dear neighbor clipped for me.Nests, pansies and branches---the perfect spring combination!

I am excited to announce
that this little blog has been
nominated for the JDR Industry Blogger Awards!!!

I feel very humbled and honored
to be listed among a group of talented bloggers.
The winner receives $500.
Wow, I know a few projects I could finish with that kind of money!

I would truly appreciate it if you would go to jacksondesignandremodeling.com/blog/
to vote for Joys of Home.
Thank you!!!

Hubby's Skills

My hubby has skills!
I could list several.
Among the list would be that he is the best amateur carpenter, plumber, motorcycle rider (he would want me to include that),
dishwasher, and electrician that I know!
It is the latter that was very helpful
in the installation of my bargain thrift store chandelier.I was not fond of the original hanging apparatus. It was a little too sleek and modern, and the fact that it hung down
11 inches created a big problem with my 8 foot ceilings,
especially hanging in the middle of a closet.
I didn't need anyone to poke their eye out while getting dressed.

The solution was to replace it with a more traditional ceiling canopy. That's when it's really nice to have a hubby with electrician skills.

Problem number two came when we
took down the antiquated light fixture. Apparently the previous owners had at one time installed high watt bulbs
causing so much heat that the paint discolored and peeled.
We have big plans in the future for remodeling this
so-small-you-can-barely-call-it-a-walk-in closet
so I didn't want to take the time to re-paint it now.
Instead I decided to use a quick and inexpensive cover-the-mess solution;
a thrifted silver tray.Now that the ceiling looked so pretty
I thought I'd stage my side of the closet. I use some pretty boxes and apothecary jars
(already stored there waiting for another organization project).
Then I tacked up my small collection of vintage hats. Now it's a real treat to walk into my closet!