Number 9 & 10!
Last month, I just didn’t get around to posting my Final Friday. Part of that was it didn’t seem like much was going on here at Haus der Mitte! The weather was warm verging on hot, I think. We didn’t really do anything exciting, either. But, October was a rather busy month. All of the categories below show both months. If you’re new to the blog, this is my monthly recap with a few opinions thrown in. Those opinions are the “for what it’s worth” part of this! I’m also throwing a link party so please link up your favorite posts. Don’t have a blog? Don’t worry! You might find a new blog or two!
What I’ve been reading…
Wow! I thought August was a slow month! I only read nine books in both months. That’s really bad, especially when you consider I used to read four or five books at once when I was teaching! In my defense, the Louise Penny books are usually about 400 pages long (on my iPad via Libby). I’m going to be really lazy and skip the reviews of each book. Mainly, it’s because I can’t remember what they were about! But, I really, really like the Armand Gamache mysteries by Louise Penny. The only book I didn’t like was The Soulmate. I just didn’t like anything about it, but I finished it because I wanted to see how it wrapped up. Still didn’t like it!
What I’ve been watching…
Surprisingly, I think we’ve only watched a few shows. We finished “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and “Sex Education.” We binge watched Mrs. Maisel for almost the entire two months. I can see why it won so many awards. It’s funny, thought-provoking, and the fashion is amazing. But, there were times I was just a bit annoyed. I kept wondering where her kids were. They just seemed to come out of the woodwork when it was convenient to the story line. It also enraged me because women continue to be treated as less than in our world. The fashion, though, was fabulous! That also led me to wondering how this underemployed stand up comedienne could afford Dior! Except for a couple of black dresses, I don’t think any outfits were repeated.
“Sex Education” is a fun, NSFW British show on Netflix. It ran for four seasons and centers around, you guessed it, sex. It’s a little graphic. But while you know what’s going on, you don’t always see what’s going on, if you get my drift. The last season was a bit of a letdown for me because there just seemed to be so many different story lines going on. And, it was the last season which meant some of those story lines didn’t wrap up. I really dislike that. Gillian Anderson’s character is a strong woman in the first three seasons, but she’s reduced to a caricature of a postpartum mum. I know that’s reality, but it also felt a bit of a cheap shot.
What I’ve been working on…
Well, in September, I wasn’t really working on much it seems. I did start another scrapghan, but I still haven’t finished any of the wool sweaters I knitted. I did start one sleeve, though! So, what did I do? Started another scrapghan. This one is a corner to corner (AKA c2c). I really like how it’s coming out. The biggest question is what am I going to do with them when I’m done! My kids really don’t want any more afghans, and I certainly don’t, either!
A little more…
I finally convinced Nigel to buy some paint. We painted the front bedroom first. That’s also Jack’s bedroom. I don’t know if he likes the color or not. You might notice the really messy closet. I got rid of the shelving in there, moved my cedar chest (Nigel bought that for me in 1975 or 76) into the closet, and reworked the craft situation. The color is Sherwin Williams Valiant Blue, but it reads a dark green with blue undertones to me. This isn’t a big bedroom and took almost an entire gallon. There’s a reason why I say that.
Even more…
When we bought paint, we actually bought paint for the primary bedroom and both bathrooms. Our bathrooms are stupid big. They are literally the size of a small bedroom, measuring about 10′ x 12′. I know these condos are designed for accessibility, but, honestly, you could just about put a twin bed in each one! We bought four gallons of paint…one for the front bedroom, one for both bathrooms, and two gallons for the primary bedroom. We painted that primary bedroom and only used one gallon! And, this room is so much bigger than the front bedroom. I’m trying to figure out how that happened!
A skosh more…
Now, I have two gallons of paint. The one I want for the bathroom is Sherwin Williams Silver Strand which is a light blue/grey/green color. The color we painted the primary is Sherwin Williams Silvermist, a deeper, more moody blue/grey/green color. I honestly don’t want to paint the primary bedroom’s bathroom that color. We do still have one more bedroom to paint so I could use it there. I would like to take the Silvermist to the store and see if they could add something to lighten it up a bit so there’s a bit of a difference from the primary bedroom. As you can tell from the photos, we paint a little differently now. Nigel thinks it’s better; I think it accomplishes the same thing in the same amount of time. I do all the cutting in at ceilings, floors, and around woodwork. He does the rolling which I despise. We do one or two walls at a time, giving them two coats before moving on. When we painted the primary bedroom, I did convince him to do another wall as we had the time, and the room was already a mess. When we do any kind of DIY, I tend to totally destroy the place then have the satisfaction of putting it all back together in one go! I’m weird, I know!
Plant murdering…
It appears I’ve been vindicated. I had killed a so-called non-killable spider plant back in the spring. I used that soil to plant some coleus. Those died out during our heat wave. Lo and behold, a few weeks later, this happened! Apparently, one of the roots decided to make me feel much better about myself. Or, maybe it’s going to strangle me as I sleep as I’m going to bring it inside for the winter!
What I’m buying…
You know, I really should write this down. I know I bought a few dresses from Gudrun Sjödén and a few things from J Jill. Actually, Nigel “bought” those for me for my birthday. But, since it all comes out of the same pot, I guess you could say I bought them for myself! I ordered four of the same sweater from Banana Republic and returned them all. The sizing was just so wonky. I definitely needed the petite size because of the bell sleeves. I picked up a couple graphic tees from Old Navy. I also bought a gorgeous merino wool pleated skirt from Talbots in camel. I’m still trying to work out how to style it.
Where I’m going…
Well, we have had our flu shots as well as the most recent Covid booster. Doctor’s appointments are done for the most part. So, all that’s left is to plan where to go within the US. I had thought we could go to Canada with just our driver’s licenses (someone had erroneously told me that), but you need a passport or some other thing that takes even longer to get! I want to go north; Nigel wants to go south. Who knows where we will end up, but, at least, we’re talking about going somewhere. I’ve even got a commitment from him to renew our passports!!
What I’ve worn…
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Guess what? I am never going to skip a month again! This took a while to pull together and then to remember the whys and wherefores! Nigel is chomping at the bit to get the front hallway painted. I think it’s because I have plans for one side. He thinks, by painting the one side, I’ll change my mind about the other side. Silly man! So, can we talk? How were the last two months for you? Were you a bit like my poor strawberry pot at the top and just plumb tuckered out? Have you read any good books lately? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise I will respond as soon as I can!
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Thank you!
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Featured favorites from last month…
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
Novel should know better, lol. I really need to start reading books again. I read a lot during summer, in the sun in the garden, but never during fall and winter. And I looooove to read! Have a great weekend!
Hahaha!!! Yes, he should know better after all these years, but he doesn’t! You need a summer room to read in, Nancy!
It was a good month for you Marsha! Love all your looks and how exciting about painting your house. I’m not surprised that the coleus sprouted up, They can be very hardy sometimes!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I truly do love to paint except for rolling the paint on. So, it works out well as Mike doesn’t like to cut in! I wasn’t as surprised at the coleus as the spider plant. Now, let’s see if I can keep both of them alive!
I loved Mrs. Maisel for the fashion and laughs too – I would have loved to have some of those clothes! I cannot believe how big your bathrooms are!
I really like that plaid blazer, the colors are so in my wheelhouse – LOVE!!
Have the best weekend my friend!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! Yes, this blazer is definitely you…the colors, the fit, everything! Our bathrooms are stupid big. I should have realized when the cabinet planner was going to put a 10 foot vanity in the primary! Who needs something like that? We whittled that down to one five foot vanity and a linen cabinet.
Oh, my goodness, the clothes on Mrs. Maisel! But, I wonder if the actress was wearing corsets the way she talked about it in her comedy bits. I almost think she was or they were built into the clothing. I’m sure she’s just as tiny as tiny can be, though!
I love the paint colors you chose! I am still slowly going through our home (5 years later) and changing up certain rooms. I changed all the big ones I disliked but it is those last remaining ones that are hard to motivate myself to do (guest bedroom and basement). I think I may have killed my spider plant. I tend to over water. Oops! I am trying to leave it alone and see if it comes back.
When we moved into our last house, it was all white. And, I love the all white houses you see on tv. But, they just aren’t for me, I guess. I paint pretty quickly, I guess. I truly wish I had a basement to paint! This is the first time since 1981 I haven’t lived in a house with a basement, and I really miss the ease of storage.
I overwater and then underwater. I wish there was a better way…well, there is, but I’m too lazy to do it!
The paint colors are so lovely – I like anything in a muted green/blue color so these were right up my alley. The colorful rug in your bathroom is so fun! I’m not a knitter but I can easily see how it could be more fun to start a project than to finish it. Luckily my current beads-on-a-stick earring project means that I spend about half the time picking out the materials and designing it and about half to the time making it, which is a much shorter slog than finishing a major knitting project!
Thanks, Sally! I have never used these particular colors in the primary bedroom before. And, I’ve painted my bedroom many, many colors over the years. This was way out of my wheel house, but I really like the result. I’ve only just recently discovered how important it is to use warm paint colors with warm furnishings. I guess I’ve always been lucky that I’ve done that before. As for that rug, isn’t it amazing! It was supposed to go out on the patio. The rug said inside/outside, but the directions said keep out of direct sunlight and avoid damp! How would I do that on a patio? So, into the bathroom it went. I like how it makes the room so much more cheerful. I don’t know what it is about me not finishing sweaters. I think it’s because I already know they’re going to be too small. I don’t know if I knit too tightly (I use the gauge) or what, but they’re rarely my size at this point. So, I wait, hoping by the time I finish them, they’ll fit!
I really need to make some beads on a stick earrings. I could definitely manage that!
I know my mom’s knitting group at the church makes blankets for charities and the VA hospital and things; you might be able to donate some blankets if you don’t know what else to do with them. The paint colors are so lovely and a store can absolutely lighten up a darker color of paint.
When my grandson passed, the nurses told us there was a group of ladies who crocheted special little afghans and such for babies. I keep meaning to look into that. Right now, I’m just focusing on getting these two finished!
Thanks…I will have to maybe take it in to get it a little lighter. I am so glad the colors turned out so well!
I love that you painted some walls. It’s on my list, seriously. I just don’t know when I’m going to do it…and we’ve lived here 4 years, LOL
I know what you can do with the afghan…you could make a duster out of it. You have the skills, and I would love to see it,
XOXO
Jodie
Well, once Mike buys the paint, I know we’re going to get it done. The hardest part is picking out the color. I don’t remember ever having the problems at our house before the last. I think it’s because we had such deep porches and trees that the natural light really didn’t effect the color that much. The last house…we painted the living area one color and within months, I’d painted it a completely different color!
It’s way too long at this point to be a duster. I did make a kimono type thing out of two crocheted hexagons. I may try of those again some time.
I’ m surprised you didn’t like the Soulmate! It kept me guessing, I rated it 4 stars! Not the kind of book I usually go for but I gave it a try and I’m glad I did, I enjoyed it 🙂 You have certainly had a very stylish month and it’s great to see how your house is looking!
Your afghans are so pretty I can’t believe you don’t want them! Maybe if you have to many you could give the extras as gifts, or consider donating to a shelter?
Thanks, Mica! I have given them as gifts. For years, I made hats and scarves and donated them. That’s why I have all the excess yarn and am making these scrapghans.
As for The Soulmate, I just didn’t like any of the characters at all. But, I’d reached the point where I wasn’t going to just stop. At least, the author tied up all the loose ends.
The walls look lovely and I know exactly what you mean about Mrs Maisel. I mostly adored it and thought it so funny – but where were her children??? And did that amazing ‘maid’ who seemed to do absolutely everything including all the cooking also look after them? Thought it was screamingly funny when she left to get married and they had no idea how to turn the cooker on!
You definitely read more books than I did!
Thanks, Penny! I have had the paint chips up on the wall for months before finally landing on this one! Oh, I couldn’t believe how helpless they were when Zelda left! And, that was a story line that just got left, too. Was there something going on with Zelda’s husband? Was he as good a guy as he seemed? At times, he seemed a little shady.
I love to read, but I have had so much trouble concentrating since the lockdown. And, I didn’t even have Covid. I think it was the lockdown and the feeling of life coming to an end.
Mrs.Maisel was a fabulous show.
I love Inspector Gamache.. did you know Amazon made a show called Three Pines? There is only one season, it got cancelled but they captured the vibe of Three Pines beautifully. And Alfred Molina and Gamache.. chef’s kiss.
A fellow Gamache devotee! Yes, I did know there was a show. I’ll need to go looking for it. But, I’m reading the books out of order so I’m afraid the show will give away some of the books.
Thanks, Hena!
Lots of fun here Marsha, well done on your painting and plans for a holiday. Love all your fashion too! Thanks for joining us for WBOYC this month. I know what you mean about Soulmate.
Thanks, Debbie! Now, those 2.5 gallons of paint are giving me the stink eye. I need to figure out which room to do next. I probably should have abandoned that book earlier, but I did want to find out what happened.