Paint on the front porch has a definite lifespan of typically no more than about 2 years. Direct intense sun, other weather elements, and high traffic take their toll so we shuffle ourselves to spruce up about this time of year. We began with a complete repaint of the stairs by the garage leading to the Chauffeur’s Quarters then moved on to attack the front porch.
Man, oh man does January beg for winter projects to be accomplished. Periodically we apply a thin layer of a food-safe mineral oil to help preserve our nearly 109-yr. old counter tops preceded by a vigorous steel wool scrub-a-tub with soapy water and vinegar. It is astounding the ‘hand-juice’/cleaning product/spill remains that build up even though the counters are wiped daily. Joshua gets his workout with this task.
This week presented us with a perfect opportunity to make some fashionable and safety improvements. Two months ago, heavy rains found their way through the Master Suite balcony then down onto and into the front atrium ceiling, leaving us with significant water stains.
Long-term guests Karen and Jim Welch (aka Grapegirl and Rumboy) typically spend a few days with us every year about this time and they are always armed with a collection of their adult beverage of choice, rum.
We are a week into our 2020 Forevermore holiday special and guests are simply RAVING about all the fun Eloise’s spirit has imparted to our holiday festivities. Here we are in all our fun-filled and whimsical splendor.
Our holiday decorating efforts called all hands-on deck yet again this year with the special assistance of the stocking fabricators, Phillip and Andrew, a surprise visit from my niece and her son from Missouri, Ruth and Jordan, as well as the stocking stuffer gifting creators, Chloe and her daughter Sofia of Sol Beauty.
Eloise has turned up the volume for TSH Elves as we prepare for the holiday decorating frenzy and go full swing in the holiday test kitchen.
Our long-term friend, esthetician, chemist, and overall miracle-worker Chloe Zuniga and her daughter, Sofia, are concocting a couple of really special treats for our holiday guests.
WOOWOO was this a banner day with the first delivery of the one-of-a-kind Phillip and Andrew stockings now transformed into the ultimate in whimsy, bling, and Eloise-quality HOLIDAY FUN by local artist and longtime friend Dolores Ashkar!
Wouldn’t you think that after 28 &1/2 years at this blessed calling, SOMEBODY would remember all the pieces/parts a project needs?
