Greetings and thanks

Christmas calligraphy by my brother, Mark

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my readers! - I enjoy sharing my ideas with all of you.  The blog is a clearing house for all sorts of ideas, plans, thoughts and projects as I maneuver through the creative world of Interior Design.

Finally some Calligraphic Christmas thoughts from my brother, Mark's pen.

Christmas in Bowman

Crib scene

Since we will be in MN for most of Christmas I decided to do a simpler, more understated Christmas here.  Centermost in our celebration is the Crib Scene with Mary, Joseph and Jesus - He definitely is the "Reason for the Season".  What an awesome, undeserved gift he offers us!

Quilted tree and stockings

In the living room I am displaying a tree quilt with only 2 stockings, (for Paul & me), green baubles in the windows, and my expandable trees made of shiny colored discs.  Lots of Christmas colors in the rest of the house - in ornaments, plaids in windows, and wall treatments.    

Front window in Bowman

November Trips

November decorating for the cabin

Dining room

We made 2 trips to the cabin in November - 6 days for Paul and me and another 5 days for him over Thanksgiving.  Still working away on the bathroom tiling - got interrupted when we found out that the screws for the tiling saw had not been included in its shipping box.  So we are not as far along as we hoped to be as the holidays approach and the cabin fills with guests.  They will be arriving from West Virginia, Minnesota, and North Dakota.  Our granddaughter, Josie and my sis Tess helped to decorate the cabin for Christmas.

Sunroom

Beautiful Fall

Indoor fabric reflects outdoor nature

Fall brings with it a change of scenery - where all was lush green with vibrant fun hues - we now see leaves begin their showy performance modeling oranges, yellows, reds, golds, and deep maroon - such rich colors.  The frost tames the colors and they move into browns, tans, and greys.  This is all before the arrival of cold temperatures and blankets of millions of snowflakes - the earth resting.

Our MN trees are loosing their leaves and as they do we try to pick up as many as we can - they get hauled out to the mini forest at the back of our yard - the wind knocks a lot of small branches down so we are continually adding them to the forested area - a nice place for bunnies for winter.  We have lots of wildlife around our yard - we have a small all black squirrel - we've named him Blackie.  Our woods are home to a pair of screech owls - we see them winging through the woods hunting mice we hope. Blue jays, nuthatches, and woodpeckers and red and grey squirrels spend lots of time scratching around the yard.  Deer wind their way through our yard quite often.

Fall Teaching

As my business, Design Consulting has developed I have had many opportunities to share my design skills.  I write a newspaper article every month for our home town newspaper - I started writing them to inform people about the vast world of interior design - my October article will be the 43rd I have written. 

I have had the privilege of doing a number of Career Days  and from those I have had 3 job shadows.  It has been a privilege to work with these students helping to shape their future career decisions.

I've also had the opportunity to host Home Design Parties.  The guests get a tour of my home, a brief  look at my business, lunch, and door prizes - one lady said - "this is just like a spa night for women, but with design".  

Our October trip to the cabin

Now copper

We did get to work on the two September projects in October.  We now have new ivory colored counter tops with speckles of grey, copper and tan.  The new counter tops have completely changed the look of the kitchen.  When the counter tops were red that is all that one saw, now the logs are standing out and the beautiful grain in the cupboard doors is visible - it is like we have a totally different room.  I washed and spray painted all the switch plates and plug-in plates - copper - they look great!

Paul and I mixed cement for our basement bathroom shower area - that is now setting up and he will be able to start tiling the rest of the shower.  When he finishes that he will tile the rest of the bathroom - walls and floor.  We have purchased the vanity, stool, and mirrored medicine cabinet for the space.  Lighting and finishing the ceiling will be the last projects for that room.  We hope to have it finished before we do our first family Christmas at the cabin.

About that September trip

The Minnesota lumberjacks

We arrived at the cabin to find that we had lots of little critter visitors - we loaded and spread out mouse traps and sticky traps along the paths they seemed to be taking.  We caught a bunch!  Our neighbor, the game warden, told us that mice are particularly bad this year - the acorn crop was so sparse that they are finding it hard to find food of any kind.

We also arrived to find at least 10 large trees uprooted on our property - the result of some big winds that did some severe damage north of us.  One tree lost a huge branch that ended up draped over our second story roof and hanging all the way down to the ground.  Landis and Paul got out the tractor and it took the two of them working to keep the tree from falling on them or breaking any of our sun room windows.  Because of the downed trees the lumberjacks were busy cutting, hauling, and stacking wood.

Whenever we find tasks that were unexpected it keeps us from getting projects done that were on the list.  Little bathroom work done and we didn't get the counter tops done either.    

The Sun Room

In the sun room

Let the voting begin - as we traveled we (my sister, Paul, our granddaughter and I), voted on colors for the upper walls in the sunroom - the walls from 7' to the floor are a soft grey.  We finally decided on a Sky Blue, we wanted it to be a light color as the room is in shade all year round.  The ceiling fan will also be painted - it is white now but needs a little jazzing up - each blade may be a different color or the blades may be painted as a large sunflower, or they may be white with blue, green, orange, yellow and red dots.

Heavy Lifting Projects

Just about dropped it.

Our last trip seemed to involve lots of heavy lifting.  Paul and I moved 2 huge cabinets into the sun room and dining room.  But before we could pick up the 2 cabinets in Wadena we had to unload scores of shelves and cement blocks to our big shop.

Paul was mowing our many acres of lawn and the mower quit - he and I had to push it up into our enclosed trailer to be able to get it into town.  Push, hold, brace, push, hold, brace, up into the trailer.

Our September trip

Our next trip to the cabin will be a busy one - we plan to celebrate 4 birthdays, have carpet laid in two bedrooms and the loft, and redo our kitchen counter tops.  We will continue working on painting the exterior of our 2 garages - we have a power washer to clean them and a paint sprayer to do the actual painting.  Trim work will probably be the most time consuming. 

The mower is fixed and ready to go - so there will be lots of mowing to catch up on.
Paul is also learning how to lay tile for our downstairs bathroom - we will keep you posted on his progress.  

Washer/Dryer

Towels for the guests

Paul connected up my washer and dryer - this will be great as I will not have to haul bedding and towels back and forth from ND to MN.  Speaking of towels, Paul had a great idea - give each guest their towels (in one color), for their stay.  Because the rooms are small we will install towel bars or hooks in each room for a place for hanging bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths.  We have a variety of colors - red, yellow, light blue, dusty green, lavender, coral, orange, purple and pink, for guests to use.  

Progress at the Cabin

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters

Work continues slowly but surely.  The insulating team came in to insulate the basement - first with 1" of foam and the next day with 3" of a cotton denim batting - for installers - so much better than the fiberglass.  They wore full respirators and coveralls.  Paul looked like he was ready for "Ghost Busters".

The day after the insulating was complete Paul started replacing the 2"x4" floor plates that had rotted out from the water in the basement.  He will begin tiling the downstairs bathroom - a brand new skill for him.

Mowing our huge yard is a big project - the grass was 2' high when we arrived.  Due to new drain tile, septic mound system, and eaves troughs we have no water in or near the house.  The biggest bonus is that there is no pond in the back yard, no water draining back into the house and fewer mosquitos!       

Getting ready to insulate

Old log chute

A Brighter Sunroom

Air ferns in their new home

Our sunroom has 3 walls of windows so light is always flowing in but it is fairly dark because it is in shade throughout the day and the logs around the windows/doors are dark brown.  I opted to paint the logs our trim color, soft grey - three walls are complete - I will finish the room on our next trip to MN.  This room will be our family game/puzzle room.  I hung up my new air ferns (you water them once a month by soaking them in a bowl of water for about an hour), and moss covered balls.

Lighting up the sunroom

Re-done sunroom chairs in blue

Warning - Bears at the Cabin

Our game warden neighbor, Greg, told us to be armed and aware of the influx of bears around our cabin.  He told us that they have been raiding the bird feeders in peoples' yards.  We didn't see any while we were there but we did see the photo he took of tracks in his driveway.  So we may be installing some triangles, gongs or bells on our buildings so that we can alert each other if one is spotted.  Bear mace, whistles, and bells may become some our outdoor attire.

When we were there this last time I had opportunity to travel to Minneapolis, attend a grand nephew's graduation with my sister Tess, and then bring our granddaughter back to the cabin.  We stopped at an antique store and rescued a giant, fuzzy, brown bear from a small crib - he was very embarrassed to be in such a small bed and holding a doll - he now has a new home at the cabin!  We have to think of good name for him.   

Working on the cabin continues

New vanity

Paul and I joked this morning that we are always looking forward to our next visit to the cabin but are so tired when we arrive from getting ready to go and go so hard when we are there that we have yet to sit back and enjoy the place - that too will come.

A clean floor for the new dining room table

Exploring with Grandpa was big on our grand daughter's list so off they went - lots to see with 40 acres.  We had a wood chuck in one of our buildings and a family of skunks lives in our brush pile - Paul is purchasing a live trap for our next trip there.  We'll be doing some birding when we are there - have identified lots of kinds of birds - we'll be painting the birdhouses that need a little attention.

Tiling 2 bathrooms will be a new skill that Paul is going to tackle - the new septic system and drain tile are working beautifully.

"This Trays for You"

Trays to choose from

Last week I had the privilege of introducing a group of ladies to tray making.  We had a great time crafting together.

My daughter, Bridget and I made our first ones years ago after seeing the idea in a magazine.  The first step is to paint the tray, then add feet, then design a collage (the French word for gluing materials in new arrangements and designs), and lastly adding glass to protect the design.

Mom's tray - my first tray - when I was young we used this tray to carry our picnic dishes and foods to the backyard for family picnics.
Paul's tray - this tray features Christmas cards that Paul's postal patrons have given him.

The trays are varied colors, shapes, and sizes.  The themes can be anything the tray makers choose - some gals brought pictures of friends and grand children to add to their trays.  Each gal left with a new "tray" creation.

Easter at the Cabin

Easter "plantings"

My grand daughter and I planted Jelly beans last Easter and sucker came up!  This year we planted them again in a large flower pot and voila the next morning brought squeals of delight as she spied the fuzzy rabbits and eggs on sticks, tootsie roll pops shaped like eggs and mini carrots - she rearranged the stuff in the pot many times during our stay there.

Easter Decor

Mantle magic.

Easter chandelier

Placemats as art.

Each holiday I use my design skills to decorate our home.  I attempt to use common things in unusual ways.  I am displaying a rug on my living room wall, placemats as an art piece on the wall, and as a backdrop to shelves. The mantle is decorated with green grass around 3 pink, pedestaled candy dishes - each dish is full of colored eggs. And last but not least I've done my bath room chandelier with bunnies, eggs and beads. Hope you have a Happy, Hoppy Easter!

Wall rug art.

Placemats as art.

Family Celebrations

On our latest rip to MN we had lots of family there - my 2 sisters, our son and grand daughter, and my husband and me.  We ate our breakfasts at the cabin and did our first big family meal together - homemade chicken, vegetable soup - crockpots are a wonder!
We took a bit of a break one afternoon to swim at our local Wellness Center - what a beautiful facility!

Valentine's Day window.

We celebrated Valentines Day - my grand daughter and I decorated a wee bit with hearts in the windows and a pink polka dot tablecloth.  We celebrated my birthday and had lots of fun opening gifts and just spending time together.

Festive table.

We're planning an Easter trip - weather permitting.  And we look forward to possibly having as much family as can come for our first Christmas at the Cabin. 

Winter visit to the cabin

Looking out our front window.

In the midst of moving.

Last month we traveled to our MN log home - it was a snowy wonderland with -20 degree temps.  Inside our 16' enclosed trailer were beds, bedding, blow up mattresses, pillows, towels, dishes, furniture pieces, tools, light fixtures, wooden palettes and a snow blower (if you don't pack one you will be sure to have loads of snow to clear).

Light fixture installation.

Light fixture installation.

Hearts Day Coming!

Happy hearts quilt

Pink and red heart chandelier

The decorating for Happy Heart's Day is complete - this includes a heart quilt, Red Ruby Dishes, various heart ornaments, pillows and my pink and red chandelier (I just couldn't resist decking it out for Valentines).
Valentine means "strong" and the holiday, February 14 is observed in honor of St Valentine (a Christian martyr who died in Rome around 270AD).  Valentines are written, artistic works, messages or tokens expressing affection for someone.
During this cold, snowy time of year most anyone would welcome a warm valentine.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine wishes

Happy New Year 2016!

On to the New Year - 2016 brought scrambling to pack, label and categorize some of my decorations as I stored them away.  Some of them will stay here and some of them will go to MN for Christmas 2016.  We hope to spend next Christmas in our new log home in MN. 

Family Tartans

My theme for next Christmas will be "It's a Scottish Christmas" - my mind is already thinking plaids and oranges, blues and greens - I plan to use some of the tartans that are a part of our Scottish heritage as I work out the theme.

Polish Decorating!

The Star Carrier

The Star Tree

In researching my Polish roots I learned of Polish dinnerware and cookware; fragile glass ornaments, and the use of bold colors - red, cobalt blue, green and yellow.  My home and tree reflected those colors in lights and ornaments.
A Polish custom -  (the Gwiszdory) or star carrier travels around each village carrying a star - Polish children try to see the first star on Christmas Eve - like the star that led the Wise Men to the Christ Child's birthplace in Bethlehem.  Following this custom my decorations featured lots of stars in red, blue and white that my sister, Angela made out of pipe cleaners.

Christmas 2015 - How fleeting!

Auntie Dee and Polish Poppyseed Coffee Cake

I'm writing this after the holiday as it was so busy in December.  We were blessed to have family here for the holidays and that is always extra special!

My theme for this year's decorating was "It's a Polish Christmas."  Just what makes a Christmas "Polish"?  Growing up with 8 siblings and a Dad who was 1/2 Polish set the stage.  Our Mom taught us about her nationalities (Scotch, Welsh and Norwiegan), and our Dad's (he was 100% Polish).
Delicious family recipes were part of the holiday fare - Polish Liver Sausage - I almost had to bribe Dad for the recipe.  Polish Poppy Seed Coffeecake and Creamed Onions and Creamed Cabbage.  What memories these 4 conjure up for me, what special memories of family!