Playing Doctor

That title got your attention, huh? You have a naughty, naughty mind! Anyhoo, Jack came home from work on Monday night and said he wasn't feeling well - chest pain (this got my attention), nausea, generally feeling unwell. You get the picture. So off to emergency for us - where we sat for nine freakin' hours during which he felt perfectly healthy. Kill me. I was ready to totally rip out his IV and Bonnie and Clyde him right out of there. In the most loving way possible, of course. I will admit he got excellent care from the doctors and nurses there, but nine hours is a long, long time. One nurse told him that work wasn't everything and he needed to know what ELSE he could do besides work. He said he did know. And this is what he was thinking:

A boat in Margaritaville, yo.

As for me, I was grateful he was ok, but I was also grateful someone left the current issue of Country Living in the waiting room. The magazine was all about living with white - which I love.
So that passed about 30 minutes of time.


What I did notice was the absolutely beautiful medical equipment throughout the hospital - especially the carts. Wouldn't they be beautiful in your home? They are brightly-coloured, multi-functional, and extremely sturdy. The wheels make them easy to move around. Picture a cart for craft supplies, or tools. Or as a wrapping station. It could even be a kitchen island.
I found these babies on medicalcarts.net:

See? Inspiring! It is amazing where you can find creative storage solutions. These guys ran around $250 to $2500; definitely not cheap, but I would assume if they are made to withstand hospital use, they will hold up to whatever your family can dish out.

I also looked at the website for Princess Auto:


Seriously, my heart is racing over this tool chest (that blue!!!!!) - the next trip to emerg may be for me ;P

These items are intended for shop/tool use, but again, easily re-interpreted for the home. (Sorry, the last 2 photos are so small - I just lifted them from the website.)

Where do you get your inspiration?


Nadine

George Clooney image via google images.

Our Norwegian Vacation

No, sadly we were not in THAT Norway (above) last night. We were invited to visit Norway VIRTUALLY by Gayle and Gerald for a traditional lutefisk dinner. Their beautiful and welcoming country home was filled with family and friends ranging in age from 2 to 92. We cozied up to their dining room table and feasted on mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, ham, herring, chocolate cake, rice pudding and of course...lutefisk:


lefse:


a little bit of this:


and of course, this:


A wonderful time was had by all!
So I will leave you with these images of (the real) Norway.

Norway has long and cold winters like ours in Canada, so you can see they decorate their homes with warm woods and bright colours -these elements elevate the spirit!



Nadine
images via google

Found on Kijiji

Here is the text of the ad:

Asking $395.00. Beautiful Fredrick Raymond Dining Room Light Fixture...bought at Superlight 1200.00 plus tax If interested please contact 999-xxxx Charleswood


When did you buy it - 1986? $1200, seriously?

No. Just no.

Nadine

Beautiful and Talented And...

All grown-up! My baby (The Horsey Girl) is 21 years old! And yes, for those of you who are keeping track - her actual birthday was yesterday. I should know - I WAS there, after all. However, I threw my back out in an over-enthusiastic gym session, so not much was happenin' around the ole Greenway Project. But better late than never.

Here is a little something about our beautiful blue-eyed little girl that grew up too fast. She is pictured here with her great-grandmother, Reta Hart.

Don't you just want to squeeze those cheeks???

She loves all animals passionately, but especially horses, and especially her "boy", Pretty Vegas.

She likes to spend lots of time with her horse,

but sometimes she makes time for this guy...

She cleans up rather well for someone who spends most of her time in a barn, doesn't she?

She counts her brother among her best friends.

And she loves these two, too. They've all been together for a long time, through thick and thin.


She is a talented baker. Which is great, but not so great for my waistline!

She's quite crafty. You can see some of her other skills here.

Ummm...delicious....red velvet cupcakes...

But, most of all she's smart, she's talented, she's funny and quick-witted, she's beautiful inside and out, she's going to be a huge success throughout her life, and we love her dearly!

Happy birthday, Jessica!

Paint By Numbers

As you all very well know, there is a specific reason why my daughter is called "The Horsey Girl" - she totally loves horses! A few years ago, I picked up a couple of paint by number kits to keep her busy. Way better than TV or video games. She painted these several years ago (and, yes, that IS her work, above) and they are well-done, vibrant and interesting to look at. PBN have gone in and out of fashion, but there seems to be a resurgence in the decorating world. When I was researching this topic on the internet, I found the Smithsonian actually had an exhibit on them! Cool! There are also lots of places to buy the kits OR the finished product online. I read a blog several months ago and the writer was searching for vintage PBNs of ships for her house - sorry I can't find it again. (Let me know if you can!).

H.G. has many books on horses and horse care and the logical place to keep them was in our office bookshelf. I placed the paintings behind the books for an interesting visual display. I love the personality they give to the shelves.

Here is a picture of the entire bookcase.

And yes, I know I still need a little "something something" for the wall above the chair...I'm holding out for a 22" flat-screen TV!


Nadine

Sweeping Out the Old

I used to work with a man of Chinese descent and he told me the Chinese prepare for the new year by cleaning the house from top to bottom and literally "sweeping out" the old year. So that is what I am doing today. Goodbye 2010!
And in the spirit of New Year's resolutions, this is what I would like to accomplish this year:

1. Finish the main floor powder room - countertop, sink, faucet and flooring. (Note to self: that list seems rather long after all the work I've already done!)

2. Focus on entry. It is the first place visitors see, and I want to "finish" a space instead of spreading my efforts around. Included is: art, new mat, coat rack in armoire.

3. Work on master bedroom. I haven't touched anything in that room. (except for the new headbaord). Why is the bedroom always overlooked? This would include paint for the walls and painting the H.G.'s dresser which is currently being stored in the basement. (tee hee)

4. Complete office - it's just down now to "organizing" (which I love) and then I can give you a full reveal!

5. Build deck outside. Add shed.

2011 Wish List:

New windows

Hardwood floors

On a more personal note, I would like to continue getting into shape. It is taking WAAAY longer than I had anticipated, so I would like to get to my ideal weight in 2011.

This list is totally do-able! I hope you'll follow me this year as I work on The Greenway Project.

Happy New Year!


Nadine

photo via google images