The other day I decided I should do at least one productive thing (which led to more than one), so I mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors. Doing the kitchen was mandatory as Rick finally finished painting and I didn't want to put the pie shelf back on a dirty floor! I went outside to dump the water and look what I found!
Yes, that's a roll of toilet paper with a small bottle stuck in the core, filled with daffs. "Stay Safe," it says. No name. But after a bit of deduction (because, after all, mysteries are my favorite genre and I would like to think I've learned something), I discovered they were from Cork Popper pal Barb who made very early morning deliveries to her Corkie friends!
It moved inside to a place of honor as a temporary centerpiece! How temporary depends on the status of the daffodils and the need for the toilet paper!
I am still on the hunt for my insurance and Medicare cards which I believe Rick never returned to me after taking in some lab work back in late March. I figured they were with him so I didn't worry over it. I should have worried sooner as we can't find them at either house. New ones are ordered. It's a bad time to be without insurance cards.
I've been painting a bit. More on that in another post!
Speaking of painting, I just finished a really quite fascinating book -- "Queen Victoria's Sketchbook."
Should you think this is just a series of illustrations (and there are plenty, all by Victoria), there is loads of text that puts her art and love of painting in context. Divided into sections that highlight her various interests and people in her life, Victoria fans will recognize some old favorites, including her Prime Minister, Lord M....
And her servant, Abdul, who was featured in the recent film, "Victoria and Abdul."
You'll also learn of her love for theatre and the opera, of which she was an avid and detailed sketcher.
And, you will see how her family was often captured in paint, particularly the children. Of Albert, there were only two small sketches.
Harry is back at the Ditch. Finally. I'd heard of his return, but just only saw him for the first time!
I leave you with this...
Be careful what you wish for.
45 comments:
Jeanie, what a lovely, useful, and thoughtful gift from your friend. It makes a cute centerpiece. I am sorry about the loss of your cards, not a good time for sure. The socks are perfect. Happy Thursday!
Just a quick note about your image issue. I found a current discussion on the blogger forums, here. There's input from Google (PeggyK). If you're still having a problem, that would be a place to post, since she said on 4/19 she thought it was fixed, but invited anyone who still has the issue to provide links.
oh what a beautiful and thoughtful gift. When I visited the Isle of Wight top of my list of places to visit was Osborne House, Queen Victoria's favourite home. "It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" she said. As well as her duties as queen she was devoted to her family and loved her time spent at Osborne. She was an accomplished artist. Love the socks :-)
LOVED everything! And what a purrfect gift to find on your doorstep.
What a great friend leaving that cute daff gift! Glad to see Harry is back.
THAT is an awesome gift and what a great idea and way to bring a smile to someone's face! That certainly would make their day! I believe I may 'borrow' that idea! That sketch book looks fascinating!
First the techie stuff: One of my images disappeared that way too. It was uploaded at the same time as other photos in the same post, and it was the only one that had the problem. So I have no idea what's happening. I guess I should go back and look for more problems.
I guess your friend was a day early for the May Day tradition of leaving flowers on the doorstep of friends and neighbors. Somehow I remember a poem about it but I can't find it. I like her updated way of leaving a nosegay! Which is a word I only associate with May Day.
be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I sincerely do believe at night someone brakes in here and makes a mess. I have no other explanation for the kitchen floor getting dirty so quickly!
Lizzie looks a bit... grumpy here!
That TP!!! Crazy!
Awww. Wonderful painting of your wee ones! And Harry!
Yes, those socks. Funny once, now... not so much!
Cute socks.
What a thoughtful gift! Both beauty and meeting a common need :)
That blue jay is catching my eye. They've started coming to the peanuts here and are striking birds.
Jeanie, glad to see that Harry is back, such a beauty, and glad to see your humor is still in place. Love the socks!!! What a sweet gift (doing double duty is very important) from your friend, you sure learn who your friends are in hard times. Hope you find your insurance cards. Everytime you have to go to docs, labs, etc. they ask to see them. Why, they are already in the computer. Silly, but irritating to me. I noticed that I had a few pics like that when I looked back at one of my posts. I know the photos were there when I sent it out. It hasn't happed since that I am aware of and didn't know if it was only me that saw it..Stay well..xxoJudy
Jeanie, your friend does have a sense of humor and also provided a couple of useful things, one to brighten your home and the other should the need arise. Losing important cards is always a nuisance, but glad to read you were able to get replacements. Not sure about the missing photo but have heard of it happening on other blogs as well. Nice to see that Harry is back in town.
I'm glad you are having your insurance cards replaced and I hope you won't need them. What a sweet friend to leave such a lovely and practical gift on your step. The daffs are so pretty and sunny! I love the sketchbook, it is awesome and would be fun to pass the time. Jeanie, I have no idea what happens to have photos missing from posts. The same thing happened to my blog, I couldn't believe it. I had to go back in and replace them. Last time I looked they were still there. I have no idea what that's all about. If you find out do let us know. Cute socks!!!! Stay well.........
Indeed I'd be feeling very nervous without my medicare and insurance cards. Hope you get yours soon and don't need them. I had to renew my driver's license but thankfully, they allowed me to do it online. I already have the new one. They used the same photo but made it black and white, so for some reason it appears I'm bald in the front of my head. Oh well... Glad Harry is back! Sometimes, we just want a constant in our lives.
Very sweet gift Jeanie. I want to thank you for your heartfelt comment about our sweet Chloe. Hugs
Glad to see that Harry is back! I loved the fun/pretty tp bouquet from your friend and her sweet message. It is good you realized your insurance cards were missing. I love your paintings, especially the one of the cute grandboys playing in puddles.
Sweet gift, and great news that Harry is back at the ditch. Good thing you noticed the missing cards now, and not when you needed them, so at least you can get new ones ordered.
cool bouquet!. I had no idea Victoria was an artist. It's "parts of the world are normal" reassuring to see that Harry is back.
That is such a cute and thoughtful idea!! What a good friend - and just in time for May Day!
I love your toilet roll centerpiece - so cute. You're lucky to have a friend who is so considerate.
What a pleasant surprise to find that....the daffodils sure are a day brightener. LOVE the socks...
How wonderful to receive those masks, helping you to stay safe. Hugs x
I think I left the comment at the wrong post, not sure about that. I will search for Queen Victoria's Sketchbook, it sounds lovely and I would love to have a look at it.
Such a sweet cork popper..and ART:)
Cutie patootie socks too;)Take care.
Jeanie,
What you spoke of with the pictures was about what I was talking about over a week ago with pictures disappearing...Supposedly Blogger has fixed it and I have not been seeing it on my posts or others...Loved seeing parts of Queen Victoria's sketch book as she is a favorite of mine...Thanks for sharing and thanks so much for stopping by!!
HUgs,
Debbie
OK, I seem to be missing several blogs as of late. I guess I am too preoccupied. Doing at least 1 productive thing a day is may motto right now, but there are lots of days that having a motto is better than not, and that is about all I can say. But no one has left me tp with daffodils. That is amazing. And getting to be a sleuth is half the fun. Glad you liked Queen Victoria's Sketchbook. It is pretty amazing, isn't it? And thanks for reminding me where I'd heard of Abdul before I read this part of the book. It was the movie. I'd been trying to think of that for a while now. Glad things seem to be settling out for you. I am just plain ready for school to be over and to retire. Online teaching is getting to be a chore, BUT, only 5 more weeks so I am not going to complain. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs-Erika
Oh Jeanie, I must say, I has so much fun and happiness in this post! First, that centerpiece you shared from your friend Barb is just so sweet and thoughtful! Plus with regards to how important toilet paper is nowadays, that is something very useful as well together with her bright yellow thoughts! And that sketch you made, filled with so much life and energy with those kids! Oh how I love your sketches, I remember the first one I saw with the map you made which I will never forget because that one is one of the first posts I have seen from you :)
I am so amazed by the Queen Victoria Sketchbook you shared to us! I have watched the film Victoria and Abdul just early this year and that was such a precious movie. I do have learned from it that she has this love for theater and performing which was shown when she took Abdul to Florence. But it's just now that I found out through you that she has this talent in sketching! What an artist!
That giant bird is HUGE! We don't have herons and storks and pelicans here in the Philippines so aside from that being such a beauty to my eyes, if ever that makes a visit here in our side of the planet, I can imagine the screams from people out of fear!
Happy weekend my dear friend Jeanie!
I love this little gift your friend dropped off. What a cute pandemic idea! I hope you find those insurance cards. They are important these days. It is a perfect time for artwork. That sketchbook looks like it is full of inspiration. Harry is looking as handsome as ever! The socks are cute. Although I have seen cat memes with cats being annoyed with their people being home all day. Some cats must love it though.
We are all stay at home cat moms now! 😄
"...after taking in some lab work back in late March. I figured they were with him..."
You've probably already thought of this, but they could be at the lab.
That is a really thoughtful gift from your friend Barb! But she shouldn't be showing off her great wealth by throwing around TP like that!!! 😂 ha ha...Our world has become funny in the strangest ways, don't you think?
What a sweet and clever gift! The book looks fascinating - I had no idea she was any artist!
I had no idea Queen Victoria sketched. She was quite good. As are you:)
What a great and useful gift!
Loving your painting. I keep meaning to pick up my watercolours and have a go, but somehow never quite make it.
That is such a thoughtful gift from your friend.
Sorry about the loss of your cards, hope they either turn up or can be replaced.
I do like your painting and goodness, I didn't know Queen Victoria sketched, they do look good don't they. I do know that Prince Charles likes to paint.
Sending my good wishes.
All the best Jan
Cute socks! Love the surprise centerpiece at your door. How thoughtful. And seeing Harry return, he is more beautiful than I remember.
Jeanie, It looks like Blogger is making some changes as I dashboard looks different. They are working on it which is great. Thanks for sharing shot of Harry! Love it.
Have a great week. Sylvia D.
Jeanie, your post made me smile today, as I called about five places for toilet paper, and had to travel to the next town over to get some, oh my. That is a nice centerpiece that your friend made for you, and the yellow daffodils so cheerful. The blue jay is a magnificent bird. Ours look a little different here. I see you've been creatively painting. The Queen Victoria sketch book is delightful. I really like that sketch of the lady in the long dress - and it looks like red roses in her hair.
Hello Harry the Heron, aren't you a handsome fellow?
~Sheri
That was such an old fashioned way to be a thoughtful friend! And creative too with a spark of good humor! What a nice way to learn about Queen Victoria. Have you seen the watercolor drawings of Prince Charles?
As far as tech stuff, no clues here...
What a nice surprise to find! I love seeing your watercolor.
That TP Centerpiece made me Smile and was such a Thoughtful and perhaps even Sacrificial Gift, given the scarcity these days!
That is the cutest toilet paper roll I've ever seen... haha! ;) What a fun gift Gotta have a little extra fun these days! So hope your new insurance cards won't take long to get to you. So fun to see your latest art! And that book of Queen Victoria's art is a little gem! She was really good with a pencil and brush! Those CAT MOM socks... they are FABULOUS!! Not sure what that symbol in place of your photos is--I've not seen anything like that before...tech mystery?? :/ ((LOVE & HUGS))
Jeanie, I had heard of Queen Victoria's sketch book but hadn't seen a copy of it. Lovely paintings! She was very good... I have a book I picked up in England from a thriftshop in St. Ives or Huntingdon, I think. The sale sticker shows a store called Oxfam, 99 pence. You'd like it!
Queen Victoria - Her Life and Times, Volume One 1819-1861, by Cecil Woodham-Smith, a Book Club Assoc. London version. Published by Richard Clay (The Chaucer Press), Ltd., Bungay, Suffolk.
Many of her drawings and watercolors are in it and many paintings of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their family. Very interesting book! I need to do a few book posts for you... <3
Hope spring is wonderful up your way!
Hugs,
Barb :)
Jeanie, too funny about the toilet paper! Great idea, though, with the lovely tulips!!! I started a message for you but maybe it deleted, oh well! Lol. Just wanted to say hello and say I am thinking of you. I am glad your favorite bird is back ~ he is a beautiful bird! Is he a type of herron?? Love his gorgeous b/w coloring...
Well, I meant to tell you that I think you'd like this book I have if you can find a copy. It is:
Queen Victoria - Her Life and Times, Volume One 1819-1861, by Cecil Woodham-Smith. Published by Book Club Associates London, 1973, by arrangement with Hamish Hamilton Ltd, Richard Clay (The Chaucer Press), Ltd., Bungay, Suffolk.
In this book the author talks about what Victoria was going through as she grew up, ascended the throne, her engagement to Albert, running Great Britain and the Commonwealth. It is like reading her diary, in a way. There are watercolor pictures that she painted, drawings and many paintings and portraits of Victoria over the years. The last chapter deals with destroying her diary, or parts thereof, in one of four appendices.
Really neat book and I need to share more books over the summer...
Enjoy your walks!
Barb :)
Jeanie, love those socks! And another example of your Cork Poppers' sense of humor--I wonder if professional florists will adopt this clever container! Glad you're getting in some painting time. I thought I was in the mood yesterday, made a start, but it just wasn't happening. Maybe today.
That was so sweet of your friend! And that's a really good idea. Our roses are blooming, so I may just try to do something similar.
Oh, what a cute post! I loved the sketchbook and your sweet kitty pics. I laughed at the tp centerpiece. My friend had made pumpkins from tp last fall and stored them, and I wonder if she had to raid the Autumn decor! Take care and keep looking for the good.
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