So of course, after going back and forth for a bit, I inevitably decided to write out all the “little” things I want to get done on Post-It notes before gardening season gets into full swing.
I love Post-It notes, don’t you? There’s just something so satisfying about them.
Especially when you have a ton of the little notes staring back at you on a mirror you walk past 20 times a day reminding you of all the things you need to get done.
The plan is for all the sticky notes to be gone by the time the HH gets back home. I think I can do it.
Yesterday, I stamped out over 100 mini bee ornaments.
I also gathered up all the spent candles and melted down the wax {and put it into a single container to use in a future project}.
I pulled a few freezer meals out and put them in the fridge {the plan is to not dirty a single dish this week, only utensils}. Last night’s dinner was turkey soup.
And, I stayed up super late listening to an audiobook and completed a new rug. 🙂 I’d say I had a productive day!
Meanwhile… In Barcelona, Spain:
After having breakfast at their hotel {which is included with their stay} The HH and The Girl wandered through the Barcelona History Museum taking in the sights and historic pieces.
Then it was on to the Picasso museum where The Girl sent me this picture of a painting Picasso painted when he was just 13 years old.
Then loaded up on treats.
And hung out on the rooftop of their hotel for a bit taking in the views of the city before heading back to the room for a siesta.
After nap time was over they headed out again for tapas and the Gran Gala Flamenco show at the Palau de la Música Catalana.
I don’t know who had a better day. Me sitting at home in my pj’s working on craft projects, or them living it up in Barcelona.
They’re like peas in a pod, those two. All they need is food, museums and naps.
Me? All I need is a little alone time and crafts.
Either way, we’re all having a good time in our own little worlds.
Life is good.
~Mavis
Mary says
Will you share at some point where they stayed, which seems central to all those great museums and activities? Also did they need to use some Type of car service or is everything walkable? Asking as a travel lover looking for my next destination! Looking forward to traveling vicariously through them.
Nora says
Central Barcelona is quite dense – you can walk or use the great public transport system (subway, trams, bus, regional trains if you need/want to go further).
Mavis Butterfield says
They are staying in the Gothic Quarter and plan on walking pretty much everywhere.
Linda says
That’s where I always stayed with my students. I have done this trip 20+ times as it was the last part of a 2 week home stay in Valencia. Barcelona is incredible!
Mary says
Thank you!
Linda says
We always stayed at Hotel Español – on la Rambla close to la boquería. I just googled it & am stunned at how much the cost has gone up!
Linda says
Auto correct changed it from Hotel España.
Paula says
I saw 100 bees and thought it said, “100 beers. Ha Ha
peg says
Me too!
J in OH-IO says
Maine and Spain adventures this week! YAY!
Amy says
I admire your discipline.
When my husband goes on a business trip and I have a few days to myself I throw all goals out the window. I stay in bed in my jammies and watch trashy tv shows and eat food that’s not good for me. I spend so much time in planning and schedules that it’s a joy to have unscheduled, undisciplined time.
Patty says
My first thought when I saw the “24 chickens” post it note….. “she’s doing it….she’s getting chickens while her husband is away!” Nope…just ornaments 🙂
Enjoy your solitude!
Mel says
Unless…she already got the chicks and removed that Post-it.
Mable says
I thought that, too, and then I saw “whales” and decided I was not reading her handwriting correctly…
Rosemary says
Our daughter and her family went to Spain, Portugal and Morocco in March. They created a video with all their photos, and it looks like your HH and daughter are visiting some of the same architectural sites that they did. They stayed in several Airbnb’s and had a wonderful time. I am sure that your family will have lots of good stories to tell!
Lesley says
Mavis, we are contemplating a cross-country move and would be leaving behind the kiddos (who are your kids’ ages). How often do you see Monkey Boy and has that been a hard adjustment?
Thank you for sharing the Maine/Spain adventures! What is wonderful is that you get so much satisfaction from work and projects … so your work is also your play.
Mavis Butterfield says
It was not a hard adjustment. Kids grow up, become adults and have lives of their own. 🙂 They don’t need us as much as we think they do. Monkey Boy lives on the east coast now, but when he didn’t, he’d come out for a vist about once a year.
Lesley says
How nice that you have them on the same coast again! And there is something to be said for the parents following their own dreams as well.
Thanks, Mavis 🙂
Elaine says
Love that new rug!
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks! I love the background colors.
Elaine says
Will this be a pattern or kit for sale in your Etsy shop?
Mavis Butterfield says
No, the rug was a Lori Brechlin pattern. Spruce Ridge has it if you are looking for the pattern.
ElaineElaine says
Thank you!
Laura says
is there a trick to getting wax out of jar-type holders? I freeze other straight containers but it’s very hard to get the wax out of jar type holders.
Mavis Butterfield says
I either melt the wax and pour it into another container or freeze the wax, break it in half and shake it out of the jar.
Diana near Atlanta says
How do you melt the wax? Do you microwave it or use a double boiler? I’ve saved several and have been contemplating how to get the wax out of the difficult jars.
Kippy says
I break as much old wax as possible out of the candle container. Then heat up container in a pot of water(water level is below top of container) on the stove to melt remainder of wax. The wax scraps (make sure the metal wick holder is gone) can be melted in microwave,using a container or a measuring cup. I learned the hard way to make sure metal wick holder is out before wax is microwaved. Burgundy wax all over interior of microwave looking like something from Dateline
Mrs. M. says
Lol!
“looking like something from Dateline. “
Tarah says
How I melt old candles is to use a coffee warmer and set them on top of that. I check it every so often until it’s melted and then pour it into a new holder to make a candle.
Pj Truman says
I knew you’d work amend be super productive instead of working in the large rug you’ve been thinking of for a while. You’ll be ready for garden season this way!
Eileen says
That mirror with the post-it’s is inspiring!! I tend to make lists but that hasn’t been working as well lately and the to-do’s are piling up. Think I’m going to ‘borrow’ your idea–bet it is very satisfying to see those little blue squares disappear as things get done. Thanks for sharing!
It looks like the your husband and daughter are having a wonderful adventure in Spain. I’m an old Army wife(retired) and love to travel but, lately, family commitments have put anything long distance on hold. No worries though–I’ve decide to explore all the beautiful places near were we live in upstate New York this year. The Adirondacks are right at our back door and there’s so much to see and do within a day’s drive.
Enjoy your alone time! Hope the weather cooperates. Hugs to Lucy!
Judi Y. says
I love your new rug!!!
tracey says
Quite envious of the HH! Big Paco de Lucia fan here, With a husband who would prefer to stay home…
Tsutee says
I would love a small version of the donkey rug. One with only the donkey no flag. How much would one cost?
Mavis Butterfield says
Unfortunately the rug has already sold and I am not taking orders for new rugs. 🙁