Construction Chaos & a Quick Christmas Cubby

Thank you everyone for your well wishes on our painting and flooring adventure. I am missing having the time and energy to visit all of my favourite blogs. I did take a quick minute (while my assistant carpenter was at a meeting) to fluff up and photograph the Christmas cubby. (Note the compressor handle is part of the display...)

Nestled in among the holiday knick knacks is

someone new and very special to us...

who came from south of the border.

In addition to all of the amazing inspiration to be found on blogs I have met some of the sweetest people. People that no matter how far away they are, they are still such a treasured part of your day. People that make you laugh and share your love of the good things in life -- you know... vintage junk, painting the vintage junk, decorating with the vintage junk... making things, Pinning things...

the important stuff.

Ranger 911

One of those sweet (and very funny and talented) people is my friend Vickie from Ranger 911. No, that isn't Vickie in the red, although the vintage elf IS wearing one of her hats.

Vickie's Loo

Sometimes you know you've found a kindred spirit at first glance.

Like the first time I saw where Vickie stored her extra rolls of TP.

I just knew she was my kind of people.

Vickie sent Macy and I the most wonderful package and I have been dying to share it with you. I wanted to show you my treasures in one post, but my busy DIY schedule just isn't going to allow it...

Imagine our excitement when the mailman delivered...

This irresistible fellow

in the red vest and turquoise fez!!! 

If you follow Vickie's blog you know that she is a talented decorator, painter, all-round maker and seamstress with a thing for sock monkeys.  She fashions amazing sock primates with the most fetching outfits. We couldn't believe our eyes when this guy peeked out of the box at us. He came with another outfit that will be revealed at a later date. For now he fits right in with our little holiday display. Thank you so much Vickie for this wonderful surprise.

He makes me smile every time I see him.

We haven't decided on a name yet. When my head is finished with the all the nailing noise from laying hardwood I think one will come to me pronto.

He sits with a vintage coconut candy tin. My grandmother worked for the Ming family in the 50's and 60's and I am sure this tin of candies was a little gift. 

 I found it in the garage full of my grandfather's handmade fishing hooks. The colours on the tin were perfect. I am sure the candies were too.

Some other items are our wee Santa sock monkey ornament from my old friend Peggy whom I met through our mutual darlin' friend Mo Jackson who makes the most amazing hats and stockings (and digital art). These gals have been my e-friends for eight years. :)

The vintage Imperial Oil coin bank came from Dad's side of the family... not sure who.

One of my favourite treasures here are the Mr. Peanut salt and pepper shakers. They belonged to my beloved Grandma Becker and I was the lucky one who got to keep them.

Grandma Becker with her future sister-in-law, Aunt Marie, sometime in the 20's I would think. My grandmother worked for Marie and later would marry my grandfather, Marie's brother.

Grandma sewed their matching outfits...

Prairie haute couture!

I also finished my four little Pinecone Elves today. All that needed to be done was to hot glue on their limbs, but even that was tricky finding time to do! I think this little guy is wearing oven mitts instead of mittens. Hope he's got supper planned for tomorrow.

I had to pick up Hallmark's 2012 holiday trailer. It tows beautifully behind my 1940's Schuco car. As you can see she's limping towards the Esso station to get that tire fixed. Good thing she can stop for an ice cold Diet Coke while she's waiting!

I crocheted the miniature stocking last year from Sucrette's adorable free pattern here on Ravelry. 

Macy's countdown ornament says only 19 days till Christmas. Yikes.

The gas pump was a $2 find at a second hand shop and held Avon cologne for men.

I found the vintage elf that is sitting atop the birdhouse at my favourite thrift shop for 25 cents!

The little red truck on the top shelf was one of my Dad's toys. I thought when I zoomed in on this pic of my dad playing in his sand dirt box I might see it, but it wasn't there. I do see a few garden tools though!

So, tomorrow is another full day of laying hardwood. You can tell by the excitement in our sock monkey's eyes that it's starting to look a whole lot better around this joint.

I'm really looking forward to being able to check back in at my favourite haunts.

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Thank you so much for stopping by and thank you Vickie for the sweetest gifts and for your friendship.

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