Today (Saturday) is my birthday… yep, I’m getting older every day! I was only 63 yesterday! Oh well, I guess it happens to the best of us.
My hubby and Rebecca wanted to take me on a road trip, but we weren’t sure we could go with all the rain coming. We decided to chance it and did hit some rain but it wasn’t bad. We went to Cape Girardeau, MO…about 45 minutes from here.
They said it was my day and I could go wherever I wanted in Cape… so we went to the Goodwill, to The Golden Needle, to Dents Make Cents, to Spanish Street Mercantile…
…and this was the only picture I took in there… it’s a panoramic shot of one of the booths… very shabby chic… but nicely displayed…AND if you click on the picture, it will enlarge as big as your computer screen, letting you see lots of pretty things!
Then to Main Street Antiques, Teen Challenge Thrift Shop, Harbor Freight (gotta keep my driver happy!) El Torero Mexican Restaurant…
Hello Steak Fajitas…
…and I even ran in My Daddy’s Cheesecake and got 4 little Mexican Wedding Cake cookies (again 1 for my driver) before we headed home.
I found a couple of stretchy sparkly tank tops at Goodwill to make doll thigh highs or tights out of, didn’t find a thing on sale at The Golden Needle, we found some fun snacks at Dents Make Cents, my hubby found a clamp at the Spanish Street Mercantile and Rebecca bought this sweet little table and chairs set for me as “another” prop. It’s a Boyd’s table and chair set and will work for several of my girls… I might paint it but for now, here it is…
Here are a couple of girls who said they’d like to sit at it… ( I’m using my camera for my pictures tonight, not my phone, so they aren’t wonderful, but until I figure out how to get my pictures off my phone and loaded onto my computer, I’m going to use it. I’m hoping to see Kristoffer and maybe he can help me…)
Trixie Tonner is 10″…
Bailey is 11″…
…and Janie is 13″…
I managed to get a little more done on Nyssa’s dress but as I see my pictures now, I’m laughing. I never noticed how crooked her head was when I was taking the pictures… so just ignore how goofy she looks… AND how much she’s got that “deer in the headlights” look in her eyes. I should have taken my picture just slightly to the side of her face… not straight on!
I scrounged around in my silk ribbon and found one piece of navy just long enough to tie the neck bow…
Then I added 8 white buttons down the front…
This next picture is all weird in color and I’m not sure why, but it’s the only one I took so I had to use it…I had to redo one side of the lace… it wasn’t a mirror image of the other side and it was bugging me.
Here’s the other thing that’s kind of bugging me… I used the same sleeve pattern for the green sleeves, but I must have cut them longer because the ones in the blue dress seem way shorter… I’m not sure if I want to redo them, but just wondering…
Well, I’m off to see what my actual birthday holds for me… :o)
See you Monday,
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy birthday!!
I’m glad you had such a nice day yesterday. Yes, I remember those Boyd’s furniture items–very sturdy and well made. I’m sure your girls will have many tea parties around that table!!
The dress is coming along nicely, but I see what you mean about the lace–it would drive me buggy, too!! LOL
Charlotte
Thank yu Charlotte,
The dress is all finished!! Yay!!
Thanks for the birthday wishes!!
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy, happy birthday, Jeanne!
Your little trek to Cape Girardeau brought back memories of my college days, although I must admit, I wasn’t looking at thrift shops or Goodwill stores for doll props!! But it does get me all nostalgic about way back then! Do you ever go by the River Campus on Spanish Street? That’s where Maggie is living now in her first year of college. It’s right by the bridge to go to Illinois, if you come that way. Her parents are going down there today to take a few things she forgot last week when they moved her in.
Spanish Street Mercantile is one place I would like to go to when we go down in October. I love Shabby Chic, but my house doesn’t really “go” with it. Sometimes I’d like a do-over, but, nah, too much trouble, and what would I do with what I do have now?
That table and chairs set is just darling! You seem to be getting more and more props for the smaller dolls now. Hope you have the room!!
Nyssa’s dress is coming along, and I am sure she will be happy to get the skirt done!! it looks like you might have “caught” her in the outhouse in that picture!!
Your meal looks yummy, and it sounds like your tummy had a good day too! Enjoy yourself today, Jeanne! You deserve it!
Hi Linda,
Yes, it’s odd to have a hurricane with your name on it and it’s sad to see all the devastation it causes. My great grandparents lived about an hour and 20 minutes away from Galveston in 1900 when the deadliest hurricane in U S history hit. The causeway didn’t exist and people couldn’t get off the island. My grandmother recalled winds from another hurricane when she was a young girl which drove straw into the fenceposts of their farm.
Nyssa does look like she was caught in the outhouse. LOL
Thank you Linda,
We had a really good time in Cape and my hubby suggested maybe when you come in October we could meet up for lunch somewhere. There’s a place right next to the Spanish Mercantile that’s called Bella Italia that’s a really get Italian restaurant. Maybe if you like Italian, we could go there.
I had a nice day doing what I love…sewing…finished Nyssa’s dress set.
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy Birthday Jeanne!
Thank you Kathy!
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy Birthday Jeanne!! Sounds like a dream birthday road trip to me!
Hi Linda,
We really did have a great day…today was fun too! My hubby let me sew all day!
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy Birthday Jeanne!!
Thank you so much Christine!
Blessings, Jeanne
Sounds like a great pre birthday to me. Should I ever make it to the home state of my grandmother and mother, I definitely want to visit Cape Girardeau. Some of my relatives were early settlers there. 🙂
How fun to see the table and chairs. I have the same set and find that it does well with different doll sizes.
There is something about Nyssa’s wig that bothers me. Probably just me, but when you look at Janie’s wig, it fits her head nicely but Nyssa looks like her wig is ready to pop off. Maybe it is her head shape? I don’t have any Kaye Wiggs girls to compare. How would she look in a more auburn color that would be a closer brow match?
I like the sleeves on the dress as they are even though they aren’t quite the same as the example. More modern look. I think the dress is adorable. Can’t wait to see the pleats. 🙂
Hope your birthday is fabulous. Happy day! 🙂
hi Joy
I have laughed ALL day about your comment yesterday about the “outhouse” look! You were EXACTLY right! She did look like someone just opened the door on her!! :o)
That wig is called a Kanawild and it IS a bit on the wild side. It’s also a size 8/9…which really is one size too big gir her, but I didn’t know about wig sizes when I got her.
I did change her wig and my hubby and Rebecca approved… you’ll see…much better…
The whole set is done…except maybe an accessory…
Blessings, Jeanne
I believe that it was Linda that came up with the “outhouse”. I laughed a lot too. 🙂
oh…I thought it was you….
I am on a road trip today. We are meeting my dad half way. Then I’m going with him back to his house for an extended stay.
I thought the panoramic pic was your sewing room, Jeanne. At first glance. On my phone. In an old pickup with a very bouncy ride! Your day sounds like a good time was had by all. Happy Birthday! You caught up to me. 😉
Hi Julia,
I hope you have a wonderful visit with your dad!
Thank you for your birthday wishes!
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy Birthday Jeanne!! What a fun day for you! Glad you enjoyed yourself. The table and chairs are really neat. Those accessories are fun to see when you display your girls modeling your outfits. Such a sweet gift from Rebecca.
Hi Paula,
Even if I had come home empty handed, it was still a nice day. Today was great too. I sewed all day…
I guess I just might have enough props now…
Thanks Paula
Blessings, Jeanne
Nyssa – my favorite! Always love seeing what you create for her.
Tilt her eyes up so the pupil is closer to the eyelid and she won’t have the deer in the headlights look.
God Bless
Marsha
hi Marsha
I did what you suggested and Nyssa’s eyes look much better. Thank you! Thank you!!
I finished her dress set..just need something to go with it…
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy Birthday to you! I would sing but your ears would bleed.
Wow! You sure did pack a lot in your day. All those places you visited and though I don’t care for Mexican food your birthday dinner looks yummy.
The table and chairs are just too cute. I need a set for my Blythe dolls.
I can’t wait to see the completed dress and the print is just lovely. I love the design of the dress and the eyelet insets are so dainty.
You don’t look a day over 35. Happy Day!
Hi Sandra,
You might not like Mexican food, but my steak fajitas sure were yummy.
I finished Nyssa’s dress today and she looks so adorable in it…
You think I look 35? You need glasses!!! But you made my say!!! :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Sandra,
You might not like Mexican food, but my steak fajitas sure were yummy.
I finished Nyssa’s dress today and she looks so adorable in it…
You think I look 35? You need glasses!!! But you made my day!!! :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
happy birthday!
This is also the 101st anniversary of my dad’s birth. He would have liked the George parts of your trip, while my mom would have liked the Jeanne parts. If there was an old car place, he would have happily spent the day there with a break for Mexican food. He preferred birthday pies to birthday cakes.
I’m glad you had such a lovely day, and I wish you another one today and many more to come.
Hi Marilyn,
Well…Happy birthday to me and your dad! :o)
I’m pretty fond of pie too!!
Today was just as nice as yesterday…I sewed, my hubby made lunch and dinner, and finished Nyssa’s dress.
Thank you for the birthday wishes!
Blessings, Jeanne
What a wonderful birthday outing you had. Wish I could have been along. Road trips are not my hubby’s strong suite. He’s more a get there and stay kind of guy. So even if I want to stop somewhere while on the way to Colorado it never seems to fit in the schedule. So I live through the adventures of others. Your meal looks absolutely scrumptious. I want to go for Mexican tonight. Think we’ll get fajitas for two.
I thought at first the shorter sleeves made it look like Nyssa is shrugging her shoulders, but I went and looked again and didn’t see it that way, so I think the shorter sleeves will look fine. It’s going to be a lovely dress. I loved Linda Ds comment about being caught in the outhouse. Too funny!
I see Dorothy hasn’t commented yet so this one’s for her. Yes I did attend the recent Virtual Doll Convention – for the first time. I had a little trouble figuring out how to take the most advantage of it but was managing to figure it out as I went. I found a link that took me to a “store” and I bought several things, including the little laptops. They don’t have anything on the “screen” so I’m searching for something to put on it. It’s the first time I’ve seen doll laptops and I couldn’t refuse.
A Big Happy Birthday to you Jeanne!! And many, many more.
Dear Barbara, hello. I am here now.
Oh my goodness, I thought you meant that you bought actual laptops. Duh on me (laugh).
I wondered why Virtual Doll Convention would be selling laptops. I blame my “confusion” on Judge Judy as I have been watching too much of her on TV (laugh).
I am excited that Rachel at Virtual Doll Convention is doing something in December and then again in January. What fun!
I loved the video where they were asking each other questions. One of my favorite questions was “Who would you like to knock off (playfully, of course) to have her or his doll collection?” There are a few Madame Alexander Doll collectors, I know, who have awesome collections. I would be happy with their dolls.
I would have to purchase a large house with museum quality display cases, store special dolls in appropriate air/heat controlled rooms, and insure the collection for a gazillion dollars. So you know what? I think I will just stick to my small collection and be very happy (laugh).
Are you attending Modern Collectors Convention in September? I got a Visitor’s Pass for $10. The convention is on Facebook, which I don’t have, but with a Visitor’s Pass, I can watch the videos on YouTube.
hi Barbara
My hubby isn’t TOO much of a shopper but as long as he gets to look at tools some place, he’s pretty much okay with a trip.
I moved her eyes just a bit upward and she looks much better. No more startled in the outhouse look!!
Thank you for your birthday wishes!
Blessings, Jeanne
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jeanne! God’s blessing on your special day. It looks like you had a very fun time browsing through the shops. That display booth looks a lot like the antique shop in the next town. It’s only about 25 minutes away, but I never find myself there anymore. I use to take our dog to the DIY dog wash there. The Mexican restaurant looks good. I like the sides served in tortillas, very novel idea.
That little table and chairs Rebecca found for you are really nice and versatile.
Nyssa’s dress is going to be a perfect “back to school” look. Lucky you find just the right button or length of ribbon in your stash.
I saw your comment about being happy with just six AG dolls and I can tell by your choices that you like very classic combinations that are easy to put in a variety of fabric choices. Only Felicity might be somewhat limiting. For a seamstress, that makes perfect sense. No, you’ve not seen pictures of my dolls and I’m STILL waiting for my mom’s dollhouse pictures to be emailed to me. I borrowed a digital camera from her office and the professor to whom it belongs was gone all these months because of closure from COVID. He has it now and will send them soon. I could have taken doll pictures, but felt a little funny about that. I don’t have a cell phone currently, but as soon as I’m able to get a new one I’ll take photos. There were quite a few on my old one, but I couldn’t retrieve them to my email or forward them. Very frustrating!
Hi Laura,
I did have a very blessed day today and yesterday.
I liked the sides served on the tortilla bowls too. That was something new they started doing recently.
I finished Nyssa’s dress today and she does look like a sweet school girl…
I’ll look forward to seeing your dolls!
Thanks for sharing Laura
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy Birthday! Sounds like you had a good road trip with shopping and a yummy lunch. I have been to Missouri several times, but I never heard of Cape Girardeau. I’m going to google it when I finish this comment. Your new table and chairs will be nice for the smaller dolls.
Hi Carolyn,
There are lots of fun places to visit in Cape…and it’s pretty close to home…just a short trip to a great day!
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy Birthday, Jeanne! You have the same birthday as my little nephew who just turned 3 today!
Hi Nora,
Thank you for our birthday wishes!! And happy birthday to your nephew!
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, happy birthday! I am so happy that your family has taken you on a road trip. You have been working so hard and it is wonderful that you could get away.
I am sending hugs and blessings your way.
Hi Dorothy,
It was fun to get away and do something different. Rebecca told me today she had a really fun time yesterday…and my hubby had no complaints either.
Thank you for your birthday wises!
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy Birthday Jeanne, what a lovely way to celebrate. I love the little table and chairs. I think you must have a little angel on your shoulder telling you when to go to the thrift store! Every time you decide to go you seem to come back with something wonderful. I just love your dolls sitting at the table, I am not sure I would have noticed if Linda D hadn’t said it but Nyssa does look a bit like she is in the outhouse, lol. I love what you done so far with the dress and I quite like the shorter sleeves.
Still haven’t completely figured out the Brighton pattern. I already did some unpicking and may have to do some more. I think it is me not the pattern. My admiration for the dressmakers of 1870’s knows no bounds. I am finding it hard enough for a doll size dress! If I ever get the overskirt finished I still have to do the jacket and the train! Imagine wearing a dress like that, I hate winter partly because I have to wear so many more clothes, I can’t wait for summer when I wear just a t shirt and skirt and sandals on my feet.
I understand your frustration with your computer. My PC died in December (the day before Christmas Eve) and I had to get a replacement. Of course, Christmas here is the middle of summer and many businesses close for the holidays. When I first came here 46 years ago my ex husband was in the army and we used to say that someone could invade New Zealand on Christmas Eve and no one would even know about it till the 3rd week in January lol. It isn’t as bad as that now but most firms that are not retail close the day before Christmas Eve and open on the 5th of January or thereabouts. That was the case this year anyway. I thought I might be able to claim on my insurance so waited to have it assessed then they told me it was working (it wasn’t) but it was too old to claim on anyway. The insurance company could have told me that at the beginning and I would have just gone ahead and replaced it much earlier. Since I now only had a limited budget I was advised to get a laptop since it would be better value. I was without a computer for nearly a month, I didn’t realise how much I depended on it. I still have no idea how to get to my scanned items and I couldn’t get my photos from my phone onto the computer either. Sam managed to put my photos on Google and they seem to be in my computer, but still not sure how to retrieve my scanned items. I usually resort to photographing whatever on my phone and e mailing it to myself! Not very efficient. Fortunately I had an external hard drive and the hard drive on the PC was still accessible (not to me though) and I was able to save all my photos.
Hope you have enjoyed your actual birthday I’m sending hugs and blessings too.
Hi Anne,
I think I might need to open a “doll props store!” :o)
Nyssa’s eyes have been adjusted and she no longer looks like she was startled in the outhouse!!
I hope you get your doll dress figured out…you might send the designer who created the pattern an email with what you are having trouble with. It might be a simple solution…
I would be totally list without my computer…we really are dependant on them. Aren’t we?
Thank you for the birthday wishes
Blessings, Jeanne
So glad you had such a fun birthday! You are luck
My your family likes to do the same things up you do. Those were fun places to go! I did get you greeted on Facebook😉
I’ll be looking for the totally finished outfit on EBay.
I did get a dress finished awaiting my red headed Grace doll…and making a robe and nightie today. Have to figure out how to make high heeled shoes next
Thank you for the “lovely” virtual bouquet of flowers, Kathie! How sweet of you1
You are really going to have things ready when Grace arrives, aren’t you? Have fun with the shoes… from one cobbler to another! :o)
blessings, Jeanne