Obsessive Compulsive Collections

I don't know what is is about my psyche, but I find I get COMPLETELY obsessed with some collectible and it is all I can focus on. 

Through the years there has been the milk-glass and hobnail  vases, chandelier and lamps.

The copper music boxes, which actually are boxes at all. I have a stove, a plane, a jalopy, a church, and a  wishing well. Unfortunately these are gathering dust sitting on a ledge in the garage...

 Picture frames anyone?

Bird related stuff (mostly figurines).

Mirrors.  

(no pics)

Baskets

And here is my latest obsession... Skeleton Keys. I plan on painting all these so they appear more cohesive.

 I have enough stuff I could have my own thrift store, ha! And I'm sure if I looked around my house I have lots of other collections.

What are some of your collectibles?

Christmas Mouse or NOT!

Twas  two weeks before Christmas and all through the house and not a creature was stirring EXCEPT for a mouse!

Ye gads there is a mouse in my house!!!!

This isn't the first time we have had mice (or other unwelcome critters) in our home. My house is 120 yrs old, it is recently cold outside and there is a rather large field near my house. It was just waiting to happen.

My cat, Sam-Sam was acting all weird in the kitchen (kept staring under the stove). Next thing I know all hell breaks loose (yowling, hissing and a loud clatter of everything hitting the floor). He catches it. It is SQUEAKING and tries to run upstairs with it, drops it while running through the dining room room because I am shrieking like a fool (and damn near convulsing from shuddering). Now I don't know where it is.

Heaven help me I hope it is only 1! Although at this point there is probably a tiny bustling metropolis of Mouse City. In--My--House!! Eeeek!

I have already gone through my cabinets everything that isn't canned has been put in a glass or plastic containers. There is no evidence of little mouse "presents"...bleh. My husband put bait and traps in the basement. My cat Sam-Sam is sureveiling the kitchen

Sorry for the poor quality. I didn't want to startle him.

Don't get me wrong. I love animals. I love nature. But I appreciate it more when it is OUTSIDE!! When we first moved into our home in 2000, we had a mice problem for almost 2 years. The house had been empty for at least a year and there was a 65 acre farm behind our property. So our house was pretty much the mouse motel. Definitely do NOT want to repeat that experience.

And while mice are portrayed to cute in all the cartoons and books this is the only mouse I expect to see in my house.

The only Christmas mouse permitted in my house.

Pre-Christmas freak out!

16 days until Christmas! Holy tinsel and garland Batman! I can't believe how fast Christmas is approaching. I have so many things that were on my list to do--which obviously isn't going to happen. Yet again!

I have the best of intentions every year. I do. I swear! 

I meant to make some homemade gifts. Yummy things, like this...

Gingerbread cookies in a jar

http://www.christmas-cookies.com/recipes/recipe181.gingerbread-cookies-in-a-jar.html

Chocolate dipped spoons--great for coffee or cocoa!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Vintage-Chocolate-Dipping-Spoons/

Blueberry bread

http://www.lovelikethislife.com/2010/12/homemade-christmas-gifts.html

Then there were the hand crafted ornaments and decorations that are on my list of to do...

A button wreath

 Am ornament wreath

Flower pot snow-people ornaments

patriciaspots.com

Felt ornaments

feltsewgood.blogspot.com

A jingle bell tree

And of course instead of Christmas cards I always envision sending out a fantastic Christmas newsletter. Just the right amount of funny anecdote, poignant and beautifully written on linen stationary. Nor did I decorate the windows or any exterior portion of the house. The only outdoor decorations are 2 measly artificial wreaths. No lights. No cute statues. No Festive welcome to my home. 

You will not be greeted by the delectable aroma of gingerbread. No cinnamon hot toddies. No cutesy finger foods on a decorative tray. You will be lucky to get a handful of stale crackers and a tepid glass of tap water.

Epic Fail!! Gahhhh!

At this point, I may need mood enhancement medication to keep from losing what little of my mind I have left. So if you play your cards correctly you just may end up with a handful of Xanax. Then everyone will be Merry.