Swallows Rest Diary: Part Six - Grandma Returns from her Travels.

Gladys hears a knocking at the door and wonders who can be there.

To her delight and surprise (despite the look on her face) it was Gerald's Mum Grace.

She was so pleased to see her and ushered her in.

She took her straight to the lounge....

...where Grandpa George was reclining on the settee, foot on table in what looked like a state of inebriation...

With a jump he got up

and tried to hide the bottle behind his back whilst Gerald tried to explain...

but Grandma wasn't fooled in the slightest!  

What is going on here?

Oh nothing dear...I wasn't drinking honest...I was just nursing it as I was missing you so much.

He gives her a big hug.

Grandma looks very pleased to see him, and returns the hug, realizing that he hadn't been drinking which was a relief.  She hated to think that he may have turned to drink in her absence.  

Timothy and Thomas rush downstairs to see her.

Both talking at once telling her all about how Grandpa had helped decorated the main bedroom, and move in some furniture.  

Thomas tells her about his castle and soldiers and Timothy about his Beatles records and the fact they now have a record player!  They ask her about her travels, although they were both talking so much that she really didn't get a chance to get a word in edgeways.

Gladys watches on with a bemused expression on her face.  

(and secretly relieved that Grandpa will be going home with Grandma)

 

Swallows Rest Diary: Part Five - A Vintage Triang Dolls House No. 55 from 1963

It seems Gerald has joined his Dad in the lounge which has had a bit of a change around with the arrival of a radiogram record player. I hope he doesn't partake of the whiskey that Grandpa is clutching firmly in his hands.

I hope Gladys doesn't come in and see him with his foot on the table!  She will not be happy.

I think Timothy has been playing his Beatles albums

He clearly forgot to put them away!

(New made items - records)

Looks like Timothy is playing air drums, whilst Thomas is still enjoying his castle.

No change in the bathroom.

A few extra jars of jam, some crocks and tins have been made for the kitchen.

A new table and chairs for the dining room which fits the family much better.

Nice home baked pie.

(Newly made pie.  Still don't have any crockery and cutlery!)

 

Swallows Rest Diary: Part Four - A Vintage Triang Dolls House No. 55 from 1963

Swallows Rest is coming along nicely and all the rooms have been wallpapered now.

Gladys and Gerald's bedroom even has a new carpet and they are very pleased.  

Homemade: bed, mattress sheets and covers, carpet.

Extras needed are: a quilt for the bed, items for the dressing table and drawers and a picture or two on the walls.

Timothy and Thomas are pleased with their room and Timothy can't wait to be allowed to stick his posters back on the wall.  Thomas loves his fort and toy soldiers.

Homemade:  Bedding, fort and soldiers

Items needed:  Toys! Apparently ;)  Oh and a record player Timothy insists...although that will go in the lounge.

The bathroom has had a bit of a change with a new blue bathroom suite installed.  

Homemade:  Towel rail and towels and floor mats, toilet roll & holder.

Items needed:  Bathroom accessories.

Oops, looks like Gerald's Dad has been at the ol' whiskey!

Homemade: Bookcase, books, coffee table, fireplace surround and mantel, lamp, pictures.

Items needed:  Books and ornaments and a record player.

Gerald is ready to carve the roast for dinner.  They have just taken possession of a new dining table and chairs since this photo was taken.

Items needed:  Telephone and phone book for telephone table.

Place settings - crockery and cutlery etc.

The kitchen is looking good.  

Homemade: baskets, bread, wall shelving, plate rack, towel rail, dresser, window, clock, jam jars on dresser.

Items needed:  Crockery and food!

Gladys has been busy baking and cooking all day!

 

Swallows Rest Diary: Part One - A Vintage Triang Dolls House No. 55 from 1963

After several failed starts, and selling off all but one of my dolls houses, I now have a new enthusiasm for all things tiny after finding this delightful Triang dolls house locally, back in April.  It was an absolute bargain and came with a load of furniture too, so I was very pleased and very excited.  

It is a Tri-ang No. 55 from 1963 and in very good condition. I just love it!

The inside has some flooring down but is otherwise a blank slate for me to work on.

I popped some of the furniture that came with the house into the bottom three floors and papered the kitchen.

The carpet sweeper I already had and I also had the little pots.

I used some scrapbook paper I had.  (I should have a huge box of scrapbook paper, but I can't seem to find it after the move, so I am not sure what happened to it which is a real shame)

The first thing I made was the little coffee table.

Plus I put some of my paintings on the wall.  

Muriel and an unnamed lady are discussing who should take over the house.

Looking forward to continuing to work on this charming little house.