Countdown is on

June 26/11

Back in the Hidey Hole zone for hours today. Running out of days. Was waiting on the front porch for Carrie, when she showed up with her son, (my amazing nephew), Lee. He's 16, a trained athlete, works out with weights and was ready for major-league heavy lifting! (Just exactly what we needed with a basement full of junk to be carried upstairs). Let's just say, we kept the lad busy.

Are they not adorable? - (as Billy Crystal says in City Slickers, "These FACES! I missed these FACES!!") - Love that line.
In the continuing saga of writing a blog that's kinda "out there," (at times!?! - ya think???), - here's the first thing that happened today. Carrie brought a few items to put out on Mum's front lawn, "for the taking." Among them, the cage which belonged to Teddy, (Lee's dearly departed guinea pig). It's been years since little Teddy passed on, so she figured - time to say adios to the old cage. Suddenly, I thought, perhaps we could bring the cage out to the backyard, place it next to Teddy's grave and shoot some farewell photos with Lee. Without flinching, Lee hefted the cage to the backyard for a rather random photo op with the famous "headless statue." (at this point, Carrie cracked me up by saying, "Let's just the put cage down and call him. - 'Teddy! Come on! - Get BACK in your cage'!" - (cue hysterical, inappropriate laughter from me).

Despite the laughs, I can still see that Lee misses that little guy. We ALL do Lee! - Hopefully your Gramma is keeping an eye on him someplace!
NEXT? - Carrie's been wanting to take a couple of shots of Lee next to Mum's birdbath. The history is, Mum always took pics of Lee beside the birdbath to show how much he'd grown each year. Sigh. Tears. Weep. Cry. Gak. NOW, he TOWERS over that birdbath! Carrie & I looked at each other and she said, "Mum would have loved to see this picture." Sob.

We spent a lot of time working in the basement, trying to empty it completely. Came across the famous Jean Pierce gift box. Our late Uncle Ev worked for the fashion maven for many years. Though they both respected each other's talent and expertise in the area of design, they had a tense relationship. One year, Uncle Ev gave a Christmas gift packed in a Jean Pierce box, but he added one extra word with a magic marker. After 30 something years, we still can't get rid of that box. (maybe you can understand why!!)

On top of THAT box, we finally had to get rid of the very LAST Eaton's box. Lee did the honours, tearing it apart for recycling. (another "history lesson". Uncle Ev worked as a designer for Eatons for years and was known as "Everett of Eatons.")

Rip it up real good Lee!
More items had to go out onto the lawn.

These antique things don't always sell. Goodbye to Mum's old Remington typewriter. Can't even COUNT the number of "TV scripts" I tried to write on this thing as a teen, hoping to make it to Hollywood! Never had it in me to actually move from Toronto to L.A., but my best friend, Franelle, DID, and won an Emmy for her work on the Carol Burnett show! I lived vicariously thru her success, but never parted with the typewriter - till now.

Another special treasure we could NEVER part with - a Garth Haines original painting! Garth was a longtime neighbour of Auntie Ray & Uncle Ev, and a master artist. Somehow, our family ended up with this stunning painting he worked on at our grandparents' antique shop decades ago - in the backyard of Century House. It was passed on to Mum and now, WE own a Haines original! (not even sure HE knows we have it!) It's a keeper Garth! Just gorgeous!

On the way driving home tonight, felt the need to blare music to feed "Intensity Entity" - (must have listened to my favourite song, The Quest by Bryn Christopher 10 times today! - maybe even 20, have lost count). "WHAT I'm gonna LIVE for! WHAT I'm gonna DIE for! WHO you gonna FIGHT for, I can't answer THAT!!" Smouldering there Bryn!



Got within three blocks from home on Broadview at Sparkhall (overlooking Riverdale Park), and saw "the bright light". I see it often, ever since Mum passed away. The brightest sunsets HIT me with such - (yes, INTENSITY), it's impossible to igore. Got out of the car to catch a shot, (but of course, it doesn't photograph as vividly as you see it in person).

I often feel (or I guess, hope, dream, wishful-think), that Mum, or maybe Uncle Ev, are sending me "bright vibes" to get us thru these final days before the house is gone. I'm picking up on something. Never sure what. But keep it comin'! Ten more days to go! Cheers everyone! Sending love your way!

One foot in the past, the other, the future!

June 17/11.

Everything's ready, (or, as ready as it will EVER be), for the estate sale today. Carrie and I spent hours at Mum's place, (again), continuing to clean, sort, label, display - (in between getting all KINDS of calls from "early birds", who tracked down Mum's phone number and asked to drop in to see what's for sale!) Ended up making some advance money, which we didn't expect, but no complaints.

Arrived feeling fresh, upbeat and ready/raring to go - (above), but only hours later, - an exhausted, bedraggled wreck! - The emotion of an event like this sure can do you in.
Today was "Picture Day!" Carrie & I both took lots of shots at Mum's to remember what it all looked like, as the sale descends upon us.

First of all, here's the pic I promised yesterday of the "headless backyard statue", with Teddy, - (the dearly departed guinea pig), buried below, and the rocks and stones from Mum's beloved collection, sprinkled atop his gravesite.

"Sorry, I lost my head!"

Closeup of the special collection of stones, rocks, crab shells, etc. Items given to Mum by friends and relatives over many years. Had to
put my hand on them and say goodbye.
OK. About to do a "showcase of pics" from the upcoming sale. Everything looks so pretty. (But it will be ALL gone by Saturday night).

Looking through the backyard deck window. Beautiful. She SO loved this view.

Such a lovely little livingroom. Looking out to Glengarry Avenue.

Mum's comfy bedroom

Her tiny perfect den

Kitchen clutter

Shelving units in the living room. Lots of treasures!

Mantelpiece! (and the GORGEOUS floral mirror I'm keeping!)

"Basement scene" - (same name as Max's band!!)

Out of control kitsch!

Why is it Eric Braeden - ("Victor Newman" of The Y & R), follows me everywhere? (FYI - Mum loved him too!)

Books and obscure 78s

Bears galore! - "Buy me! - No, ME! - No, MEEEEEEEEEEE!"

Mum loved the "view" of climbing vines just outside her bedroom window.

Two special bears next to Mum's antique vanity

"Skunky" (Mum's favourite little outdoor statue), gets sold!

Close-up of "Skunky". (Look OUT! I might spray you!)

Some special items - May, or may NOT sell on Saturday!

About to leave for the evening. - Carrie departs with her favourite chair!
(Gramma would be happy to know we are taking some of her own creations and other obscure antiques.)

GOTTA get some sleep in preparation for Saturday's sale.

Doh! Forgot, I still have to make a pile of sandwiches for the cast & crew helping out on Saturday. Photo ops galore awaiting us, as the gang includes Lee - ON HIS 16th birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Carrie, Paul, me, Sam, Garth, Franc, Mary, Kate and Max! Good luck everybody!

How am I feeling???

Not sure. Will post again when it's all over! Thanks - (in advance), to each and every one of our kind & generous assistants! (We will reward you in ways you may not expect!)