my hair is turning gray--
Elf is celebrating
"Yo, Devil" day...
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
19 Days Before Christmas...
and just my luck--
Elf is chasing the dog
with a mini Beer Truck...
(That tiny horn really grates on my nerves.)
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
20 Days Before Christmas...
and bless my soul--
I found Elf fishing
in the toilet bowl!
Monday, December 5, 2016
The Chronicles Of Just2Gypsies And The Shelf Elf 2016
On December 1st, I thought to myself--
"Soon we'll be hearing
from that lunatic Elf..."
But 24 Days Before Christmas,
he was still on the shelf!
23 Days Before Christmas,
and I hear a shout--
Siobhan just found Elf
in the pantry, working out...
22 Days Before Christmas,
Liam says in surprise--
"Why is ol' Elf
trying to exercise?"
The answer to That
left me full of woe--
Elf was planning Trouble,
and we had 21 days to go...
20 Days before Christmas,
I thought, with elation--
This year Elf must be
taking a Vacation!
BUT THEN....
20 Days Before Christmas,
I cried "Oh No!"--
I caught Elf pooping
on my cookie dough.
WHAT NEXT?!
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
A Gypsy's Advice: " So--You'e Ready To Build Your Own Gypsy Wagon..."
So--you're ready to build your own gypsy wagon...Before you begin, maybe you would like a few helpful hints from someone who has Been There...
1. NEVER EVER put all your weight on a hammer handle to remove a bent nail if you're standing atop a ladder. (You will find yourself flying through the air until the ground rises up to meet you.)
2. The ground gets harder as we get older.
3. NEVER step out the wagon door onto a step stool (or upside-down milk crate) in the rain.
4. SEE #2.
5. Contrary to popular belief, milk paint WILL keep for several days-- especially if stored in a recycled margarine tub. (I use I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT BUTTER).
6. If you are attempting to fasten one board on top of another with a screw gun or impact drill, always put the center screw in first. NEVER put the screw in either side first. (The direction the drill is turning will swing the board around like a helicopter propeller and clock you in the head. Or knee. Or stomach.) You get the picture.
7. **Please note: Traditional gypsy ledge wagons are 4" wider at the top than at the bottom, which gives them a lovely--and easily recognizable--shape. That being said...If you build your wagon walls in sections like Siobhan and I did, be sure to use temporary rafters for bracing the side walls together until your bowed rafters (or clerestory roof) are in place. Otherwise, weight and gravity will cause the walls to lean out considerably more than 4". Like most things, this is easier to fix beforehand than after-the-fact!
8. If you choose to build a clerestory roof, (as we did originally!), BE SURE to consider the combined weight of ALL the building materials before you begin. Not just the wood framework and roofing--EVERYTHING. All transom windows, brass awning hinges, brass handles and latches, wood framework, wood siding panels, plywood underlayment, tar paper, metal roofing, roofing screws. Everything. Blindly guess at an estimate, and you may end up like we did--with a perfectly lovely clerestory roof that is too heavy for your walls to hold up. When you get through throwing tools and cursing, you will first need to re-design, tear apart and salvage what you can--and then you can re-build. THAT'S WHEN THE FUN REALLY BEGINS...
9. Take your time. Work on your wagon only when you WANT to--never feel like you HAVE to. Resist the urge--Don't set a deadline...Unforeseen circumstances will inevitably pop up and delay construction. Don't stress over it. Above all, take pleasure in your work. Enjoy the weight of a well-worn hammer in your hand; find joy in the smell of fresh sawn wood...
10. kushti bak! (Good Luck!)
Sunday, February 7, 2016
February 2016 / Happy Valentine's Day From Just2Gypsies...
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
with Love,
Grainne and Siobhan
Friday, January 22, 2016
WELCOME TO OUR VARDO!!!
WELCOME TO OUR VARDO!!!
Siobhan and I are finally "all moved in"; we spend quite a bit of our free time in the caravan. Liam usually remains in the house, cheerfully waving from a window now and then...
 |
We have not built the steps yet--the weather has been much too cold!
|
 |
| But our welcome sign is out... |
Our caravan rules are posted by the door...
 |
| "Watch the sunrise, Listen to birds, Feel the breeze, Relax, Take a nap, Drink Iced tea" |
We filled our wagon with antiques and curiosities, and all the necessities to make a vardo a home...
 |
| A lovely little woodstove for burning Irish peat, and a little iron kettle for heating water... |
 |
| An Indian spice box for tea bags, and a English tin for sugar... |
 |
| A refrigerator for cream... |
 |
| Comfy cushioned seats for sitting... |
 |
| Favorite antique dishes for dining... |
 |
| A sweet antique tea towel for drying... |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)