minikelli

I apparently am in the same boat as so many others that I must have missed what occurred. I hope you do reconsider and kindly stay -- you're truly such a help to so many of us, as I hope we may be to you in some small way whether strictly as emotional support or even to bounce ideas off of... Here's hoping you may have a bit of time to think whatever over, and come back and join us...

We've not gone lower than 2 here(so far), our negative temps aren't called for til next week -- and thankfully nowhere near so cold as -42! Stay warm and safe wherever you all are!

*Btw, other fun fact I've tended bar since I was 19 years old in college. Have had a number of folks in a few states say I was the best bartender they'd had. They never seemed to believe me when I would laugh and say it would always be my choice to surround myself with drunks in a bar than stay home with the alcoholics. I have my mom to thank for having been raised to look on the bright side of life, and while I was never a fan of their choice in living and focusing so much of their lives on alcohol... I'm also of the knowledge they lived the prime of their life in a different age that I won't, no matter how much I try, understand. I don't want anyone feeling sorry for me, growing up with them and their way of life helped me to grow and be as strong a person as I am today. There is always something to be thankful for! This is actually something I've done now for several years on Facebook is to share my "thanks for the day" -- and it is truly amazing to me just how many have pm'd me or stated on my page how much it is they appreciate reading those simple statements... I've had both family members and friends alike whom suffer from depression and the like tell me that it is something simple to remind them there is always something to live for, and to not let the negativity of the world get to them. So again, odd as it is -- I'm grateful for having lived with and found a way to deal with the effects of the alcoholism of my parents! <3

Sable, good luck with the olives, doesn't sound like fun at all! We had a high temperature here today of 16 degrees Fahrenheit, was quite nice for a change... as odd as that sounds! lol Jeanine, you're not speaking out of turn at all! As mentioned this was the first Christmas I can say both of my parents have been sober. It was a blessing, even if my dad chooses to be miserable. Weird as it is, that seems to be/always has been how he is happiest -- it's just when he chooses to use his negativity to bring everyone else down... that's when unfortunately it gets to me. As it is, I let him know I wasn't going to listen or put up with his basic bs and we've not spoken since Christmas. It's sad, but until he's done with his "lets pick on everyone" spiel -- there's just no point. As mentioned I have my dog, whom is quite simply one of the loveiest(new word there?!?), happiest pups I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She's been by my side and we've been sorting through a number of items trying to figure out what to sort out and sell to make a bit more sense in our mini collection. I say "our" b/c she's quite convinced she's the miniature shop boss. ;) Anyways, I've been diligently working on finishing up my one dollhouse that has been sickeningly close to being finished for too long(really want to get it done before the New Year). It's helpful at least with these goals to keep from focusing on the craziness that is my family -- too often I can't stand 'em, but I'll always love them. lol

I don't want to say I had a "miserable" holiday, there is always the bright side that for the first time in 35 years my parents were both sober! That is the biggest blessing ever, and I'll be the first to say that yes while my father seems to be happiest being negative in general -- it could be, and Lord knows has been a lot worse, when he has been drinking. I think I just get to that point of "over it" when it is he goes on for days at a time in that sort of snit. That's not quite the right word as to what I mean, but it's all that's coming to me at the moment. lol Kathie, as someone whom has been certified in insurance sales and financial advising in several states -- I learned something as well in your explanation of Louisiana law, so many thanks! All in all if nothing else comes out of this holiday season, I've already been formulating in my mind my resolutions for the upcoming year. More importantly, I'm actually getting a head start on them! (This basically never happens, so it has me excited!) First off, I want to get five dollhouse built/rehabbed this upcoming year. I already have two that are soooo close to being done on rehabbing, so I'm trying to finish at least one up before this upcoming year -- that will allow me to really focus on my other houses. I also have been contacted to help a woman rehab a dollhouse after New Year's is come and gone -- it's a model I've never seen before, and would guess it to be not only handmade, but not a pattern I've seen before. Looking forward to that one, as it will definitely be something different! I didn't get anything for Christmas -- b/c I didn't want my folks trying to spend money they didn't have to spend(with mom's recent surgery, even with insurance, they'll be paying on that for a while), but we have a new place down close to the river that's like an on-going Garage Sale, only retail -- so I'm going to try and get down there, and get myself my typical combo Christmas/Birthday gift to self of a small buffet of sorts. Specifically so I can back it up to my work desk in the mini-ing area I have set up. Simple thought being I'll be able to store my fabrics and not have it look so messy. As a bit of a neat freak in so many areas it always amazes me how I seem to work best in chaos! None the less, thought being I'll have my work area neater and easier to work on houses from three sides(fourth side is a wall).

An incredibly Happy Birthday being wished your way from myself and Lucy pup as well! Hope the trip goes smoothly, and that you as well as your son and husband were/are able to kick the cold to the curb asap!

Hope everyone has managed a truly merry Christmas! My apologies I've been off here for so long, but at the moment have locked myself and my pup away from all others to avoid being made into a grouchy, grumpy, person. Something about the holidays that does it to my family -- and for the last several days I thought I'd really for once had the holiday season you hear about of a family happy and supportive of each other! However since the 25th, my father has been on a tangent of trying to just lay into everyone. Tonight I'd had enough and explained that while he may be happiest being miserable the rest of the family didn't need to hear it/deal with it! It's always been an oddity to me that my mother could raise us always believing "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" -- and yet live with him as my father... Mind boggling at best sometimes, and I'm just truly feeling done in dealing with it all! Anyways, bright side for me was early Christmas morning and my baby girl(Lucy my profile pic puppy) dancing around me trying to help open her gifts -- she was beyond excited! Truly hope everyone has managed a happier holiday season than I did this year, and no matter what are still able to appreciate the little moments of joy you were able to! <3

Anna, I would think if she can find some foam or gator board she could make the stairs, and perhaps just a thin slice of bass wood for the actual treads? That way the stairs are lightweight but still have that substantial look that they do on the cover... An additional thought, if this is for a roombox and the upstairs isn't going to be seen so much, she may be able to cut the top baluster and railing and perhaps glue that top stair/railing etc to the actual ceiling of the roombox. I'm not phrasing that so well, but I can picture it in my head. lol

So glad you were able to rescue this house roseleigh! Cannot wait to see what you do with it!!!

Congratulations to you all Mike!

Thank you Linda and Keith, I did finish this project a while back thankfully and had a very happy little girl. I'm back to working on my 1:12 projects. :)

Roseleigh, I'm so glad! I was really hoping to, but it's a good distance away and with my mom having had gallbladder surgery and the resulting issues of post surgery I knew I wasn't going to be able to. Sooo glad someone here is going to be getting it, and I hope fixing it up proper!

I've always loved the look of that one, so Jeannine if you got it those like myself could follow along when you build it! lol

I sent that one to my friend as well, and by the time she woke up this morning to look it was already down. I hope someone here got it since she didn't! Thank you going to everyone whom has been trying to help me locate one for her! My fun find for today so far, this is one I've always loved the look of and it's fairly cheap: https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/tag/d/artply-the-barrington-wooden/6418053463.html Also, a Beacon Hill kit fairly cheap: https://lewiston.craigslist.org/tag/d/dollhouse-kit/6375474374.html A cute Alpine kit for $29: https://olympic.craigslist.org/bab/d/alpine-mansions-in-miniature/6402237198.html

You mean you wouldn't spend $200 on that?!? lol My addition here for the night is this one, as I recall a few of you like the look of it and as I've got one in my stash(remember I'm partial to Walmer): https://baltimore.craigslist.org/tag/d/victorian-style-dollhouse/6414790730.html

Carrie, from what I've got from them they just want it gone and if I'm recalling that's a good size house so would probably need a freight service to pick it up... and I honestly don't know if they would be.

An old Victorian by Woodline, looks to be complete in box: https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/clt/d/great-find-70s-dollhouse-kit/6416073787.html ...and anyone near enough to go get this, please do! I've corresponded with the gentleman who listed this Josiah Golden, and apparently when they bought their real life home, they inherited the dollhouse with it. They're just looking for some extra Christmas cash, and they do have the chimney that's missing in the pics: https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/tag/d/vintage-doll-house/6397012730.html Another, what looks to be Dora Kuhn house: https://kansascity.craigslist.org/atq/d/vintage-germany-all-wood/6406793508.html Last but not least a Pepperwood Farm dollhouse for $50: https://kansascity.craigslist.org/for/d/pepperwood-farm-doll-house/6411848441.html

Carmen, I realize it's not the Bobbie Sue but I did find the Heather which looks like it was awfully similar. Thought I'd go ahead and include a link if you were still looking: https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/for/d/the-heather-wooden-build-it/6398399967.html

Stumbled across this listing, and thought I'd share it here b/c you just don't see houses that are Dora Kuhn filled with Dora Kuhn furniture. As I recall we do have at least one or two members whom are fans of this: https://santabarbara.craigslist.org/clt/d/vintage-german-dollhouse-with/6411440123.html Bright side for my night, I have found two separate listings for already built Thornhills for my friend... just a matter now to see if either is willing to let her use a freight service to pick the house up and deliver it to her. Ah well, I've at least located a couple -- and that took a lot more effort than I figured on! lol

My baby girl is my avatar, Lucy Belle. When I first adopted her she had been found in a ditch, and when she was wormed had the worst case I have ever seen! My father still jokingly refers to her as the family's ditch dog. lol She will be turning five here in December(we think), don't really know how old she is b/c of her beginnings -- but that's a fairly good guess according to the vet. I just remember thinking when I got her she was probably a German Shepherd mix, possibly some Doberman or Rottweiler in her b/c of her coloring. As it stands, after having her nearly a year we were informed by the vet there was a 99.9% probability of her being a "Coydog" -- which apparently isn't all that uncommon in this area with the amount of folks that have outside farm dogs. Seems they and the coyotes mate, and resulting pups like my girl come about! As it stands, she is going on roughly 140 lbs now, and is still bossed around a good bit by our Mini Dachshund Rocket. Biggest pup in the house, and I do believe the most gentle sweet dog I've ever had... which is really saying something b/c I've had some truly great dogs! Our other pup is another rescue, a beagle mix of sorts that showed up on our doorstep one day and never left. She hates gunshots and thunder, and we think that's what happened is someone had her and was trying to train her to hunt -- and guaranteed if there's anything that sounds like a shot Houston will be the one cowering under a table! As for other babies of the family, there are several outdoor cats including a black and white Maine Coon -- all have been dropped or abandoned around our house, and oddly have been adopted more by our dogs than by us. lol None the less, we care for them all and they let us know they appreciate having a place to live safely and happily!

Alright, I don't know who might be in the northern part of the US near NH who also has the room for this... but the pics made me say wow! lol: https://maine.craigslist.org/art/d/doll-house/6391691460.html My guess for $45 someone is gonna love this, definitely needs some "TLC": https://vermont.craigslist.org/for/d/very-large-doll-house/6395063623.html Looks like an Arrow brand house... rather like the lines of this one: https://vermont.craigslist.org/for/d/gift-doll-house/6352142903.html Not a bad deal for some Bespaq pieces if anyone is looking(both 1:12 and 1:24): https://nh.craigslist.org/clt/d/bespaq-dollhouse-furniture/6401226231.html A Newport kit for $95: https://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/tag/d/newport-dollhouse-kit/6404156904.html ...and b/c Kelly loved my HofCo find in CA I'll post another in NH. A HofCo Americana for $300: https://nh.craigslist.org/clt/d/vintage-antique-country-doll/6383874972.html This one for Jackie or anyone else in PA, a free Harrison: https://pennstate.craigslist.org/zip/d/free-to-good-home-fixer-upper/6399278167.html and a $59 Emerson Row new in box w/plastic wrap: https://harrisburg.craigslist.org/art/d/greenleaf-wooden-dollhouse/6368639545.html

A 1:12 scale Thornhill, I had found one for her but the people were unwilling to ship it. Thus, I'm back on the hunt as literally every store I've spoken with doesn't have one and most who do have one aren't looking to sell. lol She does have one kit built, but is looking to add another on top for a grand hotel. I personally would love to see her achieve this goal as I think it would be an incredible build, but I have suggested she may end up just taking measurements from her existing shell and cut the new pieces from plywood... None the less, this still gives me something to do with my spare time as I'm waiting for glue, paint, etc to dry.

Sorry, took a look at the other side of the nation. If anyone is near CT and is looking for a Granville pre-built: https://hartford.craigslist.org/tag/d/granville-doll-house/6360417143.html

Alright, I'm back on my CL haunting trying to help a friend to locate a discontinued house. This means I located a big one for me that I'm hoping and praying I can make happen as a Christmas gift/early birthday gift for me next year, and a lot of interesting houses/listings for forum folks here! First one is listed as a San Francisco Queen Anne by Fred Davis aka "the Country Peddler", looks like it could be a gem when finished! : https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/clt/d/san-francisco-queen-anne/6404424981.html This is listed as a large victorian fixer upper for $40, it's 1:24 scale: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/for/d/large-wooden-victorian/6404566202.html One of my all time favorite houses(still excited I have this kit now, even with it missing a couple of pieces) the Walmer Tiffany: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/bab/d/large-dollhouse/6408490570.html A Glencroft kit in what looks like great condition for it's age, only $45: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/tag/d/1983-greenleaf-glencroft-wood/6389898996.html If I'm reading this one right, a HofCo Townhouse... didn't look familiar right off, but I do like the looks of it!: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/clt/d/victorian-doll-house/6409025456.html ...and since I'm on a small roll with GL, how about a Beacon Hill kit new in box for $85: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/art/d/beacon-hill-wooden-dollhouse/6401961283.html A RGT 1:24 East Side Town House for $50: https://yubasutter.craigslist.org/for/d/1-2-scale-dollhouse-kit/6385529862.html Think those are the main great deals/just nifty looking houses I've found to share so far. I'm certain I'll be back to posting more though as I scour CL coast to coast on my hunt. lol