Eastern Bluebird

     It was Easter. It was also April Fools Day. We were enjoying a sunny morning on the patio but snow was forecast for the afternoon. So why were we surprised to see the first ever bluebird at our feeder?

     

     On this day of incongruities, when a flash of vivid sapphire flew across the yard and lit on the feeder, I immediately ran into the house for my camera and was amazed that the chap remained in place long enough for a very focused photo. I was pretty sure this little guy was an Eastern Bluebird but my supposition was confirmed when I uploaded the photos and was able to fully distinguish his field marks - which included a white belly, rusty throat and short bill. I've seen bluebirds in non-urban areas but never inside the city limits. Our pretty pint-sized visitor didn't stay long and we haven't seen him since but we certainly enjoyed a little Easter April Fool!

New Dresser Top

     The dressers in our master bedroom posed somewhat of a dilemma. They were old but not antique ...the wood finish was in good shape, except for the tops...and nobody ever saw them but us! We could afford a new set but the frugal little gnome that sits continually on my shoulder whispered, "They're perfectly good so why spend the money on new ones?!"

      I tossed around the idea of refinishing or painting them but couldn't come to a decision. And then I happened upon a solution while scrolling through ideas on Pinterest. Put a marble top on them! Well a marble finish anyway...actually a contact paper that looks like marble. Husband was skeptical until we agreed that something was better than nothing in this case. And it certainly was! We love the new lighter, cleaner look - no more ugly dents or scratches.

     There was very little prep work involved - just minimal sanding of the scratches and water damage followed by a good scrubbing to removed dirt and any other residues. Accurate measurements were critical and applying the sticky paper was challenging but not horrendously difficult. I did use a credit card to push out bubbles and smooth some wrinkles. A few imperfections remained but they are almost undetectable because of the marble print. I think we'll keep this bedroom set a few more years.