My second home

I have added a link to Miniatures.com to this site, because so much of what I have purchased for my doll house has come from good ole Ernie and his crew. I think Ernie is fixing to retire on my spending alone, but if you enjoy miniatures, you may find yourself as addicted as I am if you dare to visit his site.

I think the key to a great doll house is not just what you see, but also what you don't see- dishes in the cupboards, utensils in the kitchen drawers, clothes in the closet, toys in the toybox. My doll house is sort of like an iceberg- a large part of it is hidden from view. But the joy comes in sharing it, in seeing the faces of my friends when they find hankies in the tallboy, and sheets in the trunks.

I know that I am blessed beyond words in that I can indulge my passions with a relatively free hand. I hope I am generous with all my gifts. I believe in joy. I believe in fantasy. And I believe in sharing.

So, please share in the fantastic joy of my doll house. And visit Ernie at your own risk.

The parlor, where family and friends have gathered for a dinner party. The lady of the house, Marcia Aubrey, has just finished playing the piano for her guests, who are engaged in a lively discussion with Captain Michael O'Toole, retired (seated) and his lovely wife Barbara, (in pink). Marcia's sister Katherine is particularly interested in Captain O'Toole; unlike the others, she has NOT read his latest book and so is drilling him intensely about his adventures. Katherine's husband George Wesley is content to listen and sip his dark beer. Seated next to him is Anthea Owen, wife of Walter Owen, who is in partnership with Marcia's husband, Rhett.

The dining room. Dinner is almost ready to be served. Not all the guests at the soiree at staying for dinner; the Owens (Anthea and Walter) have stopped by with their son Eric en route to the opera and so will not dine this evening.

Rhett Aubrey's den. Even with a house full of people upstairs, waiting for their host, he cannot resist conducting a last minute piece of business with his partner, Walter Owen. Katherine's personal maid Bridget has been recruited to help serve this evening. She's a bit too pretty for Walter's taste.

The kitchen, peaceful for now after the frenzy of food preparation. Cook Ruth is out of the frame, having a well deserved cup of tea, and acting as discrete chaperone- off the kitchen, in the small garden, the younger sister of Marcia and Katherine, Alice Avery, is being gently courted by Eric Owen. Everyone is silently praying for this match to happen.

Upstairs, the children are preparing for bed. Peter is taking a shower in the bath, but we will not invade his privacy. (Peter took this picture of the bath for me). Nanna is reading to Beth, while Christie nibbles on bread and milk. As a very special treat, Nanna is allowing the little girls to have cake and hot chocolate later.

A peek into Peter's room- actually, a large corner of the nursery- but with enough privacy for an 11 year-old boy, thanks to a large screen and Nanna's vigilance on his behalf.

The master bedroom, which shares a floor with the bath. Nestled in his crib in the corner is baby Austin. Hanging on the armoire is the dress Marcia had hoped to wear, but which Rhett found too fancy for the occasion. Marcia's maid Susan has laid out her nightgown and slippers, and is, at the moment, in the parlor, offering coffee to the guests. The house maid, Hazel, is in the diningroom, putting the final touches on the side board.

My next post will highlight the servants, who, being very good servants, are basically invisible in this posting.

I am having way too much fun.