Sunshine and Sea Defences

With the sun shining, it seemed like a day to do something, so we loaded ourselves in the car and headed off to take a look at what is happening in Aberaeron.

Unfortunately it was a bit on the cold side walking around, and a lot of the shops - and our other 'go-to' location, Llanerchaeron - were shut.  

We had a bit of a wander though, taking in the views, e.g. scenic bits of 'tree', and checking out the ongoing work on new sea defences, which had closed off a lot of the harbour side:

The harbour itself was also quite empty this early in the year - although we did spot some young seagulls taking it easy on an inflatable dinghy!

In the end it wasn't a long trip out, and we were back home for a late lunch - hopefully they'll get the work round the harbour done before the summer season kicks in.

Folly Layout # 4

Another day another 'reorganisation' - this time of the furniture in the Folly (again) - think I'm on something close to version 4!

The Folly had begun to feel very cluttered - and having moved 'in' a bookcase from the house, it was time for a rethink.  Cue another book 'cull' - removing some of the 'wine box' bookcases - and the re-homing of some unused furniture.

Then it was time to drag and shove what was left into new locations.

This included putting the train table (which I never seem to have time to do anything with) into a corner (which I may regret if I do ever do anything with it!), but which did create a lot more floor space.

All in all it now feels much more spacious, and some things, such as the printer, are now conveniently closer to hand - it will do - for now!

Project 'Paint Everything In Sight'

Yes, we've been decorating . . . well for the most part Martin has been decorating - almost every room in the house has had at least a lick of paint, but the living room is scheduled for a bit more of a makeover. 

While I was away visiting family, Martin refreshed all the magnolia paintwork and the coving - with everything piled into the middle of the room while he worked.

Then it was on to more de-cluttering of cabinets and bookshelves, and a lengthy debate over some interior design questions.

Having taken the curtains down while decorating, we realised how much lighter the room was without them - so should we leave them down? 
(While there are blinds on all the windows, they did look a bit bare without the curtains in place.) 

And, feature wall, or no feature wall?

In the end we did go for something a bit different . . .

Gold metallic paint on the end wall, and round all the window recesses - which are now framed with voile panels instead of curtains.  Must admit I'm rather pleased with it!

Too Many Books . . .

 . . .  and Not Enough Time!

Need to 'de-clutter' as Martin puts it - and I have so many books on the shelves (plus the accumulating Kindle 99p buys) that I am never going to read them all.

So the sorting has commenced, and small piles of books are now cluttering up other surfaces while we decide what should go to charity, and what might be worth trying to sell. 

Can't say I'm enjoying the process - but can't keep everything!