If you are new to this blog or the tiny-home-adventures blog series, go here to read the first post titled, Living in a Tiny Home Adventures. It’s been several weeks since the last update. I’ve been busy writing, subbing, and getting us more settled and there’s still unpacking to be finished. This update is all about improvising and using what I already have on hand. I love being able to use whatever I’ve got and creating exactly what I want, exactly when I want it. FUN!

(I spy a heart directly in the middle of the curtain! Just saw this as I was posting it!)

I like to open the windows and door to feel the breeze and circulate fresh air. However, leaving the front door open was inviting flies, moths, and other little flying critters into our tiny place. I was looking into buying an instant screen door that affixes with hooks and velcro (this: Bug-Off Instant Screen (amazon affiliate link)).

While I was considering the instant screen, I used thumb tacks and hung a lace curtain in the doorway so we could enjoy it being open. I like it so much, I decided to leave it. It’s now hanging from a curtain rod that I already had on hand.

I installed two eyelet hooks (already on hand), then used leather cord (already on hand) to tie the curtain rod to the eyelet hooks. I used one thumb tack to ensure the curtain fully covered the door. The thumb tack is in the corner just under and to the right of the curtain rod. If I had hung it above the door as you would typically use a curtain rod, there would have been a gap; which would defeat the purpose of having it there. I used pins to secure the valance as it hangs too low (still need to perfect this). Lastly, I used a command hook so that I could pull it back when the door is closed.

Another change I made is to remove the closet door in the bedroom as I needed the space behind it for Lillian. Thankfully, the lovely maintenance guy took it and put in their storage as I had no where to put it! I hung a curtain in the door’s place and it’s working great!

I’ve also been working on figuring out “the wall” for Thomas’ “room”. Finally have it almost complete. I bought an inexpensive lightweight curtain rod (amazon affiliate link), hung from the ceiling using picture hanging wire and the hooks that came with it. I also ordered a set of 14 curtain rings with clips (amazon affiliate link). I have an abundance of hand made quilts from my Mammaw Downs and Frank’s Mom, Marge Romano. They are so pretty and the one bedroom closet is overflowing. So I decided to use one of the quilts for Thomas’ wall. This one is a bit too small. I believe it’s a full size quilt. I’ll look through better in the next week and see if I can find a larger quilt to give him a “bigger” wall.

I decided to talk with Thomas about switching to a Japanese style floor bed to give him more room. I told him the decision is completely up to him and then I made him a make-shift floor bed using a down comforter and the homemade quilts mentioned above. He absolutely loves it! He says he sleeps much better on it than the couch bed. We’ve decided to get rid of the couch bed to give him even more room.

We’ve gone on dozens more walks, swims, and even had a picnic dinner by the lake one night. Thomas and I had lunch on the patio as part of our October date day and so did Lillian and I. Also, Lillian and I had a dessert picnic in the garden area next to the lodge.

I’ve made several more trips to Goodwill donating items. In the last post I mentioned that it’s my goal to empty the storage unit and have everything we own here with us. I’ve been able to make one trip to storage. I donated 2 lamps and our Christmas tree to Goodwill and as soon as I get to it, I’ll have the couch picked up by an organization.

And, now, for some of the un-lovely aspects. I opened the blinds in the bedroom one morning and spotted a cute little mouse on the patio. Yes, cute, yet, no thank you for hanging out on the patio. I let management know about it and that afternoon a pest control person came over. He explained to me the options and that this area has a huge mouse “problem” (this area was formerly a ranch).

I kept thinking, “I don’t want to kill them, I’d just like to repel them so they don’t want to hang out on our patio”. I even told him this. I literally almost threw up when he told me how the glue trap killed them. I couldn’t make sense why you would purposely use yummy smelling traps to lure them to the area and then kill them (as this is an outdoor area and not inside a home). Why not make it so they aren’t interested in visiting?

I began searching online for natural repellants. I found suggestions of mothballs; which I had already bought as we kept getting visits from a bee or two when trying to eat on the patio. However, mothballs are horrid smelling and powerful. I put some out anyway in containers with holes punched so no other animals could get ahold of them.

I also ordered Fresh Cab Rodent Repellent (amazon affiliate link). Before it arrived, Lillian saw another little mouse visitor. So, I don’t think the mothballs were working. I put more mothballs around the patio and the Cab product arrived a couple of days ago. It smells great! Smells like a Christmas tree. The reviews were almost all 100% positive and they offer a money back guarantee. We haven’t seen any visitors since Lillian saw the last little fellow several weeks ago.

I’m still struggling with the road noise from South Meadows. I so much enjoy quiet. There are days when it seems to bother me more than others. Most likely, those are the days I’m focusing on it and not on how grateful and happy we are living here. I did let management know that as soon as another similar unit is available in an acceptable location, I’d like to transfer. One of the reasons I was so impressed with this place is that they are happy to transfer you to another unit at any time without charging you extra fees.

Another aspect I’m still trying to figure out is a dedicated meditation space. At our last house, I used a corner of my bedroom. For now, I keep my meditation blanket and pillow folded together on top of the dryer. I take it out every morning and usually sit in the living room against the love seat. It works for now and I should eventually have space in the closet to store the blanket and pillow.

I always like to end on a lovely note. Last week, we picked out some fun pumpkins for our patio. As I was rearranging things on the patio, I found a little plastic pumpkin. I thought to myself, “It’s time to pass you on.” I’ve been toting two of these around in the Halloween decorations for at least 4 years and have not used them. It opens so to put candy goodies inside.

A few minutes later, little 6 year old Sophia Lee from upstairs walked by with her mom and grandma. I could hear her saying with such longing how much she wanted a pumpkin. Little pumpkin now has a new home with Ms. Sophia Lee. I love when solutions in the form of loving kindness say, “Here I am.”

Later in the week, I bought a mini pumpkin and anonymously left it at Sophia Lee’s door without a note. Last night, she presented us with this cute little pumpkin! LOVE the hat!!!

That’s all for now … The adventure continues …. Thanks for being a part of it!

The adventure has begun …. Thanks for being a part of it! Go here to read about the fourth month!

Heartfuly Inspired™,

Camilla
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