Joys of Doll and Technology

To R. and the Warren County Doll Club, I just want to say, "You Rock!"

It is a beautiful day, though I'm indisposed with sinus miseries and hay fever, but in some ways it is fair trade for the crisp, cool air, and the sun. I was once an autumn/winter girl, but a few ice storms and downed trees cured me. Once fine afternoon, I spent more than an hour in a prone position on the icy curb with a broom handle and a steak knife trying to dig my car out of the ice and snow. And, the car was running, which gave the whole adventure that little edge. All my male neihbors drove by with their large SUV's, trucks, and chains, and waved at me. I now worship spring.

I've spent a fair amount of time refurbishing dolls and doll areas this past year. Another colleague who feels about art supplies the way I do about dolls was discussing the virtues of large, waterproof boxes and containers with me yesterday. He called himself a "bon vivant" where rubber maid is concerned. I had to agree. Another friend observed it was a good thing we weren't near a container store. But storage is crucual, as is maintenance. I've decided I could manage almost any organization given how I've had to manage this collection, and care for it, and write about it, and try to inventory it, and protect it, in more than one location. This is one reason I want the museum so badly!

My husband is a wonderful man, too. Big, brawny, and Mediterranean, he is not above washing doll clothes, even by hand, or photographing items for inventory or display. We are slowly making the web museum come to life, and it is good to be full of ideas.

I have gently scrubbed mildew off of hard plastic dolls and early papier mache doll bodies after one of our garden hose pipes broke and leaked into the "safe" shelf near the ceiling of our basement. Don't even talk to me about waterproof basements! We had that tragedy, too. But, someone looked out for me; the dolls were saved. They are now in watertight, safe places, though I put away many that were displayed. I used Febreze and spray Lysol on cloth and plush with good results. I was just careful to let them dry, and there were some dolls that just needed care and repair that were redressed and rewigged. My best doll show buy last year was a huge bag of wigs and another of shoes.

Twitter followers are picking up; I hope some get to look at this blog. I send messages two or three times a day, and I think I'm getting the hang of it.

Happy blogging to all; more book exceprts to come! Am trying to watch typos, but still learning where everything is here. And, if I could type, I'd be dangerous. Till next time!