Dollhouse Update

 The dollhouse is coming along!

I have wallpaper on all but three of the walls  now.

When the wallpaper is done and the windows are in, the next step will be cleaning out the room that it is going in.

Which won't be nearly as much fun. Ha.

After looking at Victorian decorations, they almost all had Turkish rugs.

Did you know that you can buy "mouse rugs" or "placemats" that look like Turkish rugs that are the right size for AG? Now you do! Link

Also, I was looking at a dollhouse forum that said crown molding makes dollhouses look so much more real. I really didn't want to learn wood working just to make crown molding.

I wished that there was paper that looked like crown molding that you can just glue on.

Guess what? There is! Link

I decided that my decorating inspiration is going to be Black Point in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Black Point is the summer home for a rich beer manufacturer, Conrad Seipps. It has lots of fancy details. But the design is also somewhat relaxed, because it's a summer home. It has such a peaceful atmosphere. It is owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society, and you can tour it in the summer!

Its decorating reassures me that some Victorian homes have plain white crown molding, I don't need to worry about gilded crown molding. I can have some exposed wood floors. Things like that.

I had a friend suggest that I should have a house warming party when the dollhouse is finished.

I might do just that.

Kirsten's School Dress

 I was very happy that American Girl re-released Kirsten's school outfit.

It's just a classic. And, unlike everything else they sell now, it's not pink.

To celebrate, I took Kirsten to Old World Wisconsin. I was able to get some great photos!

Kirsten looks right at home in the general store.

The dress fits my Kirsten perfectly. She is an older Pleasant Company doll from 1994.

Actually, she's my sister's. I am keeping her safe. Hee hee.

I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I do! This dress is really making me happy.

Upcoming MCM Benefit Sale

 This weekend is the last ever Madison Children's Museum Benefit Sale with AG dolls.

I am sad about this. We are speculating that this is the last one because of the bad attitudes of shoppers at the online sales, combined with AG's new, less generous return policies, which means less dolls to sell.

It will be held in person at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. This is the first time and the last time it will be there. Hopefully, it will be more comfortable.

My advice for attending MCM has all good points to think about, however. You can find that blog post at this link.

Exploring Wisconsin History

 I love the Wisconsin Historical Society. They have such great historical sites to visit.

I recently visited both Old World Wisconsin and Circus World, and I brought dolls to take pictures.

I took my new Kaya to Circus World. I have decided to name her Caitlin. She is probably going to get a new wig, as this one is very choppy.

Caitlin with an antique circus wagon.

Caitlin with a circus wagon wheel.

Caitlin looking at circus wagons.

I am still thinking of a personality and name for my Just Like Me 80.

Yes, sometimes I am really bad at this.

So I took her to Old World Wisconsin, thinking that we need to spend some time together to get to know each other.

She is so beautiful... and I still don't know her name.

*sob*

Is there an easier way to keep glasses on an AG doll?

These kept falling off.

I thought Danielle had this problem because of her hearing aids. Now I think it must be all AG dolls that have this problem.

Anyway, I got some really good pictures, as well as loads of outtakes, so I wanted to share!

Felicity Meets Kathleen Ernst

Yesterday was the Edgerton Sterling North Book and Film Festival in Edgerton, Wisconsin.

Author Kathleen Ernst was there signing books. She also did a presentation and received the Sterling North Legacy Award for Excellence in Children's Literature.

I got to go, and Felicity went with me!

Kathleen Ernst is the author of the Caroline books, and also of Felicity's newest book, Gunpowder and Tea Cakes.

So I got to have Ms. Ernst sign books for me, take a picture with Felicity, and attend the lecture that she gave.

There is a joke in the Muppet fandom that Muppeteer Karen Prell is the meanest person in the world- because actually she is the nicest person you could ever meet. (No, I haven't met her. I wish.)

The same could be said about Kathleen Ernst, and for the same reason.

I was kind of nervous about bringing Felicity with me. I think maybe the first words out of Ms. Ernst's mouth were, "Thank you for bringing her!"

(Maybe not the first words- but the ones I remember very clearly."

I told her that I wanted to attend her lecture, but was sort of unsure about it, because of my hearing loss, and I might leave early if I couldn't hear. She was so kind about it.

After the lecture, she took the time to come up to me and ask if I had been able to hear. She even remembered my name.

It was SUCH a great experience.

This is not the first time I have been to one of Ms. Ernst's signings, but the other signings were for her Chloe Finderson book series, so I did not being Felicity. You can read my blog post about meeting her last year here.

I am very sad to hear that the publisher for her Chloe series is going out of business and that she needs to fins a new publisher for Chloe.

I also took the time to go to Sterling North's childhood home. He is known for books such as Rascal, which I don't think I have read, but now I plan to!

The house was very enjoyable, and they had printed sheets for a self-guided tour, which was great with my hearing loss.

The house had a loved feeling to me, and the quotes from the book Rascal definitely made me want to read it!

Here are the books that she signed for me: Death on the Prairie, Gunpowder and Tea Cakes, and mini Meet Caroline.

I love mini books and am so excited to have a signed mini books! I miss when all of the mini books were paperback.

This was a great experience, and I would encourage anyone who has a chance to attend a Kathleen Ernst book signing to go for it!

MCM Sale Report 2018

Well, this year's sale was different.

My extremely beloved guinea pig stopped eating the day before the sale.

On the day of the sale, I got up and held her for three hours and coaxed her to eat and/ or drink.

After I left for the sale, my mom took her to the vet, put her to sleep, and put her things away.

I realize this is not the way most people would deal with the death of a beloved pet, but by the time I came home I mostly felt as though it had already happened a long time ago. It really helped me.

I keep thinking I need to feed her/ check on her/ cuddle her, though.

But that's not what you want  to read about! Here is my sale report!

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MCM had a new, more staggered admissions process this year. It worked pretty well. There was a 20 minute delay in getting into the warehouse, but it was not so crowded while lining up or in the warehouse.

I was able to circle the warehouse three times, making sure I didn't miss anything.

Although MCM got a record number of donations this year, they had less dolls or less variety of dolls. This was somewhat clear from the price list.

I did not buy any dolls. I was interested in getting Nanea, Z, or JLY 75.
I was also interested in seeing any returned CYOs, but there were none.

None of these were available. I decided not to buy a doll just for the sake of buying a doll.

I own a lot of dolls already!

Here are some pictures of the silent auction items:

And here are some pictures of the vendors:

And here are some pictures inside the warehouse!

I was sad not to get a doll this year, but I do own a lot of dolls already.

I am not mad at MCM. They cannot control what is donated to them. They did a great job of handling admissions.

I used the shuttle parking at the ice arena and was happy not to have to fight for a parking space.

I was able to meet some Internet friends, Aloraal and Georgie from American Girl Collectors. It was really great to meet them.

You can read Georgie's blog Northbound Dolls, and you can read her account of the sale here.

Aloraal was making some video of the event, and I will add the link when I find it.

I did get a few things. I got Melody's bed, several minis, some T-shirts, Maryellen's crinoline and two pairs of pajamas.
I posted some pictures of my purchases here.

As always, I did not go on Sunday because I'd have to take off work. I got everything I wanted on Saturday.

Apparently, AG donated so many items this year that they requested that some be held back for sales for the next three years. I wish they had allowed more 18 inch dolls to be sold, but I am glad that there will be an MCM sale for the next three years.

Blog post for 2023, the last MCM sale.

Getting ready for MCM Again

I am getting ready for the Madison Children's Benefit Sale again!

You can read last year's posts with advice for preparing for the sale here. I think it is good advice! At the very least, it will give you an idea of what to expect if you have never been there before.

You can read my accounts of the sale from 2016 and 2017.

One thing that I plan to do in Middleton this year is visit Clasen's European Bakery.
I found out about this when a neighbor gifted me with German Lebkuchen from this bakery. I miss German bakeries and can't wait to visit this one!
The address is 7610 Donna Drive, Middleton, Wisconsin.

Another popular place to get goodies is Hurts Donuts. They have a wide selection of delicious doughnut flavors.
The address is 2831 Parmenter St, Middleton, WI 53562.

And you shouldn't visit Wisconsin without trying our delicious cheese and cheese curds.
You can find some at Carr Valley Cheese.
The address is 2831 Parmenter Street, Middleton, WI 53562.

There is a Costco not far from the benefit sale, and I hope I can stock up on groceries there before I head home. There aren't many options for grocery shopping where I live.

Laura at Old World Wisconsin II

Here are some more pictures of Laura at Old World Wisconsin!

Meeting Kathleen Ernst

Yesterday, I got to meet Kathleen Ernst!

She is the author of the Caroline Abbott series, as well as the Chloe Ellefson mysteries for adults.

I like both of her series!

Here is a link to her author website.

She had a book signing at Old World Wisconsin, and I was so lucky to get to go.

Guys, she is so nice.

We went to the book signing first, then put the books in the dry car because it was raining and went to Old World Wisconsin. When we got back, she recognized us and asked us about our visit.

She even let me take a picture:

It was a great experience! I am so glad I got to go!

Laura at Old World Wisconsin

I tool Laura to Old World Wisconsin. I took so many pictures that I probably will do two or more posts.

Old World Wisconsin is run by the Wisconsin Historical Society, and it is amazing. There are historic buildings spread out over a huge site, and you can learn about them and about living in the past from interpreters in historic garb.

Katheen Ernst, who wrote the Caroline Abbot books, wrote a mystery series for adults, many of which are set at Old World Wisconsin. The first book in the series is Old World Murder.

 Here is Laura at a church in Old world Wisconsin.

MCM Sale 2017

Today, as you may be aware, was the Madison Children's Museum Benefit sale! And that means dolls!

I was very lucky to get to go.

Getting Ready for MCM

MCM is in two weeks. If this is your first time, I am sure, you are wondering what to expect.
These tips are based on my experience last year.

1. Money. Obviously you need money to pay for your new dolls and/or doll accessories! The MCM benefit sale accepts a variety of payments, but make sure you have at least some cash. You may need to pay for parking, and if you want to buy anything from the vendors outside, they may accept cash only.

2. Practice parallel parking. I jest, a little, but it is really hard to find parking. There was a small field/ side yard that was set aside for official free parking last year, and it did not have anywhere near enough park spaces. I was lucky and found a parallel parking place for free, but you may need to give in and pay for a parking spot, which is around $5.

3. Punctuality. I recommend coming early, as you may likely need time to search for a parking space. That being said, last time I had to wait after my official entrance time for my group to be let in.

4. Wardrobe. Wear comfortable shoes, that you can stand and walk in.

5. Bags and water. The volunteers sell both huge bags which hold lots of dolls, and bottles of water. However, if you bring your own, you have more money for dolls!

6. Weather. Check the weather forecast. Be prepared with sunscreen or umbrellas, or both. You will probably be exposed to the elements to some degree while waiting to get in. A hat might be a good idea as well.

7. Planning. If you want to be totally spontaneous in your purchases, that's up to you, but I recommend at least looking at what is available and the prices ahead of time. If I hadn't checked the list, I would not have known they were selling the Santa dress, as it took me three time to find where it was being sold. Be aware of how many of each item you are allowed to buy, or else you will waste volunteers' times and face disappointment.

8. Noise. If you are noise sensitive, bring ear plugs. It's really loud.

9. Books. Bring something to do when you are stuck in line. Preferably small and lightweight, because carrying lots of doll boxes is onerous. When I was in line waiting to be let in last year, my cell phone did not get any reception, so that is something to keep in mind. I did get reception again once I was in the warehouse. I read a book while waiting in line, an Agatha Christie to be specific. It was one more thing to carry, but it was worth it to me. I put it at the bottom of my giant bag once I was out of the line.


10. Food. This one is just me being a practical Girl Scout, but I brought a packed lunch in a cooler, which I kept in the car and ate really fast once I was done shopping. The speed was due to all the people circling around in cars, looking for a parking place. I felt guilty about taking one once I was done shopping.

You can read about the experience I had at MCM last year here, and Nethilia's here.

Kit at the Wisconsin Dells

Kit went on a trip to see the Wisconsin Dells. Since she loves photography, she was excited to see the historic photography studio of H. H. Bennett. It is owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. You can read about it here.

Here she is outside the studio!

Ruby Visits! Circus Circus

Ruby knows that her new friends, Callie and Penny, really love the circus.

So Anne and I took her to Delavan, Wisconsin, Nineteenth Century Circus Capitol of the World.

Anne has already been there, and there are pictures of that visit here.

Ruby Visits! Whitewater Effigy Mounds

After seeing the exhibit on Indian mounds at the Hoard Museum, Ruby wanted to see some actual Indian Mounds.

So Kaya and I took her to see the Whitewater Effigy Mounds, where Kaya had already been.

Ruby Visits! Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine

Ruby may be from New Orleans, but I think she has ambitions to be a world traveler.

That girl hadn't been in Wisconsin for an hour before she went to visit the Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

The museum is the former home of William Dempster Hoard, the father of Wisconsin Dairy Farming. That's huge!

It has exhibits on lots of topics of local history.

 Here is Ruby with the museum sign!

Madison Children's Museum Benefit 2016

Today I went to the Madison's Children's Museum Benefit in Madison!

Every year, American Girl donates its returned items to the Madison Children's Museum in Madison.
The museum has a big sale of these dolls once a year, in the summer.

It's kind of a big thing that everyone wants to go to, and I was excited to get to go!

Anne visits Yerkes Observatory

Are you interested in astronomy? Do you like to look at the stars?

Yerkes Observatory is the birthplace of modern astrophysics.

It is a facility of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Chicago.

Anne Visits Baraboo

Anne and I went on a trip to visit Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Baraboo is the home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. There is lots of circus history here!