Today's pictures are of the new TuMani residents. The first (if they load right) is of Meg's new girl. She and the next two posted are from a series of four that are new from Jaks Pacific. They are a little shorter than the regular Bratz dolls (about a head shorter) They are twenty dollars and we found them at our local Super Target and also at Toys R Us. The regular Target doesn't carry them yet and I haven't been to Walmart in quite a while. They have extra hair extensions that clip in and have lots of bending joints. They bend at the wrists, elbows, waists, knees and ankles. We haven't bought the blonde---so far she hasn't called to us. The next doll is a Bratz witch doll. She is from a series of three costume dolls. There is a princess, a pirate and a witch. The witch comes with a little black cat. They are about ten dollars . The last picture is of the latest Barbie prince. He came with a cardboard guitar and when I first saw him I thought he was a young Elvis. SO in TuMani he is Elvis' twin brother--Aaron. I also gave in and bought a Hannah Montana doll . She is in her pjs and is brunette. She doesn't look stupid like the blondes and has lots of hair. Her name is Donna and she is sister to Marie Osmond (you say you didn't know she had a sister--she has at least two--the other one being one of the early Snow White dolls. They have had some words as to which is the most famous. I finally bought the Oliver doll and his name is Jimmy and he is a brother to Donnie Osmond. Donnie took his shirt away from him as soon as I got him out of the box and Jimmy went straight to the beach. I have looked at the Cheetah girl dolls and I can't help if they are on sale--they are still homely. I am glad I got the Raven doll while she was still available---you know they got rid of her because she was a little "womanly" in size . So TuMani is once again growing.

Well I am sure that no one is surprised that State Farm Insurance wants to total my car :( They have offered me twenty five hundred dollars for it ---and I am supposed to be jumping with joy with all that money and run right out and get another car---not so fast---I don't think so. I have already done some research and if I could find the exact same car on a car lot with the same number of miles it would cost me thirty three hundred dollars and that is without all the taxes and I would be buying a pig in a poke. At least I know what I have and if I have to trade cars in a year or so I will still have one to trade in. It was only three weeks ago we had that new fan assembly put on the car for almost three hundred dollars (not paid for yet) and about a month before that we had a new tire put on for about a hundred dollars not to mention I just had the car tags renewed for fifty dollars so I would still be in a hole. I knew I would get screwed no matter what happened with no matter what insurance company---I have been screwed by Met and by Geico (more than once---kill the lizard) Several years ago Jaime was driving a little Horizon and got hit in the drivers side and Met totaled the car---saw the car about a month later ---they had replaced the door and it was fine. We know for a fact it was our car because Jaime had painted the cartoon Beatles on the rear of the trunk or hatch. I told the girl at State Farm I would have to get back to her and I am just going to let them wait until Jaime's doctor bill comes in cause surely they need to pay that and the service that handles the bills only bills one a month and she went in right after billing. The girl asked me if there was a lien on the car and I told her "no" it belonged to me. I know how that worked she thought they could buy it out from under me. I guess I will talk to the body shop a little later and see what it would cost to pull the wrinkle out of the back end so the trunk lid will fit and then go from there. Our weather has been nice for the past couple of days--not so hot and humid and we are supposed to get some rain tomorrow and Thursdays maybe. I need to do a little weed whacking around the walkways but the regular grass is brown and crunchy right now. I guess that is a good thing since I am still sore from all that jolting from the wreck. Jaime is now out of her neck brace for the most part and no longer taking the muscle relaxers---but she does have them in case she needs them. I did find another doll house at Goodwill last week that is like one I have and I put them together to make one large house. I have posted a picture of the upstairs. Maybe I can get a better picture later.

Today's picture is of the Chevy Malibu that hit us in the rear on Monday morning. Her car was totaled---both air bags deployed also. She had just bought the car---I stopped at the light and she stopped---after she hit me and knocked me a car length. Finally got a copy of the accident report late yesterday afternoon and called her insurance company this morning---they say they are going to fix my car and pay for Jaime's medical bills and supply a rental car while my car is in the shop. Jaime didn't immediately feel the whiplash---it took almost twenty four hours for it to show up. She has a neck brace and muscle relaxers for now. I did feel sorry for the little girl that hit us--probably her first car and her first accident--but if you are going to have a couple of tons of metal pointing it at people you must be careful and watch what you are doing. Her dad looked really pssd when he showed up. Her dad owns a plumbing company in Franklin and all the drivers of his trucks drive like idiots---wonder if one of them taught his daughter to drive. Gary went back to the doctor yesterday and is doing well---he doesn't have to go back until February and we are finally getting rid of that oxygen albatross . Gary did take the car in to have the socket over the license plate replaced this morning---I will probably have to absorb that cost (thirty dollars) but if that is all I am out when this mess is over I will be happy. I wouldn't have glued the bumper back and sealed the tail light cover that she broke except I would have lost the bumper and if water gets into the tail light it will short out the light (I would get a ticket for a tail light being out no matter the reason) and you have to have that light over the license plate or you get a ticket for that (no matter the reason) In other news I have seen the Target Halloween Barbie---she is sort of cute this year as she has two toned hair and is wearing black and pink--don't know whether she will come to TuMani or not .

Almost never found where the make new post was hiding------Here is Rocking Santa that came to TuMani from Goodwill this past week. He was four dollars---his adapter had never been unsnapped from the box. He is a little big for the Barbies and their friends but I think the big little girl dolls will be glad to see him come December. If any one is wondering about the weather in Tennessee --it is hot and humid with the heat index this past week being 104----I talked to my girlfriend--Susie's husband this morning---they live in Alabama and they are having the same type heat and humidity. I tried to trim some of the cedar limbs that were dragging on the car this past week and last week I tried to cut down some of the wisteria that is taking over the house----it is as bad as kudzu---if I don't get it before long I think it may eat the whole house. There is a next of black wasps that live in it and one of them wasn't happy about the cutting and he stung me--that was almost two weeks ago and I have been sick at my tummy ever since. Jaime got a stinger out and a lot of infection is still coming out---there is a whole in my chin--just under the jawbone--that looks sort of like when you get bitten by a brown recluse spider. I have almost every fan in the house running along with the window air conditioners----we have a central air conditioner but its been dead for years and even when it worked it only ran up the electric bill without cooling the house. I thought I might go up the Crossings today but it will either have to be after the sun goes down or the next day it rains. Yes the residents up there are mad at me---but I did go up and hang some party lanterns a couple weeks ago

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Here is a picture of the "Queen Bee" of TuMani . She was labeled a "saucy walker" doll when she was made because she was able to walk (with your help) and she turned her head from side to side and her eyes would turn from left to right in their sockets. It was impossible to sneak up on her---even today she still turns those eyes to freak out everyone including Meg and Jaime. She also has two little front teeth showing.When she was "born" she had bright red hair and blue eyes but over the years her hair has turned dark auburn and her eyes are now grey. She will be 56 this Christmas but never discusses her age---she doesn't want you to discuss it either. She has a permanent seat in a real baby booster chair and is seated on top of the dresser hutch in the bedroom. I take her down at least every Christmas and clean her with cold cream and give her hair a gentle brush (it is a wig as she was made before they started rooting doll hair) and clean clothes.

Friday Evening at the Pool & Patio Show Part 2

Here is the main scene where you enter display area. In the background is a hammock. Garry Potter the pool salesman is standing by to answer any questions for you. The gals in the scenes are models hired for displaying the pools.







Here is a patio with a walk-out to a hot tub. Comes complete with a bar or you can have your choice of furniture.













Here are two pools that are the same but in different colours. All come complete with steps and slide. Note I did not fill them with water that is why they don't hold their shape. Both pools are kidney shaped.









For those who can afford it why not have two patios with a pool in the middle?






And finally we end this evening with a big splash! Can you hear him yell "Geronimoooooo" as Reggie Bratz jumps into the pool!

Friday Evening at the Pool & Patio Show Part 1

The first guest to arrive is Debra-Ann (Little Debbie Brand).
Glen offers her a hat.


Fill out your ballot here for one of many prizes. Shown is a serving tray with pitcher and 2 glasses.









Hailey is ready to hand out visors when the straw hats run out.














Our first scene is a basic (and cheapest LOL) back yard. Patio stones are extra!















Here Carlie-Jean is modelling at the barbeque centre. Comes complete with patio furniture. Food not included (yes it is LOL)

Pool & Patio Show

"Hi Everyone, this is Dyan Davidson coming to you live from the 2nd Annual Dolton Home Show. This year the theme is Pool & Patio. That's why I am dressed in my swimsuit. *giggle*
Here's Glen Ritchie the show's host again this year.
Hi Glen, tell us a bit about this year's show!"







"Thanks Dyan. Yes folks it's that time of year again. And with summer approaching (Dolton time), it's a great time to plan your backyard. Potter Pools, a division of Ritchie's Furniture, has put on a great display for us. With many kinds of pools to chose from, I'm sure that you will find one that will suit your yard and keep your family cool all summer long.
Also there will be give aways. First 10 guests to arrive will get a free straw hat. And there will be lots of other give aways too, like the visors behind you Dyan. And of course there will be draws for free accessories and other items for your pool and patio."
"Sounds like fun Mr. Ritchie. Can I have a hat?"
"Sure Dyan you can have mine."
"Thanks Glen. I'm gonna take a peak at some of the displays before the crowd gets here. See you later."



"Here's Dorinda from the local florist, decorating one of the back yard scenes. Let's see if she has a minute to chat with us."










"It's so peaceful here. I could stay all day and these chairs are so comfortable."
"They sure are Dyan. And it's especially relaxing with the water fountain."
"Excuse me but can I ask what you are wearing under the apron? I don't see...."
Dorinda laughs. "I have my bathing suit on too. After the show the staff is allowed to try out the pools!"
"Oh wow, glad I wore my swimsuit." Dyan replies with glee.



"So folks, come on down. We'll be open all weekend. See you there!"

New Residents

Meet Bess, Tess and little Dan. Today I went to MFD to pick up my new gals. They are from the Dick Tracey series. Bess (Breathless Mahoney) is wearing real garters. I think she has taken to little Dan who I found at the Value Village. I had gone there to drop off some items and must have heard his little voice calling out to me. He was nude and had no feet but I knew there were plenty at the Dolton Heights Clothing Store for little Dan!
I'm not sure if Bess and Tess will be sisters or not. Perhaps I will make them cousins since Bess's last name is Mahoney. Or maybe Tess will be 'married' to Dick, hence the same last name!
I hope that Dick himself will come to Venus eventually. He is probably out chasing down a story somewhere!
So as you can see my population has gone up again. Only 6 more to go til Dolton reaches the 2500 mark.

Very soon, maybe later tonight there will be an event taking place in Dolton proper. Stay tuned!

Where's the Beach?

Today is another hot one. Although not as humid. We broke records yesterday, not only in temps, but we also had a tornado siting in Toronto. Although fortunately it did not touch down.

This couple is all ready for the beach but unfortunately I cannot take them there today as I have to work. After tonight I'm off until Sunday. Yippee!!!

Stay cool folks.

Don't know exactly how today's pictures will line up on the post but the guys are Indiana Jones and Mutt Williams from the new Indiana Jones movie. Indy's hat doesn't come off and both of them have some sort of wrist action that makes them have a button in the middle of their backs. Indy cracks a whip and I think Mutt has a knife (oh dear) The face mold on Indy is great though so he is worth having a gimmick. They are made by Hasbro who also made the Star Wars Han Solo and Luke Skywalker---I have both of them but think Luke is a better sculpt than Han. The other two picture show how the Chateau La Chat looks after it was moved to the Crossings and one of those pink Barbie fold up houses was put on top. A regular high rise. The pictures aren't too clear but I don't have a regular camera only the one on my phone. In other news I have gotten a battery operated weed whacker and it is a joy to use. It makes almost no noise, has no fumes, self feeds the line and weighs about five pounds. I also discovered that swisher trimmer we bought a couple years ago is still under warranty and next week it is going to the shop----last year it had a bad magneto and I bet it is the same thing wrong with it this year as it won't even try to start---not even a little grunt. I also went out Wednesday and got a new lawn mower---it is a self propelled electric start. I also bought a cable and lock and secured it to one of the posts in the garage. If anyone tries to steal it ---it will be some trouble to get . This morning I weed whacked the rock garden, part of the crappy bank, and two flower beds----the battery started to run low so I decided to stop although I do have a spare battery I decided it was getting too hot to stay out any longer. I did repaint my old round picnic table (along with a few ants) my poor table is about twenty seven years old and has been painted more times than I can count but is still a good table. I probably won't ever use it----it has never been used much---but it looks real nice sitting in the shady side of the Crossings with a couple of chairs. I have a few flowers I need to move out of the woods. Several years ago before I got sick with Bells Palsy we were going to make a shade garden and I planted several flowers over there but I am just going to rescue my flowers and let the woods have the rest of the garden back. I already have three and a half acres to take care of and don't need any more. When I went to get my new mower I did think about another riding mower but our yard used to be a pasture and it is full of rabbit burrows and rocks and stumps and a riding mower really needs a nice semi flat yard to cut. If a wheel were to fall off in one of those holes it might turn over----on me. My girl friend Susie's youngest brother was killed a few years ago with a tractor doing that.

Gary works this weekend so me and the girls are just going to play. I did buy some pork chops and corn to cook Monday on my electric grill----we have a smoker but I never have been one to smoke or charcoal grill stuff that was always something Gary was into doing ---I really don't like eating ashes. Well it's about time to start supper. Tonight it is going to be catfish nuggets on the grill and corn and maye some pork and beans.

One of today's pictures is of a white iris that I didn't even know I had---it's nice to find surprises like this one. The other picture is of Meg dressed as Bubbles from the Power Puff girls. Her skirt and little under blouse were found at Goodwill and I just added some bias for trim. I bought some black material and just cut bias as she needed odd sizes and the blasted stuff has gotten so expensive. I made the little very short sleeved jacket . We found a pattern and altered it a little. She wanted some puffy socks and I talked her into letting me make tubes and stuffing them with batting and then inserting elastic so they would go over her feet and fall at her ankles. Her wand is made from a piece of PVC pipe and two magnifying glasses. We painted the pipe silver and aqua and then I inserted the handles of the magnifying glasses into the ends of the pipe and sealed them with epoxy putty and painted it, too. The smaller glass was painted with aqua gallery glass. Meg painted her canvas shoes with blue fabric paint and the belt is made from two belts. One had to be sacrificed for parts. The colored parts on the belt are sculpey glued on and so is the hair barrett. We cut the fingers out of her gloves and sealed them with Fray Check and she painted the white borders on her bracelets. She has gym shorts on under that short skirt in case anyone was wondering. She said she didn't want anyone to know what color her drawers were :) Her wig was bought on clearance for five dollars. The best thing this year is everyone knew what character she was. It's the first time that has happened. Meg wants to know how old does she look---so comment and let me know. I look at other kids her age and she just seems younger---of course she doesn't wear the war paint they do and except when she is playing a character she wears jeans. Jaime has messaged me and said there were two new anime residents coming to live in TuMani---at first there was just a boy but now there is a girl too. I'm glad I hadn't told the girls there was a man on the way. The kitties and I have had the house mostly to ourselves for the past three days. The girls have been at the anime convention in Nashville. One of their friends got a hotel room and they were invited to stay and their part of the room will be fifty dollars (they couldn't buy the gas to go for that price) and this was Gary's weekend to work. I painted one wall in my "workroom" where Meg is going to move some of her anime stuff and put some clear vinyl on a couple of shelves in Jaime's room to keep the kitties off them. They have been throwing things on her while she is asleep so I had to slow that down. Donald picked me up for church this morning but since we didn't have a preacher it was a short morning. I have finally got the kids to use the rhythm instruments correctly. Did hear the preacher we used to have was moving to Kentucky the first part of May. He wasn't really too bad a guy but I won't even go into what his wife was but is sounds a lot like "witch". I told them I would buy them a little drum to use once they mastered the other things. The residents at the Crossings are happy now that I have put in a second fan.

New Residents

Here are some pix of my new residents for Dolton and Venus.

Emerald Madra Lord, the best Madra ever IMO

Dynamite Girls Gavin, 2nd in series. Her hands come off, for easy dressing. Check the Dolton blog to see what is under her coat.

Here's the whole group. The gal in the bikini is a 1990 Hawaiian Christie. I already have two of her but I bought this one just for her outfit. However, being the sucker that I am, I can't part with her. No wonder my population is so high LOL

There are more pix on the Google Dolton Blog.

New Sweater

Here's my Par Excellence Brenda Starr, who's name is Pauline, sporting her new sweater that was made by my friend in B.C. Her skirt is reversible and is white on the other side. So this sweater could be worn with both sides of the skirt. She has white straps on the black suede shoes and a big picture hat which compliment the outfit rather nicely.

TuMani news

Well we almost washed away from all the rain last week and we are really looking forward for three or four more days of rain later this week. We have one stupid leak in the roof---over the years we have stopped it and it has started back several times. I have worked on the roof three days this past week when it wasn't raining and need to go back up at least one more time---probably tomorrow. For some strange reason at the very edge of the roof there is just enough of a rise for water to run under the shingles. I bought some flashing and some wet patch and made a hang over-- I put some wet patch on yesterday but need to go back and finish the job but there was only so much sun my eyes could take off that roof yesterday . I also noticed our grass has started growing like a fiend and I guess I need to get fresh gasoline and see if I can get the mowers started---oh boy, what fun.
Gary is doing well according to the doctors but he won't get off his butt on the days he is home and walk or do anything---I am considering removing the TV from the living room completely. Both his heart doctor and his regular doctor told him to move but the only moving he does is from the couch to the bathroom and back. I will admit I have gotten a little mean lately at least he thinks I am mean----I make him take up his own ice (none of the rest of us use ice), make him put his dirty underwear in the dirty clothes basket and make him put his plate in the sink after he gets through eating. Aren't I horrible?
I have a little sewing to do for Meg as she and Jaime are going to the anime convention in Nashville in a little over two weeks. It's the last weekend in this month. Thank goodness most of Meg's costume we found at Goodwill and I only have to make a vest and trim it to complete her outfit. Once I get through with that I hope to make my larger girl olls some new clothes as they are wanting to burn the ones they are wearing.
When I was out and about Saturday and again this morning I found some new residents for TuMani---the boy Bratz "kids" They are about the height of the older Stacey and Todd dolls and since they were on clearance I was able to get all four. TuMani always needs males. I will try to take their pictures later.

Bunk Bed Scene

While we are on the bedroom category LOL I bought two more of these sets today at Sears. They have been marked down to $10. A great deal considering that you get, the doll, an extra outfit, the guitar, locker, gun rack (brown item in back) tons of weaponry, weight lifting equipment (bar bells) and of course the bunk beds. I now have 5 sets! LOL
You could propably repaint the beds and with different bedding could be made into nice looking bunk beds. As you can see the TK's have taken them over. I will probably make up a military or camping scene too. As this set has many possibilities. The lockers would make a great school scene too!
The guys are all blonde as you can see, but I think I might repaint a couple to be brunettes. Maybe even try flocking too.

Bev's Bedroom Set

You may recall yesterday, seeing this large dresser that I bought at Micheal's. Well today I went back and bought the shorter version. I thought there were singles too, that I could use as night tables. But either I was dreaming/hoping or maybe they sold out.
Anyway, here is Beverley in her new, as yet unfinished bedroom. I still have to make the sheets for the bed. The bedding is made from old flannette pajamas of mine. And of course they are mint green to match Bev's outfit. Did you notice the feet of the bed?
There will be a lamp for the shorter dresser also, that is already up in the Lofton cottage. As I mentioned a few days ago, the Venetian cottage up in Lofton will have 5 bedrooms. I am currently wallpapering large cardboard pieces to use as room dividers. Plus they will be on a higher level than the main floor where the living room and kitchen are located. You'll see the pix when I get it done. It's gonna be a busy spring season here!
As you can see she fits perfectly on the bed. This was a cardboard box that V-8 juice cans come in. They are taller and bigger than pop cans, so the bed is longer and deeper. I have made several of these beds for my Doltonites over the years. But they take up a lot of room.

Here you can see the depth of the drawers. Bev will be able to fit a lot of clothing inside.

New Residents

Today two more Silkstone guys arrived courtesy of Marion (thank you). They came nude but I had these outfits saved for them that I won on ebay (favouritethings). The guy in the purple/marroon sweater is named Perry and the guy in the black sweater is Kurt or Curtis, I haven't decided yet.

So the Silkstones have surpassed the Bratz in population increase, they were tied at 49. I decided also, to move Jack Bauer to the Silkendale community, as I have both my Pirate males in that clan, so why not Jack eh! Besides they need guys!!!! So I now have 27 females and 20 males in Silkendale. Pretty good odds. Actually I have 32 females but 5 of them are permanently in my cabinet.

In case you are wondering why the TK's are in the background, they are having a family reunion (pix later). Which actually means, I am deciding who goes into which family. I have decided to make 3 families with them as I have 21 TK's. Two are NFRB in my cabinet and the other 19 are Doltonites!

There is also some new Dolton Heights residents that arrived yesterday. A couple of military guys.

Now I have to go out and buy lottery tickets with my new population numbers.

Today's the Day!

Well in our doll world, today is March 17th or St. Paddy's Day. That means the wedding will be happening today.

The photographer is all set up and ready to take pictures of this event.




Here is the Groom's father and family members.











This is the Bride's Grandfather Sorenson and her two Great Aunts, Hilde and Bettina. Hilde is the flashy one with the hat!



Oh here comes the mother of the Bride so I guess the ceremony is about to begin!

Note: This is the same church where Kathleen O'Sullivan and Captain Mackenzie Martin got married just after WWII. There is a planned parallel here as Mrs. Martin is now the Matron of Honour for her neice Mikki (Micaela) who has long admired her aunt and followed in her footsteps in becoming a nurse. And so it was a great honour that Aunt Kathleen returned home to Ireland for this occassion.

The wedding procession is about to begin. So come on over to the Dolton Blog to see the ceremony.

Bratz Girls

Here's my two new additions that I got at WM today. They are 24" tall I believe. Yep 24" , I just measured them.
Check out the Dolton blog for some scenes!

Mel had a Jane day!

Today I had a Jane day and Melton's population rose by seven dolls. It started this morning when I went to walk my dog. She hadn't had a good walk with me in several days since my fibromeyalgia was flaring. We took it slow and easy and went all the way downtown, 17 blocks. As we took the back streets, I didn't realize how far we had gone until I saw the square a block away. I needed a rest so I went to the square where there are benches. While I was resting, I remembered seeing a couple of dolls that I wanted to buy last December, but just didn't have the money. I thought I'd take a peek in Family Dollar, and they were still there. This is the skateboarding Flava Tre whom I didn't have I have 2 others but not him. I also got Beach Glam Nikki who doesn't have the huge feet. $11 for both.

Later, I needed to go pay the gas bill and when I was finished, I realized it was lunch time. A few miles down the road is a little town called Savoy which has the best honest-to-god smokehouse Bar B Que in Texas or possibly the known universe, so Tom and I decided to get some. As fate would have it, there was a yard sale going on in town and we were looking for a small table to put my new printer on because it is too big to fit on the shelf where I have the old one. I saw an old typing table which will be just right. On the table next to it were 3 badly damaged doll boxes. The boxes had some water damage, but the dolls in them are all perfect! I have Autumn Glory Barbie, The Barbie Loves Frank Sinatra set, and the Grand Ole Opry Barbie and Kenny Country Duet set. All were NRFB, but the boxes were crumbling. Possibly from tremite damage! I got all of them for $15!!!! Is Mel a happy camper??? Heck yeh!