Thursday, August 28, 2008

...ease, disease


Greetings from Chester County, PA. It is again sunny, clear and moderate. The landscapers are outside trimming the sidewalk perimeters with ease...I moved the leads to make it easier for them. We just got back from a 2 mile run/walk. I was almost going to mention sore calves because I pushed it a little after working out yesterday, moving a friend this weekend and then getting green drywall sheets last evening for another friend. (My truck fits 4x8 sheets easily although they are somewhat heavy. ) But then I remembered where I am going today! To Connecticutt to visit friends who used to live right down the road from me. He used to work on German cars specifically with their intricate computers and engines and was a whiz, his dexterity something that came easily to him, thus the chosen profession. Now he needs assistance in even moving his legs in the wheelchair that he is confined to. MS is a dastardly disease. I have 3 dear friends who suffer from this. Some professionals have found a connection between type a overacheivers and this disease. hmmm... We are the same age and I hope one day to have an attitude as great as his. His wife is a gem also and we will laugh and have a great time. I did promise the drapery photos but have not had time to download and photoshop them. I will next week tho'. Another disease that was all but ignored in the early 80's was recognized on this day in 1981. The National Center for Disease Control announced a high incidence of Pneumocystis and Kaposi's sarcoma in gay men. Soon, these were recognized as symptoms of an immune disorder, called AIDS. Another thing that happened on this day but in 1961 was accomplished with ease as The Marvellete's smash hit record "Please Mister Postman" was released, shot to #1 and was the first top hit for record label Motown. In 1974, the Carpenters took the song to #1, making that look easy because they toured all year and had no time to record an album. They happened into the studio one day and played around. It was the only recording they did all year and turned out to be one of their biggest worldwide hits. Their engineer absolutely hated the track, but probably easily collected his paycheck. wink. We all know what happened to Karen... For your shopping ease here is a link to needlepoint area rugs. I hate to acknowledge what this weekend has come to signify, so I will simply post a Beachhouse Needlepoint Rug to make it easier on myself. With that said, be thankful for what you have, try to accentuate the positive, be SAFE and have a great, um...uh...LDW. Whew. That was easy!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

...oil


Good day from sunny Chester County, Pa. It is absolutely beautiful here and I hope it is where you are too. Yesterday's client spends much of the summer in Cape May and related a story to me that made me smile. Her son is not thrilled about returning to school and struck a bargain that he would go back for ONE DAY. Sounds good to me, except for the educational part that would be missing. Toil away young man! Speaking of (t)oil, on my drive home yesterday I saw signs that the country road that I travel is being oiled next week. That sounded somewhat scarey as the road is narrow, twisting and rides past a waterfall. Talk about 'Slip Sliding Away'. I had to read about it when I got home and it is a method for keeping dust down. The drive is like something out of the past with beautiful homes, many farm animals and is quite quaint. Last Saturday on my drive home down that road I found a very old, rare turtle crossing the street and stopped my truck with hazards on (of course) and coaxed the old bugger back near the pond with my raquetball racket and a terrycloth towel. He was so big that I couldn't lift him nor did he want to be lifted. As I see it, he was there first...ya know? Does anyone know where the first oilwell was found? Right here in Titusville,Pa. on this day in 1859. Well, specifically the first successful oil well. Relating somewhat to this blog are 'Farm Animal Framed Oil Paintings'. Pretty good stretch, eh? For some, finding oil is like the proverbial pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Here is a rainbow connection for you...and for my sister who loves this song's version. On this day in 1993 The Rainbow Bridge, connecting Tokyo's Shibaura and the island of Odaiba, is completed. If you have never seen this almost-miracle please google it. Truly magnificent. Have a great day. And whether it is gold, oil or saving a helpless old critter that is your vision of the end of the rainbow, I hope you find it today.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Rights, Fights and Sights...


Greetings! The drapery installation yesterday went swell and it also looked great. Pole swags, balloon valances and side panels throughout a kitchen and family room with a handful of toss pillows to complete the look. The palette was brick, tan, brown and russet. Very autumnal. The pole swags had velcro and adhesive on them so they could be cleverly and securely attached to a metal pole and were a 'breeze' to handle, if your definition of breeze is tornado. Aside from that it was very satisfying. Afterwards we toured Phonexville to see what interesting buildings were for sale and things sure have changed. Dumps that less than ten years ago were selling for 90 grand are around 325 now. Even in this market, but my feeling is that commercial real estate is not being affected the same as residential properties. I will post drapery photos tomorrow. Interestingly, on this day in 1987 President Ronald Wilson Reagan proclaimed September 11, 9-1-1 Emergency Number Day. And in 1920 the 19th amendment to our United States Constitution took effect, giving women the right to vote. 1920. I am thankful that this weekend was busy workwise, but I do need to take those buggers to the creek soon. Maybe this weekend if I don't go to CT. We shall see. I hope that everyone has a great day. Today's photo is a Mango Hook Rug which certainly beats viewing photos of 911.

Monday, August 25, 2008

looking skyward...


Good crisp, sunny day! Friends came back from the Poconos late yesterday and were commenting on how clean the air was and how much more clear the stars appeared. My ex neighbor A and I spent many an evening on my deck looking at stars, and without the Pocono comparison, looked plenty clear to me. Perhaps more wishes come true when you are closer to them...Someone took the skyview a little further than A and me and on this day in 1609 Galileo Galilei demonstrated his first telescope to Venetian lawmakers. Saturday's sofa delivery could not have gone better and there were no freaks at all. I delivered the ones as shown in the link but in an emerald green and the client loved them. Sunday I removed drapery as that client is replacing all of their windows. It will give them a chance to have cleaning done also and that is a great idea. This morning I am installing more drapery, thankful that business keeps me busy. I will try to take the guys to the creek later today, depending on when I finish work. Today's photo is of a subtle sky blue damask that suggests clouds. It is called Shelby Blue and that it is. I had better hit the showers and get ladder-bound. Have a great day.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

...modern times


Good sunny Saturday to all. I am delivering two jade green sofas this morning which should be fun. My SUV may attract the middle finger of some 'green' folks at times, but I don't care. I need it for my business, and it can fit a full sized sofa comfortably. It lights up when I reverse and has all kinds of ding-ey sounds, some of which I am still learning about. Like when a moron in front of you leaves his/her turn signal on for miles. After a while you stop wondering if they are going to turn. Well, I was the moron a few days ago. With the radio cranked I heard this annoying bell sound and thought it was mixed into the average rap/pop song playing on the radio. I then learned that the truck tells the driver that the turn signal has been on for quite a while. Modern technology is terrific! We went to Cutillo's for dinner last night and my bluetooth got caught on a keychain. I spent quite a while looking for it and then a text message arrived to tell me of it's whereabouts. As I write here from my backyard on the wireless laptop and wait for my cell phone to charge I think of how much easier life is with these bells and whistles. Speaking of wireless, on this day in 1889 the first wireless message from a ship to the shore was received. It may have been Lillian Gish but I cannot swear to it. Speaking of 'modern', here is a Modern Classics Wood Glass & Metal Table Set. I'd better get ready. This morning will be somewhat of a freak show what with...well..., trust me. Have a great day all.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Just Stand Up...


Good morning. If you are one of those who got goosebumps upon first hearing "We Are The World", you may want to check out a new song recorded for Breast Cancer Awareness. It is called "Just Stand Up" and here is the link. You have to suffer through a Windows Vista ad but it is short. http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/08/21/just-stand-up-2-cancer/ Sunny and clear again here in Chester County, PA and compared to those battling cancer, my life is blessed. Many of these stars appearing on this record donated their talents and time for charity and many may drive Cadillac Escalades. I am not sure but it could be so. On this day in 1901 Cadillac Motor Company was founded. They almost took a nose dive several years ago, but just stood up, came back strong and are still doing rather well, even in this age of smaller cars and economy. Just ask my friend who is negotiating a new lease with them. Last night I slept almost 7 hours and I feel practically human again today. Yippee!

The Metropolitan Bedroom Suite came up on my site when I searched 'Just Stand Up' as did an umbrella stand. Neither has anything to do with cancer awareness, but most of us have to make a living. Back to the subject at hand, no pun intended. I heard in a news report this morning that the breast exam itself is sometimes not enough and to also insist on an mri as the exam can miss things. The song will be available for download on 9/02/2008 and all profits are supposed to go to the charity. Let's hope so! Have a great day.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Special News Bulletin...


Someone has apparently been pinching my great niece! Usually very happy and smiling, this photo shows further proof of some unfortunate goings on regarding her health and well being. I am adding a link for Child Services! That should get the ball rolling and save this poor little thing from more unacceptable pinching and taunting. BRB.
Oh, wait. She is getting a tooth. Please ignore the above information. All is well.

...all is fair?


Good day. It's sunny, cool and insomnia got me at around 1 am after a full hour of sleep. Yippee. I sure do love that feeling. It is dastardly. But who said things would always be fair? Like getting a full night's sleep on a regular basis. These days more and more peope suffer from insomnia, even those of us who avoid caffeine later in the day, work out regularly and eat well. Hmmm. Anyway, back to fair. Did you hear the one about the lawyer who...I stopped because I can't count on all of my fingers and toes, (and I have ten of each) the number of friends and aquaintances who practice law and are the most wonderful people. So those jokes about them are totally unfair; at least the ones on my list. Click here for the opening theme to 'Perry Mason', the television show. On this day in 1878 the American Bar Association was founded. Someone out there is trying to keep things just, fair and somewhat balanced. The Glenmont Wool Oriental Rug shown creates depth and balance and comes in several sizes...sort of like attorneys! Does anyone out there have someone in their life who talks to him or herself out loud on a regular basis? If so, does it creep the s*it out of you? It does me. It is amazing what one can find with a bit of sleep deprivation and the internet. On this day in 1962, American 'actor' Jeff Stryker was born. On this day in 2007, Haley Paige, an American 'actress' died. (Google* if you need to know the similarity between the two.) Talk about unfair...Is it bedtime yet? No, it is time to take a shower and get this day rolling. Be good, be fair and please... *don't do any nudie scenes. It may be minimum wage, but WAWA is always hiring.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Survival of the music...


I smell like gasoline. Oh, greetings everyone! After our walk on this sunny, clear day I went to the gas station and for some reason I shouldn't be near a lit potable. The little darlings were in full force and it isn't even a full moon. Charlie took off and he never does that and ran himself ragged. Then Max got into the chocolate cupcakes that I needed for later today. What's going on? That is my day thus far but I now need to put it into perspective. While I am doing these simple tasks, on this day in 1858 Charles Darwin first published his theory of evolution in The Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London. It may have contained a passage about dogs NOT eating chocolate in order to survive, but then again, maybe not. Also on this day but in 1882 Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture debued in Moscow. The overture is one of the few good things that came from that war, the other being the freedom of thousands of slaves. Now what can I do that is history changing today? Think, think...
This is a stretch but I now need to marry writing and music to shamelessly peddle something from my website. Gold Face Distinguised Clock came up in my search. So be it. The little imps are sleeping after the sugar rush and temporary abandonment. I will shower carefully and try my best to survive and not blow up and get on with my day. I hope that I don't have to endure another idiot savant moment...We shall see. Have a great day! Chocolates and gasoline for all! Crank up the overature and do your best to more than survive.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

...ready for my closeup...


Greetings everyone! Again, it is sunny and great here in Chester County, PA. I found more photos from our beach excursion and I have to say...I need to be faster on the draw. My intended objects were alive and thus moved a little too quickly for me to capture on digital memory. I received furniture yesterday and all I can say about the 'fuel surcharge' is...yikes. But without freight companies, where would we be??? I had a great time yesterday and accomplished a lot. Dale won't be the only one sitting pretty! Especially on Toffee Velvet! The strawberry aliens were tasty and welcome except for one who went airborne. But 'Come Fly With Me' was yesterday. I caught up with CN last night. She kept repeating that summer is almost over and if I were a violent person I would have choked the life out of her as I hate to hear that kind of thing. Many photos were taken yesterday and I will need to do little photoshopping to make them look good. Speaking of which, Happy Birthday to Madonna who turned 50 this past weekend! Talk about closeups. I would hate to be a celebrity, dealing with the flash of cameras all of the time. Did you hear that Jacque Daguerre? On this day in 1839 a presentation of his new photographic process was delivered to the French Academy of Sciences. He used mirrors, iodine and bromine and NO it was not a crack house. It was one of the early ways to take pictures. And speaking of 'close-ups', here is a photo of pinch pleated drapery made from that Monet-ish multi-purpose fabric named "devonshire' from American Textile. PN may like the darker colorway. We shall see. It is still early but the animals are asleep again. We did that park run early and although it invogrates me, it tires out those little (s)uckers. I have photos of all of them but this isn't a Holiday Greeting newsletter so I will save you from that angst. I am bringing my jigsaw into the shop today and not for what some of you may be thinking...smirk...I am going to cut shelving in clever curved shapes. They are for a little 'angel'...but don't point a camera at her; there will be hell to pay. Have a great day.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Come Fly With Me...


Greetings. Sunny, pleasant and clear on this Monday, Monday morning in Chester County, PA. After shop hours on Saturday I had dinner with friends/clients and the discussion turned to the airline industry. I don't fly often at all, but this man does and was relating several 'war stories' regarding poor service and a real change in the industry as a whole. In 1957, Frank Sinatra released "Come Fly With Me" but may have thought twice about it as a successful single if released today. The furniture delivery on Sunday went so well that I really again think that there are Angels watching over me. Not to sound narcisistic! After delivery we ate and hung out and laughed and had a truly terrific time. Today more pieces will arrive and I will try to take photos. I'm not good at that. Once a job has been finished I am ready to move on. I need to get better at recording things that I have done. I think about how huge my 'book' would be after, um, uh, yikes...let's say 'several' years in this industry. Back to flying. On this day in 1903 a German engineer named Karl Jatho allegedly flew his self-made, motored gliding airplane four months before the first flight of theWright Brothers. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, you German hater! (and you know who you are silly woman.) Do you like the 'Tulip Lamp' pictured today? You wouldn't have to fly to the Netherlands to enjoy the flowers with this delight. Those 'Divine' clients came in Saturday and chose 20 rolls of beautiful, high end wallpaper...of course it has been discontinued and we are all very happy that we spent good time in making this selection only to have it unavailable. Yippee! 'Fly Me To The Moon". The dryer buzzer is calling me. I'd better fly downstairs and begin folding before the wrinkles set in. Have a great day everyone.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

The power of the sun...


It is a cool, sunny day in Chester County, Pa. The animals are out on the deck bathing in it. The sun tends to make things better, what with the energy it creates. The sun is also an aid in halting osteoporosis because it supplies the body with vitamin D. Frying in the sun is not a good idea, but we all know about moderation. Today's photo is a Sunburst Goldleaf Mirror that provides neither vitamin 'c' or 'd' but does do wonders for a wall. (My nephew's current favorite song is 'Wonderwall'). If you ever listen to the words, try then to imagine a 5 year old singing them perfectly and seemingly understanding the entire lyric. But I digress...The sun does do other things though and sometimes not great things. On this day in 1989 a solar flare from the Sun created a geomagnetic storm that affected micro chips, leading to a halt of all trading on Toronto's stock market. Oops. Anyway, the golden color of the sun pales only to the number of medals around American swimmer Michael Phelps neck today! Where are my sunglasses? Way to go Michael! I need to get going. The setting here at home is very nice, but I can't stay here all day. Almighty Isis, Power ON!

What Lies In The Future...


It is a sunny Saturday in Chester County, Pa. The sound of motorcycles flying down route 113 makes me think that I should be planning something other than going into my shop. But I have to. Thankfully I have to prepare for a late afternoon client, and the tomorrow I deliver furniture and then more on Monday. What the heck. I don't even own a motorcycle. Maybe in the future...Preparing for the future reminds me of the mugs pictured, for the future of our children and our ecology.1962 - Pete Best replaced by Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey) as drummer for The Beatles. He later worked as a civil servant for 20 years

Friday, August 15, 2008

Open...


Good day. It is supposed to rain and hail but I am not a weather forecaster so I will leave it at that. I opened my window this morning tho' because it was cool and beautiful outside, and wanted to let some of that beauty in. Our walk this morning was great and many days we see the same people either walking, running or walking animals. One man talks to himself but I have to admit, I do that too so who am I to assign a 'crazy' label to anyone. It's nice how people are more open to waving or saying 'hi' at that park. It happens much less often in the rest of my world. A business associate told me yesterday that with a world population of over 6 billion that anyone who thinks that God listens to them is narcissistic. That gave me the creeps, which has been happening more and more lately. I try my best to keep an open mind, but seriously folks... This weekend I will be delivering furniture and showing wallpaper but also having a great time with all of these clients so the future looks bright. I shouldn't mix business with pleasure. That is one of the first rules in the Business Manager's handbook, but so what. It probably also says to wear a suit and tie. ( Hi M from CF and Tapes...) They closed the bridge near 113 but it hasn't caused too much of a hardship. Besides, I am discussing open today as in on this day in 1914 the Panama Canal opened to traffic with the transit of the cargo ship Ancon. Peddle time. Today's photo is of Open Weave Serving Trays. Speaking of open minds, this weekend Ellen Degeneres and her long time girlfriend Portia Del Rossi are supposed to get married in California. Wish it wasn't such a headline making news item. It is 2008 the last time that I checked. Opps. Maybe I am reading too much into this and it is headline making because they are celebrities. My Bad! Wonder how many great wedding gifts they will receive. I hope a LOT. Have a great day all and if you are in Chester County, Pa beware. All hail is supposed to break out later. Open that umbrella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh...

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Permanent and stylish...


Greetings! It is beautiful outside and I want to be outside. A large truck arrived at the shop this morning and it was so large that it couldn't fit behind my shop. Yikes. Anyway, the good news is that a bunch of beautiful upholstered pieces arrived and they are all correct. I chose styles that are classic with no shelf life as well as fabrics that are exciting but have a long term look. That is my definition of of good design. Last evening I didn't go out for dinner. That is a first. I actually stayed in and slept like the dead. Those roll shades are no longer dastardly. I finished them and they will be fine. I phoned the client who is happy and will install when she returns from bringing her grandson back to college. It seems like only yesterday that I stripped and painted my bistro table and chairs.The ones on my website are rustproof; mine were inherited. Slow Summer down. By the way, on this day in 1885 Japan's first patent is issued to the inventor of a rust-proof paint. Hope he is still alive to enjoy his cash. Or at least his family. Rustoleum doesn't sound like a Japanese name though. I guess I am trying to say that even if nothing is forever, there is nothing like long lasting. Have a great day and try to stay positive. Today's photo is of my Barbazon Mirror. Stylish and permanent. Well, long lasting...

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

...divine to be made of steel...


Greetings from Chester County, PA. It is a sunny, clear morning and I ran into a neighbor at the park. Last evening we ate outside and then polished our photoshop skills, one friend remarking that the evenings of eating out are waning. PLEASE do not say that out loud. I want my favorite season to last and last. But we have to be strong, like steel. Which reminds me of a line from a favorite (bizarre) movie by John Waters entitled 'Polyester'. The mother ( drag queen Divine) says to her daughter, "I'm not made of steel, Miss Lulu!" Great escapist film if you dare. The steel tube for my dastardly shades DID arrive late yesterday...in an 8'piece. Yay. I was afraid that it would come cut to the exact measurements that I had ordered. Thankfully now I can get a good arm workout and build up more callouses. Is it too early for a cocktail? Speaking of which, today's photo is of Art Glass Steel Bottle Stoppers, for those who don't finish the entire thing in one sitting. (Hi Colleen!)smirk. Steel was once a major industry here, suppling armies, employing generations and making lots of money although some higher ups in that industry were bastards. From what I hear. On this day in 1913 the invention of stainless steel was made by Harry Brearley.Thanks Harry. Now we can keep wine fresh, have rustfree flatware and more... Have a great day everyone. Stay strong. As stainless steel.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

...a little more drama...


Good day! Sunny again and this morning's walk was very nice. So was last evening's. After the gym ELM and I went to the park with those adorable little critters and hopped into the river. ( Creek. It's small). My visit to the dentist was virtually pain free. Malvern Dental. I tried to link it for those of you in the area who need some mouth TLC but their domain is screwed up. Not their service though. I met with a new client last evening who was very nice and not afraid to use color. I felt ancient as they just moved into this development and I did work there at it's inception...15 years ago. Yikes. Botox anyone? Bottle green, black and laquer red to name a few colors that we will be working with. I then got home and my neighbor needed some help with her computer and resume. We were up for quite a while trying to figure out the blasted thing to no avail. Finally, she dictated her resume and a cover letter, while I typed. That took about seven hours but we got it done. I came into work early to print and then fax the letter...ironically (or not) to a Dentist in Phoenixville, PA. Always a pattern, always a thread. Always a little drama. The aluminum rollers for those dastardly roll shades should arrive today. I plan on finishing them by Friday. Of this week. Smirk. It's fun to win, although one shouldn't view things as a battle even if it seems that way at times. But don't pull a Cleopatra. Keep your cool! On this day in 30 BC, (and my first year in this industry) Cleopatra commited suicide after her lover Mark Antony's defeat at the battle of Actium. That is one occassion where she should have been Queen Of Denial! Last night was cool and almost Autumnal and great sleeping weather for those who do that sort of thing. I have no toothpicks to hold my eyelids up today and thought it a good idea to post a photo of Espresso Wallpaper. Brown is very in still, combined with aqua. A nice couple popped into my shop on Saturday and they were absolutely divine. I mean it. That is their last name. They brought some Schumacher Wallpaper Books home. ( F. Schumacher's revamped website is very nice by the way.) What else can I tell you today? If you are watching the Olympics, you are in a popular group. The program is garnering many viewers and it hasn't been that way since the 70's I believe. I provided a medal count on the link if you care to check it out. Three schools, three children...It will be fine. What's wrong with a little drama? As long as we all keep our ratings up! Have fun.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

...all in good time...







I was watching a television show the other evening and a realtor explained that he thought of time as 'divine' and I really liked what he said. Sometimes it seems, no matter how hard one tries to orchestrate, things happen in their own time. This whole week has seemed that way from carpet installations to waiting on roll shade parts to, well, on and on and on. I wonder if the people who built the Tower of Pisa felt this way on this day in 1173. Construction of theTower of Pisa began on this day many years ago, and it took two centuries to complete. I am hoping that the carpet and runner installation doesn't take that long. My new shade orders are in and things should go well. I have been promised to receive them in a timely fashion. I have a new client on Monday and am glad that people get into the design process. Her emails even have exclaimation points (!) and I find that fun. Last night was a blast. First, on my way home during a sudden rainstorm my cell rang as I was driving. Just as soon as I answered it, the skies cleared and the sun came out. CR has that way about her. Then I went to dinner at friend's and it was really nice. Time flew. My neighbor K had a heart attack on Tuesday which surprised the heck out of me as he is in great shape, health conscious and on the move. His ticker is better now thank God, and will be home this afternoon. Modern medicine can be both the best and worst it seems, but in this case the former applies. The Oversized Clock pictured is 30" in diameter just in case you don't want to hit the link. A gal just phoned to see if I was open today, so I had better get going. Time waits for no man. Or woman. Have a great day.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Copycat...


Good day all! We went out to dinner last evening, but changed our pattern. There is a local restaurant convenient to us that still allows smoking (ugh) although they do offer a main room where (supposedly) the smoke does not enter...it does. Someone had gone off the road (noone was hurt) but it blocked traffic so we changed our pattern. There is something to be said about repetition. We went somewhere different and had a great evening. I have been feeding the birds (Tuppence a Bag) for years. It is important to be diligent as they (the birds) become accustomed to a specific feeding location. Well, so much dropped seed has bloomed under the one feeder that the landscapers figured it to be a garden and stopped cutting it! I changed locations of the bird houses which hasn't stopped the birds from coming but has helped the scene below. In some instances repetition and copying can be a good thing. Like 'an apple a day', working out or trying to get to sleep at around the same time every day. On this day in 1876 Thomas Edison received a patent for his mimeograph. Few are used nowdays but it was the beginning of the efficient copying possibilities that make life so much easier today. Not as easy as writing a blog, uploading it and then making it possible for everyone who has access to a computer and the ability to read to see it...but still...I am hoping that when I get into my shop today the roll shade repair will have stuck. And I do mean stuck. The shades are of a very nice quality with a substantial woven fabric and I would hate to start beating someone over the head with one, repeatedly. Have a great day! Pictured: Cat and Mouse Needlepoint Rug.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Toxcisity...


Good sunny day everyone! Last evening was swell and my friend LS completed her studies officially and we celebrated with...she had wine and I had Ice Cream! Congrats LS. You are a winner. And never toxic. I have an acquaintance who hangs in the lower bowels of politics continually. I grow tired of hearing the same stuff over and over. I clearly stated that I no longer wanted to hear the repetition of her political views. Yesterday she pulled a clever manipulation and almost roped me into another political discussion but it didn't work. That is a toxic personality. Stay away from people like that or if you are stuck in a situation like that, be smart. Protect your soul. No matter what. They may even leave! Believe me, it happens. Other forms of toxcisity include burying toxic waste. Tons of it (21,000) were discovered on this day in 1978. President Jimmy Carter declared a federal emergency at Love Canal, a neighborhood in Niagra Falls. Homes and schools were permitted to be built on this poisinous land. Today's photo is of mugs that many celebrities have lent their name and art to as a way of generating monies to charities including the environment. Maybe there is a charity for manipulative people. Or an island. Built on a toxic waste site. Have a great day everyone!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Bring on the waterworks...



I woke up to rain this morning and the plants loved it. And just as we were heading out for our walk, it suddenly stopped. How timely! Hopefully this weekend will be hot and clear so that we can swim and tube. Summer is flying and many at my gym agree with me. Today's photo is a Bathing Baby Needlepoint Pillow of a bathing puppy, speaking of water. On this day in 1923 Henry Sullivan swam the English Channel, and three years later Gertrude Ederly accomplished the same feat. That same year Harry Houdini performed his greatest feat, spending 91 minutes underwater in a sealed tank before escaping. But the real waterworks happened on this day in 2001. A White House briefing entitled Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S. was delivered to George W. Bush. This document foreshadowed the September 11, 2001 attacks. Strains of Christopher Cross's hit song 'Never Be The Same' are running through my head right now. I think I have figured out a way to remedy those dastardly roll shades. Pieces arrived late yesterday and I am pretty sure that I will meet with success. I do enjoy spending time doing the work of others. It brings (a pain in the neck) joy to my heart. Last night I ate with EA and it was great as usual, and another neighbor popped over for a while. I love where I live and truly lucked out peoplewise. I hope all who read this can report same. "We have found no indication of any further discussion before September 11 among the President and his top advisers of the possibility of a threat of an al Qaeda attack in the United States. DCI Tenet visited President Bush in Crawford, Texas, on August 17 and participated in PDB briefings of the President between August 31 (after the President had returned to Washington) and September 10. But Tenet does not recall any discussions with the President of the domestic threat during this period."

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Road Tripping...


Greetings from Chester County, Pa. The carpeting and black patterned runner are shipping today and that's a good thing. If the pieces didn't arrive by the middle of this week, they'd have to sit for weeks because the client is road tripping on Saturday. Even with gas prices somewhat higher than usual, it is still good to get the heck out of Dodge for a while(forever...) and change the scenery a little. I feel trapped many days having the shop to carry instead of being on the road but cannot think of a way to run a retail design firm without one! One of these days I'll figure it out. Friday and Saturday turned out to be shade weekend and I'm not talking about how light diminishes in intensity as a result of the interception of the sun's rays. I am referring to Hobbled Roman Shades Three are going to be a textured wheat and two made of a thick brown suede. Friday's selections will be neutral with slubs of Fatigue Green, to match the newly chosen wall color. Talk about earthy. Today's photo is of Antique Ivory Travel Suitcases that are made for travel or simply for decoration. Throw them in the back of your vintage Mercedes and let's go! Sort of like Bertha Benz, who, on this day in 1888 drove from Mannheim to Pforzheim in the first long distance automobile trip. Oh, yeah. Saturday I delivered the chest and nightstand and it went without a hitch. The father was there and helped me a lot. I am lucky to deal with (most of the time) the nicest people. We set the pieces in place, tidied up and had a beer. Then, I had to make the shortest road trip...a half mile away, to a dumpster that accepted only cardboard. And guess what. I had a ton of it. Many Guardian Angels surrounding me. Yesterday afternoon was spent with my sister, neice and nephew. We went to the creek with the dogs, hit the Dollar Store and played games outside. Then after they left, ELM and I threw tubes into my truck and hit another river with the dogs. This morning I went on my run and got a lot of attitude from them. Seems the little guys were tired and did a stand-off. And I do mean stand-off. One went back to the truck, one refused to budge. The third was fine tho'. But I can take a hint! All I want now is for someone to slow the summer down. Have a great day, and when you step on the gas pedal, try not to pull a Tony Schumacher. Ease on down the road...

Saturday, August 2, 2008

what counts...


Rain, rain in Chester County, Pa. But we need it. This past week when storms were announced, I could count the actual drops but this morning there is gentle, yet substantial rainfall. Last evening I went to a long term client's home and we chose more of those beautiful Graber LightWeaves roll shades and some Monet-inspired drapery panels using a Robert Allen fabric entitled "Devonshire'. Not the best name for a pointillist polyester, but maybe they ran out of names by that 'point'. The same windows were within a quarter inch of each other, which seems minimal but not when using custom shades. Measure twice, install once. This morning I am going to a new client in Malvern who needs pleated shades and some sort of top treatment and I am counting on a nice order. For some reason, today's blog keeps turning into Japanese and I don't know why. Always something interesting going on. One, two three, four... on this day in 1790 the first US Census was conducted. The total number was around 4 million people. Ironic as that is about how many people were in the supermarket deli line last evening right here in Kimberton. I may be a little off in my numbers, but it sure seemed like it. Today's photo is of a Count From 1 to 10 Hook Rug This afternoon I deliver the bedroom furniture that somehow worked out for me to a great family in Valley Forge. I am counting on them finding the pieces 'suitable.' My neighbor came over late last evening and we counted stars. I made seven wishes, six of them the same one. I hope that's okay as I used a different star for each request. Time to fly. I don't like to be late. Being prompt counts. Have a great day/weekend.

Friday, August 1, 2008

A Visual Society...


Good day all. Late yesterday as I headed home from the gym my cell rang. I had my bluetooth on for hands-free driving so as to be safe. But I could not read the little red numbers alerting me as to who was calling. Yikes. I need my reading glasses more and more. I work in a visual industry and took pause last night to be thankful for my sight. Without it I would not have this career among many other things. Of course there are some things that I'd rather not be able to see, but that subject is for another time. I turned my friend B onto YouTube so now she watches and listens to music and videos while working. I like that site also even though I prefer the sound quality that comes from a larger system. Videowise, in 1981 MTV began broadcasting in the United States and aired its first video, "Video Killed The Radio Star" by the Buggles. After that, almost everyone who had a hit record was relatively attractive. Hmmm. To be homely with a great voice...Not fair. DL came to my rescue yesterday regarding those beautiful roll shades and I think I can now repair them without the help of the original supplier. I keep trying! Speaking of vision, I have added two decorative folding screens to my 'What's New' section for those who want a little privacy without closing the door. In the wee hours of the night contractors thankfully worked on the vacant building behind me. I was afraid that I would get a full night's sleep, but not to worry! I was up half of the night. It sounded like they were tunneling their way into Hell, but I am not sure. Along with my somewhat good eyesight, my sense of hearing is excellent. It is still somewhat early and all four animals are passed out on the floor. With the humidity factor, I think our run this morning was a little too aggressive. I should have seen that. Have a good day. Pictured today is 'Natural Vision Wall Decor'.