...deliver...

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" Greetings. Last night the postman may have thought twice about ringing let alone delivering the letter, the sooner the better as it rained like h*ll and torrentially here in Chester County, PA. The dogs remained sane but the cat was quite vocal about it off and on all night. I finally got up and hand sewed hems on a denim -like drapery panel fabric since sleep was out of the question. Everyone is quiet this morning and bedtime will come earlier than later tonight. One thing that arrived early, and to the top of the Billboard Charts happened on this day in 1961. Motown released what would be its first #1 hit, as the Marvelettes brought "Please Mister Postman" to the top. That song had thus been 'covered' quite a few times by the Beatles and Carpenters to great results. Which is your favorite version? A simple, magical song with simple chord progressions and a propulsive beat. What more could you want except perhaps for a piece of Bazooka Bubble Gum! I ordered four cane back swivel bar stools yesterday for a client and they are the same ones that have been in my kitchen for about ten years. Quality people. Heaven knows that my bar stools get a workout. Today ELM has an interview. Let's wish her luck. Have fun today and read the label carefully, postman or not. No sense getting soaked by a moron. Huh? What? KM understands this. Ask her. The sooner the better. For your vanity.

"Even if one tree falls down it wouldn't affect the entire forest." Chen Shui-bian

...well oiled...

Hello. It is 8:27 on 8-27. With all of the fighting and unrest surrounding oil wells, I found it interesting to learn that on this day in 1858, petroleum was discovered in Titusville, PA leading to the world's first commercially successful oil well. Other oil-related businesses quickly exploded on the scene. Eight refineries were built between 1862 and 1868. Drilling tools were needed and several iron works were built. Titusville grew from 250 residents to 10,000 almost overnight and in 1866 it incorporated as a city. In 1871, the first oil exchange in the United States was established here. The exchange moved from the city, but returned in 1881 in a new, brick building before being dissolved in 1897.

The first oil millionaire was Jed Clampett, a Beverly Hillbilly. No, wait. That's incorrect. The first millionaire was Jonathan Watson, a resident of Titusville. He owned the land where Drake's well was drilled. He had been a partner in a lumber business prior to the success of the Drake well. At one time it was said that Titusville had more millionaires per 1,000 population than anywhere else in the world, except for Silicon Valley but I may have that timeline incorrect also.

I have been thinking about DS lately and anyone who needs dog care from an experienced, loving person, there is information on my website under Pet Accessories!

I am working on those wooden ringed side panels with brush fringe and may have to invent something to put on the sides of each fluted wooden pole. Finials will not fit, but simple end pieces don't look formal enough to my eye. I may find antique dresser knobs in the proper diameter. It doesn't have to be easy as long as it looks great when all is said and done. I am also waiting on the final paint selection decision before ordering a very large area rug and coordinating runner in a wheat/grey striaed wool from Webster Carpets. Time to make the donuts. Have a great day. Shown above is a Barrel Chair with rush seat, available in many, many wood finishes. Call or email me for more information.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." Peter Drucker

...lights, cameras, shipping...

Greetings. Saturday morning I found myself searching for a large round table and either I am one of the pickiest people around or I like my original idea best. I digress. I took photos with my phone and had immediate reactions from my client who is many miles away. She agreed that what I had already found is the best choice for her needs. And my eyesight. I hit the 'video' button on my phone to give a thorough scan of the tables and find that invention handy to say the least. I wonder if Thomas Edison had that kind of 'vision' as, on this day in 1891 he patented the motion picture camera. Wonder if he knew just how large his idea would grow? Lucky for those "Twilight" kids or they would have to perform live on stage instead of committing their talents to video once, because live acting can get rather tiresome. I was referring to their acting. I mean the energy involved in acting repeatedly on stage.

Yesterday's appointment seemed to have erased the possibility of painting an already dark basement gunmetal grey, thankfully. We have decided, at least for right now, to have the rooms painted a warm wheat color and then I will get a few large framed canvasses and paint them gunmetal grey and hang them on a main wall. That way it won't look like the Panama Canal before the canal was poured. Or the Black Hole of Calcutta. I am referring to the guard room of Fort William and not the nudie films by those darling Disney teens. Ironically, (or not so much) on this day in 1909 workers began pouring concrete for this Canal which, as we all know joined the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

This morning I install custom window treatments way up high and lay another custom area rug and then plop a custom Cocktail Ottoman on top of it. Anyone want to join me as I am sure it sounds like great fun to all of you. Just don't film me. I have to be extrememly careful of the lighting. Have a great day, be kind but don't take any ship from anyone!

"If I didn't have my camera to remind me constantly, I am here to do this, I would eventually have slipped away, I think. I would have forgotten my reason to exist." Annie Leibovitz

...raising the bar...

Hello. You know you need a new lawyer when he tells you that his last good case was a Budweiser. All kidding aside, I have never agreed with this type of a joke attacking a certain profession. As a matter of fact I have many, many friends who are attorneys and that is not only because I have needed to be bailed out of jail on several occasions and friendships ensued. (Get it, ensued.) I seriously considered Law School and took a year of prep courses eons ago and truly enjoyed it. On this day in 1878 the American Bar Association was founded. The ABA's most important stated activities are the setting of academic standards for law schools, and the formulation of model ethical codes related to the legal profession. I am still working on that table and chair fiasco and am ready for Sunday's basement renovation proposal. This afternoon I have to run out and install a custom shower curtain, hang a back splash in a kitchen and pick up a glider bench to prep and paint. Watch out everyone on the road, 'cause I will be rushing. A driver can be polite and fast at the same time and that is me. I forgot to tell you that the area rug deliveries on Tuesday went extremely well and the client was satisfied. Even her dogs liked them but I was thoughtful enough to bring them outside to play ball. I laid slip proof padding under all 6 of them but I didn't think that I should be the one to christen them. It is hot and humid in Chester County, PA today and I love it. Summer is waning and I have been working a whole lot, as most of you have too. Try to make time for summertime fun before the leaves begin to fall. Legal or illegal, that's up to you but if you find yourself in a bind I know several people who can help you out.

A junior partner in a firm was sent to a far-away state to represent a long-term client accused of robbery. After days of trial, the case was won, the client acquitted and released. Excited about his success, the attorney text messaged the firm: "Justice prevailed." The senior partner hastily texted back: "Appeal immediately."

"Start early and begin raising the bar throughout the day." Bruce Jenner

...strong enough...

Hi. It was 'Wings' night last night at a local restaurant so friends and I went and had a great time. Not a wing man myself, I had a Ceasar Salad and a Turkey Sandwich. I counted about 7 flat screen television sets in the place, all tuned into the baseball game. An American tradition, even outside America, this game provides entertainment, requires the strongest of athletes and brings in big bucks for many from the hot dog vendor to the beer people to the advertisers. On this day in 1938, Lou Gehrig hit his 23rd career grand slam – a record that still stands. Talk about being strong enough. I know for a fact that my industry is getting tougher because most high end houses do not or cannot stock the goods so waiting can be arduous. I intend to remain strong and continue to adjust and grow with change. Darwin may have liked my theory, or me his. 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. I was a mere tot and remember my Grandmother reading it to me between sips of Manhattans. I chose the 'Reclaimed Wood Dining Table' and 8 French Country Chairs with rush seats finished in a weathered ebony for a wonderful client and have learned that the table diameter is now being made smaller than originally designed and does not fit the setting. Surprise! Don't you love going back to square one? This has happened to me before and I recall a specific case in 1878 when Victorian Furniture was all the rage. It had something to do with chair frames and freight and I was feeling 'quitty' so I phoned Darwin and he was very cool. He would be dead in 4 years and was working on his theories as they pertained to botany but still had the time for me. He said something about 'survival of the fittest' and then gave me another contact for the frames. I will never forget it. Have a great day, don't let your diameters be your parameters and either stay strong, or become stronger. Darwin would have loved that.

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." Mohandas Gandhi

...hot August nights...

Hello? After landing that sale of the breakfast area I learned that the Reclaimed Wood Table's dimension was shy of 70" by about 20" so, back to the proverbial drawing board. I delivered and laid 6 area rugs with slip proof padding last night and after walking and feeding the boys met friends for dinner. It was a hot and humid day but as I arrived at their house the skies opened. Dark, ominous clouds, lightening in close proximity and rains made for an autumnal, almost Halloweenish night. Boo! We watched a movie about a ship writer and I stayed awake, finding it intriguing. I have never been a Kevin Spacey fan and wonder how his face can go from bloated to taught from scene to scene. As lightening scaled the skies a storm brewed in the movie. The young girl in the flick had some 'powers' and watched a house float away in her dream as it happened in real (movie) life. On this day in 1692, I was about three, five people, one woman and four men were executed after being convicted of witchcraft. Later, townspeople gathered and toasted marshmallows as if nothing horrific had occurred. Maybe their weather was similar to Chester County' last night. I have the floor plan and several options ready for the basement project of this coming weekend. It has to be stylish and durable. There is already a huge bar set-up, similar to the 'Overlook Hotel' in the midst of a pre-construction basement and I love their priorities. I have known these people since 1692 and they are A+ and not a witch among them...well, only the good kind. I have been running myself ragged but am thankful that I'm busy so I won't whine. I hope everyone else can report same and is hanging tough, getting enough rest (lol), drinking plenty of (vodka) water, and feel healthy and good. Today's photo is the 'Black and Taupe Casual Dining Set' because I love black and taupe. As a matter of fact, my witch's cape and hat are made of those colors. Have a great day and eat steak, don't burn on one. 'Hot Summer Nights' by Helen Schneider. One of my favorite 80's flashbacks. You can't beat the black leather. She now does Jazz and german Broadway. Not that you asked.

"It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well." Rene Descartes

...two sides...

Hello. It is sunny and beautiful in Chester County, PA this morning. Yesterday my client's three young boys took great care in playing with my three boys. They have a creek running through their back yard and all 6 came back tired, wet and happy. I am helping them to turn their basement into a family/media room and they have enough space to do pretty much whatever they want. For years they looked at the basement as nothing more than a storage area but can now see the practicality in refashioning it into usable living space. On this day in 2008, by winning the Men's 4x100 medley relay, Michael Phelps became the first Olympian to win eight gold medals in the same Olympics. Last week he was pulled over for driving without current information after apparently downing a beer an hour. Some try to paint a 'two sided' portrait of this Olympic winner as a beer swilling, irresponsible man. A beer an hour in his body size doesn't raise any red flags over here! Keep swimming and forging ahead. There may be someone out there to try and take you down. Staying on topic, on this day in 1998, U.S. President Bill Clinton admitted in a taped testimony that he had an "improper physical relationship" with White House intern Monica Lewinski. Perhaps you have already heard about this. On the same day he admitted before the nation that he "misled people" about his relationship. He also did some good things for our country but will probably be best known for the uhm, well, that. Back to the basement. I want the floorcovering, a faux ash toned wood, to continue through every area so as not to break up the flow of the plan. The laundry room will be open to the rest of the rooms and the client has an old three paneled folding screen. I will construct inserts for each panel making them two sided so that it looks custom from every angle. The screen will also provide some privacy without creating a block. Did you hear that Bill! Two sides y'all. On this day in 1970 a wholesome sibling duo had the top song in the nation as "Close To You" remained #1 and was considered the summer song of that year. Projecting home and hearth values, the importance of family and a drug/alcohol free existance in the chaos of Viet Nam, Watergate and Kent State, Karen and Richard certainly had two sides to their public and personal lives. Have a great day, choose to be on the right side and, like many of us, try to keep the secret side...secret. "Bamboo Rectangle Serving Trays'.

"Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either." Aesop

...Vick,Michael...dick

Hi. I awoke yesterday morning to feel the same sadness about my Max that I had felt the weeks right after his death and it was so odd. I have been getting better and better over the sudden and tragic loss but it was right in my face yesterday and I could not shake my sadness. I guess that grief cannot or will not go away entirely and that's what the loss of a loved one does to a heart and a soul. Or maybe I am just a wimp. After shop hours I went to a pool party, had one margarita and then went home, not at all in the partying mood even tho' the people there were awesome. Thankfully one of my 'angel' friends came over who had gone through the same tragic loss of a loved animal and we were in safe, good company. A couple of nights before I put on the baseball game 'cause it has a calming effect on me for some strange reason and I really don't know what we would do without organized sports. Well, some organized 'sports'. On this day in 1954 the first edition of "Sports Illustrated" was published. The cover showed a buxom blonde haired woman in a soaked white t-shirt bending backwards into a waterfall. Ooops. I am wrong! Please read on.

The cover showed Braves star Eddie Mathews at bat and Giants catcher Wes Westrum, a star name if ever I heard one, in Milwaukee Country Stadium. Another sport by some people's definition is dogfighting. I try to see things from every side but cannot come to terms with this being a viable, acceptable sport. In early December two years ago Michael Dick ooops,Vick was sentenced to 'up to' 23 months in prison for running a dogfighting operation and apparently couldn't even tell the complete truth to the Judge. That's why he got a longer sentence than his two co-defendants, coloring less than truthful statements about killing pit bulls. U.S District Judge Henry Hudson presided but didn't feel certain that Dick, oops, Vick accepted responsibility for his actions.
Did any of you know that dogs in this 'sport' that did not perform up to expectations were killed by electrocution, hanging, drowning and other violent means by the dogfighting ring? Sounds like true sportsmanship to me! Judge Hudson said 'evidence, including statements by the co-defendants, showed Vick was more directly involved than he admitted.' Hudson also mentioned that Vick had been deceptive on a polygraph test. Though that evidence was not admissible in court, the results were discussed. Whats good for the goose they say so here is an idea. Joel Segal, Dick's agent reported that Dick had inked a two-year contract with the Eagles.
Dick 29, hasn't played in the NFL since 2006. He spent 19 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in August 2007 to federal dog-fighting charges.

Wouldn't it be fair to use dogfighting rules when it comes to Dick? If he fumbles, electrocute him. If he misses a pass, drown the f*cker. If he scores a touchdown, well, just for fun, hang the f*ck. Ratings would certainly jump, more people would show up at the games, more food and beverages would be served and the economy would surge. It is a win win situation for everyone involved. Well, almost everyone. But who really cares about him? I sure don't. There is no way to erase the horror, fear, pain and suffering of those innocent animals and there should be a higher price to pay than being paid large sums of money to get 'back in the game'. I have to run now. I want to get the Cherry Box out and hug my Max's ashes, then I need to get my Pomeranian's trachea and enlarged heart medication out, hide it in something that he loves to eat, turn the AC colder so that he can breathe more easily, get fish oil for my 22 year old black cat and give the other two dogs a bath. We have a party today. Stay safe, clean and positive.

...cheesy behavior...

Greetings. Yesterday went quite well as I single, or double handledly delivered and installed two large area rugs with padding. I had to move both the Living and Dining room furniture but it worked out well. I make the gym a regular routine for both the mental and the physical benefits it provides. I then hung collectible hand painted tiles and a few pieces of framed art and am almost completely finished this project. Later in the day the clients invited me to dinner and, all except for a loud, crass business associate had a very nice time. Downing two large Manhattans in a short amount of time caused the usual 'earthy' behavior to be even less tolerable. But the rugs looked great. On this day in 1997 convicted Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh was formally sentenced to death and I had the same somewhat negative wishes for said business associate late yesterday. I install window treatments for my best friend who also has a design firm and am happy to do so. A firm from Georgia phoned to ask if I would install for them late today as they had made the wrong sized window treatments and ordered the incorrect types of drapery hardware for a new apartment house in this area. How do people do this? I told them on Wednesday that I would clear my evening for them and guess what? I have yet to hear from them so tonight I will spend time with friends which I much prefer. The landscapers are here so I may need to cut short this blog and quiet the animals. Have a great day and if someone gives you a back handed compliment, use yours. Pictured today is the 'Swedish Country Vanity'. The Swiss do much more than make cheese.
"Age is not important unless you're a cheese." Helen Hayes

...and the living is easy?

George and Ira gershwin / Dubose Heyward

Summertime and the livin' is easy

Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high

Oh your daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'

So hush little baby, don't you cry

One of these mornings

You're goin' to rise up singing

Then you'll spread your wings

And you'll take the sky

But 'till that morning

There's a nothin' can harm you

With daddy and mammy standin' by...

Do you remember the little girl from the somewhat memorable TV show 'Still Standing'? Here is her version of 'Summertime' at the ripe old age of 14. If it is raining there like it is here, I hope that it provides you some sun. Have a great day and...take it easy. Oh, by the way, on this day in 1913 Stainless Steel was invented. For those of you who bought that type of appliances, have fun cleaning it and keeping it spot free. That ain't as easy. Pictured are my 'Kawayan Bamboo Trays' for that Summertime pic-nic.

"Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art." Stanislaw Lec

...only yesterday...

Hello. I am writing to you from my trusty laptop and really don't know what I would do without it. Many of you probably feel the same way. I take it back and forth to my store and it is (almost) always with me. My website, blog, accounting, Google, shopping, travel, you name it and I just did...the personal computer is a way of life for many. On this day in 1981 the IBM personal computer was released. What did people do in 1980? Those dastardly needlepoint area rugs will not arrive until Friday supposedly so today's rug delivery is postponed until I can deliver all of them at the same time. Nature of the beast. Tomorrow is another client's rug delivery. Isn't that exciting? Designing, ordering, delivering and laying them is a lot of work but when complete they make a huge difference in a space. I have to get to the shop early this morning to receive a furniture delivery and am happy that business keeps moving for me. I was hoping to spend a week on the beach at some point this month but that ain't gonna happen this year. Maybe in January after the tree and decorations have been removed. Anyway, back to the PC. They were huge back then and reminded me of the first car phones that were like speaking into a brick but they made life so much more convenient. I sound like Pa Kettle reminiscing but it is what it is. I have to hit the showers so have a great day, stand your ground and fire off a few emails just because you can! Pictured is my 'French Blue Demilune Table'.

"A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice." Bill Cosby

...home (don't) run...

Greetings. This weekend was a complete success. The move went without a hitch, travel was fine and for a somewhat stressful task to run, we all did fine. Sunday was great also as I drove to Quakertown and spent the afternoon with AA and UD. That is always a guaranteed soul saving visit for me and I am lucky to have those connections. I am a member of a large group of friends and family who have my back, and me, theirs. With many who don't have my back it is nice to have that safety zone. I hung drapery yesterday and it turned out great also. By the time that I was finished, each swag had 5 very much identical pleats and the client was OC satisfied. Speaking of groups, on this day in 1988 Al-Quaeda was formed. Al-Quaeda is an Islamist group founded sometime between this day in 1988 and late 1989. It operates as a network comprising both a multinational, stateless arm and a fundamentalist Sunni movement calling for Jihadi international. Their objectives include the end of foreign influence in Muslim countries and the creation of a new Islamic form of government. They apparently believe that a Christian-Jewish alliance is conspiring to destroy Islam, and that the killing of bystanders and civilians is religiously justified in jihad. 9/11 began the 'War On Terrorism" although there are many conspiracy theories pointing fingers at insiders and not Al-Quaeda. http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20Government/911%20Cover-up/911.htm This may be a little heavy for a Tuesday in late summer so let me say this. On this day also, but in 1929, Babe Ruth became the first baseball player to hit 500 home runs in his career. This 'on this day' fact is much more fun and celebratory that constantly thinking that there are scary people out there trying to take down more than an opposing baseball team. AE stopped in to my shop on Saturday and is such a welcome visitor. She has a hot new invention/design but I must remain mum. Mine are beginning to bloom by the way. Not ideas, mums. I deliver eight area rugs this week so the weightlifting that I do will come in handy. Last evening CK and I finally caught up and had an outdoor evening even with the high humidity. I love it. It is summer. Have a great day and enjoy it to the best of your abilities. "Imperial Porcelain Primrose Lamp" shown.

"Success breeds success." Mia Hamm

...penny for your thoughts...

Hello. I installed some more drapery yesterday and on the windowsill facing east, was a penny facing head's up. I, of course asked if there was meaning to it and the client replied, "yes, it is for good luck." Ok then. On this day in 1959 The Lincoln Memorial design on the U.S. penny went into circulation, replacing the 'sheaves of wheat' design still in use today. Let me grab the penny that I took off of that client's windowsill and see which style it is! Kidding. If someone thinks that a penny facing head's up symbolizes good luck I am all for it. If something makes the mind think in the positive, why not? Also on this day, but in 1965 the infamous first party between Ken "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" Kesey and the Hell's Angels took place at Ken's estate in California. This gathering introduced psychedelics to the gang world forever linking the hippie movement to the Angels. The needlepoint area rugs will take another few days to arrive which is no big deal. I have already ordered, received and cut the slip proof padding for each in preparation for the delivery. They are the 'Turin Block Needlepoint Area Rugs' in three different sizes, pictured in today's post. I spent some more time last night removing and plastering walls to my foyer bathroom as the wallpaper was looking tired. It has been up for 18 years now and even though it is a classic, timeless pattern the seams are not fresh enough so it had to be removed. Warning everyone. If you don't remain fresh I will have you removed! That goes for nieces and nephews. Fresh is in. Sure hope my words don't cause any trouble for them! It feels like Autumn this morning and we had to wear our fleeces for the walk. Someone please slow down Summer. I haven't even been to the beach yet, nor have I tubed. I have to get to a body of water with a good luck penny in my psycho-delic yellow and taupe jams and get this party started. Have fun today, good luck in all that you do and Heaven or Hell, try to be an angel.

"Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it." Irving Berlin

...only a number...

Hello. Three of the area rugs arrived yesterday and they are exactly what I wanted. I am waiting on three more and will then deliver and lay. Late yesterday afternoon I installed the 'Roman Shades' in the nursery and everyone was so nice. They fit perfectly and I also got to see beautiful newborn ND. 5 year old 'older sister' SD was teary eyed and having a bit of a time adjusting to not being the baby. I explained to her that her window treatments were custom in nature and her new baby sisters were 'off the rack'. Oddly, I think she understood me. Mission accomplished on several fronts. Being around such youth kind of staggers my mind as they are really just starting out and I am referring to the little gals as well as Mom and Dad. It made me feel 4862 years old and I am not pulling that number out of my ear. On this day in 1964, 'Prometheus', the world's oldest tree, was cut down by a graduate student for research purposes. They did not know of its world-record age before the cutting. Ooops. The circumstances and decision making process leading to the felling of the tree remain controversial, with different versions regarding the decision to cut the tree; not all of the basic facts are agreed upon by all involved. After this controversial tree felling incident the graduate student left the study of forest genetics and is now managing a Taco Bell in Mexico. Interestingly, the location of the now oldest known tree named Methuselah is being kept secret. Rumor has it that Joan River's Dad had planted a tree when she was first born so we may want to look in Beverly Hills for the exact location of said tree. Today's photo is the 'Reclaimed Wood Table' because it seems appropriate to repost. Have a great day, stay young at heart and don't chop anyone down, young or not so much.

"You cannot get ahead while you are getting even." Dick Armey

update: the full moon is tonight sleep well little children...

...freedom of ...

Hi. The carpet delivery was postponed until this morning so rushing yesterday was for naught. No big deal. I could have asked why the delay but it didn't matter to me at that point. The less verbosity the better even with freedom of speech. I try to be succinct and not belabor things or add a lot of 'uhms', 'likes,' or many pregnant pauses to elongate a comment. I believe in freedom of speech, but to me it doesn't mean to never shut the f*ck up. I install the nursery Roman Shades this afternoon and am sure it will go very well. Last evening I dropped by to pick up little Maxie for a few days but the beach jaunt had been cancelled. We ended up grilling Tilapia and than played cards for a little while. Oddly, as I am not a card aficionado, I finally won and won big. Perhaps a lottery ticket purchase is in order. I'll let you know. I can always write my blog from the Cayman Islands. ...all through the what, inc? Please send a shout out or a simple prayer to CD and ND as their move has proven to be a bit more difficult and challenging than previously thought. Blessed with free will we sometimes don't get the real picture of things until we are the ones that have to photo shop them at a later time. I can say that, can't I? I believe it and think it to be true. On this day in 1735 regarding Freedom of the Press: New York Weekly Journal writer John Peter Zenger was acquitted of seditious libel against the royal governor of New York, on the basis that what he published was true. 'Seditious libel' is a criminal offense under English common law and must contain hatred or contempt attacking members of Parliament or any Royal member. This is the abbreviated definition, of course. I just got finished telling you how I hate to belabor things and must remain true to my word. England or not, I don't need to spend any more time in jail! The food is sub par and it's boring. Today's photo is 'Large Parchment Pendulum Clock'. Have a great day and for Heaven's Sake don't talk any s*it about the Royals unless it is true. Then by all means contact me first.

"The Queen is the only person who can put on a tiara with one hand, while walking down stairs." Princess Margaret

(...we all know a few of those, don't we!)

...tofu, batons and champagne...

Hi. Ohhhh my head. Kidding. Somewhat. The drapery installation went fine yesterday and was quite a simple task. The Balloon Valances were board mounted and even tho' I was drilling into solid plaster walls it wasn't too hard a task to complete. The hard part was when the client asked me to hang small pieces of framed art. Have you ever hung wall art into plaster when the little hook thingies at the top of the art are not placed in the same location? They were anywhere from 1" to .00987654" in difference and that made measuring a real blast! When all was said and done everything was level, equally spaced and beautiful. I could have used the hammer for another reason but chose to protect my karma. Last evening was Martini Monday and ohhh my head. Kidding. Somewhat. I fare better than if I had had something sweet like a Rum and Coke or Champagne. What a lightweight. And a bit of a whiner, but we had the best time. JF made tofu hors devours and we did devour them. Then onto the chicken and tomatoes direct from the garden. Just the tomatoes, not the chicken. I am in suburbia but let's not get crazy. Anyway, on this day in 1693 Dom Perignon supposedly invented champagne. Thanks Dom. We could never have rung in the New Year without you! Or breakfast for that matter. Kidding. Somewhat. The bound and bordered area rugs arrive this morning and I have to say, it was a very short turn around time. Gold, cream and sage green comprise the runners and area rugs and will pull together the Living, Dining and Foyer areas not to use the word area too many times...I am still waiting on three needlepoint rugs and a chenille bordered sisal rug and then that phase of the job will be complete. One of my neighbors just reported to me that she enjoyed the music from last night. Yikes. I try to keep it down but when "It's The Falling In Love" by Michael Jackson comes on, it needs to be volumized. Luckily I am surrounded by great neighbors and we all get along famously. Oh yeah, on this day in 1993 a federal judge sentenced two LAPD officers to 30 months in prison for violating motorist Rodney King's civil rights. Someone had a video cam on them and filmed the entire brutal attack. He was struck repeatedly with batons and I immediately thought of a place where he could have stuck them. Stand tall and straight officers! But maybe that's just me. I had better get going here. I have rugs to receive. Have a great day and if someone starts to strike you with a baton, strike back. If they offer you champagne and tofu, accept graciously but don't overindulge. I am kidding. Somewhat. Today's picture is a "Cherry Coir Mat". Bing would have loved it.

"You create your opportunities by asking for them." Shakti Gawain

...travel...

Hi. We have an early window treatment installation this morning so I will be brief. Did I just hear many sighs of relief? Yesterday we travelled a bit to install an Empire Swag and ended up having one of the best days ever; a relaxing, artistically satisfying and wonderful time. Thanks Buffy! Little white tot even got a new dog bed and spread his tiny body out last night so that no one else could share it with him. That li'l bugger! He made his rounds when I finally got home, reaching the speed of light with his hairpin turns. When he sets sail, batten down the hatches. On this day in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue from Palos de la Frontera, Spain. Work those waterways Chris and open up a whole new world. Those preferring to drive the many highways and bi ways had an easier time of it after this day in 1900 as Firestone Tire and Rubber was founded. Today I am installing in old solid plaster walls and it should be a real 'blast'. Hopefully I will not need to do same. I am installing board mounted balloon valances that some call 'Cloud Valances' but I usually don't. Growing up I used to buy a certain magazine every week and saved my pennies so that I could take it upstairs and read it in total privacy. I wanted no interruptions at all, having a strong need to fully concentrate on what was between the covers. Thar's right! On this day in 1958 The Billboard Hot 100 was founded. I followed that rag religiously and still do somewhat on the Internet. You may be asking how that refers to travel and this is how I see it. There has to be a great feeling watching your record travel up to the #1 position on the Billboard chart. Maybe one day I will put a blog post to music and whistle it. Cross your fingers and wish me luck. Have a great day, get out there and see something that you have never seen before whether it be on foot, by vehicle or on the water.

"It is better to travel well than to arrive." Buddha

...first we take Manhattan...

...and I don't mean the cocktail. Hello. It has been raining for hours in Chester County, PA and that made for some oddball dreams that continued all night long. There are 5 of us who are now in from the rain and somewhat dried off, a few none too happy about it. There were flashes of lightening that illuminated the sky but they pale in comparison to Nuclear Bombs, from what I have been able to learn. On this day in 1939, Albert Einstein and Leo Szilard wrote a letter to Franklin D. Roosevelt. In this letter they urged the then President of the United States to begin the Manhattan Project to develop a nuclear weapon. The project's roots lay in scientists' fears since the 1930s that Nazi Germany was also investigating nuclear weapons of their own. Born out of a small research program in 1939, the Manhattan Project eventually employed more than 130,000 people and cost nearly 2 billion dollars way back then. Shrouded in secrecy, it resulted in the creation of multiple production and research sites. An acquaintance of mine is one of the few people still living who worked on the Manhattan Project. Very heady times and they don't seem to have changed much over the years. I am installing a window treatment at noon today and more window treatments tomorrow morning at 8. Rise and shine! But not too brightly. This nuclear weaponry is in the forefront of my mind today and no one needs that kind of stuff flashing about. "First We Take Manhattan?" Jennie and Lenny in classic form. Have a great day.

"A world without nuclear weapons would be less stable and more dangerous for all of us." Margaret Thatcher

...first and last...

Hello and happy Saturday. It is the first day of August and last night we went to the Epicurean and had a great time. The band was good and we stayed a little bit later than we had planned. It's nice to see people 'fixed up' and to hear a lot of laughter and loud music. Comb your hair everyone! They may be filming you! On this day in 1981 MTV began broadcasting in the United States and aired its first video, "Video Killed The Radio Star" by the Buggles. Not that people weren't addicted to television enough already. Also on this day but in 1944, Anne Frank made the last entry in her diary. Diaries, blogs and video tapes. All ways of recording events both interesting and boring. The leather for the cocktail ottoman will arrive shortly and then work can begin on upholstering it. The Roman Shades are finished and guess what? Yesterday morning someone went into labor and a short time later had a beautiful baby girl! Congratulations JD. I may have to remove the football motif from the shades but then again, why should I! That seems a little sexist to me. I have a drapery installation on Monday and hope that it goes fast because we really need to go tubing before this summer ends. Can't wait until the last minute, you know! Little wet paws are nudging me to get off of here so I wish everyone a great weekend. Pictured today is a "Faux Bamboo Black Leather Folding Chair". If you have to use a folding chair, may as well do it in style.

"Success is a journey, not a destination. " Ben Sweetland