...Halloween fall back

Boo! It is grey and macabre here in Chester County, PA this morning. My black cat went outside and gave a nice cry to the still sleeping neighborhood. Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. tomorrow morning as today would not have made much of a difference. Daylight saving time is the practice of advancing clocks so that afternoons have more daylight and mornings have less. Typically clocks are adjusted forward one hour near the start of spring and are adjusted backward in autumn. Modern DST was first proposed in 1895 by George Vernon Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist, one who apparently suffered from insomnia and was a sadist. On a more positive note, Daylight Savings Time allows night owls to enjoy some extra time at Halloween parties or for the kids to enjoy an “extra” hour of sleep after a long night of trick-or-treating.This one-hour fallback on the clock lasts until March 14, 2010, when clocks are scheduled to jump ahead an hour. But let's get back to the macabre. On this day in 1926 magician Harry Houdini died of gangrene and peritonitis that developed after his appendix ruptured.In 1993, 25 people were killed during a Ghana-Ivory Coast soccer match, in 1963 a leaking propane gas tank exploded, killing 64 people at "Holiday on Ice" in Indiana, in 1960 a cyclone hit the Gulf of Bengal killing about 10,000 people and in 1918 the Spanish flu-virus killed 21,000 people in the U.S. In reality tho', the name is actually a shortened version of "All Hallows' Even," the eve of All Hallows' Day. "Hallow" is an Old English word for "holy person," and All Hallows' Day is simply another name for All Saints' Day, the day Catholics commemorate all the saints. At some point, people began referring to All Hallows' Even as "Hallowe'en" and then simply "Halloween." Have a great day, an even better night and enjoy this Halloween. You never know if it's going to be your last! Bahahahaha! Today's photo is a severed arm that has been sewn back on. Pleasant dreams!
"It's as much fun to scare as to be scared." Vincent Price

...war of the words

Hello. Tonight is Mischief Night here in the United States, a tradition in Canada also. This is a night when the custom is for preteens and teenagers to take a degree of license to play pranks and do mischief to their neighbours. The most common date for mischief night is October 30, the day before Halloween. The event has spread to England, Scotland and Ireland. I find it rude to prank people but did stop by the local supermarket to stock up in paper towels and eggs. Some rather harmless pranks include:
Knocking and tapping on doors and windows
Dabbing objects with whitewash (simply mix flat ceiling paint and water)
Smearing syrup on doorknobs (Karo is best; thick and stays where you smear it)
Tying together adjacent door handles ( use a box knot)
Removing gates from their hinges and depositing them elsewhere
Throwing toilet paper/paper towels at people's homes (paper towels are better when soaked) Throwing eggs at windows
Favorite songs of the time are 'Bette Davis Eyes','Devil Woman','Thriller' and 'Witchy Woman'. A business associate came in wearing the most hideous mask yesterday and it almost stopped my heart. I looked again and was mistaken. There was no mask. Many people were scared almost as much as I was on this day in 1938. Orson Welles broadcast his radio play of H. G. Wells's "The War of the Worlds", causing anxiety and chaos in some of the audience in the United States. See what words can do? Sticks and stones can break your bones, words can do far more emotional damage. I am picking up those custom pillows this evening for a patient and tasteful client. I'd wrap them in paper towels and hurl them at her front door but that may not be a very good idea at this point. Have fun tonight, be careful and watch what you say!
"Chaos is the score upon which reality is written." Henry Miller

JimClarey@msn.com

...outcast

Halloween is fast approaching so beware! All kinds of odd, scary things are out there and some don't even don masks. Speaking of masks, Matthew McNelly and Joey Miller of Iowa were arrested last weekend for attempted burglary in "disguise" using Sharpie markers to mask their identities. I watched a movie last evening that was similar to the classic 'Carrie' and very well done. It involved the blonde beauty prom queen coming from a wealthy family and the outcast brunette from less than stellar beginnings. Cliche to say the least, but it was a decent, mindless escape. The brunette did get even in the end, try as she might to remain decent but a gal's got to do what a gal's got to do. On this day in 1390 they had the first trial for Witchcraft in Paris, leading to the death of three people. I could not find the names but my guess is Samantha, Serena and Endora may have been the chosen few. The cord finally arrived for three toss pillows yesterday. I could have built a house in less time but...Chester County is changing rapidly as the leaves turn to amber, red and gold. Have fun today and try not to be a witch.

"Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute." Josh Billings

...Rainy Days and Wednesdays

Hello from a drenched Chester County. We had to walk this morning but all towel dried to keep the beasty flu away. If that indeed helps. Last evening while writing 'Thank You' cards, and blessedly for me I had quite a few to write, an ad for Carpenters 40/40 came on. It brought me back *cough* a few decades and the feeling was magical. They could have used more attractive video clips of Karen who I had met on several occasions and was much more beautiful in person, but it's really all about the music. 40 years later the brother and sister are selling big numbers. What a legacy for Karen and a pot of proverbial gold for Richard. The Roman Shade installation has been postponed again and that may be a good thing. My drapery steamer stopped working this past week and I ordered a new one. Built in obsolescence maybe? Binge drinkers may be interested in knowing that, on this day in 1885 the first porcelain toilet was built. Joan Rivers bought one in Harvest Gold. My Living Room is now stripped of the Brunschwig & Fils concrete block wallpaper that I have loved for over a decade but it is far too daring to leave up to a prospective home buyer so I opted for vapor blue walls. I finished painting late Monday and the boys all have touches of said color on their coats. Speaking of blue, does continual rainfall make you feel that way? Do 'Rainy Days and Mondays' always get you down? I hope not. The line that she sings, 'sometimes I'd like to quit, nothing ever seems to fit' is eerily ironic but she is one amazing vocalist. If you are in the mood, click on this link and listen to Karen Carpenter, in her early 20's, singing this tune. It is as soulful and timeless as it gets. Have a great day, celebrate the porcelain toilet and take time to listen to the music.

"The image we have would be impossible for Mickey Mouse to maintain. We're just... normal people." Karen Carpenter

...don't ask, don't tell

Hello. It is cool and raining in Chester County, PA this morning and the boys are not very happy about it. Two have coughs so I chose not to walk them in the bad weather. They are good about using pee pads so if 'someone' has to go inside, don't ask, don't tell on them. Sunday's performance of 'Little Shop of Horrors' was excellent and Emily Walsh, as 'Chiffon' gave an outstanding performance. We all went to Suzanna Foos afterward and had a great time. We put the 'lazy Susan' to good use and I am not referring to my cousin. The musical itself was a nice mix of music, comedy and horror. Speaking of the latter, on this day in 1992 United States Navy radioman Allen R. Schindler, Jr. was brutally murdered by shipmates for being gay, precipitating first military, then national, debate about gays in the military. This resulted in the United States "Don't ask, don't tell" military policy. Everyone should know by now that gay men can only cut hair and put on fabulous dinner parties. Lesbians only wear flannel shirts and excel in softball and Lacrosse. Why should these freaks be allowed to fight for our country? I am simply stating fact. I will continue. Asians are always seen with cameras around their necks, African Americans favor fried chicken and grape soda. All Italians are involved in the Mob. Polish people are plain and simple, Jewish folks are parsimonious, overweight people are all jolly, the Irish drink too much and Latinos only eat spicy foods. Have I left anyone out? Pun intended. Have a great day, keep those bigotries nurtured and make sure to judge any and everyone at every opportunity.

http://www.allthroughthehouseinc.com/

"Go forth a conqueror and win great victories." Virgil

...business or pleasure

I had the most amazing dream last night and it involved a past client. It was short, brief and very real. In the dream Judy McHugh gave me the tightest, warmest hug and I awoke feeling refreshed. Odd, eh? Today I am going to see 'Little Shop Of Horrors.' A long term clients' daughter has the lead role and I have done design work for her since she was a tiny baby. She is now in College. I often cross the line in the area of business/personal life but it has worked for some 20 plus years. It may not be in the 'Business Owner's Handbook,' but whatever. Instead of bringing a bouquet of roses for the leading lady, I tracked down a 'Venus Fly Trap' and that should be more than acceptable. I will bring a small bag of ground beef to keep the thing quiet during the performance. Have a great day whether it be business, pleasure or both.

"You must do the things you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt

...remains the same?

Good day from a clear, warm Chester County! I shipped a couple packages out from my website and am a bit envious of the Florida address right now, even though it is rather warm here today. The changing leaves are really something to behold and I must remember to bring along a camera for those of you who cannot experience a Chester County autumn. K seems excited about the carpeting and runners that I proposed yesterday and will bring the samples to her home one of these evenings for the final decision. I stopped by the Goodwill yesterday to drop off some sweaters and while I was there glanced around for a cowboy hat but found none. What I did find were long lines and that happened this time last year right before Halloween. Some things never change. On this day in 1915 in New York City,
25 to 33 thousand women marched on Fifth Avenue to advocate their right to vote. On November 4th, we have the right to vote for a woman! You betcha! Also on this day in 1929, after a steady decline in stock market prices since a peak in September, the New York Stock Exchange begins to show signs of panic. I need to get 'Deep Purple' as I am doing a bedroom for a young woman who is growing up and needs a more sophisticated look. I have done her room twice already, from crib to twin bed to now a Queen! Things keep changing but her sense of style remains the same. Have a great day. Carpenters 40/40 in release now. Click here to order your copy.

"There is just one life for each of us: our own." Euripides

...paparazzi

Hello. I am sitting in the dark writing by the glow of my laptop screen. I am not paranoid. Cameras seem to be everywhere these days. I was driving home from the gym yesterday when a car on my left kept beeping and trying to take a picture of me. My truck may look like something out of the Republican National Convention but I'm no celebrity. I made a delivery the other day and the client began to videotape me while I was working. I kindly told them to put the f*cking thing away before I flattened it with an upholstered ottoman. This has happened in the past as another time clients videotaped me installing window treatments above their Jacuzzi. It was an odd and invasive feeling. I don't know how celebrities deal with it. On this day in 1969 Paul McCartney denied rumors of his death. Still living, the absurdities of public life run rampant. Rosie O'Donnells' wife Kelli Carpenter, no relation to Karen Carpenter, has reportedly moved out of their Nyack, NY home and into their condo in Manhattan months ago. If this is in fact true, I wonder how they kept it out of the public eye for so long. Kudos to them for protecting their privacy. Have fun today, keep your nose clean and respect people's privacy. Unless it is something of a dangerous nature that requires action. But make sure it's something you really need to 'sink' into.

"There is no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary." Brendan Behan

...florence nightingale

We got to the park before sunrise today and let me tell you,. it is no mean feat to attach three leashes in the dark. However, we did it. beau has bounced back wonderfully and I didn't even have to administer any of the pain medication given to him. Why medicate if you don't have to? Yesterday I installed new speakers and the truck sounds amazing. As it turns out, one of the many boxes that I moved contained...you got it...the exact speakers and tweeters(?) that my truck took. Coincidence? I modified them a little, put the door panels back on and am very satisfied with the new sound. I moved some of the boxes to P's home who has both MS and cancer. There is a rather new procedure where they use a laser knife instead of a cold knife. Her incision, if you will is measured now in a few small inches rather than a huge vertical and horizontal cut. Modern medicine. I sure hope they get it all. I sure hope she quits smoking on 11/7 as she has promised, but I am not judging. I don't want to consider the stress that she is under, or how I would deal with it. My dear neighbor died on Saturday after going to great lengths to save herself from cancer. She found a Doctor in another state, made the trek, was improving daily and then her organs began to fail. She was fifty. Rest In Peace Debbie! I will miss you.I delivered the chair and a half and matching ottoman yesterday. I had suggested a regular sized chair and ottoman but the client insisted on the chair and a half. When I delivered it the client stated that it was too big and that she should have ordered a regular sized chair and ottoman. *shakes head in utter confusion* We ended up rearranging some pieces, placing the chair and ottoman in a corner and now she loves it. I do my best to make suggestions that I feel appropriate after what, 25 years in the industry but the client has the last word. Last evening I went to EA's for dinner and caught up, finalizing our Halloween costumes for a party that we may or may not attend. Back to health. On this day in 1854 Florence Nightingale, ( not the Mom from the Brady Bunch) and a staff of 38 nurses were sent to the Crimean War. I have shop hours today and hope that my Internet orders arrive so that I can ship them right out. I also hope that everyone has a great day, eats healthy and drinks Emergenc-E in those Pink Lemonade packets if one feels a cold coming on.

"I have lived and slept in the same bed with English countesses and Prussian farm women... no woman has excited passions among women more than I have." Florence Nightingale

...still waters run deep

Hello. Saturday afternoon I called on two clients who happened to be neighbors even tho' they didn't know each other. Both appointments were no nonsense, just the way I like it. Saturday evening EA had a dinner party and I think that I can speak for everyone when I say that 'a good time was had by all.' EdA spent quite a bit of time 'in the closet' upstairs screwing and banging while his wife waited patiently downstairs, sipping an amber liquid from a highball glass, refilling it as necessary. Sunday I sanded and inhaled more drywall dust and I now know how crack addicts lungs feel. Sunday afternoon I met with a client who is still pretty much all over the map even showing me a floral fabric and stripe coordinate that she has been holding onto for six years. She had indicated to me 'no more flowers' so we shall see how/if this room design progresses. I took Beau in for his neutering early Monday morning and he was nervous but I knew that I was doing the right thing. When I picked him up at 6 he had major attitude, as I would have, considering the procedure. All is well this morning and the little man doesn't even want his pain meds. I was sent home with pages of instructions, but things aren't always as black and white as they are written. He shows no signs of pain, no after effects and is doing splendidly. Speaking of black and white, on this day in 1951 the "Johnny Bright Incident" occurred in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The "Johnny Bright Incident" was a violent on-field assault against African American player Johnny Bright by White American player Wilbanks Smith during an American college football game. Bright's injury highlighted the racial tensions of the times and assumed notoriety when it was captured in what was later to become a Pulitzer Prize winning photo sequence. I wonder how Johnny felt about that? Thank God in 2009, things have changed. My cat and Schipperke are black, Beau is white and Prince is red and we all get along. I sometimes wish that all humans were color blind. Have a great day and don't let what appears to be a shallow pond fool you. Shown today, black and white toile wallpaper, black and white tailored ballon valance and white sheers. Don't they go great together?

"All the people like us are we, and everyone else is They." Rudyard Kipling

...let them eat brioche

It's raining again in Chester County, PA and we had quite a fire last evening. The first of the season, it dried and warmed an otherwise damp, cold night. I chopped firewood and need to chop a lot more if last night was any indication of the Winter forecast. Sharp instruments are used for more than firewood as we all know. On this day in 1793, Marie Antoinette, wife of Louis XVI, was guillotined at the height of the French Revolution. "Let them eat cake" is the traditional but inaccurate quote associated with Ms. Antoinette and there are no records stating that she, in fact uttered this quote. "Cake" back then was really an egg bread and not a dessert. The quote, as attributed to Marie Antoinette, was claimed to have been shouted during one of the famines that occurred in France during the reign of her husband. Upon being alerted that the people were suffering due to widespread bread shortages, the Queen is said to have replied, "Then let them eat brioche." She could also have said, "let them eat Tasty Cake" but that is probably not accurate either. I am expecting another upholstered chair and ottoman in the next few days and then have to start planning the revamping of a basement. I like turning wasted space into usable square footage; so do clients. Have a great day. I need to get going. Chop, chop!

"Courage! I have shown it for years; think you I shall lose it at the moment when my sufferings are to end?" Marie Antoinette

...wave

A simple gesture that goes a long way. I was driving home yesterday with a thousand things on my mind and as I approached the entrance to my development a man on a riding mower waved to me. I waved back and it felt great. I wasn't being chased by the cops, hadn't absentmindedly cut anyone off and didn't have a baby on the roof of my truck. It was simply a random act of kindness on his part. On this day in 1981, professional cheerleader Krazy George Henderson lead what is thought to be the first audience wave in Oakland, California. The audience wave is achieved in a packed stadium when successive groups of spectators briefly stand and raise their arms. Each spectator is required to rise at the same time as those straight in front and behind, and slightly after the person immediately to either the right (for a clockwise wave) or the left (for a counterclockwise wave). Immediately upon stretching to full height, the spectator returns to the usual seated position. I can't follow a dance step personally, but many enjoy this arena practice as it brings a sense of camaraderie and closeness to a bunch of strangers with common likes. The chair seat fabrics and the Box Pleated Valance fabric are in good stock luckily, so getting this job finished by Thanksgiving should be a breeze. It would be hard to sit down to Thanksgiving Dinner with no chair seats, but I could stop by and teach them to stand and wave without the sitting part. Have fun today, do your best and wave to a stranger. If you get the middle finger symbol back in return for your good deed, don't fret. You just made someones bad day a little bit better. Shown: Ocean Blue Fabric Bordered Area Rug.

"Do not wave stick when trying to catch dog." Earl Derr Biggers

...whose rights...

Hi. We awoke to a light film of frost this morning as the sun began it's ascent. It was not quite a '3Dog Night' temperature wise, but it certainly was in my bed. A sweet, mature coupe came in via my website to order sunflower border and I found just what they wanted. A business associate who has a tough time remaining 'mum', (pun intended) didn't know that people still like to use borders in certain areas. I have over 200 wallpaper books of which 94% include borders so I cannot help her at this stage of the game. The client was satisfied and that's all that matters. Who's right? Me. Speaking of rights, on this day in 1979 the first Gay Rights March on Washington, D.C. took place, demanding "an end to all social, economic, judicial, and legal oppression of lesbian and gay people." The march drew 200,000 people. Late yesterday I chose a Tapestria fabric for the recovering of 6 Dining Room chairs and found a dark blue diamond pattern fabric for a Box Pleated Valance. This is the third home that I have decorated for the client. Their once infant son is now 24, so please pass the Oil of Olay Night Emergency Under eye cream. And march! Have a great day, stand up for what you believe and demand respect. Also give it when appropriate. Shown: "Dancing Witches Coir Mat." Supposedly a business associate is the second from left but I wasn't there in 1692. Update:Michael Jackson's three children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket, will appear on the new Jackson reality show, The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty. Yikes. Also, Country ingenue Taylor Swift and dead pop star Michael Jackson led the contenders for the 37th annual American Music Awards, and will both vie for the artist of the year prize, organizers said on Tuesday. "Billboard Magazine"

"Good judgment comes from experience, and often experience comes from bad judgment." Rita Mae Brown

...studs on fire...

Hello. On this crisp, cool October morning in Chester County, PA we got a whiff of someone burning a fire. This scent fits perfectly with the colder mornings and turning leaves. I needed new bags for my ShopVac so visited my local (cocoon) Sears Hardware and was greeted with decorated Christmas Trees and shelves full of lights and decorations. The Holidays can never come too early for me. How about for you? On this day in 1903, Victor Herbert's "Babes in Toyland," premiered in New York City. We all know that "Babes in Toyland" is an operetta composed by Victor Herbert and Glen MacDonough, which melded various characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes into a Christmas-themed musical extravaganza. That MacDonough was savvy as he wanted to cash in on the extraordinary success of The Wizard of Oz, on which he had assisted. Two classic compositions have stood the test of time as "Toyland" and "March of the Toys" occasionally show up on Christmas compilations. My soffit revision is almost finished. Thoughtful and caring, I measured and cut most of the studs at work. The builder didn't drywall underneath the soffits so happily I had to cut 17 studs, cut drywall and then tape and plaster more than I had anticipated. Turns out that neighbors on both sides of me have been ill for a few days. All they needed to hear was the sound of many studs through my walls! That could have been better stated. I saved the remnants of all stud pieces and will burn them on the first cold evening, when time allows. One three yard piece of cording is back ordered and that holds up an entire order but patience is a virtue right? I never claimed to be a virtuous person. Have fun today and be open to the change of season and all of the great things that Autumn has to offer. Life also, for that matter. "Box Pleated Valance" shown.

"Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing." Salvador Dali

...gypsys, tramps and thieves

Hello. I am happy to report that it's raining and grey in Chester County, Pa this morning. My client of last evening phoned at around 9 pm. We were supposed to meet at 7 but a neighbor child is in the hospital on a respirator, so please have positive prayers/thoughts if you have time. "Bless The Beasts and Children," I say. Hitler didn't share the same feelings tho' as on this day in 1944, 800 Gypsy children were systematically murdered at Auschwitz death camp. Gypsys are an ethnic group in Europe tracing their origins to medieval India, not from Egypt as some thought. The English term Gypsy (or Gipsy) originates from a Greek word that I cannot type on here due to Windows limitations. These people were exiled as punishment for allegedly harboring the infant Jesus. Read a book people, or if that desperate, watch some reality TV. On this day in 1973, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned after being charged with federal income tax evasion. On this day in 1978 the Trammps were riding high on the charts with their disco classic, 'Disco Inferno.' That covers Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves but not necessarily in that order. Have a great day. By the way, that huge cocktail ottoman looks great in the family room of a great client. She in no way fits any of the subjects in today's blog. Today's photo is "Petite San Caterina Green Sink Cabinet", for your Foyer Powder Room. Wash those hands Hitler. You still have blood on them.

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama

...keep the peace...

Good day! It is overcast and raining in Chester County, PA. The huge ottoman finally arrived and is perfect. Sometimes items of a custom nature take time to make and people don't seem to mind waiting. The soffit project is seemingly more involved than originally predicted but that happens a lot. Easy becomes hard, and sometimes what we think will be difficult turns out to me more simple. Things can happen right out of the blue literally as, on this day in 1992 a 13 kilogram fragment of the Peekskill meteorite landed in the driveway of the Knapp residence in Peekskill, New York destroying the family's 1980 Chevy Malibu. Hope they had meteorite insurance! Also, on this day in 1911 an accidental bomb explosion in China lead to the ultimate fall of the Quig Empire. I don't make this stuff up. And, um, how was your day? In case you haven't heard, our current President, Barack Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Swedish industrialist and inventor, Alfred E. Newman, oops, I meant Alfred Nobel, (thus the award moniker) said that this Peace Prize should be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." Have a great day, try to keep the peace but never let your guard down. There is good and bad everywhere and it is up to every one of us to protect not only ourselves, but those close to us. And, uhm, watch out for falling meteor fragments. Shown today is the 'Claridge Vintage White Sink Cabinet.' If you share a bathroom buy two to keep the peace.

"It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war." John F. Kennedy

...bat her up...

Hello. The long awaited 4' square custom ottoman is supposed to be delivered today and that's a good thing. I phoned my client with that news and she was at the Phillies game, the crowd hooting and hollering and having a great time. I did some more work on my soffits and found many taught electrical wires that are impeding progress, but I will figure that out. Curtain rods and pillow forms also arrived but as far as excitement goes, they aren't very...Back to baseball. On this day in 1956, New York Yankee's Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in a World Series; one of only 18 perfect games in Major League Baseball history. Now that's something to put on your tombstone! It will be six years since my Mom's passing and it is sort of hard to wrap my brain around that. She was born on December 8th and died at the age of 65. I try to believe that there is a reason for everything, but I have run into quite a few bastards in my life that live to be quite old and truly wish that God would have taken at least one of them out and that my Mom had lived longer; not with a disease tho'. I mean lived longer with a great quality of life. I sure do ask for a lot! 5 years and 363 days ago I was hanging out with my Mom. She is now riding horseback with some salty characters in Heaven, having a grand time, taking no sh*t and breathing easily. Have a great day everyone. Live, love and try not to let the stresses of life be the barometer to your day. We only live once? 'White Milkpaint Side Table' shown. For your glass of milk or bedtime cocktail.

"Death is a very dull, dreary affair, and my advice to you is to have nothing whatsoever to do with it." W. Somerset Maugham

Update: "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel" is on at 10:11 am.

...drapery side panel sale...

Custom side panels and hardware sale! Cotton Duck, Linen Blends, Satins, Silks and Textured Solids. A 24" one width finished pleated panel up to 144" long is only$145.00 - $205.00, a 72" three width pair are only $435.00-$614.00 depending on the selected face fabric. Up to 90" long, $134.00-$403.00, up to 120" long $170.00-$510.00. These panels are lined, double turned with blind stitched side and bottom hems, weighted on the corners and prepinned. Nothing cheap about the quality, just the price. Add tiebacks for only $17.00 each. Interlining is available for $62.00 and $186.00 respectively. Ask for Jim. (610) 322-6081 If you need drapery hardware, that is also specially priced. Metal rods with decorative finials and brackets only $55.00 for up to 48" in width. A custom look for a 'ready made' price. http://www.allthroughthehouseinc.com/

...skip a day...

Hello. It is grey, warm and the birds are singing up a storm in Chester County, PA today. It's kind of odd, but not the kind of day that I'd want to skip. Yesterday the roads were fairly empty as was the gym and I wondered if maybe there was a party and no one told me about it. I emailed a friend who told me that she had to put her baby to sleep at 5:45 pm due to paw cancer and it is such a sad, powerless feeling. Please send positive thoughts and Jesus help to M and H and B as they forge ahead with what has to be a terribly difficult time. Tomorrow is another anniversary of my Mom's passing. Someone said that time heals all wounds but they never said that scars won't be left behind. I went directly home from the gym, ripped out more soffits and then had dinner with my friend EA. It's odd how anniversaries of a sad variety can play with the mind. It wasn't real cold outside around 9 pm, and I almost made a fire but then thought better of it. I can wait. Items that were neither discontinued nor back-ordered arrived so fast that it surprised me. I dropped off the Dodge Station Clock this morning to the UPS Store on it's way to Texas. I won't provide another link to it...we all get the idea that it is available on my website. I have to get my act together for a Halloween Party on the 25th of this month and hope to put together a great costume. It is sort of a challenge as everyone going to that party will be well dressed. I added a few new furniture items to my site yesterday and they are pretty unique. I try to save the cardboard boxes from these orders so that I can re-ship them when an Internet order comes in...but sometimes they sell off of the showroom floor and I am left with a lot of cardboard. I brought some home to be used as starter wood which reminds me...on this day in 1871 four major fires broke out on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and Holland and Manistee, both in Michigan. The Great Chicago Fire is the most famous of these, leaving nearly 100,000 people homeless, although the Peshtigo Fire killed as many as 2,500 people making it the deadliest fire in US history. Get those flues cleaned everyone! Anyway, if I could skip a day like they did on this day in 1582, due to the implementation of the Gregorian Calendar, it would be the day that my Mom died. We can't change the past but we can do our best to make the present as good as our bodies, minds and souls are capable and let's all hold out hope for a brilliant future. Mark my words, I will be hearing 'Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel' at least once in the next 24 hours. Have a great day, hug those close to you and if they aren't close enough to touch, call them.

"Drink the first. Sip the second slowly. Skip the third. Knute Rockne

...Patrick Egan...

Please join Patrick Egan at his studio,

5225 Greene St., # 5

this Saturday & Sunday,

October 10th & 11th 12:00 noon- 6:00pm

for more information, please visit his website:

web.mac.com/patrickegan

Shown: Josephine Baker (18"X24") by Patrick Egan

...lucy in the sky with diamonds...

Greetings on this cool, clear Autumn day...at least it is cool and clear here in Chester County. Visits to K&S Auto and Malvern Dental Associates were great as usual. Is it odd to rave about a visit to the auto mechanic and then the Dentist? It isn't for me as both outfits are superlative regarding service, professionalism and attention to detail. During the weekend my website sold this Dodge City Station Clock to a gentleman in Texas. I also sold some hook pillows again so some people out there must be having a hard time letting go of the warm weather. Unless it is warm where they are... I delivered the faux finished table on Saturday and they ordered an area rug to go underneath it. And a chair for the family room to coordinate. It looks terrific and was well worth my time and theirs. I have begun the renovation in my kitchen, albeit a small one. I have those dated soffits above my cabinets and they have to go. I have about three quarters of them ripped out, much to the chagrin of the garbage collectors. Thankfully I also have a dumpster at work. Currently the kitchen looks like a bad trip with the open spaces, revealed studs, (not that kind) and electrical wires suspended in time. "White Rabbit" anyone? I don't plan on putting this place up for sale until Spring, but when I have free time I need to make the best of it. Speaking of bad trips, on this day in 1966, LSD was declared illegal in the United States. Have a great day and keep the stress low. If you get to feeling too much tension, picture yourself in a boat on a river... "Flower Power" handpainted chest.

"There are three side effects of acid: enhanced long-term memory, decreased short-term memory, and I forget the third." Timothy Leary

...reality...

Hi. Is anyone ready for scripted television shows yet? I rarely put the thing on anymore, except for "Trainwrecks Of Georgia", but last night, while folding laundry, I wanted to be entertained. I ended up watching "Law and Order" with all of those sex crimes and then fell off to a good night's sleep. We figured out the scratched chair leg mystery yesterday after I delivered the furniture. Turns out that the curved dents on the insides of the chair legs perfectly aligned with the curved pedestal base of the existing table. The cleaning lady should drop what she is doing and get a part on Women's wrestling. She certainly has the strength! That would be considered by many to fit in the category of "Reality TV". LOL, hahaha. On this day in 1945, Hollywood had it's own Black Friday. It was a six month strike by Hollywood set decoraters that turned into a bloody riot at the gates of Warner Brother's studios. Get those claws out bitches! Last evening after work, the clients invited me to stay for dinner and we ate outside around a fire pit. It was very nice. I got up extra early today due to a mechanic appointment and the the Dentist! Yippee! Talk about reality. Have a good/great day, be nice, be real and if all else fails fake it. "American Flag Handpainted Chest" for those feeling patriotic. Or for those who need an attractive place to hide stuff.

"Don't borrow someone else's spectacles to view yourself with." Simon Travaglia

"Don't end a sentence with a preposition" my third grade english teacher

...positively...

Good day! This is Sunday and it is clear and sunny in Chester County, PA. I spent a little while repairing the Prestige Faux Wood Blind to great success. The wonderful client saw fit to send me a generous gift card to thank me 'cause that is the kind of people they are. I returned home after shop hours to work on wood ringed panels and then hung out with Contessa for a while. I also learned that the Grange TV console that I had chosen for great NO is not wide enough so I will try to find a better selection. I referred to my blog entry of this day last year when I had learned that a friend of theirs who was a client of mine this time last year had died this week at the age of 42 from cancer. Aside from shades and window treatments, they had bought a console from me for TV and other electronics in the family room. Little did I know that the young man would spend practically that entire year in the family room until his early death. Here it is exactly a year later and I am looking for another TV console. *shakes off the negative feeling.* Life is a continuous series of ups and downs and we must remain positive and strong. Speaking of ups and downs, on this day in 1911, the first public elevator ran in London's Earl's Court Metro Station. Wheee! Have a great day everyone. If you don't feel like handpainting your chest for the game today, buy one of mine. Pictured.

"I've never seen a monument erected to a pessimist." Paul Harvey

...Harvest Moon 2009...

Good day. It is cool and not very sunny in Chester County this morning. The fog lifted earlier but it is raining lightly. A furniture delivery came yesterday not as scheduled so I (and the dogs) had to run into work to receive it. Everything is correct so no harm, no foul. Speaking of foul, on this day in 1887 the first game of softball was played in Chicago, Illinois. My design friend sold four different fabrics yesterday and only one is available so I will stop by her studio on my way into work to see if I can help. I know how disappointing it is. Tomorrow is the full Harvest moon and I hope that the clouds will lift so that we can all enjoy it. I have added some seasonal accessories onto my website, and a bunch of new Sink Cabinets and Hand painted Chests. I stopped into Kmart to grab light bulbs and some bird seed and saw that many of the Christmas decorations and trees were being prepped for display. Um, yikes... but I digress. The Full Harvest Moon is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice are now ready for gathering. Unlike the farmers and the Indians, we can conveniently stop by our local produce stand or grocery store and gather what we need. Live in abundance which can be defined in many ways and have a great day.

http://www.allthroughthehouseinc.com/

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson

...hunger...

Greetings! No sooner did I get into the shop than a nice lady bought Rooster Plates. I made sure to warn her that the plates were for decoration only and not made to hold food. She said that she already knew that and that she collected roosters of many shapes, sizes and forms as her hobby. That was her hunger. When she left I hurriedly went to look up what a rooster symbolizes and here is what I found: Pride, Honesty, Courage ,Vigilance, Arrogance, Strength,Watchfulness and Flamboyance. hmmm. Not a word about 'cocky' but I guess it is implied. That is a lot of symbolism. I stayed up until about 1:30 adding layers of color to that Round Table and it is looking good. This evening I will sand away some of the color to reveal wood and then varnish it. Exciting, eh? I went to B's last evening and, regarding hunger, had London Broil and salad and it was yummy. Then lala attempted to beat the pants off of me at Ping Pong. Brazen devil. Luckily I had boxers on underneath. I helped a lady yesterday with wallpaper and hope she feels better. She was weak with a cold and I felt for her. I said felt FOR her. geez... I told her to eat soup and go to bed. Food again. On this day in 1964 the first Buffalo Wings are made at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Also on this day, but in 1981 the hunger strike by The Irish Republican Army the Irish National Liberation Army prisoners at the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland ended after seven months and ten deaths. I am seeing round tables in my periphery. Please make it go away! I don't know what today has in store or outside the store for me but hope it is good. I wish the same for you. Whatever you hunger for, do your best to achieve it.
"Nothing but heaven itself is better than a friend who is really a friend." Plautus
...

...let there be lights...

Hi. Our walk was a bit dark this morning with the clouds overhead and everyone's body clocks awaiting the end of Daylight Savings Time, which ends on Sunday, November 1st this year. The day before yesterday as I went downstairs to my workroom, an overhead lighting fixture blew a bulb. With the black and green William Morris wallpaper on the hallway walls, it was as dark as a tomb. I have yet to spend time in a tomb, but am guessing it is quite dark. Last night another bulb blew on the same floor so I guess they do have a somewhat regulated life span. On this day in 1880 the first electric lamp factory was opened by Thomas Edison. A predecessor to Thomas was a being named God who was also big on light. A popular text states "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1:1-4) Carrying the box of 75 watt bulbs in my hand, I didn't proclaim "Let there be light", 'cause that's sort of like remaking a classic Beatles song. Leave well enough alone. We are coming up on the Full Harvest Moon on the 4th of October and hopefully the skies will be clear. This moon should illuminate the sky but I will talk more about my favorite Full Moon on the 4th. Have a great time today and try to be the light in someone's life. We all have the power to do so. Use it.

"Anything that won't sell, I don't want to invent. Its sale is proof of utility, and utility is success." Thomas A. Edison

http://www.allthroughthehouseinc.com/