girl at large

This has always hurt. Just not so noticeably.

4th of July 1982, Pioneer Village, Nebraska

I have had my feet in two worlds for large parts of my life. Growing up in a smallish town on the edge of an industrially polluted lake where my classmates were not expected nor encouraged to go to college, I was the (obnoxious) Doctors Kid. My big-city mother struggled in the suffocating small town, my father thrived in what to him was a sprawling village of opportunity. In private boarding school I was disgusted by the classmates who used their parents high-end drugs and their own teenage cruelty to ostracize me. I found friendship among the townies. But not all the townies, just the arties and gays and other misfits would have me. I found people I liked, and who liked me, and I found my own way. Along the way, I took snippets of interesting things from my urban, artistic, democratic family on the one hand, and my rural, veteran, republican family on the other. I am intensely proud of the diversity of thought in my own background and the interesting, varied and often hilarious people who created it. 

I have said often that having that dichotomy kept things balanced and gave me a buffet of characteristics to choose from to form my own identity. Work ethic + art + bookishness + community + creativity + travel + solitude + Patsy Cline= my own perfect mix. 

When I left the Midwest, I promised myself that I would live in the South, Europe and the East and West Coasts. (I didn't make it to NYC, but there's still time). Every four or five years I would pick up and start over in a new place, with new social norms and new people. It enriched me. I fueled me. Each place I've lived gave me a new view of America, and I found something to love in each one. 

The pain in my heart on Wednesday was fueled by the knowledge that people I know and love, people I admire and adore, voted for Trump. I know they are not all racist. They are not all cruel. They are my people too. They deserved so much better. They have been used. They can't possibly think this is ok, can they? Did I every really know them? Does their hate extend to me? And yes, a vote for Trump is a vote for hate. At best it is a vote for an erratic, foul mouthed buffoon you wouldn't invite to the American Legion fish fry, at worst it is a vote for a fear-mongering, race-baiting fascist.(I could go on about my pain as a woman, but it's all been said).

Those people are not all rural either, it's not that simple. They are not all "out there in the sticks". Just last week, on trick-or-treat night, I ran to my corner Walgreens (I live on the corner of White + Liberal) for more candy. In the recently-raided aisle, I was scrounging for the last bags of chocolate when the woman next to me said "Ran out?" I said "Yes, they came in droves!". To which she replied: "Don't get more for those Over-The-Rivers!".

Black children. That's what she meant. N word is what she meant. I scooped up every bag on the shelf and walked away. I was speechless, and in that moment felt stunned. Every kid who came up my step that night got handfuls and handfuls of candy. All night I fumed at that ignorant, mean-hearted woman. But I thought she was a one-off, an outlier. An anomaly.

The problem with Wednesday was just that -- it was day. And all the secret hate, the quiet bigotry, was out in the light.. And it was all around us. It WAS us. 

I can't cover it all here, I hardly know what I'm talking about, there are more knowledgeable voices than mine already saying everything. I have always written. Of the moments in my life both mundane and profound, I have written. My diaries date back to Reagan, I have every letter Grandma ever sent me. I write because I have to, like a habit. I write about this because, because...oh, I don't even know. All I know is that, like America, I am full of contradictions. I am striving to be better, I fail often, and I want a good world for my loved ones.

I know one thing---we are worthy of better.

Back to Berea

We have returned from our annual spring break road trip. Our final destination was Berea, Kentucky so there was less road than last year when we drove all the way to Ashville, NC. The weather provided less spring too this year too. But what sunshine there was we enjoyed and the flowering trees were a treat.

The first stop was quaint Nashville, Indiana (Brown County) with a day trip to the Midwest modern architctural gem Columbus, Indiana.Then on to Berea for three days in our favorite Kentucky art town with another day trip into Lexington. On the way back, we spent a night in the gorgeous West Baden Springs hotel in French Lick, Indiana. At each destination we stayed at wonderful, historic hotels and took historical architecture tours--Columbus's midcentury modern tour (65 incredible buildings!), Henry Clays restored estate Ashland, and lastly the West Baden Springs famous dome hotel.

Funny, on all three tours there was not a single other child.

When I asked a Viv which tour was her favorite, she gave the bus tour of Columbus her enthusiastic endorsement. It's too soon to tell if she's developed my same affection for modern design; I suspect it was more about the...wheels on the bus.

 

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Favorite Tools

An ode to a stapler

I still have the box of imported staples (still a few staples left!) to go with my Folle...my favorite part is the face on the strike plate.

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Asking For It

Just when I make headway, I add to my own burden. The plaster work is done, the garage doors are on order...I'm feeling and seeing positive progress on the huge project that is Kenmore Place. But that feeling may not last for long. I had delivery yesterday of all the items I've been stashing in the racks at work---bookcases, storage cabinets and most importantly the kitchen cabinets.

So, now I have to tackle unpacking 30 boxes of books in the basement, organizing piles of scattered tools and supplies, and somehow getting the energy and funds together to start the new kitchen. If only it was as easy as installing the cabinets now hogging what was Viv's play room. We have to run electrical to counter height, add 220 for the stove, reroute the gas line, remove and cap off a radiator, demo a closet, frame in and drywall two doorways, run all new plumbing for hot, cold and a drain, and knock down a wall! Oh, and we need a stove hood and vent, dishwasher, light fixtures, countertops, a sink and faucet....meanwhile, the perfect pedestal sink for the upstairs bathroom has been located on craigslist and must be fetched this weekend...

And to think I do this to myself. I am nuts.

 

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What a Difference a Weekend Makes

I couldn't take looking at the dingy pink sunroom ceiling a minute longer. It was, like most of the walls in Kenmore, a color I once heard described as "dirty girdle". I had half heartedly started painting it when we first moved in, but gave up during our busy summer schedule. Getting it done took seven months and two days, but here it is completed at last!

I'm particularly proud of the crack repairs, the results are incredible (thank you Krack Kote). Previously, I didn't have the patience to prime when I painted, but this time its for keeps. So, I did all the tedious prep work---patching, spackling, sanding, washing and priming. It does make a difference.

The $5 light fixture we bought on craigslist so many months ago is finally up too. Goodbye hideous brass thing, hello $50 in fancy lightbulbs!

It's hard to see in this photo, but the ceiling color is Benjamin Moore's "Constellation". It's a very pale, ethereal blue that shifts with the light. Mom, you may have second guessed me, ("Why aren't you painting the ceilings white?") but wait til you see it--gorgeous!

 

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Finishing up the Fluff and Fold

The laundry room is coming together at last! Both machines are working. They hum like an old Chevy; so solid and smooth. I LOVE these machines. When we took the previous "new" washer out to the garage (on it's way to a new craigslist owner), I was reassured that my choice of 30 year old machines was a good one. The 3-year old new set was tin-y, plastic-y and cheap. These, by comparison, are built like tanks. So appropriate for this little brick house.

I painted the block walls today. Yes, I already owned a gallon of the spot-on oatmeal color to compliment the Maytags. Then I added the grey rug previously in the Wildwood nursery, a hanging rod and a classic chair to hold the laundry basket. Just need the permanent dryer vent hose connected and it's all set. There are plans to put up "walls" of pegboard in the dark, creepy corner to the side of the dryer, and to paint the entire basement floor, but those projects will wait for now.

Now, I have another (and another and another) load of laundry to do!

 

 

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One Little Nook at a Time

Night three of the Office Nook fast-track renovation -- the flooring is going down. There will be paint touch up to do, and shoe molding to replace, but the little room is almost done. The wall paint is Benjamin Moore's Dark Pewter in Matte finish. The Matte finish is flatter than Flat---the depth of color is amazing. The trim is BM's "Natural Cream OC-14". It's not white, not cream, not grey---it's the perfect non-color color. Paul calls it "stick of gum". See the vintage Fiat -it's that yummy color. The painted trim throughout the house will all be that color. Yes, we are painting wood trim. Get over it.

The flooring is a happy accident. I originally bought it to replace the flooring in the trailer (Tin Can Cottage), which we still will do. It's cork-patterned vinyl plank, very cheap and cheerful. Perfect for the trailer. But I brought a piece into the house just to see if it might also work to replace the old, dirty lino in the existing kitchen, office nook and hallway. It looks good, and for 69 cents a square foot, it looks fantastic!

Paul went back to HOBO and snagged the last 4 boxes of it. I spent two of my "alone time" hours at 7am on Saturday at Home Depot. We are heavy into Renovation Mode.

My plan, there is a plan to my madness, is to get the Office Nook done quickly so that we can have at least one tranquil, clean and completed space in the house from which to plan the rest of the renovation work ahead. The weeks and months and years ahead...

 

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Who Would Have Guessed?

More than 10 years ago, Paul was working at this custom-built workstation designed by his then co-worker, now design "god" Scott Wilson (http://www.mnml.com/).

Today, my company is decommissioning that office. TQ asked Paulie today if he wants to save one of the desks from the landfill--"it's perfect for the basement". Paulie is thrilled. I'm in awe. How small, and perfect, is our world?

 

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New Year, New House?

Why do people more frequently say a house is too small?
I have yet to be advised that a house is too big, even when it's a 2300 sq ft beast ( not counting basement and garage). That is twice what we need---twice the renovation cost, twice the heating and cooling, twice the maintenance, twice the work.

It's just us three, Vivienne will not suffer for having been raised in a modest house with only one bathroom. Yes, two would be more convenient. But it's not the end of the world. And we can always add one.

I'm not going to commit to buying a house in an area I find boring as hell just because it comes with an extra crapper.

The garage, however, is a different story. According to Paulie, and I am beginning to see his point, you can never have a too large garage.

Searching

House hunting in winter sucks. Our budget means a fixer upper, which we love, but come on! It has to be at least mostly structurally sound. Milwaukee has some ugly, ugly housing stock right now.

According to the listings, the highlight of the Wisconsin home apparently is the basement bar.

I am determined not to buy a house by the pound-- bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to Midwestern heating bills and renovations. I'd rather have a little gem that I can afford to fix up now with the best materials rather than in ten years and too cheaply. I miss the days of being able to vacuum my whole apartment without ever changing outlets. I don't want to own and maintain rooms we never use.

But every house we have seen, regardless of size, has been a trashed mess. Do people really live like this? Is this really all you get for your money?

My dreams of something "cool" with "potential" are fading. At this point, I'd settle for "not gross".

Our Little Package

How can such a wee little baby need such a big vehicle?

Oh, right...it's all the supplies that need the extra space!

(We had the new station wagon for less than 12 hours before Mom insisted on a trip to Target as our first outing).

Frankenstein's Closet of Technology

I've been limping along with a hodgepodge of damaged devices both at work and home for months. The work lap top is missing the air card and the battery, only one usb port works, and the little hourglass is up so often I am in danger of being hypnotized by it.

My big home eMac died last year; complete with the gut-dropping sad mac face. It's still down in the storage space, I can't bring myself to bring it in and find that everything that was on it can't be recovered. Since then, I've been using the MacBook that mom left behind when she upgraded. It's track pad is broken, the battery won't hold a charge, and there's a dvd permanently stuck in the drive. The big Obama 2008 sticker on the top is heartening, but not helpful.

And you know about the iPhone. The sad, sad story of the iPhone. It took me quite a bit longer than anticipated to reach the goal I had set for myself for replacing it. Yes, I dropped it 2 weeks after I got it, and yes, it's taken 2 years to reach the replace it. 

The Jetta, the poor abused Jetta, is teetering on the edge. One day it's good, cheap transportation. The next, it's a frightening risk ride. At any moment, the transmission (or god knows what else) will complete that strange clanking song with an final kerthunk.

But now it all changes!

A new work laptop arrived on Friday. My co-worker responsible for this great gift wears both an accounting and an IT hat; and though we work well together, he is not huggable. And I am not a workplace hugger. Except that day. I truly got giddy. I think there was a jig. We both got funny looks from the rest of the accounting office. 

Yesterday, I picked up my new shiny MacBook. My aunt gave me the one her son had punched (not a Mac guy!) in frustration, breaking the screen. One replacement screen and power cord later and I have a practically brand new MacBook for under 300 bucks! If anyone has any ideas on how to pay someone for something they refuse to take money for, let me know. This computer is worth way more than a thank you note. 

While I was at the Apple store last week, I inquired about, at last, a replacement iPhone. And found, to my great pleasure, that my AT&T contract is up in 2 weeks! Not only can I get a new iPhone at the reasonable new-contract price, I can get it on Verizon!

And, lastly, the car. It goes into the body shop tomorrow morning for a few repairs (including re-attaching the front bumper). I had been putting off the repairs because it pained me to spend more on fixing it that its blue book value. The body shop I found by accident (it's next door to the doggy daycare) is fantastic. On my estimate, he wrote: "Make a little less ghetto---$300 cash". My kinda place!

Once repaired, it will be traded towards a new car. I doubt I'll get more than tax and title, but it will be the Jetta's last and very appreciated act of service. I haven't found the right car yet (or the right car salesperson!), but I have a feeling that the universe is on my side at the moment. Like all good things, it's going to find me.

 

Goals

I got the hair into pony tails! Many more months of growing it out to go, but this is a big achievement. Next goal? Pay off every single debt. My progress on that is slightly less advanced.

 
All this grown up stuff sucks. All I really want to do is run around in pigtails.

Walk the Walk

I have my Motto for 2011!

I'm going to learn how to do the things that I have, at some point in my life, claimed to know how to do (or about), but in fact, don't. Like riding a bicycle. This will also include doing a few things that I never made false claims about, but have been too afraid to attempt. Like voice lessons.

Thanks to the Ennis family for getting me started...by giving me a bike for Christmas! Who knew?!

 

Middle of Somewhere

Despite the restrictive pinch of the Bible belt, the repetitive nature of rows of corn, and the vast distances traveled to obtain fresh produce; I enjoyed my visit to Nebraska.

Smarties in the kitchen drawer, a stray cat in the sawdust of the wood shop, the card playing buddies with lollies in their front shirt pockets, the rose water aunties and main street one-finger steering wheel waves...Edgar is brimming with childhood memories. Before Starbucks and credit card debt, doc martins and divorce, eating disorders and vitamin D deficiencies. 

I roll my eyes and make the usual jokes about Jesus and overalls and pick up trucks. But I wouldn't tease if I didn't love. That little town is dying. One of my great-great aunts arrived there by covered wagon with her parents. I said "..I understand the coming, it's the staying I don't get...". It got a laugh, as intended. But as the fields turned to strip malls and parking lots on the way to the airport, I understood a little about the staying.  

Little Fixes

The new antenna for the Jetta was $14. It took 4 seconds to install. $14. 4 seconds. For cryin' out loud, I lived with that pathetic melted, broken thing for years and years!

Re-Love My V-Dub

I've been itching for a new car. Which is crazy, I can't afford a new car! And besides, the Jetta has only 73k miles on it! Itch Itch Itch anyway. Longer, warmer days bring a desire for new leather, speedier speed, open sunroofs, etc...I feel like this every year. 

I know exactly the car I want---and precisely just how much I can't afford it yet. I've looked at a few "bridge" cars; good used deals that would be perhaps more reliable and certainly affordable, but they are poor substitutes, compromises. If I'm going to compromise, I'll compromise without a car payment. So, after much thoughtful mature consideration (!), I've decided to "Re-Love My V-Dub".

No matter how much I spend to fix up and spruce up the Jetta, it will always be less than buying a new car. Roughly 50% of what I don't like about the Jetta is the inside half--it is, well, trashed. Ripped seams, missing head rests, broken cup holders, an armrest that pops up at will like a Jack in the Box, missing adjustment knobs, dog hair crumbs and now salt in every nook and cranny. Did I mention the cassette player? CASSETTE player. 

But, I've already invested in a new water pump, timing belt, tensioner, brakes and rotors...she's actually running pretty well. Now that I know how often to add oil. 

So, here is my list of fix's for my little car:

-get it detailed!

-have the seats reupholstered 

-replace melted antenna

-replace taped-together key lock fob thingy

-replace the radio CASSETTE deck with something that will play my ipod, bluetooth both my iphone and blackberry, charge them all--does this exist yet? I can't find it online--suggestions?

-push that hanging-down under bumper bit back in

-have dings and scratches bigger than a breadbox buffed out

-find 2 rear seat headrests

-replace latch in armrest

-get floor mats

-hardwire the Garmin

-replace mirror adjustment knob

-find out why it locks and unlocks itself randomly

-find out why the power windows erratically stop and then reverse when trying to power up

-get remote start 

-figure out what that hunk of trim rolling around in the truck is supposed to be attached to

Cheese Nun

Funny things happen when two thoughts collide....I was thinking about moving back to Wisconsin, had added a new appropriately titled blog category, "Once a Cheesehead...". I was also taking inventory of my belongings, deciding what to sell, what to toss, and what to take on moving day. It then seemed natural (and not at all the activity of a bored and lonely person) to take inventory of my cheese drawer: -plain Chevre -honey Chevre -crumbled Blue -Roquefort Blue -Oregon Smokey Blue -parmesean in block form -parmesean pre-shredded -Gruyere -cream cheese -Farmer's Cheese -Mimolette Vieux -Feta I think I might have a problem.

Spruced Up

Before/After The house is nearly complete, the spiffing up as far as it's going to get before the family arrives. The spare room got the biggest make over... Still didn't manage to make that much room in the closets, and the storage space is overflowing...nothing worse than having the extra room to store stuff I no longer need...I wonder what is in those boxes way in the back anyway? Before/After Before/After

Skaters

Mom had this painting sent to me last week (thanks Uncle Bill). It hung for years in our entry hallway in Fondy, then in Mom's apartment on Diversey, then at Grandma Mickey's while Mom's been abroad. I'll be lucky if the plant next to it will last a fraction of that time. I've always loved this painting, feel very luck to have it in my home. I should know more about it ---anyone know the story? It looks fantastic in the living room, I could look at it for hours. It's starting to feel like a permanent home here, one little piece at a time.

Summer arrives in August in Oregon.

It's been deliciously warm (even HOT), the rain has stopped and the sunshine is at last generous. It's also Barbeque season. I have a barbeque invite for this evening, planning to bring potato salad...but I can't find any Tas-Tee Salad Dressing!

machine o' my heart

Anyone who has a short-haired shedding dog knows my pain. Dog hair everywhere. Miss Ruby is blessed with both black and white fur; its presence on every surface is my curse. My trusty Hoover vacuum cleaner, purchased second-hand twelve years from the downtown Main Street vacuum shop in Fond du Lac, Wi for my very first apartment (which was depressingly similiar to my current apt. in light, size and inconveniences), was disappeared from my place in Savannah by the renter. That classic Hoover was upright, pea green and stainless steel and it was old-school--it worked like nothing else. In it's place was left a useless cheap, plastic thing made in Taiwan. Unforgivable. I've gotten by this past year with an inexpensive Panasonic canister from Target, cute as a bug and just about as useful. So, at last, today I sought out a permanent replacement. And I found it...a Simplicity 6 Series upright. It's solid, powerful and simply designed without too many gadgets (just the right onboard hose and tool), complete with the menacing-looking headlamp (who doesn't love a headlamp?). Thoughtful details like the on/off switch on the handle and a body that lays completely (completely!) flat for under-bed work complete the package. This is a serious machine. I'm in love. Ruby, watch out!

recent chat, topic of nesting; specifically Ikea

Katemikkelsen: oh, when you go to Ikea, do NOT buy a Letten rolly-bathroom-cart-thingy taaterdog: why is that Katemikkelsen: because you might not be able to get it together after a really long day of putting things together Katemikkelsen: and then you might freak out, stomp on it Katemikkelsen: breaking it into tiny plastic pieces Katemikkelsen: flying one into your dog's eye Katemikkelsen: requiring a vet visit and an explanation taaterdog: oh god, who could have predicted a trip to ikea would turn so tragic for poor Ruby

change of season

It's started. The rain. Good thing I have my colorful Marimekko umbrella or I wouldn't be able to face the day. The gray, rainy, depressing day.

knee high by the fourth of July

Happy time summer salad, my new favorite treat warm or cold: 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup chopped red onion 3 cups fresh sweet corn kernals (cut off of cob) 3 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half (or uncut grape tomatoes) fresh basil 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar goat's cheese, sliced or crumbled salad greens of your choice salt and pepper to taste Saute onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent. Add corn, cook over medium until kernals are bright in color and cooked through (but not mushy, still with bite). Add cherry tomatoes, cook until just softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Add basil, vinegar and salt and pepper. Serve over salad greens, topped with slices or crumbles of goat's cheese.

The McMansion on Steriods.

As this subject pertains in a small way to my work, I have to tread lightly here. Let's just say, that for work purposes of the networking/chatting people up nature, I recently attended a local event showcasing the latest in home building and aspirational living. Let's call it SNOT. The grand opening SNOT event was Black Tie. After parking in a rocky, dusty field, we trudged in our Black Tie attire up to an entrance adorned with balloon arches. Next to the balloon arches; porta-potties. Classy. We were attended to by 12 year old ticket takers. Twelve year olds were a dominant feature in this event--as greeters, ticket takers, servers, escorts. Sunburned adolescent girls in too-tight prom dresses seeing to the needs of the so-called movers and shakers of the community, picture it. Jail bait seals many a real estate deal. The designated mingling, drinking and eating area was a gravely, dusty bit of road strewn with food tents and white plastic Walmart tables and chairs. I'm reminded of Walleye Weekend, only fishing enthusiasts don't wear bugle beads. SNOT Opening Gala goers, having dished out $100 per person to attend, were treated to hot-lunch line trays of unidentified asian-esque stirfry and bbq chicken wings. Yum. Next, a self-guided tour of SNOT's Dream Homes. Dream Homes include the following features: -orange-peel wall finishes (walls should hurt when you brush up against them) -top-of-the-line plastic moldings, windowsills, and door frames -hollow-core laminate doors available only at the big box hardware stores -room layouts that make the most of 20 ft ceilings and the least of 5000 square feet -kitchens that take 20 minutes to circumnavigate (by the time you find the sink, your pizza is done!) -Butler's Pantries for the butler you'd never have because it's not pc -a laundry room big enough to house that stray migrate worker family -on the second floor, nylon wall-to-wall carpeting to soften the sounds of your desperate wailing -'wood' laminate flooring in the public areas so visitors know that you really are classy -faux-finished cabinetry throughout -for 1 million more, you can have the faux-Tuscan look complete with wall murals of a place you've never visited because the people don't speak English -three-SUV garages -outstanding examples of both The Roofline Museum and The Window Museum (guaranteed minimum of five varying rooflines and a minimum of eight, count 'em eight!, different window shapes) -swimming pools that you can use four whole a weeks of every year! -a stunning, expansive view of the proof of our progress: power lines -oversized, professional-grade kitchen appliances that say "I could really cook if I knew how". -Master Bedroom Suites featuring a drop-down big screen television set over the bed, complete with thundering surround sound (it's so much easier to ignore a lacking sex life with surround sound) -a matching big-screen 'theater room' to numb the little ones into submission All this for a mere 3 million dollars. My little 500 square feet in the city has never looked better. So glad to be home.

Now THIS is boating.

Mom has her sailboat, but I want one of these. I found a b/w photo of a mid-50's runabout ( I think it's an 18' Holiday), complete with captain in a saucy cap, this weekend--it's perfect in the bathroom. More on the subject.

Everything In Its Place

Last week, I got a little surprise in the mail, and boy, did it ever make my day! When I first got the delivery notice, I was puzzled--what had I ordered? Did I order something online and forget about it again? When the box arrived, I was even more puzzled..Pottery Barn Kids? No mistaking it when I opened the package----divided trays! RED divided trays! Only one person knows me that well and would get such a kick ---Miss Dawn!! I think I'm the only person I know who loved 'hot lunch' in grade school. Or built paper napkin 'dams' at dinner time. I remember my divided plate with great fondness (Mom finally gave in and got me one, having grown disgusted with soppy napkin bits on my plate). I love flying, mostly for the nifty dinner service. Nothing like having friends who embrace your neurosis. :)

flat is good

another addition to the little house file...

little worlds

apartment therapy's smallest, coolest apartment contest ....never, ever complain about just 500 sq. ft.--some of these folks have made do with half that!

new little white number

It's not the table of love, but it's perfect for this space, sports leveling feet for my unlevel floor--and was a vintage bargain to boot. What's not to love? I should have done this sooner---a proper dining table changes everything! For example, as photo two shows, it makes a pleasant place to read the latest copy of People magazine (for shame!).

who needs dating when there's modern furniture?

I'm in love with The Knock-Down Drag-Out dining table, only it's much too big for my space. Which is a pity, because I've been searching for this table my whole life.

once upon a sofa update

the cubes in Savannah I'll get into the details later, but I thought that I should mention that my sofa is home once again. Four states, fifteen years, two renters, three upholstery jobs (one really, really shoddy DIY version), one aunt, a flood, three boys and one very good friend (one could even say an "Angel") later, my beloved little modular cubes are safe and sound under my butt. Feels good.

it has the sexiest legs

I picked up a new desk (or should that be A desk?) this week--and it's yummy. It's by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, if that matters to anyone. It doesn't to me--I just love that it's perty, blond and petite. Hmm, that didn't come out like I meant it. And two cute little scruffy-mods just starting their vintage furniture business adventure hand-delivered it. Bonus. Now I just have to save my pennies for that perfect task lamp (the Tolomeo floor model) for reading at the sofa, or should I say more accurately: working at the crochet-station. How is it that I didn't come by one of those fifteen years ago when I lived with Aunt Maria, who had them stacked up and multiplying like wire hangers in the closet?

vroom dreams

I'm haunted by white VW Bugs with "for sale" signs--today makes the third, in the third city, that I've seen...AS I'M TALKING ABOUT CARS (or my lack thereoff).

cheese o'my heart

I had the BEST DAY EVER yesterday. Why? Because of cheese. The selection at a local gourmet-ish food market down the street has been reliable for chevre, parmesean, and the occasional good gruyere, but yesterday, yesterday, that magical day...Mimolette Vielle! Four little hunks of it, snuggled in the corner of the cold case. So what if each hunk was ten times the price of what I previously paid for a whole wedge? These little hunks were actually the result of hacking up a decent sized wedge--criminal, but forgiveable, they don't know never to cut cheeses outside of their shape--dumb you-know-who's. It looks like France, smells like France, tastes like France. And it's not even the best (by a long shot) French cheese out there, it's just my everyday favorite. Quick, someone send me a baguette sandwich from Rima's!!

fleur

I think I managed to save most of the plants from the Mighty Mite infestation---I only lost one Floweringthingymabob and two small Pointyleafedjobbies. woo-hoo!

three wheels are better than two

The super-duper tricycle Grace received for her birthday yesterday got me thinking about this adult trike I've always wanted. I'm quite jealous really.

not just for sewers

Miss Grace's love of snarling crocodiles and alligators aside, these Crocs look to be perfect shoes for kids, and, for adults who spend alot of time on their feet or in slippery (boat!) conditions. Made of a high-tech closed-cell rubberized stuff, they conform to your feet, maintain a non-slip grip and are highly ventilated, making them very comfortable--or so they say. I haven't tried them myself yet, but they are on my growing 'check out when back in States' list. aside: little Grace and I spend alot of time imitating animals, making animal sounds and gestures, as you are likely to do with a nearly-two year old. The snarlier and nastier the beast, the better. (That's her opinion, not mine!)

teatime reading

woo-hoo! The English bookshop had a hardcover copy of 'In the Company of Cheerful Ladies', the latest in Alexander McCall Smith's series of No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency tales. Pure, pure joy to read.

American-style

I had to explain to Maria what a "McMansion" is today. Why have one of those when all you might need is one of these?

making me tick

After two extra-crispy tarts, one tray of char-nuggets and a half-dozen close calls, we finally got a new kitchen timer. I don't think Mom was expecting me to shreak with excitement when she brought it home. But how could I not? She got the classic minitimer (currently made by Italora). It was designed by Richard Sapper (of Tizio fame), one of my all-time-favorite industrial/product designers, back in '71- or '74, depending on who you ask. How I love being in the kitchen with Richard!

little prefab on the prairie

i wreally wreally love this weeHouse. modern, simple, arranged and fitted out to your liking by them or you, then or later. stackable like shoeboxes with endless arrangements---and all designed with STANDARD (ie: less expensive, readily available) PARTS. a studio version, built in-factory and trucked complete to your site for $45k, a two bedroom version for only $65K! now that is the way to build a house. and these guys are in Minnesota! i am having visions of a cluster of three studio/one bedroom 'pods'--"The Siblings"--one for each of us, on some beachfront or in the Big Woods. don't worry, i've started a file. now, where did i put my label maker......