MID CENTURY MADNESS

Give Me Some Sweet Inspiration

2012-01-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

I'm loving all these white interiors.
Practical? Maybe not,
but we really, really need some
inspiration to see us through this
never ending fifth wheel redo.

Sierra foothill red dirt and white
may not be a marriage made in heaven...

http://www.digsdigs.com

but a five gallon bucket of white paint
just may wash away all the funk in the trunk
of our beast.

http://www.luxuryen.com

Hardwood floors add some warmth,
don't they?

http://www.digsdigs.com via Caravanolic

The wall paper helps too.

Pinterest.com via Caravanolic

I just want CLEAN!

above and belowhttp://www.lightlocations.com

Really clean.

We just can't seem to
keep moving on this one.
We even got a bid from a painter
to slather her in white.
Too much money!

Removing the upper cabinets is a start.
It opened it up a little.
Open shelving helps me breath easier.

Removing ugly glass panels helped too.

No more ugly carpet.
No more rotten hardwood.
No more flooring, period.

Next weekend we'll paint.
Really.
Next weekend.
Honest.
Send me some inspiration.
Tell me how much better she will look
dressed all in white.

Island Dreaming

2012-01-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

I'm dreaming of an island.
Not a tropical island but a kitchen island.
I found this console at the Salvation Army a couple of years ago.

We are considering repurposing it for a kitchen isand
in the house that we will build someday...

We would leave the doors on the front and
take the back off. We would have to remove its
musical parts. I hate doing that, but it would be
handy storage for large pots and pans.
Sorry Dean, you'll need to vacate the property.

I love the sleek legs.

We could have a stainless steel top fabricated.
I don't think that would cost too much.
The console is 18 inches deep so we would
have the top made deeper to accommodate
bar stools on the front side.

I like the brushed stainless.

We probably won't have a sink.
I sort of like the idea of being able to move it.

I also like the galvanized metal.
It might be too busy though.
What do you think?

This island has a very sleek, modern look.
I like it.

Do any of you have stainless steel island/countertops?
Do you like them? Are they difficult to maintain?
I'd love to hear your pros and cons.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

Make it a safe one.

What's going on at the playhouse?

2011-12-19T07:10:00.000-08:00

Mother is hard at work in the kitchen.

Father drank too much eggnog.

The kids are tucked in for the night.....

or are they?

Someone is waiting for Mr. Claus.

Up on the rooftop click, click, click...

What do I do Doggy, there are reindeer in the house!

Giddy up Doggy,
let's lasoo us some reindeer!

Whoa Doggy!

Ugh..

Come on Prancer!

He loves his new playhouse.

Time Capsule

2011-12-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

My husband and I did some snooping this weekend.
I love being married to a realtor. Business may be down
but we can still tour homes. It's cheap entertainment.

This home was built in 1965.
It was like walking into a time capsule.

The second we entered the house I wanted to
back a UHaul truck up to the front door...
or buy the house and move in immediately.
We wouldn't need to bring a thing.

There was just too much MCM
goodness under one roof.

Teak fire tools.

I love the built in wall unit.

The bathroom still has the original wallpaper.

The setting is spectacular.

This just screams martini party.

The pool was covered for the season.
Wouldn't you just love to float around and
take in these magnificent views?

And rinse off under the outdoor shower.

I wonder what will happen to all the furnishings
when the house sells?
I'm going to keep my eyes and ears
open on this one.

It's Beginning to Feel Like Christmas

2011-12-14T20:52:00.000-08:00

Shop Local Saturday...mum's the word!

2011-11-27T15:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday was "Shop Local" day.

I did my duty.

We had lunch at a local eatery,

bought goodies at the local candy store,

and shopped at our new favorite

thrift store.

I found a pair of lovely chrysanthemum lamps.

I did some research on them

and I believe they are from the

Marbro Lamp Company.

If they are indeed Marbro lamps,

this will be my luckiest find to date.

Dana at Mid2Mod did a post on the

company. You can read it here.

Notice the Greek key design at the top.

And on the Marbro lamp (I spotted on

a google search), just below the lip.

The hand painted flowers are almost identical.

Also note the design at the bottom of the lamps.

Both lamps dotted with gold leaf.

The blue lamp is for sale here.

(for $2,250.)

I found mine for a whopping $15.00!

Shop local indeed!

*I found another pair at a website here

A Return to Volcano

2011-11-11T19:42:00.000-08:00

We paid a visit this week to our

favorite secret spot.

Shhh, don't tell anybody...

Volcano Union Inn.

It's so secret we had the entire Inn to ourselves.

The only ones there were the prep cooks,

prepping for the busy weekend ahead.

The restaurant was closed but I snuck

in and snapped some pictures.

I hear it's packed on the weekends.

We went for the deluxe accommodations this time.

This is the sitting area in the penthouse suite.

The prep cook delivered this to our room

shortly after we settled in.

Candied walnuts, assorted cheeses,

shortbread cookies...yum!

Our room opened to the balcony.

This guy showed up shortly after we did.

Someone must have told him

we were coming to town.

This is the view of the outdoor dining area.

There were apples growing

right outside the window.

After the appetizers, we fought our

way across town.

Oh the crowds!

This is what rush hour traffic looks

like in Volcano.

We headed to the St. George Hotel to

make reservations for dinner.

The dining room is very cozy.

I left my camera at the Inn so I can't show you

pictures of the blazing fire and delicious faire.

We were the only ones there.

No reservation required.

Next door at the saloon however,

it was standing room only.

After dinner we stopped off at the wine bar.

This was another happening place.

We sat in easy chairs next to the

pot bellied stove and listened to local jazz.

We became quick friends with Dave,

the owner and winemaker.

Again, no camera.

Dave insisted we taste every one

of his wines and a couple ports.

Thanks Dave!

It's a good thing we were a stone's throw

from our room and a hot bath.

It was a long day fighting the crowds.

Read about our first visit to Volcano here.

Hall House

2011-11-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

Architects:

Warren Callister

Jack Hillmer

Year Built:1947

Marin County, California

Sadly, it sold recently for

$2,100,000.

We could have pooled our pennies

and lived happily ever after.

[Photo Credits: Renee Adelmann, Marin Modern

1978 Apache Pop Up Trailer

2011-11-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

This little gem is listed on Craigslist

in our area.

I don't know if it has a cool slide out

stove like this one found in Google Images.

I found the rest of these photos

on Google Images.

Cozy!

We don't need it!

I sure like it though.

Clocks, Cats, Candlestick Holders and Cocktails

2011-10-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

Harvest Time Down on the Farm

2011-10-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

The weather is changing.

The feds are cracking down.

It's time to harvest the crop.

I got our best man on the job

before The Man came a'knockin' on the door.

Snipping the goods.

Behold, the cream of the crop.

Bagged up for the long winter

that lies ahead.

The rest went into the processor.

Where it was combined with a

secret ingredient.

The finished product....

medicinal basil.

On to dinner.

Cornbread stuffing made with

organic corn harvested on the farm...

Some farm, far away,

Mexico maybe.

Today's meal inspired by

Little Big Head aka June Cleavage.

Add the usual combination of veggies.

With a few store bought spices.

Simmer.

While the man takes five.

Stir it up.

Add a few leaves of "the stuff" for color.

Rosemary garlic roasted potatoes on the side.

The chops are sizzling.

Come and get it.

Roasted chicken for the non pork

eating lady.

The farm hands enjoying their meal.

Heavily laced with medicinal basil.

I overheard the one in the bandana say

in a low, almost inaudible voice...

This s**t is blowin' my mind.

My work here is done.

Adrian Pearsall?

2011-10-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

I spied this couch and chair in

a home that's listed in our area.

Does it look like an Adrian Pearsall to you?

It's pretty close to this one.

I'm tempted to call the agent

and inquire about it.

It's in a vacation rental so we

can probably go take a peek.

I'll bet Dana knows.

What the hell is he thinking???

2011-10-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Brad Pitt is selling this Malibu Beach home.

Okay, I know he has all those kids and maybe

this home isn't so kid friendly...

and he and his brood never

seem to land for too long in one place....

but really,

could you part company with this??

I definitely could not!

Would not!

And it's only $13.75 million.

I hope it's not in a slide area.

It would be a damn shame

to see it land in the ocean.

What's Cookin' At Your Place?

2011-10-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

What do you cook for 12 hungry senior citizens

with very hearty appetites?

Today it was chicken pot pie.

I start with chicken breasts and thighs

and a sprig of rosemary....

We have a small crop growing

in the back forty.

I also like to use a little fresh basil...

because we happen to have plenty of that too.

Simmer the veggies...

add some mushrooms,

and a can of chicken broth.

Pour a good slosh of white wine.

(add a little to the veggies too.)

Mix a little flour with water to thicken.

Watch Jamie Oliver for inspiration

while you slave over the stove.

Mmmm, delicious.

Yes, the veggies look good too.

The mister is the crust master.

He's okay with me watching Jamie.

Work it mister, work it.

The final product.

He also whipped up a batch

of banana muffins to feed our

hungry crowd for breakfast tomorrow.

And while all this was taking place,

chili was simmering all day for

tomorrow night's dinner.

Our seniors just love us!

I think we need our own cooking show.

Happy Birthday John

2011-10-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

New Fun MCM Hanging Light

2011-10-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

We found this light at a

yard sale a few months ago.

The woman that we bought it

from said her husband

made them in his spare time.

What you can't see is all the

penciled in numbers.

She had at least six of them and

was selling them for $8.oo apiece.

I was tempted to buy several.

It's been sitting on top of our refrigerator

until today and I finally

added a light to the inside.

I had no idea how cool it was until tonight....

I wish I would have bought a couple of them now.

Bras...the bane of my existence.

2011-09-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

bane
¹1. a person or thing that causes misery or distress.

Take me back to the 60's

so I can burn this damn thing.

Let them join the panty girdle graveyard.

Mod TV

2011-09-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

I found this little yellow television yesterday.

I think she's awfully cute.

I wonder if you can still get

channels with an antenna?

Uncle Atom help me out on this one.

I suppose it could be used for

ambient lighting.

I think the Kencraft is

the perfect home for her.

Cool Stuff

2011-09-11T09:25:00.001-07:00

This lovely pottery by Heather Braun-Dahl

of Dahlhaus Pottery

was featured in the "Cool Stuff" section of Atomic Ranch Magazine. (Fall 2011)

I'd have to agree....it is very cool!

Check out her blog..Dahlhaus Art Blog

And her studio..Dahlhaus Studio

Shop here and here.

All photos courtesy of Heather Braun-Dahl.

She Gives Me Love

2011-09-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

The Kitty She Eats

The Kitty She Drinks

The Kitty She Sleeps

Our little girl is fine.

And so are we.

Freida is back!

2011-09-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all your

words of encouragement.

Our little wanderer returned

last night right before bedtime.

She's still weak but she drank

lots of water and ate little food.

We were very happy to see her.

So was her brother.

He's not used to sleeping without her.

We'll keep a close watch

and hope she improves

over this holiday weekend.

Where Have You gone Freida?

2011-09-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

We can't find our little girl anywhere.

She wasn't feeling well.

We haven't seen her since yesterday.

We miss her.

Her brother misses her too.

Please tell me your stories of cats lost and found.

I need to hear them.

Dreamy Outdoor Spaces

2011-08-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

Secret Gardens of Sydney

Sweet Dreams to you...

Thrift Store Scores

2011-08-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

that I should have left at the thrift store,

because I really don't need any more stuff...

but I brought home anyway.

(because they were all in the 75 cents to $3.00 range)

Walnut waste basket.

Leather, wood and glass bottle.

Maybe there's a message in it.

(like "don't buy another thing!")

It just looks so nice on my husband's desk

that I just straightened up.

(see the baskets hiding underneath?)

Brass candelabra.

(come on, it was a dollar!)

Oil painting of pansies found at a yard sale.

I was walking away when the woman said

"How about $2.00?"

Sold.

Crackle glass wine decanter.

I'm sure its Blenko. (not)

Lovely blue ice bucket...

because every house needs lots of ice buckets.

(and I can't stop buying them.)

Born in a Barn?

2011-08-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

No, but I would definitely live in this barn that

was featured in Interior Design Magazine.

I found these photos in a folder on my laptop.

I can't remember if I ever posted them.

Sorry I can't offer up more information on location

and designers, or even what month it was in.

**update**Just found the link to the article here.

It just goes to show you...

Mid Century Modern furniture

looks great in any setting.

Even in a barn.

Let's Go Shopping

2011-08-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Found at The Good Mod

Found at Weisshouse

Found at The Estate Store.

Found at Moderndesigninterior.com.

Found at BG Antiques and Interior Design.

It's Hot

2011-08-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to some

end of season camping at our favorite spot.

I need a cool down.

I want to soak in our private swimming hole...

dip my toes in the icey cold water...

stare at the granite rocks...

with a good book....

and my favorite guy....

A glass of wine would be good too...

dot, dot, dot...

Hippo Hurray!

2011-08-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

I intended to write a snipey post about a local thrift store

that I have been boycotting lately because of their

ebay pricing and not so nice manager.

But I'm nice, so I changed my mind.

Besides, she let a few things slip by...

like this big guy that was 75 cents.

Oops, guess she didn't check ebay on him.

Ha ha!

This is William the Hippo. You can read about him here.

This is a replica from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I think he is very cool

This little light was in the free bucket outside.

It wasn't exactly free because I had to

endure a scolding from nasty manager about

bringing free items into the store.

Give me a break.....

it was stuffed inside my purse and she

never would have known if I hadn't told her.

I guess she didn't know it was teak

and it works!

Double Ha Ha!

Oops, I'm being snipey.

This 39 piece set I found at Salvation Army.

I don't know what they charge per item

but she charged me $2.00.

I like her.

I found this light fixture awhile ago.

I can't remember where.

Habitat for Humanity, I think.

I don't think I posted about it before.

This butterfly canvas chair was at

the store I was boycotting.

She charged me $6.00.

Triple ha ha!

It's worth more.

Maybe she's finally getting it.

It's a THRIFT store....

not an L.A. boutique.

There I go again.

Snipey.

Sorry.

So long.

La Concha Resort and Perla Restaurant

2011-08-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

San Juan, Puerto Rico

In December, 1958, La Concha Resort opened to rave reviews, and was hailed as a shining moment in the Tropical Modernism movement’s heyday in Puerto Rico.

The structure is considered a crowning achievement of local architects Osvaldo Toro and Miguel Ferrer, designers of the Tel Aviv Hilton and the Puerto Rico Supreme Court building, among others.

La Concha Resort incorporates tropical climate features such as cross-ventilation, natural illumination, open lobbies and seamless transitions between inside and outside spaces, with details relevant to Island traditions: an interior patio, visual allusions to traditional galleries with blinds, a mirador encompassing both the sea and the city and the use of water throughout as a leitmotif.

The protective concrete element in the façade, called brise-soleil in French or “quiebrasol” in Spanish, is an architectural element used by famed architect Le Corbusier.

The purpose of the “quiebrasol” is to filter the sun’s rays towards the interior corridors.

(from Laconcharesort.com)

Meet you there!
I'll take the presidential suite!

Sunday Morning Dreaming

2011-08-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Bringing the outdoors in....

modern living room design by los angeles architect Ehrlich Architects

contemporary living room design by austin general contractor Four Corners Construction, L.P.

modern living room design by los angeles architect William Hefner Architecture Interiors & Landscape

modern living room design by san francisco Fulcrum Structural Engineering

contemporary dining room design by vancouver interior designer Claudia Leccacorvi

contemporary dining room design by san francisco general contractor Moroso Construction

modern patio design by los angeles architect HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

contemporary dining room design by vancouver interior designer Claudia Leccacorvi

all photos from Houzz.com

Harvest Time

2011-08-05T16:29:00.000-07:00

It was harvest time in the garden...

and at Salvation Army.

Descoware

11" and 8" saute pans.

Belgium

Tea towels

Copco

Michael Lak design

Denmark

Tivoli

enamel bowl

More tea towels.

Vera tablecloth.

From a yardsale down the street.

$1.00!

More Descoware

Have a great weekend!

Oscar Niemeyer

2011-07-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

My work is not about "form follows function," but "form follows beauty" or, even better, "form follows feminine."
- Oscar Niemeyer

Palácio da Alvorada

Brasilia, Brazil

My Brasilia made by Broyhill

and inspired by the architecture of Oscar Niemeyer.

Cathedral of Brasilia

Brasilia, Brazil

Centro Cultural Oscar Niemeyer

Avilés, Spain

Completion date March 2011

http://archrecord.construction.com

Brazil Pavilion

New York Worlds Fair

1939

Lucio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer

The only house in the U.S

Strick House.

Santa Monica, California 1964

Outside Door in Shower

2011-07-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

I have been researching the idea of having an outside door

in our shower. We have a little two person spa and I think

it would be very convenient to walk directly into the shower

after getting out of the spa. It makes perfect sense to me.

I presented the idea to the architect that's drawing the plans.

He didn't seem too hot on the idea.

What do you think?

This is not the layout of our planned bath

but I couldn't separate the photo from the floor plan.

This is from Dwell magazine
From Modern Homes..

I'm not interested in the outdoor

shower, just a door to the outside.

Have any of you done this?

I'd love to hear about it.

North To Alaska

2011-07-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my sister and brother-in-law

for a wonderful time.

Hello Mr. Marmot.

My sister has a green thumb.

Alaskans know how to grow things.

This giant cabbage was in downtown Anchorage.

Thanks to my brother-in-law for

catching and preparing the salmon.

It was superb!

Copper River red salmon gravlax.

Dill-i-cious!

Caviar. WOW. Yes, he made that too.

It was served with bellinis (small buckwheat cakes)

and a dab of sour cream.

Heavenly!

Oysters ready to go into the oven.

Oysters on the half shell,

with sweet potato fries

and sourdough toast.

Enjoyed on the deck,

in Homer,

in 70 degree weather...

and lots of wine.

Somebody pinch me!

I read this book during my visit.

Heather Lende really captures the essence

of life in rural Alaska.

It brought back many memories

of life in Ketchikan, Alaska in the 70's.

GONE FISHIN'

2011-07-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Jean is slowly parting with many of her treasures.

(Remember the Christmas reflectors and lights she gave me?)

Yesterday she gave my husband her father's fishing gear.

Just in time for our trip to Alaska.

I know they must mean a lot to her or she

wouldn't have saved them all these years.

(The fishing gear, not her children)

I thought they needed a good home.

I'll tell you all about our trip to

Alaska when we get home.

Sunday Drive

2011-07-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

in the country.

Safari Chairs, Together Again

2011-07-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

I finally put all the chairs together today

after bleaching the canvas parts.

They are so simple to assemble.

It only took me about 5 hours!

Don't ask me why,

by the time I put the last one together,

it was a lead pipe cinch.

What does that mean anyway?

It's a term my mom always uses...

"Hell Jamie, that's a lead pipe cinch."

But of course,

nothing is ever a lead pipe cinch

for me.

Anyway, they're finished and I like them.

I still don't know anything about them,

but I like them.

Now....what to do with them?

Shady knows.

She likes them too.

My Current Favorite

2011-07-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

This lovely vineyard is a stones throw away from our house,

yet we never knew it was there until just recently.

It's tucked away in the hills above New Melones Reservoir.

I posted so many nasty mold pictures in that last post,

I hope I didn't chase you all away.

We attended the annual bonfire and dinner recently.

Great wine,

Delicious food,

fine company...

and music too!

Check it out if you live in the area.

Renner Winery.

Murphy's, California.

Here We Go Again!

2011-07-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned.

Hope you had a lovely holiday weekend.

The Finished Product

2011-07-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

We love our Kencraft!

Total amount spent, less than $100.

Time spent with the boy, priceless.

Artwork by son3

More artwork by son3

Their Love Was As Mobile As Their Home...

2011-06-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

My latest read.

It's always wise to educate yourself

before making a big life change.

I believe this book will prepare me

for "life in a fifth wheel".

What do you think friends?

The actual title of this book is

The Trailer Park Girls.

Author, Glenn Canary.

Published in 1962.

Okay, now on to more serious things.

To hell with making cushion covers.

Time to resort to a girl's best friend...

The Powershot by Black and Decker.

Teach your children well and you'll

never have to do it yourself...

He's already mastered the fine art of

covering cushions on the cheap.

Well done sir!

It's time for a short nap before

the next lesson....

Screen Repair 101.

He's a quick study.

One down, five more to go.

Another job well done!

I should have been a teacher, right?

I believe it's cocktail hour.

Belly up to the bar boys...

no, not you son.

Kencraft Progress

2011-06-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Last night when the mister (aka gypsy father) and I were out,

gypsy son was busy setting up the table and adding his artistic

touches to his Kencraft.

We were busy gypsy bees today.

My dear pal Heidi gave us this beautiful glass shade.

I think it's perfect.

Gypsy son finally got to hang the thrift store find,

a metal violin he spray painted white.

After failing miserably at cushion covers,

I decided to install the flooring instead.

I'll finish the rest of that today.

I know it's not vintage-y but it was free.

We put the final coat of paint

around the settee.

GF finished off the bathroom shelf.

I wish I had taken before pictures of the

rotten piece of wood that he replaced.

It was just too funky for words...or photos.

I had hardly even noticed the marbleized paneling before.

I was a little afraid to go in there.

GS scoured the shower.

I love the yellow quilted shower surround.

This was my practice run at cushion covers.

It seems so simple on other peoples blogs.

Cushion Cover Fail....

Chas thought it was funny.

Our next project will be re-screening.

There are lots of screens to be repaired

And a screen door that needs some help.

GF also fixed and replaced the trunk lid.

The End.

Come Take a Peek

2011-06-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

We've been hard at work on the roulotte.

That's what I'm calling them now.

It's all part of the gypsy thing.

I've been a hippie once already

so I guess I'll try the gypsy thing out.

Look at the squeaky clean tiles.

See the before pics here.

And the freshly sanded and stained cupboards.

Gypsy fathers are happy while watching

their gypsy sons work. See the smile?

The gypsy father spiffed up this leaky corner.

Gypsy mother painted it. Everything looks better

with a coat of white paint.

It's actually Kilz.

I accidently bought oil base.

Wicked fumes.

We now have power to us people.

The problem was a faulty extension cord.

Easy fix.

I found the original light cover

but we put the starburst on over it.

A friend who just had new flooring installed

in her kitchen, gave us the leftovers.

There's plenty to cover the whole floor.

Dirty old knobs.

Soak in water...

Add brasso and steel wool...

Voila, shiny and new again.

We found two huge drapery panels

at an estate sale.

I am contemplating covering the cushions

with the fabric. I have plenty to make

curtains too, but I think it will look a little

too circus-y. Then again....gypsies like

bright, happy colors, now don't they?

But the son will be living here.

Maybe curtains would be a little too much.

I Want To Be A Gypsy

2011-06-14T07:45:00.001-07:00

This is for my dear friend Annie B.

who is having a rough time right now.

Send some good vibes her way, will you?

Yes, I'd like to be a gypsy

and caravan through the French countryside

with a group of friends and family.

We could circle the roulottes every night,

(that's what trailers are called in France)

sit around the campfire,

eat good bread and cheese and olives,

drink wine,

and tell gypsy stories.

Who wants to come?

Some have mod bedrooms.

Some have burly bodyguards.

Some are made for two and a pooch.

Some are family size.

Some have pretty tablecloths.

Some have pretty blankets

hanging out their windows.

Some have million dollar views.

Some have drivers with odd

expressions.

Some have hidden beds.

Some come with guitars.

Some come with giant houses attached

for large parties.

Some are in the water.

Some have fabulous vintage modern furniture.

Some are in the trees.

Although this is technically not a roulotte.

Let's call it a treelotte.

Some have cowhide chairs that I'd

want to stuff in my suitcase.

All rentals in France found at Internet Holiday Ads.

Our House, the saga

2011-06-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

We had a music filled week with our

friends Mary and Russ.

Last weekend we saw a couple of my all time favorites,

Boz Scaggs and Tower of Power at the

Santa Cruz Blues Festival.

The festival was held at Aptos Village Park.

The sun came out for the day and

all of us aging hippies danced the day away...

okay, so I sat in my lawn chair and

swayed the day away.

This past week we saw Buffalo Springfield at the

beautiful Fox Theater in Oakland, California.

May I just say, Neil Young ROCKED!

And back on the homefront...

the beast was delivered...

Well almost....

Until it got stuck in the mud

and caused some major groovage

in the driveway.

It's parked in the cul de sac for

the time being waiting

to be towed to its final

resting place.

Isn't she a beaut?

I'm itching to tear out

the double Barka-loungers

and the mondo couch.

FYI....the super slide is not out,

hence the knee to knee seating.

Hell, the slide-outs add another

75 square feet!

Dang...

The washer and dryer will remain intact.

The funky mattress....

it's outta there.

The carpet...ADIOS!

So long window treatments....

your tropical woody-ness

may be our next fire starter.

Appliances, you made the cut!

Bravo! You too sink...you're in!

Hardwood flooring, you need a facelift.

So do I, but yours will be cheaper.

Where's the man with the tractor?

HELP please.

First Harvest of the Summer

2011-06-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

I pulled these giant radishes from

the garden this morning.

All the rain we've had resulted

in a pretty healthy crop so far.

The tomato plants are flowering.

The petunias are keeping them company.

I think it makes the tomato plants happy.

The peppers are thriving too.

I see lots of salsa in our future.

The jasmine is ready to pop.

It makes the garden smell heavenly.

The sun is finally out and

the temperature is rising.

I'm so ready for some sunshine.

Safari Chair

2011-05-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

I found these cool chairs at Waste Management.

They are safari chairs...that much I know.

Has anyone seen similar chairs?

They were in a heap on the floor next to

the one chair that was put together.

The canvas is very heavy, good quality

but pretty stained.

This is the bottom of the chair.

The rest of the pieces were in boxes and bags.

The leather looks really old.

I found no markings other than

Shepard on the rubber foot.

I have found several online that

were designed by Kaare Klint.

I don't think I'm that lucky...

Maybe they are vintage Target?

Anyone have any idea?

Food For Thought

2011-05-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

When you find yourself with

too much of a good thing...

from Decor Maison

One More Treasure Found

2011-05-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hidden way up in the cupboard of the Kencraft.

Doesn't that just take the cake?

Trailer Trashin' Up the Hood

2011-05-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

It appears our neighbors don't appreciate

the whole vintage trailer thing.

The meter maid paid us a call.

We have 72 hours to haul the little lady away.

That didn't stop son3 from working away.

He's making progress.

All the drawers are sanded and

ready for stain.

Mouse poop....gone!

He found lots of little treasures buried away.

Happy California Olives!

Sweet.

A pretty turquoise ashtray.

Does anybody have an Eve with

a flowered filter?

Butter is always better in a beautiful butter tray...

isn't it?

I'm feelin' the Java Jive...

What a purty peculator!

Oh slip me a slug from

that wonderful mug,

a cuppa, a cuppa, cuppa, acup.

with a chaser of Tang,

life is good!

King of the Road

2011-05-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

Written by Roger Miller in 1964

Also in 1964 ...

this 18 ft. KenCraft travel trailer

was King of the Road.

It was free on craigslist.

Come on out KC!

Don't be shy.

I had serious reservations.

It's been home to many mice for many moons....

I tried to back away, slowly...

But the Mister and the Boy

were already hitching her up.

They keep reminding me of how disgusting

The Scamp and The Aloha were.

It does have possibilities.

The appliances are in great shape.

I do love the mod room divider.

And the painted copper tile.

Okay, it's growing on me.

Did I tell you we also bought a 35 ft. fifth wheel trailer?

And did I tell you we are going to

live in it while we build our house?

And did I tell you

I'm still getting used to the idea?

We're returning to our hippie roots.

I probably need to go buy some tie dye T-shirts

and start listening to Joan Baez again.

Think I need to go Chug-a-lug.

More Under Five Finds

2011-05-19T18:09:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to take a

decent photograph lately

which hinders the frequency

of my posting...

so I give up.

Here are some recent acquisitions.

A very strange vase that compliments

the leggy Graduate album cover

A duo of cool trays

that I know nothing about.

I'll bet Dana from

Mid2Mod knows.

Check out her blog....Wow!

I found the match to my

little onion lamp the other day.

Can you believe that?

Another lamp from another yard sale.

It's beginning to look like a lamp store in here.

Couldn't pass it up.

I found these placemats and

linen napkins at the same

yardsale where I found the trays.

I bought this purely for nostalgic reasons.

I had one for years,

carried it with me everywhere.

My own personal coffee maker.

It was only $2.00.

I may start traveling again,

just so I can carry it with me.

A Penchant For the Weird

2011-05-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we stopped by the

Waste Management Recycle Store.

We headed back there the

first thing this morning.

The Mister and I saw this yesterday....

and both woke in the middle of the night

knowing we had to have it.

Weird. We're not sure

what we'll do with it.

But somehow it fits into the plans.

In the garden perhaps.

A potting table/sink?

I see terra cotta pots piled

on either end.

Or maybe an outdoor kitchen..

Under a pergola with lots of twinkie lights

and a huge wooden table with

lots of mismatched chairs.

For a very brief moment we even

thought about putting it inside the house.

I don't thing we need a triple sink though.

And it doesn't exactly go along

with the MCM thing.

We just like it.

We'll figure out what to do

with it later.

Do you ever find yourself

strangely drawn to something

that's a little weird?

Wagons Ho!

2011-05-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

The wagons are circled again..

this time they're level and weed free.

Pa sharpened the chainsaw and

fired it up again...

We threw some wood chips down

and it looks like a real campsite now.

Get along little doggies,

go on now...

and keep an eye on that fire.

while we eat some grub.

Yippee ki yay!

This Week

2011-04-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

We visited Ironstone Vineyard.

It was my birthday so my husband

gave me a few thousand tulips.

Too many to bring home.

We thought it best to leave them there.

Isn't this a beautiful ranunculus?

These are my favorites.

While we were there,

someone was here pushing dirt around.

You can kind of see where

the house will be.

Our livingroom will look out at the trees.

I see up lighting in their future.

It's a start.

Right?

In the meantime,

it's our own private campground.

The Scamp and the Aloha

have taken their places again.

I'll post pictures of the circled wagons soon.

Phoebe Snow

2011-04-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

Goodbye friend.

Seattle Spectacular

2011-04-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Replinger Hossner Osolin

Incredible abodes in one of my very favorite cities...

Ready, Set, Go

2011-04-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again.

Man the mower...

Thread the weed whacker...

Time to blaze a new trail.

Clear the grass around the Scamp.

Drop the weed wacker and run for

the Aloha when the rain begins.

The mister is out there somewhere.

Bogged down.

Mower stuck...again.

Guess we'll enjoy the wild flowers

and wait for the rain to let up.

And admire our new

Waste Management scores.

Count the logs in the wood pile.

Wow, that was hard work.

Nice and tidy again.

happy eARTh day

2011-04-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

Spiral Jetty (1970)

Robert Smithson

Great Salt Lake, Utah

Andy Goldsworthy

Hamiltonmagazine.com

Bob Verschueren

X111/08 (2008)

Royal Botanical gardens

Nils-Udo

Clemson Clay Nest (2008)

Royal Botanical Gardens

Gems In The Hood

2011-04-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Mister is in the real estate business...

The downside...well that's pretty obvious...

The upside....we have a key to all the vacant

homes on the market....and we can lurk to our

hearts content. This weekend we went a-lurking.

We saw two homes and both were a hit.

The first home was this spanish beauty.

The front porch wrapped in wisteria welcomed us.

The tile floors and brick fireplace said

"Come on in and sit a spell"...

Check out this gorgeous chandelier.

Beautiful hand hewn beams overhead.

A cozy fireplace.

Original tile...

This wall was originally the outside wall

but was later enclosed.

I love the arched doorway.

An indoor barbecue was once

an outdoor barbecue.

Walking into this bathroom

was a holy S#*@ moment.

My camera did not do it justice.

Can you imagine waking up in this bedroom?

All the door latches were original

and absolutely beautiful.

Okay, so if you want to buy it,

bring your tool belt and $250,000

and it's all yours.

Second up, an MCM charmer.

I was immediately smitten with the fireplace...

and the wall of windows...

Original cabinetry and hardware...

I like it.

The stair railing looked pretty deco.

And it still had the Nutone Radio Intercom System intact!

About the same price as the Spanish Senorita.

Nice!

A Little Detour

2011-04-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

Son #3 and I took a trip to Berkeley last weekend.

We had a slightly confusing detour

in one of the (cow)towns along the way....

because it was Rodeo Weekend...

and EVERYTHING stops for the rodeo.

Once we made it to Berkeley

our first stop was Rasputin Music...

"Keep'n the bay area bump'n since 1971"

If you're a vinyl junkie,

you'll go crazy in this place.

Second stop was Scandinavian Design Store

on Shattuck Avenue. Wow!

Next up was The Starving Musician .

My son would have gladly camped out here.

He begrudgingly carried on

to our next stop.

This store was my personal favorite.

Modernaire on Dwight Way

is a(n) MCM's dream.

You can view a video here.

I could have camped out here the rest of the day.

We spied some interesting places

on the way back to the hotel.

Really??

We ogled over some

magnificent MCM architecture.

This building houses the

U.C. Berkeley career center.

We ate Thai food that was so very delicious

and dragged ourselves back to the

Downtown Berkeley Inn,

a very reasonably priced hotel with a modern flair.

(photo @tripadvisor.com)

The following morning we rode

BART (bay area rapid transit)

to the Oakland Museum of California.

it is considered to be one of the most

significant architectural examples of

mid century modernism in the United States.

(photo above and below @ topboxcdesign.com)

There was so much to see

I could go on forever but I won't.

Here are some highlights.

(Charles and Ray Eames exhibit.)

(Kem Weber airline chair. 1934-35)

(Sam Maloof setee. 1969)

(Arthur Espenet Carpenter. Rib Chair. 1968)

)

Plywood and vinyl seating is placed

throughout the museum...

(form follows function)

I needed to rest !

What a trip.

PEACE!

(Big Peace IV. Tony Labat. 2008)

I'm in the dumps...

2011-04-12T19:52:00.001-07:00

Waste Management warehouse that is...

and look what I find.

Original oil painting on canvas.

It's not perfect but for $12.00,

What the heck?

Who would take this to the dumps?

Fun Folding Find

2011-04-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

2011-04-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

I'm taking my son to Berkeley this weekend.

We plan on visiting Berkeley Art Museum (BAM)

and Oakland Museum of California.

(onlyinoakland.com)

I was told they have several Charles and Ray Eames

pieces. Unfortunately I'm about three years late

for "The Birth of Cool". Darnit!

We will visit the shops on Telegraph Avenue.

And visit People's Park for old times sake.

I found myself in the middle of a riot there,

quite by accident, back in 1969.

It was not a pretty sight.

Read more about the People's Park Riots here.

I was 16, driving through the city with a couple

friends to check out what all the hoopla on the news

was about. We nearly were caught in the crossfire.

What were we thinking?

If my mother had known,

I would have been grounded FOREVER!

Do you think this girl's mother found out?

photos Rolling Stone Magazine June 14, 1969

To Bit of Butter

2011-04-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit embarrassed....

I have a nasty habit of heisting photos

from google search without

giving credit where credit is due.

This lovely fondue pot was found here.

If you can't find it there now,

It's because it just became part of my collection.

Thanks to Bit of Butter

I'll take a picture when it arrives.

I found my camera today too.

It was hiding in a basket of magazines.

My Latest Obsession

2011-04-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

Paisley Enamelware.

I found a few pieces at local thrift stores at very reasonable prices.

Now I'm hooked.

I'll take some photos of my collection

as soon as I find my camera.

It's temporarily misplaced.

Taxes Finis

2011-04-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

Finito, furtig, terminado, fardiga.

In other words....done.

Think I'll buzz over to Boise and

catch a little R & R after that session.

What do you think?

Anyone care to join me?

This is where I'd stay...

This photo of Modern Hotel is courtesy of TripAdvisor

I'd throw my suitcase down here.

and plant my behind here...

Then I'd order up a couple of these.

Maybe I'd do a little blogging in my spare time.

Sounds like a plan.

A Very Taxing Time

2011-04-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

April 15 is approaching rapidly.

I am not opposed to paying my fair share, however...

gathering all the necessary paperwork to

take to the accountant is way too taxing!

Another Mid Century Marvel

2011-03-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

Built in 1955 for Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee.

(correction, rented by Bobby and Sandra

when they first married)

Latest Finds

2011-03-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hand stitched quail pillow.

I love her "come hither" look.

And he looks somewhat startled.

Original oil painting of Kalopa Homestead,

Hawaii. Dated on back 1938.

Hanging ceramic planter.

Stacking velvet pillows

in sunny colors.

Bullet shade floor lamp (1960's)

in perfect condition.

Mod wooden candle holders.

Sensible Shoes...I Won't Do It!!

2011-03-21T20:51:00.001-07:00

As we get older...

Along with "the wisdom",

comes all kinds of aches and pains.

You make adjustments here and there,

to accommodate this new/old body.

However.... there is one place, I will never go.

I'll scream out in pain with each step I take,

before I'll ever wear these....

EVER

Comfort at the dining table however,

is something that I have

been considering lately.

I love my Dux chairs,

Really I do.

But they don't feel so great

on my back.

I think these chairs look inviting,

and sensible.

The tufted backs on these chairs

appeal to me, and my back.

I think I could set a spell on these

jewel colored beauties too.

And these chairs

have a place for weary arms.

And these comfy whites

scream out how very unsensible they are.

Makes sense to me.

He's In The Navy Now

2011-03-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

It's been an emotional week here.

Son #2 flew the coup...left the nest....started a new life.

He's in the Navy now.

I just don't know how to feel about that...

Happy

Sad

Excited

Scared

Proud

You name it...I've been there.

More Shag

2011-03-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

The art of Josh Agle aka SHAG.

Wacky, Whimsical, Wonderful...

Funny Email From My Sister-In-Law

2011-03-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

(author unknown)

If you are 36, or older, you might think this is hilarious!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning....Uphill... Barefoot.... BOTH ways...yadda, yadda, yadda

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on my kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But now that I'm over the ripe old age of forty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia! And I hate to say it, but you kids today, you don't know how good you've got it!

1) I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the damn library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!

2) There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there! Stamps were 10 cents!

3) Child Protective Services didn't care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our ass! Nowhere was safe!

4) There were no MP3's or Napsters or iTunes! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself!

5) Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up! There were no CD players! We had tape decks in our car. We'd play our favorite tape and "eject" it when finished, and then the tape would come undone rendering it useless. Cause, hey, that's how we rolled, Baby! Dig?

6) We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal, that's it!

7) There weren't any freakin' cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn't make a damn call or receive one. You actually had to be out of touch with your "friends". OH MY GOSH !!! Think of the horror... not being in touch with someone 24/7!!! And then there's TEXTING. Yeah, right. Please! You kids have no idea how annoying you are.

8) And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, the collection agent... you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

9) We didn't have any fancy PlayStation or Xbox video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your screen guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination!!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen.. Forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

10) You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your ass and walk over to the TV to change the channel!!! NO REMOTES!!! Oh, no, what's the world coming to?!?!

11) There was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying? We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little rat-bastards!

12) And we didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove! Imagine that!

13) And our parents told us to stay outside and play... all day long. Oh, no, no electronics to soothe and comfort. And if you came back inside.... you were doing chores!

And car seats - oh, please! Mom threw you in the back seat and you hung on. If you were lucky, you got the "safety arm" across the chest at the last moment if she had to stop suddenly, and if your head hit the dashboard, well that was your fault for calling "shot gun" in the first place!

See! That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled rotten! You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1970 or any time before!

Regards,
The Over 40 Crowd
(Send this to someone you'd like to make smile)

Feel free to add your gripe!

Max Factor's Private Compound

2011-03-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

In the heart of Palm Springs.

Built in the late 50′s and virtually untouched.

Seven large 1 bedroom bungalow apartments

surrounding a triangular pool.

Dramatic views of mountains and palm trees.

Walking DIstance from shops and Palm Canyon.

$795,000.

Let's go people....crack open those piggy banks.

I think we can swing it!

This is my idea of a senior complex.

Martini anyone?

Let There Be Light

2011-03-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

The kitchen in the house we are planning faces south.

I love a kitchen flooded with natural light so

we have decided to eliminate the upper cabinets

and in their place create a wall of windows.

We have also included a sizable pantry in the plan

to compensate for the lost storage.

We won't use mullioned windows since they

are such a pane/pain to wash and because

we want an unobstructed view.

I do love the way they look in this kitchen though.

I also love the blue cabinetry.

I really love when the windows are

right down to the counter tops.

I don't know if that's possible since the

outlets need to go somewhere.

I love the lamp in the corner of this kitchen.

Not having upper cabinets makes that possible.

I think this kitchen is lovely.

I said before though, that we will go light

on the tile, so this kitchen is probably not

in our future.

I love the fun lighting in this kitchen.

How high do you suppose the ceilings are?

The plans we are working on have standard 8 ft. ceilings.

I may change that.

The windows will most definitely open.

I do love a breeze coming through the kitchen.

On the opposite side of the wall of windows,

is where the dining room will be located.

There will be a large window there as well so we

can capture a nice breeze through the house.

Classy Clutter

2011-02-26T17:23:00.000-08:00

I Think This Is Worth A Second Post

2011-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Hormone Guide

The Hormone Guide
Women will understand this!
Men should memorize it!

Every woman knows that there are days when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his hands! This is a handy guide that should be carried like a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other!

DANGEROUS

SAFER

SAFEST

ULTRA SAFE

What's for
dinner?

Can I help you
with dinner?

Where would you like
to go for dinner?

Here, have some wine.

Are you
wearing that?

You sure
look good in brown!

WOW! Look at you!

Here, have some wine

What are you
so worked up about?

Could we be
overreacting?

Here's my paycheck.

Here, have some wine..

Should you be
eating that?

You know, there are
a lot of apples left.

Can I get you a piece
of chocolate with that?

Here, have some wine.

What did you
DO all day?

I hope you didn't
over-do it today.

I've always loved you
in that robe!

Here, have some wine.

I posted this in November of 2009.
I don't know who wrote it so I can't give
them credit but I think it's hilarious.
Have a hormonious day.
Then go pour yourself a tall one.

Get Up Offa That Thang!

2011-02-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

Lately I've had my slug on...

I'm trying to get my James on....

I'm wanting to feel the Twiggy...

But I'm feeling the Totie...

(no offense Totie...love ya!)

Where's my Jane???

Get up offa that thang!

Give me some inspiration people!

What do you do?

Now scroll back up and watch

that hot, hot, hot, saxophone player

and James' slick moves.

Why didn't he ever make a workout tape?

Rain

2011-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

The weather turned from spring to fall.

I love the smell of rain.

Priscilla Ahn

Rain

Listen...

2011-02-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

Do you want to know a secret?

The mister was not my first Valentine.

He doesn't know that my

heart belonged to someone else.

Four someone elses actually.

Here I am with my guys back in the 60's.

Then I found out they were stepping out on me...

Giving gifts to any hussy that walked through the door....

Ha...from us to you....all 500 of you!

I forgave them.

Bygones.

This is what the mister is getting for Valentines Day.

"When I'm Sixty-four"....

not so far off anymore.

Listening to my old Valentines with my now Valentine.

Life is good.

Happy Valentines Day.

Get Your Red On

2011-02-12T01:15:00.000-08:00

Check Out My Swag...

2011-02-11T16:14:00.000-08:00

Is it swingin' or what?

(Did you spot Freida in the tree?)

I found it at a local thrift store for $7.50,

more than I usually pay for a lamp...

but worth it, I think.

I found a similar lamp on Flickr here.

And this one just like mine on ebay .

San Francisco Again

2011-02-09T15:03:00.001-08:00

It must be time for a trip to my city-by-the-bay.

Right after my post on Villa Roma, I found this...

sitting outside of the thrift store.

It hadn't even made it inside.

I think it belongs here.

This Hip Kat

came home the same day...

Made in Brazil.

Villa Roma Motor Lodge and Cocktail Lounge

2011-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Location: North Beach

San Francisco, California

Architects: Anshen and Allen

Year:1962

Sadly, no longer there.

Murphy Bed Then and Now

2011-02-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

The house that we are

planning will have two bedrooms.

We vacillated back and forth on the number of

bedrooms and have decided we only need two.

The second bedroom will be a multi-use room

so we have been talking about building a Murphy Bed.

Coincidentally, yesterday at the hardware store

a clerk, out of the blue, told us about the original

Murphy Bed she had. Evidently they were mass produced

in response to the 1907 San Francisco earthquake.

When I researched the Murphy Bed Company

I found out the gentleman who started it all

was born in Columbia, about 5 minutes

from where we live.

Isn't that cool?

Here are a few very cool Murphy Beds

that I found on Apartment Therapy.

I like the way this one folds down

over a small couch.

I wonder if they take the

stuff off the shelf everytime

or if it's glued on?

I like the clean lines

on this one.

This looks like it's freestanding.

Nice.

Did I mention she is selling her bed?

I think we may need to check it out.

To read more go to The Murphy Bed Co.

Snipey Sunday

2011-02-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Today is super bowl Sunday...

Not a big deal in this house but

it got me thinking about "man caves" and

the whole idea of playrooms for men.

These caves seem to be growing in popularity

and it is a little puzzling to me.

Do men really need a place to escape

from their families?

And where exactly are the women?

Upstairs taking care of the children while

the men play cards or watch football?

Or do these homes also have

woman caves so the gals can escape

from the pressures of everyday life and the kids?

And if the man is in his cave, and the woman is in her cave,

do the children have their own caves to escape

the nagging parental units?

Or do the boy children go to the man caves

and the girl children go to the woman caves?

Train them early perhaps?

Maybe I should find someplace

to watch the game so I wouldn't

be thinking of stupid stuff like this.

Life before Mid Century Modern

2011-02-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

and what we've learned along the way.

Before we moved into town we lived here.

(click on photo for detail)

We raised our kids here and learned

a few things along the way.

We learned what we can live with...

and a few things we can live without.

A comfortable outdoor space

is at the top of our list.

We lived on this deck most of the year.

One can never have too many twinkie lights

and an outdoor fireplace or fire pit really

extends the outdoor season.

We grew herbs and tomatoes in containers right

outside the dining room door.

It was very convenient and the breeze

sent delicious fragrances inside.

I love the smell of basil.

We love big windows, lots of them, and

rooms that open to the outdoors, and to each other.

Shortly after we moved in, we removed the wall

that divided the dining area

and the living room.

We also took out a slate wall

and wood stove that was where the

large middle window is..

I'm not sure what our style was then.

I think we were moving from "southwest"

to "mediterranean" via mexican restaurant(ish).

We added the wainscotting and painted it lime green.

People either were totally puzzled by the

color scheme or they really liked it.

We learned to be daring with color.

If we didn't like it, we could paint over it.

I painted our dining room table black

and the window sills red.

I loved opening the french doors in the

dining room while I cooked.

It brought in the view and a nice

breeze on the warm summer days.

We bought a tile cutter and learned how to tile.

The floor in the master bath

was my first tile project.

Chuck did the shower.

I attempted to and felt like Lucy Ricardo.

The tiles kept sliding down the wall

and I was holding them up with

both feet and both hands.

I used the leftover tile

to tile a little niche where

the medicine cabinet was removed.

We learned that we probably will

not have this much tile in our next home.

Grout is not my friend.

I don't want to be stooped over a tub

scrubbing grout when I'm eighty.

We'll go for the solid surface shower

surround next time around.

Low maintenance is where it's at.

We learned that if you have good redwood decking

that has been painted and doesn't look so great anymore,

you can flip the boards over and it will look new again.

From that we learned we will not have any

decking in our next home.

It will be ground level with patios or

decomposed granite.

Decks are too much maintenance.

We also learned that we like kitchen islands....

even if they're tiny.

A Pleasant Surprise

2011-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

arrived today from a land far, far away.

Whatever could it be?

In such a lovely wrapper.

It's the beautiful fabric

that I once admired here.

Well, not exactly there,

but that is one of my favorite posts.

She is so very funny and clever!

Don't you just love the colors?

Freida loves it as much as I do.

This may be a problem.

Gorden is pretending he doesn't care.

He's just waiting for Frieda to leave

so he can have a turn.

Thank you MMMC.

You're a pal.

Olive Love

2011-01-28T07:30:00.000-08:00

Someday, we'll have olive trees on our property.

There are several across the street.

I wonder how difficult they are to propagate.

Don't you think they're beautiful?

Also a little messy.

I can live with that.

Made in Brazil

2011-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.

Marcio Kogan, architect.

Concrete, wood and glass.

See slide show of Paraty House here.