Imagine her excitement when she opens her gift!
I mean c'mon, what does she like better than vacuuming? And with a Hoover!
I'm guessing she won't be able to find words to express her true feelings for you at that moment.
You better hope not anyway, at least until the kids are out of earshot.
Here's another one:
Not just a mop...a sponge mop, and such a deal at less than $4.00.
Ah, the good ol' days when you could please the little lady for next to nothing right up until she took you to the cleaners in divorce court.
No need to thank me.
And while we're on the subject of lost causes:
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| the biden presidency in a picture: help! I've fallen and can't get up |
That's what happened recently to the so-called National Christmas tree at La Casa Blanca.
What does it mean?
In "Kowboy Korner", I'm pleased to present this impressive bull ride by one of my grandsons:
He's definitely gaining on it; that's his best / longest ride yet.
And did you notice? He landed on his feet.
O to be young again!
Well...no, actually, that's not true.
Climbing on top of 1200 pounds of enraged bovine fury is nothing I ever would have attempted, even in my wild and misspent youth.
I humbly bow before his courage and applaud his improvement.
Now enough already Ike, before you break something you need, like your body!
Kids these days...
...a style common from the 1890's through 1930.
They were available as mail order kits from both Sears...
...and Montgomery Ward:
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| not positive what a "homelike home" is, but there you have it |
Just as the sleek, minimalist mid century modern style was a reaction to and rejection of the rich exuberance of art deco, so the American Foursquare homes were a stark break from the ornate Victorian style of the 1800's.
No frills and space efficient, they were a popular and inexpensive choice for both urban and rural settings.
Even the gorgeous Gatsby home Karen and I toured a few years ago...
...has obvious traits of the American Foursquare tradition.
So why would we trade our lovely mid century modern classic for a 4square?
Well...we might not; we do love this home, and we're definitely not finished with its restoration.
It's more of a notion than a plan at this point, but if we did opt for a 4square, it would be to delve into the art deco motif.
We like mid century modern; we're not obsessed with it.
But we also appreciate the aforementioned "rich exuberance" of art deco design, and we do have quite a few items from that era:
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| sparton bluebird and colonial globe radios from the 1930's |
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| 1927 Western Electric model 102-B1 phone |
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| various and sundry Ronson style lighters and cigarette holders from the 20's and 30's, a 1939 world's fair "trylon and perisphere" teapot, and a 1920s flapper |
It wouldn't be hard to transform the decor from 4square plain to roaring 20's.
A few lighting, furniture and appliance touches...
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| a man cave special, this would never see the inside of our 4square kitchen |
 |
| ditto on this 1920's stove...you know what will freeze over before Karen agreed to cook on one of these |
There are some modern refrigerators and stoves with a retro look and feel, so those might be an option.
At Christmastime, we'd send out art deco cards...
...and trade out our aluminum tree for something more period correct...
I can see this home in a rural setting with some land, but not so many oak trees...
...so we're not drowning in leaves every fall.
Time will tell...all filed under "possibilities" for now.
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| and he still dresses for the office |
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| perfect form |
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| snowed this week, but melted now |
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| bonus room tree...needs a santa hat |
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| another grueling day at the leisure acres home for wayward felines |
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| things are winding down... |
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| ...at Larry's cottage for another season |
The Christmas rush is on, with just a shade over 3 weeks until the big day.
In all the seasonal panic, try to remember why we celebrate the day:
later, mcm fans...
* Crass Commercialism Corner *
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