Our Simple Lives...

In-Home Visitation Rights

2013-09-26T13:03:00.000-04:00

If you haven't figured it out by now, I love finding out where the furniture, that I sell, eventually goes. And if you've been paying attention, you know that Buyers will at times, send photos of the furniture in place.

Well recently, I got the opportunity to stop in and visit my Furniture.

When I fist started buying/selling furniture back in March or April, I picked up what I thought were the coolest chrome and wood veneer end tables that I've ever seen. So I was anxious to showcase them thinking that they added real class to my Inventory. But no one bought them on Craigstlist. Then, I opened my Etsy Site and although I received a lot of inquiries, no one purchased them there either. Eventually, fellow Blogger, Mike, inquired about them and was about to help me out by making a Pity Purchase(I'll take whatever I can get), but then he said that they wouldn't work out for him either.

Then last month, I was invited to a Furniture Open House, hosted by my Friend, Lyssa of Off Main. I brought several of my things. Nothing sold. Lyssa was kind enough to let me keep my things down there because she has real human traffic(not human trafficking!!!) where I do not.

While nothing sold there, I had a good time and Lyssa allowed me to keep my items in her Shop. The following week, I started to sell those things, on Etsy, that I left down there. So I had to run back down to Baltimore and bring it all back. While everything was still in my van, I went to work on Monday.

While there and via Etsy, I received an inquiry from a woman indicating that she loved these tables and she also lived in Harrisburg! I told her that a guy in Manhattan was inquiring too(true, I don't lie) so she rushed to my house to see them in person. Well, she bought them! And on her Etsy receipt, I noticed that she lived a block from my office.

So when she was contacting me, I could have walked out of my office at Lunch and yelled down the street:
"HEY AUDRY...., YOU WANNA BUY MY TABLES"?
"YEAH"!!!
"YOU WANT ME TO BRING 'EM DOWN"?
"YEAH"!!!
"ALRIGHT, BE THERE IN A SEC"!

Now here's the deal, since forever, I wanted to see the inside of that house. And I wasn't about to let an opportunity like this go away. So I contacted her and asked if I could come see, walk around, photograph, and blog about it. And you'll never guess what she said. Yeah, that's right, she agreed!

And not only did she say that I could come down, she even made me lunch!

So we had lunch and I got on with my House Beautiful Photo Shoot. The funny thing is, is that I actually set out to photograph the funny, time period, sort of odd things about this house. And when I took a look at these photos, one, those photos didn't come out, and two, the beautiful parts of the house did.

So I thought that I would share with you how gorgeous her home is. And get this, she has only lived there for six months! I have moving boxes that I still haven't opened from my last three moves over a ten year period!

This house is total Class and Audry fits right in there. I'm kinda hoping that her kids piss her off over the years and she Wills the house to me. Yeah, that's me being subtle. ha!

But seriously, Audry has it decorated so gorgeously and if I were a grown-up, this is how I'd want my house to look too.

Right down to the original built-in paper towel holder.

Audry, thank you for buying my tables, opening up your home to me and my Readers, feeding me(I love that!) and, for that great Feedback you left on my Site. Yeah, I saw it!

Audry's Friend, m.

Brasilia, Part Two

2013-09-23T12:02:00.000-04:00

You know I told you I was hooked on Brasilia. I also mentioned that I am training my eye to spot it wherever I go.

So very shortly after I posted that china cabinet about two weeks back, I discovered this buffet for sale. The Ad photo wasn’t the best photo ever taken but I could make out what it was. So I immediately contacted the person and arranged pick up.

Now I also told you before how Fred has started to help me out. He really is and this time, he did the running for me because I’m trapped at work. You know, providing for my Family and crap like that. Being a State Worker is hard.

So Fred ran down and met the woman selling the cabinet at her storage unit. He called me from the road and asked me to Google local lumber yards. Yes, Fred actually buys lumber and builds stuff. So I did.

When I got home that night, I was so excited to see the buffet and so as I pulled into the drive way, behind the minivan, I hit the remote to open the hatch. And there, piled under 5 gazillion 2 x 4s was my buffet. I almost puked. Of course, I could only see the end of the buffet so I had no idea what it was going to look like once Fred unloaded his lumber. You know what, I can’t even believe I’m writing about lumber right now.

Anyway, so he removes his lumber yard purchases and out pops one of the most beautiful buffets I’ve seen so far. Yes, the cabinet was untouched by raw boards rubbing up against it. I fell to my knees and thanked God and all the furniture Saints. By the way, who is the patron Saint of High End Furniture???

Now for the bad news. The buffet is spoken for. That’s right, I get you all hooked and then tell you you can’t have it. I’m awful, I admit it! But here’s the deal. The woman who purchased the china cabinet said that she was looking for more Brasilia pieces as well. And because I just so happened to have another cabinet… Yes, she bought both and they will be delivered to her on Wednesday. I’ll ask if I can get a couple of photos out of her to post.

Okay, so now I got my eye on another piece that I see advertised. I think it may need a ton of work but we’ll see if we can handle it.

Thanks for looking! m.
Your Friend, m.
Hermans Steel Garage

Plycraft Eames style Lounge Chair and Ottoman

2013-09-18T15:57:00.002-04:00

Wanna play?

Me: Cher, Michael Jackson…

You: Great Performers?

Me: No! Joan Rivers, Bruce Jenner, this chair…

You: Things that have had a ton of work done on them!

Me: Ding Ding Ding!

Yes, this chair has been through a lot. It started out as pale Redneck porch chair and became a highly polished posh chair that possibly is even too good for me to own. I know, odd, right? When I found this chair, it was marked as “In Excellent Condition”.

The photo was alright but I knew what type of chair that it was/is and, since it was marked as “Excellent”, I rushed to get it. And when I arrived, the place was, seriously, in the back hills and it was pretty scary. Then of course, out of the van pops me and all my black children onto what look like the set of Deliverance. And yes, I don’t mean to turn you off but they were actually using it as a porch chair. And it didn't take a close inspection to figure out that it was not as advertised. Still, the price was right so I threw it in the back of the mini-van. And as the banjo music started to play, we sped out of there!

Now, fast forward a month and this is what you get, possibly the prettiest chair that I've advertised so far. If you recall, it was this type of chair that inspired me to start selling furniture as an ongoing hobby.

As mentioned, this chair has had a lot of work done to it. The chrome is now rust free and shines like a Mo-Fo, the wood, where necessary, has been sanded down and oiled to give it this shine. The leather, although perfect, was heavily polished and condition and the best part, Fred took the seat apart, removed a 1” piece of hidden leather and wrapped it around a new button where one was missing. I dare you to try to figure out which one was replaced.

Right now, I’ll take a moment to give Fred a huge shout-out for helping me to bring this chair back to (and beyond) life. If it weren't for him, I would have stopped when I was done with the chrome. So thanks Fred!

There is no tag but I’m pretty certain that this chair is Plycraft. But does that matter to you? Let me tell you something, I’ve recently learned that a tag on furniture is very important. It can make or break a deal. I've learned this the hard way.

So, if you love your Husband, or, you’re just a really bad-ass chick with amazing style, you need to buy this chair. No, for real, you Need too! Don’t you want to be like the cool kids?

Plycraft Lounge Chair - $520.00

Thanks for looking!
m.
Hermans Steel Garage

Vintage Rattan Stools

2013-09-16T12:35:00.001-04:00

Alright, I'll admit it; I'm no expert in telling Rattan from Wicker. So maybe these are one or the other or a combination of both. Who knows! Or maybe you do? If so, help me out here before I post them to Etsy. I like to pretend I know what I'm talking about sometimes.

Anyway, when I saw these advertised, and knew that I would be in that general area, I made contact, drove down and picked these, and other things, up and brought them home.

I really can't get past how cute they are. And I'm trying to imagine the room that they were originally purchased for over four decades ago. Yes, the closest I can get to a date is the late 60's/early 70s. There is a gold foil label that reads "Made in Taiwan, Republic of China" but that's not been any help. I also tried Googling the SMC that is engraved on each stool but couldn't find anything on that either.

All of these stools are in Excellent Condition. Not a piece of wicker/rattan out of place and the chrome is nice and shiny. If any repairs were made, it was decades ago.

Now, back to where these should be placed... These wouldn't work in my house. I'm way too uptight to have something this casual going on. Maybe once Fred tosses me to the curb, he'll bring this look into the house. But while I'm still living here, it's not going to happen. Don't get me wrong, these stools are fantastic! I just like things a little dressier.

I'm thinking if you have some sort of beach or earthy Pottery Barn look going on and you're not as weird as I am with formality and stuff like that, these would totally work for you. And here's the good thing, these aren't just beautiful, they are also strong and will last another 40 years if you love 'em like the last owners did.

Vintage Rattan Wicker Stools $260.00(Group of 4)

Thanks for looking!
Your Friend, m.
Herman's Steel Garage

Brasilia China Cabinet

2013-09-04T12:41:00.000-04:00

Are you drooling yet?

If not, you should be. If I may be so bold, this piece is Amazing! Oh, and sorry about the reflection in the glass highlighting all the junk in my garage. I think I actually took this photo while balancing on a Big Wheel. So see, it's not easy. I could have broken my neck for you people!

Alright, as is my standard practice, I did my five minutes of Google research on this Line and now I'm an expert. Which means that I can impress you with my "vast" knowledge of information. Okay, it wasn't that difficult. I stumbled across this Site for Brasilia and they seem to know what they are talking about since it's the only thing they sell. Go check out their stuff on Ebay, gorgeous items! But back on their website was this brochure.

My cabinet is the under Dining Room right on the top.

Seriously, until a few weeks ago, I had no idea what Brasilia was. And then Lyssa of Off Main was going on and on about her vintage Brasilia piece and at first I was like, "Girl, I don't want see your Brasilia! Save that stuff for your husband!". But then she informed me that she was talking about her credenza. And then I was all "Cool, that's much better, go on!".

They could be earrings, couldn't they!

So after she cleared up that misunderstanding, I trained my eye to spot these pieces. And soon after that, I found an entire bedroom set advertised and I shot the link to Lyssa who scooped it up. Didn't have time to do it myself and I figured that one of us should take advantage.

And then last week, as I was trolling through the local Ads(for furniture, thank you very much!), I came across this pretty baby. I was now a Brasilia Believer! Soon, everything I own will be Brasilia until I'm so sick of it that I pull it out onto the curb for trash day. Yes, I'm that hooked!

No chips, missing pieces or broken glass anywhere. Some minor lines mostly around the feet where maybe a vacuum cleaner rubbed up against it.

But overall, for vintage, I'm giving it a perfect 10! If you worry about those those minor things, I'll give it a 9.5. But c'mon, I bet when you hit 60, you'll have a few lines on you too and you'll be thrilled if someone called you a "Perfect 10".

So there you go! My first Our Simple Lives/Hermans Steel Garage Post. What do you think?

Alright, now I'm gonna go back out to the garage and fondle my old Brasilia.

Your Friend, m.

Brasilia China Cabinet - $750.00

Herman's Steel Garage

p.s. And folks, I missed you too. m.

OFF MAIN

2013-09-03T12:42:00.001-04:00

Hello? Does anyone still read this Blog? I know, I've been awful in not updating it. And I'll get to that at the end. But today I decided to write about this past Saturday. Last week, Lyssa of Off Main invited me down near Baltimore to join her in her Open House. I was to bring a few of my things along to mix in with her own items. I was so excited by the Invitation and immediately said Yes!

So the Friday before, I packed my minivan with as much as I could and then drove back from my Dad's Garage. You know, my Dad, Herman! Anyway, when I got home I realized that I forgot to pack the tall table and barstools which was the main thing that I wanted to pack. I've had these stools now on my site for forever and although they are super cute, and lots of folks "Favor" them on Etsy, no one has even made an offer.

So I unpacked the car and left the Overman Chair at home.

Lyssa's Shop is just so cute. All kinds of furniture and tons of little accessories. There's something for everyone! So between her and her husband, Kel, they made room and added my pieces right in there.

Anyone remember this chair that I picked up at Auction? I left it behind at Off Main and Lyssa sold it for me.

And while people were coming in and out and Lyssa sold a number of things, I sold squat! And I don't know if you're familiar with "squat" or not, but it ain't good! Yes, I would have loved to have sold something but at the same time, being there gave me an experience that I totally needed.

I'm dreaming about opening up a Shop one day filled with glorious vintage pieces. But right now, it's kind of difficult. You know, job, kids, well I guess that's it! But you know that that stuff is huge, right! And Lyssa is a crazy woman when it comes to buying and selling. I told her that she works too hard and she denies it. But her husband agrees with me so you tell me who's right? In fact, she said that after her Open House, she was taking a week off. I kid you not, the very next day, she emailed me photos of some other things she bought, with the heading, "You're Right". Um, I knew that already.

But it doesn't stop there. A couple of hours into the Open House, another on-line Friend, Joan, came to visit me. People, both of these women are who I call my Mentors. I met Joan, on-line, back in the Spring, when I started, and between the two of them, they have provided me with such a wealth of information. Oh, and get this, if you don't know, and I've figured it out the hard way, buying and selling Vintage Furniture is cut-throat. Both of them told me this but I had to figure it out myself. But with these two, we share listings with each other if it makes sense that one of us could get to the piece faster or easier. How cool is that! Although Joan's items are pretty "bourgie". Yeah, Girlfriend's big time!

Joan, me and Lyssa

Lyssa, thank you so much for this opportunity. I had a great time at your Shop and I loved meeting your Family. And Joan, thank you tons for driving on up just to meet me. Both of you are great and I look forward in working with you for years to come.

Okay then, here's the deal. As you can tell, I haven't written a bit here since last month. And only every now and then, do I even miss it. But then I keep thinking, will I one day regret that I've given up on this Journal? But then on the other hand, I'm busy photographing and writing about furniture. So since this is how I'm evolving, and our Green Card Horror Story is in the past, I've decided to mix the two together. So at this point, I'm assuming that this Blog will be a total combination of my Family Life(Our Simple Lives) and Furniture(Herman's Steel Garage). That's my thought anyway. It could all blow up in my face and I'll move on from there. We'll see. But for now, that's how it's going to be. And although I might regret this and change back, I'm opening up Comments again. But I'll take your advice and try my restrain from replying 100% and only when and if I can. No more waking up hours before work just to reply. Sounds like a plan, right?

Joan and Lyssa's Friend, m.

"Young Hearts"

2013-08-07T09:59:00.000-04:00

"Be Free Tonight"

"Time is on your side"

"Don't let them put you down"

"Don't let 'em push around"

"Don't let 'em ever change your point of view"

A few times a year, we get a visit from Trystin(Captain America Shirt) one of Fred's former high school students from 10+ years ago. He now lives in NYC but comes back often to see his Family. And he always makes a point of seeing us while he's here. This time, he brought along his boyfriend, Ross. While sitting in the living room and talking to these two, I asked if I could just snap some photos of them. I just loved watching their silliness, their youth, their affection towards one another, their smiles. It just had to be recorded. I wrote to Trystin the other day, with these photos, asking if I could blog about the two of them. He replied, "fine with us!". I love how they don't need to worry about being Out or how the world sees them. That's a good sign!

Johnny and I were driving a couple of weeks ago and he said, "Daddy(he still calls me that :), I want you to hear this song.". I said, "do I have to?". I absolutely hate his music but I thought I'd give in considering he was helping me move furniture. So he plugged in his Ipod or phone or whatever(?) into the car stereo and played this song.

At first, all I could hear was some guy talking/rapping and I thought, "Oh God, here we go again!". But then I listened to the lyrics and by the time it got to the chorus, I was sold. It's a gorgeous song, with so much meaning. And then the other day, I finally looked up the video and it was all over. I had to share it with you even if you've already seen it. And let me tell you something, I was so proud of my Boy for sharing that moment with me. Even if he acts like he doesn't know us when all his teenage Friends are in the house eating everything in our cupboards and fridge.

Trystin and Ross have so much life before them and who knows how they'll move forward. Still, I wish for them the best and hope that they are as blessed as Fred and I have been.

Trystin and Ross's Friends, m and f
Comments Closed

"Little Women"

2013-08-02T15:22:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know, every Post is about Claire. I'm totally aware of that. It's just that I got a late start on her Birthday and now I'm not writing as often so there you are. But I promise, this is the end of it so bear with me here.

As I've mentioned to you a billion times already, we're not the type of parents who throw huge parties for our kids every time they turn a different age, score a touchdown or even sneeze for that matter. We just don't. Their birthdays are acknowledged though and it usually turns out just fine. But since Claire was turning 10, we knew that it had to be bigger than usual. So, we had her invite all of her Friends, whoever she wanted and then I made the phone calls and Fred got out the Invitations. I don't know, I guess about 10 showed up and it was just perfect. Plus, we had it catered so that made it really simple. She got a ton of presents and hopefully that keeps her quiet for the next five years.

Never meeting half of these girls, I was going a little crazy trying to remember their names and faces and who their parents were. I kept asking Claire if they were all there because if someone went missing, I would never know and then I'd have to explain to the girl's parents that I lost their kid. And they'd probably get mad or something. I don't know. Oh, funny story, and only because it happens all the time. When Parents of our kids' friends ask about our kids' mother, their kids will say something like, "Joshua doesn't have a Mom". Forgetting to mention that Joshua has two dads. So when they show up, I'll sometimes get "Wow, I don't know how you do it all by yourself", thinking that my wife is dead or ran out on me. When this first started happening, I didn't understand why they were saying this to me. And after I figured it out, I would say, "No, we're a same-sex couple". Then you should see their expressions. It ranges from embarrassment to "Should I get my kid the hell out of here? Either way, I think it's funny.

This basement floor is super hard. I have no clue why they didn't choose to sleep in Claire's room or in Jacob & Joshua's room with 2 sets of bunkbeds. But oh well, that's what they chose. Oh my gosh, I forgot to tell you this too! When I went to pick up that girl in the purple who is in Claire's class, her little sister, in the green shorts, came out too with her sleeping bag. I said, "are you coming too?" just as the grandmother(who's raising them) came out the door. She said to me, "Oh, didn't I tell you that (name?) was coming too?". Um, no, grandma, you didn't tell me that you were dumping your other kid on me. Regardless, the girl was a sweetheart and I hardly notice she was there at all. Unlike her sister who felt the need to tell me every five seconds that she was bored.

Although I don't like to do this, I actually fell asleep knowing that the girls were still yaking away down in the dungeon. At 1:30, I was startled awake by squealing noises in the hallway. I got out of bed to find them all still running all over the house. I was not happy. And I let them know it...

But payback is a bitch! The first of the parents called a little before 9a.m. and said that they were coming over. No problem! So, I had to go down and wake up the Girls. Lazy things! Still sleeping at 9 in the morning? I know, just horrible.

I found Claire under the pool table. And I woke her up with the rest of the Girls. She was a miserable mess all day long. Hopefully she remembers that when she wants to have another slumber party.

Okay then, enjoy this vid. It's basically how I was. And you know what's funny, he has a paneling in his basement too! I think it's a Pennsylvania thing.

Your Favorite Harrisburg Dad, m.
Comments Closed

Thanks Savannah!

2013-07-29T15:05:00.000-04:00

Oh, and you too Viola. wink!

Two weeks back, Viola of Along A Widowed Road, caught my Post about Claire's birthday. She reached out to me asking if she and her daughter, Savannah, could send Claire a little present.

And at first I said that it was unnecessary but she said that she and her daughter both wanted to do it and so I agreed.

A few days later, Claire received a package in the mail filled with goodies.

She went crazy digging into that package.

Over this past weekend, someone asked me how Claire feels being the only girl in the house.

I told them that I've asked Claire in the past if she wanted another girl in the house and she said "no". I think it's because what is Claire's, is Claire's!

None of the boys ever touch her headbands, nail polish, shoes, toys, games, books, or anything! It's all pink and purples!

So while the boys take whatever they want from the each other, Claire's things stay untouched. Still, if another little girl came along, maybe Claire would change her mind.

Okay, maybe I lied. Cece enjoys pink and purple too.

Viola and Savannah, thank you so much for thinking of Claire on her birthday and everything you chose to put in the package, was perfect and she loves it!

Oh, and see that stereo credenza behind Claire? I have a story about that too if I can motivate myself to write about it.

Viola and Savannah's Friend, m.

Comments Closed

"God Knows,"

2013-07-18T13:19:00.001-04:00

"God knows I want to break Free"

I struggle to "blog" anymore. Actually, it's more like I have no interest in it at all. Periodically, over the years, I've gone through these moments of not writing or taking breaks or not even being inspired. Now, my life is totally consumed by other stuff that this blog has taken a back seat to everything else. But what makes this time different, is that I don't feel the guilt. Since it's been awhile that I have actually visited any other blogs, that guilt has long gone. But it's the non-guilt of not journaling the kids' activities which is new. Will I feel awful, by the end of Summer, that I haven't talked about our adventures? Who knows! We'll see.

But I'll tell you this, the decision to drop out of the "Blogesphere" was one of my better ones. Because I guess I was weak, it controlled my life and took up way too much time. While blogging, I made great Friends who I would talk to privately, gave me advice, sent me gifts in the form of art, food, wine, decor, games and, when trying to pay a huge Immigration invoice, monetary donations. And for that, I thank you very much.

This Post is not a Goodbye so don't freak out. It's just me rambling on and on as I do sometimes and getting this thought out of my head so I can think about something else. The thing I want you to know is, I do feel free. And it's nice!

I hope is well with you and yours.

Your Friend, m.

Comments Closed

She's a Perfect 10!

2013-07-11T10:56:00.001-04:00

Wake up Sleepy Head.

Remember what day it is?

That's right, it's your Birthday!

And your 10th one at that!

You're such a good girl and I can't believe how wonderfully you're growing.

Come to my room where we can cuddle and I can kiss your face.

And please ignore the boys trying to bite each others butts off. They're a lost cause. Sorry you have to be in the same room as them.

Oh wait, here's a good one! Always trying to please.

But then there's that one. Look at him! You just know that he's planning something bad. Watch your food!

I'm sorry that we are so busy that we have to move your big Birthday Blowout to the end of the month.

But because you're so sweet and kind, you're okay with that. I promise, it will be great!

Claire, you've been the best daughter that anyone could ever ask for. How is it that you're so perfect?

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Your Dad, Daddy.

Comments Closed

Pierre Deloizy

2013-07-01T12:08:00.000-04:00

December 23, 1930 - June 29, 2013

Fred's Father passed away over the weekend. We knew that it was coming but the suddenness of it came as a shocker. For several months now, we were quietly praying that the Supreme Court would rule quickly on DOMA so that Fred could travel and see his Papa for one last time. Well as you know, SCOTUS ruled but not soon enough for Fred to make it Home in time.

Last month, I let you know that we were out of that reality show. Soon after I did that post, the Producers called us up, we worked out the details and we were back in the show that very day. Filming starts this Saturday. Because of this, we're extremely busy preparing our lives for this adventure(?). That said, Fred had five minutes to himself to reflect. I contacted our Attorney who put in an Emergency call to the Department of Homeland Security and, as I type, paperwork is being pushed through to see if Fred can fly to France tomorrow and be back here on Friday. We were also busy preparing for four visitors that arrived last night and just left this morning. Tracy, blogger Friend of Sellabit Mum and her gorgeous daughters, stopped in on their way to Connecticut and stayed with us last evening. Without missing a beat, Fred made a huge meal for nine of us. Johnny was at a Friend's house. And this morning, while waiting on word from DHS before he can book a flight, he's working with a painter(our tenant Kris from our old house) to get our kitchen painted. If he makes a flight tomorrow(crazy money for just three days), he'll have more time to mourn then.

Pierre was a wonderful man who I met in 1990 when I snapped this photo in Verzenay France. This shot was taken in the village's only clothing shop which was on the front of their house. All very "old world" and it's probably just as you're are imagining it would be. They struggled for years putting four boys through private school and in the end, wound up with two Doctors, a Computer Engineer and good old Professor Fred. Not too shabby, huh? And when they finally sold their home/business, they started purchasing properties so that they could leave each son a house when they passed. At at 82, Pierre was still the hands on Manager/handyman at each property. All the sons begged them to sell the homes and enjoy the money themselves but he never stopped.

I don't know what Fred's Mom's plans are. I've been telling folks, this weekend, that she's very independent. However, she was very independent with her Husband. Now, I'm not sure. And although she speaks not a word of English and I can barely order a burger in France without stumbling a billion times, I'm leaving the door open for her to come live with us. She'll say no but the offer's still there.

Although I won't be replying, I'm leaving the Comment Section open today if you would like to send Fred, his Mom and his Brothers a message.

Pierre's Son-In-Law, m.

"A Blessing On Your Head"

2013-06-27T12:58:00.000-04:00

"Mazel Tov, Mazel Tov"

Yesterday was such an amazing day and I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love sent to me and my Family. I warned everyone that I would have a hard in replying to them. And in fact, I probably got back to about 10% of everyone. So to all you others, Thank You for reaching out to us, your Support over the years and for all of your Wonderful Greetings yesterday. You really made my day!

I rushed out of work yesterday to pick up Johnny for a doctor's appointment. I was listening to the news while he was in the car with me. I said, "hey, great news about Marriage Equality, huh?". He replied, "I don't care about that stuff!". Which doesn't bother me at all. My boy wants to make sure that people know he's not "one of us". So I don't push it! I love him to pieces. He's a teen boy. He'll come around!

So we went home and like most nights, he ignored me as usual. But then out of the blue, our doorbell rang. It happens so rarely that I always find myself looking around like "what the hell's that!". After I remembered that it's our doorbell, I ran to the door to find our next door neighbor, Myrna, standing there. She totally broke our neighborhood protocol by walking outdoors and visiting a neighbor. I was so frightened that the other neighbors might be looking out their windows that I rushed her inside. In Congratulations, she presented to me the bottle, above, from her and her husband. Isn't that just the sweetest thing ever! She follows my Our Simple Lives Facebook page and wanted to add her Congratulations. "Myrna, that was so great of you and I hope you don't get a neighborhood fine for venturing out of doors yesterday".

And since I titled this post with a Yiddish phrase, Fred, being a Linguist by trade, has taken up learning Hebrew

He's always into something new so, whatever! Except the other night when I was trying to watch the Season Finale of Mad Men and he kept talking right beside me. It was so distracting. I was trying to pay attention to my show and he kept sounding like he needed to go spit out some phlegm. And then he says to me "Do you know anybody who I can bounce these words off of?". And I replied, "You're home all day long! Have you met ANY of our neighbors?".

Once again, I want to thank you all, so much, for your outpouring of love for our Family over the years. It's been a long struggle and when Fred wasn't working and I was financially responsible for his college and four kids in private school, times were hard. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. And now we can really start living! I can feel my shackles loosening already.

Okay, now I need to get back to things like getting the kids ready in the morning for Summer Camp, folding laundry, scrubbing toilets, changing the litter box. You know, The Gay Agenda!

Attention: World. Thanks for sending us "your tired, poor and huddled masses yearning to breathe free". You totally made us! But now we're ready for your best, brightest and cutest too!

Speaking of the best and brightest(wink!), I think it's time to dance! We've waited long enough.

Your Friend, m.

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"Every time you go away"

2013-06-26T09:12:00.000-04:00

"You take a piece of me with you"

Fred left me yesterday. And when he did, he took three of the kids with him. Actually, it wasn't all that dramatic. He only took them to my parent's place at the beach. I stayed behind because, hello, someone has to work around here! Just kidding, Fred is working now(thanks to our Attorney) but he teaches on-line and really, he can literally work while sitting on a beach chair facing the ocean. Pretty good gig, huh!

Anyway, before he left, he stopped by the office so the kids could say goodbye. They were sleeping when I left for work. So I made him snap a photo with my phone. Doesn't Jacob look thrilled? Ah, don't worry about him. He just likes to play the Opposite Game. Whatever we tell him to do, he does the opposite. He's the only one who thinks it's funny.

Johnny stayed back with me. He started a day camp this week and wanted to be with his Friends. And last night, he left straight from there to sleep over at his Friend's home. So that just left me and the pets.

I was really looking forward to this time alone but after an hour, I remembered that I'm not good on my own. In fact, I'm a total mess without People. I can't tell you the number of posts that I've written when I was left by myself. Here's one!

But anyway, Fred kept texting me right in the middle of "happy hour" and he asked for a photo of the dogs. So I texted the photo, above, to him. Then he texted this photo back.

He made me show it to the dogs so that they knew that they better behave.

And then he kept texting and texting and texting... And I realized that Fred is actually more annoying when he's away than when he's at home. So what I'm saying is, I miss him. They'll be at the beach until Friday or Saturday. Since, my guess would be, 2000, this will be the longest period of time that we've spent apart.

Today, 9 people in D.C. will make a "judgement" on our lives and decide, for our Family, whether or not we need to get used to this separation. I have Faith that they'll make the right decision. But I'll tell you, it's all I've been thinking about for weeks now. Come 10a.m., I'll either being "Dancing on the ceiling" or throwing up in a corner somewhere, all by myself.

Your nervous wreck of a Friend, m.

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"Whatta man, whatta man, whatta man"

2013-06-24T10:04:00.000-04:00

"Whatta mighty good man"

Happy Birthday Dad!

Your Son, m.

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Going once. Going twice.

2013-06-17T09:54:00.001-04:00

Sold!

With three kids at the beach and one old enough to hang out by himself at home or run around with Friends, I was able to hog up all of Saturday for myself. It was the weirdest thing being able to do what I wanted and when I wanted. At times, I felt guilty about wasting time driving around or talking to people. I kept thinking that I had to do something or Fred would get mad that I wasn't at home. But I called him everyone once in awhile and he seemed to be okay with me just doing my thing. So I drove around to local junk shops looking for deals. I found an awesome designer chair and ottoman that I'll be posting soon. After that, I found another shop who lead me to one of their consignees(?) who lead me to this local auction. And once again, I called home to see if Fred wouldn't mind me going. I know how that sounds. But believe me, he does the same thing with me. So I sat at the auction for over two hours just wasting more time. Not having a plan for the day or not knowing what to do is very strange for me. Oddly enough, it gives me the same feeling that I get when I drive without a seat belt. Does that even make sense?

Anyway, It was a fun auction and I really wish that I could attend more. Perhaps as the children get older... I picked up three items in that auction. One of which is in this photo. You get one guess.

Your Time Wasting Friend, m.
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Slave Labor

2013-06-10T12:13:00.001-04:00

If you got 'em, use 'em!

My years of hard work raising these kids is starting to pay off. I use them for lots of chores now around the house. It's so much fun! At least I think so. And of course they complain. But as long as they do what they're told, I don't mind listening to them whine. Isn't that nice of me!

So last week, Fred had them work on the mulch pile that's been sitting there since the dawn of time. In fact, yesterday, I couldn't stand it anymore and Fred and I scooped up the rest. I'm sure the neighbors are happy to see that blue tarp go. Anyway, the kids did a good chunk of it and deposited it here and there around the yard. And I just thought that this photo was so cute. That other boy that's helping is one of Johnny's Friends that I just met that day. "Welcome to our home, kid. Here's a shovel!". I haven't seen him since.

After I took this photo, I went inside and had a drink. Watching kids work is exhausting. I went out about 15 minutes later to find John and his Friend, gone, and the little ones playing in it like it was sand at the beach. I may need to actually supervise next time. It wasn't pretty.

Your Friend, m.

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"All are welcome in this place"

2013-06-03T10:09:00.003-04:00

A had few minutes before Claire's Girlscout meeting ended and so I had time to walk around, outside of her meeting place, and snap a few photos. Although Claire has been going to the same location for a few years now, I've never taken the time to just walk around. I'm always rushing. Behind a ton of trees and bushes, there was a winding path which took me to a secret garden. I just snapped a few photos but I really thought that this one was enough to give you an idea of how charming it is. Don't you feel like going inside?

Your Friend, m.
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"Everybody plays the fool, sometimes"

2013-05-31T15:18:00.001-04:00

"There's no exception to the rule"

About a month ago or so, I did a post about Fred's latest gadget. You know, it was my usual complaining about what he bought and why he doesn't need it and how it will end up in his closet of Misfit "toys". Well just last week, he actually told me what he paid for it. My jaw hit the floor. I'm not telling you but it was way more than I could have ever imagined. And after I gave him a piece of my mind of what I thought of his purchase, I yelled at him twice because, had I know how much he had paid, I never would have blogged about it. How embarrassing.

But what's done is done and it's too late to return it now and so I'm stuck with it. The worst part is that I think it's mentally challenged or possessed or something! Every morning, after a hard night of cleaning, I find it in another location throughout the house. This is a photo of it humping one of my chairs. I guess it just got lazy and passed out. Who knows! Damn machine!

Your Friend, m.

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The end is near

2013-05-29T10:11:00.001-04:00

School is almost over and their "torturous" 6-6:30PM mandatory reading is coming to an end. The funny thing is, is that when they start, they're not screaming to stop. Which, is totally the opposite of me. Every second of reading is like a year in Hell. So I'm glad that the kids do enjoy reading and, even though they probably won't be reading at 6PM, we'll find a Summer time slot for them to sit back, relax, and open a book. Or for two of them, a Kindle.

Your Friend, m.
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Metropolis

2013-05-27T11:01:00.000-04:00

Move over New York! My hometown finally got a 2nd red light. You know what, I'm wondering if this is its third one since I'm not sure if the other one is ours or our neighboring borough, Middletown. Either way, this is very exciting. When driving through the other day, I almost hit a kid on a bike because I couldn't stop looking at it. Yes, it was that fascinating! I'm so used to plowing right through this intersection that when it goes Live, I won't even notice. So that's your warning you kids on bikes and old ladies!

Yes, I know that I haven't been around much. I'm totally involved in buying and selling furniture and it's taken over my life. I admit it. I'm not apologizing because I really love doing it.

Anyway, I need to run. Expecting company for a little cook-out.

I hope that you all are having a wonderful Memorial Day.

Your Friend, m.
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All the Glory

2013-05-20T12:20:00.000-04:00

As you may know, our property is surrounded by bushes, and hedges and flowers, and tree... The tallest of the trees are huge Pines. During a windstorm last Fall, we actually lost one. After that, the stump was removed, Fred planted grass and now it almost appears as if there was nothing ever there. And by falling, it actually opened up the property, visually. Still, we have about 6 or 7 of these trees left and who knows when they will tumble. Regardless, we have to maintain them. Last week, I scheduled off of work on Monday and Tuesday just to work with Fred in cutting down all of the dead branches and undergrowth of these trees. We spent the entire first day just cutting branches and piling them up in the yard. It looked as if we were building an actual wall around the property. On the second day, we rented a truck from Lowe's and took seven truckloads of branches to our local yard waste recycler(?).

On Wednesday, Fred told me that a couple of the neighbors stopped in to say how great and clean it all looked. That made me happy to hear that the neighbors liked it. That evening, as I was sweeping out front, a few more neighbors appeared and said things like, "Oh, tell Fred that he did such a great job on the trees and yard". And I was like "what?". Here's my problem. Fred is home all day long and people assume that all that "pretty", is his doing. No one was around on Monday and Tuesday to see me killing myself and getting jabbed by every damn branch that I cut down. So yeah, I was a little pissed! And the worst part, Fred was happy to take all the credit.

In the end, the yard is starting to look good again. It looked gorgeous when we bought it last year but then we started to make changes and it looked like hell over the Winter. But now, we're working hard to make it prettier than ever. I'm sure you'll see photos of it sooner or later.

Your Friend, m.
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Our Tiny Violist

2013-05-17T12:23:00.000-04:00

So after many months of practicing, frustration, some tears and then more practice, practice, practice, Claire had her first Orchestra Recital(?) last evening and everything went smoothly. Mind you, there were a lot of kids on stage and whether she hit the right notes or not, she did it and we couldn't be more proud. Seriously, my heart was bursting with pride.

Now she'll spend the Summer in her private classes so that she can return even better than before. She really does have a great teacher who is so patient and loving. I'm happy that we found her.

Claire and Olivia. Aren't they super cute!

I was going to write about something else today but our Friend, neighbor and Olivia's Mom, MaryBeth, emailed these photos to me this morning so I am able to write about this. Yes, can you believe that I forgot my camera.

One funny thing before I sign out. Both girls, reminded us, several times and several days before the performance that "it's customary to present flowers after a recital". MaryBeth and I got the biggest kick out of this.

Claire's Proud Dad, m.

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"Changing Rooms"

2013-05-15T10:09:00.000-04:00

Last year, when we moved into our home, Fred took it upon himself to buy the biggest t.v. he could afford and plop it right there in "The Good Livingroom". If you've been following me, you know that I've always hated it there. In fact, I probably blogged/bitched about it a billion times by now. Since we have a Family Room/Den and the kids have the entire basement, I was trying to create a quiet room. But once you add a t.v. to any space, it always attracts the "wrong element". And in this case, my kids. You know the old saying, "Kids should be seen and not heard". Well when it comes to my living room, I don't even wanna see 'em!

So the other day, I finally had had enough and I put my foot down. Oh yes I did! I told Fred that he either remove it or I was going to. And I tried my best to act stupid by asking him how it's done. "Do I just yank out all these wires from the wall?". So he moved it to the den.

At last, I have a room to myself. But oddly enough, I share it with tons of excess furniture that I plan to sell. For example, these lamps shown above. Not really my style, but in a way, I think they're so cool! Someone will die for them I just know it. So furniture comes and goes and as it does, I get to experiment with different decorating styles almost on a weekly basement. I do realize that I'm driving everyone in my household nuts, but, I'm happy! Well, today that is.

Oh, while I have you, I just opened an Etsy Shop this past Sunday. Would you check it out please!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HermansSteelGarage

Your Ever Evolving Friend, m.

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"What's up, Doc?"

2013-05-13T14:54:00.000-04:00

He asked, "can I have a snack?". And although my first instinct is to always say "no", I said, 'what do you want?". He said a carrot. Kids these days!

Your Friend, m.
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