I’ve placed my wrought iron thingy on my table. (I’m not sure what to call it.) I bought it at the Barn Sale thinking I was driving home and would be able to throw it in the rental car. Then I changed my mind and it had to be packed by the shipping company. I always envisioned it on this table and I think I like it there. My husband likes it, too – he thinks it should stay as is, nothing added to it, because he likes its see-through sculptural quality. Did that make sense? I tend to agree with him. That is not to say I might not add one or two pretty things for special occasions….

The piano top had become too crowded, so everything was taken off. I decided the McCoy Pottery birds should all be together in one place. They are singing, after all, so shouldn’t they be on the piano? They seem very happy in their new home. You can see Christie’s painting of birds on the wall to the left and the corner of her rose painting to the right.

I can’t remember if I ever told you about the piano. It was my grandmother’s. My mother learned to play on it, as did my siblings and I. I was the one who took lessons the longest and I was a singer and musician for a great portion of my life, so I inherited it. When I went to graduate school and for many years after, I lived in tiny apartments. No room for a piano. It lived at my parents’ house. When they decided to move, my aunt held onto it for me. She played piano by ear and loved playing. I was happy it was with her. (I miss her so.) When Don and I found a house to rent in San Diego, I was finally able to have it shipped to me. The original ivory keys had cracked and were worn, so I had them replaced – no more ivory, it is illegal, thank goodness. It has traveled from Michigan to San Diego and then to New York. So many loved ones’ hands have touched this keyboard and made music on it. I will never give it up; it is precious beyond measure.

Have a great day!