• Of course. More flowers from Trader Joe’s, purchased on the way back to Hartford on Monday. I almost never have the amount of cut flowers in vases at the cottage that I have here. I would if Trader Joe’s was closer to our house. It’s an hour away from the cottage, but it happens to be just off the interstate that takes me to Hartford.
And there’s a Trader Joe’s just outside Hartford, as well.
Oh, and I count three Whole Foods within the greater Hartford area. Three. The nearest Whole Foods to the cottage? In Albany, the state capitol, which is over an hour away.
We really do live in the boonies. Whole Foods, I’m talking to you: Why not a Whole Foods in Poughkeepsie? It’s a college town. Just across the river is New Paltz – also a college town. There are a lot of people in my neck of the woods who eat healthily and would love to shop at a store such as yours. Please get on it.
• I took a picture of the chair that used to be my ‘blogging’ chair:
First time you’ve seen it without the ill-fitting slipcover.
Yes, duck tape, makeshift fabric covers intended to hide the stuffing that is escaping, a severely duck-taped cushion that cannot be shown without its cover. That’s why the slipcover (which I never really liked) was being used.
All that aside, look at the lines of this chair! The carved bun feet. I think it’s from the thirties or the forties. We bought it when we still lived in San Diego. It’s covered in a weird textured naugahyde-type fabric, but I love that mint green color. I know that getting it reupholstered would be very expensive, but you see, I don’t want to give it up! I really love it. It’s vintage. And wouldn’t this be the perfect chair for Don? He’s using the wood chair with the red-checked cushions right now, but really, it’s too small for him. This is a Don chair. And it’s really comfortable. So, sometime this spring – most likely when Don is away in California, I think I’m going to get it reupholstered. They don’t make them like this anymore.
• Oh, President Obama. I watched your speech last night with tears in my eyes. And the stark difference between you and that man could not have been clearer. One who is inclusive, who reaches out to others, whose focus in this speech, as in everything he has done while in office, is outward, is on us, not himself vs. a man who cannot get enough of the spotlight, who is a child and a petulant one at that, who lies, who continually brings the focus back to himself and how ‘great’ he is, who has never done anything to help others (and if he says he has, he’s lying), who is about as far from a man of substance, a statesman, as you can get.
You will be missed. With all my heart, I thank you for your eight years of service to your country. You have shown us dignity, compassion, humor, diligence, intelligence and brilliance. Not one speck of scandal in your career. Thank you. And a thank you to Michelle Obama, a role model for all of us, and to Joe Biden and Jill Biden. We shall not see your like again.
Happy Wednesday.
Oh I do love the lines of that chair. It looks very comfortable and still functional. Yes, that was a beautiful speech. I saved it on my DVR so that I can go back to it during dark times that are most assuredly ahead.
That’s a good idea. We don’t have a DVR, so we couldn’t save it. But I’m betting it will be on YouTube or an Obama website.
Guys, check out whitehouse.gov – or the White House channel on YouTube. Most if not ALL of the official WH videos are posted there, almost immediately after they air, and you can save them too! Highly recommend the 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom awards – it’s terrific! There’s actually a BOATLOAD of wonderful info on the WH website too. Such as all the official WH photographs, such as virtual tours of the WH etc. PS – I can only imagine what it will become in the era of the Senile Cheeto, but I’m betting some gilding will be involved. 😉
Thanks, Janet!
When he mentioned Atticus Finch I though of you.
If possible, it made me love and respect him even more than I already do.
It was so great to hear President Obama last night…and so heart-breaking at the same time. I wished I had dvr’d the speech…but it is probably out there for me to listen to again. I cannot tell you how much I am going to miss him…he is a true statesman! ;)
Such a sense of loss. Especially in view of what is to come.
You are so right; that chair is a quality classic and worth a first class reupholstering.
Speaking of quality, going from President Obama and First Lady Michelle to the likes of ignorant buffoon Trump is more than a working, reasoning brain can tolerate. Unsuitable on every level and barely qualifies as the lowest form of a human being. How anyone could possibly think this vile man with his business record of failures and six bankruptcies could possibly make America great with a booming economy boggles the mind!!! Every day in every way it is our responsibility to say no to all he espouses.
Flowers are a balm to the very soul and bring beauty to every space they grace. Thank heavens they are an image and reminder that all sorts of beauty can grow where it is planted and nurtured. Your home away from home is so very attractive and obviously filled with meaningful choices. Enjoy the joy of your work!…….Dianne
I agree. We must say no. Loudly and clearly.
When I’m overwhelmed by this sorry excuse for a man, I look at flowers, I read books, I watch the beauty of nature.
I too watched President Obama’s wonderful speech with tears in my eyes. What an eloquent, elegant, graceful, GRATEFUL man and family.
Amen, Chris.
One of the first features for which I look in a chair is the feet! I love unusual chair feet. However, first things first, it has to be comfortable, and a thoroughly suitable nap chair! I had my sofa and loveseat set reupholstered a few years ago. I got the fabric half off and the reupholstered gave me a good deal on his labor. And, the bonus was that I was remodeling at the time, so he said he’d store my set until the remodel was done. I’ll miss the First Family, but know they will continue as private citizens to do for others.
I wish they’d continue as President and First Lady!
I tried, but I couldn’t watch it. I was crying from the moment it started. I will read it, and someday I know I will listen to it, but I just could not do it. I think I am in mourning. It is as if a horrific accident occurred and my mind is still unable to make any sense of it. Possibly because it is totally senseless.
I was still working when President Obama was inaugurated in 2008. I took the day off, and watched from dawn until they danced that night. I was inspired and hopeful. I will not watch one single moment of this fiasco about to occur. I do think I am in mourning.
I am, too. I will have nothing to do with the inauguration.
I can’t believe we’ve gone from this magnificent man to this sham of a human being.
That chair is a classic. I can’t wait to see it’s makeover. What a surprise for Don. :)
Last night, watching President Obama, I turned to my husband and I said, he has NO ego. The difference between Obama and Trump could not be any different. Trump is a complete bully.
The last eight years were an honor for Americans. Those who don’t admit it are the same ones that are going to be kicking themselves for the vote they cast last November 8th, sooner rather than later. (breathe & sigh)
The beautiful flowers are so peaceful.
Enjoy the day,
Monica
You’re right. He’s giving a press conference right now and saying he won’t release his tax returns, he won’t divest from his companies and is not taking questions from the press if he doesn’t ‘like’ them. Oh what have we wrought?
Would someone please tell me how Trump can get away with what he is doing?! It is illegal for him not to divest from his companies. It is irresponsible for him to not release his tax returns. He is unprincipled and dishonorable. I feel angry, sick, and helpless about what is going on and that is a first for me.
I don’t know. I don’t understand it. He should be prosecuted. He should be shamed and forced to step down. Why the hell isn’t it happening? Are we living in a democracy or a fascist state?
President Obama’s farewell speech was incredible. Just incredible. When Malia started to cry I pretty much lost it & I already had tears in my eyes at that point anyway. I cannot BELIEVE it’s been 8 years already. It was just moments ago, right? Right? I remember asking for a vacation day for Jan 20, 2009, as I always do for Presidential inauguration days. I make a whole pot of coffee and a far more sumptuous breakfast than normal & settle in for a long wonderful day in front of a warm TV with all my favorite NBC newspeople [we’ve always been an NBC family]. It really was thrilling to watch President Obama be sworn in etc. Won’t be doing that this year though – too painful. BS [Butternut Squash] as President is a profanity, plain & simple. So I think I’m going to watch a few back-to-back viewings of one of my favorite DVDs of all time – STATE OF THE UNION – with Spencer Tracy & Katharine Hepburn. It’s one of their lesser known movies but I absolutely think it’s the very best thing they ever did. And exactly the kind of the B&W Frank Capra feel-good political movie I’m going to need that day! 🇺🇸
I’m going to watch “It Happened One Night” – one of my all-time favorites. And then I’m going to watch “The Comedy of Errors” on Opening Night. Laughs all around. But NO TIME will be spent watching that despicable man. None.
My heart swelled with gratitude last night. How fortunate we were for eight years to call this man President.
We were indeed, Carolyn Marie. A truly great man.
Loved the Obama speech, too. Bittersweet. Such an admirable guy.
The chair is a treasure…yes, reupholster it! Reminds me that I have two great old chairs begging to be redone, here, at the shack. And here am I, not listening to them. Also reminds me of my Grandma’s furniture and that recent discussion we had here—sofa/couch/davenport/divan? She, my Grandma, would have called your chair an overstuffed chair. She called her sofa “The Overstuffed”! (As in, “Oh, I must have left my book out on the overstuffed”.)
I love that she called the sofa, The Overstuffed! Perfect.
Even the veteran newsman Tom Brokaw said last night that Trump needs to get real with the big stuff in front of him and that this silly tweeting has to stop once he’s in the serious Oval office (I’m paraphrasing, but that’s how I took it).
Another thing Brokaw said that resonated with me was that a president’s track record has to ‘marinate’ awhile before his true legacy is defined…but I feel the cream will rise to the top when it comes to President Obama. The man was moral and tried to do good. I appreciate that the Obamas lead by example in a scandal-free White House. They conducted themselves with dignity, composure, eloquence; intelligence, and heart. I will miss them. They are noble yet real. That’s the perfect word, here in all the comments, about President Obama – he is a statesman. You WANT to listen to him; he lifts you up. He inspires. With inspiration comes trust. I respect him immensely.
And, yeah, I repeatedly wept during his speech last night (I actually ran through parts of it twice, to really let it sink in), feeling such utter dread about what we’re heading into and what we’ve lost. We’ve got the courts, Congress and the Constitution but I’m not feeling secure. Trump could still do a lot of damage in four years. It’s pointless to hope for…Trump is long-since ‘formed’ in personality; an older guy who’s not going to change his stripes at this late date in his life…but I wish he’d ‘grow up’ and at least ACT ‘presidential’ – I mean, it was so inappropriate to even comment on Meryl Streep’s words at the Golden Globes; it’s so petty. He has big tasks at hand; he can’t tweet every time something rubs him the wrong way. That kind of stuff shouldn’t even be on his radar. I want him to be concentrating on the big stuff, not the small stuff. He seems clueless to know how much he embarrasses himself, every day. And the world is watching…
I’m not feeling secure at all. Just look what happened in today’s “press conference.” I use quotes, because it wasn’t. It was a Trump nightmare.
The world is watching, yes, and this man can’t take one iota of criticism. Doesn’t bode well for someone occupying the oval office.
First of all- yes -get that chair just right for Don. It is beautiful and he deserves. I would like to share with you my experience with Our President’s farewell address. My husband who is an educated and dear man, does not have the same interest in politics as do I. His response to the election was that “he wasn’t going to let it ruin his life”. He never watches the State of the Union addresses etc. . But last night was very different. I prepared our dinner early so that I could sit and watch and also get ready for the Warriors game. (I can’t believe I watch the NBA because after the Magic Johnson era I quit) But who can resist a team that SHARES the ball. And Steph Curry is a good guy!.Hey- the Cubs are going to the White House Monday. Hooray!! Anyway, he had his iPod in his lap as we sat down. That usually means he will read quietly as I watch. Not last night. That dear man who I have been married to for over 40 years put it in his lap and listened to every word! I fell in love with him all over again. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and letting us share ours.
Fondly, Lani
That’s a great story, Lani. Yay for your husband! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
That chair is special and deserves reupholstering! Love the bun feet.
Obama, just taking my last look at what a real President of the United States should look like. I just can’t think about the rest.
Mom’s stress test went well. Waiting for the Dr to let us know the results but she was OK through out it . Whew. Praying she doesn’t need a heart cath next. It is so warm today I’ve got the windows open to air out the house for a few hours. Love your flowers! Hugs.
The man who is due to be inaugurated – is a sham, a carnival barker. A dangerous man.
Glad your mom’s stress test went well!
Claudia you are so creative, why don’t you reupholster the chair yourself? Miss Mustard Seed has (or at least had) a tutorial that was very step by step that you could follow and it would save you the labor costs. We have our tickets to the Hartford Stage for Sunday night. Looking forward to seeing this play. I could use a good laugh!
Too much work! I considered it long ago, but I don’t think I want to tackle it. I’d like to see it done by a professional.
You’ll have a good laugh on Sunday night, Karen. It’s very funny!
I think you might be a bit be to quick to judge the future in saying we won’t see a first family like the Obama’s again. I think there are men (or women) who are hidden gems out there but it’s not yet their time. Obama came up the ranks quickly and proved himself as a graceful and elegant man. Don”t let your judgement of the next commander let you lose hope. There are still good men and women out there and we are America and we are awesome in our power.
I’m not judging Dottie. I’m saying that Obama is unique and I’ve never seen his like in the 40+ years I’ve been voting and I don’t think I’ll see his like again. That’s not losing hope. That’s simply acknowledging what an extraordinary man he is. Of course there will be other good people that come along, but no one can be just like him. I wish he could serve a third term.
That chair looks so comfortable. Just like an old friend you can depend on at all times.
Marilyn
It’s very comfortable, Marilyn.
That chair is definitely a keeper. We stayed at a hotel right across the street from the Whole Foods in Albany when settling my youngest in at college; walked their almost daily for some wholesome grub. :) Vicki said it right, the new guy is an embarrassment … every time he speaks, every time he tweets. Seriously, to say that Meryl Streep is overrated. Ha! Just proves how narcissistic he is.
Lucky you! Whole Foods right across the street!
He is a textbook narcissist, isn’t he?