tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48330874623518999712024-03-13T08:12:49.290-07:00Haven on HanoverHaven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-17369835928016909652011-02-28T03:30:00.000-08:002011-02-28T04:49:22.894-08:00Mid-Atlantic Get-Away<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kuxqrWKvSh0/TWuIZ_x_eaI/AAAAAAAABPY/wZNp6Cge1oU/s1600/07_cyndi_lauper.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kuxqrWKvSh0/TWuIZ_x_eaI/AAAAAAAABPY/wZNp6Cge1oU/s400/07_cyndi_lauper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578702543627712930" border="0" /></a><br />To quote Cyndi Lauper, "When the working day is done<br />Girls - they want to have fun<br />Oh girls just want to have fun,<br />They want to have fun,<br />They want to have fun.."<br /><br />There's nothing better than a girlfriend weekend and I was in need of one. So, on Friday we hit the road with our first destination - Baltimore for the <a href="http://www.craftcouncil.org/">American Craft Council Show</a>. I've attended this show for several years now and it never disappoints. This year was especially fun as I got to meet up with Meg Fairfax Fielding of <a href="http://pigtown-design.blogspot.com/">Pigtown Design</a> blog. I've followed along with Meg on her blog but it was so much more fun to spend time with her in person. Here are some highlights from the show:<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cS71sDQ0zEE/TWuJuaZZsYI/AAAAAAAABPg/fa1RH7mS6uM/s1600/baltimore%2B022.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cS71sDQ0zEE/TWuJuaZZsYI/AAAAAAAABPg/fa1RH7mS6uM/s400/baltimore%2B022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578703993881342338" border="0" /></a>I need to find a place for such a light fixture. Loved it.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AleepWdmxJo/TWuJ34bWIGI/AAAAAAAABPo/ls6FJsix9qA/s1600/baltimore%2B023.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AleepWdmxJo/TWuJ34bWIGI/AAAAAAAABPo/ls6FJsix9qA/s400/baltimore%2B023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578704156561383522" border="0" /></a>Beautiful pottery.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-StJ42A1cpNI/TWuJ8S37ixI/AAAAAAAABPw/a7z9o76tgoY/s1600/baltimore%2B024.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-StJ42A1cpNI/TWuJ8S37ixI/AAAAAAAABPw/a7z9o76tgoY/s400/baltimore%2B024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578704232380074770" border="0" /></a>Porcelain to die for. Looks like Meg was thinking the same thing - that's her hand on the left!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DL1GojH4cSY/TWuKAG5_f_I/AAAAAAAABP4/jHOunoRwgA0/s1600/baltimore%2B025.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DL1GojH4cSY/TWuKAG5_f_I/AAAAAAAABP4/jHOunoRwgA0/s400/baltimore%2B025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578704297886973938" border="0" /></a><br />Close up of the porcelain - I love the lamp, too!!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqG7_txguTQ/TWuKEW034EI/AAAAAAAABQA/yncmRsiUk3s/s1600/baltimore%2B026.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SqG7_txguTQ/TWuKEW034EI/AAAAAAAABQA/yncmRsiUk3s/s400/baltimore%2B026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578704370879946818" border="0" /></a>Anyone need a head?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u720WssuZZk/TWuKRJqo4mI/AAAAAAAABQY/H6Y0UKlDNBc/s1600/baltimore%2B029.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u720WssuZZk/TWuKRJqo4mI/AAAAAAAABQY/H6Y0UKlDNBc/s400/baltimore%2B029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578704590685659746" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKN49tlNS_c/TWuKWH0TEKI/AAAAAAAABQg/V4tJN9TYQqs/s1600/baltimore%2B030.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKN49tlNS_c/TWuKWH0TEKI/AAAAAAAABQg/V4tJN9TYQqs/s400/baltimore%2B030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578704676088647842" border="0" /></a><br />mmm, maybe not. That might give me bad dreams.<br /><br />What did I buy, you say? Well, normally, because I am a beader, I focus (obsess) on the jewelry, however, this year I couldn't get enough of the textiles.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4IhmZ9iOqBM/TWuOLA09s-I/AAAAAAAABQ4/PBSA8xNHw0Q/s1600/cowl.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4IhmZ9iOqBM/TWuOLA09s-I/AAAAAAAABQ4/PBSA8xNHw0Q/s400/cowl.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578708883280344034" border="0" /></a>I loved all of the felters, especially this artist's wares -<a href="http://www.feltedgarden.com/"> The Felted Garden</a>. I purchased the above cowl which I'm sure will keep my neck toasty. It also doubles as a hat!! <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORbioA01UH4/TWuOPtE0LAI/AAAAAAAABRA/VFs7TaNIJdE/s1600/baltimore%2Bpurse.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORbioA01UH4/TWuOPtE0LAI/AAAAAAAABRA/VFs7TaNIJdE/s400/baltimore%2Bpurse.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578708963877465090" border="0" /></a>Then I splurged on this purse. The artist, Caitlin Phillips from <a href="http://www.rebound-designs.com/">Rebound Designs</a>, takes book covers and turns them into purses. I'm a sucker for anything Jane Austin and the birds sealed the deal. She can turn any book into a purse - I think she's very original and also very nice. Here is the inside of the purse. Nice touch. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onzIR813Qv4/TWuOVGcdmjI/AAAAAAAABRI/p0XtumIRSAo/s1600/baltimore%2Bpurse%2Binards.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onzIR813Qv4/TWuOVGcdmjI/AAAAAAAABRI/p0XtumIRSAo/s400/baltimore%2Bpurse%2Binards.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578709056586881586" border="0" /></a><br />We all started to get that "had enough" feeling about 3:00 and started talking about heading back onto the road for girl friend weekend part two when Meg suggested that we stop at a great fabric store, <a href="http://deboistextiles.com/new.htm">DeBois Fabrics</a>. She didn't have to say it twice - load the address into the GPS and let's go.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6LU6t0S2Zs/TWuOGdmzE6I/AAAAAAAABQw/YFlv-S_sZB0/s1600/baltimore%2Bfabric%2B2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6LU6t0S2Zs/TWuOGdmzE6I/AAAAAAAABQw/YFlv-S_sZB0/s400/baltimore%2Bfabric%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578708805106209698" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upGV1OYl_qM/TWuOBPDhVNI/AAAAAAAABQo/inPSBJtuwz0/s1600/baltimore.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upGV1OYl_qM/TWuOBPDhVNI/AAAAAAAABQo/inPSBJtuwz0/s400/baltimore.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578708715300803794" border="0" /></a>I got several yards of this fabric for $4.99 per yard. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lEnv3e-Bws/TWuXlBjTMiI/AAAAAAAABRQ/k9uVx4JokkA/s1600/baltimore%2Bfabric%2B3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lEnv3e-Bws/TWuXlBjTMiI/AAAAAAAABRQ/k9uVx4JokkA/s400/baltimore%2Bfabric%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578719225755939362" border="0" /></a> Steal. I have no where I'm going to use it but I love it and it is in the colors that I love so I know it will find a spot soon. Thanks for the tip, Meg, I know I will make this pilgrimage again often.<br /><br />We parted ways with Meg and headed north on I-95 for West Chester, Pennsylvania to meet up with some other friends and spend Saturday exploring Philadelphia. Stay tuned for part two.<br /><br />Happy Monday!Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-31418592410739338582011-02-20T07:19:00.001-08:002011-02-21T03:19:35.604-08:00Perched on Pitt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUfoCrbzJq0/TWJBrnnjhNI/AAAAAAAABOQ/s7qAvIZkzAI/s1600/perch.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUfoCrbzJq0/TWJBrnnjhNI/AAAAAAAABOQ/s7qAvIZkzAI/s400/perch.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576091506263164114" border="0" /></a>According to the dictionary, a perch is a any place or object, as a sill, fence, branch, or twig, for a bird, animal, or person to alight or rest upon. I have found the perfect name for our new little rental in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Perch.<br /><br />I spent the better part of this week at Perch with my canine duo, Harvey and Lion. You dog lovers will relate when I tell you that I was worried about them liking their new "digs". Dogs are such creatures of habits, as are certain humans (me) and I wanted to start a new set of routines so that they and I will start to feel at home. I have gotten so used to having them around me all day and soon I will be leaving them for the better part of each day and I don't want them to "freak out."<br /><br />I dragged their crates with me in my trusty mini van so that they would have a safe place to hang out until I feel like they've settled in. Dog crates were a great invention - they also serve as end tables.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn7ui04OI4I/TWJCJ3suBPI/AAAAAAAABOY/QJuU4f2OmWk/s1600/711%2Bpitt%2B017.jpg"><br /></a><br />Which is a nice segue into a discussion of the interior design budget for Perch: $0.00. or close to it. I did purchase a mattress at Ikea and hope to see it delivered soon. But, for the most part, we are trying to furnish Perch on the cheap. Thanks to 30 years of collecting we nearly do have enough to furnish another home. I dragged an old kitchen table and chairs for a little reading/eating nook. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Eh1K5zfFG8/TWJDD3mifUI/AAAAAAAABOg/pDJbRNa3zNE/s1600/711%2Bpitt%2B016.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Eh1K5zfFG8/TWJDD3mifUI/AAAAAAAABOg/pDJbRNa3zNE/s400/711%2Bpitt%2B016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576093022382357826" border="0" /></a>The rug came from "The Dump". I had never set foot into that store because of the name - mostly it is large sofas and chairs with cup holders - not my style, however, there were a few good bargains on area rugs.<br /><br />I adore all the bookcases but don't want to move books from Haven so my friends are on the look out for free books - I just want to fill the space to cozy it up. My friend Denise has already found four shelves worth at an estate sale - I can't wait to shelve them and then start reading them one by one. Any other donations gratefully accepted.<br /><br />The shades are Redi-Shades, cut to fit and hanging by thumb tacks - the strip of adhesive didn't hold.<br /><br />Back to the routine. Every morning the dogs and I get a good long walk. They like to go the same way every day. They lift their legs on the same blade of grass. If I try to go a different way, Harvey often sits down. Funny little creatures.<br /><br />So the first morning we headed toward the river, and three blocks later this came into view: a dog park complete with a view of the Woodrow Wilson bridge. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx-xD_8eQC8/TWJH8Of7iZI/AAAAAAAABO4/tvwhNZ7pznI/s1600/711%2Bpitt%2B019.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx-xD_8eQC8/TWJH8Of7iZI/AAAAAAAABO4/tvwhNZ7pznI/s400/711%2Bpitt%2B019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576098388647840146" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuWb7tWBxWo/TWJGLZ5dqSI/AAAAAAAABOo/lEqi5-UsgjA/s1600/711%2Bpitt%2B020.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuWb7tWBxWo/TWJGLZ5dqSI/AAAAAAAABOo/lEqi5-UsgjA/s400/711%2Bpitt%2B020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576096450382506274" border="0" /></a>That white blob in the background is Lion retrieving his Frisbee. I didn't think to pack a hose - this could be a muddy disaster. Harvey is not to be trusted off lead so I walked him along the bank of the river so he could take in all of the good smells. He is a swimmer so I'm going to have to remember to bring a pile of towels up next time. He didn't go in - still a little too chilly I guess.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zK1lBJbpg0Y/TWJH3LoJDnI/AAAAAAAABOw/3jr9iW88r5k/s1600/711%2Bpitt%2B018.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zK1lBJbpg0Y/TWJH3LoJDnI/AAAAAAAABOw/3jr9iW88r5k/s400/711%2Bpitt%2B018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576098301977628274" border="0" /></a>The view back towards town.<br /></div>After about three thousand tosses of the Frisbee we continued our walk.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lM1kDfhfqtA/TWJIxCNqvkI/AAAAAAAABPA/60KN5dyDYA8/s1600/711%2Bpitt%2B021.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lM1kDfhfqtA/TWJIxCNqvkI/AAAAAAAABPA/60KN5dyDYA8/s400/711%2Bpitt%2B021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576099295883083330" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XRI0d7qh1Lw/TWJI4IRBHmI/AAAAAAAABPQ/xm__LctnisM/s1600/711%2Bpitt%2B023.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XRI0d7qh1Lw/TWJI4IRBHmI/AAAAAAAABPQ/xm__LctnisM/s400/711%2Bpitt%2B023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576099417766829666" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8R9NgvOiuA/TWJI0l-wtUI/AAAAAAAABPI/Q14GvbJemTA/s1600/711%2Bpitt%2B022.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8R9NgvOiuA/TWJI0l-wtUI/AAAAAAAABPI/Q14GvbJemTA/s400/711%2Bpitt%2B022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576099357023843650" border="0" /></a>Boys, we're not in Kansas anymore but I think we're gonna like it here.<br /><br />Happy Monday what ever state you're in.<br /><span id="hotword"><span style="cursor: default;color:transparent;" id="hotword" name="hotword" ><br /></span></span>Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-35443487214999379512011-02-10T07:46:00.000-08:002011-02-10T11:02:31.637-08:00Haven and Hartwood<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKbamOViq1s/TVQ1BKWVA5I/AAAAAAAABNY/OgOWqiFic4E/s1600/hartwood.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 82px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKbamOViq1s/TVQ1BKWVA5I/AAAAAAAABNY/OgOWqiFic4E/s400/hartwood.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572136933038293906" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwc78MALzAo/TVQznfFjOTI/AAAAAAAABNQ/Eo0k5s0wo6k/s1600/coffee%2Btable.jpg"><br /></a><br />Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting, in person, one of my favorite bloggers, Connie from <a href="http://hartwoodroses.blogspot.com/">Hartwood Roses</a>. We've commented on each other's blogs for quite some time and discovered that we don't live that far away from one another and so we made a plan to meet up and have a day of junking.<br /><br />I wasn't the least bit nervous about meeting Connie - her charming personality comes through on her blog and I new that we would hit it off from the start. She arrived here in Richmond yesterday morning and it was like I had known her for years. The topics she writes about, her love of her home, her family, her animals - we have so much in common.<br /><br />After the tour around Haven she and I drove off to one of her favorite junking spots - <a href="http://www.classandtrash.com/">Class and Trash</a>. Don't you love the name? I loved even more poking around in there. Connie has a great eye and found some treasures amongst the happy chaos. I located a coffee table that I'm hoping to paint a high gloss periwinkle (am I nuts?) <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwc78MALzAo/TVQznfFjOTI/AAAAAAAABNQ/Eo0k5s0wo6k/s1600/coffee%2Btable.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwc78MALzAo/TVQznfFjOTI/AAAAAAAABNQ/Eo0k5s0wo6k/s400/coffee%2Btable.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572135392416839986" border="0" /></a>and put into my new place. I'm trying to come up with something clever to call my townhouse in Old Town, like Perch on Pitt? Not sure- it will come to me. <br /><br />In any case, the coffee table find was not as significant as finding a new human connection - one that I hope will continue and grow. I can't wait to visit Hartwood.Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-26971533932749320492011-02-04T13:02:00.000-08:002011-02-05T04:07:59.647-08:00Purple Poodle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUxplfrOvjI/AAAAAAAABMo/b3L_9POGV5E/s1600/purple%2Bpoodle%2B2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUxplfrOvjI/AAAAAAAABMo/b3L_9POGV5E/s400/purple%2Bpoodle%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569942932029357618" border="0" /></a>I nearly died when I saw this person walking her poodle in the fan yesterday. She walked in front of my car, against the light, and I nearly creamed her. I was so intrigued that I drove around the block, pulled over and took a picture with my iphone just to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. <br /><br />One of the things I love about living around here is that people do not fear personal expression. People wear funky clothes, sport tatoos, ride on tricked out bicycles,<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TU07oHLzUiI/AAAAAAAABM4/AS91tDjCAdw/s1600/lamplighter%2Bbike.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 390px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TU07oHLzUiI/AAAAAAAABM4/AS91tDjCAdw/s400/lamplighter%2Bbike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570173874436526626" border="0" /></a>paint their houses fun colors<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TU07cst4kiI/AAAAAAAABMw/cgS_KVyUImY/s1600/fan%2B3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 262px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TU07cst4kiI/AAAAAAAABMw/cgS_KVyUImY/s400/fan%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570173678353158690" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TU079F5AEyI/AAAAAAAABNI/ToBZt4SF6_w/s1600/the%2Bfan%2B2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TU079F5AEyI/AAAAAAAABNI/ToBZt4SF6_w/s400/the%2Bfan%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570174234866488098" border="0" /></a>- there are no architectural or design police.<br /><br /> I think I have to draw the line with dyeing your dog's hair. Why doesn't she dye her hair purple??<br /><br />Am I overreacting???Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-70838035451354137792011-02-04T04:57:00.001-08:002011-02-04T07:52:53.446-08:00Pittsburgh!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUwcwDy3PuI/AAAAAAAABMA/0HlR9ImbvLg/s1600/pittsburgh%2B2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUwcwDy3PuI/AAAAAAAABMA/0HlR9ImbvLg/s400/pittsburgh%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569858451128401634" border="0" /></a>I am not going to pretend that I have always been a Pittsburgh Steeler fan. Although I lived there in the seventies and eighties when the Pittsburgh Steelers, under the leadership of Coach Chuck Noll, won eight divisional championships and four, count them, four Super Bowl championships, I was not impressed. That was the time of the “immaculate reception,” the play that some call “the greatest play of all time”. I didn't care.<br /><br />My family moved to Pittsburgh from New York city in 1972 as my father accepted a job transfer. At the time I only had a vague idea what state it was even in. We hardly ever left New York except to visit my aunt in Connecticut or to spend some time at the beach on Nantucket. I remember asking my father if Pittsburgh was in Ohio, and I can still recall the look of shock on his face. I was in my own little bubble and geography clearly wasn't my strong suit.<br /><br />I spent a couple of years in mourning for my old life in New York instead of trying to see it as a new adventure (a skill I've learned of late). It took a while but I grew to love the city and today, as the city and its residents prepare for the big day, I wish I was there to soak up that energy and share in that feeling of hometown pride.<br /><br />My first apartment as a single working gal was in the Shadyside section of Pittsburgh. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUwdQ_4F8nI/AAAAAAAABMI/fWtBDPR4sQ0/s1600/frontenac.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUwdQ_4F8nI/AAAAAAAABMI/fWtBDPR4sQ0/s400/frontenac.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569859017012277874" border="0" /></a>The area of Richmond that I live in now, The Fan, reminds me a lot of Shadyside. I know that is why I was drawn here. My apartment was on the third floor on the left side of this photo. It was a studio, probably about 250 square feet but I loved it. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUwe29iKYRI/AAAAAAAABMg/Yq-TV8v5k94/s1600/frontenac%2B2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 255px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUwe29iKYRI/AAAAAAAABMg/Yq-TV8v5k94/s400/frontenac%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569860768730079506" border="0" /></a>My apartment looked just like this one with its arched entry, hardwood floors and great moldings. There was also a Murphy Bed and a little kitchen. I didn't own a car, but no matter, the bus stopped right on that corner and took me to my job at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Life was simpler and fun as hell. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUwem83hoJI/AAAAAAAABMQ/HcCp24b4Tpk/s1600/Carnegie_Museum_of_Natural_History_04.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUwem83hoJI/AAAAAAAABMQ/HcCp24b4Tpk/s400/Carnegie_Museum_of_Natural_History_04.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569860493673341074" border="0" /></a><br />Unfortunately I don't have any family in Pittsburgh anymore, however, I do still have dear friends who I know are very excited for Sunday to come. Pittsburgh I'm rooting for you now. <br /><br />Get out your terrible towels!!Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-28756808202341429492011-02-02T04:55:00.000-08:002011-02-02T05:50:48.850-08:00Just a little bit closer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlWhiwjGJI/AAAAAAAABKM/kpVaM-cthbI/s1600/ikea%2B018.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlWhiwjGJI/AAAAAAAABKM/kpVaM-cthbI/s400/ikea%2B018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569077548486432914" border="0" /></a><br />On Sunday Harry finished piecing together the components to make the base trim in the Laundry Room and hit it all with a coat of primer. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlaZhkYeXI/AAAAAAAABLk/2NWtTey_bGU/s1600/ikea%2B020.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlaZhkYeXI/AAAAAAAABLk/2NWtTey_bGU/s400/ikea%2B020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569081808774527346" border="0" /></a> He also hung the Roman shade that my friend Rhonda, who has a drapery workroom, made for us. Remind me to tell you about the fabric later. The only things left to do now are to decide what kind of storage to add to the wall over the work surface and washer and dryer and give the trim and door a coat of paint. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlaOXYMYrI/AAAAAAAABLU/n10ClA2OWQI/s1600/ikea%2B019.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlaOXYMYrI/AAAAAAAABLU/n10ClA2OWQI/s400/ikea%2B019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569081617060487858" border="0" /></a> I'm having trouble with making a decision as I rather like the quiet, uncluttered space. (I took all the laundry off of the marble before taking the picture!) But storage in these old houses is sorely lacking, or is it that we have too much crap? I'm thinking it is the latter.<br /><br />On our way back down I-95 on Saturday we popped into Ikea to have a look at their laundry and kitchen storage options. Correction - there is no popping into Ikea - you're stuck there for hours, I believe on purpose. I cringe at the thought of navigating that store. Is it me or do they try to get you lost? I know there are arrows on the floor to direct you, but I always seem to be going in circles. Where the hell is the exit? Is all of Virginia here today with their grandmothers and babies? Where did I leave my patience? I had it in the back of my mind that I would soon be at <a href="http://racinerva.com/">Racine</a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlbRTNzfuI/AAAAAAAABLs/huxH3TlWKRw/s1600/racine.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 274px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlbRTNzfuI/AAAAAAAABLs/huxH3TlWKRw/s400/racine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569082766994407138" border="0" /></a>having a hamburger and a beer so I tried to concentrate and not get COMPLETELY ANNOYED.<br /><br />We made our way over to the kitchen department to take a look at the cabinet options. They really do have some pretty cabinetry. Actually, there are way too many pretty choices. Here are a few. Weigh in, please, as I can't seem to make a decision.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZF2fFXvI/AAAAAAAABKc/YnYr8fdJfi0/s1600/ikea%2B007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZF2fFXvI/AAAAAAAABKc/YnYr8fdJfi0/s400/ikea%2B007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569080371280436978" border="0" /></a>If I am correct, and I need to do more research, you buy the boxes that you need and then select a door style. I liked this stainless door with the frosted glass. These could hide a multitude of laundry room necessities. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZOFHU2wI/AAAAAAAABKk/K147Mapni7M/s1600/ikea%2B010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZOFHU2wI/AAAAAAAABKk/K147Mapni7M/s400/ikea%2B010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569080512646273794" border="0" /></a><br />The above door is basic, but nice, and would fit in with what we have in the kitchen if anyone thought that was necessary, which I don't as the laundry is upstairs and I am not in need of matching things.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZyt6RUaI/AAAAAAAABLE/J0V6__tiJB4/s1600/ikea%2B016.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZyt6RUaI/AAAAAAAABLE/J0V6__tiJB4/s400/ikea%2B016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569081142072660386" border="0" /></a>Wandering further afield we found this area of basic storage components. I like the wall cabinets here, but worry about reaching to close it as I am 5'3" on a good day. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZsj-TKUI/AAAAAAAABK8/iS03EjOlkFA/s1600/ikea%2B015.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZsj-TKUI/AAAAAAAABK8/iS03EjOlkFA/s400/ikea%2B015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569081036325988674" border="0" /></a><br />Here is one in a stained finish - I think I need to stick with white. Why do I keep getting Harry's arm in these photos? Sorry, thinking about beer, no doubt. I hadn't noticed the art work until now - quite pretty.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZjoQvQNI/AAAAAAAABK0/TcfIJSkATuU/s1600/ikea%2B014.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZjoQvQNI/AAAAAAAABK0/TcfIJSkATuU/s400/ikea%2B014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569080882858246354" border="0" /></a><br />I don't mind this clean open shelving, either. And the hooks would be handy for hanging up wet stuff, what, I can't think right now, give me a minute. I could put containers above to put detergent, etc. in. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZYlHFMGI/AAAAAAAABKs/Cjc6DdQXiAI/s1600/ikea%2B011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUlZYlHFMGI/AAAAAAAABKs/Cjc6DdQXiAI/s400/ikea%2B011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569080693033873506" border="0" /></a><br />The above would work, too, I think they were the cheapest, and I think they look that way, too. Sorry, Harry. I think I'm voting this one out.<br /><br />We got away without having to trudge through the restaurant or marketplace, how I don't know. We brought home a bunch of literature and need to pour over it to make a decision so that the next time we're on I-95, which we all know will be very soon, we can "pop" into the marketplace and get really annoyed as the choice we've made won't be in stock.<br /><br />I sound like Debbie Downer today. Sorry.<br /><br />I hope wherever you are today that you're warm and safe and don't have piles of laundry sitting in your hallway.<br /><br />I haven't forgotten to talk about the fabric used on the Roman shade. I'll save that for another scintillating post.Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-57318596507112965302011-01-31T13:56:00.000-08:002011-01-31T14:10:52.835-08:00The Photo That Cinched the Deal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUcwQb8iLyI/AAAAAAAABKA/FwkPmMQ6rwM/s1600/P1000066.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUcwQb8iLyI/AAAAAAAABKA/FwkPmMQ6rwM/s400/P1000066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568472523204603682" border="0" /></a>As part of my email as to why we would make the perfect tenants for the home in Old Town, I attached the above photo. Who could resist this duo? Turns out, it wasn't the dogs that sold her but the carpet remnant under the iron plant stand that impressed her!! In any case, the house is ours, at least for a year. <br /><br />I'm starting to get excited.Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-42554196981867360752011-01-30T07:27:00.001-08:002011-01-30T08:39:54.647-08:00You had me at the sidewalkI know it has happened to you when you're house/condo/apartment shopping - you get that feeling when you walk in the front door, or maybe even before, when you're searching the Internet - that this is home. The house seems to call to you, "live here, be mine". I didn't expect that to happen yesterday while searching for our weekday home in Alexandria (VA). We were just hoping to find something decent, mostly commuter friendly that we could perch in Monday-Thursday.<br /><br />We started in Parkfairfax as stated in my post yesterday. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWEJoLhrXI/AAAAAAAABIw/SfzzS1f-mMw/s1600/marthacustis.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 105px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWEJoLhrXI/AAAAAAAABIw/SfzzS1f-mMw/s400/marthacustis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568001815252938098" border="0" /></a> The first apartment is housing an adorable family of four that has been there for ten years. Not much has been done to it in that amount of time, except for amassing a large collection of house plants. I'm sure once they move out and a coat of paint is applied, it will be a cute place. But it wasn't speaking to me. There was a long walk from the parking lot to the front door, too, which makes schlepping groceries more of a chore than it already is. Okay, we'll keep it on the list but let's move on.<br /><br />We popped into another model - this time a vacant one, thank goodness. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWFPUCMbjI/AAAAAAAABI4/7-x8kn_uihw/s1600/mount%2Beagle.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWFPUCMbjI/AAAAAAAABI4/7-x8kn_uihw/s400/mount%2Beagle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568003012435930674" border="0" /></a><br />This condo had the same floor plan as the other and has had some updating over the years. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWGeZMGGCI/AAAAAAAABJA/1JojB7e1rG4/s1600/mt.%2Beagle2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWGeZMGGCI/AAAAAAAABJA/1JojB7e1rG4/s400/mt.%2Beagle2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568004371029301282" border="0" /></a><br />I love the patio and the Adirondack chairs. It would be easy to let the dogs out from this entrance. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWITppzj_I/AAAAAAAABJI/K-oLT14z1nY/s1600/mt.%2Beagle3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWITppzj_I/AAAAAAAABJI/K-oLT14z1nY/s400/mt.%2Beagle3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568006385493577714" border="0" /></a><br />The bath looks like it has the original tile and tub but the rest has been updated. I'm okay with that. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWImVVy5yI/AAAAAAAABJQ/zzBRA_gt-hw/s1600/mt.%2Beagle.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWImVVy5yI/AAAAAAAABJQ/zzBRA_gt-hw/s400/mt.%2Beagle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568006706458453794" border="0" /></a><br />I like the wall of windows in the Living Room, the two colors of paint, not so much. I'd need a new paint job, for sure. There were nice wood blinds on the windows - bonus. These pictures were taken when things were still green - yesterday there was a good coating of snow on the ground. I guess I can see myself here, after some paint. Moving on....<br /><br />We did a quick drive-by of the Fairlington condos. We weren't in love with the location of either so we headed into Old Town.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWOAyEMlHI/AAAAAAAABJY/I7JU83WKfZE/s1600/pitt%2Bst.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWOAyEMlHI/AAAAAAAABJY/I7JU83WKfZE/s400/pitt%2Bst.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568012658404004978" border="0" /></a>You had me at the sidewalk. The home pictured above is in a section of Old Town called Yates Gardens - town homes built in the 1930s. A closer look at the listing read "no pets". Yikes, how did this one slip through the filter? My old and dear friend, Liane, who is also my real estate agent, said she often can convince people to take pets - and was willing to go to bat for us. Meanwhile, I was trying not to fall in love. Too late.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWPIW-NE3I/AAAAAAAABJg/W_OgkPbObDo/s1600/pitt%2Bst%2B2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWPIW-NE3I/AAAAAAAABJg/W_OgkPbObDo/s400/pitt%2Bst%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568013888081695602" border="0" /></a>The living room which takes up the entire second floor has windows on both sides of the room. You can see above the light streaming in. The fireplace is a bonus. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWPzlgnbJI/AAAAAAAABJo/dfT2JqOMWek/s1600/pitt%2Bst%2B3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWPzlgnbJI/AAAAAAAABJo/dfT2JqOMWek/s400/pitt%2Bst%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568014630718499986" border="0" /></a><br />The kitchen and dining room are on the lower level along with a door out to the garden - yeah - letting dogs out at midnight won't be too hard. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWQquZKfDI/AAAAAAAABJw/4tB05xW3768/s1600/pitt%2Bst%2B4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWQquZKfDI/AAAAAAAABJw/4tB05xW3768/s400/pitt%2Bst%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568015577995967538" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWQ1UD2CrI/AAAAAAAABJ4/4VbPUDtCxWc/s1600/pitt%2Bst%2B5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUWQ1UD2CrI/AAAAAAAABJ4/4VbPUDtCxWc/s400/pitt%2Bst%2B5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568015759905786546" border="0" /></a><br />Charm was oozing from every nook and cranny. Add to that the super location near the Safeway, the river, the bike trail, the restaurants, it is perfection. <br /><br />This morning, back in Richmond, I wrote a lengthy email to my agent with all the reasons why they should pick us as their next tenants. I guess it depends on how much "no pets" means "NO PETS".Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-62303778693789586892011-01-29T03:35:00.001-08:002011-01-29T04:13:41.151-08:00A Bird in the Hand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUQC_O0MHII/AAAAAAAABIg/Ku9vsSDCdzA/s1600/fairlington.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUP7qBazWuI/AAAAAAAABIQ/c-s-73luWRQ/s1600/Bird-in-hand.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUP7qBazWuI/AAAAAAAABIQ/c-s-73luWRQ/s400/Bird-in-hand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567570263713995490" border="0" /></a>So, Harry's company has asked him to come back to DC to become Chief Engineer at a huge project on the Potomac River. The contract here in Richmond only has about two years left in it, while the one in DC could go on forever, or at least until we want to retire. The bird in hand is the job in DC and the two in the bush are what we would do after the work in Richmond dries up. The non-practical side of me likes the two little birdies sitting in the bush but then the practical side takes over and says, "sure, I don't mind upheaval."<br /><br />Off we go up I-95 today to look at condos in Alexandria, VA. The company is giving us a living allowance, for now, as we grapple with what to do with our lives in Richmond. The housing market has only gotten worse since we moved here, however, home prices in Alexandria seem to have held steady. Therefore, what we could afford there really pales in comparison to what we have here. Not too mention that we're not finished with the renovations here at Haven that would be necessary to put it on the market. So, we're not even going to entertain selling now as we love it here and are willing, for now, to hang around in DC during the week and trek back to Richmond on the weekend. That all may change as my patience for commuting is nil.<br /><br />First stop today is a garden style condominium complex, Parkfairfax, near our old home in the City of Alexandria. In 1941, as the Federal Government grew rapidly in response to the Second World War, a housing shortage developed in the Washington area and President Roosevelt asked the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New York to develop housing near the Pentagon. The Company purchased 201.7 acres on the western edge of the City of Alexandria, for $282,150. Leonard Schultze and Associates of New York was the architect and Starrett Brothers and Eken, Inc. (builder of the Empire State Building) was the construction company. A total of 286 buildings were built containing 720 one bedroom, 863 two bedroom and 101 three bedroom apartments. The rental office was opened in May 1942 and the first tenants occupied units in October 1942. Metropolitan donated to the City of Alexandria approximately 5 acres and $50,000 for the building of Charles Barrett Elementary School. Among former residents of Parkfairfax are two Presidents of the United States, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUQAMIXRF4I/AAAAAAAABIY/nfRlCP5MRNQ/s1600/parkfairfax.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 206px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUQAMIXRF4I/AAAAAAAABIY/nfRlCP5MRNQ/s400/parkfairfax.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567575247740278658" border="0" /></a>Harry and my first home was in the same neighborhood as this condo complex so I know I can feel at home here.<br /><br />Having two dogs really drives a lot of the decision making here. I don't want to live in a high rise and have to come down in an elevator at 6:00 a.m. to let them out. The neighborhood around here is great for walking and commuting to both of our jobs should (!) be fairly easy.<br /><br />Parkfairfax also has several pools - I love to swim and have missed having easy access to an outdoor pool.<br /><br />Next stop is Fairlington, a townhome complex in Arlington - in the same neck of the woods as Parkfairfax. <span style="font-size:100%;">Fairlington was also constructed as a garden apartment complex to house defense workers and their families during World War II. At the instigation of then President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it was designed by Kenneth Franzheim and associate architect Alan B. Mills. The project was intended to remain a permanent part of the community after the war's end. The first families began moving in during May 1943. By the end of that year, 2,415 apartments were available for occupancy. It remained a rental community until 1972 to 1977 when the units were renovated and sold as condominiums.</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUQC_O0MHII/AAAAAAAABIg/Ku9vsSDCdzA/s1600/fairlington.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 235px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUQC_O0MHII/AAAAAAAABIg/Ku9vsSDCdzA/s400/fairlington.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567578324668783746" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUQDb52J-NI/AAAAAAAABIo/1UhLHHIqkhM/s1600/Fairlington2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUQDb52J-NI/AAAAAAAABIo/1UhLHHIqkhM/s400/Fairlington2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567578817256093906" border="0" /></a>With its tree-lined streets, proximity to Old Town and walkability, I think I can find a spot here, as well.<br /><br />Finally, there is one apartment right in Old Town Alexandria that we'll see today. I like the idea of being in Old Town but I think parking and the lack of pool is going to drive me back to the other two options. <br /><br />Stay tuned.Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-29650753910247615722011-01-26T05:10:00.001-08:002011-01-26T06:16:55.669-08:00Take Back Your Bed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAf2QqIAYI/AAAAAAAABHA/LcesEpln6qM/s1600/perennials.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAf2QqIAYI/AAAAAAAABHA/LcesEpln6qM/s400/perennials.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566484156474982786" border="0" /></a>I was at the Washington Design Center yesterday in the Hines showroom and saw this photo which cracked me up. This mismatched pair reminded me of my two canine friends, a standard Poodle, Lion, and our welsh terrier, Harvey.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAeFgDiI3I/AAAAAAAABGg/0XPlrFBCMDI/s1600/P1000064.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAeFgDiI3I/AAAAAAAABGg/0XPlrFBCMDI/s400/P1000064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566482219282867058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The ad is for <a href="http://www.perennialsfabrics.com/index.php">Perennials Fabrics</a>, a wonderful line of outdoor fabrics which we use for a lot of our client's who have pets and especially for places where fabrics can fade as they are resistant to UV damage. They have an amazing selection of colors and textures that one used to never be able to get in an outdoor fabric. Perennials also sells pet beds - you may want to invest in one if your pet will use it!!<br /><br />I think it is too late to reclaim my bed. Actually, I like having them there. Harry would disagree. A recent <em>Washington Post</em> interview with a dog trainer stated that a dog in bed is "a sign the dog is completely in charge. Get the dog off your bed. It can make a bigger difference than anyone can imagine." Ahh, is that where I went wrong? <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAebT8V7iI/AAAAAAAABGw/AT8RZVLsJkU/s1600/P1000218.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAebT8V7iI/AAAAAAAABGw/AT8RZVLsJkU/s400/P1000218.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566482593988603426" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAfJNHdqQI/AAAAAAAABG4/3yBCJldTPqY/s1600/dog%2Bwallpaper.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAfJNHdqQI/AAAAAAAABG4/3yBCJldTPqY/s400/dog%2Bwallpaper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566483382430181634" border="0" /></a>I would love to have this wallpaper from <a href="http://www.osborneandlittle.com/">Osborne and Little</a> somewhere at Haven - again, Harry would probably have a problem with it.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAjqOuw1XI/AAAAAAAABHI/W_PEh8khs_A/s1600/hallway%2Bdog%2Bpaper.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 194px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAjqOuw1XI/AAAAAAAABHI/W_PEh8khs_A/s400/hallway%2Bdog%2Bpaper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566488347845645682" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAkXaD05NI/AAAAAAAABHQ/KH_CKml8W_c/s1600/wallpaper2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAkXaD05NI/AAAAAAAABHQ/KH_CKml8W_c/s400/wallpaper2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566489123980895442" border="0" /></a>This family not only reclaimed their bed, they stuck it outside. Poor Scotty - you can come live at my house.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAnCqKdE_I/AAAAAAAABHY/KU7JOhHj4Ns/s1600/Ralph-Lauren-11.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 357px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAnCqKdE_I/AAAAAAAABHY/KU7JOhHj4Ns/s400/Ralph-Lauren-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566492066061292530" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAeFgDiI3I/AAAAAAAABGg/0XPlrFBCMDI/s1600/P1000064.JPG"><br /></a>You know these two are just posing for the camera - as soon as the photographer left they jumped up on that bed.<br /><br />For your viewing pleasure on this cold and rainy day here are some shots of others in the same boat (bed). <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAq7XvN9oI/AAAAAAAABH4/p9rvnMYQnGs/s1600/DogSleep-300x198.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 198px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAq7XvN9oI/AAAAAAAABH4/p9rvnMYQnGs/s400/DogSleep-300x198.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566496338902644354" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAq30OxF_I/AAAAAAAABHw/p-z2_zqjSqM/s1600/dog.bed.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAq30OxF_I/AAAAAAAABHw/p-z2_zqjSqM/s400/dog.bed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566496277831686130" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAq0tRLbdI/AAAAAAAABHo/GzBK4CIUU7s/s1600/dog%2Bin%2Bbed%2B3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAq0tRLbdI/AAAAAAAABHo/GzBK4CIUU7s/s400/dog%2Bin%2Bbed%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566496224423144914" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAqwmIjFhI/AAAAAAAABHg/BPNAoQ404yo/s1600/dog%2Bin%2Bbed%2B2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUAqwmIjFhI/AAAAAAAABHg/BPNAoQ404yo/s400/dog%2Bin%2Bbed%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566496153788421650" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUArvdo6c3I/AAAAAAAABII/E3Y4aQLKdkM/s1600/Dog-sleeping-in-bed-with-owner.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TUArvdo6c3I/AAAAAAAABII/E3Y4aQLKdkM/s400/Dog-sleeping-in-bed-with-owner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566497233840010098" border="0" /></a>Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-65003072392943050982011-01-23T06:29:00.000-08:002011-01-23T09:07:22.753-08:00Next Door's Project - Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTxPUlPvWZI/AAAAAAAABGY/ZKlEUtRJkMQ/s1600/holmes-on-homes.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTxO15KU5lI/AAAAAAAABGQ/_ZDUvXIDWYY/s1600/contractor1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTxO15KU5lI/AAAAAAAABGQ/_ZDUvXIDWYY/s400/contractor1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565409927307257426" border="0" /></a><br />Remember that photo from the previous posting on my neighbor's bath remodel showing the trim and the paint color? http://havenonhanover.blogspot.com/2011/01/here-comes-decorator.html Did you notice that it was kind of dark? Well, that's because the painter decided that the bad track light had to come down so he could paint the ceiling. He said he was going to go get a work light but guess what, he never did. So, the painter and his assistant worked in the dark.<br /><br />Today, the electrician showed up to hang the chandelier and guess what? The light shone on the shoddiest paint job in all of the years that I've known what a paint brush is. No one patched, sanded or skimmed. The contractor said "well, they were working in the dark, you know." How do you respond to that? So, today the painters are back. I would have fired their little arses but I'm not the contractor and for that I'm thankful. I feel awful for the homeowners who are being taken advantage of. I told them not to let them touch a brush to the wall paint until the walls and ceiling have been inspected. I have a feeling this isn't going to go well.<br /><br />Update: the walls and trim look much better but now the homeowners don't like how the room has been laid out. The tub and toilet are practically kissing so, guess what? The plumbing is being redone so that the toilet and radiator swap homes. Up comes the tiled floor. It is difficult to know what to say. No drawings were done, the contractor just assumed that the original plumbing placements would be okay. I wanted to cry. So do the homeowners. Where were the plans? Where was the tape measure? <br /><br />I think we could star in an episode of Holmes on Homes.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTxPUlPvWZI/AAAAAAAABGY/ZKlEUtRJkMQ/s1600/holmes-on-homes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTxPUlPvWZI/AAAAAAAABGY/ZKlEUtRJkMQ/s400/holmes-on-homes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565410454537197970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />P.S. No building permits in site.Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-23496910897813956682011-01-18T07:20:00.000-08:002011-01-18T07:20:00.133-08:00Winter Hiking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRx1CAseiI/AAAAAAAABGI/OZhLN6ZhVB0/s1600/appalachian-trail-map_lrg.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRgIwmZH2I/AAAAAAAABEg/tRuH3_15f9A/s1600/mlk.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRgIwmZH2I/AAAAAAAABEg/tRuH3_15f9A/s400/mlk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563177143310557026" border="0" /></a><br />Late last week I heard on the news that in celebration of Martin Luther King Day all National Parks were going to be open and free to the public for the weekend That information, coupled with a weather prediction of sunny skies and a high temperature near 50 and I start dreaming of getting up to the<a href="http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/maps/showmap.cfm?alphacode=shen&parkname=Shenandoah%20National%20Park"> Shenandoah National Park</a>.<br /><br />When the Haven on Hanover family lived in Northern Virginia we used to do a lot of hiking in the northern part of Shenandoah. Now that we're near the southern entrance we have a whole new set of hikes to explore. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRfaAAtLPI/AAAAAAAABEY/pdy9T_yKZik/s1600/map_of_shenandoah-national-park.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRfaAAtLPI/AAAAAAAABEY/pdy9T_yKZik/s400/map_of_shenandoah-national-park.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563176339993603314" border="0" /></a><br />Several years ago Harry found a <a href="http://www.guidetosnp.com/web/">Guide to the SNP</a> on the internet. It is a very detailed and comprehensive guide to hiking in the park, divided into North, Central and Southern sections. We found a <a href="http://www.guidetosnp.com/web/LogoftheDrive/logs4.aspx#hs-18">5.3</a> mile circuit hike near the southern entrance. packed a lunch, camera and dog treats and the four of us (2 adults, 2 dogs) set off.<br /><br />I love hiking in the winter - no crowds, no bugs, no snakes and the views of the mountains are so much more dramatic.<br /><br />One of the first stops along the way was this grave site - I'm not sure we would have seen it had it been summer. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRijLoMHEI/AAAAAAAABEo/pfu8ru0qBFg/s1600/shenandoah%2B006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRijLoMHEI/AAAAAAAABEo/pfu8ru0qBFg/s400/shenandoah%2B006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563179796265704514" border="0" /></a><br />We wondered who <a href="http://rightsideva.blogspot.com/2009/01/william-h-howard-company-f-44th-va-inf.html">William Howard</a> was and why he wound up here all alone. I came home and googled his name - someone already did the research. Don't you just love the internet? Instant answers!<br /><br />The hike then led steadily down hill (I couldn't stop thinking I was going to have to go uphill at some point, pay backs are hell) <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRoPDY9kRI/AAAAAAAABFI/49_Dzxlm3tk/s1600/shenandoah%2B009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRoPDY9kRI/AAAAAAAABFI/49_Dzxlm3tk/s400/shenandoah%2B009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563186047526736146" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRnzSoywXI/AAAAAAAABEw/1tK632qcAoo/s1600/shenandoah%2B007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRnzSoywXI/AAAAAAAABEw/1tK632qcAoo/s400/shenandoah%2B007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563185570583331186" border="0" /></a>to a series of waterfalls all fighting to not freeze over. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRoypnk7mI/AAAAAAAABFY/h2rlpXwz_FU/s1600/shenandoah%2B008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRoypnk7mI/AAAAAAAABFY/h2rlpXwz_FU/s400/shenandoah%2B008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563186659084004962" border="0" /></a><br />This small waterfall was losing the battle.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRuFvQ5YWI/AAAAAAAABGA/49aWGuv_SpM/s1600/shenandoah%2B011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRuFvQ5YWI/AAAAAAAABGA/49aWGuv_SpM/s400/shenandoah%2B011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563192484575142242" border="0" /></a><br />Doyles waterfall, pictured above, looks like Old Man Winter to me. An angry Old Man Winter.<br /><br />Years ago I read about a waterfall's affect on one's mood - <a href="http://naturalhighs.net/waterfalls/grin.htm">Nature's Prozac</a>. We sat down on the rocks and had our lunch here so that the negative ions could work their magic. I don't think I needed the boost as just being in the park was enough of a mood elevator. But why chance it? After a brief rest and lunch consumed we headed back up the mountain to where the trail intersects with the Appalachain Trail,<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRx1CAseiI/AAAAAAAABGI/OZhLN6ZhVB0/s1600/appalachian-trail-map_lrg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRx1CAseiI/AAAAAAAABGI/OZhLN6ZhVB0/s400/appalachian-trail-map_lrg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563196595596196386" border="0" /></a> otherwise known as the AT. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRpl-JKlRI/AAAAAAAABF4/aqJTHwzpRf0/s1600/shenandoah%2B022.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRpl-JKlRI/AAAAAAAABF4/aqJTHwzpRf0/s400/shenandoah%2B022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563187540766922002" border="0" /></a>If you don't know, the AT is the nation's longest marked footpath, at approximately 2,179 miles. Harry often dreams of making the entire trip. I say you'd better get started, time's a wasting. The section we were on was pretty easy - I thought about all the thru hikers who came before me. I could do it, yup, as long as there was a nice Bed and Breakfast at the end of each day.<br /><br />As we were walking along, Lion, our poodle all of a sudden stopped dead in his tracks as if he'd seen, heard or smelled something. Having seen bears in the park before I started to think he was getting ready to protect us from a crazed bear coming out of hibernation. Harry laughed and said he thought the rock ahead of us was what was concerning him. Hah. Sure enough, our citified poodle got spooked by a rock. Poor thing, too many sidewalk hikes!! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRpYR52oQI/AAAAAAAABFw/7iLI71wO4Lk/s1600/shenandoah%2B018.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRpYR52oQI/AAAAAAAABFw/7iLI71wO4Lk/s400/shenandoah%2B018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563187305553240322" border="0" /></a>You can only imagine what seeing a bear would have done to this poor creature. Thankfully we didn't see any scary wildlife and only a few other humans.<br /><br />I'm sure Martin Luther King would have approved of having the parks open in celebration of his life and work. It sure made me appreciate this little part of our great country and the efforts to preserve it.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRpMOzTK6I/AAAAAAAABFo/GI_zJUW5j8E/s1600/shenandoah%2B017.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRpMOzTK6I/AAAAAAAABFo/GI_zJUW5j8E/s400/shenandoah%2B017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563187098562014114" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRo-I7Jd6I/AAAAAAAABFg/J1hbQFx8APg/s1600/shenandoah%2B015.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRo-I7Jd6I/AAAAAAAABFg/J1hbQFx8APg/s400/shenandoah%2B015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563186856466151330" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Hiking!Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-58189282064939377462011-01-13T12:27:00.000-08:002011-01-17T07:19:33.491-08:00Here Comes The DecoratorMy next door neighbors came over to Haven last Saturday in a panic as they had gotten started on bathroom renovations with a contractor and they felt like they had gotten in over their heads. I was only too happy to do a walk through and give them some advice and have now been hired to see the project through. These neighbors moved to the Fan about a year ahead of Harry and me, purchased a house that had been subdivided into two apartments, and have since brought it back to a single family home. The wife is a very talented watercolor artist, potter and gardener so therefore, has an eye for color and scale, but just has trouble verbalizing what she is seeking in the transformation of her space. Add to that a streak of sentimentality that has caused her to carry around her grandmother's claw foot tub for years looking for a permanent home. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TS9kJzdsxlI/AAAAAAAABDw/5_PUz45Ydjo/s1600/Hooper%2BPowder%2BRoom.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TS9kJzdsxlI/AAAAAAAABDw/5_PUz45Ydjo/s400/Hooper%2BPowder%2BRoom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561774184422229586" border="0" /></a><br />Above is a magazine page (sorry, don't know from where) of inspiration for the Powder Room. The contractor was given this photograph to go off of and he got it mostly right but there were some issues. For one, the top piece of molding was supposed to be a shelf so that the wife could put some of her pottery around. So, they placed a 2 x 4 all around the room, notching out when they came to both sets of radiator pipes. That just had to go. They also had made the executive decision not to put in a vent fan and to put a down light right over the sink. Ugh. Not the right kind of lighting for a vanity. So, we made an appointment for me to meet the contractor on Monday morning so that we could go over the changes.<br /><br />I got the feeling they weren't happy to see me. Their faces gave that away. I know they weren't happy to have to pull out work that they felt was finished. Sometimes I think contractors think that decorators don't know what they're doing - that we're just fluff.<br /><br />So, forging ahead, I asked them to change the top piece of trim - or to rip it and rout it. I had convinced the wife to not clutter up the space with things on a shelf. Then I asked them to drywall over the ceiling can opening, make two openings for sconces over the sink and put in a vent fan. Then I asked them to drywall over the built in shelf that was on the opposite wall from the door. Silence. The husband told them that I was now the contact person. I thanked them all for being so flexible and understanding and asked them to call me when the first piece of trim had been changed. To make a long story short, they did what I asked, it looks great and when I went back over there late in the day the carpenter was singing. Phew.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTBNC_QlIiI/AAAAAAAABD4/b6S39DnzCmg/s1600/hooper%2Bpowder%2B2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTBNC_QlIiI/AAAAAAAABD4/b6S39DnzCmg/s400/hooper%2Bpowder%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562030253538615842" border="0" /></a>Here is a shot I took with my iphone yesterday while the painters were taking their turn in the Powder Room. The tub is getting a new paint job and will get placed today. The walls are Benjamin Moore <a href="http://decorati.com/product/54664/silver-lake">Silver Lake</a> and the trim is Benjamin Moore Decorator White.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRaHEc6LbI/AAAAAAAABEA/FSETU_A0JR4/s1600/shenandoah%2B002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRaHEc6LbI/AAAAAAAABEA/FSETU_A0JR4/s400/shenandoah%2B002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563170517209984434" border="0" /></a>The ceiling is getting this little gem of a chandelier and the sconces, pictured below, are off being electrified and will be placed on either side of the Pottery Barn Mirror, in the brushed finish, shown (polished below the sconces.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRajKre9vI/AAAAAAAABEI/ZjdXGkjBRfw/s1600/shenandoah%2B004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRajKre9vI/AAAAAAAABEI/ZjdXGkjBRfw/s400/shenandoah%2B004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563170999918065394" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRbEpuIAkI/AAAAAAAABEQ/PFWcTZoQW4I/s1600/potterybarnmirror.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 344px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TTRbEpuIAkI/AAAAAAAABEQ/PFWcTZoQW4I/s400/potterybarnmirror.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563171575186326082" border="0" /></a><br />It is fun having a project right next door - I can pop over several times a day to check progress or answer questions. This week a jacuzzi tub is being installed in the master bath - help is needed in deciding how to do the decking around the tub as well as the apron. More on that tomorrow.<br /><br />Happy Martin Luther King Day.Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-5298259069079700152011-01-08T08:21:00.000-08:002011-01-08T10:55:24.231-08:00The Lobby is Open<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSiSocNSIlI/AAAAAAAABDk/G8jCfnhRmdM/s1600/hobby%2Blobby.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSiSocNSIlI/AAAAAAAABDk/G8jCfnhRmdM/s400/hobby%2Blobby.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559854963453207122" border="0" /></a><br />Harry got all excited last week when he was out in the Short Pump part of Richmond and saw a new store opening, Hobby Lobby. He thought it was going to be a model airplane kind of shop. One look in the window and he discovered he was wrong. He came home sounding very disappointed and it had the opposite effect on me. I made a mental note to get there as soon as I could. I had heard about Hobby Lobby from a neighborhood friend who has been eagerly awaiting the opening. She is from Texas and was very sad when she moved here and found out that there was no Hobby Lobby in Richmond. She even made pilgrimages to Fredericksburg on a regular basis to shop there and she was very excited about the shop opening here.<br /><br />So today I ventured out to Pump land, as I call it, hoping that the crowds and traffic from the holidays had died down. Hobby Lobby shares a strip mall with Home Depot and Target so the crowds could be bad. I took my chances that the average Richmonder would be sleeping in and afraid to get on the roads as we had some snow last night. Lucky day - no traffic or crowds.<br /><br />So, art friends, beading friends and decorating friends, a trip to the Lobby is well worth your time. The art supplies are varied and well organized. I didn't spend too much time in the beading aisle as the beading police are watching my every move. I was looking for pillow inserts and they had every size imaginable - even the large 18 x 36 that I'm looking to put on my Living Room sofa. I'll have to tell Harry that they do have a somewhat impressive model section. Michael's craft store has to be shaking in their boots. Hobby Lobby beats their selection hands down and also has home decor items that rival Home Goods. And it looks like they have regular coupons, too. Sorry, Michael's, my heart has been stolen away.<br /><br />Happy Crafting!Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-3456788159199005252011-01-05T05:08:00.000-08:002011-01-05T05:23:51.198-08:00First Visit to The National<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSRv0wy0QZI/AAAAAAAABDc/d68gl73JvTQ/s1600/national_theater.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSRv0wy0QZI/AAAAAAAABDc/d68gl73JvTQ/s400/national_theater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558690792323957138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSRtdZY_zJI/AAAAAAAABDU/tAQ9O4xbONE/s1600/GreggAllman.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 351px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSRtdZY_zJI/AAAAAAAABDU/tAQ9O4xbONE/s400/GreggAllman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558688191881399442" border="0" /></a>I'm embarrassed to admit that last night was my first ever visit to The National Theatre here in Richmond. Friends had purchased tickets to see Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Allman</span> and invited us along. I was never a huge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Allman</span> Brother's fan but Harry wanted to go so being game for just about anything these days I agreed to go. Gosh, we haven't gone out to a concert in the middle of the week in years - if ever. Back in the suburban days it was too hard to do it even on the weekends - the traffic, the crowds, the annoying fans, blah blah blah. But living in the Fan, you hop into your car at 7:00 for a 7:30 concert and you have time to park, grab a beer and find your seat. The concert was so much fun. We had seats about 10 rows back and could really see the musicians perform. No need for binoculars. There was a lot of talent on that stage last night.<br /><br />The National is a music-lover’s fantasy land. They have a state-of-the-art V-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DOSC</span> sound system, only the sixth installed in the country and only the third installed on the East Coast There seemed to be a great view of the stage from anywhere in the venue. With wooden floors, brick walls, and seven full bars, the room’s clean design and sharp style I'd say it is one of the best concert halls I've been to. Another reason to love the River City. <br /><br />I have to admit I don't know any of the other musicians coming to The National in the next month or so. I've been "out of it" musically for a while but plan to get up to speed this year. I don't want to turn into one of those people who can only listen to the music of their youth. Although, I have to admit I prefer it. It was strange to sit in a theater with lots of graying adults - I don't see us that way!!! Last month I stood in line for tickets to James Taylor (okay, yes, it is music from my youth) and was aghast to see all the old people in line.<br /><br />That's enough blogging for one week. Off to D.C. for some real work and visiting old friends. Enjoy the rest of the week and weekend.<br /><br />Happy Listening!Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-65794510756285426852011-01-04T04:48:00.000-08:002011-01-04T06:24:46.165-08:00The Governor of Salvage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMlG7ezIvI/AAAAAAAABCs/gc5gcKux3eM/s1600/governors%2B001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMlG7ezIvI/AAAAAAAABCs/gc5gcKux3eM/s400/governors%2B001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558327166081639154" border="0" /></a>The Richmond area has a plethora of salvage yards - a plus for those of us trying to renovate old homes. Last year we had some luck finding a door for an opening between two bedrooms in which the original door had been removed - at Caravati's. There were several doors to choose from and they made it so easy for us by taking the door to the paint stripper. After it had been stripped, and without too much trouble, Harry was able to hang the door so that the kids and the house guests at Thanksgiving had some privacy. Caravati's was also the source of a load of heart pine that the floor people needed when patching some bad spots during the first stage of the renovation.<br /><br />Fast forward to the next project needing an old door. The laundry room, which in its previous life was a bunk room and before that a trunk room, had a very ugly hollow door, installed, I imagine when some previous owner removed the door with the transom (gasp) and installed the bunks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMktiWM-HI/AAAAAAAABCk/63xUUY4dIpk/s1600/modern-laundry-room-interior-design-500x375.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMmQiagfHI/AAAAAAAABC0/ABZKT-xCYUQ/s1600/P1000115.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMmQiagfHI/AAAAAAAABC0/ABZKT-xCYUQ/s400/P1000115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558328430663072882" border="0" /></a>Above is the bunk room as it looked when we purchased Haven. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMnS-S5HaI/AAAAAAAABDM/ObPtzLyE1VM/s1600/P1010147.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMnS-S5HaI/AAAAAAAABDM/ObPtzLyE1VM/s400/P1010147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558329572018691490" border="0" /></a>In this shot you can see the hollow door still hanging after the room became our laundry room.<br /><br />So, off we went, back to Caravati's, in search of a nicer door. The dimensions were funky so we weren't too hopeful. And, sure enough, no luck was had in finding the door. <br /><br />I had read on another local blog, http://darlingoctopus.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/salvage-yard-heaven/, about Governor's Salvage.<br /><br />Words nor photos can accurately describe this place. Have you seen the t.v. show Hoarders? I can't really watch it as I'm fearful that I'm one tube of paint or roll of fabric from starring in an episode. Anyway, hoarding is a compulsive issue in which a person continues to obtain belongings and is unable to get rid of useless items. Even the most useless items that most people would describe as junk, is unable to be thrown away for the fear that it would be needed in the future. Well, in this case, it was moved out to a yard and has become a business. Very smart. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMXlyxDZ5I/AAAAAAAABAc/SKEqi0UQgPw/s1600/governors%2B002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMXlyxDZ5I/AAAAAAAABAc/SKEqi0UQgPw/s400/governors%2B002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558312303155439506" border="0" /></a><br />Wouldn't you try to sell one rusty bathtub before acquiring another? Maybe they all have different charms, I'm not sure as I didn't climb up to inspect further. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMj1DFJ2oI/AAAAAAAABBc/z1gP12Q1J0E/s1600/governors%2B010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMj1DFJ2oI/AAAAAAAABBc/z1gP12Q1J0E/s400/governors%2B010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558325759372286594" border="0" /></a>This old iron scrap is pretty. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMYLWxPVKI/AAAAAAAABBM/furxTCZiPEI/s1600/governors%2B008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMYLWxPVKI/AAAAAAAABBM/furxTCZiPEI/s400/governors%2B008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558312948475057314" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMYD2499RI/AAAAAAAABBE/aXPwZAz6s6s/s1600/governors%2B007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMYD2499RI/AAAAAAAABBE/aXPwZAz6s6s/s400/governors%2B007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558312819658454290" border="0" /></a>Lots of statues scattered hither and yon. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMkXpKfKYI/AAAAAAAABCM/Gxw_oYpFbJE/s1600/governors%2B016.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMkXpKfKYI/AAAAAAAABCM/Gxw_oYpFbJE/s400/governors%2B016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558326353710754178" border="0" /></a>Love all the old stained glass windows. I wondered about their previous lives. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMj75Ig27I/AAAAAAAABBk/l6BiZD7fQNc/s1600/governors%2B011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMj75Ig27I/AAAAAAAABBk/l6BiZD7fQNc/s400/governors%2B011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558325876961106866" border="0" /></a>Does anyone need an old wagon wheel? Might make a cool coffee table. Harry needs a metal shop. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMkBONDMuI/AAAAAAAABBs/QYu2P5Zctfo/s1600/governors%2B012.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMkBONDMuI/AAAAAAAABBs/QYu2P5Zctfo/s400/governors%2B012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558325968516625122" border="0" /></a>I'm a sucker for anything with a bird on it. But I was trying to stay focused. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMX3jfXXDI/AAAAAAAABA0/Dshu9Fyu6_o/s1600/governors%2B005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMX3jfXXDI/AAAAAAAABA0/Dshu9Fyu6_o/s400/governors%2B005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558312608292363314" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMXyUcLYiI/AAAAAAAABAs/BJNtGEbE7DA/s1600/governors%2B004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMXyUcLYiI/AAAAAAAABAs/BJNtGEbE7DA/s400/governors%2B004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558312518353117730" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMkBONDMuI/AAAAAAAABBs/QYu2P5Zctfo/s1600/governors%2B012.jpg"><br /></a>Ah, finally, the doors. Eureka, we found several that would work and wound up with a 15 light door that didn't need more than a good sanding and a couple of coats of Benjamin Moore White Dove. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMkoO5v90I/AAAAAAAABCc/F3PiqM-nArc/s1600/laundry%2Bdoor.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMkoO5v90I/AAAAAAAABCc/F3PiqM-nArc/s400/laundry%2Bdoor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558326638719006530" border="0" /></a>We decided to go with a 15 light door so that the noise from the machines would stay inside the room but the light from the window could come through to the very dark back hallway. Harry is working on the base trim and I'm trying to decide what sort of storage to put above the counter and machines. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMj75Ig27I/AAAAAAAABBk/l6BiZD7fQNc/s1600/governors%2B011.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMX9ajWTDI/AAAAAAAABA8/dnqrT7F0Fts/s1600/governors%2B006.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMkgedvDUI/AAAAAAAABCU/nAdSVctc8HI/s1600/laundry06.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMkgedvDUI/AAAAAAAABCU/nAdSVctc8HI/s400/laundry06.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558326505457519938" border="0" /></a>I like this look from Crown Point cabinetry. I wish I had a sink in there. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMX3jfXXDI/AAAAAAAABA0/Dshu9Fyu6_o/s1600/governors%2B005.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMktiWM-HI/AAAAAAAABCk/63xUUY4dIpk/s1600/modern-laundry-room-interior-design-500x375.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSMktiWM-HI/AAAAAAAABCk/63xUUY4dIpk/s400/modern-laundry-room-interior-design-500x375.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558326729837967474" border="0" /></a><br />In my dreams I'm doing laundry and sewing at the same time with that gorgeous thread. Hah. <br /><br />I need a trip to Ikea to check out their kitchen cabinets. Anyone have any suggestions?<br /><br />Happy Laundering!!Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-17407772600771091822011-01-03T10:31:00.000-08:002011-01-03T11:22:30.716-08:00Back in the Blogosphere Again<span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >Hello again blog friends. I took a very long break from blogging - reading and posting. Here it is 2011 already and so I'm going to try to get back up in the saddle again to reconnect and get inspired by all those great blogs out there. If you remember, I posted last January on what I wanted to accomplish in 2010. The first thing was to get out from behind my computer and get to know Richmond. I got on my bicycle almost every day this past summer and fall. </span><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIcAMDJrAI/AAAAAAAAA_s/AbpzYTprIg0/s1600/lampdoor.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIcAMDJrAI/AAAAAAAAA_s/AbpzYTprIg0/s400/lampdoor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558035679688633346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Found some great coffee shops on my ride.....</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIXi1BNR-I/AAAAAAAAA_E/i54bFzfOO-k/s1600/ginkos.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIXi1BNR-I/AAAAAAAAA_E/i54bFzfOO-k/s400/ginkos.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558030777243748322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">What an amazing row of ginkos.....</span><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIZPmefT2I/AAAAAAAAA_M/LnEm_Vb-Keo/s1600/girls%2Bweekend%2B008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIZPmefT2I/AAAAAAAAA_M/LnEm_Vb-Keo/s400/girls%2Bweekend%2B008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558032645945773922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;" >Heard some great music at the Cathedral </span><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIa6rvwKxI/AAAAAAAAA_k/m5_3ppdludg/s1600/vmfa%2B009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIa6rvwKxI/AAAAAAAAA_k/m5_3ppdludg/s400/vmfa%2B009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558034485606361874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;" > Joined the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts,</span><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIaIcf2dqI/AAAAAAAAA_c/uH3wWNdDMDk/s1600/byrd%2Bpark.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIaIcf2dqI/AAAAAAAAA_c/uH3wWNdDMDk/s400/byrd%2Bpark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558033622519674530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;" > Rode around in circles at Byrd Park... I could go on and on. I love this city now more than ever.<br /><br />The second goal was to paint more. Two of my paintings were in a show at <a href="http://www.crossroadsartcenter.com/">Crossroads Art Center</a></span><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIZdwYewzI/AAAAAAAAA_U/6dgDHt7cnxY/s1600/art%2Bshow.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/TSIZdwYewzI/AAAAAAAAA_U/6dgDHt7cnxY/s400/art%2Bshow.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558032889123095346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">My paintings are in the second row from the left - the Ibis and the landscape. Thanks to Adele Castillo, my instructor, I feel like my art has improved immensely. No sales yet but it was so much fun to be a part of a group show.<br /><br />My third goal was to run the Ukrop's 10K with Harry and I amazed myself that I was able to finish. I still don't love running - I'd love to know when that will kick in. Both of my parents have had triple by-passes in the last couple of years so I'm trying to get more exercise and avoid that whole heart surgery scene! We start training for the 2011 race next week. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">The fourth goal was to start the research for our master bath project. Research, unfortunately, is all that did happen. More on that later. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Richmond really does feel like home now. We've made some wonderful new friends and have shared some great times together. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Now that Richmond is feeling like home, Harry has accepted a job back up in Northern Virginia. We're not sure what to do about Haven so for now we're going to rent an apartment and drive back and forth.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">I hope to post about trying to live in two cities at the same time on this blog in the next year. I can't make any lists for 2011 right now except that I'm going to try to reconnect with my old blog friends and make some new ones. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">Happy 2011.</span>Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-17411066247416377582010-05-14T09:01:00.000-07:002010-05-14T09:53:20.548-07:00Left to My Own Devices<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-1-H7r_S_I/AAAAAAAAA7U/A8CvbPCS-jQ/s1600/dutch+gap.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-1-H7r_S_I/AAAAAAAAA7U/A8CvbPCS-jQ/s400/dutch+gap.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471167797071399922" border="0" /></a><br />The acrylic painting class that I'm taking at Crossroads Art Center is on hiatus until June. I've been trying to paint a couple of times a week in between work, graduating children and baseball games.<br /><br />I seem to be obsessed with marshes. Painting them and being in them. I need to figure out how to do both at once. I wonder if it is possible to paint while kayaking. People fish while kayaking so I don't see why not. <br /><br />I love to take my kayak through marshes in search of birds and fish and any other creature that might be lurking. For mother's day Harry and I kayaked at Dutch Gap nature preserve. Although the day was windy, the area is protected from the elements. As we paddled, the area gave up her most precious secret: her own ghost fleet of historical barges and tugs. Years and years of barges and tugs have been abandoned here, and here they remain. Some have been here so long that trees have actually grown in their hulls. This creates a happy habitat for nesting birds and spawning fish.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-14RG81iZI/AAAAAAAAA6k/GqqQznf0ho8/s1600/dutch+gap+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-14RG81iZI/AAAAAAAAA6k/GqqQznf0ho8/s400/dutch+gap+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471161357643909522" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-142huYV1I/AAAAAAAAA6s/qyd4kkpJ4Kc/s1600/dutch+gap+4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-142huYV1I/AAAAAAAAA6s/qyd4kkpJ4Kc/s400/dutch+gap+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471162000486192978" border="0" /></a>There is a heron rookery in this preserve - they've counted 80 active nests. Vultures hang out close to the nests - kind of creepy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-10y_IVU5I/AAAAAAAAA6U/ki3ZYEl2O_Y/s1600/ball+game+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-10y_IVU5I/AAAAAAAAA6U/ki3ZYEl2O_Y/s400/ball+game+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471157541613687698" border="0" /></a><br />Often while paddling I get the sensation that I'm in the middle of a painting. So, while painting I try to get that feeling back again. The painting above was done after an afternoon in my kayak. I sent it to my mother for mother's day. It brought back some of those kindergarten days when you spent the day in art class making something for mom or dad. Mom loves the painting but then she's my mother - she has to. I've been experimenting with the palette knife - I think it is my favorite technique.<br /><br />Now I'm working on a large marsh scene - this is it in its very rough beginnings. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-16jBug1hI/AAAAAAAAA60/ldSC2VjAz4A/s1600/art.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-16jBug1hI/AAAAAAAAA60/ldSC2VjAz4A/s400/art.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471163864502556178" border="0" /></a><br />I'd like to be in my kayak in this marsh today but I guess I'll just paint it instead.<br /><br />Poor Harry. He is surrounded by paint and canvases. Our son, who graduated this past Saturday with a BFA in computer animation sent us home with all of his paintings. On the way home Harry said, "I have too much art in my life". I think he was sort of kidding. But this hobby does take up a lot of space.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-19FEYINlI/AAAAAAAAA7M/-Q3NubHGD4M/s1600/art+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-19FEYINlI/AAAAAAAAA7M/-Q3NubHGD4M/s400/art+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471166648352781906" border="0" /></a> Most of them are still in the front hall waiting for a permanent home. I did take one piece and put it in the Dining Room. The ginger jar hides the part that no one wants to look at while eating.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-19BqyubJI/AAAAAAAAA7E/L4z_PUfLQ_8/s1600/art+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-19BqyubJI/AAAAAAAAA7E/L4z_PUfLQ_8/s400/art+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471166589945408658" border="0" /></a> At least I don't want to.Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-73053912266670734492010-05-07T05:42:00.000-07:002010-05-07T06:03:33.034-07:00Babes in Squirrel Lane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-QLg7Y0xmI/AAAAAAAAA5U/8VjrsdV5Gts/s1600/ball+game+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-QLg7Y0xmI/AAAAAAAAA5U/8VjrsdV5Gts/s400/ball+game+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468508507860158050" border="0" /></a><br />Now that the house tour is behind me I have more time to hang out with friends . Yesterday some of the neighborhood gals headed over to the Diamond and took in a Flying Squirrel Game. If you don't know, the Flying Squirrels are Richmond's new double A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. There is often a 10:30 a.m. game -- we left the neighborhood at about 10:15 and at 10:30 we were in our seats watching the last of the warm ups. Another reason to love living here. We sat, thanks to my friend with season tickets, practically on the field. <br /><br />In addition to great baseball, there is a steady stream of entertainment from the mascot, Nutzy, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-QLms-vAWI/AAAAAAAAA5c/IGg3jHeh0EQ/s1600/ball+game+004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-QLms-vAWI/AAAAAAAAA5c/IGg3jHeh0EQ/s400/ball+game+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468508607071846754" border="0" /></a>as well as people in large plastic bubbles playing lawn bowling, dancing contests (we won a pizza for a spontaneous dance routine - I think we won as one friend was on crutches and she was twirling her crutches around) and several opportunities to catch t-shirts and hot dogs being thrown into the stands.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-QLzhIQNtI/AAAAAAAAA50/U4XC694cgaY/s1600/ball+game+007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S-QLzhIQNtI/AAAAAAAAA50/U4XC694cgaY/s400/ball+game+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468508827228845778" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was a glorious day for a ball game and the Squirrels beat the Altoona Curves after several extra innings - very exciting. I'm a new fan.Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-91324411481749280222010-05-02T06:02:00.001-07:002010-05-02T06:31:35.264-07:00Tour Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S919pTPhgII/AAAAAAAAA5E/BZtg3dsTHAU/s1600/tour+day+012.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S919pTPhgII/AAAAAAAAA5E/BZtg3dsTHAU/s400/tour+day+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466663671191142530" border="0" /></a>We're ready.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S918oZJj0SI/AAAAAAAAA4c/5D7KHHEF0Jw/s1600/tour+day+014.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S918XJ9yfLI/AAAAAAAAA4E/ZfTHudjI5XU/s1600/tour+day+011.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914Ad6bDSI/AAAAAAAAA2c/2PwFjgEoCBY/s1600/tour+day+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914Ad6bDSI/AAAAAAAAA2c/2PwFjgEoCBY/s400/tour+day+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466657472122653986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914Ki5Q2JI/AAAAAAAAA2k/7lbEKNijpos/s1600/tour+day+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914Ki5Q2JI/AAAAAAAAA2k/7lbEKNijpos/s400/tour+day+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466657645258659986" border="0" /></a> Above are some before shots of the yard - waiting for mulch.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9147OacBJI/AAAAAAAAA30/eGwa5Zb_42E/s1600/tour+day+010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9147OacBJI/AAAAAAAAA30/eGwa5Zb_42E/s400/tour+day+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466658481574249618" border="0" /></a>Here it is this morning - what a glorious day for a house tour. Harvey doesn't realize he is about to go to his dog sitter for the day. The critters get a reprieve from his constant patrol.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914yanvP_I/AAAAAAAAA3k/l-VD-5WDuRk/s1600/tour+day+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914yanvP_I/AAAAAAAAA3k/l-VD-5WDuRk/s400/tour+day+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466658330232438770" border="0" /></a><br />Harvey - get down off the table. Jeez.<br /><br />I made a quick trip to the wholesale florist yesterday.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914UwTDteI/AAAAAAAAA20/xAARNYBPQ0A/s1600/tour+day+004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914UwTDteI/AAAAAAAAA20/xAARNYBPQ0A/s400/tour+day+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466657820655203810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914QXD0ShI/AAAAAAAAA2s/peCZpwYHBwg/s1600/tour+day+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914QXD0ShI/AAAAAAAAA2s/peCZpwYHBwg/s400/tour+day+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466657745160915474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914eHcdB4I/AAAAAAAAA3E/CAC2q94YwJw/s1600/tour+day+006.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914aOIAomI/AAAAAAAAA28/hS3cWgfRTl4/s1600/tour+day+005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914aOIAomI/AAAAAAAAA28/hS3cWgfRTl4/s400/tour+day+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466657914561274466" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S918oZJj0SI/AAAAAAAAA4c/5D7KHHEF0Jw/s1600/tour+day+014.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S918oZJj0SI/AAAAAAAAA4c/5D7KHHEF0Jw/s400/tour+day+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466662556085244194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S91425NLFKI/AAAAAAAAA3s/u7dOO-4qFaQ/s1600/tour+day+009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S91425NLFKI/AAAAAAAAA3s/u7dOO-4qFaQ/s400/tour+day+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466658407161992354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914yanvP_I/AAAAAAAAA3k/l-VD-5WDuRk/s1600/tour+day+008.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S918xspUl3I/AAAAAAAAA4s/Fnd5UgNTa8w/s1600/tour+day+016.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S918xspUl3I/AAAAAAAAA4s/Fnd5UgNTa8w/s400/tour+day+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466662715937560434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914mnx-0LI/AAAAAAAAA3U/ep9Ys25hsIA/s1600/tour+day+007.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S918iSjndjI/AAAAAAAAA4U/cWFTic2AlLs/s1600/tour+day+013.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S918iSjndjI/AAAAAAAAA4U/cWFTic2AlLs/s400/tour+day+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466662451236271666" border="0" /></a><br />Except for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914igwJGyI/AAAAAAAAA3M/H7i4BLIln60/s1600/tour+day+006.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S919JS9ZQPI/AAAAAAAAA40/yTjM8e6sl-w/s1600/tour+day+015.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S919JS9ZQPI/AAAAAAAAA40/yTjM8e6sl-w/s400/tour+day+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466663121359290610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914eHcdB4I/AAAAAAAAA3E/CAC2q94YwJw/s1600/tour+day+006.jpg"><br /></a>We need to get out of here. Enjoy this gorgeous day. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914aOIAomI/AAAAAAAAA28/hS3cWgfRTl4/s1600/tour+day+005.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914UwTDteI/AAAAAAAAA20/xAARNYBPQ0A/s1600/tour+day+004.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914QXD0ShI/AAAAAAAAA2s/peCZpwYHBwg/s1600/tour+day+003.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914Ki5Q2JI/AAAAAAAAA2k/7lbEKNijpos/s1600/tour+day+002.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S914Ad6bDSI/AAAAAAAAA2c/2PwFjgEoCBY/s1600/tour+day+001.jpg"><br /></a>Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-15223848016600828342010-04-26T06:34:00.000-07:002010-04-26T11:57:25.459-07:00Countdown to the Kitchen and Garden Tour - Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9WXXrWu-uI/AAAAAAAAA1k/u_M-bJ0S7nA/s1600/wisteria+006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9WXXrWu-uI/AAAAAAAAA1k/u_M-bJ0S7nA/s400/wisteria+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464440155914828514" border="0" /></a><br />A few posts back I mentioned that I was going off to the paint store to buy turquoise paint for the shed's door and shutters. Harry loved the old crusty paint but it was a little too rough for my taste. I fell in love with a shutter color of a house I admire on Monument Avenue so I've attempted to put a little of that in my garden. Painting the shed's opening was first on my "to do" list for this weekend. <br /><br />This was my first attempt:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9WWqZ4_jKI/AAAAAAAAA1U/eMJqSHzDVUY/s1600/to+do+list+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9WWqZ4_jKI/AAAAAAAAA1U/eMJqSHzDVUY/s400/to+do+list+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464439378132569250" border="0" /></a>I knew right away it wasn't right - way too light and bright for the crusty shed shutters. Then I decided that I didn't want the door and the shutter all the same color so - back to the paint store again. This is not a chore - I love the paint store and all the people that work there. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9XbXcKVXhI/AAAAAAAAA2E/P6-G3om84lM/s1600/to+do+list+part+two+004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9XbXcKVXhI/AAAAAAAAA2E/P6-G3om84lM/s400/to+do+list+part+two+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464514918626975250" border="0" /></a>I've also been influenced by my next door neighbor's screen - I love to look out my kitchen window at it (and my Westie plant bracket which reminds me of my first dog, Lambchop). Here's what I wound up with:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9Xa99x5BYI/AAAAAAAAA1s/LnEO6-8Cy6I/s1600/to+do+list+part+two+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9Xa99x5BYI/AAAAAAAAA1s/LnEO6-8Cy6I/s400/to+do+list+part+two+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464514480974660994" border="0" /></a>Ahhhhhhh - much better. I did the gecko mosaic in a class at my friend Bonnie's studio in Vienna Virginia - <a href="http://www.maverickmosaics.com/">Maverick Mosaics</a>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9XbXcKVXhI/AAAAAAAAA2E/P6-G3om84lM/s1600/to+do+list+part+two+004.jpg"><br /></a>Another fun chore was hanging the flag pole bracket so that the flag that advertises the event can go up and hang there this week. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9XbcUFzIqI/AAAAAAAAA2M/DkuoCtcCdjc/s1600/to+do+list+part+two+005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9XbcUFzIqI/AAAAAAAAA2M/DkuoCtcCdjc/s400/to+do+list+part+two+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464515002359816866" border="0" /></a>I need to make a couple more trips to the nursery for more potted plants. That really could go on forever - I need to decide where to stop.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9XbXcKVXhI/AAAAAAAAA2E/P6-G3om84lM/s1600/to+do+list+part+two+004.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9XbRqw2xPI/AAAAAAAAA18/__SpxBqHRC4/s1600/to+do+list+part+two+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9XbRqw2xPI/AAAAAAAAA18/__SpxBqHRC4/s400/to+do+list+part+two+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464514819467429106" border="0" /></a>Our very nice neighbors gave us a load of hostas. Hostas don't really like being transplanted so late in the game - hopefully they'll perk up before Sunday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9XbLyIBG5I/AAAAAAAAA10/vXQIBxBCPLI/s1600/to+do+list+part+two+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9XbLyIBG5I/AAAAAAAAA10/vXQIBxBCPLI/s400/to+do+list+part+two+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464514718364408722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9Xa99x5BYI/AAAAAAAAA1s/LnEO6-8Cy6I/s1600/to+do+list+part+two+001.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9WXXrWu-uI/AAAAAAAAA1k/u_M-bJ0S7nA/s1600/wisteria+006.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9WWqZ4_jKI/AAAAAAAAA1U/eMJqSHzDVUY/s1600/to+do+list+003.jpg"><br /></a>Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-38792869784868001202010-04-22T05:37:00.001-07:002010-04-22T08:35:19.285-07:00Countdown to the Kitchen and Garden Tour - Part 1The annual <a href="http://www.fandistrict.org/FWC/kgtour/Houses.html">Fan Woman's Club Kitchen and Garden Tour</a> is a little over two weeks away and it seems like every time I turn around I add something to the "to do" list - which is only in my head - I'd better start writing it down. One thing I checked off is to get a new light fixture for the Living Room. When we purchased Haven there was a charming 1970's track light with several huge cans hanging from it. I think you could have gotten a tan sitting under it. Back in December while painting that room I got Harry to take it down - leaving a gaping hole in the ceiling.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">But what to put there? I've been holding on to this shot of a Darryl Carter room for a while.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9BdHR0YrFI/AAAAAAAAA00/tAfzV6bVQ4k/s1600/darryl.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9BdHR0YrFI/AAAAAAAAA00/tAfzV6bVQ4k/s400/darryl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462968727624002642" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9BdHR0YrFI/AAAAAAAAA00/tAfzV6bVQ4k/s1600/darryl.jpg">Darryl Carter, Photo by Simon Upton for Elle Decor</a><br /></div><br />I've been trying to make my Living Room feel more contemporary - <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9BaXBC3fRI/AAAAAAAAA0c/xDVfqvooGkM/s1600/living+room+chandelier+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9BaXBC3fRI/AAAAAAAAA0c/xDVfqvooGkM/s400/living+room+chandelier+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462965699464363282" border="0" /></a>not an easy task with great grandma's sofa and chairs, Uncle Dan's secretary and a marble top tea table cut down to make a coffee table. But the basic bones are there - sofa (reupholstered in white linen last year) between two tables, and a fireplace on the adjoining wall with contemporary art over the mantel. Now I just need to find some great old shutters and have Harry make me that table (that's on another "to do" list). Darryl's space doesn't seem to have a light fixture in it so I'm on my own. I went off to <a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/">Shades of Light</a> to see what they had that could be cash and carry.<br /><br />Immediately upon entering I see a possibility. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9Bf6Xdbb0I/AAAAAAAAA08/tKMC5rRNzgc/s1600/niermann.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9Bf6Xdbb0I/AAAAAAAAA08/tKMC5rRNzgc/s400/niermann.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462971804334911298" border="0" /></a><br />I love a beaded chandelier - but is this contemporary enough? Am I seeing it coming and going too much? Never mind, it's a Niermann Weeks fixture and even with my trade discount I can't go there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9BgX7Jn3nI/AAAAAAAAA1E/WiQbBjdMJaU/s1600/niermann2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9BgX7Jn3nI/AAAAAAAAA1E/WiQbBjdMJaU/s400/niermann2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462972312131722866" border="0" /></a>I love this one, too, but guess what - its another Niermann - and here's another:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9BgtwkU30I/AAAAAAAAA1M/bPMD9DsdA5Q/s1600/niermann3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9BgtwkU30I/AAAAAAAAA1M/bPMD9DsdA5Q/s400/niermann3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462972687248056130" border="0" /></a>I'm beginning to see a pattern. After walking around and around, trying to ignore the Niermann's, I kept coming back to this fixture: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9Balgg0-sI/AAAAAAAAA0s/g3qvJqJXU6A/s1600/living+room+chandelier+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9Balgg0-sI/AAAAAAAAA0s/g3qvJqJXU6A/s400/living+room+chandelier+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462965948429695682" border="0" /></a>I loved the finish and the shades were growing on me. There is just enough whimsy to make it contemporary without looking out of place with great grandma's furniture. If I grown tired of the shades I can remove them down the road. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9Baeya94rI/AAAAAAAAA0k/oeodAlLj33s/s1600/living+room+chandelier+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S9Baeya94rI/AAAAAAAAA0k/oeodAlLj33s/s400/living+room+chandelier+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462965832977867442" border="0" /></a><br />Then the sales person told me that a woman who's house is on the Garden Tour was in earlier and was thinking about purchasing it. That did it. It was probably one of those sales techniques that they use on people like me and I hate to say it but it worked. Has this ever happened to you? She told me I could take it home on approval so if buyer's remorse kicked in later I could bring it back. The electrician came last week to hang it so I guess it's mine.<br /><br />The rest of the interior of Haven is ready except for flowers and a good last minute cleaning. Now the outside - that's another story. Better go write my list.........................Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-17111772197918394142010-04-20T05:43:00.000-07:002010-04-20T07:17:22.783-07:00More on Why I Love Virginia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82s1S0HbiI/AAAAAAAAAz8/vMMdHe0CEjM/s1600/chippokes+011.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82pdwH_qWI/AAAAAAAAAzU/dJF61seGdpc/s1600/chippokes+005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82pdwH_qWI/AAAAAAAAAzU/dJF61seGdpc/s400/chippokes+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462208251670014306" border="0" /></a><br />After a long week of traveling for work and cleaning the house in preparation for a big dinner I needed a day with nothing to do but walk with my best buddies, Harry and the dogs. I pulled out our trusty volume of 60 Hikes Within 60 miles Richmond and picked a hike in a state park not too far from here - Chippokes Plantation State Park. Chippokes is one of the oldest working farms in the United States and is located in Surry County right on the James River. The pastoral environs of Chippokes Plantation State Park are positively evocative. It’s easy to imagine Native Americans paddling a canoe through the lush wetlands where Chippokes Creek meets the James or to imagine early settlers tending the nearby fields of corn and wheat<br /><br />We started out on the College Run Trail which is a paved 1.5-mile trail that connects the recreation area with the historic area where you pass by the River House and mansion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82rUxRmPsI/AAAAAAAAAzs/IYpnI6My-jk/s1600/Mansion1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82rUxRmPsI/AAAAAAAAAzs/IYpnI6My-jk/s400/Mansion1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462210296383160002" border="0" /></a> <img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Linda/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" />as well as some Guinea Hens on the loose. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82qHI4ny_I/AAAAAAAAAzc/AKjwdVLu4ic/s1600/chippokes+004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82qHI4ny_I/AAAAAAAAAzc/AKjwdVLu4ic/s400/chippokes+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462208962691058674" border="0" /></a>The James River and Lower Chippokes Creek trails are dirt farm roads that connect with College Run Trail. This part of the trail led us down to the creek - I wished I had my kayak with me.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82sx9BKlPI/AAAAAAAAAz0/CM1nLEkwsYA/s1600/chippokes+010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82sx9BKlPI/AAAAAAAAAz0/CM1nLEkwsYA/s400/chippokes+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462211897263297778" border="0" /></a><br />The poodle got some off lead time - sorry Harvey - you're not to be trusted. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82s1S0HbiI/AAAAAAAAAz8/vMMdHe0CEjM/s1600/chippokes+011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82s1S0HbiI/AAAAAAAAAz8/vMMdHe0CEjM/s400/chippokes+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462211954653752866" border="0" /></a><br />After a return on the creek trail we headed out on the James River Trail and had about a mile walk along the beach. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82wjRUTqQI/AAAAAAAAA0M/WnIbIlDjzj0/s1600/chippokes+014.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82wjRUTqQI/AAAAAAAAA0M/WnIbIlDjzj0/s400/chippokes+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462216043060766978" border="0" /></a>Millions of shells are scattered in the sand on the shore of the James. I can't ever resist the opportunity to pick up a few. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82v3sRhiuI/AAAAAAAAA0E/HasvzndPOSw/s1600/chippokes+016.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S82v3sRhiuI/AAAAAAAAA0E/HasvzndPOSw/s400/chippokes+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462215294382607074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We only saw six other people the whole time we were at the park. Just what I needed. We thought briefly about returning via the <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://virginiadot.org/VDOT/Travel/asset_upload_file790_2627.jpg&imgrefurl=http://virginiadot.org/travel/ferry-jamestown.asp&usg=__uhH2Fu6zqygCKiV8UNTDgdo3RcU=&h=175&w=275&sz=22&hl=en&start=1&itbs=1&tbnid=1jbwIFDyTag6TM:&tbnh=73&tbnw=114&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djamestown%2Bscotland%2Bferry%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1">Jamestown Scotland Ferry</a> which is a free ferry service across the James but were fearful of running into all the tourists that stay on that side of the river visiting Jamestown and Williamsburg and therefore causing traffic headaches on I-64. We returned via Route 10 and hardly saw another car. Before leaving Surry we stopped for a country ham sandwich at <a href="http://virginiatraditions.com/">Edwards of Surry</a>. Here's an except from the <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://surryfarms.com/images/ph_sam_edwards_nytimes.jpg&imgrefurl=https://surryfarms.com/in_the_news_june-06-2009.php&usg=__hySCGCmzgEn_W33vJgU48yKyVhw=&h=331&w=600&sz=247&hl=en&start=1&itbs=1&tbnid=_D1ytXb-X-WmkM:&tbnh=74&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dedwards%2Bof%2Bsurry%2Bvirginia%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1">New York Times</a>. It was deeelishous. And I'm sure I've now had my salt needs met for about a month.Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-67143509963157098432010-04-12T04:56:00.000-07:002010-04-12T05:56:40.736-07:00The Week of Wisteria<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MN27ZpWSI/AAAAAAAAAzM/nvqX6NkHtU4/s1600/wisteria+008.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MKyao13rI/AAAAAAAAAyE/rt6IHSMGWBw/s1600/vmfa+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MKyao13rI/AAAAAAAAAyE/rt6IHSMGWBw/s400/vmfa+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459219034563534514" border="0" /></a>When we purchased Haven I was so excited that there was a very mature Wisteria vine on the trellis in our back yard. However, when spring came around there were very few blossoms and I was very disappointed and not sure why it didn't really bloom. <br /><br />About a week and a half ago Harry said - "look at the wisteria" - so I glanced out the window and saw hundreds of blossoms about to burst. According to a neighbor, the previous owner had whacked the heck out of it before putting the house on the market and it needed a year to recover. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MKm1dsvGI/AAAAAAAAAx8/l4JVZDTXODg/s1600/vmfa+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MKm1dsvGI/AAAAAAAAAx8/l4JVZDTXODg/s400/vmfa+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459218835606125666" border="0" /></a>Here it is about to burst - the azalea gets the short shrift.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MNqcjVm3I/AAAAAAAAAy0/6Jeq-GRgYrA/s1600/wisteria+005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MNqcjVm3I/AAAAAAAAAy0/6Jeq-GRgYrA/s400/wisteria+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459222196173249394" border="0" /></a>The poodle likes it, too. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MNmHqzr5I/AAAAAAAAAys/mjT4FVdiEak/s1600/wisteria+004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MNmHqzr5I/AAAAAAAAAys/mjT4FVdiEak/s400/wisteria+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459222121847959442" border="0" /></a>Here it is at peak. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MNX-R7tHI/AAAAAAAAAyU/E74RoILBHbU/s1600/wisteria+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MNX-R7tHI/AAAAAAAAAyU/E74RoILBHbU/s400/wisteria+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459221878809539698" border="0" /></a>Wish I could post the fragrance - it was very strong.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MKm1dsvGI/AAAAAAAAAx8/l4JVZDTXODg/s1600/vmfa+001.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MNukcg-jI/AAAAAAAAAy8/CW9AUNMXihw/s1600/wisteria+006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MNukcg-jI/AAAAAAAAAy8/CW9AUNMXihw/s400/wisteria+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459222267011594802" border="0" /></a><br />This photo was taken this morning - the petals are dropping and the color seems to have faded. So has the fragrance. I really wish it could stay around longer to keep us company. I love almost everything about it. I love the word, "wisteria". I love its soft shade of lavender, the aroma it lets off is intoxicating, I haven't tried to eat it but the bees sure love it. HOWEVER, how could something so beautiful also be so deadly? Its next door neighbor - the crepe myrtle is being slowly choked to death. Harry is going to have to get up there and save her so that I can enjoy her blossoms later in the summer. Another item on the "honey do" list. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MN27ZpWSI/AAAAAAAAAzM/nvqX6NkHtU4/s1600/wisteria+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MN27ZpWSI/AAAAAAAAAzM/nvqX6NkHtU4/s400/wisteria+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459222410612529442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MNd5ycCYI/AAAAAAAAAyc/-GADWpoVVD4/s1600/wisteria+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S8MNd5ycCYI/AAAAAAAAAyc/-GADWpoVVD4/s400/wisteria+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459221980682914178" border="0" /></a><br />I can almost hear Myrtle gasping for air.Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4833087462351899971.post-67881191199583938992010-04-08T03:18:00.000-07:002010-04-08T03:44:14.440-07:00So Neighborly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72udxdd24I/AAAAAAAAAxE/d0dKYamgRvY/s1600/vmfa+016.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72udxdd24I/AAAAAAAAAxE/d0dKYamgRvY/s400/vmfa+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457710149959277442" border="0" /></a><br />Last night the <a href="http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/Default.aspx">Virginia Museum of Fine Arts</a> invited their neighbors, i.e. people living in the Fan and Museum District in for a preview of the galleries before they re-open their doors after a long renovation.<br /><br />When Harry and I moved to Richmond last year the museum was getting ready to close for a long period of time, and, unfortunately I never made it in before they did. We had, as a family, years ago come down to see the Egyptian traveling exhibit that they had - never thinking for a minute that some day I would be a neighbor.<br /><br />So, Harry and I walked the seven blocks down to get a sneak peak. The director gave a slide presentation about the renovation and then turned us loose into the new spaces. Many of the rooms haven't had their art hung yet - the official opening is May 1. I can't wait to go back and take my time in each of the galleries.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72uWvNcRoI/AAAAAAAAAw8/U4ufUdK3pqo/s1600/vmfa+014.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72uWvNcRoI/AAAAAAAAAw8/U4ufUdK3pqo/s400/vmfa+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457710029096109698" border="0" /></a>Hi Elvis - I'll come back and see you later.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72wFg8M8oI/AAAAAAAAAxM/5X5HESM8v_U/s1600/vmfa+007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72wFg8M8oI/AAAAAAAAAxM/5X5HESM8v_U/s400/vmfa+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457711932231185026" border="0" /></a><br />This is a view from above the new entrance. Wow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72wa-VgkNI/AAAAAAAAAxc/2hXFeV6-704/s1600/vmfa+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72wa-VgkNI/AAAAAAAAAxc/2hXFeV6-704/s400/vmfa+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457712300899209426" border="0" /></a>Wow again.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72wVj2RujI/AAAAAAAAAxU/i_AodzuFnys/s1600/vmfa+006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72wVj2RujI/AAAAAAAAAxU/i_AodzuFnys/s400/vmfa+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457712207889545778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72w1HcyZDI/AAAAAAAAAxk/gSKHFUxo96c/s1600/vmfa+009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72w1HcyZDI/AAAAAAAAAxk/gSKHFUxo96c/s400/vmfa+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457712750022255666" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72xVvUl8jI/AAAAAAAAAx0/NQhT11ed8kM/s1600/vmfa+010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h3806zQhZgI/S72xVvUl8jI/AAAAAAAAAx0/NQhT11ed8kM/s400/vmfa+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457713310481117746" border="0" /></a>This is a view through huge glass windows to "Grove House" - this building will be for research staff. <br />It is so open and airy - just the kind of space one needs to experience great art. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I hated to leave last night - but I will be back very soon. Admission will be free and they're going to be open every day and some evenings!! <br /></div></div>Haven on Hanoverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525607769541447291noreply@blogger.com1