Kitchen Update

I know. You're on the edge of your seat. But we selected the tile for the backsplash and it's on the way. Zen Moonlight. that was almost a dealbreaker, that name. Not stupid expensive, $15 per square foot. We don't need much...somewhere around 25 square feet. Should be here next week.

Blackboard Bungle

So! Making a chalkboard wall is easy. But messy! I looked like a dalmatian when it was all over, desperately looking for my parents, Pongo and Perdita. Also? Putting a vase of sunflowers in a room makes everything better. We're waiting on backsplash tile samples to arrive but I think it might be a combo of clear white and grey, but I can't say that out loud or Sister Meg will choose the pink.

Consumer Report: Kitchen

Some of you may know that Chez Strong has been undergoing a double bathroom renovation for over two years. I'll post more about that disaster one day, when I can do it without typing "motherfucker" over and over for three weeks. What you might not know is that we decided to do a kitchen update - on a whim! - about six weeks ago. In contrast with the bathroom nightmare, i's going along swimmingly so far - we're doing it through different people, and they seem delighted to show up the other contractor. The new counters and sink went in yesterday. Before:



Annnnnnd After:





This weekend, the chalkboard paint goes up on two walls. We're back to the drawing board on the backsplash. Our initial selections looked a little "off-the-shelf" and we want something, um, specialer. So we're on the hunt for some white glass tiles that aren't $35 per square foot. It'll go all the way down to the counter - we got rid of that stupid little two inch thing that was at the back of the counter. Why do people have that?

Yeah, About That Guide to Life

Yesterday, after posting How To Fold a Dishtowel, my wheels got to churning and I decided to dedicate a blog solely to that. It seems like a different animal than this Observation blog. So here ya go....bookmark away if you dare!

The Psychopedia: Crazy Stuff Everyone Should Know

DG's Guide to Life: Episode 1

The first in a series! Once a week, I show you how to do something. I know...you're on the edge of your seat. This week...folding a dishtowel! Thank me later, when harmony has been restored to your household. Click to make it printably large and suitable for framing.

Hallefuckinggoddamnedlujah!

Next up: I want my country back.

YSL, RIP

Yves Saint Laurent died yesterday. I have no real personal connection to him, though it does seem like someone who was truly a giant in his field is gone and that's always sad. ANYWAY! Here's a picture from the Elkin (N.C.) Tribune of my mother with Saint Laurent back in November of 1965, less than a year before I was born. She was in "Fashion School" in Atlanta and YSL came to visit. When I first saw this clipping, I briefly entertained the idea that they had had a torrid affair and maybe - just maybe - he was my father. Wouldn't that have been fun? But I already knew who my father was so perhaps there was some wine involved when I cooked up this theory. And also for that to happen, I would have had to be an eleven-month pregnancy and also YSL would have had to, you know, like women that way. But if he was gonna switch over...just look at her! Va-va-voooom!