gently wash in cold or warm water

While re-arranging one end of the house this summer, we/I discovered that the "broken" window handle in one of the bedrooms was actually not really broken. The windowsill had simply rotted. Nice. Since there was a tax credit on energy efficient windows installed before the end of the year, we upped this repair to top of our maintenance "to do" list. And while taking down all the curtains so the workers could get to the windows, I decided it was time to wash the curtains and sheers. Past time, actually.

before washing

So I read the instruction labels. Wash gently, warm or cold water. So I did. I used the almost never used delicate cycle on my washing machine, for the least amount of time possible.

after washing....ummm....hmmmm

Perhaps the translator forgot say Hand wash as opposed to machine wash? There is a difference, you know. So those were my "expensive" drapes. (They came from either Linens-N-Things or Target.) And my not-so-expensive drapes that came from Family Dollar that are slightly irregular? Below is their after photos.

the design

the yellow/white flowers up close

The flowers didn't even lose their color! Well, not from the washing machine or dryer, anyway. The one sheer near the end of the house (and the curtain) have all faded in spots from the sun. But that's okay, because nobody (I hope!) is going to be looking at them from the outside window.

So as I finish setting up/cleaning my workroom, I'm pondering what type of curtains or drapes to put up. For now, it's an open window, which will have to change the more I'm in there. But for now, it's nice thinking about options.

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things we do for love

Saturday we had a baby shower for Bobby's niece. As I was making the mints, Bobby asked what else was on the menu. After I recited off the litany of items, he responded with "No peanut butter?! This shower is for Hannah! What's she going to eat?" (Hannah has had stomach problems over the years and has been unable to tolerate many foods, but peanut butter has been her staple.) Despite my assurances that she would enjoy the foods we were having, he was adamant that I needed to make peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for the shower. Even though I protested that NOBODY took that to a shower, he persisted, and informed me I could make them dainty with my little cutter. And so I did. To my surprise all but 3 were eaten. Who'd a thunk it?

perspectives

A few years ago after a Bible study a lot of the group continued to sit and talk and simply relax. One of the ladies felt like she was being mistreated by her boss. She was always given extra tasks or asked to assume responsibilities that no one else was asked to do. She felt it was unfair. As she was listing off some of the extras (she worked in a cafe for a plant), I was in flashback mode. My last year of college I was a shift manager at a fast food place. One of my many duties was to ensure that certain cleaning jobs (extra duties) was assigned and done properly. We were inspected by company headquarters once a quarter, and 3 of their 4 visits was ALWAYS a surprise visit. When I handed out those extra assignments, I had three things in mind: Who will do this job without making a bigger mess? Who can quickly do this job so we don't impede serving customers? Who will do this without the most drama? In essence, I wanted the best person for the job. Use the teenager who griped and c...

fun...funny houses

We saw the above house in Pittsboro while on our way to the mountains. It was the strangest house I've ever seen. Evidently this isn't a modification, for Bobby remembers thinking it funny as a child. Evidently a governor lived here at one point. I think the sign said it's now a Masonic lodge. And if seeing one funny house wasn't enough, the latest issue of This Old House had a link to their website that had several galleries of funny (or strange houses). Here's my favorites from their collection: Szymbark , Poland This just makes me laugh, and I would love to visit this house in person. Created by a designer who wanted to demonstrate "wrong-doings against humanity". Visitors have stood in line for as long as 6 hours to tour the house, and many come out feeling "sea-sick". Kalambaka, Greece... This 1,000 foot cliff drop has housed monastaries since the 11th century. Six of them are open to the public, " assuming, of course, th...

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