DINNER AT EIGHT

Tis the season! I can't lie, cards on the table...the oral surgery was a Goddess send. This has to be the most relaxed yuletide season I have ever had. Since I didn't know what to expect, I cleared most of my social calendar right through New Years, since I can't really eat much of anything expect soft foods and soups still, and while on the meds...no drinking. And THAT ALONE has almost ruined the gin industry for the season...but as of tomorrow, four of the meds are done. It's been the worst week and half of my life so far with no gin! But I digress I did however take my good friend the Dame and his hubby Russ up on an invitation to dinner, and the dears were even aware of what I could consume. I haven't seen them since the beach, and what with the Dame busy at the flower shop, all his corporate accounts and then decking the halls at the Governor's Mansion, there has been little time. It was great to get out of the house and dressed for dinner. The dear made a delicious French Onion Soup, garlic mashed potatoes, and a cranberry relish. It was the first time I was actually full. It was a wonderful evening with good close friends and being in the Dame's house is always a treat to see and behold the vintage touches...with look and wonder everywhere. I got home around 11pm and rested well with a full tummy, and a good flick.

Their dog Flyer after a treat.

The Dame is a huge fan of the Wizard of Oz...and has 33 of the 40 Oz books in the collection. And yes...he even has a pair of Ruby Slippers!

And the best part, the luvs sent me home with leftovers. I did have to drive however...my feet wouldn't fit in the ruby slippers to click my heels three times to get home in a snap.

HOLIDAZE

 

Much like interior design, when I fell into the world of visual display and merchandising, it recently came back to me again over the black Friday shopping, why I enjoy doing this. Being in a small shop is new for me, but I have to say, one of the best parts has been getting reacquainted with the downtown residents, seeing old faces I hadn't in years,  and making new friends, not to mention some of the nice-looking guys who frequent the shop weekly.  It's nice to see the feeling of community is still intact downtown. But the best part has been the feeling I get when people walk in and enjoy the feel of the shop, and the feeling and smiles it provokes. For me much like interior design that is reward enough. Some days I run with the shop when the Dame is off on installs or an event, when he's out. And I must admit it is rewarding working for a small business. the pressures of certain aspects, bigger, corporate stores have isn't there, huge visits, deadlines and the long tedious hours. The shop is also getting me in the mood for Christmas, even though I still won't decorate the Casa just yet, to the dismay of the Dame.

People have been very pleased to see the amount of Christmas items, locally sourced new and vintage items, botanical adornments, foraged arrangements, and unique local made pieces. We can't keep bottle brush trees of any kind in.

These tree doors are already the second shipment. A friend of the Dames' makes these from old architectural salvages from old homes' interior doors. He also made the wood craved snowflakes.

The same guy made these huge snowflakes also made from salvaged pieces from homes. I don't think they will be in the shop long either.

Our windows were just installed, and I'll feature them in another post! They have already been a huge hit. If you get to Harrisburg, come see us at Paper Moon Flowers. It's also been heartwarming to see how many people are saying they are reverting back to small and local shopping. And look, over there on the on the side bar.... remember to shop small and local this season. To think, if we supported, shopped, and had more being made, grown, and sold locally, just maybe we wouldn't be feeling those shipping pipeline delays and shortages. I can't believe how empty some big boxes and department stores look already, this early in the season. So, support your neighbor who sells online, a local craftsperson, the local florists' shop, a local artist or jewelry maker, the local baker who so cakes, buns or chocolates, the guys that run a cafe or salon. Those at the farmer's market. Support real people and keep the local economy jumping...not draining.

VINTAGE SPLENDOR

When I was home last time for an extended visit, I planned a couple days with the Capital Street Duo, two of my closest inner sanctum friends. They have been two of the several in my bubble. Like Dorothy Parker said, "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." When I go to their home, it is definitely filled with curiosities, no room for boredom here.  It's a nice change. The Dame treats me too good when I come for a visit, I have my own room. They tell friends on tours, "This is the Mistress's room, where she does her drinking, and passing out in."  When I meet new friends of theirs it's always intresting to see how people will react upon getting in this narrow townhouse. No doubt, your stepping back in time. The Dame is one of my longest friends, and the dear is still working on me to come work for him in his floral shop. But what's cool is our homes are so different and couldn't be father apart. I love my visits, and enjoy taking all and everything in from the nooks and crannies. How many do you know with a huge player organ and stuffed peacocks in their living rooms? Or a old display cabinet with a Victorian shoe collection in it that acts as their bar??? It's quite eccentric. And his hubby is a good sport, he just goes with the flow.

It's a bit all surreal when you first see it. Almost like stepping through the Looking Glass. This upstairs hallway is painted, one wall is plaid wallpaper, and the ceiling and other wall are wallpapered with pages of a Bible the Dame ripped apart. I told you we're heathens.

The master bedroom has many church artifacts, like that huge light hanging from the third floor, down to above their bed. It came from a old church in the area and he told me was specially beamed in to support it. The one thing we both have in common is large scale objects and furnishings. Just because a place is small or narrow, doesn't mean larger items won't work. They often deliver drama!

While this house might look old, it really isn't. This whole block went up in flames right down the whole street back in the 70's I believe he told me, and the block was rebuilt by the 80's. But the way he has designed his home, you sure wound 't know. I think I love and admire it because it's so different from mine.

My bedroom, the Borghese room, is done with painted walls and one wall wallpapered in old newspapers. I find that very creative myself.  And I really don't even mind what's above my headboard.....

Their bathroom is probably the most modern room of the house. They recently had navy blue subway tile put in, a new standing shower, with sitting bench, and other amenities ...but leave to the the Dame...the vintage and nostalgia still comes though. I absolutely love their shower, and that honeycomb tile floor.

It's always a good visit. I swear...the Dame treats me like the Dowager Countess or Joan Crawford when I'm there. Everything as to be just so.  Like clockwork, he will slip his phone under my door, with the Mommy Dearest opening music playing to wake me to. Once up, I generally hear them making racket, and say something like "Russel....Shawn.Damnnnnnnn it! CAROL ANN...I have asked you to keep the children quiet today, and for CHRIST SAKE get them out of the garden."  Once I go and get ready, he has a tray of coffee and orange juice in my boudoir why I get ready. Talk about service. But I think it's only to sweeten the pot to get me to move back. It was a lovely visit, but to be honest I couldn't wait to visit. For you see darlings, Aunt Cruella couldn't wait to see the newest member of their family.... Flyer!!! Four months old. Last summer their dear Philly passed away during the pandemic. And Flyer is a cutie!

Followed me all over too. Little does he know.

"He may have won the battle, but Ill win the wardrobe." 

They were surprised I didn't wear my Cruella coat from years ago...it most likely would not fit in their front door anyway. When I arrive, they never know what I may show up in. And contrary to popular belief, no Dalmatians were harmed in it's making years ago. Or were they?  bwahahahahah hhhaaaaa ha! Years ago when I was different and thought of puppies...

But the best thing about my stays are Russell's legendary Bloody Marys in the morning.

And who am I to complain? 

And did I mention their third car is a hearse?

So there's that. 

You wouldn't want your first ride to be your last would you?