Bungalow in the Hollow

My Better Half

2009-04-23T17:38:00.004-04:00

Mr. BITH's score. Uh oh.

I took it again, mentally modernizing some of the questions like he did. Ha! At least I scored a little better:

As a 1930s wife, I am
Average

Take the test!

Our new little neighbors

2009-04-23T17:32:00.004-04:00

Sweet little robins have set up camp on top of my neighbors' arbor. Rockin' Robin momma is doing a good job keeping predators away and feeding those constantly open mouths.

Lamb Cake

2009-04-23T11:19:00.004-04:00

Sounds disgusting, but it's not!

This sweet-faced thing was part of a celebration honoring my friend, Nancy, for her birthday. Her birthday falls around Easter and her mom used to make her lamb cakes covered with coconut -- I decided that I would surprise her and finally try the Rich's Coconut Cake recipe that I had clipped from the Atlanta Journal Constitution a few years ago.

I had heard a number of people mention how fond they were of this cake when Rich's still had a bakery and I guess it is a big deal that they finally got hold of the recipe. Never mind that it is 800 CALORIES A SERVING! Or that it has vegetable shortening in both the cake and the frosting. Mmm, mmm good.

I actually made this cake twice because a) I had never made a coconut cake from scratch before, and b) I have never used a 3D cake pan before.

Good thing I did! The first one didn't rise like it should have and didn't fill out the entire mold. It flopped. On its side. Poor thing couldn't stand on its own. And you know what?! No wonder. I just found this edited version of the cake when looking for a good link for the recipe to put in this post - apparently they swapped the flour and sugar amounts by mistake in the version I had. I guess that is why the cake was more cakey than I thought it should be. Still good though! Guess third time will be a charm.

::Thanks to Mr. BITH for helping frost and coconut goo the cake. Oh, and skewering it back together again after the head fell off on the way up!!::

This is Nancy finally seeing the cake. It seemed like people enjoyed it, but they were even more enthralled with the edible Easter grass surrounding the cake. Go figure :)

Bwahaahaaahaa!

2009-04-15T00:18:00.002-04:00

As a 1930s wife, I am
Very Poor (Failure)

Take the test!

See the original scanned test here.

::Happy Easter::

2009-04-12T23:30:00.002-04:00

Hope that you had an abundance of love, chocolate and jelly beans! Ours was made complete with a creepy bunny that sings from Cracker Barrel.

A very blessed day, indeed.

Chicken and Dumplings

2009-04-08T18:52:00.005-04:00

I grew up in Florida, so dumplings weren't the staple there that they seem to be here in 'Joeja'. When I saw this recipe in the latest BH&G, I decided that I would have to give it a try and make it from scratch -- especially since the chef is local {Scott Peacock from Watershed in Decatur}.

. . . even if I did have to YouTube how to quarter a chicken properly. No pictures of that mess after my attempt, thank goodness. That caption would have to read, "How to mangle a carcass," or "Which cut of meat do you think this is?"

Truly magically delicious!

Here's my picture:

Here's the fancy food stylist's version (her name is Jill LUST - what a great name for a stylist!):

Classic Chicken and Dumplings

Prep: 50 minutes
Chill: 2 hours
Cook: 65 minutes

Ingredients

1 egg
3 Tbsp. cold water
2 Tbsp. peanut oil
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 4-to 4-1/2-lb. broiler-fryer chicken, quartered
1 tsp. kosher salt
5 cups chicken stock or broth
2 cups water
2 stalks celery
1 medium onion, peeled and sliced in half
3 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
2 Tbsp. cold butter, cut in 1/4-inch cubes
1/4 cup whipping cream
Ground black pepper

Directions

1. For dumplings, in medium bowl whisk together egg, cold water, oil, and the 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in flour. Mix until well-blended and elastic. Cover. Refrigerate 2 hours.

2. Season chicken, including back and neck, with the 1 teaspoon salt. Set aside. In 6-quart Dutch oven combine chicken stock, water, celery, onion, and pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil. Add chicken pieces, placing leg quarters and backbone first. Place breast, skin side down, on top. Reduce heat to just below simmer. Cover, leaving half-inch opening.

3. Cook 30 to 45 minutes or until breasts are just done; remove. Continue cooking leg quarters 30 to 40 minutes until tender; remove chicken and vegetables. Set broth in pot aside. Discard vegetables. Set chicken aside. Cool. Remove skin. Pull meat from bones, tearing into large pieces. Set aside. Discard bones.

4. For dumplings, turn dough onto well-floured surface. Roll very thin, about 1/16 inch; cut in 1 1/2- by 2 1/2-inch pieces. Return broth to boiling. Season well with additional kosher salt. Add dumplings to broth, shaking pot occasionally. Do not stir. Cook 3 to 5 minutes. Add reserved chicken. Reduce to simmer. Add butter, cream, and few grindings of black pepper. Gently lay hard-cooked eggs on top of other ingredients. Cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover. Let stand 10 minutes. Serves 8.

Yesterday we had snow flurries

2009-04-08T17:55:00.003-04:00

Today was shiny, breezy and a beautiful green.

Finally! Some fruits of my bulb planting frenzy!

You're #1, can't be #2

2009-03-31T16:48:00.005-04:00

We're wishing a great * big * ol' happy birthday to you!

♥ Lots of love ♥
The BITH's and petite monstre

P.S. The abominable snowman is looking for you . . . George

Happy birthday, Katie and Petit Monstre!

2009-03-26T15:37:00.006-04:00

Katie - Enjoy your birthday -- brunch was a great start :) Have a very safe and happy trip to China. Don't forget to Flip some videos onto your blog!

Petite Monstre - Happy 7th Birthday! Can't wait to see what your mid-life crisis phase is like . . . smooches little one.

'The New Furniture'

2009-03-23T22:34:00.008-04:00

" . . . its joints neither come unglued or creak when a stout yokel sits upon it."
- House Beautiful, 1902

Early Saturday morning Mr. BITH and I headed over to Lilburn, GA for the Stickley lecture. We had about 20 minutes or so to mosey around and drool over furniture and meet the owner of Patterson as well as a Stickley rep and Stickley Corporate Historian, Mike Daniel, who would be giving the presentation.

While we nibbled on fruit, muffins and coffee we registered for the Stickley table giveaway and joked with another couple about stuffing the box (we didn't stuff or win, btw -- they did, win, not stuff, I mean. Drat.). Given that it was 10 a.m. on a Saturday morning, I was surprised to see as many people as there were there. One guy brought his little kid decked out in soccer gear. It was clear to me that going to a furniture store was the last place this kid wanted to be before his big game. He was a sport though and was pretty attentive throughout the hour or so long presentation.

It helped that Mike, the Corporate Historian, was fluid, funny and engaging - an overall wonderful presenter. He started with company history then moved on to try and define what makes arts and crafts, arts and crafts design. Then he talked about what goes into making the furniture, discoveries of old Stickley in good, bad and ugly conditions and how to care for furniture in general.

Mr. BITH and I walked away REALLY wanting a Stickley piece, which means of course that Mike was incredibly successful in building up consumer lust in his audience. After hearing about the craftsmanship and understanding more of the history, we had to agree when he said, "Not everyone can afford a Stickley piece, but that doesn't mean that it is overpriced"

I thought that I would try and share key learnings and things that made us laugh for those of you that thought about going, but didn't/couldn't - or for those that don't live anywhere near Mike's roadshow locations.

QUEEN VICTORIA BITES THE DUST IN 1901

Queen Victoria mourning card found on ancestorsatrest.com

Mike shared a photo of a woman sitting in a large, ornate Victorian reclining chair that had huge carved lions for armrests. One man in the audience asked, "does it roar when you push the (recliner) button?"

Mike's point in showing the photo was to illustrate that Queen Victoria's death was also the death of ostentatious Victorian design and the emerging simplicity of the arts and crafts lifestyle. Think how modern 'the new furniture', as Gustav Stickley called it, must have appeared to people then! It isn't surprising that the bungalow's construction and minimalistic attitude was the precursor of today's modern ranch.

STUFF ON STICKLEY

Gustav strongly believed in the integrity of his products -- so much so, that he published The Craftsman: an illustrated monthly magazine in the interest of better art, better work, and a better more reasonable way of living. Gustav educates the readers on various topics including the cost of his furniture construction. By actually putting his furniture plans in the magazine, he invites the reader to build the pieces themselves and see just how much care and labor goes into creating a Stickley piece.

Mike - remember, the guy delivering the presentation at Patterson Furniture? -- shared a link to an archive of all of The Craftsman issues. Such a treasure trove!

Check them out, but don't get so lost in them that you don't come back to me . . .

I'll wait . . .

. . .

For those of you still with me, maybe I better try to hurry up and finish this post, eh?

There were five Stickley brothers and each had their own furniture business. Sometimes they worked with each other, sometimes they didn't - but never all at once. Stickley merged after WW1 to survive. Leopold Stickley mainly carried the merged Stickley company after the war and did so by changing the furniture line to the Colonial Revival style

In 1956, Leopold received a silver award plate from a plethora of magazines honoring him for his contribution to the American lifestyle. He died in 1957 and his wife took over. E.J. Audi helps her design new pieces, but then dies in 1966.

Alfred, E.J.'s son, buys the dying company from Mrs. Stickley in 1974. Strangely enough, he was at the award dinner for Leopold Stickley at the age of 18. Mrs. Stickley warns Alfred not to "hire a bunch of long haired freaks because they are worthless". Mike Daniel (now Corporate Historian) is hired.

The long haired freaks must have figured things out with the help of old time employees and discover unfilled orders in a safe from 1968. They call places like Rich's in Atlanta to see if they still want their orders filled. Amazingly, they do . . . but now Little House on the Prairie/The Waltons are in and people want the craftsman style again . . . This is where long-haired freak, Mike Daniel, saves the day with the story of Earl in the boiler room.

Apparently, Mike discovered Earl burning old stuff in the boiler room just to get rid of it. Turns out the boxes were full of old furniture designs and Mike doesn't know what to do with them, but starts playing the game of "keeping things from Earl" and stashes them in the attic. These designs start to come in handy when they try to fill old orders and new ones coming in for the trademark Stickley look. Mike also starts travelling looking for old Stickley pieces so that they can figure out how to recreate them. This is how Mike becomes the "Corporate Historian".

As he discovers old Stickley furniture, he starts to see how differently the Stickley brothers assembled their pieces and what worked and what didn't. This is why they don't call their furniture reproductions, but rather reissuing because the furniture is a blend of the best of Stickley brother's craftsmanship. For example, Leopold came up with these techniques:

Illustrations from the Stickley catalogue

Mike said that he takes care of the museum pieces by spraying them with a fine mist of water and immediately wiping with a soft cloth. He only uses polish once or twice a year and says that polishes can actually strip the finish off of wood - especially when you switch to different kinds of polishes. Crazy, huh? You can read more about care here.

Also, if you run across any dark/near black finished Stickley pieces, don't try and clean or refinish them. This effect was caused by fuming the piece with ammonia and you can't replicate the effect once the tannins are depleted. Just saying. In case you ever even THOUGHT about refinishing a Stickly, lol.

SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST

The coolest thing I learned about Stickley at the lecture you ask? They WANT and ENCOURAGE you to write your story on the bottom of Stickley drawers and tables. Gustav used to take notes and try different stains on the bottom of his furniture. Stickley recognizes that this furniture is owned by humans and humans have stories and pass their Stickley furniture down in their family.

Mike tells a great story about desperately wanting a Stickley rocking chair he spotted at a sale. The family decided not to sell it for the sole reason that on the bottom of the chair was an inscription from one family member to his wife on their anniversary. Mike also told a story of a Stickley table located at a bed and breakfast that has signatures from notable guests on the bottom of it. Wonder what that will go for at auction?!

SPEAKING OF AUCTIONS

Turns out that "long haired freak" Mike used to play bluegrass at the same clubs these two did.

Recognize them? Mike is behind the scenes at a lot of Antique Roadshows and says that the Keno brothers just laugh at how they have all cleaned up since first knowing one another. No more long hair, you see ;)

INLAY WORK THAT WILL MAKE YOU CRY

I will leave you with these beauties since they are lodged in my heart for a splurge some day. I seem most attracted to Harvey Ellis' work. Astonishingly enough, Harvey only worked at Stickley for 7 months before passing away.

*tear*

We sat underneath a H.E. mirror at the lecture with little inlaid ships. Amazing, but can't find any closeup pictures of it anywhere. Oh, dear. Guess that means I will have to go visit it again. Maybe bring it home? What say you?

Local Stickley lecture and chance to win a piece!

2009-03-19T18:00:00.001-04:00

This is a local opportunity for Georgians to learn more about Stickley's history and how to identify a real piece. Plus, who wouldn't want to win a free Stickley table!

STICKLEY ROADSHOW with corporate historian Mike Danial

at both Roswell and Lilburn showrooms

DATE: Friday March 20th, 7:15 pm LOCATION: Roswell Store RSVP 770-640-6900

DATE: Saturday March 21st, 10:15 am LOCATION: Lilburn Store RSVP 770-972-6320

Refreshments will be served.

2009 limited edition Poppy Table to be given away at each event.

Patterson Furniture Company

4750 Hwy 78

Lilburn, Georgia 30044

Dig it

2009-03-02T22:53:00.005-05:00

Been into the sound and look of this video since my friend, Guille, showed it to us during the trip out to Tucson a few weeks ago (before the Chevy premier during the Grammy's).

Clever and lovely.

It has had almost 4 million hits on YouTube. Oren Lavie is an Israeli playwright who currently lives in Berlin.

Snow in the Hollow

2009-03-01T16:38:00.007-05:00

It was 67 degrees yesterday.

Today?

Geese were swimming in the rain accumulation in the actual Hollow. Maybe a layover from flying in the snow?

So much fun seeing all of the kids in yards making snowmen and snow angels.

The ice tomorrow may not be as much fun.

For now, I will enjoy my hot cocoa and watching the flakes make their silent, swirling way down to the ground.

Stay warm everyone!

Bungalow furniture explosion

2009-02-24T16:41:00.024-05:00

We received the L.L. Bean Home catalog today and as I leafed through it, I started spotting mission style furniture on page 28. It got me thinking: doesn't it seem like bungalow furniture is everywhere right now?

Just like you other bungalow owners, I have way too many bookmarks to specialty craftsman websites and stores. They are pretty pricey, but I scheme and dream . . . just like you.

Realistically, although we love the craftsman look and may gift our home with a few craftsman pieces such as a nice arts and crafts chandelier or bookshelves, by no means are we looking to fill our home with it. We like variety. We like what we like and somehow we have to get our stuff to play nice with one another.

Still, I've added a few more bookmarks and thought I would share ;) It is nice to know some big box stores are getting in on the style since we can't all afford Stickley!

:::

L.L. Bean calls it their Mission Furniture American Hardwoods collection. Bonus: made in the USA with sustainably harvested American-grown Ash.

These are the pieces that caught my eye. A corner desk, because in bungalows we want to utilize all the space we can get:

The desk is $299 and the chair is $329. Nice lines. This fireside bench serves as both seating and an abbreviated coffee table. Simple and pleasing to the eye. It is only $169

Then, a stunning Morris style reclining chair and ottoman, $499 and $299. Just look at that beautiful wedge shape in the arm and echoed in the base of the seat:

This little beauty looks like you spent some cash on it, but you only part with $139:

Last, but not least, bungalow outdoor lighting. I especially like the ceiling lamp. Can't find it on the website though just in the catalog . . . am I missing it?

Crate and Barrel has Oak Park a la modern Prairie style. Also, the Bungalow line. What about the Windham line for those of us who haven't decided whether we have a bajillion hours of spare time to strip the white paint off of the trim?

Check out Room and Board's Mackintosh and Prairie style on their site.

Home Depot jumped on the bandwagon through their Home Decorators site. They have a plethora of Craftsman-style furniture. 318 hits, in fact.

We really want a bench under our living room window to store some shoes and things we quickly need to stow away so that we at least appear to be neat people.

They call it the Craftsman Gossip Bench. With leather it ranges from $429-$529:

This one is $299

$319 with tilt out storage

I think there are ~5 more options . . . my brain might explode.

Even JC Penney has gotten in on the "mission". Can't beat this for $199 on clearance!

So has Walmart. Go ahead. Put that Tot Mission set in the playroom. Go crazy.

Now, to find a hall tree. Ha!

Want some "cheeken"?

2009-01-25T14:12:00.004-05:00

Which came first, the chickens or the coop?

The cheekens, natch!

My friend, Robert, was hurriedly building a coop this weekend since he became the proud owner of 4 rescued chickens.

I don't *think* I have ever scratched a chicken's ear lobe (did you know they have lobes?) or even petted a cheeken before. {Very soft}

Here are they are in all of their glory!

Guess what? I am on the egg list :)

Gather 'round! It's story time

2009-01-21T09:13:00.007-05:00

This is seriously one of the cutest kids I have ever seen.

Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

A little Amelie who paints the world with her words and smiles :)

Mr. BITH sat through a few videos after hearing me laughing like crazy from the next room. His only comment was,

"My gosh. You'd kidnap her if you could"

I just smiled.

Apparently, this video has gotten the most attention, but I really like Capucine Meets Alex, Yuuuuuuuuum, Too much candy, My name's Ingalls, Carrie Ingalls and Elementary my dear Watson.

*hell* watch them all.

She's too, too adorable.

Make sure you check out her t-shirts and other items on various websites. All proceeds go to Edurelief.

Oh, and if you think my fascination makes me look like I am off my rocker, Google this child. Here's just one small sample . . .

My favorite line from Capucine's letter to Santa: If I hug you, your beard will not sting, it will only tickle.

My favorite line from the author: We take back everything bad we ever said about babies. As long as they look, talk, and think like this one

Good luck, Mr. President

2009-01-20T19:47:00.006-05:00

May you be wise enough, smart enough, humble enough and tough enough to guide us safely through the rough seas ahead . . .

That is my hope.

What's behind wall number one?

2009-01-20T17:39:00.008-05:00

Finally made it to go see Slumdog Millionaire and came home to find an object like this on our front porch:

accompanied by a note and business card. The gist of the letter was that some contractors were working on the house next door and heard water running next door (that would be our house). They came to investigate and saw water pouring out of the basement door.

After realizing no one was home, this very nice man used that thingamabob pictured above (also known as a water valve key) to turn off the water to our house to stop the river running out the door. The contractor and his twin brother then came over and helped us identify the pipe running to the area where the leak was very obviously occurring.

Discovery #1:

The previous owner decided putting in valves that would allow you to turn off water to only parts of the house wasn't necessary. The contractors sadly told us we would have to tear out drywall to get to the problem area.

They helped us move extra drywall away from the wall, told us what we would have to do and then headed out. {{Thank you wonder twins! They didn't have to help us, but they did.}}

Note: Previous owner of house will henceforth be referred to as Dumbass. This isn't an arbitrary pejorative and grounds for using aforementioned "Dumbass" reference will become more clear and justified after Discovery #2 and Discovery #3.

Discovery #2:

I realize construction workers have this inclination to put empty beer cans, Styrofoam containers and various other sundry behind walls and below floors of buildings they, well, build. I don't get it, but they do.

But why would you do this in your own home? I repeat, why?

The following picture is what we found behind wall number 1.

In case the jumble is too much for your brain to process, those are umpteen empty buckets of mudding compound, pieces of drywall and old pieces of wood stacked neck high.

These were all - of course - soaking wet at this point. Remember the pipe? We hauled this stuff out the door to get to the pipe.

{Did I mention I am snotty sick?}

Dumbass.

Discovery #3:

After moving all of the junk aside, we found the crack in the pipe (a frozen chunk sluiced out when Mr. BITH disconnected it). This pipe was leading to a spigot on the outside. Guess what? No insulation on pipe. None. Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch.

Dumbass.

Mr. BITH headed to Lowe's, got some materials and came home to fix the pipe. My hero :)

Lesson learned? We are pretty much resigned to the fact that DIY Dumbass = do over of drywall, electric and HVAC in the basement.

Can't wait to find what else DIY Dumbass decided to put behind the walls instead of renting a dumpster. Wait, DIY Dumbass is also a Cheapass?!

I guess that is Discovery #4.

P.S. Guess what Mr. BITH found in the basement the next day while cleaning up? Insulation for pvc piping. Not anywhere on the pipes of course. Dumbass.

It was such fun

2009-01-09T22:39:00.003-05:00

{click on image to see in more detail}

to decorate our home for Christmas . . .

*sigh*

The little elf guy was a Christmas gift last year from our good friend, Robert. This year Lorraine painted little gourd spinners and gave them to us as a gift. They completely fit in!

Our sweetheart neighbors gifted us this musical Fitz and Floyd Santa's Toyland:

Green Goddess redux

2009-01-02T08:07:00.004-05:00

Remember this post?

Well, now you can experience the goodness of Green Goddess and stay regular.

Who knew . . . ?

{click on the image to actually be able to read it}

And if that is just too much trouble to throw together, you can always depend on Phil Hartman's favorite cereal (although I think this appeared in Mad Magazine first).

Mr. BITH's January 1st

2009-01-01T23:04:00.005-05:00

It came out in 2003. It somehow made its way into our home in 2008.

Andy.

Mr. BITH bows before Katamari Damacy.

A new addiction is born.

Andy.

:::

He'll be back to his normal self any day now . . .

I just know it.

Andy.

:-)~

Day one of 2009

2009-01-01T21:59:00.006-05:00

Big ass baklava at the Marietta Diner and skipping stones on Lake Allatoona at Red Top Mountain

(creamer is in there for scale)

:::

Oh, my! How could I forget . . . the leftover, crock-potted split pea soup made from the Christmas ham.

A happy and content January 1.

Pickled herring and party hats

2009-01-01T02:28:00.001-05:00

It's oh, so quiet

2008-12-30T18:04:00.038-05:00

It's oh, so still.

The last of our guests, my oldest brother, left this morning. I finally took a good, long nap and then woke up to silence. Strange after having guests in our home every week this month.

{Here it is . . . the merry month of December}

The week after getting back from Thanksgiving in Florida, we had a friend of ours visit with us. It is always a good time with Dave! He is a natural at storytelling and will leaving you laughing every time.

We introduced Dave to an oldie, but a goodie game, Greed. It is a fun, addictive dice game. Easy to learn too.

We also finally went to check out Thai Heaven. Great to have a good Thai place that is close by and doesn't involve looking for parking for 10 minutes. Their Nam Sod is crazy good and is a little scalding - more so than what they call spicy on their menu.

I am still in mourning for Phuket's closing on Buford Hwy . . . although I see that a new Thai place is there now. Is it the same owners?

:::

Next up, Mr. BITH's dad and wife drove up to drop off something for his sister and her boyfriend and then we all met up at Ted's Montana Grill to sup. Mr. BITH's dad and wife came back to our place to stay. We had a lovely brunch with them at Thumb's Up and then they drove back to Florida.

Wonderful to see them!

:::

A few days later, my brother flew in from San Antonio to spend the week with us. Many-splendored things occurred.

Gingerbread house making
(bonus points for using a Halloween kit)

A visit to the aquarium:

The new World of Coke:

Weird Coke creatures from 4D ad movie.

This is a screen shot of a Flip movie my brother took of me while I was tasting a flavor (apparently putrid) at the end of the Coke museum. I went years ago to the old museum and don't recall being this put off by one of the flavors. Maybe a new one or my taste buds are changing?

I am in utter disbelief that I am sharing this photo because it is ghastly, but I couldn't stop laughing at the faces I made!

I believe I was shedding tears by the end of the film.
And if I recall correctly, suppressing a gag reflex.

Dialog in the Dark:

Yes, this was actually said by our blind guide.

A word of caution: Do not get grouped with a mass of HR women who are on a holiday team building exercise and think that this experience is supposed to be similar to going to a haunted house . . . 'nuff said.

Watched a slew of crazy movies and streamed a ton of Roku (our obsession with the Roku is a whole other post I have been neglecting to do):

Pictionary (hog or Porky Pig)
Winning some trivia at the local bar (did you know that Japan uses more condoms than China, Brazil or the U.S.? We didn't)
Sweetwater Creek on a warm, rainy day

During our week together, we discovered a new, magically delicious restaurant on Buford Hwy after finding out that the Pho house we wanted to go to was closed that day.

Amazingly, the AJC reviewed it over a week later in an article titled, "2008: These 10 spots made year memorable."

We can highly recommend the shaken beef, La Lot beef - and Mr. B, what kind of fish did you have that was so yummy? Perfect jasmine tea too. Will definitely go back again!

:::

With the revolving door ever turning, my parents arrived from Florida with enough food in tow to feed a village. No stopping Christmas now!

On Christmas Eve, my oldest brother stepped off a plane and arrived to find mouth-watering, melt in your mouth rack of lamb glazed with citrus and vinegar. I am not usually a lamb lover (with the exception of cassoulet and gyros), but . . .
0. m. g.

We attempted to do the Southern thang with some Honeybaked Ham, rosemary corn bread, celery cream and bacon on green beans and scalloped potatoes for Christmas, but I do believe the lamb was the pinnacle.

There were so many beautiful moments that we shared as a family -- far too many to list, but I will give it a try (hey, it's my blog).

We are thankful for it all!

White Oak walk
Kennesaw Mountain
Botanical Gardens
Thai food (yes, again)
Home cooked meals and general silliness
Hot dogs and cheesecake sent from Chicago (yep, Chi-town style)
Homemade cookies and fudge and date balls and lemon bars that my mom made and additional that my godmother sent (did we achieve that 3,500 a day calorie goal? You betcha!)
The Bodies exhibit (for some of us, the second time seeing it)! Amazing! Go see it if you haven't. Although I will say that I liked the exhibit space in Tampa better
Povitica from N & J (yes, I even saved some for the rest of the family)
Hummous povitica (dad)
Seeing the Thrashers get, err, thrashed
Free flowers from Trader Joe's
The little boy sleeping in church
Pool sharkin' at the Tavern
Dynasty unfolding at Blind Willies
. . .

:::

Thanks to my family for making our first Christmas in our new home so special.

Each of you made our time together absolutely perfect.

♥ ♥ ♥

Love to all of you and missing you like crazy here in the Hollow,
The BITH's

Giving Thanks

2008-11-28T22:05:00.004-05:00

for my silly brother with his birfday cake . . .

. . . for the GG Queen who has been my dear friend since a wee bit before the first grade and will use any means possible to get me into the Ale House!

Rock on Cap'n Jack (yumm)

and for all those people who give to others . . .

Ambrosia alert

2008-11-27T17:05:00.004-05:00

I have been a baking fool. As a token of appreciation, these two trays of goodies went to the brave fire fighters and police of our fair city yesterday. They were so happy to have sugar delivered to them in the form of pumpkin bars and brownies that I was whisked up the elevator in the company of the chief of police and deputy chief to their super secret . . . break room. Yess! The inner sanctum!

Our first Thanksgiving in our first house. Oh, no! Look closely. Mr. BITH noticed something was missing about halfway through our meal. How could I have forgotten?!

Near Thanksgiving tragedy. Ambrosia left all by its lonesome
in the fridge? Here it is just in the nick of time.

Mmm. Punkin pie. Even better on a Don Drumm trivet. Makes everything prettier.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Even in uncertain times, there is a LOT to be thankful for.

I'll be heading down that tryptophan highway now . . .

Is it vewy scawy?

2008-11-26T10:35:00.008-05:00

Vampire frenzy is sweeping the box office with the release of Twilight. And yeah, I admit it. I've read the books to see what all the hubbub is about.

Was I slightly reminded of some books I read in middle school and high school? Yes.

Does the series realistically portray (and therefore transport you back into) the cliquishness, innocence, buzz of "firsts" dramas many of us experienced or at least were aware of in high school? Kind of.

Still, the series fumbled in its language and didn't grab me to the point that I was hooked. Reminds me of my relationship with {uh oh. here I go} Harry Potter.

This post doesn't mean I won't eventually go see Twilight or rent it. It's probably a fun watch. It does mean that I 'm not running to go see it.

However, this post is for a different, less flashy type of vampire tale:
Let the Right One In

Saw it last night at the Tara. It wasn't what I was expecting which is why it took a few hours for me to realize how bruising the movie actually was. I didn't find it vewy scawy as the trailers seemed to indicate. It was beautiful, sad, eerie, quiet and a little gory.

The film not only captures the loneliness and precarious relationships of the characters, but also the Scandinavian melancholy that sets in with the winter. The cinematography is lovely and chilling and unfurls all of those small details. I think that the subtitles take away from the movie since the tension in the character's faces often affect you more than the words they've chosen to translate.

I read a few reviews this morning while thinking more about it and Carina Chocano hit the nail on the head in the LA Times Review with this single sentence:

The double-edged title — which refers to a bloodsucking technicality that says vampires must be invited into a victim's home before they can attack — raises the question of who we allow into our lives when our options are limited.

Now let's see if I like the book ;)

A message for SLF (AKA #4)

2008-11-25T00:01:00.004-05:00

{and to answer that age-old question -- yes, you really are cute}

It would appear you have passed the quarter lifer stage to the nebulous mid-thirty something set. We, have crossed paths many a time o'er many a year on many a notepad. I thought it was time we cross the digital divide with a birthday e-missive and enter a new era of camaraderie no longer dependent on errant maids with their careless open doors and hastily scribbled notes found on bedside tables or under downy pillows.

No, now we can get on with the business of getting to know each other in an orderly fashion ushering in the dawn of light meets dark. True understanding of the world at large revealed through rumination of our combined stumbling upon this rough marble of ours.

Happy Birthday,

TDS

Happy birthday, Dad!

2008-11-23T17:09:00.003-05:00

He truly is the bestest.

I hope today was full of fun and that there was pie involved.

Love,

Your sweet baboo

Delicious autumn!

2008-11-19T16:16:00.001-05:00

Mr. BITH recently went to the Oakland Cemetery. We used to go visit quite a bit when we lived closer and haven't been since the tornado tore through it. He got some beautiful fall images.

Through our neighborhood association newsletter we found a very close walking trail with some of the biggest white oaks we've ever seen!

Look closely. That's me and the dog standing in front of the tree.

Sign of the times

2008-11-14T17:37:00.003-05:00

This picture deserved its own post.

Spotted on the way back from KC. Source of hysterical laughter.

Finally caught it on camera driving to the store opening.

Sign was changed that evening. Did they see us taking the picture?

Did they realize that it was the source of mass guffawing?

Are we blasphemers . . . or are they, lol?

Congratulations, Elysium!

2008-11-14T10:46:00.006-05:00

E⋅ly⋅si⋅um
[i-lizh-ee-uhm, i-lee-zhee-, i-liz-, i-lee-zee-, i-lizh-uhm] –noun

1. Also called Elysian Fields. Classical Mythology. the abode of the blessed after death.

2. any similarly conceived abode or state of the dead.

3. any place or state of perfect happiness; paradise.

4. an area in the northern hemisphere of Mars, appearing as a light region when viewed telescopically from the earth.

Origin:
1590–1600; Ēlýsion (pedíon) the Elysian (plain)

We'll go with number 3, thank you!

Congratulations Nancy, Pat and Andrea on a great retail store opening! I can't believe how much was accomplished in such a short time. I wish you much success, laughter and many repeat customers!

Storefront window displays

Flowers from M.E. We missed you, M.E.!

Inside the store

One of Jerry's photographs and some handcrafted copper

The jewelry is so good that even guys can't stay away! :-)~

Next fall. Our backyard.

2008-11-14T09:26:00.001-05:00

You glorious thing, you.

This is Halloween

2008-11-03T13:26:00.016-05:00

This is Halloween, everybody make a scene
Trick or treat till the neighbors gonna die of fright
It's our town, everybody scream
In this town of Halloween

Nice score at a thrift store, mom!

Mr. BITH as the grim reaper. This was sent to me via mobile phone.

Ms. Lili still loves Mr. B (not to be confused with Mr. BITH) despite his [un]funny face.

In our last place there were no trick-or-treaters. Even though I wasn't at the house to see 'Penny the Pirate' and all of the others - they definitely showed up for goodies. Mr. BITH and Mr. B doled out the candy and apparently scared a few kiddies without even trying. Once they saw the talking headstone they didn't even want to come around the corner to where the spider dropped. Mr. BITH and Mr. B ran out of candy (even the reserve stuff), closed up shop and headed to the bar. I *think* they had fun too.

These were the toughest, thickest pumpkins we ever attempted to carve. Got them from the State Farmers Market in Forest Park. Next year? Better, sharper tools. Maybe we'll actually finish them in 2009, lol.

Meanwhile, up in KC . . .

I guess our evening was scary enough. Here's how it went.

Us: Okay, we'll follow you to the restaurant. Where is it in general?
Them: Uh, you go on the interstate and then go next to a bridge. Don't go under it, go around it then turn right. It's somewhere in that neighborhood.
Us: Which interstate? Which bridge - and which right?
Them: Err, I don't remember exactly what street. Just follow.

:inside our car:

Me: There they are. You okay to follow? I need to check messages.
The driver: Yeah, go ahead
Me: Dials voicemail. Blah, blah, blah. Text, text, text. Checking e-mail, etc.
::Looks up:: Is that them? Wow, Bruce is going pretty fast.
The driver: Hmm. Yeah, he is usually better at letting people follow him.

>>>Phone rings>>>

Them: Where are you?
Me: On the interstate following you.
Them: We aren't on the interstate.

You can bet that based on the directions given previously that it wasn't easy to find them or the restaurant, but we eventually managed to find it . . . somewhere near a bridge, off the interstate after we took a right-hand turn. Yeah.

I walked into Garozzo's (locals told me later that this place is tied to the mafia. Who knows? Makes the story better) where the maître d' showed us to the table without me having to say a thing. Apparently, Bruce had told him that they were waiting for a red headed hussy. Hmmph. I was actually a hillbilly vampire . . . Whatever. The spiedini was so fabulous.

Be afraid. Seriously. Those fangs caused major drool.

The original hillbilly vampires.

MORE SCARY STUFF

Am I the only one noticing? They are everywhere and now taking over pools. What is with the balls in the bowls???

Historic preservation and Bela Lugosi

2008-10-26T16:32:00.001-04:00

The funeral was Saturday, but since I was not able to make the trip I went ahead with the day as scheduled.

I met a friend at Dancing Goats (great review here) to grab their oh-so-perfect cappuccino and their Duck's divine donuts before heading over to:

I don't have time right now to give a proper review because I am packing for a business trip, but overall, I would say it is worth your time to check it out next year if you didn't already! Once I get some of the presentations, I will write a review and post the presentations on the blog. Got plenty of helpful information and some possible resources for various projects in the future.

That evening we headed to Fellini's for a slice of pizza before heading over to the Plaza Theatre to check out the Silver Scream Spook Show.

This is one of the main cast members, Professor Morte.

I did a trial run of my costume and it was fun to see other people's costumes. The people that won the contest had a wonderful couple costume, a guy with a hearse attached around his waist and his girl was walking inside a coffin with eye holes. (I didn't even enter the contest, it is too hard to explain what I am, lol)

This show is campy good fun - plus, you get to watch a crazy B horror movie afterwards. I write that last sentence with hesitation as I know there are a lot of Ed Wood fans that would say a B label downplays Ed Wood's brilliance ;)

Our movie was, Bride of the Monster, Bela Lugosi's last speaking role. The audience had fun with it laughing at the editing, props, innuendos and dialog.

See you guys in a week or so!

Goodbye, Aunt Betty

2008-10-23T22:14:00.002-04:00

Our family got some very sad news this morning. My Aunt Betty, who had gone into triple bypass surgery, never woke up. We knew the risks. There was always this possibility, but like my dad -- I didn't think it would happen to her. Even though she had been ill, we still thought she would make it.

Sadly, I am not able to go to the funeral. So, as my parents and some of my brothers - along with other relatives - converge in Oklahoma City, my thoughts and spirit travels alongside them. I want very much to be there and be a part of the gathering that will join together with their voices, stories and hugs and celebrate my aunt and the imprint she made while she was with us.

Tonight, we (Mr. BitH, Mr. B and I) raised a glass of wine to add our voices from a distance: Here's to you, Aunt Betty!

Big love.

The joys of homeownership

2008-10-22T20:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, this is all closely related to Murphy's Law and is quickly followed by the "falling domino" principle. So far, we have had the electrician out twice. Once to check up on some things related to the inspection report (making sure it is okay to have the circuit breaker box in the stairwell, replacing GFCI switches, covering outlets) another follow-up visit because - all of the sudden - the overhead living room, dining room, bedroom and office lights wouldn't turn on. That last one was just a wire failure and needed to be replaced.

Next up, an alarm company. We went with Ackerman after a lot of research and a friend's referral. Our house came with no fire alarms or carbon monoxide alarms, so we had a fire alarm hard wired into the system as well. We have a pretty extensive alarm system now - wireless as well (so no thief can cut our phone wire). We plan on hitting up the fire department for some free alarms for other rooms too. If you are looking at an alarm system in Atlanta, e-mail me and I will explain our decision to go with Ackerman. If you decide to go with Ackerman, we would love to refer you to our sales rep (we get something like 5% reward).

Today we had an HVAC company come out to work on our side wall vent system for our gas powered heating systems. The fan comes on after every shower, every long dish washing session, every laundry load . . . and sometimes just because it feels like it. It is stinkin' loud. I mean rattles the floor loud. New construction code directs vents out the roof, but with older homes they are usually vented out a wall. I asked about this and the tech said that it looked like it used to be naturally vented up the chimney flue (there is a hole in the brick in the basement part of the fireplace) and someone switched it to the side vent at some point.

Which leads us to the chimney sweep coming out next week. He is going to inspect/clean the chimney to see if we can vent out the flue. We might need to line the flue with anodized aluminum ($$), but we are praying that we don't have to do this. When it passes inspection, we will have the HVAC guy back to switch the fumes back to vent out the stack (which unlike the fan is completely SILENT) and rehook up the gas to the ceramic gas heater in the living room fireplace. He is also going to show us how to properly insulate our registers and do some general maintenance ourselves.

Again, why were these unhooked/changed? Dunno. May never know, although I hope it isn't because of a problem with the chimney.

For now, the HVAC tech, Jay, took out the loose, broken-off blades in the squirrel cage fan (this was partially responsible for the noise) and steadied the fan considerably cutting down on noise, but not completely.

As well all know, spending money always leads to spending more. We walked through our inspection list with Jay to see what else needs to be done immediately vs. before the summer hits next year. As we suspected, a lot of the ductwork in the partially finished basement is a little shoddy. Parts of that will have to be redone/unkinked before even starting the work in the basement. The previous owner built a hallway downstairs that closed off our supply register in our bedroom. No wonder we were hot and there was no air movement!

At some point (this is a pun that I have cleverly inserted. You will recognize this as you read on, although it will only produce an unforgiving groan and no laughter whatsoever), we will have to get some brick repointing done since during the recent torrential rains, we discovered the foundation leaks in the basement. We did get to see the house after a mild rain before we bought it (and it appeared to be totally dry) and the inspector said that the brick work was still good with very little crumble and the previous owner SWORE that it was a dry basement.

Ah. Well. He said, she said. You live and you learn. I could also see this leading to having to reinstall a gutter system (that was taken down by the previous owner) to draw water away from the side of the house and brick foundation. I know why he did this. Craftsman houses don't have gutter systems and he wanted to get the house looking a little more authentic. Craftsman owners, if you've experienced this problem - what did you do?

Have I mentioned that our lawn mower stopped working?

George and the Golden Age Club

2008-10-22T09:49:00.007-04:00

Yesterday, I met my much loved great-aunt Montine at her Golden Age Club luncheon. This was a special occasion because I finally got to meet her only surviving brother, George. I just love his response when I ask him to say hello to the camera.

George promised me that if we came down to see him, he would make us a pecan pie with handpicked pecans! I have a feeling we will see George sometime soon ;)

Strange beauty

2008-10-17T19:54:00.008-04:00

This Daddy Long Leg's final resting place was next to an old nail on the front porch. I discovered him when I hung up a string of Halloween lights.

I think that there is poetry in the lines of its body.

This creature was making its way across the fence in the back of the yard. It looked like a 'very hungry caterpillar', but I guess I haven't become the fiercely protective gardener just yet. I left it alone and walked back into the house to Google (1) what in the world were the little white attachments on its back, and (2) try and figure out the name of the critter.

Turns out that had I killed this little guy, I would have put it out of its misery.

Apparently, the white football/rice looking accessories are indicative of a parasite called a Braconid wasp. The nutrient-rich little booger had been hijacked and was being eaten from
the inside out!

Adult female Braconids have long ovipositor and lay eggs inside the host. Then the larvae feed on the inside until it is ready to pupate. They work their way out, create cocoons and then emerge to look for more hosts. The life cycle ranges from 10-30 days.

Most sites I ran across raved about this parasite because it saved their tomatoes from Hornworms.

Guess I won't be seeing this (still unidentified) caterpillar again.

Football, festivals and getting older

2008-10-10T17:33:00.025-04:00

{{otherwise known as one of the longest posts ever}}

Sorry folks, fall has hit and my head is whirling. Things are getting brisk. Weekends being touristy at festivals, birthdays sneaking up and a trip to San Francisco.

We headed to Hapeville's Happy Days festival on September 20th and took the opportunity to explore the downtown as well. The festival itself was pretty sparse, but people seemed to be having fun - especially the kids on all of the big inflatables (never big enough for adults though *pout*).

The museum was hodgepodge stuff about Hapeville . It houses everything from an old Model T Ford to a torture chamber looking perm machine to old memorabilia from Delta and Eastern. Don't even think most of the population could fit in the old airplane chair they had on display. We did notice a weird tendency to populate the town with mannequins . . .

They seemed to be e v e r y w h e r e.

At least they had the good sense to install pretty flowers in various places to distract you from the "posers" with the really bad hair. I mean they are on display! Dignity, people, dignity - even for a mannequin.

The next weekend (September 27) we went to the Historic College Park Festival. Again, small and not really that varied as far as the art aspect went. The music was decent and the park was really nice (the grass was otherworldly lush and all of the kids ran around barefoot in it). The best thing that came out of going was meeting Tal Stanfield and Don Shomaker of The Craftsman Remodeling, LLC. Their work looked amazing. They even do custom cabinets and built-ins! Definitely have them earmarked for the future!

The little girl, above, cracked me up with her serious little face. The little boy, above, danced like a crazy man in front of the live bands. I mean running, jumping, doing little dance moves for about an hour. Non-stop. He wore me out while I was sitting there eating my Italian sausage sandwich. Whew.

That night my parents showed up on their way back down from north Georgia to check out our home. After our very quick tour of the house, we left them to their own devices and headed out to meet friends for a pre-birthday (happy birthday to meeeee!) celebration at the Wren's Nest. I have lived in Atlanta for a while, but had never gone (this was a phrase much uttered over the evening by just about everyone I talked to or was eavesdropping on *ahem* The only exception seemed to be former Boy Scouts. Apparently they all visited the Nest at one point or another).

These were the events that finally led to us actually stepping foot into the place: we happened to go to the nearest Benjamin Moore design store location and while standing in the parking lot, noticed the Wren's Nest across the street (SO close). Then we got an invite a few days later from Kingsized since we are on the mailing list. My interest was piqued even then but as soon as my eyes saw the caterers, Sol Catering of Taqueria del Sol? Too delicious to be ignored. The stars were aligned! Totally good time, divine food and the house is amazing! Best of luck to them as they remodel and spin yarns!

A few days later I headed to San Francisco for a dear friend's birthday extravaganza! There was much eating, drinking and making merry. Even some of the most sophisticated tailgating I have ever been to (beef brisket, pork, lamb, polish sausages, corned beef. so. much. meat. Thank goodness J brought grapes). The 49ers lost, but that didn't stop the gorging. There were hot dogs for a light evening snack. Oh, and although Hapeville might have been keeping ACME Mannequin in business, San Francisco had their ubiquitous bowls of balls. Tres chic!

De nada, really

2008-09-13T11:28:00.006-04:00

Even though our friends Sonia and Sam swear it's not a housewarming gift, it sure feels like one.

Sonia said she doesn't even want us to think about writing them a thank-you note.

In order to respect her feelings on the matter, I would never even think about writing a thank you note telling her how much I appreciate all of the little (and big) things she does for her friends, that her unfailing support has not gone unnoticed, how gaudy-cool these salt and pepper shakers are, how I completely understand the joy of discovering a perfect gift to give to a loved one, how we adore their friendship . . . no, I would never write them a thank-you note telling them all of these things because they asked us not to ;)

S&S, so good seeing you last night and hanging in the 'hood. Rock on Turtle Pie!

Variety is the spice of life

2008-09-10T10:09:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I headed over to Trader Joe's to pick up a few "essentials," lol. The sample of the day was TJ's peanut butter cups. After tasting one, I decided that it could possibly be an essential, but that I had more places to go and I didn't want them melting in the car. :(

My next stop was Tuesday Morning. I picked up some whaddadeal tension rods for the closets since the owner decided to take some shelves out before we moved in . . .

I happened to look at the empty space's window next door before heading out to the car, when I saw: Richard's Variety Store coming soon

I love Richard's Variety Store. I kept hearing about how cool it was years and years ago and finally went there about 5 years ago. This place has it all - strange doo-dads, nostalgic kid's toys, Christmas ornaments, pinatas, office supplies, hardware, Halloween costumes. . . you name it. It is a hoot!

They have some wonky cards:

I couldn't find any information as to whether they were moving their Buckhead location or just opening another one. Either way, make sure you check it out next time you need a Trader Joe's fix. You might just find another addiction!

How I met the mayor

2008-09-07T14:21:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, I spent a few hours at a community clean up at a nearby park. We took out old fence posts, dug holes and planted trees. Then we pulled out kudzu, raked and picked up trash.

While we were picking up trash, the neighborhood association president told me about a shopping cart he had seen for months down in the creek while walking his dog. I told him that we should go get it out. Apparently, he doubted the magnitude of my strength, and commented that we might need some big guys to help us since the banks were steep and the cart had plant growth wrapped around it.

So, I set out to find two strapping men. I enlisted the first guy pretty quickly and he seemed game. I walked up to the second man and did the Hulk. That's right, the Hulk.

Think:

I even "grrrrd!" and said, "You look strong and we have a mission."
He laughed, and then felt my muscles. Then he laughed even harder.
He said, "Okay, what do you need?"

The four of us trotted down to the creek. It was steep and there were lots of thorns everywhere. They were a little protective and said not to come down with shorts on. So I helped haul the shopping cart up from the top.

Afterwards, the president of the neighborhood association was talking about further improvements to the park, and said, "I just heard the mayor mention . . ."

My response was, "Oh, the mayor is here?"

Guess who?

Yep, the man I hulked out on.

Later on, I properly introduced myself and met his wife as well.
Nice people.

I *think* I made an impression. Let's just leave it at that.

Petite monstre loves to fly . . .

2008-09-05T19:49:00.008-04:00

. . . and it shows!

He might have you beat, Delta!

He loves his new yard too :)

We just found the Flip camera at Sam's Club for a great price. I think we are going to have loads of fun with it!

The elusive Turtle Pie

2008-09-05T14:43:00.008-04:00

Mr. BITH and I walked to the local Corner Tavern for lunch today for the first time. Food was yummy! It has a great covered deck, and we can't wait to try it out on a Friday/Saturday night.

Best of all? I am happy to report a rare sighting of Turtle Pie. I am surprised this thing isn't on the endangered pie list. As kids, we used to beg to get one from Baskin Robbins for a birthday or Thanksgiving {{amendment to post per thrashing in comment section: this crazed demand for Turtle Pie all began because of my dear papa whose birthday falls right around the corner from Thanksgiving. If it weren't for his amazing palette, we would never have known about this luscious treat!}}

I have found them at a few spare Baskin Robbins . . . but to find a homemade one within walking distance?! Jackpot!

I hope it is divine.

We will {try to} wait until my brother comes to visit to do any sort of taste test though. :)

The no unpacking zone

2008-09-04T12:06:00.004-04:00

After 4 very long days of moving in, we are slowly, but surely, settling into the house.

I thought Mr. BITH was crazy to want to set up our front-porch furniture after one particularly long day of moving, but he insisted, saying, "this huge-ass box has been sitting in our family room for two months! It's time to actually use it."

So we sat on the concrete and assembled this together.

It has been awesome (thanks for insisting Mr. BITH!). When we are tired and sweaty and can't imagine looking at one more box or moving around one more thing, we come out here and sit and relax. And yes, both lemonade and sweet tea have made an appearance (as well as some vodka and beer).

We have already met quite a few neighbors. One of our neighbors makes bird houses and came over yesterday to deliver one especially made for us as a housewarming gift. How cute and sweet is that?

This same neighbor has several hummingbird feeders in her front yard. After I saw a few hummingbirds in just the few minutes I was visiting her place, I had to go out and get a feeder. Mr. BITH couldn't believe we had hummingbirds, but then when I was out doing errands one day he spotted one at our feeder and was so excited to tell me when I got home :)

We have scored practically all of our yard/outdoor stuff at end of season prices (mostly 75% off). So we are now proud owners of a large push broom, garden shears, hose, citronella candles, hurricane lantern and also these great copper planters that I put some MIL tongue in and placed on either side of the entrance. I can't wait to see these little ones get tall and strong!

It's official!

2008-08-27T23:14:00.006-04:00

We signed a bunch of papers and took possession of a bunch of keys!

In only 30 years, we will be proud owners of the Bungalow in the Hollow, lol.

Complete with groovy uplighting in the kitchen . . .

. . . amazingly gracious rooms . . .

. . . gobs of lightning bugs and the sweetest neighbors ever (they have lived in the house next door since the '50's).

We are so, so happy and so, so tired.

Movers come tomorrow. We are U-Hauling more boxes on Friday and then we, err, unpack.

Let the chaos begin!

Sneak peek of the Tellus Museum

2008-08-19T07:59:00.010-04:00

I was at a wholesale show this weekend and all of the exhibitors were invited to preview the new science museum opening in Cartersville, GA in January 2009 (hopefully).

I brought Mr. BITH's fancy camera thinking I would get some cool shots of the sleek, modern looking building -
and I would have too . . . if only I had brought the memory card. *sigh*

So cellphone pics are all I have, folks.

The Name

Tellus is the Roman goddess of the Earth and provides the inspiration at the heart of the new museum.

The Tellus Museum unites the Weinman Mineral Museum and the science programs of the Resource Center under one roof.

The Galleries

The galleries are still a work in progress. Not a lot was installed other than shelves/platforms and the blueprints that were scattered everywhere.

It looks like there will be a fossil gallery, mineral gallery, science in motion gallery and 'my big backyard' gallery (hands-on exhibits).

Here are a few shots of blueprints from the fossil gallery and a helicopter (Magnum PI style) found in the motion gallery.

The Great Hall and Planetarium

They served us some wonderful cocktails and h'or dourves. For dinner we had some yummy barbecue and southern desserts such as red velvet cake and banana pudding.

Check out the big hall. I am sure they will host some beautiful affairs there. The ceiling undulates in different colors and the blue at the end of the hall is the outside wall of the digital planetarium.

Inside the 120-seat planetarium

Early man (J) and woman (N) in the planetarium (haha). Nice face J. ;)

Overall, I think it will be a really cool museum. According to the brochure, there will be a full-size replica of a 40 foot T-Rex, a 200 seat theater, science trails throughout the property (e.g., mineral trail, plant life indigenous to Georgia), an outdoor learning center and laboratory space for students.

The Tellus staff seems like a really good group that enjoys working together. They referred a lot of business our way and may even carry some of N's jewelry in their gift store.

The buyer from the Booth Western Art Museum came to purchase jewelry from us as well. Another museum I must check out at some point!

Anyway, if you live near Atlanta go support these museums when you can!

Happy/crappy Monday

2008-08-18T22:28:00.005-04:00

::Happy::

Delivering our notice to our property manager in person.

It felt SO good :)

::Crappy::

Since Mr. BITH and I will be in Chicago for a wedding right before closing, I wanted to make sure all of our ducks were in a row before leaving town . . . the mover's phone rang and rang and rang when I tried to reach him. Then I checked his website.

Horribly sad news.

Our mover has been murdered (article here).

He seemed like a very cool guy when I spoke to him the few times that I did. Once I started calling around to get quotes again - it was obvious that the people in the moving industry thought well of him.

RIP Danny.

Red light, yellow light, green light, GO!

2008-08-13T22:23:00.001-04:00

Appraisal in the clear. Check.
New lender. Check.
Home insurance. Check.
Closing day/time scheduled. Check.
Movers scheduled. Check.
Cleaners scheduled. Check.
U-haul truck reserved. Check.
All packed up and ready to go.
I said, "All packed up and ready to go!"
. . .
Um, still working on that last part.

To clarify: this was our last rent check!!

We are crazy happy and a little exhausted. I am too tired to post more, but it looks like as of August 27th we will be homeowners!

Thanks for the memories!

2008-08-13T09:00:00.004-04:00

Night before last I drove almost an hour each way to FINALLY pick up the surprise anniversary gift for dear Mr. BITH. Yes, only a few months late - but boy, was it worth it! It turned out even better than I thought it would.

It is a spin on the traditional second anniversary gift of cotton - a t-shirt quilt. I am pretty crafty, but not sew crafty. I think the person who made the quilt had amazing attention to detail and sense of balance. I will happily recommend her to anyone who is interested.

I stole, err collected t-shirts for months before amassing the twelve shirts I needed for the quilt. I even sneaked one out of the trash!

The twelve shirts tell the story of us meeting, dating, changing jobs, acquiring petite monstre and even cover our rehearsal dinner and getting married.

Our good friends D&J tried to get a t-shirt for me from Tu Tu Tango in Orlando (one of our first dates), but apparently they don't feel the need to merchandise the hell out of patrons like the rest of Orlando does and don't even carry t-shirts!

The Atlanta one had closed only weeks prior to me starting the t-shirt quest because their building was being razed. They claim they want to open another location - I hope they do! Until then, RIP Atlanta Tu Tu Tango.

The unveiling

Mr. BITH's reaction was interesting. He exclaimed, "Cool!" when he saw the retro fabrics and got the basic gist of what it was. Upon further inspection he moaned, "Ohhhhhh, you used my favorite shirt and my Love & Rockets shirt?"

{BTW, the silk shirt had a rip in it bigger than my hand - and not on a seam either. He hasn't worn it in a few years. The L&R shirt had so many holes it looked like several generations of moths had gotten to it}.

I knew it would be a little hard for him to let go . . .

Later in the evening he pulled me to him and gave me a kiss and said that he really did love it. He decided it was nice having all of the memories in one place.

I guess he really does love it, because he is not even sharing it with the dog :)

Wonderful weekend

2008-08-12T18:47:00.012-04:00

My parents came up this past weekend to celebrate my brother's birthday. Sightseeing and lots of eating ensued. This is what happens when family gets together, no?

Sculpture

We went to the Atlanta Botanical Garden to see the 'Sculpture in Motion' exhibit. Some really beautiful things to behold. I really enjoyed the pace. Lots of letting the wind take over and just hanging out watching the sculptures change and viewing them from different angles.

The strange oil one in the desert area intrigued me the most:

Flora and fauna

Can you spot the frog?

Mosaic aquatic plant

The three amigos

Did you know that the Atlanta Botanical Garden has the biggest pitcher plant collection in the U.S.?

So many stunning orchids there!

Good eats

Mr. BITH and I had dry-aged steak and some wonderful okra at Kevin Rathbun Steak. We also tried out Goldfish (sushi and fab crab cakes) near Perimeter Mall and delightfully shared some old standards such as Little Azio (salmon panino) and Carpe Diem (mozzerella benedict) in Decatur. Yummy!

We gave my brother his presents at Carpe Diem at Sunday brunch. One of our favorites was this piece of art that we found months ago with my brother at a local antique store.

The artist's concept is great. She finds old paintings and then adds the monster character into the scene. We found it amusing.

I decided to add some fake 'grillz' to the party - I was the only one brave enough to sport them at the restaurant. Jealous?

Everything old is new again

2008-08-08T16:34:00.012-04:00

Awareness

Mr. Bungalow in the Hollow (henceforth, Mr. BITH) and I went to Savannah to celebrate our dating anniversary a little over a year ago. Mr. BITH used to live there and we quite like to meander around the squares and shops taking photos.

We were passing a storefront near our B&B, when we both stopped and took two steps back. There was a huge display window with a dining room set placed squarely in the center of the case.

We swayed left and right, then crouched and swayed some more (was there a snake charmer amok?)

Perhaps it was a partial swoon and because we spotted it during the golden hour . . . IT was actually what was behind the dining room set -- IT was the most amazing, wonderful wallpaper . The lighting was perfect. As we moved, the look and the feel of the wallpaper did too.

We were charmed.

I promptly went and tried the door. It was locked, so I knocked. A very confused man opened up and told us they were a private design firm. I guess our enthusiasm was endearing - because he let us in to chat and we left with a sample of the handprinted wallpaper and the name of the maker: Osborne & Little.

That was the beginning of our obsession with O&L.

Old ladyish? To the contrary!

''It's not an 'old lady' thing anymore,'' said Ms. Dow, whose hand-painted wallpapers hang in the homes of such un-grandmotherly types as Michael Ovitz, Calvin Klein and Paul Simon, as well as in the boardroom of the Andy Warhol Foundation and some of the high-roller suites at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Read more here

I am not under the illusion that it was ever an old lady thing. Like the saying goes, everything old is new again. Wallpaper used to be high fashion and then eventually cycled out. Those young, stylish people that thought a room was only finished when it had wallpaper up turned into older people who still wanted wallpaper.

It was another generation's need to distinguish themselves from their parents/grandparents that tagged it "grandma style" (the availability and sheer volume of horrible patterns along with the arrival of stick-up backing didn't help, imo).

Handmade you say?

Because I like to make things and listen to music and just generally appreciate creation in any form, I am thrilled and immensely gratified to see that so many others are craving the hand-crafted too. This is evident to me through the success of places like etsy and people of all ages knitting/crocheting everywhere you look.

Many of the handprinted papers are based on vintage/historical designs - they are just plain gorgeous. And expensive. So save up, because once you check out the links at the bottom of the post, I guarantee you will want something!

In the meantime, some of these studios offer samples for mere dollars. Why not order some of those and display them?

This sample set from Bradbury and Bradbury is $10.
I think it would look amazing framed (and in N&J's bedroom. Can't wait to see it up and thanks for turning me on to B&B):

This is a children's alphabet sample for $3.
Frame this up and put it in a nursery!

B&B even sells posters. They know they've got it!

A sampling of wallpaper companies

To browse a number of makers in a one-stop-fab-shop, Walnut Wallpaper will do you right . . . prepare to fall in love and don't say I didn't warn you!

Adelphi Paper Hangings

Bradbury & Bradbury

Burrows Studio

Deborah Bowness

Dunford Wood

Johanna Basford

Mason & Wolf

Osborne & Little

Plum Lines

No green thumb necessary

2008-08-07T12:54:00.006-04:00

Lately, I have been spotting metal objets d'art that don't totally scream local folk art festival. They have a sense of refinement and whimsy. A rare, delicate balance.

Perfect for the drought in Georgia . . . or for those of us that haven't been able to perfect our green thumb.

Metal potted plants at Wisteria for $29.00

The site says that these were once used in 19th-century France for winter gardens and conservatories . . . interesting . . . might do a little more Googling.

Tole topiary at Ballards for $119.00

These are perfect flanking a front door or even along a privacy fence.

I might actually dot a few along the fence . . .

You can, toucan

2008-08-07T11:57:00.017-04:00

We recently picked up a toucan rocker thing-a-ma-bob at a wholesale show in Franklin, NC.

We've tried to describe it . . . but it seems like people just can't get Toucan Sam out of their heads.

Our toucan isn't quite as colorful. In fact, after buying it, we sat in our friends' cabin and stared at it wondering why we did. I guess, sometimes, you just buy things because they seem unique and cool.

Voila!:

Here is nos petite monstre's reaction at the cabin . . . so much ferocity!

Intruder Alert. Intruder Alert.

So much uncertainty:

We've had it for a few weeks now, and every once in a while petite monstre notices it again and tries to defend us. Nothing gets past him.

Thanks J&D for letting us stay at your wonderful little cabin!

If you can't say anything nice . . .

2008-08-04T22:22:00.010-04:00

Whatever.

Our lender officially sucks. Booooo!

Never thought I would say that about this company, but it's true.

Wait. I guess I have one nice thing to say about them. They sure got back to us quickly about our appeal - they told us it would be Wednesday before we heard back from them.

And here it is only Monday.

Their idea of an appeal process? Send the appeal and the new comps our Realtor provided to the same appraiser who originally low balled the house.

What are the chances this same guy is going to say,

They are right. Damn. I totally messed up. I have no idea what is going on in ITP markets. Guess I should have spent more time scouting out the area, talking to ITP Realtors and finding more reasonable comps. Looks like you might have outsourced to a somewhat incompetent appraiser. Oops.
My bad.

Next step? Perhaps a new lender.

Stay tuned.

Fab find: ring holder

2008-08-04T17:50:00.005-04:00

I have been looking for a ring holder for a while now. A consistent place to store my baubles, you know (I mean, besides the night stand, coffee table, bathroom sink counter, dining room table, computer desk . . .)?

I have seen all of the animals with grotesquely long tails or trunks, as well as the one-pronged pacifieresque looking holders. I just wanted something a little different.

This is a fab find from an antique/consignment store (I actually think it's new). Silver-plated with lots of room for a bevy of beautomous rings. A little whimsy, a little mod.

Loving it.

About last night

2008-08-03T11:00:00.006-04:00

Another lovely thunderstorm in the ATL. Trees down, electricity out. Dog panting and pacing. Very dark apartment. And hot. Really, really hot.

We packed up and stayed the night at my brother's place.

Thanks bro! And congrats on your new computer.

I expect you'll be blogging soon?

Two things that made me happy today

2008-08-01T18:43:00.017-04:00

After spending more time on the phone than we ever wanted to and constantly pushing F5 while staring at our joint e-mail account, we received the cc e-mail from our Realtor to our lender containing 10 sales comps within 2 miles of the house from over the last 6 months with $ figures that completely justify the price.

Our lender told us that we probably wouldn't hear anything back about the appeal before Wednesday. More waiting . . . sigh . . .

That was a little more than I could handle - so, I went to Wal-Mart. I am not a huge Wal-Mart shopper, but we did pick up a completely adorable outdoor set on crazy clearance for aforementioned house almost a month ago (I know, cart before horse). Plus, we could stand a few groceries around here.

There is a rug that matches the conversation set (or is it conversating set? That one's just for you, Nancy) - and you know I must think it's pretty darn-tootin' cute if I want to get the matching rug (I am not so into matchy-matchy either). My criteria for getting this rug is that it must be on serious clearance . . . it wasn't and that fact added to my already darkening mood . . .

. . . until I spotted this beauty
{{angelic singing activated}}

Yep. That's right. Green Goddess dressing. You aren't seeing things! I remember one night at dinner (mid-eighties?) my brothers and I noticed that our favorite dressing was nowhere to be seen on the table. My mom told us that they just didn't make it anymore.

I think that blew our little minds; probably wasn't a happy dinner.

Apparently, there are others out there like us. Here's the history of Green Goddess and some other somewhat outraged Green Goddess banter, lol.

i
Not to be confused with Goddess dressing by Annie's Naturals (which I tried years ago thinking it might be something similar).
not. even. close. not. even. green.
I stopped looking after that.

Did I walk away happy clutching my Green Goddess to me tightly? Yes!
Finally. A smile today :)

Then I came home and had a BOGO free DQ Blizzard coupon in my in-box. Mmmm. How's that for some sunshine in your life? Lord knows we need it right now.

Sign up for their Blizzard fan club and you can get one too!

You might have noticed that piece of art propped up behind the Green Goddess in the photo above. It was given to us by our sweet friend, Lorraine, in an attempt to cheer us up while eating pizza the other night. Check out her work. She's good. This is another piece we own:

We'll keep on trudging and update you when we can! Thanks for checking in :)

The waiting game and pluck

2008-08-01T09:40:00.012-04:00

To try and keep the anxiety at bay last night {didn't go to the Braves game as planned} we:

met my brother and friends for pizza

then drank coffee and watched

Superintendent: Oh come on now lads, don't be windy, where's that famous pluck?
John: I haven't got any, have you George?
George: Did have.
Paul: I have had.
Ringo: I will have! Lead on!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

It helped only a little. We're trying to conserve pluck.

Skidding to a halt?

2008-07-31T17:33:00.006-04:00

This is how we feel right at this very moment.
Appraisal just in.
Came in significantly under our agreed upon price.
Our Realtor is looking for other comps to appeal the appraisal.
The appraiser came from over an hour away.
What does he know?
Ugh.
Please continue to send prayers and positive vibes.
We sure do love this house.
I hope this isn't the shortest lived blog ever.
:(

How does Jack Handey fit into this?

2008-07-31T00:20:00.014-04:00

Oh.

P.S.
Although we adore Jack Handey's incredibly deep thoughts (thanks B and Mike! See the comment they left in a previous post), we know some of you out there have thoughts that rival Mr. Handey. Do share (see comment areas). ;)

P.P.S.
Hmm. I didn't realize Jack Handey was a real person . . .

P.P.P. S.

Toonces was his baby . . .

P.P.P.P.S.

Sounds like we have a bad case of the ta-ta-tee-tee-ta's. Only some of you will get this reference to the old-skool ta-ta-tee-tee-ta. Although we aim to please, we can't please everyone all of the time.

The Benny Hill chase

2008-07-30T18:24:00.009-04:00

Our phones just keep ringing. Thanks for all of the well wishes! We're exhausted after running around (a la Benny) for a few days and making a ton o' calls and going on errands. I'll get back to all of you eventually. I guess I should've updated the blog earlier about inspection/termite day.

Good news is that there were no big, red flags. Overall, a really solid house. Things to ask the seller to fix, yes . . . but nothing substantial and nothing we can't really handle.

By the time we were done going around the house/upstairs/downstairs/up the deck/back to the basement to look at all of his findings (an hour and a half with us asking questions), it felt like one of Billy's cartoons from The Family Circus:

Home inspectors are interesting. They kind of wander around with poker faces and preface things a lot. Ours warmed up to us by the end though, became pretty candid and we actually shared a few laughs. Nice, thorough guy.

The inspection certainly gave us that first time home buyers reality check. There will be maintenance and upkeep, not just decorating (darn it).

The lukewarm news is that the house hasn't been treated for termites for the almost 8 years the seller has lived in it. Not sure why he didn't treat the house; it just seems like the proactive thing to do even if there isn't evidence of activity. The termite guy gave us a really good deal to get the house under bond and we are approaching the seller to cover the costs.

Still no word on the appraisal. Our lender said that the report was done, but she didn't have it yet. Tick-tock, tick-tock. Our due diligence ends on Sunday, but luckily we have an appraisal contingency. Let's hope we don't need it!

Other than that we continue to collect boxes (love Freecycle, bless it). Oh, the forts we could build!

Our mover is set and so are the cleaners.

C'mon appraisal. C'mon August 27th.

Keep us in your thoughts!

Good vibes needed from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday

2008-07-28T22:23:00.005-04:00

9 a.m.: Inspector starts doing his thing. We meet with him at 11:30 a.m. to go over what he has discovered . . .

::inspection mantra::
no news is good news, no news is good news

::Dorothy had it right::
there's no place like home. there's no place like home

1 p.m.: termite guy starts doing his thing . . .

::repeat after me::

We don't need no stinkin' bugs!

On pins and needles, crossing fingers and toes

2008-07-28T11:13:00.005-04:00

Appraisal day! Here's hoping that Freddie and Fannie view our 1930's bungalow favorably. I guess this is our first hurdle in the home-buying/home-owning process.

Once we get through the home inspection and termite inspection tomorrow and get the appraisal back, we will breathe more easily - and maybe, we'll settle down and get comfortable in this blog while I tell you a little more about our bungalow in the hollow.

Wish us luck!