The Ultimate Couch Potato & Mid Century Modern Furniture

Gary arrived home safely last night. He picked up a couple of coffee tables at the Ocala ReStore while he was in Florida. This first one is a riser table which I consider the ultimate couch potato table. I borrowed these photos from the ReStore site. I'm not sure I like the curved legs but the table is definitely functional. I think a person could sit on a couch and not even lean over to reach the table if it were full of snacks. Then again the table could also be used for writing or setting your laptop on.

Gary can't wait to see how this table works out in the loft. We got the table out of his truck but it is so heavy we'll wait to carry it inside when we can get some help. I think the legs must be solid steel. Gary's setting the loft up as a semi man cave. I say semi because I'll use it occasionally. He's furnished the loft with a leather couch with recliners and a big screen TV and now he's added this riser coffee table. All he needs is a mini frig full of beer up there. Ha.

Here's the other coffee table he picked up. I had sent him to the ReStore because I saw this Mersman coffee table advertised on Craigslist and then he found the table above while he was there. I love the triangular shape to the table and the floating lower shelf. Gary and I love mid century modern and I think this table will fit the bill in our small living room. (I found this link to City Issue, a mid century modern store in Atlanta, can't wait to take a trip there). Gary carried this table in and our cat, Betty, promptly decided it was the perfect place to lounge. I must teach her not to get on the table, I don't want the top all scratched up. I guess we have eclectic decorating tastes. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Two Right Shoes

What's wrong with this picture? This morning I was unpacking and putting things in the closet and something didn't look quite right with these shoes. I usually only try on one shoe and sometimes I don't try these on at all since I've been getting the same shoe for years. Oh my! I have two right shoes. Of course I don't have the receipt or the box. Oh I remember now I gave the shoe box to Gary to use to put the back splash tile pieces he removed.

The black shoes aren't very flattering but are the only ones I've found which come in a 6.5 wide width and have arch support to help keep my plantar fasciitis at bay. Wally world actually carries these Dr. Scholl's shoes. They only have my size sporadically, so when I see a pair I pick them up to have on hand when my other ones wear out. I noticed recently the quality of these is not as good as previous ones I've purchased. The new ones don't seem to have the arch support. the moral of this story is I better check more closely when I purchase something. I'll try taking them back and see what they say.

I've been doing more thinking about clay than doing. I like illustrating the animals I've seen like this armadillo platter or the birds I've seen like this dancing ravens bowl.  Then there's always leaves and flowers. I haven't been able to find my basic pottery tools like a needle tool and fettling knife in all the boxes. I decided to order an extra set so I can get to some serious work. Hopefully they'll arrive before my class next week. I'm also missing my large rolling pin, I hope it turns up soon. I have a small rolling pin but I really like the large one. What about you, do you have a favorite tool you feel you just can't do without? Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Poached Mahi and DIY Projects

You can't go wrong poaching fish, at least I haven't found a way. I unpacked my ceramic fish poacher (click link for a more detailed description about the poacher and how I use it; you can also poach fish with various other methods and containers on the stove top). and decided to try it in my new home. I thawed a thick piece of mahi I purchased from Ingles grocery in the frozen section. Leaving the skin on (helps hold the fish together when cooked) I cut the fish in serving sized pieces and placed them in the poacher. I cut up mushrooms, fresh ginger, 1/8 red onion and yellow and orange bell pepper into small pieces and sprinkled over the top of the fish.

I added one cup of white wine, one quarter cup of white balsamic vinegar, and drizzled some honey and spicy red pepper sauce over the top. I covered the poacher and placed in a cold oven set to 400 F. I baked the fish for half an hour. Meanwhile I cooked the rice. Serve immediately and drizzle the vegetables mixture over the top of the fish and on the rice if you like. I have a goal to  make some dishes I can present my recipes here. I never seem to keep any of my own pottery to use; I need to change that.

In other news, we sold the motor home yesterday. Gary is in Florida with three people interested in our bus, keep your fingers crossed for the bus to find a new home. The other day we found a used furniture store and picked up a few items for a our new home.

Perusing Pinterest, (you can follow me there) I found some ideas for a few do-it-yourself furniture projects. Like up-cycling an old door for a headboard and using pallet wood for furniture. Things are falling into place slowly but surely. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

UPDATE:  The bus just sold, yippee, we are so lucky this week !!!

Bosco Sacro Gardens

Neptune

If I had to spend the rest of my days in one place I'd probably choose a sculpture garden like the Bosco Sacro Gardens in Italy.

the sacred grove or grove of monsters

subtle nuances of change would permeate my minds eye

light would fall different each day

moss might be thinner or thicker or brighter

rocks more worn and weathered

I'd stroll with much thought and contemplation

the world outside would no longer matter

I'd rest at night with great calm

dreaming of strange creatures, of beauty and wonder and gods

I'd become one with nature around me.

If you had to spend your time in one place where would you choose?  Images borrowed from the net. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.