Happy Birthday Alexander

Happy Birthday, Alexander. We wish we could be with you on your special day. We send a greeting with Tintin and Milou because you were the one who introduced us to your favorite characters when you were a small boy living in Paris. When I see those two, I remember the times we hunted, in Paris and later in Brussels, Tintin books and paraphernalia. I treasure the memories of hours spent reading all your Tintin adventures together (rather, your reading to us in French and sometimes in English...after you heard our French!)

We send our love and wish you the best year ever!

P.S. Are you running with the bulls in Spain again this summer?  Don't let us know!

How to Stop Losing Things

Now where did I put it!?

Oh!  Now I remember...there it is.

I recently attended an excellent seminar on the aging mind and I'm reading two books on the subject that I purchased there.  Dr. William Matteson was the lecturer. According to Dr. Matteson, geriatric psychologist and author of "Stop Memory Loss," we spend about four weeks per year looking for things we've misplaced.  He gives several strategies to remedy this irritating habit.  Aside from committing to stop misplacing things, making a list of things we misplace, and always putting things in the same place, the most useful strategy, in my opinion, is verbalization. For example, when you are putting your keys down, you should say aloud, "I'm putting my keys on the coffee table."

Have you ever gone charging through the house for something, only to get to your destination and forget what you're there for?  I have.  Dr. Matteson's suggestion for this memory glitch is to, "Move faster, because if you get there within 90 seconds, you'll remember."

Now if someone could just tell me how to stop losing money in the market!

Note: In the photographs above, Sam of Installations Antiques is demonstrating misplacing and finding his tail.

Happy Birthday Sis

Annie and Carole (right)

When you're feeling old, just remember: there's someone older...me.  Dang!  Love you, Carole. Have a great day!

Give Me Another A

I love A's...wish I'd made more of them in school.  Tall Husband recently bought this "A" for me from Installations Antiques.  The decoupaged graphics are wonderful and are from an 1863 "Frank Leslie's Ladies Magazine," according to a handwritten note on the bottom of the "A."

Speaking of making A's, this could be an interesting project.  The pasteboard letters are available at craft stores.  Just buy your favorite letter; photocopy your favorite antique drawings, and decoupage onto your letter.  Voila!  Inexpensive luxury.

Über Funck

Aren't these antique safety goggles über funky? Tall Husband and I found them last weekend at Collectors Firearms here in Houston. One rim of the goggles is inscribed with, "King Safety Goggle." The sides of the goggles are mesh and fold inward for storage in the original metal case, which has a wonderful patina. These goggles will be great for protection when using power tools around the bungalow. And for just looking funky.

Old Ammo Crate

"A" is for ammo. Tall Husband has been wanting a vintage wooden crate and finally bought an old Remington ammunition crate last weekend at Collectors Firearms.

The contrast of old wood, its graphics and fresh flowers is interesting...

...and the wood joinery is impressive. However, bringing new objects to the bungalow can cause a stir.

Tintin: "So, Milou, they no longer wish to have us in the middle of their table!?"

White Rabbit: "Oh! This is far worse than Mr. McGregor's rake, I fear."

Note: Tall Husband has apologized profusely for the fear that has come over The Bunny Bungalow, for he did not know that the old ammunition crate had "Rabbit Load" printed on its end.

Go With the Grain

Old grain sacks from Germany, France and other countries add interest to any style of decor. Grain-sack central in Houston is Installations Antiques.  Installations has these vintage handwoven sacks made into cushions and even use them in the upholstery of antique chairs and sofas. Above, at Installations, Sam shows his approval of two cushions that Installations has made from vintage German sacks for our bungalow.

Sam loves to pose for photo shoots!  Why shouldn't he...he knows that he is beautiful.

Back at the bungalow, we play stylist with these wonderful cushions.

Dies ist ein großes Aussehen! Or to put it another way: This is a great look!

Note to Sam the woman (not Sam the Cat): Tall Husband and I enjoyed meeting you while at Installations last Saturday!

Click on photos to enlarge.