Our grandfather clock has been re-assembled and is running beautifully. (Like clockwork?) Our antique cabinet has been bolted to the wall and filled with glassware — antique and contemporary. We’ve begun decorating the walls. Two large, antique mirrors are up. And Jerry’s great-great-grandfather, John Fairfield Lowell, has pride of place. We’ll now start lightening the mood with some (well-hung) art and sconces. I can’t wait to start buying plants. Jerry hasn’t relinquished his control of the power drill (no hammering nails into the concrete walls). I think he’s afraid I’ll get drill-happy and leave seven holes behind each item I hang. He’s probably right. I like to “eyeball” — something else I inherited from my father. The major difference: I eyeball, hang, eyeball, move, eyeball, move… until I’m satisfied. My father would eyeball, hang, and that was that. (But, I do sometimes measure.)
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| VIOLA’S HUSBAND, JOHN FAIRFIELD LOWELL. THE GRANDFATHER CLOCK. THE FIRST PIECE WE BOUGHT TOGETHER. PAINE FURNITURE CO., BOSTON, 1981. |
It makes me so happy to be getting settled and to be enjoying all the memories these personal items revive. We have easily less than 5 percent of what we used to have. I know we could live without these remaining things, but not without the memories.
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| NOT FINISHED, BUT AT LEAST MORE SETTLED. WE FOUND THE ANTIQUE CABINET IN ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS, 1982. |
No land line yet. No television (although we can at least use the DVD player). But, we’ve got a lightning-quick internet connection (much faster than what we had in Irvine), large computer monitors instead of our puny laptop screens, and we got to eat breakfast with real silverware this morning (no more plastic spoons). So mature.
it all looks wonderful, very warm and inviting…like you could curl up and stay awhile….whats the story behind the candle sticks, they look amazing…
It's all looking really good. Love the clock and cabinet. We have a bit of a thing for clocks and I'm forbidden from buying any more! I'm like you… eyeball it. But Clive takes hours and gets a surveyor in before hanging something!
It looks lovely. I'm a huge fan of clocks, especially of the grandfather variety.
But what I love is that undulating ceiling!
That's fantastic!
David:
The tallest candlesticks are from Poland (late 1800s); my grandfather gave them to my mother in the 1960s and my mother gave them to us several years ago. Jerry and I bought the very heavy dolphin candlesticks in San Diego. As a result, my aunt brought the small antique dolphin candlesticks (and the other small antique candlesticks) when she made one of her visits to us there.
Craig:
Well, Jerry let me hang some pictures up high this afternoon (had to get up on a chair, since we haven't bought a step ladder) — just one hole each time! Fortunately, he's quick about his measuring. I had an uncle who would spend an entire day hanging one shelf! (Tell Clive I'm sure I'd love him dearly, but I'd have to leave the house while he worked.) My father also loved clocks, always wanted a grandfather clock, and for some reason never bought one. Jerry and I wanted one and raced out and bought it with rush delivery the day before my parents came to Boston for their first visit to our place. My father loved it! We also have a 1920s mantel clock that belonged to Jerry's grandmother. I'll be sure to share a picture of that one of these days.
Bob:
We marvel at the ceiling and what the changing light does throughout the day!
wow, a great story behind fabulous candlesticks:) thanks for sharing
Looking great! I spend a lot of time thinking about hanging something before I actually do it. We've been in our refinished attic space for a year now and the only thing on the walls so far is a mirror.
David:
Thanks for your interest!
Walt the Fourth:
I like it to look like we've been in a place for years within the first two weeks (maybe it's because we're so rarely in a place for years).
The high ceiling is the first thing I noticed. So high and … wavy!
It's looking good. It must be great to be in your own place after so long in hotels.
Judith:
We love those scallops (the ceilings)! The hotel is already a distant memory.
All those items look so right in this home, I love the high ceilings [10+ feet?]
When I first moved to the States and wanted to hang a picture I asked my ex for the drill. He looked at me as if I was truly an alien and then proceeded to show me that a hammer and nail is all you need.
Love how your home is coming together.
I'm glad you're "home". I agree that you that what you kept is what memories are made of. As I try to de-clutter my house, there are some things that I can never get rid of. And happily, the flood didn't take any of it away.
Peter:
We can't believe how our things seem to "belong" in this apartment. Twelve-foot ceilings! We feel so small.
Nubian:
We had friends in San Diego with a house with concrete walls. They just didn't hang anything up.
Mark:
I've been thinking about you often today. So glad to know you didn't get washed out! Amazingly, with this move, we got rid of quite a bit that we thought we could never get rid of.
House looks very confortable and it has an obvious and cool personal touch.I like and that Sevillian dayligth trough your windows make the house even better.
I´m so glad, you were so patient and now you deserve relax and enjoy .
I am very very very happy.
Once you get Digital +, circle will be closed, with D+ you can see all the movies in english and follow some american tv shows (SNL,Bill Maher and Bill O´reilly in Fox…well forget the last one).
Congratulations.
Jazintosh:
Thanks for the kind words about the house. We've hardly done anything yet. Can't wait for Digital+. And, yes, let's most definitely forget Bill O'Reilly and all of Fox "News"!
More pictures, please? It looks lovely. Love the ceiling.
Cindy:
Yep, the ceiling is a big hit. More pictures, I promise, as soon as spaces are picture-worthy.
Has anyone told you, Mitch, that your residence is getting to look quite 'grand' – at least that's how it's starting to look on your pics. When I come over to visit I really won't mind at all if you wish me to leave my shoes outside – honestly! 😉
Raybeard:
Thanks for the "grand' comment. Now we're adding details to make it less so (maybe a bit of grand with a ton of casual, quirky, and inviting). We used to take off our shoes at home in Irvine because the apartment was, mostly, carpeted in off-white. This is wood and marble and we haven't gotten in the habit. Oh, but then we'd need a bench or something in the entry. So for now, shoes are at the discretion of the individual. But thanks for being so willing to adapt.
Things are looking comfy! You guys will soon be all 'wrapped up' snug and cozy.
Jim:
What a wonderful thought…
Mitch,
I am so sorry for being away from your blog for a bit. I am sure you know why, traveling about. Congratulations on your home coming together. The few pictures you have posted are very nice, I suggest a video one day in the future to give a walk through.
I must tell you, I absolutely love the barrel ceiling.
Happy Travels to you and Jerry
Scott:
Thanks for visiting. No apologies needed. I have been reading your posts and, although I am thrilled to be here, a little break in St. Maarten (or even St. Martin) would sure be nice!
I am hooked on sitting in the "salon" and watching the ceiling "change" as the light changes.