Tuesday, May 25, 2010

I know I promised some photos of my “studio” space, but we have been up to other things these past few days.  Poor Billy’s recliner.....well, it stopped reclining.  These are the original recliners that came with our fifth wheel.  We knew from the beginning that they were not very well made, but with all the expenses of buying a new fifth wheel.....we just weren’t too concerned about them at the time.  I have to say they were comfortable and the fabric was durable.  The failure came in the mechanism.  That is usually were most recliners fail.  We have been on a mission to find the “perfect” chair for us.  A balance of comfort, durability, and design.  I don’t like the looks of most recliners......most are oversized and “frumpy”.  I wanted something more tailored and more traditional in style.  We even looked at the prospect of buying chairs with footstools.  The first problem is space......did we really have the space for two footstools.  Yes, but I decided I didn’t really want to give up the space.  I like the openness of our living room and I didn’t want to give that up.  The second......fitting the chairs through the front door......28 inches, that is it.  You can separate most recliner backs from their seat.....not so with conventional chairs.  The decision was made to stick with recliners.......after all, let us not forget the ‘napping value’ all recliners have to offer.  One last consideration, our Cosmo boy is quite the lap dog.  We were both hoping to find a recliner that could accommodate one person and one very lovable fox terrier.

Our mission came to an end just yesterday.  We went shopping at our local LaZboy Dealership.  LaZboy has one of the best warranties in the industry for recliner mechanisms (lifetime) and they have also done a lot to improve their design.  We found an almost perfect match to our qualifications.  It should be durable, it is very stylish, it is comfortable, and it will fit through the front door.  We were lucky that they actually had one we could take home that day......the other should be here sometime in June.  We just love it!  The only thing I didn’t take into consideration was that this particular style was not a “wall hugger”.  That basically means the chair has to be positioned a little farther away from the wall then I would typically like, but it is so worth it to have that more traditional style.  The second concession was Cosmo.  Oh, he can still get into our laps.....it is just not as comfortable for either of us as it was in the old recliners.  Still, I think we did the best we could in finding that “perfect” recliner for us.....one which I hope last for years. The photo below is our new recliner......all tucked into it's little corner of our world!!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Here is the next installment on my packing of the fiver.  The photo above is the slide out on the "entry door side" just past our kitchen.  As you can see, the recliner slides back neatly into place and all I do on the little chest is turn it so the drawers are against the wall.  Next I place my small table down on the floor with a couple of small bedroom pillows to keep it from being scratched.  I place our electric heater and my faux flowers inside the open area of the small table.  That's it.....for the living area.  Next post, I'll share my dining area stash and show you my "artist studio" that I have been working on. 
This is a current project I am working on......it is a painting of a polar bear for my grandson.  You see, he went to the zoo awhile back and was very disappointed that there were no polar bears.  So, I decided to paint him one for his room.  It is coming along, but still has a ways to go.  Don't you just love that "blue tongue"!


Nothing much happening here in Indiana these days.  My brother came by yesterday and he and Billy manage to cut down a dead tree.  Always makes me a little nervous to see those things come down, but they did it right and it fell perfectly down the middle of the lane.  Next, they chopped it all up and now we have some great firewood for the rest of our summer stay here at the river.  Nothing to report on the sale of our home.....but, we are not surprised.  I think folks are waiting to see if they will come up with another 'tax incentive' like the one that expired last month.  My web page, perfectlygoode.com, where I used to showcase my art is now showcasing our home.  I figure every little bit helps!

Welcome Trema0580 and Rick.....hope you enjoy my ramblings.......

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Oh, how I hate not having internet on the river......I feel so.....disconnected from everyone.  Hard to imagine......that the first time my hubby mentioned "home computer", my response was.....well....less than enthusiastic.  Now, I can't imagine "life without laptop"!

Ok, enough with the sob story.....here is the 'packing' adventure I promised.  It is an adventure....cause I never know exactly where things are going to end up.  I am always looking for an easier way.....or a more secure way to pack up my decor.  I like having my fifth wheel look more like a home and so I have gradually added items.....slowly building my design.  I do try to be practical, but sometimes I just like a "pretty" for being "pretty"!

 Here is a photo of the back window area in travel mode.  It occurs to me that you might want to see a before and after......I'll work on that for next time.  I have a small library table that gets turned upside down for travel.  You see the green box tucked in there beside the chair?  I found these wonderful collapsible boxes at Walmart.  They are great for securing my picture frames, lamps, and  other decor items.  When not in use, they fold flat and can be hidden away anywhere.  All the lamp shades and my chandelier (yes, I said chandelier) are put in the dog bed you see on top of the red chair.  Under the chair.....I slide my printer.  I also use the carpet slide protectors.  Those are the gray things you see there on the floor.  We purchased new carpet last year and those things have been a lifesaver.  I recommend them 100%.  There is more and I'll share in the next post.  Yes, it does take extra time to do all this.  To me it is worth it.  Now, I don't unpack everything for a quick overnight stay.  I usually only pull out a lamp and the rest stays put.

I really have enjoyed the challenges of decorating in a fifth wheel.  I know some folks would see what I go through as more trouble than it is worth.....but, I used to do this decorating thing professionally.  Only problem was.......my home was always last on the list and usually neglected.  Now it is my turn and I love it.  Each time we stop and I 'set up' the fiver it is like re-decorating all over again.  I can experiment with moving things here to there and just have fun.  That's what this life style is all about.....'having fun'!

I'm currently in the process of trying to carve out a space for my artistic needs......a little mini studio if you will.  To that end, the red chair has found a new home.  I need that corner for my "studio"......so stay tuned.....ya just never know what I might come up with next.....and yes, Billy is currently rolling his eyes and sighing, "Here we go again!".

Oh, and a big Welcome to Kevin and Ruth.....thanks for reading along!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Well, internet here at the river is not allowing me to update my blog.  Not that I really have much to say at this point.....but it is still a pain.  It also makes facebook and reading other folks blogs nearly impossible......but hang in there with me.  I plan on coming into town at least a couple of times a week so hopefully I can post and get caught up with everyone. 

Since we are pretty much stationary for awhile, I thought I might do a few post on how I pack up the fiver for travel mode.  A lot of folks complimented me on my interior decor, but I know many had questions on "where all that stuff goes" when we 'bounce' down the road.  So, stay tuned for that.....complete with some photos.

Welcome Happy Campers and thanks for joining my list of followers!