Schiaparelli's Profile

Anything that embraces pears or ginger. And the chai spiced mead sounds yummy.

You might consider a different shipping option. When I first moved from Texas to the East Coast, I had put my stuff into storage and packed my station wagon to the roof (and put the bike on the roof). Once I had a place and time to get back to Big D, I investigated all different ways to ship from independent one-offs, the big guys and U-hauling it myself. I ended up using ABF's U-Pack service.

Yes, I did end up donating stuff and sharing with friends, but replacing all the furniture, etc. would cost way too much. You pack the shipping box yourself, and they ship it to your destination city. I saved money by packing at their facility, and unpacking at their facility on this end, but they will drop off and pick up for additional fee. I believe the total cost was around $1100, plus a $19.95/day charge for a small u-Haul at this end.

I bribed some friends with Starbucks to help me pack in Dallas, my sister's family required breakfast for the unpacking. :) The $1100 was for a single container, ABF estimates a studio fits in that. They have a space estimator to help you determine how many containers you need. The best part for me, is that I originally thought I would need two, and I was able to reserve both; but when I only needed one, there was no charge for canceling the second.

This reminds me of when a good friend and I decided to make a Dean Fearing goose dinner for her family's Thanksgiving. It was in an issue of Victoria, oh so many years ago. Both of us are good cooks, but this was pretty much of a disaster. Having dined at his restaurants before, we were not expecting the constant adjustments to get a palatable result. We finally came to the conclusion that the recipes were probably written for restaurant size cooking, and someone just did did some math to make it serve smaller amounts; but no one tested to see if they still worked.

Several people have mentioned visiting in the evening or nighttime to check out lighting, atmosphere,etc. I would add also check out security, if they are claiming they have on site security. Also, I have yet to live in a place that was totally crime free, but how management handles it is important. The previous place I rented failed on both accounts. Never actually saw any of the supposed security patrol vehicles around the complex. And when a woman's apartment was broken into and she was assaulted and raped; the management sent out a "safety letter" that essentially blamed the victim. Talk with residents whenever possible.

One novel that I keep returning to is My Name is Asher Levi by Chaim Potok. This depiction of how an artist emerges in the midst of a very conservative religious community, always is a restorative. When I get too complacent, I remind myself of the creative power of chaos and Lilith by indulging in Asher Lev.

@BonnieProjects - I agree about the shower head, I always install one with handheld capability, helps with cleaning the tub. And living in a high water bill city - made sure this one was ecoflow. I've been tempted by the programmable thermostat, but in this unit, I so seldom need either the A/C or heat, just not necessary.

It's a good thing that I did not plan anything for this weekend. This flu/cold/grunge is lasting the whole week. So I will be resting in my much improved domicile, and enjoy the blooming of the narcissus plants that I bought last week.

Lost the catch up day yesterday. Combine a 12 hour work day with being sick...the only thing I wanted to catch up on was Nyquil and sleep. My art went up last week. And the project is sort of done.

My focus has been on a tight budget and using stuff I had already. I bought a basic black poster frame for an artist-signed poster that I have had since 1996. It is a print by the French watercolorist, Guy Weir, that I bought at his workshop in Southern France. Since I was on a bicycle tour of the Dordogne valley, its image of a bicycle in a field of poppies evokes fond memories. You can see an image of it on his website. http://www.guyweir.com/English/gallery.html?panel=5#posters

I agree that a tiara is essential. I used to work in theatre/film, and would work many an overnight build in order to be ready for production. At 2 am, we would declare it to be "tiara time." We all had one. Tiaras make even ridiculous work schedules a party.

Cords are not a big issue for me. I did mount the bedroom's surge protector strip to the wall next to the book case. Yes, it is visible, but more importantly, easily accessible. I used Command strips. Love those things since I live in a rental. My various charging cords (Nook, iPad, phone, camera) stay stashed in a vintage style leather "makeup case." The one problem area is my big project alcove. Finished painting it. Now I can tackle the glamorous cord issue. And continue the paper purge - a much bigger task. Thanks to everyone for all the brilliant suggestions.