Take a look at my new curtains!
The rods match the knobs on the cupboards and the curtains are fresh and airy.
I can’t decorate to save my life.
God knows I’ve tried over the years. I could never quite pull it together. At rare times I kept the mistakes to a minimum and a room would come out okay, but forgettable.
Most of the time, I made gross errors in judgement. You know, the kind of mistake where you look at something and say to yourself, “What the heck was I thinking?” The brocade couch in emerald green comes to mind. That couch was vile and I lived with it for YEARS.
Outside, however, working with what nature provides, I can perform magic.
Several years ago I tear out the overgrown bushes and tired-looking what-not growing around my parents’ house. Making several trips in my mini-van to and from Lowe’s, I obtain bags of good dirt, mulch, and fertilizer, as well as shrubs, ground cover, flowers, edging, paving stones, etc., and even a few dogwood trees.
A friend does me a favor.
He transports my wheelbarrow, tools, and huge rototiller in his pick-up. That tiller takes up most of the space in the bed of the pick-up. I purchased it previously for my vegetable garden, making the decision to buy the biggest, dadburn tiller available to the ordinary consumer, based upon . . . “Well, if I need to turn over dirt, I’m going to need to turn over a lot of it.” Anyway . . .
As I’m tucking mulch around one of the newly planted shrubs, a resident of my parents’ neighborhood stops her car in the street.
The woman calls out to me, “Are you a professional landscaper? I need my yard done.”
Which brings me to my point . . . .
No one EVER has called out to me, “Are you a professional interior decorator? I need my house done.”
My younger sister, Nancy, however, can take any interior space and transform it into a wonderland of stylish comfort, impeccably good taste, and deft artistry. She can perform this magic in spite of having no formal training, and she can do it on any budget, in any style, and with no missteps or apparent strain.
You may think that her skill and, conversely, my ineptitude in decorating derives simply from the luck of the genetic draw. Not so. I can trace it back to our childhoods.
And that, of course, leads to another story . . .
Christmas, 1959, give or take a year. Nancy is 6 or 7 and I’m 11 or 12. On Christmas morning, Nancy, being the youngest and, therefore, considered the cutest thing that ever appeared upon earth, has her many pleadings rewarded with exactly what she asked for — a Barbie dream house. She already possesses the pink convertible for her various Barbies and their kin to cruise around in. Her other present is, predictably, more Barbie accessories.
Anyway. . .
I open up my two presents.
A sweater. Okay. That’s leaves the GOOD present. I open it up. What is THIS? With sinking heart, I examine the print and picture on the box. A wood-burning set? Why would I want to burn wood with a tool? Hey, I didn’t ask for this! I didn’t even know these stupid things existed!
(Several years later I figured out that the wood-burning set probably came from a far-flung cousin who didn’t want it when HE received it. Yep, it’s sad. As a child I was the victim of re-gifting.)
Picture this . . .
From that point on I frequently notice — with considerable envy — the happiness of my sister Nancy as she sits on the floor, totally engaged, playing with her dream house.
Oh, the fun she has!
She decorates and redecorates. Time and time again I observe as chairs, tables, beds, lamps, and other furnishings are ripped from rooms and thrown out the open side of the house of dreams, landing in Barbie’s yard.
Later, Barbie and Ken drive up in their pink convertible with their “new” furniture. Ken carries the furniture into the house and places it according to Barbie’s interior design. It turns out that Barbie, in addition to her other extreme attributes, has exquisite taste.
You see where I’m going with this?
Two Christmas gifts . . . two very different adults. Nancy can turn a shack into a palace. Me? I can’t decorate and I never became an expert at burning wood with a tool, but I can spot a re-gift in a glance.
I like the way the curtains open easily. It takes only a light touch to slide the grommets across the rod.
Ah, the ubiquitous drapery hook . . . What would we Casita owners do without them?
Now you know why I’m very proud of my new curtain rods and cafe curtains.
I ordered them online and, miraculously, they fit. They also fit my budget and I like the look. They seem right for a Casita.
You know? I think if Barbie saw my window treatments, she would approve.
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
In case you’re interested, here are links to Amazon for the curtains and rods.
They do look very good!
Yeah! You agree!
Beautiful! They really brighten up the trailer.
Hi, Bill and Ann,
I like the way the early morning sun comes through them. They don’t do anything for warmth, but you can’t have everything. Maybe I’ll eventually get something for winter.
Your curtains give such an airy appeal to your Casita… gorgeous. Must add my 2 cents… as I’ve sewn a fair number of draperies. It seems that you’d be able to find insulating curtains, that would hang in tandem with your new ones, using the same grommets. It would give you some warmth in the cooler season, and then you could store them (right, lol) during the summer.
I loved this blog! What a great storyline, and so artfully crafted!
Thanks, Annette. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Okay… bear with me here… How would the insulating curtains “hang in tandem.” Wouldn’t I need another rod? And “using the same grommets.” I don’t understand. (I warned you. I’m not a decorator type.)
LATER… Okay, never mind. I figured out how to use the grommets with another layer.
Well, you are pragmatic. You turned a small travel trailer into a PRACTICAL palace! The curtains look great, and you must love the soft, white light they cast over your little palace.
Hi, Linda,
It is a soft light. Sometimes there’s too much light for editing photos and I have to wait for the sun’s angle to change. I am happy with them though.
Hey – you’ve got a house that Barbie couldn’t dream of!
So true, Kim! Our homes have wheels!
They look fantastic. I’m just contemplating the whole decorating thing for my Fleetwood Flair. I’m really sick of RV beige, brown, ecru . . . blah. But, kind of like you, I don’t trust myself to be able to put something together that won’t end up looking like I don’t know what! I visited India a few years go and became enamored with the reds, oranges and curry colors. So, yesterday I bought a fabric shower curtain in a bright red at Walmart. Now, I have to find a sewing machine to cut it down to a motor home- size. I guess I can save the other half for when the first half wears out! But, by then I’ll probably be back into beige, gray and blah!
The ‘drapes’ covering the whole front of my bus-shaped rig at off white and yellowing a little. Then, Lacy (Standard Poodle) and Eleanor (British Shorthair cat) also wend their way through the curtains, leaving little tufts of fur and hair. Oh, it just may be a lost cause!
Hi, Mary-Pat,
After a while I learned a very easy trick about decorating. I don’t know why it took me so long to figure it out. Choose a fabric, or cushion, or bed covering, or whatever, that has the colors you like. Then build from that, choosing other items to match the colors in the pattern.
Watch out! I’m giving decorating advice!
Good luck with your project . . .
The color décor in ALL RV’s I’ve had, except my purple van, have been what
I call “Basic boring bachelor brown.” Beige would find a place in that phrase
too!
Hi, Elizabeth!
Brown and beige are safe. It takes risk to create something extraordinary. . . . like a vagabond shapes life.
Oh yes, I remember the Barbie stuff…but not the wood burning set. A lot like the gift I got once, made from a lot of my craft supplies and a utensil from my kitchen that I used A LOT. LOL. Curtains look great…you pick a great color and style and used the curtains appropriately….what more can you ask :–)
Hi, Pauline,
You don’t remember the wood-burning set because I never touched the dang thing. Didn’t burn my name into a tree or anything!
Glad you like my curtains… You know me, keep it simple!
Speaking for all your loving followers, which I’m not authorized in any manner to do, your past negativity should be diminished to zero with all the successes you have achieved over the past couple of years. Shine on my wonderful virtual friend.
Hi, Mick,
You’re right. All the negative has fallen away. You’re part of the positive forces in my life. You’re the reason I shine.
AMEN!!!!
Very well said, Mick. I’m still in awe about the retired school teacher who never camped who hit the road and never returned! 2 years now!
Hi Sue!
Chris! You’re doing it again! I’m laughing all over my morning cup of coffee.
“. . . and never returned” — LOL!
If I said, “…..and never returned to Georgia,” it would be dull!
Mick
Well said! A modern day Thoreau, in her western Walden, ever inspiring us with her honesty and humor.
Oh my, Kent. Put in the same category as Ansel Adams and Thoreau, all in the same week… Too much! 🙂
You had me laughing out loud! Like you I simply am not an interior decorator but years ago when money was scarce and rocks were plentiful I started landscaping with (tons) rocks. 200 terraced feet later…
Love the curtains, I like the light and open feeling they give.
Hi, Cherylyn,
Fun with rocks! I’m glad I gave you a laugh.
I guess there are indoor decorators and outdoor decorators. Hmm . . . except Nancy’s a great landscaper with a green thumb, too. Sheesh…
I think they look super… and when you need to change them, now you know the size and how well they work! In fact, you have given me an idea that I might use in my kitchen back in MN.
Oh, WOW! I gave you a DECORATING idea? This is a big moment for me, Connie! 🙂
Seriously . . . Yes, it’s a bonus that now it will be easier to order some heavier curtains for winter or to replace these when that becomes necessary. Good luck with your kitchen!
You gave me an idea. I added links to the curtains and rods to the bottom of the post.
Thank you. I already clicked on it. Now down to the trailer to measure.
I’d love to know what you decide and how your windows look when you’re done. Good luck!
Thanks for the links… they do carry lots and lots of options, but most are too big. I’m thinking in terms of a “cafe” style curtain. I ordered one, but don’t really like it. You are now my decorating maven!!
Along with that wood burning set, somewhere you were gifted an exquisite way with words and story telling with a word processor… That is demonstrated by the huge number of followers you have on here… Surely that is way more valuable than picking out an uber correct colored couch… But it does make for a good blog read…. Thanks..
What a nice thing to say, Rod. Yes, we all have our own gifts. Thank you for reminding me of that and for the compliment.
I was going to say the same thing…everyone comes with different gifts. You do have a way with words and photos too for that matter!! But I think it was totally crappy to give you such gifts…esp. when it was not comparable with your siblings. Well, parents, even the best of them/us do make mistakes. That is for sure!! The basic rule of life seems to be that we must make from the lemons we are dealt, lemonade!! I think you have done so, dear Sue!!
Oh, Elizabeth, you speak from the kindness in your heart, but I do need to clarify. My parents didn’t have much financially, but my sisters and I were blessed to have them. They did what they thought was best for us and tried to be fair, which is impossible with three girls of different ages and personalities.
I don’t know for certain that my gift was a re-gift. Maybe they scrimped and saved to purchase the wood-burning set, like they did so I could have a class ring years later.
Another year I received a gorgeous (at least to me), almost life size, doll with a ceramic head, hands, and feet. I was ecstatic! (Later Nancy threw it down the stairs and broke its head. That’s another story best not told. Sibling rivalry can be ugly. LOL! )
Thanks for your sweet message, Elizabeth.
These look great, Sue! Good job!
Thanks, Helen. Nice to hear from you!
Well, you got me beat Sue! I’m hopeless at both the interior decorating and the landscaping, LOL. I really like your curtains, they look very nice!
Enjoying a very welcome break from the cold weather, it’s sunny and in the 70s here today. 🙂
Sue I was wondering something, I remember back when you were preparing to go on the road that you bought a gun and took a course to learn about using it. Now that you’ve been on the road a couple of years, what are your thoughts, do you feel like it’s necessary? If you would rather not discuss it that’s ok. (I hope this topic doesn’t start a conflict in your comment section!)
Hi, Linda,
I’m pretty sure my wonderful readers won’t start bickering about guns. It’s a good question that I’m happy to answer.
If I weren’t a blogger, I’d be less inclined, now that I’ve not had a problem in over two years, to purchase a gun for my rig.
However, since I am a blogger, it doesn’t hurt that anyone reading my blog regularly knows that I do have a gun. (So, in other words, I’ve sent the message: Don’t come creepin’ ’round my door)… 🙂 )
I’m glad your weather has improved!
I would love to get rid of the blinds (husband hates restringing them!) in our 5th wheel…your curtain is perfect! food for thought….
Hi, Linda,
Blinds are great when they’re brand new and perfect. That doesn’t last long and then they look progressively crappy. At first I looked at RV-type shades. Those nifty things that have two layers and they can block the light and insulate and yadda-yadda. They also cost an arm and a leg.
The more I thought about it, I realized that super duper shades are too nice for the inside of a Casita. I mean, it is after all, a plastic home. LOL! Fiberglass is all over the place. It’d be like hanging an original Monet in the garage!
Hilarious idea!!! Hanging an original Monet in the garage!!!
my husband is big into blocking the light…’can’t sleep unless it’s dark’! but curtains are more homey…
Hi, Linda. . . As you probably know, there are light-blocking curtains that are white, but they don’t work as well as the dark ones.
eventually we’ll get around to ‘decorating’ in here. in our 5th wheel we have lots of windows and all different sizes…replacing the blinds will be expensive! and I’ll need a way to hold up the rods. But first I need to work on Jim and convince him it is his idea to get curtains.
Good luck, Linda!
Linda, you have that “problem” too? Once I discover a way to convince Hubby my idea is his idea, things work great. Otherwise, not so much.
Blinds are worse than the 2nd worst, our folding window covers. Invented to drive RVers crazy! These look nice, and are simple. YES!!!!!
I agree Chuck…just like all the fabric was chosen by a drunkard!
The woodburning set was one of my favorite gifts! I loved the smell of the burning wood. Wish I could remember how old I was when I got it. I made a sign with our family’s last name to hang up at our site when we went camping. Don’t know if it was any good, but since I’m not artistic nor can I decorate, it probably looked like something made by a 3 year old.
Oh, your curtains do look nice!
Gayle
You got a woodburning set, too! They must’ve been a popular item back in the day. Apparently whoever gave it to you, knew you better. I’m glad you liked your gift. I bet you were very proud of the sign you made for your family. It’s funny how the same gift can be seen with such different eyes.
Thanks re curtains and for writing, Gayle.
Actually, we had at least one of those wood burning sets around…but Dad was nervous…we liked the smell of the burning wood and were none too artistic either!!
Was that just an exceptionally unequal Christmas? Would you have wanted a Barbie? I feel sort of bad for finding myself laughing.
The curtains look good. I like the grommets. I have had my share of decorating boo boos – almost always the couch. I hate shopping for couches.
Hi, Denise,
As with everything I write about, the very act of turning something into a story tends to blow it out of proportion. It was unequal only in the fact Nancy got what she wanted and I didn’t. My parents were always very fair with us three girls.
My envy was probably for a quickly-disappearing childhood. (Barbies weren’t “invented” yet when I was the age Nancy was when she got hers. I missed them by a few years.)
Girls grow up so fast. Boys, more than girls, get to play with toys right into middle-age and beyond. Girls not as much. I wanted to be a kid playing with Barbies rather than dealing with the stuff that girls at 11 or 12 have to face.
Glad you like the curtains. Yeah, grommets are good.
Bet your sister doesn’t have your gift for the written word:)
Your curtains look great!!
Ooh, nice thought, Pam, but she does have writing talent which she doesn’t use. She also has a marvelous sense of humor, much more than I have.
Your new curtains/rods look fab and I’m happy to see you’ve used the drapery hook method to hang them. For a Casita owner, drapery hooks are the best things since sliced bread. Too bad the curtains aren’t pink to insure Barbie’s seal of approval!
You’re last line has me laughing out loud, Marcia! Never in the history of womanhood has a female claimed a color quite like Barbie and pink!
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! The new curtains! We may have to try something like that soon! I hate these pleated shades in The MotherShip!
Hi, Geri! You don’t like your shades? I thought they were pretty nice. But then, I’m not living with them. Who knows? Maybe in six months I’ll hate these curtains.
they are too nice and easy to use! You’ll love them for a long time. If we get something THAT attractive and simple, we’ll have to get rid of all the ‘accesories’ that surround these shades…..which I would LOVE to do!!!!!
Ah, you like the minimalist look, too!
Sue, I coould so relate to your post. I was born totally without a decorating gene. And have always wondered how others made it look so easy!
Our Casita is back in the desert and looking at boondocking in sw AZ. Thanks for writing about all the great places!
You’re welcome, Lynne. Enjoy the desert!
As Rod reminded me above, we all have been gifted with different talents.
Funny family story! I always wanted a chemistry set but Santa never delivered that. Good thing he knew better. I shudder to think what I could have done with it. Love the cheerful curtains, very homey looking.
Hi, Susan,
Oh, too bad about the chemistry set. . .
Yeah, the curtains do soften the look of the “room.” I didn’t post pictures of them right away because I had to wait for the creases from being folded to fall out. I don’t carry an iron, of course. I’m happy you think they look good.
Love the curtains. I think you did a splendid job!
Have a great evening. When you get a moment check your email.
Thanks, Cindy. Okay, I’ll go check. 🙂
I used to work at Michaels Arts and Crafts. I hate to tell you, but woodburning kits are still readily available. That gives me an idea for next Christmas….
On the topic of landscaping, I’m not surprised. I still remember the desert boondock camp that you ‘landscaped’ by making rock beds and raking paths!
You have a good memory, Ladybug. You’re right. I do like to fuss around outside.
I’m another former wood-burning set owner, I think I got it for my 7th birthday. I remember the wood smelling like popcorn when it was being worked. I also remember burning my fingers – the white ceramic thingy between the handle and the tip got very hot and for awhile my fingertips had little ridges branded into them. I didn’t do much wood burning.
The curtains look nice, like they were made especially for that spot. But why do Casita owners like drapery hooks?
Hi, Pat in ROC,
Gosh, those wood-burning kits got around!
About the drapery hooks… The interior walls of a Casita are covered in what looks like a beige rug. (Click on the smallest photo in this post and you’ll see it.) The easiest way to hang anything on the wall is to insert the pointy end of a drapery hook into the wall. That leaves a U-shape sticking out on which to hang something.
I have two drapery hooks along the side of the door frame where I hang the keys for the PTV and the BLT. I also have one on the corner wall to hang my hat on.
I want to do just as you did, I think your decorating is just wonderful. One thing I noticed is the wood grain material you have put in your drawer units, with the white plastic frame and the wood grain, it looks like a custom job, then adding the crisp white of the curtains..magic!
Your color comes from the wonderful quilts that show up once in a while when you show the crew smuggled down. Good planning.
I love to decorate, my yard is plain, so we all do what we can do!
Hi, LeeJ,
Yeah, I recently redid the fronts of the storage draws. The pattern is similar to the wood doors of the cabinets. The drawers are plastic, of course, which fits the “decor” of a Casita (plastic/fiberglass), and they are very handy.
I noticed that, too. I remember when you got the drawers, and I think you inserted printed paper inside to hide the contents. The wood grain looks very nice. I don’t know that I would have chosen that, but with your new curtains it’s great. It’s a classy look. I do love to decorate, but I’m so surprised by how my tastes have changed. I used to love the country, rustic look, and used it throughout my home. Within the last 3-4 years I’ve started to change. I lean more toward the IKEA look now. I actually have curtains very similar to your new ones that hang in our family room. They’re light green, so of course I love the grommets. Good job!
I make curtains for my T@B, but of course I don’t live in it. I have a Christmas set, a Green Bay Packer set, and an every-day set. I often buy curtains, sheets, tablecloths, etc., from Goodwill and repurpose them.
Totally off subject, but I just watched Extreme RV. It was the top 10 Extreme RVs for the bike rally at Sturgis. Multi-millionis dollar rigs hauling matching trailers full of “toys”. The No. 1 guy said “I think I could live in this.” He was dead serious. I about spit out my tea. Heck, I think I could live in my T@B and be fine.
The story about the Extreme RV guy is funny. His comment gives us a glimpse into the minds of many people. They’ve always had so much in their lives, from babyhood on, that they feel “minimalist” when they STILL have a bunch of unnecessary stuff.
I hold no delusions that I’m a modern-day Thoreau. It may seem like a simple life I lead — and that’s what I call it — but it’s far from simple (actually downright decadent) compared with a hefty percentage of the world’s population.
I’m just at a simpler level than the Extreme RV guy . . . I still have a lot of stuff.
The curtains look great, soft and pretty. Makes the Casita look even homier. I love the quilts as well. Does the BLT have tan or blue on the cushion?
I agree with the lady above who is sick of beige in the RV’s and the really obnoxious prints. Thankfully, some of the newer rv’s on the market are expanding their colors to include grays and taupes, which gives a lot of room for adding bits of color.
I am a past color consultant and a quilter, but I’m not great at decorating, either. Go figure!! I can usually get the furniture, carpet and paint, but accessorizing, forget it. Thanks again for sharing your adventures and life.
Hi,, Barbara,
The BLT came with tan cushions which I specified when I placed my order, although it was six of one or half-dozen of another, given the two boring choices.
I knew I’d keep those cushions covered anyway, so it didn’t matter which I chose.
My red-blue-and-yellow quilts are worn-out. I’d like to replace them with quilts of a softer color and pattern to go with the softness of the new curtains.
Every one has different talents and you seem to have your share of talent. I think your white curtains look great, I also put white curtains in my little retro trailer and I think they make it look bright, fresh and clean. I used ribbon and Velcro to make tiebacks.
Thanks to Mike for asking about the curtains, he got a whole new subject going for the blog. It’s warmed up in Minnesota and may be up around 40 on Sunday.
Hi, Darlene,
I bet your curtains are pretty with ribbon tie-backs. I was going to make tie-backs as well. I changed my mind because I’m not good at fussing with things like tie-backs. I probably wouldn’t bother to use them. Fortunately with the grommet-style, the curtains pile up at the sides of the window and stay put.
Thanks, Mike, for the blog topic!
Well, good for you… You’re coming out of the deep freeze!
Back in the 40’s I too was gifted with a wood burning set, and that same year a chemical set. I don’t recall doing anything constructive with either but to my credit there were two things I could have done and didn’t……..burn down or blow up our house! Nice job with the “window treatment” (I heard an interior decorator use that term). I hope you are impressed. Once again I thank you for entertaining me. Keep on keepin’ on Missy.
Thanks again, Jim, for making me chuckle. Dang! Somebody must’ve made a fortune on wood-burning kits! This little missy has a bone to pick with that person . . .
It’s always great when we order something from the internet or a catalog and it actually fits/works! The curtains are the perfect length, and you didn’t have to bring out needle and thread or glue to hem them. Well done you!
Good point, DeAnne! The way I procrastinate it would be a year before I got around to altering them.
I love the new curtains. They look so fresh and airy in a tailored way.
Count me in as another wood burning tool recipient. Like your family, it was my younger sister, (also named Nancy) who received the Barbie dream house. Unlike you I loved the wood burning set. It went well with the assortment of wood pieces I picked out for myself as a reward for having survived a painful medical procedure. I have always loved working with wood and learned to use a table saw and jigsaw long before I learned to use a sewing machine. My wood burning set got a lot of use. I don’t have it any more but I still do a lot of similar work with my new favorite, a dremel stylus.
Hi, katydid,
Gee, I really missed the boat with that wood-burning set. I should’ve given it more attention. Look how you took off into working with wood. Well, that’s the way it sometimes is with kids. Some things click, others are ignored.
It looks like my new curtains are a hit with my readers!
The new curtains look great! Did you do all of the windows or just the one? I have no idea how many windows your home has. We have been thinking of changing out the blinds in our fifth wheel but it seems like too big of task at the moment. I do like the look of your new white ones. I missed out on the decorating gene too! I think that it is just not that important to me!
Hi, Colleen,
The Liberty Deluxe model of Casita has three large windows around the back and a tiny window in the bath/shower room. Of course, I put curtains on all three big windows. When I find and purchase a new quilt and shams, I’ll post a photo that shows the other side and back of the BLT’s interior.
Yes, the youngest is always spoiled…I have five sisters and I’m the middle forgotten child. As a youngster, I dreamed of having a doll and of course that is what I asked Santa for Christmas. I really believed Santa would come through but what a disappointment when I received crayons but no coloring book. Our family was very poor so I never had a doll my whole young life. I was in boarding school when they bused us to town to visit Santa and why the school did that I don’t know. I guess I learned how to handle disappointments alot throughout my life….can’t always have what you want LOL!! But it taught me to do for myself but live within my means. BTW the curtains are lovely.
Hi, Rita,
What a sad thing for a little girl, never to have a doll. That kind of childhood experience has a big impact on a life. I bet you don’t take what you have for granted. Thanks for writing such a personal comment, Rita.
Oh, Rita, no dolls! I’m so sorry to hear that. I loved my dolls so much that I recently bought an 50’s Tiny Tears doll from eBay just to have that special feeling. I am going to make some doll clothes with my brand new sewing machine, too, as a surprise for my friend’s daughters! Maybe you could buy yourself the perfect doll. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood!
Ha! When I was in kindergarten I cried every day at school. My parents tried every trick in the book and finally settled on bribery. If I stopped crying I could pick the doll of my choice from the toy store. What did I pick? Tiny Tears, of course! (p.s., the bribery worked!)
Great story, Gray. Love it.
Hi Gayle . . . Lots of wisdom in your last line!
I did receive a wonderful doll when I turned 60 from my granddaughter’s mother (my son and Jen never married) when she heard the story from my granddaughter LOL. Jen gave me a tiny porcelain doll her grandmother had given her as a child. I tried giving it back but the answer was ‘no.’ So, I treasure the doll… it mean so much to me and will prob give to great granddaughter (cross my fingers).
I’m not big on spending much time decorating. When I moved into my husband’s house 28 years ago, I did make valances for the naked living room windows. The same ones are still there. They look fine to me. I have a friend who redecorates every 7 years. I can’t relate. Like you, Sue, I’d rather be outside creating things in the yard. I did make valances for my casita. They give a nice, homey look to my second home. Your curtains are just the right touch.
Sue, your talent is turning seemingly mundane events into entertaining stories. I love reading whatever you are doing. I hope to keep up with you if I can get wifi on the beach in Baja Sur. Adios.
Hi, Penny,
Twenty-eight year old valences? You must’ve used quality materials!
Gee, I keep hearing about people going to Mexico for fun in the sun. You’re making me want to tag along!
It’s nice to hear that you enjoy reading my accounts of the ordinary daily doings in the lives of me and the crew. If I had something stupendous to write about, I’d probably get writer’s block.
Mexico! Now that would be a fun read for us and think of all the great photo ops! You’re practically there already, RVSue.
P.S. And I love the curtains. One of the many appeals of the Casita is the bright, white interior. You “went with that” (decorator-speak)!
Maybe someday we’ll try Mexico . . .
Me: Dad, when exactly is “someday”?
Dad: That’s for me to know and you to find out!
One year I had Sears mix me up a beautiful combination of paints to the color I was looking for. The bathroom was not that big and by the time I got through with it the dark brown color looked like I might have smeared “stuff” on the walls. I had a big velvet tapestry in the living room of deer and my sectional yellow naugahyde couch, very modern couch. My sister came over and said she would not let me decorate a tent. Nope, I did not share my two kids or my sister’s artistic talent in any way.
Your curtains are beautiful and fit your RV perfectly. Alas, I still cannot decorate but I do have to repaint the brown and black room my daughter, who is a talented decorator, painted in some mad whim one day.
Mama used to tell me I was as smart as my sister. I never graduated magna cum whatever though with about three degrees. My mom also used to say “well, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” Hey, there is a lot this sow’s ear can do. I am saying this in jest, it never marked me at all. I do wish I had the decorating talent though. Just escaped me totally.
Hi, Marg,
Oh, yes, the paint snafu. I’ve had my share of those. What looks great in the can looks like hell on the walls . . .
My Color of Shame was aqua, the most in-your-face aqua you can imagine and on the walls of a tiny bathroom. I was going for an ocean effect. Instead I got the cheap-housing-in-the-tropics look.
I like your curtains, Sue.
I know you “follow the sun,” but if you ARE in colder climes during the winter, I heard a very handy little tip …. you cut bubble wrap to the size of the windows, spray the windows with water & stick the bubble wrap right on, the water will hold it on the windows ‘ti you take it off.
You can roll the bubble wrap up & stow it away when you’re not using it … from what I hear, it makes a BIG difference in keeping heat inside where you want it!
I think it’s also a good idea to use those car sun screens with foil on one side (behind the curtains, of course) to keep the trailer cool and minimize how much you have to use fans/air cons.
You could also try using that Reflectix window shade product from Lowes that the Casita people have mentioned. I might pick some up and give it a try. Our windows are very drafty during winter camping.
Chris
Woodburning Set AND Barbie Convertible Owner
Oh, man, Chris . . . You had BOTH? And you had to tell us, you just had to tell us . . . 🙂
I’ve thought about getting Reflectix, too. Not the most glamorous look going. However, warm is nice. Now that I’m The Grommet Lady, I’d want the Reflectix trimmed with silver tape and with grommets to hang it on drapery hooks.
“We” did have both. My sister is one year older than me and we would get “share” toys. My parents had this brainy idea that rather than purchasing two of everything, get one and call it a “share toy.” The upside was that we had more variety. The downside was that she was older, somewhat of a bully and known to hog toys. I survived!
I think that most people put the Reflectix on their windows at night and roll them up during the day. I’m going to buy some tomorrow and try it out.
Give us a report after you’ve used it, Okay?
Will do!
I’ve heard of people using the bubble wrap, but not with water. Hum.
Sherry… I never heard of the bubble-wrap trick. Very clever! And when the winter nights get too long, one can pop the bubbles for entertainment. I like multi-purpose items!
Great idea! I like a lot of bang (or pop) for my buck, too!
😉
Nice, nice look, Barbie! Your taste is impeccable and your decorating talent is enviable!
Gads! I think I received a wood burning set, too! So chic! Especially for a budding young woman! No wonder I’m better with dirt, too! Ha Ha!
You are too funny, girl!
Those curtains really are perfect for your home.
Thank you, Diann. I don’t know about the “impeccable taste.” It’s pretty hard to screw up white, even for me!
Funny you mentioned dirt. One of my favorite past-times as a girl was creating little villages in the dirt. Ah, those were the days . . .
Loved my Barbie’s, the house, the car, playing with my two sisters. Maybe that’s where I get my artsy side from. Enjoyed your story, as I do all of them. I think it’s nice how you can draw the curtains all the way back and have a wide open view. Crisp white goes with most anything too.
Hi, Beverly,
You’re thinking the way I’m thinking. With white curtains I can change the color scheme simply by changing the bed covers.
I wanted to extend the rod further from the sides of the windows so when the curtains are pulled back the entire window is exposed. However, there’s enough curve to the walls (mostly the back wall) to make it not work. Oh well, I’m happy with the way they are.
Lucky you with your Barbies. You must be younger than I am. Anthropologists would say I’m from the pre-Barbie era.
I love your curtains. They are nice and easy to open and close. I’d like to add something in front of my RV blinds. Curtains always give a homey feel to the space. Talking about pink I had a vintage camper a couple of years ago and it was a pink paradise. I am not a lover of pink but my daughter and granddaughters just love it. I really did it for them. My daughter made pink teacup curtains and with vintage tablecloths it looked great. You’d be surprised how many women taking looks at the camper just oohed and ahhed. Something about the little girl in us grown up woman. Have a great day
Hi, Karen,
I’ve seen some of the wacky colors used to dress up vintage trailers. Somehow they work! And then the vintage trailer people have get-togethers with tours of each other’s trailers.
I bet you all had fun decorating your little doll house. It sounds adorable.
I would LOVE to have one of the vintage trailers to fix as my own, or get one already decorated. I guess if I want it badly enough I can make it happen–they really do suit my personality!
In the West, vintage trailers are sometimes seen parked in a field or in someone’s backyard. It would be easier out here to find one to restore, I think.
Google “Sisters on the Fly” images, or go to their website by that name and then click “photos” for some vintage trailer eye candy. I’m a member of SOTF, but not all of us have a vintage trailer.
YES!! If I can’t travel full-time once I retire, I’m going to get a tiny trailer (probably not vintage) and do this!
We sure did but I have since moved on to something bigger and have sold the little camper. I loved camping so much and needed something to camp in for longer periods of time not just weekends. I’ve since have a new 17 ft grey wolf. They are ok with my decision and love all the comfy features that is has. I think they will have good memories of grandma traveling in her camper. I hope it inspires them to camp with their own families when they grow up.
Nice camper, Karen.
I was another wood burning set recipient. I also liked mine though being the Tom boy I was.
I also missed the decorating gene and do much better with outdoor decorating. Maybe it is related to that wood burning set? Lol
Hi, Edie,
Maybe someone needs to make a study (at taxpayers’ expense, of course) about the relationship between Barbies and woodburning sets to the later skills of adult women. I’ve heard of sillier research.
I don’t think I would’ve gotten half the joy out of playing with Barbie’s as my sister got. And I definitely wasn’t into wood-burning. Typical. Always an outlier . . .
Well, I LOVE your crisp, white curtains! I can’t decorate inside either, Sue! But, my front yard is IMMACULATE…go figure! Our daughter is the decorating one. Her house is gorgeous, she watches HGTV and gets ideas, etc. One year, she came to my class room and did fung shui. I hated it! HA!
~~Cheryl Ann~~
Hi, Cheryl Ann,
Fung shui in a classroom? No way. I always preferred “House of Pain” arrangements.
Your daughter is like my sister. Where does that ability come from? It’s amazing!
I love your new curtains. My mini blinds still look really good so curtains are further down the list for my casita. But good job sue! Good story too. I can for sure relate.
Hi, Marie,
Yeah, I kept my mini-blinds longer than most sane people would. Then one day I looked at them and saw all the dust and bent slats and crookedness . . . and had an epiphany — Hey, I don’t have to live like this! LOL!
Thanks for the compliment on my story.
No wood burning set for this young boy, I got clothes for Christmas.
The only thing that my family had that burned wood was the pot belly stove in the living room. We thought we had really moved up in the world when we moved into a house that had a propane heater built into the wall.
Oh, Ed. I wish you could’ve taken my wood-burning set off my hands. But then maybe you saw enough burning wood in that potbelly stove.
Good morning, Sue! Love your new curtains! They look bright, fresh, clean & white goes with anything! I just put new IKEA curtains in two of our bedrooms that have never had curtains–positive change. Paint is my downfall–I have to invite color-conscious friends over to help me pick paint colors.
I come from a family of 5 children & none of us ever got a wood-burning set. I think my parents knew something about us we didn’t! However, we seemed to get a paint-by-number set every stinkin’ year! By about year 3 we hated those darn things! Hmmm, maybe I’ll get the grands wood-burning sets for Christmas this year. They could make cool signs & their parents are MUCH more responsible than their Gramma ever was!
Have a super day out there in the desert, Sue!
Oh, paint-by-number! What a plague on budding artists! LOL!
Be careful, Dawn, to whom you give a wood-burning set . . . They may write about it someday. 🙂
New curtains are a sure way to change the atmosphere in a room. I’m glad yours turned out well.
This post is hilarious! I had two older brothers. I can rebuild a carburetor, but don’t ask me to decorate anything.
That’s funny, Page. I’d rather have your skills!
Great post! Love the curtains….your talent may not be interior design, but you did a great job! Sorry about your wood burning Christmas present….I have a sister that to this day remembers that all she asked for was a carriage for a doll. She spotted it in a hiding place before Christmas and just knew she was getting it. Low and behold Christmas morning the carriage went to a younger sister…..to this day she says she was traumatized by not receiving that carriage that she wanted soooo bad. We make a joke of it now, but I know how much she must have been disappointed to not receive that doll carriage at the time.
Looking forward to the pictures when you are finished with decorating!
Have a great day!
Hi, Deb,
Oh, your poor sister! What a disappointment for her.
Playing Santa is a minefield for parents. How much to give? What to give? And to whom? Are we being fair? Are we laying the groundwork for major jealousy? For a cruel disappointment that won’t be forgotten?
You have a great day, too!
Sue your curtains look great. I like the easy open aspect. Ours on the Aliner were not easy to open or close. I am pathetic when it comes to decorating. We had to decide on colours & fabric patterns for the trailer this week….I still hadn’t made a decision but had to hurry it up when they phoned me on Friday. went with white counter, stove & micro
& the lightest wood cupboards available…..being small, I want to keep it bright.
Barbie hadn’t arrived on the scene yet, so I was a “mini Brix” kid….loved building myself little houses. My wood burning tool was a magnifying glass which we would use the sun to burn our names on pieces of wood….oh and also burn holes in leaves.
Enjoy seeing the inside pics of the BLT. Good idea with the wood look on your bins.
Who says you don’t have decorating skills. 🙂
Hi, Val,
I think you’ll be happy with your choice of white for your kitchen and light wood for your cupboards. That’s one of the things I like about Casitas.
I remember when Kelly of Travel with the Bayfield Bunch first walked into the BLT, she exclaimed, “Oh, it’s so bright in here! All this white!”
Your “mini Brix” remind me of Lincoln logs. We had a set of those. They’re like Legos — one can never have too many.
… especially when a few of them get sucked up into the vacuum cleaner (along with a few Legos and some Play-doh …
Nothing compares to running the vac around all the little Barbie shoes and bags and, can you believe, headbands. My girls were so engrossed in their Barbies one day while I was vacuuming that the youngest tapped my arm. I shut off the vac to see what they needed. She said, “Are you about done? We can’t hear our Barbies talk”. Really?
Hahaha! Cute!
Sue , I love what you,’ve done with the place!
Thanks, Joan. Good to see you here again! I was wondering what happened to you. 🙂
BEen out of commission! Horrible case of shingles in August,and still suffering from the nerve pain. Haven’t been able to do much of anything.
Gee, I’m sorry. Sounds terrible.
Hi Sue, Curtains !!! My god isn’t it great how one thing as simple
as curtains can invoke memories & feelings 50 years old.
You took me back, and let me wander around in some of my
christmas’s past for this I thank you… I also enjoy thinking about
the other 100 or so people who are having their own memories
thanks to a pair of CURTAINS just great…
Safe Travels.
You’re welcome, John. The power of curtains… Ha! You made me chuckle over that.
Isn’t it great when readers comment and add their personal experiences, spinning off the topic of the post? It’s been happening a lot lately and I hope it continues.
Cheap entertainment. . . That’s what my blog is all about! I’m glad you enjoyed reading the comments, as well as my post. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you.
You did good!! I think the curtains really look nice.
I always wanted a wood burning kit when I was younger (they were popular back then) but I never got one. My parents thought I should have paper dolls instead. lol.
Oh, good grief! I HATED PAPER DOLLS! And, yes, I am shouting. What a horrible idea… Cut and cut and cut and then the dang clothes won’t stay on the “doll.” DOLL? What a poor excuse for a doll. Paper dolls are WORK! I’ve wadded up more paper dolls in disgust and thrown them into the trash… Gosh, what a terrible thing to inflict on girls. . . You have my belated sympathy.
I could go on . . . for several pages.
I wouldn’t have thought it possible, but you, Ginger, have made my old wood-burning kit look pretty darn good.
LOL
I loved, loved, loved my paper dolls. haha! Isn’t that a hoot? Hey, all your readers may be interested in knowing that you can still get paint by number sets and woodburning kits available for purchase off Amazon. Bahaaaaa!!!!!
Great payback to me for getting that woodburning set at Christmas! 🙂
My Mom spent hours cutting out paper dolls, and just as she got all the clothes arranged into a neat circle, the CAT would pounce on them and destroy everything — but not a moment before everything was in order.
You’ve pretty much summed up why I don’t have a cat.
Your curtains look great, nice and easy. You said the walls were covered with carpet. Question is will the velcro loop piece stick to it. If so you could sew velcro strips onto sections of blankets that would be just a littler larger that your windows and attach them to the walls when it is cold. Then we not needed you just pull them off and store them away. You don’t have that many windows so it shouldn’t be so hard.
That’s an intriguing idea, Alan. Upon reading your comment, I immediately rummaged around in my junk drawer, pulled out a strip of velcro, and gave it a try. It stuck but fell off.
I am not deterred, however, because it’s cheap velcro I picked up at the dollar store, meant for small jobs. (I got it before the curtains arrived in case I needed to hem them.) I’m assuming velcro comes in various “strengths.”
Thanks for the suggestion, Alan! I’ll see about using it.
I’ve never found ANY Velcro that will stick to the walls of the Casita regardless of strength. Drapery hooks and T pins are the workhorses for the carpet walls and Command Adhesive stuff for the fiberglass parts.
And Reine knows Casitas! Hey, I have some T pins…
What are T-pins?
Take a look here: Gem 1.5-Inch T-Pins, 100 per Box (GEM87T)
>
Hum, can I post twice in one post? I was re-reading thru the comments which I enjoyed and remembering all the dolls I got as a child. I never played with any of them. I took of their clothes and put them on my cat. More fun. He loved it.
Hilarious! And your cat loved it? Mine hated it.
Of course, post as often as you like! I’d love it if people would converse back and forth. I answer comments to let people know I’ve read them, but also to encourage more comments because I think they’re fun. However, I seem to be a gotta’-have-the-last-word person which isn’t my intent.
So please, everyone, positive comments are always welcome…. as many times as you wish.
Glad you brought that up, Cherylyn!
Oh, groovy! Thanks for that info. RVSue. I always hate to address another poster because I think it’s like being at YOUR party and speaking to another guest over your shoulder! (God, don’t encourage me!)
People should check the box at the bottom to be notified of comments, otherwise they won’t see that we’ve asked them a question. 🙂
Or come back often, like I do . . .
If the carpet doesn’t have enough of a looping pile for the velcro to hold, you might want to try the little velcro squares and stick them strategically around on the metal frame of the window. There are black so it should not be too conspicuous. Then you can get a blanket that is all loopy and cut it to size and attach it to the window. I know Walmart has a cheap woven fleece type blanket, I know because I bought two, I am sure they would stick to the velcro. Only issue is do you want the little tabs on your window frames.
All good food-for-thought, Alan. Velcro tabs on the black window frame might be problematic because there’s only a very narrow flat surface (which doesn’t show up in the photos) and the screening covers part of the black frame (and I need to keep that removeble).
At first I thought… no, I don’t want a blanket, I want Reflectix .. . However, on second thought, I would prefer that the windows look white from the outside, rather than silver. A white blanket would be just the ticket!. . . hmm. . . although a dark blanket would absorb heat.
Thanks for doing some thinking for me! I appreciate it. Now I have to figure out what will work best for me.
Snaps is another option.Home depot sells sets that come with a little jig for attaching the snap on part and the snap to part can be screwed in the wall.
Hmm. . . maybe that’s the way to go . . . .
Handy hint: the perfect light-blocking solution I learned from a gaffer (movie lighting crew): DUVATYNE yardage (pronounced: duvateen): 100% light impermeable, lightweight, affordable, available on Amazon. (Don’t buy the Commando cloth — too heavy.)
Installation options: Affix one side of white foam core poster board, cut to size for each window, with Duvatyne, and trim excess material. White board will show on outside and the Duvatyne shows on the inside. Pop panels onto each window and hold with gaffer’s tape or whatever else. Curtains stay as are, but renders inside of RV totally dark, like blackout drapes in a hotel, and nobody outside can see if you have any lights on inside — a stealth plan that RVers like when parking in neighborhoods without being detected, but still having interior lights, TV or computer on.
Or: line your existing drapes with Duvatyne for slightly less light blockage, due to light leaks around curtains. You can pin it directly onto the curtains.
Of course, if you don’t want white curtains with black lining, this isn’t your solution; however, gaffer said people’s eyes tend to “dismiss” black. But you will have very limited light control with white curtains.
I used Duvatyne across back window of my minivan, secured by Velcro strips, so nobody could spot me sleeping on the Walmart lots! When not in use, I the spread Duvatyne yardage to cover up my possessions, because you can’t see the black material at all when looking in the windows. It doesn’t look like you are hiding desirable stuff — self included, LOL!
Gayle… Wow! You’ve given me an education.
I have decided that I don’t want anything lining the curtains. Why? Because I like the graceful way the light curtains hang in folds. That probably would be lost if I lined them.
This Duvatyne stuff sounds pretty effective. Room darkening isn’t my main purpose, although some darkening would make it easier for me to edit photos during the brightest part of the day.
My main purpose is insulation for the few days the crew and I are caught by cold weather. Thanks for more ideas to consider!
Don’t bother putting self stick Velcro on the black window frames. When the sun hits the black frames they get hot and melt the Velcro resulting in whatever you have hanging on the dropping off. I know from experience.
If you want the insulating quality of Reflectix without the silver showing you can cover the Reflectix panels with fabric using spray adhesive. If you used white fleece you wouldn’t have to put any trim around it since is doesn’t ravel.
Good point about the sun on the velcro… I know you have a lot of experience experimenting with this sort of thing in a Casita.
Covering the Reflectix with white fabric using adhesive is a great idea. Which brings to mind this question: How important is it to have the reflective feature?
Hi Sue, The curtains are nice and that was a hilarious post. I never played with dolls except barbie and ken. My first RV was their country camper and they boondocked in our back yard all the time:) I’m not sure about a wood burning toy,but I do remember I use to burn things into wood using the sun and a magnifying glass. I was definately country and still am! I would rather spend a day in the country lost than a day in the city,but I never get lost. I can’t wait to get back out there again and be tooling down the road. March is when I will head out again to the great unknown. i wonder where you will be in March? Enjoy and keep up the great work!
Thanks, Laurie. I know you are looking forward to March. I haven’t any idea where we will be. All I know is it won’t be in a city!
I like this:
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien
“And those who never wander are” — RVSue 🙂
Fab Fab Fabulous Sue……….love them……..very stylish!!
Thanks, Glenda!
I absolutely loved today’s blog about the curtains. I’ve been reading excerpts to my husband all afternoon. I think you can get those velcro dots on beige. They might work on the carpet-covered walls. They also wouldn’t be noticeable.
I’m feeling rich beyond belief. My parents didn’t have a lot of money and two of my mother’s younger sisters lived with us, but I had a wood burning set and a chemistry set. We had Lincoln Logs and little white bricks that I thought were Legos, but perhaps they pre-date Legos. They were my brother’s toys, but we all shared with only a little whining and fighting. I enjoyed burning things. There were little pieces of wood with patterns on them. I never did anything creative or original. With the chemistry set I did burn sulpher on one of the silver plated spoons Mom had gotten from sending in box tops. Oh, and I had a crystal set. Dad and I assembled it and I remember listening to Gunsmoke. I missed the decorating gene too, but I did make a temporary window topper from a draped crocheted (ecru) tablecloth my grandmother made for me. It has never seen a table top, but it did spend several months atop the window held by wire and large red Christmas bows. I thought it was clever of me because it looked nice and I didn’t cut or mutilate it in any way.
Thank you so much for the memories and the belly laughs. You have outdone yourself. I did see your blog had arrived last night as I was getting ready to shut down my computer for the night. I decided to save it to read today and I am so glad I did. I’d never have gotten to bed otherwise.
Hi, Pat,
Your comment is like a mini-blog of childhood memories. It was fun going back to those days with you. You had access to several imaginative and creative toys, unlike many of the children of today.
I’m flattered at the idea of you reading excerpts of my blog to your husband. It’s quite amazing to me that I “enter” into the homes of my readers and I’m welcome!
Thanks for writing. It was a treat to read!
Hi Sue,
I have been considering something similar for my 1995 16 foot Casita and your success is inspiring! They look great! How did you mount the rods, though?
Your blog is wonderful!
Rick (who got a wood burning set)
Hi, Rick,
Click on the smallest photo in this post. See the drapery hook? The rods are very lightweight so the hook is enough. Make sure you get big enough hooks to hold the rod away from the wall.
Thanks for the compliment on my blog. Good luck figuring out your window treatment. (Links to my curtains and rods are at the bottom of this post.)
ADDED LATER . . . Do keep in mind, Rick, that my curtains provide privacy and filtered light, but they do practically nothing for insulation or room-darkening.
Depending on what kind of camper you have, another option you might try that works for me is the 3M Command products. I used the type with the metal hook, and placed one at each end of my window casing, and one in the center. I hang the curtains on a light weight white cafe rod. They’ve been up four years through all kinds of temps.
I did not know that 3M Command made those kind of hooks! Learn something new everyday! thanks now I’ll know to look for them
The hooks stick on? And heat didn’t cause them to lose their adhesion? Interesting.
Yes, they stick. We have temps that vary from over 100 to -8. Mine have been in place for 3 years. My cafe rods have holes in the end for placement on the rod, and I’ve placed a clear twist tie through it and around the metal hook on the 3M so that the rod doesn’t bounce off the hook. There are many different types, but this is what I used:
Crystal… I replaced your link with one of my Amazon links. Sue
Command Small Wire Hooks Value Pack, 9-Hook
Here’s a close-up photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fivebakers/5137201522/in/set-72157623751442097
Crystal, Your little teardrop is too cute.
What kind of table is that outside your door and where did you get it?
Thanks for the info.
Thanks. I don’t know which photo you were viewing so I don’t know which table. If it’s the silver large table with black legs, it’s the table that came with the T@B and is used to make the bed. We use bed slats instead. Maybe you were referring to the little plastic spool table, though, or the painted side table. Lol
What a wonderful post and it brings many personal memories. Thank you Rvsue. This is the first time I read all comments. So much wisdom. All comments are entertaining and some sad because childhood wishes were never realized. I too would like to share something about a chemistry set. My husband’s birthday was two days before Christmas so his gifts were always “Happy birthday and Merry Christmas.” How sad for a little boy. Nonetheless, when he was 6 or 7 he got the chemistry set and that gift inspired him to become a chemist. Once he got his chemistry set he knew he wanted to be a chemist. He never changed his mind. He got his undergraduate degree in chemistry, then his PhD in chemistry as well. All his life he was so proud to be a chemist and believe it or not he loved his job and he had fun being a chemist. At first he worked in a small town but his boss offered him a job in NYC. My husband’s response was “Only if it is going to be fun to come to work.” He did some amazing things.
Thank you for letting me share memories of my husband. One year after his death I’m missing his passion for life, for travel and stories of his work he loved so much.
BTW, Sue would you please help me get in touch with a woman who wrote she never got a doll. It would be my honor to gift here a doll. Please and thank you.
Hi, R,
That’s quite a nice tribute you wrote to your husband. He sounds like a fine man. I’m sure you must miss him terribly. How fortunate he was to know at a young age what he wanted to do in life and that he pursued it and found it fulfilling and fun. You were fortunate to be his spouse. Thank you for sharing your story.
I’ll see what I can do to satisfy your request. I cannot give out email addresses of readers without permission. Do I have your permission?
Yes and thank you Sue.
Hi Sue………I am amazed everyday at the good hearted readers that you have…….these are some of the most awesome people….it restores my faith in the goodness of people. I absolutely LOVE reading this blog and all of its comments. Thank you for providing a place for ppl to come and share good times and good memories. I tell everyone about this blog!!!!!! God Bless and safe travels.
Thank you, Margaret, for promoting my blog. I agree… I have the most wonderful, kind, and generous readers in blogland!
That’s so nice of you, R. It’s said that time is a human-made, linear construction. That means we are all the same age! Bring on the dolls!
Thanks Sue for sending me back to check out these conversations in you earlier post. Your readers and these discussions make your blog like a little community. Sometimes after work I search the posts from the time I was at work to continue listening in to these conversations. Kinda like hide and seek at times.
On Command hooks, love them, love them, love them. I have one pound hooks in our fifth wheel for my hat, three pound for my coat and 5 pound for my day pack with basic supplies. The wire ones are great for keys near the door. They have been up for over 3 years in temps to the teens and in heat to well over 110. I use them at my kids dorm room and folks retirement home.
Don’t know why I never thought to use them to hold up curtain rods. Wonderful idea. Thank you.
They also come in a tray form. We had them in our kids’ dorms. I have one in the camper for small books and eye glasses. We have two of their cell phone holders as well.
You’re welcome! Isn’t this a fantastic discussion? I never imagined a post about curtains would generate this many responses! Thanks for adding more good information.
I love these new curtains! Decorating, you’ve got it now!
Thank you for posting this. I wanted to put curtains in our Casita, and came upon your post. Thanks for the links to the curtains & rods! Now we have a much better solution than nasty mini blinds!
Remember to order double the width of your windows in order to have nice folds in the curtains. In other words, my windows required four panels each (or two pairs). It’s an investment that’s well worth it. Glad to give you an alternative to mini-blinds!