posted by Charles H. Russo on Oct 21
Buying the newspaper, man wearing a kilt, Wye, England. Photo by David Holmes.
Hooray, it’s Sunday, with plenty of time to read newspapers and books and do whatever else you like! This afternoon, I’m baking a honey pound cake, from the October Country Living magazine, sent by my lovely friend Vanessa. Then I’ll descend into the cave (wine cellar) to search yet again for a bag of important documents ( Saturday’s search proved futile). And what an overwhelming task it is!
To find anything in the cave - which has no electricity - I have to take a lamp with a long extension cord and plug it into an electrical outlet in the hallway. Then I must move large pieces of furniture out of the cave and line them up along the corridor. Eventually I have to reposition virtually everything in the cave, so that nothing falls on our heads or goes crashing down on the rows of wine bottles covering one wall. Yes, methinks it’s time to clear some space.
What good is a gorgeous chocolate velvet Art Deco chair if it’s sitting in the cave covered with sheets? And there are two antique French wrought iron daybeds taking up space, as there’s no room in the apartment. Then there’s that child’s oak double school desk and several paintings and antique lithographs stuffed in a corner. Also taking a considerable amount of space is an eclectic collection of tables: a Napoleon III black side table; a Directoire table; an Arts and Crafts side table; a dining table and chairs; two suede cubes from Habitat - once used as a substitute for coffee tables - and a rustic Mexican sofa table.
Oh and the lamps! There’s an Empire hanging lamp and at least seven lamps of all descriptions and periods stored in the cave. My husband and daughter tease me relentlessly about my penchant for lamps, lanterns and light fixtures. Then there’s a 19th-century Paris apartment stairwell door complete with four stained glass panels. Every time I move the pieces, I worry about breaking the glass.
So today when I drag everything out into the hallway, guess I’d better photograph the items and list them on eBay France and Craig’s List Paris. Otherwise, Di, will you just bring your truck and haul everything off to be gussied up for your Ghost Furniture line? This week I will be adding some smaller items - including a set of Limoges porcelain - to Tara’s Treasures (see my sidebar).
Hope you’re having a pleasant Sunday, with nice fall weather. Later this afternoon, David and I will take a walk in the Bois du Boulogne to enjoy the sunshine. Oh and congratulations to South Africa, for winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup! The next World Cup in 2011 will be hosted by New Zealand.
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