Have A Seat

We've had the same dining chairs for a long, long time. Before we had them, they were my sister Gloria's. Before her, they were someone else's. They've stood the test of time, though they are starting to get a little wonky from the many years of use (and yes, they've been re-glued over and over).  They've also had many face lifts- the seats recovered and recovered again. It's an easy change, so why not?  They've been covered in this toile for a few years now.




Dining chairs with original stain, and black and white toile.
It lasted a few years but time for a white wash and change of sorts.


When we got towards the end of our kitchen makeover, the funds were getting low for anymore 'new' stuff. If you've done any construction or face-lifts in your home, you know how that goes. And although I'd like new chairs, I knew it wasn't going to happen right at this moment. So one more 'quick change'. Since our new cabinets are espresso colored, and our new floor is on the darker side (heritage pecan laminate to be exact), I wanted these chairs to be on the lighter side. I found some cream paint (called straw) downstairs (which is also on our bedroom ceiling).  Slapped some of that on and then distressed with sandpaper.  Struck gold at Joanne Fabric with some very inexpensive linen. Also picked up an alphabet stencil and some black stencil paint.  I had Lidia Bastianich running through my head. If you watch her show Lidia's Italy, you know she ends each episode with an Italian saying ....."Tutti A Tavola A Mangiare"...everyone to the table to eat! Here's the result:



A whimsical touch to make people laugh when they sit to eat at our table.

Inspired by Lidia!

 The second chair received the 'eat, drink, be merry' treatment.  That's as far as I've gotten. I still have two chairs and two sayings to go. I'm leaning towards 'keep your elbows off the table' and 'always say please and thank you'.




See how I distressed the edges with a little sandpaper? I love things distressed. I think it's a great
metaphor for life- just perfect the way they are, but a little rough around the edges. 
And, I happen to love the way it looks.

On another note, two thumbs up to our volunteer fire force here in Stratham. They were right on the ball on July 5th. They gave us a good show as they flushed the hydrant at the fire pond which is located next door at our neighbor's (Joanne and Fred) place. It's nice to know they're keeping up with the regular maintenance of the hydrants so they're in good working order should they need them. Plus, it's always fun to watch as it is quite a spectacle.


The fountain of spray slowed lots of cars down and brought neighbors out to watch!





The hose had quite a reach. It took them about a half an hour before they were completely done.


The hydrant show didn't disappoint. A nice finish to the 4th of July holiday.  We'll see them again next year about this time.

Have a great Thursday- the weekend is almost here!