The fountain

dumas_fountain_pen

UPDATE:  I received questions in regard to the bottled ink posted here; it’s Duke bottled fountain pen ink.  You  may purchase it through A Pen Lover’s Paradise.  I have purchased pens and ink from them in the past; good pens, good service, at good prices.  What’s not to love?  Check ’em out!

Aaaaah, today is a good day – if for no other reason that on this day, in 1830, a man by the name of H.D. Hyde patented a little thing called the fountain pen.  The mere thought of that particular writing utensil makes me a verklempt … let us take a moment …

There’s just something about writing with a fountain pen that is exilerating.  Today’s pens are a bit more dependable; they’re less likely to explode – which is always a plus.  Ink barrels may serve a hinderance – especially for those like me who are accident prone.   Still, an ink smudge or two on my fingers is more good than bad.  Suddenly, like writers of old, I bear the mark of my trade on my very being.   Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, you just may change your mind after writing a few lines with such a splendid instrument …

pen_ink

Heroes

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*Special thanks to Michael Thornton for allowing me to post his school assignment.   Seems the world today is in dire need of a hero or two.  Should you be tempted to believe a hero is anyone but you, you have only to read this post.  As Michael says, it’s pretty easy if only you try …

Updates

I keep receiving emails with one of two questions:  how are the edits coming along and what’s the progress on the bathroom remodel?   I’m currently working my way through the hard copy with my edits.  It’s a bit more tricky than usual.  Take now, for instance – at the moment the floor guy has taken a reprieve, the tile guy is out in the hallway asking me when I’m planning to change out the tile in the kitchen, and the plumber is sitting on our toilet – currently residing in our bathtub – attaching the trim.   

But you do know what this all means don’t you?  I’ll get to take a shower tomorrow.  Woot!  We can all be thankful, I’m sure …

Bathroom remodel

This week marked the start of our bathroom remodel.  Our one and only bathroom I might add.  Since Monday afternoon, it has looked something like this:

bathroom_before

It’s not a complete overhaul, mind you.  We had fully anticipated the tile and flooring to be finished by the end of the week.  But, true to form, there were issues.  It started with the fact that the idiots who initially owned this home placed the tile directly on the sheetrock (ere go the nice layer of mold it’s sporting).  This means more time airing out, cleaning out, and cementing.  The perk:  it made it easy for the plummer who had to come in and switch our water valve.  Yes, at one point we actually had the plumber and the tile guy – in that wee space – at the same time.

Yesterday we received the great news that the accent tile that was suppose to arrive Tuesday, would not make it in until Friday.  This means for at least two more days, this will be our shower …

temp_shower

And this, our bath …

temp_bath

Let’s all say it together:  good times.  At least we still have our toilet.  No peeing in a bucket or digging a hole in the backyard.  Granted, I may feel the need to be armed – just in case a creepy-crawler emerges from one of the crevaces; still, I can flush.  It is, afterall, the little things …

Car wash

 car_wash1

To all you single boys out there … a helpful hint: 

If you happen to catch a glimpse of a woman – out minding her own business, washing her car – and you feel compelled to stop and strike up a conversation, do not – I repeat –  DO NOT say anything to the effect of “wanna wash mine next?”  I know it will be tempting , but here’s the thing:  you may think you’re being clever, but she’s heard it before – more than likely in the last twenty minutes.  If you really want to impress her, say something like “I’ve got some bad-ass car-washing skills, interested in seeing them in action?”  Girls like skills.  And if you’re overly concerned that she might actually take you up on the offer, just keep on a goin’ … trust me … it’s for the best …