Why Why? don't Wii

Enough said.

Turns Out, We Live in a Mansion

At 1100 square feet, I thought our house was small. I never realized it's practically palatial. Everything is relative.

Check out this video to find out about this house that measures 84 square feet:

Imagine the effect on the planet if we could all live like this. (I couldn't do it, but I think you should.)

Dee Williams is my new hero.

The Gravity of Gravity or A Really Messy Kitchen

Last summer I wrote about my recent experience in Eureka, CA. A week ago, the area experienced a 6.5 earthquake. Our friends there wrote to say that while there was a lot of broken glass to clean up, they were all ok.

Of course, that wasn't the only earthquake in the news.

It all forced me to start thinking again about putting latches on our kitchen cabinets. After the Northridge quake in '94, we had a lot of glass to clean up and so we put latches on at that time. Personally, I hated them. They were a pain. Every time you wanted to open a cabinet you have to unlock the childproof latch. I was constantly grabbing a handle and thoughtlessly pulling a cabinet door open, only to be quickly stopped by the stupid latch.

But now I have a lot more glass to worry about. This is but one cabinet of two devoted to glass ware -

We plan a lot of entertaining in our future. No more plastic cups for us.

Anyway, with the way this particular type of cabinet is constructed, I don't know if those childproof latches are feasible. Maybe just a little magnet thingy will be enough.

I don't want to seem ridiculous writing about my potential floor full of broken glass when there are millions who are truly suffering right now after a horrific quake. Still, I do think about all that glass tumbling out one day. I think about possibly running through it in bare feet. I think about the cat, who will definitely be running in bare feet.

Speaking of tumbling out, when you have a spare 11 minutes, have a look at this video from an art installation in Dusseldorf -

rotating kitchen from Zeger Reyers on Vimeo.

To friend and loyal reader, GR, the exhibit is at the Kunsthalle until February 28th. Maybe you'd like to see it. Ich wundere mich, was Sie denken.

And thanks to other friend and loyal reader, TMA, for the video.

Epiphany

If I'd traveled for 12 days by camel to visit you (bearing gifts) I'd expect you to leave the lights on for me.

It’s tempting to take down the holiday decorations right after New Year’s Day. Some like to begin dismantling on the 26th. I guess if you were organized enough to have gotten your lights up over the Thanksgiving weekend, you’re probably pretty sick of them by now.

Still, I believe the rule is, or should be, that the lights stay up and on through January 6th.

Last year I ranted about those who leave up the holiday decorations too long. This year I’m cranky about those who take them down too soon (as if I don’t have enough to be cranky about). As much as anyone, I’m tired of the shedding pine needles. The cards have ceased to flow in; the gifts have been unwrapped; the corks have been popped and now I’d like to get back to enjoying my home in its normal state.

Even the snake plant is weary of bearing her burdens.

For once, I want to put things away. But a civilized society must have rules. Once of those is that the trimmings stay up through Epiphany.

Do not dis’ the Magi. They will not want to be greeted by darkness.

If you're one of those who insist that the U.S. is a Christian nation, you had better leave your lights up until January 6th or admit your are living a lie.

Thank you illuminated inflatable Snowman for lighting the way for Melchior, Balthazar and Caspar on behalf of the good citizens of Kent Street. Just make sure to pack yourself away sometime tomorrow, the 7th.

Preparing for a New Decade

The china was out and ready to receive dessert -


The flutes stood ready for their moment -

The mistletoe only awaited someone to stand underneath -

We enjoyed a lovely New Year's Eve in the company of good friends.

We hope you did the same.

Have a happy and healthy 2010 and good luck with all your resolutions!