Back to the grind

Christmas turned out pretty well this year (all house-related issues aside).  It's always wonderful to spend some quality time with the family, eat 'till you're about to burst, and celebrate.

The presents don't hurt either.

Guess what!  I finally got my very own digital camera courtesy of the girlfriend (Thank you)!  Now I can hopefully update a little more regularly.  

I'll start with this little beauty.

It's a Smith-Corona Galaxie Deluxe, which I picked up for a song at Goodwill a few weeks ago.

With its retro powder blue and cream frame and stylized logo, it's quite the looker.  It comes with a locking carrying case as well.

From the look of it, I don't even think it's ever been touched by human hands.  Everything is in pristine condition.  Even the tape holding the packing foam is undisturbed, and there isn't one single scratch or mark on the entire thing.  Pretty cool!

Now I just have to keep my girlfriend from running off back to England with it.  I've seen her eyeing it up.

Christmas

Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year everyone!  May your thrifting be fruitful and your estate sales bountiful in 2012.

Now, get off Blogger and go spend some quality time with your family!

Eames Christmas Card (Source: Library of Congress)

Killjoy

I know I'm lucky to have a roof over my head, food in the fridge, a warm bed, etc., but it's not feeling like such a holly jolly Christmas right now.

I hate, hate, hate, hate, HATE being a home-owner and this place will be the death of me, financially speaking.

The caved-in flat roof was bad.  Then came the water damage, which was pretty aggravating.  Incorrectly installed drywall throughout the whole second floor that started coming apart a couple months after we moved in?  Yep, I've got that.  A second and third roof leak that will necessitate an entire new roof and replacement of several now peeling and cracking plaster and lathe walls?  Check.  Tuck-pointing and concrete work that barely lasted a month and then crumbled away?  Super.  A cracked drain vent pipe is causing a nice leak in my second bedroom too and we've also got a nice leaking window upstairs.

Now what new joys await us on this glorious Christmas Eve?

A backed up main drain pipe, which is flooding sewage into my basement and keeping us from using our water.

Seriously, never buy a rehabbed home.  Just don't do it.  Learn from my mistake.

Wish List

With Christmas fast approaching, I thought I'd compile a Christmas wish list.  After all, I've been a very good boy this year ;)  Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year.

1. Dansk Candle Holders (Source - Etsy)

 2. Kilim Pillows (Source - Ebay)

 3. Jax Bookends/Doorstops (Source - Etsy)

4. Navajo Rug (Source - Ebay)

5. Military Winter Blankets in Grey/Olive (Source - Ebay)

6. Carved Walnut Bowl (Source - Target)

7. Panasonic RC-1091 Clock Radio (Source - Etsy)

8. Heather Grey Linen Queen Bedsheets (Source - Lekker Home Goods)

9. Birds in Flight Wall Scuplture by C. Jere (Source: 711 Warren)

10. Retro Paint by Number Paintings (Source - Etsystatic)

Christmas Tunes

I saw this posted on Facebook today and thought you all might appreciate it.  Seems like the mid-20th century had not only the best design, but also the best Christmas music.

Personally, I find that it just isn't Christmas without a little Mannheim Steamroller.  Love that stuff.