Here's some infor on mud cloth making. It's called mud cloth because the dyes have the consistency of mud, I think, although the first dyeing is done with leaves that make the entire cloth yellow. The one I bought was completely yellow on the back, although it had white spots on the front. It's made from hand-woven cotton - actually all the processes are done by hand. I expect my sister to drape this cloth over the black leather sofa in her living room. I've made several silk and cotton pillows for that room, and those might need to be rotated. I should probably get her to send me a picture of that room in case I need to make additional pillow covers. You can also hang them in windows, although I would think that might cause them to fade a bit. I don't know where the other hat was made - I thought it was Chinese, but it might have been Thai or Vietnamese. I bought it for sun protection, and it worked well for that - much more practical than carrying a parasol. I've bought some nice glass at the Hermosa Fair, but I'm not sure if I'll make it there this year either. Lars

Probably the best descriptor for me is fickle or moody but I tend towards a more casual elegance. The more "public" areas of my house are more stimulating as far as colors, etc. The rooms that are meant as a sanctuary tend to have more subdued colors and effects. I need that type of diversity in the home decor. I tend toward the practical and a lot of my decor decisions reflect the reality of my life, a semi-rural property, dirt outside, animals, kids, etc. Because of that, while I could appreciate the nicer rugs and lines of a well designed couch, etc, it would be folly to bring them into this household so I admire from afar. I also appreciate silver, china, crystal and embroidered linens which my husband and I have purchased some of over the years. Unfortunately, I do not like the extra work such things bring into my life. I do not mind things that look like they are used (with the exception of stains on linens, those are harder to overlook) but it drives DH bonkers. Copper and silver are to be polished in his mind so I am letting some of those things go. I prefer a more casual elegance in my dress as well. I actually wish there were a few more occasions to dress up a bit more, not over the top, but my area is so very casual which I appreciate most of the time, but would not mind an occasion once in a while to do more. Things are even casual in most offices here.

I have the same 4oz Bormioli round ones. A good size. The big-to-small nesting set i've had for years, but my recent favorites are the Ikea square ones. I use them so much i gave them prime real estate in the cabinet just above my prep zone. They stack without crushing ingredients because of the lip. 3 lid choices. Always 4-6 in my fridge of various lunch salad choices or snacks like humus, HB eggs, half an avocado or quacamole. I have a couple trays where they can go to the table for a salad bar, taco bar, or build-your-own pizza ingredients. Or just chopped separates for miropoix, etc. Clear glass is nice so DH can see what is available for snacking. (avoids cutting an avocado when a half already exists). I don't have the small bento ceramic square ones yet. I like that they can be used for baking like custards, creme caramel. DH likes prepping/chopping/mincing. "how can i help" dealio...I just fill a 1/4 sheet pan with misc veg and he fills and stacks the ikea bowls, off to the side or in the fridge. No lids but ready to go. +note. The Ikea bamboo lids have a silicone strip that is removeable and very easy to clean. Air-tight but not a 'shake it' seal. They have gone through the dishwasher for a few years now. Just noticing a hairline crack in one. Stupid being so easy to wash by hand and air-dry. The silicone 'rest on top' lids are pretty great. I often stack three without lids and stick one of those just on the top container. I also use the 1/2 pint, pint, and quart restaurant deli contains for odds and ends, freezer soups or off to friends and family. Or traveling road trips. A lifsaver during lock-down. Big prep session, clean up. Then have lots of choices for a quick snack or lunches for a few days. Fruit salads, Left-over pizza toppings go into one together as another salad topping---olives, red onion, cherry toms, cheeses.

I haven't been to a family holiday since my dad died in 1968. It used to always be at my mother's house, but after my dad died, she started going to my brother's, and my sister moved away, and back, and away, and unaccounted for sometimes. She didn't get along with very many people...so it was always just Jody and me, until Erin came along in 1980. She finished high school and moved to Houston for university and never moved back. So the concept of family or family celebrations or family getting together for the holidays is kind of foreign to me. Now my mother, brothers, sister, and all in laws, and most of my nieces and nephews, and Jody have passed away. It is just me. Erin spends holidays with her husband's family, which is good, because I am glad for her to be part of a family, although knowing her so well, she probably would rather just spend it with her husband. Of course, I miss Jody, but I don't mind being alone. I prefer it. I bought a turkey, but not sure if I will cook it before or after or on the day. Heck, I may just leave it in the freezer. I am expecting company after Thanksgiving....not particularly looking forward to that. I don't mind company but I am ready for them to leave after a couple of days, and I get a sense that he plans to stay awhile. (He is bringing his cat). I have sort of a routine and I like to keep to it, plus I have to be home a lot because a couple of the horses are fed four times a day. I do miss all the foods associated with holidays past, and I plan to make several of the ones I like best....probably not all at the same time. My company to-be has already sent his likes and dislikes in that department, and they aren't the same as mine....so we will see. He says we can eat out a lot. Great. Not.