Space is an expensive commodity

Last year we bought a new mattress and since then we have been looking for a new bed. So, today, Martin and I went shopping. What we wanted was a second hand one that would match our wardrobe and fit in our room. Today we decided to check prices at Devon Pine, which is where our wardrobe came from, then over to Buyology to compare. Once we got to Devon Pine we were lost. There is so much to choose from and its all so beautiful. The beds, wardrobes, chests, bookshelves, nightstands, everything! We didn't even get to Buyology, though I love going there, you can always find something to buy. Here's a picture of the bed we picked out here and the wardrobe we have here . The picture of the bed is much darker than the one we chose, ours has a clear varnish over natural pine. We were lucky enough to also find two "under the bed" drawers on sale too. Earlier we picked up a night stand that matches wonderfully. It'll all be delivered in a week, then we'll find out if there is room to move.

Our bedroom is pretty small, we have a bed, night stand and a wardrobed in it. We have enough space in our bedroom to get into bed, open the doors of the wardrobe or the drawers of the nightstand, not all three at the same time. I can imagine the acrobats I'll go through to get clothes out of our "under the bed drawers". Very cozy! If I was a designer of furniture, I would only design items that were also storage containers. The kitchen table would have drawers and a hidden compartment in the base and Chairs would have storage under the seat. I would design corner and half tables to fit easier in small rooms and tables that have shelves, pretty lazy-susans and tiered shelves to sit on tables or hang on the wall, slender bookshelves and pretty storage boxes to go above wardrobes. I'd also make it easier to move furniture around when needed. Space is such a premium here!

England is a small island with over 50 million people. To give you an idea of the ratio of people to land, the land mass of England is 50,352 sq mi which is slightly smaller than the state of Louisiana which is 51,840 sq mi. The population in Louisiana pre-Hurricane Katrina is 4,468,976 (post Katrina is 4,410,796 a 1.3% drop). In Louisiana, you have plenty of land to spread out. Sometimes you find a house right smack in the middle of acres of land and the average house size in the USA is 2,349 square feet. In England, the average new house is 815 sq ft. Martin's home is larger than that, but not by a whole heck of a lot. Most homes are terraced, which means there are three or more two storied houses connected. There are bungalows, which means its a single storied home with yard on all sides (non-attached) and semi-detached, which are two houses attached, usually two storied.

Hmmmm, that word "adjustments" comes to mind again. You think about all these things before you move everything you own across the ocean. You remember that you aren't 20 anymore, that you're somewhat spoiled when it comes to space and that you have an actual driveway on your property. Then you shove it all to the back of your mind and replace it with thoughts of the wonderful man you're in love with. I believe "adjustments" could just possibly mean "love" if you look it up in the Webster's dictionary.


This is me walking toward Martin's house which is the second one in this row of terraced houses.

Summer at last

Summer in England is wonderful, so far. No humidity to speak of, its June and the temperature today is 64 degrees F and there is a steady cool breeze. The sun is bright and the sky is filled with puffy white clouds. Not a lot to complain about. What a difference from New Orleans where its hot, humid and the temps are in the 90's.

I have more day light hours now to work in the garden as it doesn't get dark until 10 pm, my favorite part of summer in England. In the back I've finished building my wall, one section of the garden is tiered, one trellised arch is up, the cherry tree is planted, and my fruit bushes/vines are down. In the tiered walled section I've planted tomatoes, bell pepper, leek and spinach. I have lots more room so when Martin puts up our trellis at the front end I will put in the rest of the spinach, more bell pepper, green onion (spring onion), a row of basil and broccoli.

In the front yard, 1/2 of (what I call) death valley has been dug and the zucchini (courgette) and butternut squash is planted.


We picked up 4 stone trench style planters that need a good cleaning and a coat of paint. We've also managed to find a good amount of top soil. The soil is compliments of Colin and Sarah who are making some changes in their rear garden as well. Thanks loads Colin and Sarah!

I have so many projects going for this summer that I need to keep a running list what I want to get done and in what order. I'm trying to stay on a schedule, even if its a loose one. Since I'm not going home until May of 2009 I have time to dig in.

I'm posting the picture of my pine cabinet that I refinished a couple of months ago along with a couple of shots of my wall I'm so proud of.


On a sunny spring morning the front garden with blue bells, purple and white osteospernums, purple alpine, and red and yellow primulas. Martin's fuschia is just starting to leaf out.




Refinished pine cabinet

Terraced vegetable and herb patch; tomatoes, bell peppers, leek, spinach and thyme.
My "proper" stone wall, first section of terracing, red rose.


Charlie