Hi Everyone,
This is a super-quick, newsy post that emphasizes my family (my two sons) and what we’re doing for each other right now.
First, there will be a few pics from when Cale came to visit and a very short video of us in the kitchen.
And later, some interesting family news.
Cale arrived late afternoon last Tuesday. He was a big help as we got one major project accomplished.
The upstairs bathroom.
During the reno, it had become a dumping ground for everything that didn’t have a home in my storage closet downstairs. I couldn’t bear to put much in the kitchen until it was better cleaned up. But then I was incredibly busy updating Laurel’s Rolodex and the Big Etsy Guide.
This is the best reason for having children. ;]
haha
No, you are not seeing things.
That is indeed a Q-tip in Cale’s hand as he scrapes the sludge from the basecaps in the upstairs bathroom.
However, on the off-chance you think I’m beating him into submission, OR he’s some kind of goodie-goodie mama’s boy. (lol, occasionally, he is)
A. I paid Cale for his help
B. I got him a new electric piano keyboard, which you can see here. (Sorry, you’ll need to scroll down until you see it in the hot sales widget)
An exterior shot of my garden wall, and whoa! Those are some tiny sour grapes! (I think?) Cale had one, but I abstained. Still, I knew ivy was growing, but I didn’t realize I had a grapevine. It’s certainly been dry enough for grapes to grow.
However, my nature-loving son has done some research on tonics to help with kidney disease.
He brought me one of the cures from some obliging beech tree branches in western Massachusetts.
He shaved the bark off the branches and dried it at 120 degrees in my Breville convection toaster oven.
Once dried, it gets brewed into tea. Sorry, no images of the tea, but it looks like regular ol’ tea, and it’s not bad. It’s even a little sweet and very mild. I’ve been drinking it daily and recently added fresh ginger and turmeric to the brew. I also add a little maple syrup because a bit sweet is not sweet enough for me. ;]
In addition, Cale wanted me to try some aloe vera juice.
Both are quite expensive. The one on the left tastes terrible. I can’t describe the flavor, plus it’s a bit high in potassium, which I need to watch, so I’m only putting a little into my juice and seltzer drinks. The one on the left, however, tastes good but is expensive, so that one, too, gets doled out in small doses.
Below, is a very short, a bit noisy video of us in the kitchen early on in our visit.
(Sorry, this one’s not on YouTube.)
Also, you may have noticed an earlier video entitled “My Recent Videos.” These are videos that have already appeared and yes, there are short ads. This is how I earn a living. Tim and I are still working on it. It’s not working quite right at the moment, as it’s only playing one video in the playlist. No worries if you’re not interested in watching any of the videos. Also, apologies if you can’t see them. Usually, the reason is that you’re on a mobile device with an ad blocker on.
Switching gears…
I inherited this mess when I bought my place in 2020, and all I cared about was the TV working. Well, the TV runs through the receiver (the biggest box in the middle), which is not working. The upshot is that my TV doesn’t work.
Does anyone in the Boston metro area know of a good audiovisual professional who could help me?
Below is a more realistic view of the living room looking towards the dining area. Folks, that table setup has always been temporary. That is not the table I will have, and eventually, I’d like some different chairs. I like the cane chairs, but they’re small and uncomfortable. They are vintage; I’ve had them for at least 25 years.
Finally, I had so much fun putting the Etsy widget together that I did another one for Etsy and Chairish and one outrageously expensive but authentic 18th-century breakfront sold at 1stdibs. It’s more so you can see what the real thing looks like.
In case you are interested in some of these items, they say the sale is ending tonight. Okay, just put in an offer with the sale price (usually about 20% off) if you see something you want and the sale is over.
And now, for the family news.
Many of you have asked after my younger son Aaron who is turning 30 next month. I don’t want to get into a big thing, but Aaron was identified as having some developmental delays when he was three and a half years old. He spent the next 15 years in special education and graduated from a private school in 2013.
As we all do, Aaron has had his share of struggles and estranged himself from us for a while. Happily, he decided to come to us about three weeks ago. I’m immensely grateful to have him back in my life, and I can tell that Aaron is happy to have his family back, too.
After high school, he spent many years traveling and living in various places, but he likes southern California the best. Interestingly, he worked in a youth hostel in Scotland for about a year.
Currently, he’s looking for employment, and I need help.
Therefore, I offered him a temporary gig helping me with some behind-the-scenes website stuff that sorely needs to be done. I have other people helping me, as well.
So, now I have to get him a refurbished MacBook. He’s very good with computers, and I think he’ll do a great job!
xo,
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27 Responses
This post made me so happy for 2 reasons –
That Cale is into alternative treatments. It was hard to resist urging you to look in that direction!
And Aaron is back in your life! I was praying for that; and now for your health as well.
Both handsome boys!
You open up so much to your readers (and you are so funny!) I feel like you are a friend. As obviously many readers do.
Love your home and insights.
Thank you Laurel.
Both your kitchen and your son are lovely!
Hi, I agree aloe Vera juice is nasty. No can do. I don’t run my tv through a receiver because I find surround sound is unrealistic. I use the speaker in the tv. Perhaps you could just disconnect the cable running from the tv to your receiver and see if that works . Plus too much sound power / sub woofer etc can alienate neighbors. When I need to troubleshoot my tv/sound systems I google it. And I sense there is a hacker in you what with all the web presence you have going on. So when you get past your decorating /reno projects, perhaps you may like to take on a deep dive into the audiophile arena for your tv system…. I have a Cambridge audio receiver for my music, which is a separate system from the tv one. In case you are thinking of buying a new receiver vs the denon, My husband has a denon on his tv system not sure what model.. good luck with all you have going on. It’s been quite a year for you!
sorry, not sure what happened to my message, What got lost was, Regrouping your family back together is a wonderful thing for the 3 of you. I feel so happy for all of you and what a wonderful time of the year for this beautiful gift!!
I guess I’m older than I think with computers, yuk!
Oh Laurel, so happy for your family news! How wonderful!!! And Cale…. what a mensch you raised!!! So glad you will have both your sons in your life now.
Dear Laurel,
I’ve known over the years (thru the blog) that you are an amazing woman! Kudos to all that deal with loved ones with challenges. My oldest Granddaughter has issues with a multiple of things, I think it’s
got a special name which at my ageing memory can’t seem to handle. Almost regrouping your family dear, love is never simple!!
I have a 27 year old autistic son who will live with me for the duration. It’s why I remodel my home ‘virtually’ through you! So happy to hear that Aaron is back in your life. Like everything in life, we take what blessings we receive and live the joy that’s offered. Thank you for sharing some of your joy with your readers.
Dear Laurel, I love how you said “One step…” I think it’s so important to see (and celebrate) the small blessings along the journey. Thank you for sharing this insight into your family; I know it brings hope to others! And what a blessing to have Cale be able to help you :]
I wish we lived closer. My husband is a wiz when it comes to electronics and technology. He could help you while you showed me around your new home, haha!
Your widgets always have me salivating and dreaming. Thanks for putting in the effort to create them. I hope you’re feeling well. I’ve been praying for you!
Very happy for you. Regarding your electrical mess the nerd herd or geek squad (?) at your local electronic store like a Best Buy may be of help to you.
I totally understand about the audio-visual mess. It takes me months to figure out how to turn a new TV on and even longer to figure out how to get Prime etc. Unfortunately, I just learned how to use the disc player and now no one has discs or CD’s any longer. Our smart TV is definitely smarter than I am. My husband gets so disgusted with me because I find it all gibberish and he is so good at understanding what goes where and how and why. You have my sympathies.
I’m so glad your son is back in your life. High-functioning autism is extremely difficult for the person AND those around him/her. I am from a line of neuro-divergent people and it is hard to find one’s place in life. My daughter struggled for years and now works in the DOD in cyber something something; she says she has finally found her tribe.
I am confused over a couple of the widgets. How can a pillow cost $300? I sew (a lot) and even fabric that is $150/yard couldn’t justify an 18″ pillow cost like that. The pillows are backed with (less expensive )different fabric and do not have flanges or welting or a lining. All they have is a zipper. I’m not being snarky, I just don’t understand how a pillow cover can be that expensive. Help?
Wishing the best to each of you in Aaron’s journey back to his family. It’s hopeful and heartwarming. Love reading about and seeing your home’s evolution. I’m relieved for you that the massive, invasive, disruptive aspects seem to mostly be behind you. As for the tech tangle, I’m another who would advocate for streaming television and internet service. Reducing cordage reduces stress!
My hat off to you Laurel for what you do for your sons and how you fight for them and try to keep the family together all through hardships and health issues! You are a wonderful mother! This is a very heartwarming story, especially as we are entering the holiday season! Blessings and best of luck with everything, everyone!
Family dynamics can be so challenging… So happy for all of you that Aaron is testing the waters of being more involved in your lives. We love hearing these updates about your family – thank you for sharing. ♥️
It is hard being a Mom. You never stop loving or worrying! I’m glad Aaron is coming back into the family.
Hi Laurel,
I’m thrilled for you that your son is back in the nest. Cale must be happy to have his brother back also.
Seeing all of your electronics gives me anxiety. All I deal with is the power cord to my tv. I don’t have cable tv, I stream my entertainment. And it’s all wireless.
Laurel, I got a Ming coffee table off your widgit last year -and everything was perfect!
I’m so happy to hear about your son reconnecting with his family. It will add to the holiday spirit this year!
The Brunschwig and Fils pillows are exquisite! Also, when you mentioned the drinks, you referenced “the one on the left” twice. Should one be the one on the right?
Dear Laurel, I’m happy for your family news, your beautiful home, and also for your terrace berries. Whether the vine is wild grape or an ivy (to identify take a picture and use the free PlantNet app) please know the berries are not toxic to wildlife. In fact they are an extremely valuable winter calorie source for your neighborhood birds. What beauty! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
So happy that Aaron is reestablishing contact with you! And it is sweet that Cale is willing to go the extra step for you (cleaning the woodwork with a Q-tip)! 😉
I hope things improve with your health and you are feeling well.
Laurel, so happy for your family.
On another note, there are so many beautiful things you’ve highlighted on Chairish that I lust after, but alas, far too expensive for me these days.
Those are ivy berries, not grapes, and they are toxic! Super easy mistake to make because the leaves and fruits look so similar.
Happy for you and your family!
You have 2 very handsome sons! Love hearing about them! -:) Your home is very lovely as well! I so enjoy your blog too! Hope you are feeling better these days….
Good luck with your family, I wish you all the best.Love the Louie Philippe mirror, so much is not available in Canada and now the exchange!!!! Now for the holiday season, hope it brings you all joy.
Such a perfect time of year to have your son come home! Baby steps….This will be probably one of the hardest things he has ever done in his life…
That’s beautiful about your son, Laurel! How wonderful amidst the beauty of your home.
Congratulations. I have a brother i hope will return one day <3
Such happy news about your son. I hope he continues to do well and your connection grows stronger with time. Detaching with love is really difficult, you have been strong!