Chairs Caned

After the 9/12 D C Rally Summary

2009-09-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

What an adventure, out -of- the-box experience! Hannah & I left Delaware OH Friday morning at 8 AM on a bus with 46 other protesters. Hannah was the youngest but I was not the oldest. American, political concerns were expressed openly by everyone continuously as soon as we were underway. I was most impressed by the amount of research of organizations & people that had been done by many before this trip. Most were up-to-date on most issues. All in an atmosphere of respect & proper language. We also watched "Grand Torino"

Somewhere along the PA Turnpike we saw 7 new windmills spinning and a very large herd of dairy cows resting on a tranquil hillside. As a light rain began to fall one passenger informed the driver of the heavy diesel smell towards the back of our bus. She immediately pulled over, we opened the back ceiling vent & went on down the road in spite of the rain. But the problem did not get resolved. We stopped again later, the rain had passed & both ceiling vents were removed. A temporary cure.

Arriving in VA we had a delicious supper meal and hospitality in a County Buffet. On to the Fairview Marriott in Falls Church VA. Long check in line but finally a most luxurious king sized bed--6 plus pillows--WOW!! Later we took the hotel shuttle with several others to the Dun Loring Metro Station at 9 PM to buy our all day Saturday passes. Shuttle driver was kind to wait for us.

6:30 AM we were back on a NEW bus to the Metro Station for the 7AM ride to Washington DC.( First bus had a tailpipe issue) Got off at Federal Triangle Station walked past Freedom Center and on to Washington Monument where Ohio protesters agreed to meet up under the Ohio State Flag. Long wait until the parade actually began. But when we walked together to line up near Freedom Center so many people we had gathered we extended across the intersection. We were among Utah and Maryland Flags.

The 1.1 mile March itself was slow and exuberant, including dogs, young couples pushing children, older folks in wheelchairs. a bugler and unbelievable creative signs in many sizes. As we reached the Reflection Pool people had already filled its entire outer rim. We found space and sat in our lawn chairs to take in the atmosphere. Speakers across at the Capital Steps could not be heard clearly but we knew it was happening. No overhead news photo shots allowed.

Later the two of us began a slow stroll back down Pennsylvania Ave, stopping for a photo at the Fox News Trucks, read interesting signs, trash cans overflowed but liter was not evident. We bought Greek veggy wraps at busy Deli and enjoyed them outside on the Steps of the Navy Memorial. Then we walked down an off street finding a SOUVENIR SHOP.

Having an hour to get on the Metro and be back for our bus to the hotel a long, long wait time began. People had begun to pour back into the Metro Station and came to a complete halt for about 15 min. After finally getting onto the platform our Vienna train came and went twice, filled to capacity, until be were able to board. Then a jolting stop & go in many spots due to repairs going on. Back in Dun Loring we were 40 minutes past the bus scheduled time to get back to the hotel--along with 20 others. But the bus did come back for us in good time.

At the hotel we showered and dropped for an hour or so. Then dressed and expected to go to the hotel dining room for a really good meal. BIG SURPRISE!! Since Hannah is under 18 the hotel lively sports bar could have worked, but was packed and we had planned on the dining room anyway. However, to our dismay, the host of the dining room suggested we look elsewhere!!! LIke where elsewhere? We were in a wooded setting. No other restaurants nearby. Another couple heard us and directed us to a Chinese fast food area down a hallway ( not given in the hotel directory). Said they had to ask also. It was a good meal. Just not what we were looking for.

Bus left Sunday at 8AM for the trip home. Still much conversation. Everyone in great mood. Laptop photos downloaded, photos exchanged, connections shared. Not being a techie!! I was impressed. One farm family sat on their farm wagon along the road cheering the buses, waving flags as we passed by. Good meal and service at a Cracker Barrel for a mid afternoon meal.

Arrived back at 8PM. Group photo next to the bus. Future meetings announced. This is only the beginning.

WHAT DID I LEARN??
I estimated the average person spent $350 to make a statement. IF 1 million people marched on Washington DC that is 1 of 300 Americans participating. If you add the other gatherings around the country, then 1 of 150 participated.

4/2007 Chantilly. VA Radio Personality Alex Jones-- Builderburg Group Tri Lateral Commission CFR

The Federal Reserve is a PRIVATE BANKING CARTEL

The timing of the 20 & 25 year old people exposing ACORN

The timing of Joe Wilson speaking out on the House Floor.

Again, it's the beginning of saving the future of our BEAUTIFUL FREE America.

Do you know where there is a group you can support?? I will be attending the Springfield Meeting tonight.

Thank You for reading and God Bless America.

9/12 D C RAlly

2009-08-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

My high school senior granddaughter, Hannah & I are going to be traveling by bus from Delaware, Ohio with a group to the Big Tea Party Rally in Washington DC for Sept. 12, 2009. I knew I had to participate and was very happy when she said she would go with me. We leave Friday morning and return Sunday night. Her Dad is arming her with a good video cam, so we are hoping to make our own personal documentary of this historical event. Timely for her college application too.

A caning student recently surprised me with a gift card to BBB where I found a rolling Ohio State cooler, perfect for this trip. Again, thank you Nancy! You will be apart of this trip too. Bill O'Reilly shop-on -line has been perfect for two stainless thermal drinking containers, "No Spin" caps & "Bold & Fresh" T-Shirt. Also ordered two T-Shirts with our traveling group logo for Sat. march.

I want all to know that The FLag Lady of Columbus, Ohio has donated a very large flag for this rally. All Ohioans will try to gather together near it. Other states are encouraged to do the same.

SInce I am home all day, most everyday, I follow the news of our country, sometimes too much. I love American History. I respect our founding fathers for their courage & forethought to get America organized. I believe in the Constitution. We are a work in progress everyday of our lives, individually and together as a nation.

But special interest groups, politics and now radical thinking is trying to overpower this republic, destroy ( over tax & over regulate, downright control) enterprising business and individual positive, creative energy. This is not why we were first organized 200 plus years ago.

Today's entire leadership (? ) (would a true one please stand up?) needs to be challenged, to stop the current far swinging to the left AND BEGIN a steady swing back to the center.

Every "CITIZEN" should have opportunity and rights via education and respect--- to fulfill their own dream, taking responsibility for their own decisions. And so our story continues----history in the making. God Bless each of us and America for the future of our children and children's children.

Mom at age 91

2009-08-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

8/28/09

Today is Mom's 91st birthday. She has been living with us since 3/08. Had her to the Dr yesterday for a check up and her blood work results were very good. Does not have to go back until 6 mo. But she does have dementia. Very short term memory. And has given up her hearing aid. Thank goodness for Closed Caption on TV . That in itself is a real God send. So, we communicate in arm motions, short notes, but have really established a respectful, agreeable routine in sharing space and life together. Circle the word book goes everywhere with her therefor she is content to wait in the car on short, quick errands ( ice cream in a cup work too) AND still pushes the cart for me in the grocery. Hubby also plays dominoes with her most everyday & takes her on short errands. Their time tog.!

Every chair I can bring into the living room and weave, to keep her company, makes for good times too. Just having another person around seems to be comforting, along with eating together at supper time. Afternoons lately she has been going out on the front porch, rocking, with word book in hand, and enjoying the splash of our fish in the fish pond, squirrels up and down the trees, birds in birdbaths and 2 dogs protecting her nearby.

It's become a big important part of my real life experiences.I'm so grateful to be able to work from home while providing my mother with contentment in these her late years.

2009 update

2009-08-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

What a year it has been since I last posted. FINALLY have my mom ( 91 next week) here with us since 3/08. Dementia but other wise good health. Mother-in-law Nanny (93) was here a total of 4 months last year too. Guess my cooking isn't too bad! Quite a summer to remember-2008. Uno & dominos daily in the breezeway or on the deck. 4th of July fireworks. Olive Garden. The two enjoyed each others company. This summer having just mom takes my full attention and Nanny is cared for by her daughter in PA.

Got a new pal for Harley 8/08. Miss Hattie! She's a 35 lb. pug/jack russell ( I'm told). Got her from Friends of Noah in Amelia, Ohio. Took a few months for the two to bond, but now they are good buddies. Biggest challenge is getting Hattie to travel in the truck with me. Harley loves to ride shotgun, but Hattie just isn't quite ready to enjoy the outings.

Made a quick 36 hr visit to MI 9/08 to check up on Ed & CIndy, now owners of Peerless Rattan. What a perfect setting they have for the mail order operation. Also have become gentlemen farmers with pumpkins, chickens( first egg recently!) and large garden. Retirement scenario at 55!!

Family was all together for Father's Day. Henderson NV and Delaware OH. 16 in all enjoyed Rudy's Ribs & fixins here in the studio, Then a photo treasure hunt around the property for the 6 youngest kiddies.

Weaving here in my two acre woods is still a blessing. I don't hold seat weaving classes at EU right now. Need to be here at home most of the time. But work has been coming in to me at a record pace. A normal month is 15 projects. Last month I set a record at 29 and I've past 12 already this month. Love to weave cane!!! Retirement scenario at 66.

Hope to make it to the 9/12 gathering in DC. Missed the Civil Rights March. Want to see first hand this important rally that I know will go down in history for many years to come. ( Hubby agreed to cover for me here at home).

Blessings to all who are reading my memories

Until----- Helen, Chairs Caned

Edie

2008-07-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

Edie was my dog of 16 1/2 years. Son Curt brought her home & named her. You can see her photo on my web page.

June 30th I buried her on our 2 acre woods under a flowering tree. I plan to add a stone & perennial flowers in purple. It was a long, put -off call to put her to sleep. Dr. Carlson & staff were so efficient & caring in helping us make this transition.

Edie was a pound pup who just enjoyed hanging out & tagging along ---even from room to room at times--all her life.

So now it's just Harley & I during the day.--going from room to room ---together. We both miss Edie

Ohio Poll Worker Experience

2008-03-06T09:22:00.000-08:00

This March 4th I volunteered to be a Poll Worker in my Clark County, Ohio--FOR THE FIRST TIME!!! As there were many openings to choose from, I settled on the Enon Muncipal Building, just 5 miles away. (5 miles away that is until I discovered the connecting bridge over Rt. 4 was closed for repair the Monday prior to elections Tues.) But a slight extended detour got me to the polling site by 5:30 AM on time where I worked until 8:15PM that same evening. We were fortunate to be fully staffed with 2 Republicans & 2 Democrats. I was the "newby" to the team, but we quickly conversed & got to the job at hand to be ready for the first voter at 6:30 AM. The day went by rather quickly as voters kept stolling in all day. Several 17 year olds were anxious to cast their first ballot. A new law allows this if the person will turn 18 before the November election. It did require that they fill out a Provisional envelope & ballot- IN THE VOTING PRECINCT OF THEIR RESIDENCE. This will have them fully registered AND to vote in Novemeber. Several adults were caught without having backup acceptable printed documentation because they had moved their place of residence since last voting. We we able to work through 9 of these voters who did cast a ballot. At 7:30 PM we closed the poll & began to balance our figures to the ballot used. We were able to balance with the machine totals. There are many tricky locks & many steps to get to a proper closing. I WAS MOST IMPRESSED WITH EACH OF THE WORKERS I SHARED THE DAY WITH. It was a most interesting, fun day. I would recommend that anyone with the patience to spend a long day,to preserve & insure proper voting systems, call and volunteer. I plan to do it again.

Snowshoe Rockers & Furniture

2008-02-27T08:16:00.000-08:00

Anyone out there with a taste or need for GREAT (handmade, accent, leather woven) rustic style SNOWSHOE FURNITURE needs to check out vtsnowshoefurniture.com. An old company owned the past 4 years by Mike Fontaine 802-365-4636. I had an older L L Bean rocker come to me needing just the leather seat replaced. After a curveball, hearing deerhide was the material to use,--NOT!!, I found Cindy Berrie in VT. She does the COWHIDE weaving for her brother Mike's business. Check them out on line. NICE PEOPLE!! Great craftsmanship. It was a 2 week turnaround for my project, as they promised, in advance.

Seat Weaving Class at E U

2008-01-13T09:19:00.000-08:00

Now that the Holidays are over I have time to update about the cane seat weaving class I have been leading at our Elderly United ( E U ) facility in downtown Springfield, Ohio. Friday 1/11/08 was our 9th time to meet. 16 people have or are participating & 12 projects have been completed. We average 6-7 people each class. 8 weavers have become regulars but two are currently out with specific health problems. We hope to have both rejoin us later this month. The gal who comes the farthest is from Washington Court House, Ohio. Millie, in her 80s is the oldest. She has done 2 footstools. Most of us are 50-70s. It is an upbeat, fun filled 3 hours. And a chance to discuss local happenings in our great small town.

We share using the arts & crafts room with pottery crafters, knitters & others. So we get to see other craft projects in progress each week. Tap dancing happens in the adjoining room & becomes hula dancing before our 3 hours end. A group of men(mostly) are always shooting pool at the end of the hall. The clinic for health issues is off our same hallway so visitors, members walking by often stop in to comment on our activity. Upstairs, the dining room is available for great Marriott lunches each day & there is a volunteer run gift shop plus other senior "help" offices. E U is a very busy, necessary offering for Springfield residents.

Amazing Carver

2007-11-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Need a unique centerpiece for a special ocassion ?? Check out www.SQUASHCARVER.com. Young man with a mighty BIG talent. Gus is from Marengo, Ohio just north of Columbus. We spoke briefly after landing at Port Columbus on the same flight from Las Vegas 1:30 AM this morning. His carving work had taken him to a return invite at the Bellagio Hotel.

Hubby & I were getting back from a 4 day visit with the grandkiddies & family in Henderson, NV. Perfect timing for a break between ending one business & beginning the new one.

Now it's back to paperwork & completing customer projects.

Going to be a busy first day, seat weaving at Elderly United, Springfield, Friday. Two more phone calls while I was away & one more this morning from people wanting to come weave their own chair seats. Looking forward to it.

Drilling Holes for Caned Seats

2007-10-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Response to caning question: 10/07
Hi Bob! ( Columbus, Ohio)

As a woodworker, you are the expert on wood repairs. So many glues &
wood fillers out there, I'm sure you are making good choices.

As for the drilled holes, I have done a few. Look in the Peerless
Rattan catalog for the diam. & distance between each hole when choosing
the size of strand cane. Then you need to consider the style of the
chair & dimensions of the frame. How much cane support is needed? Most
rockers use Med & Common, the largest two sizes. Round seats, with
many holes usually take Fine-Fine & smaller sizes. That leaves rose
back chairs( best example) where the seat is usually four holes wider
on the front rail than the back. They are woven with Fine & Nar. Med
strand.

On round seats you find the center point on each of the 4 rails, mark
for a drilled hole, then mark as evenly as possible in between,
according to the requirements of the strand you want to use. Still
trying to match left to right & top to bottom with each hole drilled.
Have you seen the work in progress photos on my new web site? That may
help you visualize what needs to be to have a good looking, well strand
supported seat. Of course you keep the same distance from the inner
frame all the way around for your drilled row of holes.

Casual chairs average 68 to 74 holes. They must have 4 corner holes, in
line with each drilled side. Round seats can be in the 80's-90's.
ALWAYS in pairs of 2. Hope this helps. Do give it a try.

Thanks for checking in. I always enjoy talking about caning & seat
weaving.

Helen, Chairscaned.com

Peerless Rattan now in Michigan 10/24/07

2007-10-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

After three exceptionally nice days of above average temperatures, to pack Peerless Rattan for it's move to Michigan, the final drive, halfway meeting point, Findlay, Ohio, was a trip in the rain. But the transfer was finalized as planned & P R LLC is now open for business in MI. Ed brought his friend Bill to share the driving. Cindy was with their daughter, having her second baby. Congratulations on grandchild #4-- Malachi !!

Peerlessrattan.com website is online & about to be up and running completely very soon. Took a 3 way phone call to make it happen the night before, but, we did make it happen.

I'm now busy paintng & rearranging my studio open spaces with chairs in progress & compeleted ones both for customers & some I've picked up myself & re done--for sale. I favor rockers & children's sized items to have available for interested customers.

My current project is a rattan bentwood rocker seat. Couple had new baby this week. Must get it done for them for delivery tomorrow morning. Rattan groove is very deep & wide. Good for the support of the pressed cane replacement, but time comsuming to remove.

Interesting( to me) that I first went into business on Oct. 24, 1991. Also my oldest son's birthday. Happy Birthday Charlie!!

Day of the Big Move

2007-10-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

Tomorrrow 10/20/07 will be the last day I sell caning supplies under the name Peerless Rattan. At 12 noon I will begin the final count of inventory, disassemble the spline rack, fibre rush metal frame & pressed cane storage unit. Other capital goods & some supplies have already been stored in a grouping ready for the Penske rental on Monday. Chuck Rowland, son-in-law of a weaving friend, has agreed to help me pack the Penske and then on Tues. hubby & I will drive it to Findlay, (meeting the new owners Ed & Cindy Hammond, half way) where we will exchange final paperwork & Ed will then drive the Penske on to Walled Lake ,MI its new home, ready to continue on Wed. Peerless Rattan is known for it's quick customer mail order response. Order today--shipped out today.

It's been an exciting year, in the making of this transiiton. New catalog & on line website for Ed & Cindy----sales@peerlessrattan.com. and New website for me--- chairscaned.com ,where I have offered seat weaving patterns, with photos, that are downloadable at no cost. But the biggest change for me is having no set hours. Customers wanting their caned seats replaced can call ahead or take a chance that I'm home.

I do plan to continue to make seat weaving the biggest part of my weekdays as well as leading classes at Elderly United in Springfield, OH. Beginning Friday, Nov. 9th-- 9 AM to noon --- a weekly, continuous seat weaving class. Bring your own project or I might have a chair or rocker you'd like to have for a project.Call me to help you decide the correct materials & tools for your project at 937-882-9389. Cost is $3.00 to the center each Friday you participate. Call Elderly United,Penny or Randy, at 937-323-4948 if interested.

On with my day and the final count down to-do list. And thanks for checking in.