Packing Up Elderly Parents

Lessons Learned When Packing Up Aging Parents For a Move 

I started writing about caring for aging parents a few years ago when I was smack in the middle of these issues myself.  As the editor of I Antique Online.com, I receive many emails from adult children who want help in transitioning mom and or dad to a smaller apartment or Assisted will Living facility.

Letting Go Of Stuff

First let me begin by telling you that I made a lot of mistakes when it was my turn to move dad from Florida to New England (I'm smarter now).  Dad had a great deal of trouble letting go of his STUFF and insisted on bringing a lot of his "Asian inspired collectibles"  (all reproductions I found out) and decor with him.

What Would It Cost To Bring Along The Knick Knacks ?

Truthfully, I had no idea if any of the tchotchkes he wanted to bring to his new apartment had any significant monetary value. I knew he liked his Mud Men figurines and his giant ceramic tiger which sits on the floor and scares the daylights out of me, but how much of it did he need to bring?   And what would it cost to bring these knick knacks and living room decor with him?

Consulting With Movers, Shipping Services Etc.

After consulting with movers, senior care managers, shipping services etc., I decided  that since we were NOT bringing furniture and only smalls, we would use the local shipping service and  have his aide help with the packing. She would then bring the boxes to the neighborhood shipping service.

Sounds good right? Nope...it was a disaster. I assumed that my dad's aide would be able to pack up ceramic frogs,  Chinese bowls (inexpensive), figurines etc. and bring these boxes to the Post office. We had privately agreed that she was to pick out his favorite objects (with his say) and send only a few boxes (we were downsizing) to his new apartment.

Sneaking In Objects Into Boxes

She tried to be helpful,  but my father kept sneaking other objects into the boxes when she wasn't looking. Let me just say that my dad now has four staplers, an assortment of radio parts, broken tools, rocks, old telephones etc. in his new place.

Invest in Bubble Wrap And Sturdy Boxes 

As far as the packing is concerned, either she didn't know how to pack or my dad took over. Breakables were not carefully wrapped in bubble wrap. Boxes were  too loosely packed. Instead of receiving 6 well packed boxes, I received 12 flimsy boxes, poorly packed.  Half of the items came  broken (a blessing in disguise).

Moral of the story: Don't pack in front of a parent and use a professional packer if you can't do it yourself.  Consider using the U.S. Post Office.

For more information visit; http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/estatemavenshelpwithestateliquidation


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

"The New Normal" On NBC: The Ouch Factor

 "The New Normal" Provocative, Funny, Painful 

I'm always a few episodes behind (on everything), but yesterday, I caught up on the new NBC show "The New Normal" (Ryan Murphy - Glee). The beauty of On Demand T.V., I was able to watch the pilot and episode 2 before the realtime show (episode 3) which aired last night at 9:30.

Before I go into my take on this show, I want to reassure my loyal vintage kitchen kitsch followers that I will indeed return to my usual "safe" posts after I express my views on this timely, funny and provocative show.

 Gay T.V. Mastermind Ryan Murphy

"The New Normal" explores the life of a gay couple (played by Andrew Rannells and Justin Bartha), who love each other very much and make the decision to have a surrogate ( Georgia King) carry their baby. OY.....I can hear the reaction of some of my readers. Stay calm.....eat challah.

 

GAY Is "In"

I suppose, every other topic has been explored (and exploited) on television so now it is "their" turn. As you might imagine, as gay inspired television shows break new ground,  there is a lot to talk about.  For sure "The New Norrmal" is a T.V. show  that will ruffle a few feathers. (I'm thinking the folks at Chick- fil-A   ?) .

There will be those viewers who focus on the chutzpah of showing gays on primetime  mainstream television. Not to mention the naysayers who can't handle gay couples showing affection for each other. Imagine that...a show about a loving couple who wants to raise a child in a loving family.  How novel?

Other viewers (like me) will be struck by the harshness of the dialogue and the shocking comments made by constricted mean spirited characters.

Ellen Barkin: Bigot par Excellance 

I warn you.....watching "The New Normal" is not simply lighthearted , it is often painfully blunt. That is what I am calling "The Ouch factor" ( not to be confused with the X factor).  It is very hard to see the character of Nana (Ellen Barkin) as the BIGOT par excellance, spit out her cruel and hurtful comments about gays and others. Her remarks are so crude that the audience isn't sure whether to laugh or to reach for an analgesic to numb the misery.

I wanted to cry when another bigot at an outlet mall asks Bryan and David not to kiss in public in front of his daughter. He refers to them having a baby as disgusting.  I cringed with hurt for all the gay couples and families who experience this hatred and intolerance everyday, everywhere. ENOUGH already......GROW UP ....where are the peaceniks?

It's tough to look at our T.V. screens and see our society in the mirror. I should mention however that  "The New Normal" is an equal opportunity show, gays are not the only ones bashed in this series ....plenty of digs (INSULTS) go out to others...such a shanda!  I'm hoping shows like this will raise some consciousness...it's time to deal with these difficult topics.

Mr. Rogers Are You Listening From Your New Neighborhood?

Remember when "All In The Family"  debuted ? My my what Archie Bunker said on TELEVISION

Are you sitting down....."The New Normal" makes "All In The Family" look like an episode of Captain Kangaroo..... I sure do miss The Captain and Mr Greenjeens (they had a calming effect on me). Where are they now .....when we need more lessons on tolerance and playing nice.

Make Room For Daddy

Mr. Rogers are you listening from your new neighborhood ? Send us some messages from above....what is your take on the new gay T.V. shows?

Oh here is a message that just arrived from the zippered sweater man from his new neighborhood: I'll paraphrase it:

the times ... they are  changing.....slowly, but in a good way ... we are moving forward. There  is a new normal...... so "Make Room For Daddies". 


Image Credits
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/09/13/gay-is-the-new-normal/
http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2012/09/the-voice-premiere-expands-the-new-normal-and-go-on-move-up-a-day.html
http://crushable.com/entertainment/the-new-normal-ryan-murphy-tv-shows-racist-761/

 C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Cleaning Up Chrome Legs On Formica And Chrome Vintage Kitchen Tables And Chairs

Restoring 1950s Kitchen Tables And Chairs

This 1950's yellow Formica kitchen set with chrome legs looks pretty good from afar or in this  photograph . But when you get up close to the set, there is a lot of rust and grime on the table and chair chrome legs

 I asked the owner of Main Street Antiques in Seymour, CT  if this kitchen set will clean up? He said it would look much better after he takes some very fine steel wool and gently rubs the table legs to clean. Here is a link to this method  http://www.ehow.com/how_6168100_fix-chrome-rusty-table.html

Some folks also have had much success with Noxon Metal Polish.

Please feel free to add  comments about your experience in cleaning up old Formica and Chrome table and chairs.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Advice On Buying Melamine Collectibles In Lots

Kitschy Melamine And Melmac Kitchenwares

I always get excited when I spot Melamine dishes, especially when colorful pieces are grouped together with a "lot" price. But after I calm down, I analyze what it is I am actually buying? Vintage 

Melamine is very easy to find  on eBay and other online sites. Some collectors enjoy putting sets together piece by piece, but as a shop owner interested in the resale value of what I am buying,  it is important for me to consider whether this relatively inexpensive kitchenware will take up more shelf space than it's worth.  

From experience, I would suggest buying "lots" that at least contain four or more dishes of the same color and pattern. For example, four green  cereal bowls or four green cups with their matching saucer.  Beware of buying a hodgepodge of plastics....they generally sit and take up too much space.   

Also look over these popular plastics for scratches and wear.  

Photo taken at http://seymourantiques.com/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Atomic Era White And Black Pyrex Bowls

Retro Black And White Pyrex Bowls

These are hip black and white Pyrex bowls with an Atomic Era pattern that I spotted at The Seymour Antiques Company in Seymour, CT Once again, I regret not having picked these up, they are so Retro cool. Not sure who the manufacturer is and pattern  names, so if my readers know, please leave a comment. 

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

I Channeled My Mother.....Added Ketchup To The Brisket...Another Rosh Hashanah Dinner Success Story

Cooking Brisket Is An Art 

Once again, I pulled out my Brisket recipe which has been at the head of my binder for 21 precious years. Some years  this recipe comes through with flying colors and other years I wonder why I don't search for a replacement. I secretly scoff at my friends who make their Brisket with beer, or Coca cola or whatever.

But I am happy to report that  I made this dish  this past Sunday evening (Erev Rosh Hashanah) and all was well. I was back on track. My secret will soon be revealed.

I attribute  my success to my growing experience as a Mixed Media artist.  Did I lose you? What does Brisket and  art have in common? Both cooking and making art is about "process" and experience. Every artist brings to the drawing table their own style and favored tools and products. The experienced cook, like the Mixed Media artist  builds self confidence and enjoys experimenting  with a variety of methods, ingredients and cooking styles.   

So what did I learn in 21 years of making this Brisket recipe with its ups and downs? 

This year I channeled my mother and added KETCHUP.......it was a marvelous Brisket!    

BRISKET RECIPE

Adapted from 1991 New York Times Recipe

3 lb  Brisket fat trimmed (make sure one piece)
salt and ground pepper
nutmeg
1 tablespoon flour
2 tablespoon olive oil
4 onions sliced
garlic minced
1 cup dry red wine 
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon thyme
1 tablespoon vinegar
4 sprigs parsley
2 celery tops
1 bay leaf

1. Dust Brisket with salt, pepper, nutmeg and flour and brown in Dutch Oven or on top of stove with a little oil.
2. Brown onions and garlic in Olive oil.
3. Join Meat and onions/garlic in roasting pot .
4. Pour sauce made from ingredients above over Brisket.
5. Add bay leaf.

Cook for two plus hours ( It takes way longer) until meat is nice and soft. I add cut up potatoes roasting pan (par boiling first).

I also may add more honey, and sometimes ketchup to sauce after an hour if I want to alter the taste to make  a little sweeter.  You may need to add some water to sauce if too dry. 

Put in refrigerator. Next day slice and  return to pan. Reheat later that evenin


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

First Annual Juried Art Show Opens At Autumn Light Gallery, Avon, CT September 15th, 2012, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Autumn Light: An Upscale Gallery In Avon, CT Hosts   Local Artisans


I  wanted to be sure to encourage you to visit the opening reception at Autumn Light Gallery (Route 44), tomorrow night, Saturday September 15th , 2012, Avon, CT.

Sneak Preview Of Autumn Light Art Show

I got a chance to poke my head into the show and snap some photos for you. Chris and Jerry are really busy setting up this first annual juried art show , but they allowed the kitschy collector a glimpse.

 

Paintings,  Sculpture, Stained Glass, Textiles, Assemblage Art At Autumn Light Gallery

The show is in one portion of the gallery and will run from September 15th, 2012 through October 12th, 2012.
Refreshments will be served. Chris and Jerry are donating a portion of the profits of the show to Hartford  Camp Courant.

 Assemblage Art At Autumn Light Gallery

In addition to this special show, visitors will find a beautifully displayed gallery of pottery, paintings,   sculpture,  dolls, textiles, stained glass, abstracts, assemblage art,  functional objet d'art, jewelry, cards and more.

304 west Main Street
Avon CT,  06001
(860) 674 - 9869Summer Hours 
Sunday , Monday Closed
Tuesday   10 - 6:00
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday   10 - 6
Saturday  10 - 5   

http://www.autumnlightstudio.com/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Kitsch n Stuff A Great Source For Retro Housewares And Kitchen Collectibles At Collinsville Antiques Company Of New Hartford, CT

Retro Housewares

Do you love vintage housewares and kitschy kitchen collectibles ? I'm hooked on this retro stuff.  I have said it before, I can spend an entire afternoon washing vintage dishes, utensils and kitchenwares and yet leave a sink filled with my own family dishes left for sometime later. The thrill of the hunt is always followed by a desire to carefully unpack my treasures and then soak them in soapy water until they are nice and clean!

Kitsch n Stuff Gallery

Here is a glimpse of  some of my goodies at  Kitsch n Stuff



C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Visiting The Best Connecticut Antique Shop For Vintage Kitchen Collectibles Kitsch n Stuff

 Kitsch n Stuff Gets New Fall Look 

At 

The Collinsville Antiques Company of 

New Hartford  CT

It's not a common experience, but I shlepped my husband to my shop "Kitsch n Stuff" to help me decorate for the Fall season. Even though Kitsch n Stuff is filled from floor to ceiling with kitchen  collectibles and home goods, I still feel lik eI need more. So every now and then, I give myself  permission to re-invent the  visuals by adding a brand new shelf or  cabinet.

Picking Up An Old Red And Yellow Shelf  

The inspiration came from visiting the Harwinton Antiques show over Labor Day weekend. I found a wonderful vintage brushed yellow and red shelf and some cute accessories that made for a charming vignette. The problem was there was not an inch of space to  spare in my tightly packed booth at the Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, Connecticut.

Vintage Housewares, Kitchen Collectibles, Home Goods

But with the help of my husband who often accompanies me on my junk forays, we were able to move around all the display shelves and accomplish our goal to make it all fit. So now that  I got all the fixtures to fit, and the housewares and kitchen stuff nicely in place, I will have to pull apart the whole  space again, because I bought a load of stuff yesterday. Why do we always find stuff when we are not looking for it?

For more information visit
http://www.collinsvilleantiques.com/


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Autumn Light Gallery Avon, Connecticut Getting Ready For First Annual Open Juried Art Exhibition, September 15-October 12, 2012

Beautiful Exhibits At Autumn Light Gallery  

While Chris and Jerry, owners of Autumn Light Studio And  Gallery were busy getting ready for their First Annual Open Juried Art Exhibition, September 15-October 12, 2012, I was buzzing around their amazing gallery photographing gorgeous vignettes and objets d'art. These works of art are continuously  changing making for some very exciting installations. The gallery represents ove 50 local artists.


Autumn Light Gallery Located On Route 44, Avon, Connecticut

Located on Route 44 in Avon, Connecticut just  across from the Marshalls shopping plaza, "Autumn Light" has become one of the best multi media galleries in the region. Collections include pottery, stained glass, blown glass, fused glass, original artwork, woodworking, metal craft, sculpture, textile art, jewelry, wall decor, assemblages, dolls, functional art, holiday decor and more.

Take Classes At Autumn Light Gallery

Recently, the gallery has added classes conducted by some of the artists who exhibit their work at "Autumn Light". Mary Beth Sasso is giving a class called "portrait in Charcoal or Pastel" on September 10th, 2012. Chris and  Jerry planned out the gallery well with a classroom on the lower level.  Stained Glass classes start September 18, 2012.

Full Service Stained Glass Studio At Autumn Light 

 Chris, a very accomplished stained class artist, offers a full service stained class studio including stained glass, supplies, tools, restoration, repair and custom design projects.

First Annual Open Juried Art Exhibition, September 15-October 12, 2012 

The upcoming juried art show will open with a reception and award ceremony on Saturday September 15th, 2012 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. For more information visit:  http://www.autumnlightstudio.com/


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Harwinton Antiques And Design Weekend, September 1 and September 2, 2012

 Visiting The Harwinton Antiques Weekend,  Harwinton, Connecticut 

I am heading out to The Harwington Antiques And Design Weekend (previously called The Farmington Show). This annual antiques event held the weekend of Labor day  September 1 and September 2, 2012 is a delightful show. Held in a lovely country setting in Harwington, Connecticut,  the fairgrounds show has developed into a special showcase of designer and collector dealers.

But what I really like about the show is the room settings done in the indoor  pavilions. The show has both indoor and outdoor booths.

Things to remember:

Sunscreen (many booths are also indoors)
Hat
Camera
Checkbook/money
Ice water (they also have refreshments)
Lunch (you can buy food)

Visit the show website at http://www.farmingtonantiquesweekend.com

You will find Americana, folk art,  game boards, weathervanes, pottery, glassware, toys, decorative accessories, clothing, quilts, jewelry, primitives, Mid Century, vintage, dolls, kitchenware, silver, furniture, Country, garden, pop culture, china and so much more. The show will please be budgets as well as bargain hunters.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists