Happy "White Wednesday" to each of you and hope you have stopped by Kathleen's blog to say hi, and add your name to the list of participants. This week, I decided to post one of our more elegant "white" area's of Country Roads. These pictures are courtesy of Loretta's talented work and style that she brings to Country Roads! Enjoy.
Here is Southern CA we have had such great weather this summer. Mild temperatures, clear blue skies all add up to a great "White Wednesday"! Take care.
I think part of the appeal of Country Roads is not only our great displays, but the variety of product we carry. While some stores specialize in country primitives, or the shabby whites, etc, here at Country Roads we DO have it all! And that even includes an outside garden and nursery. Today, I tried to post some pictures that would illustrate to you what I mean. Here are a few of the many different looks of Country Roads that are currently in the store right now!!
Also, as many of you know, we are on "baby watch" in my family! I was just very grateful that Katie didn't go into labor last night. I really needed to sleep since we've been SO busy these past few days at the store! All of our wonderful customers made sure we stayed VERY busy during our sale on Saturday, and also yesterday, on the holiday Monday. Please know how very much I DO appreciate your business!! I'll keep you posted on the arrival of my "little man" either here on my blog or on Facebook! And "thank you" for all your kinds words in sharing the excitement of a new baby in our family! I sincerely appreciate it! Take care.
I'm not sure quite how long Georgia has been at Country Roads. But I DO know a couple of things. First, this is her third area in the store and it looks awesome! Seriously, my pictures really don't come even close to how great Georgia's displays are. Also, I love the "darker" look. She has some wonderful oak pieces that really add to her merchandise just "popping" in her displays! Below are a few pictures of what I'm talking about!
I took these pictures "before" our big sale started on Saturday. I can tell you one thing, none of our displays look too good right now. More like "Hurricane CRA" hit!
I had a pretty quiet 4th of July, as you can see. Sally and I kicked back by the pool as I enjoyed my ipod and Corona. Usually my family gets together but Bryce was up in Alameda and Brande was in San Francisco on the Lilith tour so we didn't plan anything. And I have to tell you, I was STILL feeling the after effects of our big sale on Saturday!!
So, as I sat in my chair with Sally in hers, we watched the sunset and I had planned on trying to stay awake to watch the fireworks from the show at Vet's Stadium. Never made it, nor did my "little man"!! I'm STILL waiting and we will see what Katie's doc has to say today!
As some of you know, we had a big sale at Country Roads yesterday. I always try as hard as I can to promote these sales. I spend the prior month trying to encourage our customers to join us on this special sale day. I rack my brain thinking of ways that I can convince them that it really is worth making a trip to Country Roads! And on the flip side of that, I have to convince all 80 or so dealers of mine to be on the same page that I am! Not always an easy task. Yesterday, all of YOU, made all of our hard work worthwhile and I thank you for this with a huge "attitude of gratitude"! We were short a one staff member yesterday, yet you all waited so patiently in line, thank you! Today, the 4th of July, is a great day to express "attitudes of gratitude"! Above is Riley, last year on the 4th of July. 
She was celebrating the 4th of July under the big magnolia tree that I spent my entire childhood celebrating similar times as I grew up. I am very grateful that Riley and her family get to grow up in the same house I did as a child and play under the same tree. It was the house my dad and mom bought after my dad got home from WWII where he fought for America's freedom.
Today I am very grateful to be able to celebrate the 4th of July in "our" country that allows people to speak their minds freely without prosecution. I am grateful that this country has elected a President that is a good man, and those that don't care for the color of his skin or politics should also be grateful that they can express those opinions so openly and freely. Our soldiers today are still dying in foreign lands fighting for "freedom"! And each and everyone of us should have an attitude of gratitude that we can publically stand in the streets of America and have the freedom and independance to say whatever we choose! Awhile back, one of my friends, Rita, wrote a blog post that I've copied below. I think her words truly express what today, the 4th of July is all about!Again, thank each and everyone of you for your kind words yesterday. They always hold a special place in my heart. 
My boy Bryce is on his way this morning up north to the Alameda Flea Market. He's been working hard to get ready for the trip. Below are a few pictures of the stuff he will be taking with him.
Bryce has the "industrial" bug bad! He loves this look, and has some pretty awesome pieces. I did suggest that maybe he should start telling shoppers that he carries "French Industrial", you know so the price is higher because of the word "French". Of course I'm kidding, but I have to say it makes me laugh. I haven't figured out what is "French Industrial" and what isn't. I was thinking about re-naming my store to, "Country French Roads"! Thought I good raise my prices then! Of course I'm kidding and if you are shopping up at the show this week-end, be sure you stop by and tell my boy Bryce hello!!
Remember the old sitcom Cheers? And when Norm walked through the door everyone would yell, "Norm"!! Frank Krause is that in the antique world with his gift of gab and friendliness. I'm happy to let you know that Frank has joined our Country Roads family. Below are a few pictures that Bryce quickly snapped with his iphone of Frank's stuff on move in day. 
The pictures aren't too clear, and Frank has only just begun to get settled here at Country Roads. I just wanted to introduce you to our Country Roads Norm, "FRANK! I promise more pictures soon.
Before I begin, I want everyone to laugh at this post, enjoy the humor, because my furry friend Leonard would have wanted that way! To complete my blog title, it goes like this, "you know your day sucks when you try to wake up a dead cat"! Come on, it IS funny! You know, a couple of months ago I took Leonard to the vet, and he came back home. I didn't actually agree with the decision, but none the less, he was back and I thought there must be a reason. Leonard was older than dirt, seriously. He was way over 20 years old. Yesterday morning, I had made the decision, that such an awesome cat as Leonard, didn't need to lose his manhood, the bad ass cat he was, and I was going to take him to the vets to have him put to sleep.
So, when I went out to the sunroom to get him, I truly did try to wake up a dead cat! There is some peace to be found that Leonard died in his sleep at home. I thought I could pick him up, put him in the carrier and take him to the vets, but I couldn't. I think that is where it must suck to be a male. My boy Bryce wrapped him in one of my beach towels and placed him in the cat carrier. Yep, me and my dead cat, cruising to the vets with the sunroof open thinking about what a great cat he was. Leonard found me, I didn't find him. My oh so wonderful ex-husband had just made his exit as I told him to make sure the door didn't hit him in the ass on his way out! Brande, and her friend Jamie, were out in front of the house one day shortly after that. And out of nowhere, this old tiger tomcat shows up. Leonard was OLD when he showed up 12 years ago. At first I wasn't interested in another cat, but Leonard was determined. With chunks of his ears gone from obviously fighting with other cats, he earned his keep. I came home to find dead rats, mice, lizards, bugs and a variety of other dead things on my doormat. I think Brande and Jamie named him Leonard, it just fit.
When I sold the house that once was our family home in the way too fancy neighborhood for me, I remember throwing Leonard in the car for the ride to his new digs! He quickly became everyone's favorite in the new neighborhood. Dogs on walks, always went out of their way to stay away from Leonard because they sensed he would kick their ass. As he got even older, yes if that was possible, he became a house cat, and actually loved it. He was always a weird cat, I mean, come on, how many cats love Corona! I've had cats my entire life, all rescues. And they were all very special to me, yet a couple really stood out. Oprah was a tough one to lose. It's okay to laugh, yes she was black and she was named that in a non-discriminatory way. But when it was her time, I did what was right. I took her to the vet because it was her time to go and I didn't want her to suffer. 
And how can Leonard not be remembered. The Facebook Fan page cat, the cat that loved Corona's, and the cat that loved and adored Riley. They were buddies forever, and I DO mean forever. He would tolerate her dressing him up in doll clothes without ever scratching her or biting. And occasionally when she got a bit too rough with him, he would nip her. And Riley would be devastated, sobbing, because her bestfriend had nipped her. Brande is in Canada right now on the Lilith tour. I texted her yesterday morning, telling her what happened, and I was worried about Riley. She said that we shouldn't tell Riley until she is fifteen years old!! We all agree on that one. The story isn't quite over yet. When I went into the vets office early yesterday morning with Leonard and told the short fat ass little b*tch receptionist what happened she looked at me and said this: "there is a $20 disposal fee". I bit my tongue because when I get really angry, I don't hold back. But please know, I'm NOT done with her, seriously! I've ONLY just begun!! So do me one favor. Give your furry friends a big hug in Leonard's memory. He loved Corona, so next time you have your drink of choice, give the old guy a toast, he truly deserves it! I will truly miss you my friend!!
