Lake House for Lake Lady and family....

Hanging the Dining Room Chandelier

We received a call from our builder requesting information concerning the lighting for the dining room. He wanted to know where the electrical should be placed for our chandelier.

OK, sounds simple right?

Well, not so fast. I want the chandelier to be placed in the middle of the dining room table. At this point, I don't own a dining room table. When we moved into our condo, I gave my dining room furniture to my daughter. So, how does one determine where they are going to place a chandelier without having a table?

1. I had to determine the dimensions of the room, which are 10x13. Then I had to decide what size table this space would hold. Somewhere I read that a room could only hold a table which would take up 25 percent or less of the available space.

2. I also had to take into consideration the chairs, and the space, which they would require when they were pushed in close to the table.

3. I remembered that one also had to consider the space which was required to sit comfortably when the chair was seating an adult. I also had to include walk space around the table when at least 6 adults were seated at the table.

4. If the room was to include a hutch this space also must be factored.

After pulling my hair for 2 days, I finally asked my genius Mom. She looked at me and said that I was asking a simple question. She told me that I had to get the depth of the hutch in order to figure out the space which was required in order not to hit the hutch when a chair was seated with an adult. Simple, huh?

Back to the measuring tape I went.

I do own an antique hutch which I plan to use with my yet to be dining room table. After all of this, I decided that an oval table, which is 42x60 and six 16 inch chairs will work. In order for my chandelier to hang in the middle of the table it must be placed 72 inches from the back wall allowing 39.5 inches on each side of the table.

Wow, decisions from 2300 miles away are difficult. Boy, I hope I have it right. If not, I guess I will be doing this over. Cross your fingers.

I Found My Home In Montana....

I did not choose the East Coast as home. I just happened to find myself in Maryland. I have remained here for 25 years. I have spent longer in the East than I have any place I have ever lived. Somehow, it has never felt like home. It is beautiful, historic, and full of exciting weather changes. I have found work, and I am soon to retire from the state of Maryland. I have been happy in Maryland, but never felt that I would remain here. I longed for the west. I longed for home.



In 2004, we bought 20 acres of virgin Montana land in the city of Big Arm on the shore of Flathead Lake. It was here that we decided to build our retirement home.
From every window there is a beautiful peaceful view. No matter what part of the house you are in tranquility is found.



Montana will provide relief and refuge to Wendy, and my little Candy Hearts from the long, hot Arizona summers. There will be acres to explore, mountains to climb, camping on the shore of Flathead, visiting state and national parks such as Glacier, and roaming the Bison Range. Little Ivy will be able to run free to her hearts content.



At last, and for the first time in my life, I am finally home.

Back....

For about six weeks, my life and responsibilities have been all consuming. Simply put, there just were not enough hours in the day. I have found myself drifting from the few things that I really enjoy. Paying attention to my blogs is one of these. My life is no less busy, but I have made a commitment to update at least one time a week.

We made a trip to Montana to make final selections to our new home. We had a wonderful time, except a short trip turned into a longer trip than planned. The east coast winter furry kept us from returning home as planned. We had three flight cancellations and a four day trip turned into a twelve day trip.

I want to thank my friends Betsy, Christine, and my neighbors, Justin and Erin, for keeping the home fires burning. These dear people unselfishly cared for my Mother in my absence. This included fighting a east coast record blizzard to bring her grocery's, keeping in daily contact with visits and phone calls, and keeping me updated as to her status. I want to thank my children, Wendy and Todd for caring from far away. Each made several phone calls to Mama to keep her spirits up.

The longer time in Montana proved fruitful. We were able make all the final selections to finish our house. The next trip to Montana will probably be our final move. Yea!! I will posting some pics later.