27/02: There is no place like home.
With all of my traveling, I sometimes feel like I am on vacation when I return home. There is nothing quite like sitting your bags down and hanging up your coat in your own house. Recently, I was asked about my home when I got to participate in a mini-focus group of sorts. Audrey Matlock, my dear friend and architect of the stunning Chelsea Modern building invited me out for drinks and dinner at the wonderful Mas Farmhouse in the Village.
Audrey wanted to hear about my living quarters to look for tips and make sure her team didn’t miss anything. From the look of the place, I’m certain she hadn’t but obliged her anyway while we enjoyed our six-course chef’s tasting.
I relayed to Audrey how my living room is laid out to maximize my creature comforts as well as my connectivity. For me, relaxing is as much a comfortable chair and nice glass of Zinfandel as it is being connected to the ‘net.
It all starts with the leather chair and matching ottoman. I’ve been known to find myself awake at 3 am after falling asleep in the chair with ESPN highlights from the game I started watching before falling asleep. A perfect complement is a side table large enough to hold the endless line of remotes, a lamp and a wine glass or two.
I almost always find myself with my laptop on my lap when I’m watching TV. I’m either catching up on email while catching up on my Tivo or looking up an actor on IMDB.com to see if I really did just see him in an early role. My laptop is as much a part of my viewing experience as the TV itself. In fact, the heat thrown off by the laptop replaces any need for a blanket. I relayed to Audrey how a good wireless connection and nearby power outlet are key for the perfect den.
We continued on into the night, talking about movie rooms, wine cellars and avoiding calls from MTV Cribs. I can’t wait to see if Audrey took any of my suggestions to heart in the model unit she promised me a tour of when it is finished.
I relayed to Audrey how my living room is laid out to maximize my creature comforts as well as my connectivity. For me, relaxing is as much a comfortable chair and nice glass of Zinfandel as it is being connected to the ‘net.
It all starts with the leather chair and matching ottoman. I’ve been known to find myself awake at 3 am after falling asleep in the chair with ESPN highlights from the game I started watching before falling asleep. A perfect complement is a side table large enough to hold the endless line of remotes, a lamp and a wine glass or two.
I almost always find myself with my laptop on my lap when I’m watching TV. I’m either catching up on email while catching up on my Tivo or looking up an actor on IMDB.com to see if I really did just see him in an early role. My laptop is as much a part of my viewing experience as the TV itself. In fact, the heat thrown off by the laptop replaces any need for a blanket. I relayed to Audrey how a good wireless connection and nearby power outlet are key for the perfect den.
We continued on into the night, talking about movie rooms, wine cellars and avoiding calls from MTV Cribs. I can’t wait to see if Audrey took any of my suggestions to heart in the model unit she promised me a tour of when it is finished.
John Archer wrote:
My name is John Archer and saw your blog on Google when searching for "Archer Vineyards". I have small vineyard - 1 acre - in Dublin, CA I call Archer Vineyard. I grow Cab Franc and sell grapes to local Livermore winery but keep 200 lbs to make my own wine. Last year it won Best of Show at Alameda County/Livermore Fair.
Where are you located in Santa Clarita Valley. My daughter used to live there but now is in Glendale. I travel to Los Angeles 3-4 times each year and next time I fravel on Hwy 5 we could get together for a glass of your Cab.
Regards,
John Archer
Email: sjarcher33@aol.com