The Beauty of Hickory Dining Room Furniture

Are you thinking of redecorating your dining area? Good. But you should know that major redecorating that involves replacing your dining furniture, whether it's the dining room tables or just the kitchen tables, is no easy task.

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For those of you who are used to getting something accomplished in a short period of time, a word of warning: redecorating your dining room area might take a bit longer than what you're used to. A lot of the time is consumed in making decisions and comparing characteristics of different types of dining room furniture. You don't want to end up choosing the wrong dining room tables or kitchen tables, so you do need to take your time in deciding - although not so much that you end up stalling.

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The Musts in Choosing Things for Your Dining Area

No matter which part of the house you are redecorating, it is always important to think through every decision, no matter how small or insignificant it may be. The whole point of redesigning an area of your house is because you want it to give off a different feel or vibe, maybe even recreate a certain time in history, if you want. For this to happen, you need to be consistent in your choices and not be easily tempted with different designs as you want to come up with a look that is consistent and not cluttered with different wild styles.

Choosing your dining furniture is a particularly tricky task as they are major pieces in your dining room area. These are central to creating that much-wanted atmosphere in your dining room area. Your choice of dining room tables for instance, is very crucial as this is where your guests and family members will be spending most of their time. If you want it to convey the right message, you have to do your research in advance to ensure that you have definitely chosen the right pieces, be it kitchen tables, for your dining room area.

Need Strong and Sturdy Pieces for Your Dining Room?

Of course, for everyone, quality is a priority when it comes to picking out the right dining furniture. However, for some, there are other musts associated with picking out, for instance, their preferred dining tables or kitchen tables. Some may put style over strength, while others may prefer functionality first.

For those who are after functionality and durability, you will definitely love hickory dining room furniture. This type of hardwood is the strongest currently available in the market - and that's a fact. The great thing about hickory furniture is that it is functional, and yet good to look at, in a simple and clean kind of way.

The wood that is used to create hickory hardwood is quite hard and dense, and it normally starts off in brown hues. There are so many variations in the brown shades that it can come in, so in that sense, you can be quite flexible when choosing. Over time, these brown hues slowly change into more amber-type tones, which is really beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

If you decide to go for hickory for your dining tables, you've made a good choice. These are comforting to look at, and do not at all appear dark in any room. It can light up an entire dining area, making it look casual and accommodating. There is something very homey about hickory kitchen tables, and guests will love coming over during mealtimes because they will always feel welcome in your home.

What you need to remember when it comes to hickory dining furniture is that your other elements should match well with the hardwood. Decorate your kitchen tables and dining room tables with bright-colored pieces - sunshiney yellows, bright blues, and vibrant reds would do well for hickory. Because the shades of brown that your hickory furniture will cast are quite common and universal, it is very easy to jazz up your kitchen tables and dining room tables.

Don't be afraid to experiment with color! That's the good thing about hickory - you can try all sorts of colors without looking like you've gone crazy trying to decorate your dining room area. This is what hickory is best for - flexibility and versatility when it comes to redecorating and accessorizing.

However, remember that when you do experiment with colors, make sure that you don't include the whole color spectrum in your choices! Be consistent. Choose one or two main colors that you would like to focus on, and stick to that. Over time, if you feel like changing your color theme, by all means do so - just don't use all of them at once, otherwise, your dining room area will look like a child had just gone crazy with home shopping after being given permission to redecorate your dining room area.

Don't worry too much about your hickory tables changing in color. As said previously, the tones will change to something closer to amber, but hickory is not known for its drastic color changes. While it will definitely move closer to amber as it ages, it will not be so noticeable that all your accessories will start to look all wrong for it. Chances are you will still be able to use the same accessories for them.

At the end of the day, as long as you've done your research in advanced and are confident that you have picked out the right pieces for your dining room area, chances are you will not regret the decisions you have made. Obviously, you will need to adjust some of your pieces over time as you start experimenting with different styling techniques, but that's all in good fun - you learn as you go along, and you will eventually be an expert in knowing what does and does not look good in your dining room area.

Hickory hardwood furniture is a good starting choice for the newbies who are redecorating their dining room area for the first time. It's classic, simple, comfortable, and homey - the perfect ingredients for happy mealtimes with family members and guests. Everyone will surely love using hickory hardwood furniture in their dining areas, making many memorable mealtime moments with a great-looking dining room in the presence of good company.

The Beauty of Hickory Dining Room Furniture
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Black Friday Linon Torino Collection Craftsman Bar Stool 30 2011 Deals

Nov 14, 2011 15:53:46

Black Friday Linon Torino Collection Craftsman Bar Stool 30 Deals
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Linon Torino Collection Craftsman Bar Stool 30

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Black Friday Linon Torino Collection Craftsman Bar Stool 30 Feature

  • Dark Cherry Finish
  • Black Vinyl Padded Seat
  • 30" Seat Height
  • Solid construction and quality craftsmanship
  • Some assembly required


Black Friday Linon Torino Collection Craftsman Bar Stool 30 Overview

With a traditional Mission back styling, this Triena Craftsman Bar Stool will enhance your dining area with its casual charm. The rich dark cherry finish, black wipe clean vinyl padded seat, and 30-inch high seat give this bar stool a timeless allure. Solid construction and quality craftsmanship have made this bar stool both sturdy and attractive. This bar stool fits beautifully into a casual or formal décor.



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Finding the Right Bed for Your Size

In 1988, sleep expert Dr Chris Idzikowski discovered that trading in your old bed for a new, more comfortable one could give you an average of 42 minutes extra sleep -four times as effective as a typical over-the-counter sleep remedy. So if you're feeling cramped in your sleeping space, or you're tossing and turning on an uncomfortable mattress, one of the most important things you can do for your health is to invest in a new bed.

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Choosing a bed for a tall person

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According to the Sleep Council, most of us are sleeping in a bed that's too small. 75 % of double beds sold are still the standard size: 4' 6" x 6' 3" (135 x 190cm), yet men and women in the UK are getting taller. Each generation is on average 0.75 inches taller than the last, which means that within the next 50 years, the average man is likely to be 6 foot tall. The Sleep Council recommends that since we don't sleep with our heads right up against the head board, we should choose a bed that's at least 6in (15cm) taller than the tallest person sleeping in it. If you or your partner are above average height, even upgrading to a 5' x 6' 6" (150 x 200cm) king size could make a dramatic difference to your night's sleep while taking up very little extra space in your bedroom. And at 6' x 6' 6" (180 x 200cm), a super king size should give most tall people the extra length they need. If you're very tall, an alternative is to consider a custom made bed. While this will be more expensive, the advantage is that the bed can be designed to your exact specifications to suit you and your home.

Choosing a mattress for a heavy person

If you or your partner is heavy, a standard double bed probably won't be wide enough for you to sleep comfortably without disturbing each other. Like tall people, you'll benefit from a king- or super king-sized bed to give you that extra room. However, a further difficulty for heavier people is that when you sleep on a conventional innerspring, air, or foam mattress, your body weight pulls you down. As the compressed air or springs push back, your skin and blood vessels are squeezed between the force of your weight and the upwards force of the mattress. This causes pressure points, which constrict circulation in areas like the shoulder blades, buttocks, head, heels, hips or elbows. Pressure points can result in numbness, stiffness and pain and lead to a restless and unsatisfying night's sleep. The heavier you are, the more likely this is to be a problem. An overweight person needs a firm and supportive mattress made of a higher density material such as memory foam to relieve pressure and ensure restful sleep. Memory foam, or visco-elastic foam, was originally developed by NASA to ease the pressure of extreme G-force on astronauts. A memory foam mattress moulds perfectly to the unique shape of your body, providing excellent support and reducing pressure points. A memory foam mattress can reduce your need to toss and turn during the night by up to 80 %, resulting in a much deeper, more restful sleep. It is also very durable and will continue to provide comfort and support for around 15 years.

Finding the perfect bed for you

When choosing a new bed or mattress, make sure both you and your partner visit the showroom together. Don't be afraid to try out a number of beds by lying on them to find the one that's most comfortable. It's worth investing time into finding the right bed, as a good night's sleep makes so much difference to your health and well-being. Remember that the level of firmness or softness that suits you best is a personal choice, so never let a salesman talk you into buying anything that doesn't feel right. Once you've got your ideal bed, make sure your bedding and bed linen fit perfectly too. If your covers are too large for your bed, they can easily slip and slide off. If they're too small, they won't cover you properly and you'll wake up cold. Most department stores carry a good range of bed linen sizes; however, you can also find specialist firms who will make custom-sized bed linen for you.

Finding the Right Bed for Your Size
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Black Friday Coaster Contemporary Counter Height Stools, Walnut Wooden Finish, Set of 2 2011 Deals

Nov 13, 2011 18:14:51

Black Friday Coaster Contemporary Counter Height Stools, Walnut Wooden Finish, Set of 2 Deals
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Coaster Contemporary Counter Height Stools, Walnut Wooden Finish, Set of 2

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Black Friday Coaster Contemporary Counter Height Stools, Walnut Wooden Finish, Set of 2 Feature

  • 22"L x 18"W x 40"H
  • Some assembly may be required. Please see product details.
  • Dining and Kitchen


Black Friday Coaster Contemporary Counter Height Stools, Walnut Wooden Finish, Set of 2 Overview

Dimensions: 22"L x 18"W x 40"H.Finish: Walnut. Material: Hardwood. Set of 2 Contemporary Counter Height Stools.Finished in rich walnut finish.Crafted from select hardwoods and veneers.Matching counter height dining table (#101038WLN) available separately.Assembly required.



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Linon Milano Counter Stool 24

Black Friday Linon Milano Counter Stool 24 2011 Deals

Nov 12, 2011 20:38:25

Black Friday Linon Milano Counter Stool 24 Deals
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Linon Milano Counter Stool 24

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Black Friday Linon Milano Counter Stool 24 Feature

  • Walnut finish
  • Wipe clean Dark Brown PVC Vinyl seat cover
  • Solid wood legs and padded seat cushion
  • Four foot rails provide stability and comfort
  • 24" seat height


Black Friday Linon Milano Counter Stool 24 Overview

Create a contemporary or classical look in your kitchen, dining or home pub area with the sleek shape and style of this walnut finish 24" Milano Counter Stool. Solid wood legs give this courtly stool additional strength ensuring years of everyday use. The padded cushion will provide optimum comfort for you and your guests and is topped with durable Dark Brown Vinyl that is stain resistant, fade resistant and features tightly woven threads that won't break, mat or peel.



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Wheelchair Accessible Kitchen Or When the Chef Has Wheels

I get many questions regarding details of an accessible kitchen. Questions like, what is the standard countertop height from the floor to the top of the counter, or what is the standard toe-kick. The list goes on and on.  Are there special appliances or cabinets? In this article I will cover the basics, cabinets, flooring, lighting, electrical, and finally appliances.

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Cabinets
Most cabinet manufacturers offer specific ADA compliant cabinets which will give you a final countertop height of 32" from the floor to the top of the counter. They will also include the proper toe-kick of 9" high by 6" deep. This provides room for the foot rest of a wheelchair to slide under the edge of the cabinet. This however does not provide access to the cook-top or sink. The base cabinets that will house these items will need to have knee space under the countertop. Now upper cabinets present a different set of problems. Even if they are installed at the standard height above the base cabinets only the bottom shelf will be accessible to someone seated in a wheelchair. I personally like to lower them another 6" so that the bottom two shelves are accessible. Or you could save the expense and just leave them out. One last item, the base cabinets should have large deep drawers instead of cabinet doors, as these are more accessible.  

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Flooring
The flooring should be hard surface, such as wood or ceramic tile or stone. You should avoid any kind of flooring that has give or is cushioned. This kind of floor makes it difficult to move a manual wheelchair around as does wall to wall carpeting or area rugs. Avoid these items if at all possible. Even the most innocent of kitchen rugs can be a dangerous tripping hazard for the disabled or elderly.
 
Lighting
With today's need to be green, lighting for the accessible kitchen is no longer considered specialized. The use of CFL (Compact Florescent Light) bulbs and LED under cabinet low voltage task lighting is common place. So the only thing that really needs to be said is that you need to provide task lighting in all food preparation areas.
 
Electrical
This is one area that is often overlooked as far where and how to install electrical outlets and switches in an accessible kitchen.  Wall outlets are usually placed behind the base cabinet, either above or in the backsplash. For someone seated in a wheelchair this means they have to make a dangerous reach in order to use the outlet. It is better to install the outlet in the face of the base cabinet, just under the countertop. Or a popup multi-outlet can be installed in the countertop itself within easy reach of the wheelchair occupant. Switches should be placed at 48" above the floor so that they are within reach of the wheelchair occupant. Use rocker type switches for those with limited use of their fingers. Finally outlets that are on a wall without cabinets should be at least 18" above the floor for a safe reach in a wheelchair.

Appliances
While there is no need for specialized or custom appliances, certain types of appliances are best in an accessible kitchen. Let's start with the stove for example, a conventional range cannot be used, A separate cook-top and oven unit will need to be used. As mentioned before the cook-top will need a knee space below the cabinet. The oven should be mounted in a base cabinet so it can be easily loaded and unloaded. A heat resistant surface at countertop level should be provided to place hot pans on. Next a drawer type dishwasher can be mounted conventionally and easily accessed from a wheelchair. However, a standard front loading dishwasher will need to be raised 9" to make it easy to load and unload. The sinks will have to have rear mounted drains to allow for the knee space beneath and still allow for a disposal. The microwave should be mounted below the countertop. Finally the refrigerator should either be a side by side model or a French door model with the freezer on the bottom.
 
There are probably other items that you can do to make a kitchen even more accessible. Try sitting in a standard kitchen chair in front of a problem area and ask yourself what can I change, that will make this area more accessible.  I hope this helps those of you who need to make your kitchen more accessible for a wheelchair. If you have any questions don't hesitate ask. Remember breath Peace and God's Love..... 

Wheelchair Accessible Kitchen Or When the Chef Has Wheels
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Black Friday 24"H Counter Height Stool with Black Cushion Seat in Cherry Finish 2011 Deals

Nov 11, 2011 23:03:14

Black Friday 24
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24

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Black Friday 24"H Counter Height Stool with Black Cushion Seat in Cherry Finish Feature

  • Some assembly may be required. Please see product details.


Black Friday 24"H Counter Height Stool with Black Cushion Seat in Cherry Finish Overview

  • Dimension: 15"W x 15"D x 24"H
  • Finish: ES Cherry with Black Seat
  • Material: Solid Hardwood, High Density Foam and PVC
  • 24"H Counter Height Stool with Black Cushion Seat in Cherry Finish
  • Designed in contemporary style, the Juno stool features simple design.
  • Item is constructed in solid hardwood in ES cherry finish.
  • The high density foam cushion is covered in durable easy clean black PVC fabric.
  • This stool is designed with circle footrest for stability and comfort.
  • With a full size 15"diameter seat.
  • Also available in 29"H.
  • Ready to assemble.




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Coaster Bar Stools, Solid Wood Cappuccino with Wheat Back, Set of 2

Special Price!!! Coaster Bar Stools, Solid Wood Cappuccino with Wheat Back, Set of 2

Nov 11, 2011 01:27:20

Coaster Bar Stools, Solid Wood Cappuccino with Wheat Back, Set of 2
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Coaster Bar Stools, Solid Wood Cappuccino with Wheat Back, Set of 2

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Coaster Bar Stools, Solid Wood Cappuccino with Wheat Back, Set of 2 Feature

  • Set of 2 30"H Bar Stools with Wheat Back Cappuccino Finish
  • Some assembly may be required. Please see product details.
  • Dining and Kitchen


Coaster Bar Stools, Solid Wood Cappuccino with Wheat Back, Set of 2 Overview

Dimensions: 17"W x 20"D x 47"H.Finish: Rich Cappuccino, Deep Mocha. Material: Solid Hardwood, Veneer, Microfiber. Set of 2 30"H Bar Stools with Wheat Back Rich Cappuccino Finish. Features wheat back design and durable microfiber seat in a deep mocha. finish.Clean lines and contemporary style.Smooth design and rich coloring is sure to embellish any home environment.Stylish, elegant and a perfect timeless design to your dining room.Matching counter height dining table is available separately.Assembly required.



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4 24" Saddle Back Black Bar Stools

Special Price!!! 4 24" Saddle Back Black Bar Stools

Nov 10, 2011 03:50:07

4 24
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4 24" Saddle Back Black Bar Stools Feature

  • 4 Black Finish Saddle Back Saddleback Barstools
  • 24" Tall To Seat Tallest Point
  • 3 1/2" Thick Cushion
  • Dimensions: 16" X 22" X 24" H
  • Seat Cushion: 19 1/2" W X 14"


4 24" Saddle Back Black Bar Stools Overview

These are 4 new Saddle Back barstools! They have a black seat and are 24" tall. The legs on the stools are solid wood and are in a black finish and it also includes a place to rest your feet. The cushion is black and has a similar feel as leather. It is 3 1/2 " thick.Use them in almost any room in the house. Great in the dining room, kitchen counter, game room, living room, kids bedrooms.Dimensions: 16" X 22" X 24" HSeat Cushion: 19 1/2" W X 14" HThis listing is for FOUR Black Saddle Back stools.



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Up in Alabama (1844, Short Story)

((Summer of 1844)(story form the book "Old Josh, in: Poor Black"))

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Enrique Tapia came up to Ozark, Alabama in 1844 from Lima, Peru; he bought himself a restaurant from old man Ritt, the Banker in town; Enrique was a medium size fellow in height, with a large belly area, clean shaven and big hands. He was a good cook but didn't look much like a cook even with his apron on. He lived above the restaurant, and took his meals in the back, while his sixteen-year old daughter, Ximena took care of the customers; his wife had died early on during Ximena's formative years.

Counter Height Stools Wood

The younger Ritt, John, came into the restaurant often that first year they were in business, he liked the way Ximena looked, thought she was the neatest girl he'd have ever seen, and he always had a clean bright tie on when he came into visit the restaurant. even commented her on her legs He liked her face because it always had a smile on it, but he never thought about her otherwise.

Enrique, paid Mr. Hightower to have his slave Granny Mae, help him out occasionally at his restaurant, and Jordon, Josh Jefferson's son, who worked at the local grocery store, also came over that year to help clean the place, Jordon being in his mid-teens.

Ximena liked John somewhat. She liked the way he walked over from the bank and often went to the kitchen behind the counter, by the half doors to watch her make the food. She even commented on his ties. And she liked how white his teeth were, how clean he always looked, and he smiled, almost as much as she; he seemed well mannered and kept.

One day, he had come over early, and he found he liked her dark black hair, and her small arms, and tan copper skin, and he watched her wash up in the washbasin outside the restaurant, in the back of the building. But this made her feel funny; but he paid little attention to her feelings on the matter and just stared.

From the back of the restaurant, in the alleyway, you could see the Post Office, and the grocery store, the one Jordon worked for part time. And sometimes a wagon was hitched out in front of either building, or close by where the Bank was. Across the street was a small park, elm trees along side the road, the alleyway being sandy. This was farming country, plantation country. A church was down the road a bit. The restaurant was painted Green, called "Mamma Mea's," and the back end of he building faced a school.

All the time now, Ximena was thinking about John. He didn't seem to notice her as much as he first did though, and she noticed that also, and perhaps, just perchance, the enticed her even more. And when they did see each other they talked about the bank or restaurant business. In the evenings, John, if he worked late would walk on by the closed restaurant, talk to Ximena's father, Enrique, whom would be reading some old books, and its poetry and so forth, or the Ozark Paper, by a kerosene lamp he had sitting on a stool by him, on his porch, along the wooden side walk. Ximena would come downstairs, along side the building, join them, occasionally have to leave and go to the roof where they had two dogs and feed them and rush back down to her room, feed the puppy Rocco, then head on down another flight of stairs to see John, and her father, and he'd often times be gone.

It was John's birthday the 28th of July, and Ximena wanted to make him a cake, for when he came into restaurant, she'd surprise him with it, but was afraid to ask her father if he'd not mind, eggs and flour were expensive, and Peruvian's were quite conservative, and he really didn't like the idea she was seemingly chasing him, not him, her: otherwise it might have been alright.

And so the day came, his birthday, day, and she didn't make the cake, her father said no, and John ate breakfast, and then went out to the Hightower Plantation, to talk to Charles Hightower, to make a proposition on buying some of his back fields, some what he called loose acreage, he had over twelve-hundred acres. All the time, all that day, Ximena thought about him. It really was awful, while he was gone, not knowing he was over at the Bank, or coming for lunch (as she helped her father with the Peruvian dishes of food, ones that seemed to have become favorites with the clientele in town, such as: Lomo a lo pobre (rice, fried thin potatoes and beef strips, mixed together), Carapulcra, Pachamanca, a soup called Mondongo); matter-of-fact, he didn't show up for three days, and she couldn't sleep well from thinking of him. If she just dropped the subject of John it would be better, and that third night she had a dream.

In the morning of the forth day he, John had been gone, she saw John, coming down the road, on his horse, outside of the restaurant window, she became sick, felt weak, she busted out with tears, said,

"Papa, there's John, he's all right!" it seemed to her everything would now be fine, ok.

Enrique knew this was not a normal reaction that she had liked him much more than he had figured. He studied the situation at length, not saying anything for the moment, just sizing it up, watching, and deliberating within the vaults of his mind; looking at the expression on his daughters face, then onto John's.

Now John rode up to the bank, stopped and tied his horse to a post, walked over, across the street to the restaurant, the elm trees to his back, through the restaurant door he came dragging a sack. There were several men in the premises, with beards and long mustaches, and hunting cloths. Outside was a wagon full of boxes. Enrique, kissed his daughter on the cheek, told her to go in the back to do an inventory of what was needed for tomorrow's breakfast and lunch (kissing was a norm for the Peruvians, and the folk in Ozark was getting used of seeing this affection within this new café environment, although it was a strange custom at first).

"Hello Ximena," said John, before she got to the archway entrance to the back pantry.

She turned about, grinned, "What happened to you, I haven't seen you for four days?" remarked Ximena.

"Not a thing happened, I was out at the Hightower Plantation looking at his back lots, his fields, and I want to buy fifty-acres of it. You know what I'm talking about, it's where Jordon's father is, where Jordon lives when he is not working here or at the grocery story, his father's that old big nigger called Josh, he's kind of bullheaded if you know what I mean-my dad and him don't get along all that well, too bold for a nigger in these parts of the country-he says, but Charles puts up with him, not sure why. And I stayed with Charles Hightower and his family for those three nights, and we did a little hunting, snake hunting," said John.

She thought about what he said, about Jordon's father, then said, refraining from any other question on the matter, "Did you shoot them?" asked Ximena.

"No, isn't it a beauty?" he commented as he pulled a four foot dead rattlesnake out of a potato sack he had dragged into the café.

Ximena jumped back, somewhat frightened, her father looking,

"You got an inventory to do, don't you...?" he hollered, reminding her, if not asking her.

That evening, John came over to visit Enrique, brought a two gallon jug of homemade corn whisky over with him, bought it from Granny Mae, it was awkward to even lift and drink out of, and as such, they drank that night-sitting on the porch of the café, Ximena, by her father's side, John ended up pouring whisky down his shirt trying to hold onto that heavy jug, while Enrique smiled, and his daughter smiled, as Enrique drank his out of a glass-casually as if to be a good host, John took it right from the jug, as clumsy as it was.

"Well, Mr. Tapia, here's looking at you," and down went another big gulp of corn whisky, then he pulled up another potato back, he had it sitting on the edge of the wooden sidewalk, took out a six foot snake,

"Damn, big one haw?" he rhetorically, asked, looking at Enrique, who just stood there in dismay, confused at what his intentions were, thinking they were originally for his daughter, but perhaps they were just to have a drinking friend, to get drunk with, but he was not that accommodating friend.

"They taste good for a man to eat raw," said John, trying to straighten out the long dead slippery snake, and he started to take bite out of it, after cutting into its flesh, saying at the same time "It's good for what ails you, especially for potency!" (Then laughed like a hyena.)

Then he looked at Ximena, she was not laughing, nor was her father, and so he said, "How about another, drink?" and he took one.

It was obvious, John was feeling great.

Then John stepped back to talk to Ximena, thinking her father could not see what his intentions were, what he was about to do, try to do, and his small white hands went around Ximena's shoulders, she said quietly, "You mustn't," and moved a bit to her right, in back of her father's rocking chair.

But John didn't pay any attention to her, and his hand went back over her shoulders and an inch or two down her spine. It became obvious he wanted to do something, and she was getting frightened.

"Let's leave," John said to her, a statement not a question, because he stared to pull her his way.

"No, John," said Enrique, "she isn't going anywhere...."

"Oh it isn't right, I really like her," John said.

"Oh John, go home, go home," said Ximena, knowing her father was getting upset, and she also (John being in his late 20s, and Ximena, only sixteen, but that wasn't uncommon for a marriage to have taken place in at such an age, in those days, but it was a heavy scene for Ximena to see this man drunk, playing with snakes, and making her uncomfortable and cramped in the back by her father's chair; it was in, if anything, showing another side of John, one she didn't know, hardly expected, and didn't really want to put up with now, nor later on in life.

She, Ximena, tried to work her way out, from around him, and he, John wouldn't move, he tried to do something to her hair, then Enrique pulling himself out of the chair, pushing it in back of him, lifted and pinned his head-pushing it against the wooden wall of the restaurant, and shook it, and he rolled his head back and forth, and he started to cry, and she saw all this, and whatever she saw in him before, it was now all gone, a mist had come up, and unveiled the real person he was.

She walked to the side of the building, back up the stairs to her room, to where her puppy, Rocco, was sleeping, she wanted to cry, but couldn't, it was all so funny, and here a few hours before, it was all so serious.

"Rocco," she said, "please stay nice as you are!" Rocco stirred and curled up by her feet as she sat on her bed. She took off her shoes and leaned over to cover him up with a blanket, and did, along with tucking it under his belly, neatly and carefully. A cool breeze was coming through the slightly opened window, all the way from Main Street, and John, he was dragging his sack of snakes across the street to the bank, and then she shut the curtain.

Written 7-28-2008
Dedicated to EH and XH

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