RESPONSE TO ROGER’S REQUEST FOR A RAISE

GREEN BEDS AND FROGS

Just one more thing about beds and then I’ll let it sleep - ha. Neal Stewart tells me from a recent trend consulting meeting that the next big class action lawsuit like tobacco and asbestos is going to be against the bedding industry, so some other poor lawyer is going to get mega-rich like Baron & Budd. Did you know that one of the major components of mattresses is formaldehyde? Yes, that stinky stuff for dissecting frogs in 7th grade biology is in your mattress causing all kinds of allergies and illness. The alternative is a green bed, ecologically friendly made with organic wool or latex to protect against mites. These are becoming more available, Natuzzi has a sleep sofa with a green mattress. Nitey-nite!

BURNING FOR YOU

You know how most candle stores have that “ohmygawd” gag effect? They smell a little like your grandma’s house: overpowering and sweet enough to induce cavities? Not so at Root Candles. This new Inwood Village shop smells just right. I’m not a candle guy but I fell in love with their collection of votives, pillars, and tapers. This is the first Texas store for the Ohio-based candlemaker. Hint: Don’t miss the cinnamon-scented Original Cinn candles. Tasty.

RE: HARRY POTTER SNEAK PEAK

I know one wife (Kimberly) and one editorial assistant (Hannah) who would be very grateful to snatch a few of those passes up. How much house do I have to qualify for, Candy? Christine: Can I have a raise to qualify for the mortgage? I wouldn’t actually buy, but I need to look like I have some purchasing power, ya know?

RE: HAWK EYES

Maybe you should get your bird a firearm. This is Texas, after all, and he has a right to defend his property and person!

Does it seem to anyone else that our red-tailed friends are everywhere these days? Kimberly and I stopped our walk a few weeks back to watch one swoop down from a large cottonwood and snatch up his breakfast. We were only 10 feet from him as he enjoyed his little field mouse (we skipped breakfast afterwards, though).

So be on the look out! They’re everywhere. On fence posts, on light polls, even on highway signs. And they’re beautiful.

EXCUSES, EXCUSES

This morning Derek Vanlandingham of the esteemed John Phifer Marrs design team called to tell me he couldn’t come to a little get together I am having over the holidays. “I will never be able to use this line again,” he said, clearing his throat. “I would love to come to your party but I will be in Costa Rica, decorating the American Embassy.” John Marrs will be working on the home of newly-appointed Ambassador and Mrs. Mark Langdale of Dallas. Derek is getting the residence all holiday’d up; after the first of the year the firm will execute a makeover which is now in the planning stages.