Hello
   I have been away.  First to get away from the August heat, we ran to NJ and enjoyed it all, heirloom tomatoes, great corn and cooler than Fl. temps.   Unfortunately and very unforeseen, we had to put our wonderful Maltese, Bogey down while on the trip.  We had him for 2 extra weeks and he was happy to frolic in the Cape Cod grass and enjoy  more 'people' food  (chicken/rice) and he loved it all.  We have wonderful memories of our little boy during that precious time .
  I attended the New York International Gift Show and architectural  details of all kinds, were the order of season.  From jewelry to home accessories, large statement pieces were everywhere.  It started in handbags a few years ago with all of the hardware detail well now expect to see it in the most obscure places.  Jewelry was quite large and sculpture-like  in nature.  I liked it, unusual from what we have seen.  I felt the same way with the accessories.  Imagine Mary Tyler Moore's 'M' as a large focal piece in her living room.  It can be interesting and fun.
   The other trend I noticed while in NY is the terrarium craze.  Succulents  work wonderfully for this purpose, they don't need much daily care and they offer  wonderful texture next to the different mosses. I think people want to care for, nurture and see results from their efforts and terrariums are a wonderful  answer.
   I am back and you will be hearing from me regularly now.   Happy Fall!