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Look back in the history of many convicted sociopaths/felons and you will find they honed their skills on animals.  Many years ago (when we still paid for TV) there was a fascinating A&E program (hosted by Bill Kurtis ) on that very subject. 

I was a 4-Her and respect and proper husbandry was the mainstay of the program.  It didn't matter if the animal was destined for slaughter or was for enjoyment; the point was that all were to be treated with respect and compassion. 

Interesting discussion.  I spoke with a fairly recently consecrated Bishop (Episcopal="Catholic Lite") and indeed the move in churches is to a more "relaxed" approach to the congregate.  Pews are passé and the present move is toward seating that can be more easily moved/rearranged to accommodate other functions. 

Gone are the days (daze?) when the preacher "held court" and the flock sat rigidly in the pews awaiting the word from on high!  The trend is indeed toward a more inclusive atmosphere; one that more readily accommodates a more relaxed approach to worship. 

I have no illusions about my business as "as asset".  I sell "time", you guys.  And I sell my hard-earned expertise.  I could never sell those... because they're part of me.  Machinery, attachments, inventory? sure, I could sell those.  My location? sure! but not as a business location... as a nice home in a very nice location. 

On the contrary, I view myself as a "job creator"! I've created the job I want to hold.  I work at home, taking full advantage of IRS reg.s and paying scrupulous attention to them.  I know what I have to earn and it's really pretty easy.  I have cultivated a clientele that has grown nicely (word of mouth) and when there are lulls in the work I work on my home (a real asset).  When there is "extra" cash I make sure to spend it down by investing thoughtfully in equipment. 

"Amateur Night", we stay home.

This year, 2 new kittens provide the best of floor shows... and wonderful cuddling!

Interesting topic (as usual), DB.  Here are  my thoughts:

I have always regarded my business as a "service".  I sell my labor and  my skill!

As my access to truly "wholesale" suppliers has diminished, so has my focus on my "man hours" and the real cost of those hours increased. When asked, I always reply that I "sell time".  I sell my time and the breadth and extent of my years spent "in the trenches".  I have a wealth of experience in a variety of fields with considerable depth in them all.  I charge accordingly and have never lacked for work. 

I see in the "Millenianals" an increasing appreciation for quality.  True, the trend is in the higher income ranks, but delivering top quality work and quietly educating the "young 'uns" has proven (to me at least) that there is "hope" for tradesmen.  I work nicely with upholsters and designers... I love to slipcover (most upholsterers loathe them) and I'm fully capable of small scale window treatments.  A "niche" market, to be sure; but one that's readily available and ripe for the pickin;!

It could've been a drum set, Hammer..

One of my greatest regrets is that I never learned to play a musical instrument.  Sure, I could take one up now, but the practical reality is that the older you get the less willing you become to suffer the necessary learning curve.  At least I can clap on 2 and 4!

Reveille, Gene...

Lots of little "thises and that's" on the docket this week; the lot for me!  I don't begin "working" until 1/5/15 and I'm delighted!

I'm not religious at all, but I've take full advantage of the historic 12 Days of Christmas to shut down, consolidate, and decompress!

I'll be back up, running, and ready to chug forward on January 5th.!

Yawn.  Yet another twist on the "shaggy dog" theme.

audible guffaw chez moi!

Mike, that's wonderful news! recovery can be a long slog but the results are worth it.  My best to both you and your brother. 

Fasten your chinstrap, Hammer.. 

All is quiet here right now.  Dog's been out, cats are fed, and I've finished my contribution to Christmas brunch (devilled eggs, cranberry pie, cold cut and cheese plate).  The husband will prepare lobster salad and the toasts for it.  Champagne and orange juice are chilled. 

Merry Christmas, everyone.  (esp. you and your brother, Mike!)

Thank you for the explanation of cotton vs. Dacron.  I know exactly what you mean about the "marshmallow" effect.  I had a channel back chair redone a few years ago and the seat front looks overstuffed and the fabric, while fastened neatly still has a "lumpy" look to it. 

I delivered the last item on Friday 12/19, having worked steadily on a variety of small jobs up until then.  I have ordered the vinyl for my "welcome back" project (1st. week in January), put the final touches on requested estimates, and in the meantime have a variety of small "thises and that's" which I've wanted to get to for some time now. 

I made the decorations for the outside of the house and put them up pretty much single handedly and I've put together the holiday menu, and given the house a pretty good cleaning, too.  I'm glad I had a "finished" date this year, something I've never done in the past.  Feels great. 

What is the difference between cotton and Dacron, from a construction perspective?  Does the cotton provide a more even surface, or does it "wear" better over time?  I would like to better understand how switching back to cotton would "kick the quality up a notch".

The other thing that makes it tough for us, is that when it's time for a redo of upholstery/cushions the owner is usually interested in "something new".  I almost never get a customer who wants the work truly duplicated... same color, same technique. 

As DB points out, my only recourse is to keep good track of my labor and make sure my rate is sufficient to pay the bills.  My most frequently used wholesalers don't sell to the general retail public, but again, as DB points out there is nothing to stop big outfits from "freshening" their stock by turning it over via E-Bay or Craigslist.