much better, part 2

We didn't really think the haircut was going to happen but opening Hershey's kisses was an excellent diversion.

much better

I may be the only person in the world who finds this couch comfortable; it's very tall and firm. But it's perfect for me. It's a couch you sit ON, not a couch you sit IN. I will definitely appreciate this in my third trimester. This couch has almost as much seating space as the old one but its footprint is much smaller. Another bonus is that its height makes our coffee chest exactly the right height for its service as a coffee table.

I had a very hard time finding a couch because I wanted all of
1 - leather
2 - contemporary style (or at least not _too_ traditional)
3 - high seat
1 and 3 is a very common combination. 1 and 2 is not too uncommon. 2 and 3 isn't exactly easy to find. but 1, 2, and 3 is exceedingly rare.

So, there were a few compromises on appearance to get the comfort. I saw more attractive styles, though this one is fine. The leather is good quality but a lot shinier than most. I decided I could live with that and that it wouldn't even be that noticeable on its own. And actually, the shininess kinda goes with some of our other stuff - like the room screen behind it, which I love more every day.

BTW, if you'll take the old couch away - it's yours.

head shots

Adam co-operated with my shutter-bugging for the first time in a long time. This is what we did instead of going to the barber for that sorely needed haircut. But when he wouldn't let me comb his hair, I knew the barbershop was a write-off. I love this colour on him.

on its death bed ...

so to speak.

I've been saying for a long time that I want a new couch.

We've had some good times. It doesn't owe me anything. I bought it (with Kristin's help) new at the Bay in 1997 (10.5 years ago) for about $800 plus tax. That's less than a quarter per day. 24.0 cents according to my-back-of-an-envelope calculations. At most times, it even served as the primary couch in a household of 3, 4, or 5 adults. 5 adults get a lot of guests, too. It was Kevin's bed half the time for a year or so.

It has its "charms" but it's very faded, the back cushions don't hold their shape, the bottom cushions won't stay in place, and the frame itself sags in the middle. Most of its battle wounds are documented below.

fading.
at top, the original color.
at bottom, its current state.

dingy. to say the least

an ink stain. provenance unknown

the first stain. paint from Christmas ornament decorating 2007

the straw that broke the camel's back
Shopping began in earnest when the fabric shredded due to my propping myself up this summer.

a tear on one of the back cushions, occured in the last few months

two tears on another back cushion, also occurred in the last few months

Perhaps I will try to find some photos of the couch in happier times. If you have any, please send them to me.

Now we just need to dispose of it. The new couch came today and the old one looks sorrier than ever. Photos next time.