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.