I am a prolific reader - my life is surrounded by books. I am the custodian of a Little Street Library, and a member of two Book Clubs. I also help run a Book Swap table, and have recently written my first book.
Interestingly, I have never owned many books and since downsizing at retirement, the book shelves hold more wine glasses than literary standards!
I also blog about books and our regular road trips even include sharing excess books with street libraries in country towns. People who know me well, know to never ask if I've read any good books lately.
I recently came across a book title that perfectly sums up my life. "Making the Best of What’s Left: When We’re Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered." I've not yet read American writer, Judith Viorst's, recently published book though I have planned for a copy to find its way under the Xmas tree - just for me. Viorst is in her early '90's and over the years has written over 45 books. Amazing achievement.
Back to the book title and my own reupholstering issue!
My cane lounge, perfect for the weather of subtropical Queensland, is twenty years old. It replaced the lounge suite from when the kids were still living at home, along with the dog and the cat.
This means it has never been abused, no food and drink spills, no dirty feet, no puke, and no animal fur. In hindsight, I replaced a lot when the children flew the nest - even the husband. No regrets.
Regardless, the cane lounge suite is now showing the signs of wear and tear. It deserves to be repaid in kindness for its fine service with fresh cushion coverings.
Sadly, both its age and my age have created several issues:
⁃ the company I purchased said furniture no longer exists
⁃ exhaustive internet searches are unable to locate similar cushions as replacements
⁃ the price to re-upholster said cushions is far greater than the cost of a funeral.
⁃ it appears a less expensive option to purchase a new setting than recover the existing.
Thus you can understand the appeal of Judith Viorst's book title.
My dinner set is in a similar situation. Retirement also meant letting my hair down and using the good tableware on an everyday basis, not just when guests came to tea. It had been sitting in a cabinet for 20 plus years so no guilt whatsoever.
It's been a pleasure to enjoy each and every day, one of those little glimmers that gives life joy. Well, that's all fine and dandy but some years after the fact the pretty tablecloth doesn't look so good when the cups and sauces are no longer up to scratch.
Yes, I need a new dinner set, one with tea cups and not mugs, if you please.
It just seems so wrong having to spend so much money replacing these objects at this late stage of the game. I dread the washing machine carking it before I do!!
© 2025 - May Green
Check out the book referred to in this story here:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214152239-making-the-best-of-what-s-left
(We do not receive any compensation for linking to this book!)
