> This post is about how cool Sam and Leen are. But first, a story.
>
> A few weeks ago I lost my car keys. We had just gotten the car back from the mechanics because the water pump was broken. Ick. Anyway, we missplaced the keys somewhere, and have spent the last couple of weeks searching for them. It hasn't really been that big of a deal until this weekend, because we have the truck, which Don drove into work, and I was in a carpool. But yesterday was Mia's birthday, so I took the day off of work and was going to spend the day with her, doing sisterly, fun things. It didn't happen...
>
> I called the locksmith first thing in the morning and waited the rest of the day for him to tell me that it "couldn't be done"! GAH. So, I drove the truck to Mia's today and Don carpooled. Anyway, through this whole ordeal I was in Rinkchat (mostly, anyway) giving Leen an up-to-the-minute account of why I wasn't at Mia's yet. At the time, I thought it was just because Leen is so concerned and caring. I found out today that she had a more...nefarious...reason for me to go to Mia's house.
>
> I got to Mia's today and the first thing she says to me is "Someone sent you another wedding present." and hands me this HUGE box. I asked Mia who it was from and she just shrugged her shoulders and said "I don't know." The little LIAR. ^_^
>
> I opened up the card and read who had signed it... Sam and Leen! WooHOO! That was so RULING that I was laughing and hitting Mia at the same time (for telling me she didn't know who it was from [ok, I didn't *really* hit her, but I should have ^_~]) I RIPPED open the wrapping paper. (Did I mention I LOVE opening presents?) And the gift was BEAUTIFUL. Leen, Sam...I LOVE it. It's this really beautiful clock that will look great on the mantle above the fireplace. ^_~
>
> Of course, we don't have a mantle yet, so I'll have to have Don build one for me, so that it will have a place that is worthy of it.
>
> I can't tell you, Sam and Leen, how much you guys RULE. I'm soooo glad that I found Rinkworks. I feel like I've known you guys for forever. Thank you SO much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Anyway, it's late and all...I hope to be able to see you in person some day and give you both a big HUG for being the ruling people that you are.
>
> Ti'Love you bunches!'cia

Now you've gone and gotten me all foofy inside again. But about that mantle; let me give you a good idea. Don't build a new one. Find an old mantle in a house that is being torn down. Or look at flea markets. You can find mantles over a hundred years old for less than a hundred bucks and refinish them to look like thousands. With a little luck, you can get one made of solid walnut or chesnut. Oak or poplar mantles finish up beautifully. A new mantle will hold your clock, but an antique mantle will make it look better and give you a great conversation piece as well:
"We got in from an old house in Lexington. Might be 300 years old. We refinished it ourselves. It's solid walnut."
How"antique dealer"ard