Oh, my.

I've gone and done it.

When we were at the coast I noticed that the blind in the front bedroom wasn't in good repair. Renters have had trouble with these miniblinds for years. I don't know why, but children might factor in somewhere.

Well, I took measurements of that window and brought them home. After some consideration, Lyman and I think that something else might be better. Though they've been rather outdated in the design world, we've been thinking pleated shades might be a way to go.

But for a uniform appearance, we should go with those in the kitchen, too -- but I didn't have measurements for that window.

We knew an owner who would be down there this weekend, and asked if she would be willing to go into the condo and take measurements for us. She agreed. Lyman (God bless him) also asked her to look around and see if anything else needed doing. Baby, let's not make that mistake again.

C. was a manager for a Sally Beauty Supply Store for 25 years. She now calls herself an interior decorator. She makes up flamboyantly, dresses flamboyantly, and decorates flamboyantly. (The only person I know who can wear a boa as part of her daily costume and get away with it.) I think she's a hoot. But my taste and hers do not coincide.

She has come back with a half dozen suggestions for making our condo more attractive -- to her. She wants colors and murals. I happen to like white walls that showcase the art we have in the space. I have been to her condo -- it is maniacal with palms and monkeys and parrots, and all that crap just makes me claustrophobic.

I like the clean, silvery feel of our space. It's not intrusive, and picks up on the clarity and light of the beach. She likes to impose herself on a space. I just want one that lets me be. I want light at the beach. I'm hunkered in a world of color and texture and shade under the oaks at home in Vidalia.

But she is right on some counts. We need to paint the living room and kitchen space, and I desperately need a new bedspread in the front bedroom. That's a "bedspread," kids, not a quilt, or a comforter set.

And I hate to buy one of those considering articles like this one.