Behind the scenes of the tour...

What was it like having more than 1,500 people walk through your house over the weekend? my friend asked me last night.

Our front deck

This weekend our house was on the CSL House Tour. People paid $45 to $85 to tour five Piedmont and Oakland houses, including ours, and the money goes to local children in need. With sponsorship they hope to net $200,000. My prep here and here.  

Not sure what it was like having all those people go through my house ....I ended up spending those two days driving in circles round the house, taking kids to soccer and baseball games.  Also we had decamped to a friend's house as I realised it was going to be tricky to stay home and keep it clean.

I had momentary visions of being at the house on both days pontificating to anyone who would listen about my design ethos and hopes for mankind. No, I decided, no one needs to hear my senseless drivel. Also people had paid their money and should be able to say what they like about my house.

Funnily enough, in the local coffee shop I heard snippets... "But how does she read at night without a bedside lamp?" (We have wee clip-ons) "Where is all their stuff?" (Mudroom, crudroom). Apparently the women cheered when they learned Tallulah, who has three brothers, had a "Private!" sign on her door to keep them out.

Our bedroom table sans reading lamps

I did watch though as the 12 docents turned up and they were led through the house and given background about us and the house - surreal.  The Meadows florists placed their flowers inside and Urban FarmGirls set up succulents for sale in our backyard.

Urban FarmGirls set up in our backyard

Random bits:
* Patrick, owner of The Meadows florists bought in interesting low key arrangements rather than grand extravaganzas: "Flowers should look like they are here all the time."

Succulents in the boys' bathroom

Tallulah and Teddy smelling the roses in her bathroom

*Our friend Sandy, who hosted us at their house for three days, taught eight-year-old Cy how to wink. Everyone needs Huckleberry Finn skills like whistling and winking.

Cy and Sandy practising their winking

*At Sandy's house, our new puppy, Teddy (2.5lbs) chased Buster the big Labrador all round the house. Clearly Teddy doesn't realise he's a short arse.

Hi

 * Everything ends up perf if you do a BBQ on Sunday night.

Friends Lisa and Mike

The High Schooler, 14, who spent the weekend out of our way and down the pool, finally returned: "It was a good weekend" he opined:  "I got a tan, Cy learned to whistle, Teddy got his first friend and we raised money for charity" Can't say better than that.

Photo: Lisa Algert