And this is where they sleep...or It didn't look this big in the store

There is something innately sexy and at the same time comforting about a big bed. Who of our generation has not heard that classic song "Lay lady, lay; lay across my big brass bed?" We probably don't have to search long for Dylan's intentions. But, perhaps in spite of his message and yet because of that song, I had always thought to have a big brass bed of our own.

Several years ago, after school let out, I drove down to Suwanee, Georgia, to visit my brother and his family. Richard balked at my going alone and insisted our middle child come with me. I had really wanted to just 'go off' on my own -- you know, ride off into the sunset, but he was adamant. She proved very good company, however, and instead of my being just Thelma, we did a Thelma and Louise-type thing sans the violence and picking up men, of course. We spent a few days in Georgia and then headed home.

North Carolina is famous for its number of quality furniture manufacturers. If one shops around and finds furniture, even pieces on sale, you can realize a substantial savings -- even with the shipping charges -- by ordering through one of the many NC furniture retailers. Some stores don't even charge for shipping!

I had been shopping for a bed for a while and had a pretty good idea of what we wanted and what I didn't want. On the way through North Carolina, I thought I'd stop at Priba Furniture in Greensboro where they had 50,000 square feet of gorgeous pieces. Within five minutes, across a crowded room, I spotted our bed. Not six weeks later, they delivered it. Made by Woolrich (who manufactured uniforms for the Confederacy (ain't that a kick?)) in the US, it's solid oak. Not brass, but close enough.