Furniture Refinishing

I started stripping the dining room chairs yesterday. It wasn't the huge job I thought it would be. The shellac on the old chairs came up quick and easy. The color of the natural wood came up light. I decided once the chair was dry after cleaning everything with mineral spirits to test the color of the stain I wanted to use. Ummmm ... after 10 minutes the color change was minimal. Tried again, same thing. I bought the stain at Ace Hardware. I am presuming it is the stain. We went to Lowe's after supper and I picked the Olympic brand in a red mahogany color. I'll try it today. While at Lowe's we spent far too much money. :-s I got 2 new lamps and shades for the livingroom. We got a new toilet seat for the kids bathroom, fire extinguishers for the kitchen and downstairs, pulls for the ceiling fans in the kitchen and livingroom. One thing I was very glad. Steve rarely buys anything for himself. He bought himself a leatherman tool and a pocket knife. He picked up one for his Dad, too. It is a smooth action tool that really feels good in your hand. J. went to her Mom's for the weekend. Earlier in the day we were informed that we are boring. :-s I told Steve what she said, he took it hard. Sometimes I wonder if I should keep my mouth shut, but I know it is right to tell him things that happen in the days when he isn't around. I am really worried about the future of things. Her Mom's wiccan wedding ceremony is coming up soon and I can only imagine the impression it will have on her considering her grandmother is the 'priestess' performing the ceremony. She has no understanding of what is going on clearly in that lifestyle and that is good in some ways and decveptive in others. Diannic Wicca has far more too it that most see. She thought her grandmother was a Nun. :-s Steve was quick to disassociate his upbringing with the pagan rituals that will be performed soon. It really is a hard line to walk. We can't say anything that comes across too harsh or negative as it will put her on the defense of her Mom. All we can do is to imphasize the positiveness of the way we live and our belief in God. I pray that God protect and be with her.