That Doggy in the Window

After the war, WWII that is, nearly 13 million servicemen/women returned from the war. Many had the same dream - to buy a house in suburbia and raise a family. So the GI Bill of Rights helped make that dream come true with low interest loans and 30 year mortgages. And with the promise of interstates and highways, families could live away from town. A pasture or corn field was cheap.

In 1950, more than 1.5 million homes were built in the States. Perhaps the most notable developers were Alfred and William Levitt who built assembly-line homes in rural areas of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

That's right - the suburbs.

Tony Linck, for Life Magazine, Aerial View of Levittown, June, 1948

Suburbia - where everyone is of similar income, age, education, race - sprang up all across the country. Sprawling neighborhoods with curving streets and cul-de-sacs.

The first of these suburban homes were 800 sq. ft. and cost $7,000. This dream home would have only one story (no stairs), a washer and dryer, a big refrigerator, preferably a garage or at least a carport, a big yard for the kids.

That's right - the economical ranch.

A rectangle with an L-shaped living/dining/small open kitchen, one bath and 2 or 3 bedrooms. Features included aluminum framed windows, an 8 foot ceiling, sliding patio door, and the obligatory picture window.

Yes, the picture window.

The first house Jim and I lived in had a picture window. Funny thing is, I never considered using it for display. What a missed ornamental opportunity.

This is the only picture I have of the front of our first house. Perhaps you can see the picture window. This event is Randi's first birthday.

Here in Belgium, picture windows abound and the Belgs are adept at making the most of their decorative-potential space.

Spring is here! This little waving, panting Westie stuffed into a teal ceramic, zippered satchel with the bonus bouquet in a "Westie" hue is perfect to welcome the vernal equinox.

And how can you not love this combo? A contemplative Target dog and a bug-eyed, flabbergasted chihuahua, plus the gold-plated gilding is like gravy. Not sure which one is life-size, but pretty sure they can't both be.

One of my favorites is this one. Since you probably already have a glycerin chihuahua (who doesn't?), adding the stick-on chicks is quick, easy and affordable.

Depending on your picture window status, feel free to use these ideas, if you will, for your next DIY fandangle faux pas.