The House that Smithy Built

I had the great pleasure yesterday of touring the Melvyn and Sara Smith house in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  What a treat.

The house is a Usonian home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  There are four of his homes in the Greater Detroit Metro area.

My thanks to the family for maintaining and keeping this house for people to enjoy.  The Smith's nephew and his wife were gracious hosts and had wonderful stories to tell about their aunt and uncle.  As they shared with us yesterday, I share my pictures with each of you.

Approaching the house from the street:

The view from the backyard.  The house sits on three acres and includes ownership of the pond.

The front of the house:

Nestled in the trees:

Take a seat:

Warm yourself by the fire:

Relax on the sun porch:

Bedrooms are for sleeping.  Just sleeping:

A Paul Evans credenza:

And all is Wright with the world.

The Freep on Fireworks

Here is a link to the Detroit Free Press article on fireworks: link

Not one night this month has gone by without them going off.  Last night it was at 10:30 pm which was better than the 3:38 am on Sunday morning.

STOP THE FIREWORKS UNITED (STFU)

I have started a petition directed toward our West Bloomfield Representatives regarding the use of fireworks in Michigan.  If you live here, you know what I am talking about.  If you agree that they should be banned, please sign the petition online and then send an email to your West Bloomfield neighbors.  Heck, send it to everyone you know in Michigan.

Our children, pets and our veterans suffering from PTSD should not be subjected to the noise associated with fireworks.  As taxpayers, we have a right to enjoy our homes, breath air not polluted with harmful metals contained in fireworks, and not worry about personal injury or property damage from the actions of a few.

That's why I created a petition to Rep. Klint Kesto (MI-39) and Sen. Mike Kowall (MI-15), which says:

"In the interest of protecting and preserving the public health, safety and welfare of all Michigan residents, we, the undersigned, call upon the members of the Michigan Legislature to immediately repeal the Fireworks Safety Act 256 of 2011, and for the Governor to sign that repeal."

Will you sign this petition? Click here:

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/repeal-the-michigan-firework-3?source=c.em.cp&r_by=10856492

Thanks!

(I mean they really had the gall to call it a 'safety' act?)