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impala-dreamer · 7 months ago

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It's Fucking Unprofessional

A Story from The Boys Universe

~ While working as a PA for Vought, Y/N has made one promise to herself: to stay the fuck away from Soldier Boy. Some promises are too easily broken…~

Soldier Boy x F!Reader

2,434 Words

NSFW. Snark. Cursing. Assholery. Fucking.

For @jacklesversebingo “You couldn’t handle me even if I came with instructions”

JacklesBingo Masterlist

Impala-Dreamer’s Masterlist ~ Patreon ~ Published Works

He was terrifying up close.

It wasn’t just the knowledge that he could rip her apart with a simple flick of his wrist, or shove her so hard she’d splatter against the wall like a bug on a windshield. It was much worse than all that. It was the fact that he was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. His green eyes behind that mask were piercing… the way his muscles pulsed beneath the suit was mesmerizing… the way he walked with that bow-legged swagger was sexy as hell. Being attracted to the epic piece of shit was way more dangerous than the threat of death.

When Y/N got the job at Vought Studios, she made a promise to her diary and herself. In no way would she get so close to him as to give away the fact that her innocent pussy dripped whenever he was around. She would ignore him entirely. Besides, his behavior was reprehensible. His attitude toward women was disgusting. His ass was so perky and tight and… No. She was going to be strong. She was going to steer clear of all that nonsense.

Not that he’d ever pay attention to someone like her. The key aspect of her job was to be neither seen nor heard; just a person waiting in the wings to hand off a prop, run and get coffee, and clean up the dressing rooms. It would be easy to stay in the shadows, completely off his radar.

Soldier Boy was pissed.

He may have actually been pissed as well as just angry: he stank of rye and stale cigarettes, and fumbled over his lines more than a few times.

For over an hour, he held the crew hostage while attempting to film his required Anti-Drug PSA. Vought was trying to score some points with the public by helping out D.A.R.E. by pimping out their celebrity supes for commercial spots. Soldier Boy was next in line and very unhappy about it.

After the twentieth take, he demanded caffeine and production halted until Y/N returned with a styrofoam cup full of black coffee.

Y/N held her breath and tried to walk away without really looking at him, but Soldier Boy flipped. He sniffed the drink and sneered.

“Is this hot?”

Y/N stepped back as he stared into her eyes, daring her to say something. A wave of arousing fear washed over her as he slammed the cup to the floor. It splintered like rotted wood and the hot liquid went everywhere.

“Iced!”

She jumped.

He raged on.

“Iced coffee!” he screamed. “It’s not hard!”

Nerves ran down her spine and Y/N moved to grab a rag from the craft table.

“It’s fucking unprofessional!”

A knot formed in her chest and instead of shying away, she felt a surge of defiance.

“You’re fucking unprofessional,” she ripped under her breath.

Soldier Boy’s head cocked to the side. She felt his eyes on the back of her neck, digging in.

“Excuse me?”

Y/N turned back with the cleaning rag in hand. “Hmm?”

His jaw clenched and his upper lip twitched. “The fuck did you say to me?”

Batting her eyes innocently, Y/N shrugged and bent down to mop up the spill. “I didn’t say anything.”

His anger followed her down, watching as she dabbed at the floor. Leaning close, he whispered a warning. “I have super hearing, you know.”

Y/N hummed as if she found him boring even though she was screaming inside. “That must be fun for you.”

Again, his teeth gnashed together and she swore she could feel the air around them grow hotter. A deep growl rumbled in the back of his throat and Y/N met his gaze, unfazed but terrified. He was taken aback by her bravery and somewhat impressed by her attitude.

“You know-”

The director called for attention and Soldier Boy sat back up, getting ready while keeping one eye on the mouthy PA.

“OK! Let’s run again!”

If he got through two lines in a row, it was shocking. More than once, he stopped just to glare at Y/N. She couldn’t tell if he was contemplating snapping her neck or undressing her with his eyes, so she kept her arms crossed and her expression cool.

“If taking drugs is uncool,” he mumbled, laughing at himself, “then I’m the most uncool motherfucker on the planet…”

Some of the crew laughed along, but Y/N sighed heavily and rolled her eyes. “You really are,” she muttered.

His laugh died away instantly and he threw daggers with his eyes. “Fuck you.”

Y/N cocked a brow. “Like I’d let you,” she laughed.

Soldier Boy straightened up, surprised. His annoyance turned to interest and he licked his lips. “Oh, I think you’d let me.”

She tongued her cheek and popped a hip. “You think?”

“I know.”

“Pfft.” Y/N rolled her eyes. “You couldn’t handle me even if I came with instructions.”

His smile faded and she turned away, giving him a literal cold shoulder.

The air shifted and her heart stopped when his big hand wrapped around her upper arm, jerking her back a step.

His lips grazed her ear. “You wanna rethink that last statement, sweetheart?”

Y/N tried to wrench her arm away but his grip was absolute. She spun around to face him and nearly lost her footing. He was impossibly close and regrettably gorgeous. She gasped.

“Get off me.”

He blinked slowly and looked her over. He could hear her heart pounding, see the blood rush to her cheeks, smell her arousal. “You’re so… interesting.”

She swallowed hard. “W-What?”

“Defiant and bitchy, but oh so hot for me.”

“Fuck you, no I’m not.” Again, she twisted her arm to break free but it was no use.

His fingers tightened, bruising her flesh. “You are,” he grinned. “I can smell it.”

“You’re disgusting,” she spat.

Behind them, the director tried to regain control.

“Um- let’s uh- if we could just go one more time-”

Soldier Boy shook his head. “No. We got it.”

“We really didn’t,” the man pleaded. “I really think we should go again from the top.”

“No,” he repeated, dragging his eyes down her trembling body. “That’s a wrap!”

She wasn’t sure if he was carrying her or if they were simply moving too fast for her brain to register her feet on the ground.

Soldier Boy broke the lock on a random office door and shoved Y/N inside. He flipped on the lights and kicked the door shut as he turned to smirk at her.

“Now, where were we?”

Y/N backed away, internally battling her desire and aversion. “I believe I was telling you what a piece of shit you are.”

He laughed at her daring words. “You’re something else, you know that?”

She shrugged, playing it cool. “It’s been said.”

“Yeah, but not by me.” With a smug smile, he pulled the mask from his face and ran a hand through his hair.

Y/N felt her defenses crack. Her vision blurred for a second. “Um… I… really don’t care what you think, actually.”

He clicked his tongue and took a step closer. “I think you do, actually.”

Her heart skipped two beats in a row and then struggled to catch up. “Actually, you can fuck off.”

“Maybe.” Soldier Boy grinned and closed the space between them. “Or…” He reached for her throat and her body tensed. Instead of a death grip, he slipped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her close. He was gentle, but she could feel the strength pulsing underneath his touch. “I can fuck you.”

She couldn’t think of a protest that would even remotely come off as true but it didn’t matter anyway. Before she could speak, his lips were on her and her mind melted. He slid his tongue between her lips and her breath stopped. He ran his left hand across her tits and her legs went weak.

When he pulled back, she swayed forward, caught in his pull and utterly on fire for him.

His laugh was smug. His lips were wet and plump.

“Knew you couldn’t resist me,” he teased. “But it was a nice try.”

Every bit of resistance faded into his grin and Y/N dove at him, grabbing a fistful of the fabric collar loose around his throat. He laughed into her hungry kiss and set his hands on her hips. He lifted her as if she weighed no more than a feather, and slammed her down onto the desk like she was simply a toy for his amusement.

He rocked into her and Y/N moaned loudly. His cock was hard and she reached down, rubbing him through the spandex tights.

“How- how do these come off?” she whimpered, tugging at his bottoms.

Another deep kiss blew her mind and Soldier Boy held her chin in two fingers, stretching her throat and setting her face where he wanted. She held the pose while he backed away and stripped for her. Layer after layer of forest green and woody brown fell away and Y/N clenched her thighs tight as more muscle was revealed.

“Fuck… you’re gorgeous,” she breathed.

He smirked and spread his feet apart. “I know.” Grabbing his dick, he stroked himself slowly and nodded at her. “Now you.”

Y/N shivered and hopped down from the desk. Nervously, she tugged at the hem of her oversized periwinkle sweater and yanked it up.

Soldier Boy sucked his teeth. “No. Slowly.”

She took a breath and started again, this time lifting away the soft polyester slowly and deliberately. Next came her jeans and he hummed in lustful admiration as she tugged the acid-washed denim down her thighs.

“Very nice.”

Embolden, Y/N turned and shook her ass for him as she unhooked her bra.

“Go on…”

She tossed the garment over her shoulder.

“Keep going.”

Aching with anticipation, she slid her hands into her panties and inched them down, bending at the hips and showing him everything.

“Fucking hell…”

He was on her in a second; big hands tight on her hips, hard cock snug between her thighs. He settled there for a moment, letting her juices drip down onto his throbbing shaft. She leaned back and he scratched his fingers up her sides and scooped her tits into his warm palms.

“Fuck… your hands are so big,” she mewed.

He jerked his hips and the tip of his cock slid against her clit.

“Just my hands?”

Y/N bit her lip and wiggled against him. “Let’s find out.”

He flipped her over like it was nothing and threw her down on the edge of the desk. She spread her legs wide and he set up camp between them.

“You ready?” he asked, already lining up.

She nodded breathlessly and arched her back off the desk, begging. “Do it. Please!”

It was almost painful the way he snapped his hips into her. His thick cock spread her apart and her flesh burned at the pull. She bit back a scream when he pressed all the way in; dropped her jaw when he tugged her hips down off the desk. His blunt nails sunk into her soft curves, nearly drawing blood. She held her breath. He thrust his cock deeper inside. She lost her mind.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck…” It was all she could say and it amused him like nothing else.

With a grunt, Soldier Boy lifted her legs high and pushed forward, bending her in half. The new angle pushed him in so deep Y/N thought she could feel his cock tap against the base of her throat. She gagged and her eyes rolled. He laughed and dipped down to lick at her lips.

“What a good little bitch,” he teased. “Taking my cock so good.”

She moaned with each hard thrust and her tongue rolled out of her mouth. She couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. There was nothing but mindless, pounding pleasure and his bright green eyes.

He ran his tongue up hers and hummed. “That’s a good idea.”

In a flash, she was on her knees, swaying side to side as he stroked his cock. His fist was a blur, her eyes were white.

“Open wide.”

Y/N dropped her jaw and he slid inside.

“Suck.”

Her lips clamped down and she took a deep breath, pulling at his velvety skin. Her tongue undulated against the pulsing vein of his big cock and Soldier Boy fit his giant hand on the back of her head. He held her in place and bucked his hips, jabbing his cock down her throat. She choked on him, moaning in bliss and protest as spit spilled from the corners of her mouth and coated her tits.

“Fucking perfect,” he grit, throwing his head back and enjoying her desperate whimpers and the tightness of her throat.

Her eyes began to water and he could hear her lungs screaming for air. He set her free.

“Fuck!” Y/N wobbled on her weak knees and nearly fell to the floor.

Soldier Boy caught her quickly and set her back on her feet, bent over on the desk. Her tits smashed against the wood and he kicked her legs apart.

“You’re one hell of a PA,” he praised.

Her cunt pulsed as he ran the tip of his cock across its lips. “It’s… my… job…”

He grinned. “Sure is.” He pushed inside. “Gotta give the talent your full attention.” He slapped her ass hard. “Give them anything they want.” He grabbed the back of her neck and lifted her off of the desk, arching her spine awkwardly. “Isn’t that right?”

She moaned. “Yes!”

“Correct.”

He let her go and she fell back down, just a ragdoll for him to fuck to his satisfaction.

When he was done he slapped her ass, leaving a welt behind as a souvenir.

“Thanks,” he mumbled, already forgetting about her as he tugged his suit back on and fixed his hair.

Y/N crumbled to the floor, her legs spread wide, her back against the desk. She sat there for a long while, feeling his palm print burn on her bottom and his cum leak from her cunt. He didn’t look back as he left, didn’t even shut the door.

Soldier Boy disappeared down the hall and Y/N shook herself, wondering how the hell she’d broken her promise and let him get to her.

Not that she was mad about it.

Just sore.

#the boys fanfic #soldier boy x reader #soldier boy x y/n #jacklesversebingo23 #one shot

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hometoursandotherstuff · 9 months ago

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This estate was custom designed by someone who was clearly impaired. One of the bathrooms, I can't even understand. Built in 1997, in Warren, NJ, it has 8bds, 12ba, and is listed for $3.499M.

The grand entrance. Why open stairs? Looks like an office building.

What is that thing on the wall, art?

The modern sunken living room has commercial carpeting.

Windows in the walls. (Why do people put traditional furniture in an ultra modern home?)

There's a bar. How do you even get back here?

Another sitting room.

Brick dining room with wood floor. Look at the ceiling design.

The kitchen. Look at the spacey ceiling fixture. Who gets up there to clean and shine it when it gets dirty?

Industrial sun room. (With traditional furniture.)

Take the elevator up.

Overlooking the living room.

Vast, plain primary bedroom.

Why is there a hole in the floor of the closet?

Mirrors and doors to the en-suite.

What in the hell is this? It looks like it was once a pool. Who designs a bathroom like this?

Round rec room with a bar opens to the garden.

Another sitting room. Weird ceiling.

Does the ball in the window convey?

A deck with stairs to the garden.

The garden is nice.

Stairs coming down from the deck.

Gazebo?

Tennis, anyone?

Indoor pool.

7.52 acre lot.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6-Ravinn-Ln-Warren-NJ-07059/53729261_zpid/?

#estates #architecture #weird design #houses #house tours #home tour

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championcommercialcleaning · 3 days ago

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Carpet vs. Hard Floors: Which Is Easier to Maintain?

Pros & Cons of Carpeted vs. Hard Flooring: Which One Wins?

When it comes to commercial spaces, the flooring you choose can make a huge difference in comfort, maintenance, and appearance. The big debate? Carpeted vs. hard flooring. Each has its perks and drawbacks, so let’s break it down in a way that makes choosing easier!

Comfort & Noise: The Cozy Factor vs. the Echo Effect

If you want a workspace that feels warm and inviting, carpeted flooring is the clear winner. It’s soft underfoot, absorbs sound, and keeps noise levels low—perfect for busy offices or hotels where peace and quiet matter. No one likes the echo of every footstep when trying to concentrate!

On the flip side, hard flooring (like tile, vinyl, or hardwood) doesn’t absorb sound as well, which can make a space feel louder. However, it’s easier to clean spills and doesn’t trap dust, which is a big plus for businesses that need a sleek, professional look. If noise is an issue, adding rugs or acoustic panels can help balance things out.

Maintenance & Durability: What’s Easier to Clean?

In the battle of carpeted vs. hard flooring, hard flooring wins in the maintenance department. Spilled coffee? No problem—just wipe it up! With carpet, stains can linger, and dirt loves to hide deep in the fibers, making professional cleaning a must.

However, carpet does have one advantage: it hides dirt better than hard flooring, which means it won’t look messy as quickly. But beware—over time, trapped dust and allergens can lead to poor indoor air quality. Hard flooring, on the other hand, can be mopped and disinfected easily, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like restaurants, medical offices, and retail spaces.

Style & Aesthetic: Which One Looks Better?

This one really depends on the vibe you’re going for. Carpeted flooring brings warmth, texture, and a cozy feel to any space. It’s a great choice for hotels, office lounges, or conference rooms where you want a more relaxed atmosphere.

Hard flooring, though, offers a modern, polished look that works well in corporate offices, showrooms, and lobbies. Plus, with so many options—luxury vinyl planks, polished concrete, and engineered wood—you can match it to any design style. If durability and a sleek, professional look are priorities, hard flooring takes the lead.

Cleaning Challenges for Each Flooring Type: Carpeted vs. Hard Flooring

No matter how beautiful your floors are, they won’t stay that way without proper care. When it comes to carpeted vs. hard flooring, cleaning challenges can be very different—and some are trickier than others. Let’s dive into the dirt (literally) and see what makes each flooring type tough to clean!

Carpet: The Dirt Magnet That Loves Stains

Carpet may feel warm and cozy underfoot, but it’s also a magnet for dust, dirt, and every crumb that falls. Unlike hard flooring, which lets you sweep debris away, carpet fibers trap everything—and that includes allergens, pet hair, and even odors. Vacuuming helps, but deep cleaning is a must if you want to keep carpets fresh and hygienic.

Then, there’s the stain struggle. Spill a coffee on tile, and it wipes right up. Spill it on carpet? Now you’re in a battle against time! Liquid seeps deep into the fibers, making stains harder to remove. Some messes, like ink or red wine, might become permanent if not treated immediately. Regular steam cleaning is key, but let’s be honest—who has time to do that every week?

Hard Flooring: The Streaky & Slippery Challenge

While hard flooring is way easier to clean than carpet, it comes with its own set of issues. Sure, you can sweep up dirt and mop spills, but not all cleaning products play nice with every surface. Hardwood floors, for example, hate excess moisture. Too much water can cause warping, and using the wrong cleaner might leave streaks or even dull the finish.

Tile floors are more forgiving but come with another problem: grout lines. Dirt loves to settle into grout, and over time, it can turn from crisp white to dingy gray. Scrubbing grout is nobody’s idea of fun, but without regular maintenance, it can make even the cleanest tile floor look dirty. Meanwhile, vinyl and laminate floors need gentle cleaning—harsh chemicals can damage the surface, and too much water can cause bubbling or peeling.

Dust, Scratches & Footprint Woes

Another challenge with carpeted vs. hard flooring is how easily they show wear and tear. Carpet can flatten in high-traffic areas, creating visible paths over time. Hard flooring, while more durable, is prone to scratches—especially if people aren’t careful with furniture or high heels. And don’t even get started on footprints! Glossy hard floors look stunning, but they also show smudges, dust, and streaks way too easily.

Cost Comparisons for Long-Term Maintenance: Carpeted vs. Hard Flooring

Choosing between carpeted vs. hard flooring isn’t just about style—it’s also about cost. While the upfront price of materials matters, what really impacts your budget is long-term maintenance. Some floors need constant deep cleaning, while others require special treatments to keep them looking fresh. Let’s break down the real costs of keeping each flooring type in top shape!

Cleaning Costs: Carpet Needs More Frequent Deep Cleaning

When it comes to regular maintenance, carpet tends to be the pricier option. Sure, vacuuming helps, but it only removes surface dirt. Over time, dust, allergens, and bacteria settle deep into the fibers, making professional deep cleaning a necessity. Depending on the size of your space, carpet cleaning services can cost anywhere from $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot—and most carpets need a deep clean at least twice a year.

Hard flooring, on the other hand, is much easier to maintain. A mop, broom, and the right cleaning solution can keep it looking fresh. However, certain types of hard flooring need special care. Hardwood floors, for example, require occasional polishing or refinishing to maintain their shine, which adds to the long-term cost. Tile floors are lower maintenance but may need grout sealing or deep scrubbing to prevent dirt buildup.

Durability: Which Flooring Lasts Longer?

If you’re thinking long-term, hard flooring wins on durability. A well-maintained hardwood, vinyl, or tile floor can last 20 to 50 years, while commercial-grade carpet typically needs replacing every 7 to 10 years. High-traffic areas wear out carpets faster, leaving them looking dull and flattened. Plus, once carpet starts fraying or unraveling, there’s no easy fix—you have to replace it entirely.

Hard floors, while more durable, can still face wear and tear. Scratches, dents, and fading happen over time, especially if heavy furniture isn’t padded or high heels are a regular occurrence. But the upside? Instead of replacing the entire floor, you can often refinish, reseal, or repair small sections, making it a more cost-effective long-term investment.

Replacement Costs: Carpet vs. Hard Flooring Over Time

Replacing carpet is often cheaper upfront, but since it wears out faster, you’ll spend more money on replacements over the years. Carpet installation costs $3 to $7 per square foot, while high-end commercial carpet can cost even more. Multiply that by every time you replace it, and the cost adds up quickly!

Hard flooring, while more expensive to install, offers better long-term value. Luxury vinyl, tile, and hardwood flooring range from $5 to $15 per square foot, but they rarely need full replacement. Instead of tearing up old floors every decade, businesses can simply refinish, reseal, or repair sections, saving thousands in the long run.

Choosing the Best Flooring for Your Business Needs: Carpeted vs. Hard Flooring

When designing a commercial space, flooring plays a huge role in functionality, appearance, and overall maintenance. Choosing between carpeted vs. hard flooring isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about finding the right balance between comfort, durability, and cost. Different businesses have different needs, so let’s break down the key factors to help you make the best decision!

Traffic & Usage: How Busy Is Your Space?

The first thing to consider is foot traffic. If your business sees a steady stream of customers, clients, or employees moving around all day, durability is a top priority. Hard flooring is a clear winner for high-traffic areas, as it can withstand heavy use without wearing down quickly. Tile, vinyl, and polished concrete are especially tough, making them great for restaurants, retail stores, and office lobbies.

Carpet, on the other hand, works well in lower-traffic spaces like conference rooms, executive offices, and hotel suites. It provides extra comfort underfoot and helps reduce noise, which is perfect for businesses where a quiet, professional atmosphere matters. However, if placed in high-traffic areas, carpet can show wear and tear much faster than hard flooring.

Maintenance & Cleaning: How Much Effort Are You Willing to Put In?

Let’s be honest—nobody enjoys cleaning floors all the time. If you want something low-maintenance, hard flooring is the better option. Sweeping, mopping, and occasional deep cleaning are usually enough to keep it in top shape. Tile, vinyl, and laminate require minimal upkeep, while hardwood may need refinishing every few years to maintain its shine.

Carpet, however, requires frequent vacuuming, stain removal, and professional deep cleaning to stay fresh. Spills and dirt settle into the fibers, making it harder to keep clean, especially in busy environments. If your business is prone to spills—like a café or medical office—hard flooring might save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

Aesthetic & Comfort: What Vibe Do You Want?

Looks matter, and the right flooring can completely change the feel of your space. Hard flooring gives off a sleek, modern, and professional vibe, making it ideal for law firms, showrooms, and high-end retail spaces. It’s also available in endless styles, from polished wood to industrial-chic concrete.

If warmth and coziness are a priority, carpet is the way to go. It makes spaces feel more inviting, absorbs noise, and provides extra insulation, which can help with energy costs in colder months. Hotels, office lounges, and waiting areas benefit from the soft, comfortable feel of carpeted flooring.

Final Thoughts: Carpeted vs. Hard Flooring—Which One Wins?

Choosing between carpeted vs. hard flooring isn’t a simple decision—it depends on your business’s needs, maintenance preferences, and budget. Both options have their strengths and challenges, and the right choice comes down to what works best for your space.

If comfort and noise reduction are top priorities, carpeted flooring provides warmth and a welcoming feel. It’s perfect for offices, hotels, and areas where a quieter atmosphere is needed. However, it does require regular deep cleaning and can wear down faster in high-traffic zones.

On the other hand, hard flooring is a durable, sleek, and low-maintenance option. Whether you choose tile, vinyl, or hardwood, it’s easier to clean and lasts longer with proper care. While it may cost more upfront, it’s a smart long-term investment that can handle heavy foot traffic without frequent replacements.

At the end of the day, the best flooring choice depends on your business’s daily operations, budget, and style preferences. Whether you go with carpeted or hard flooring, keeping it clean and well-maintained is essential to keeping your space looking professional and inviting!

#cleaning #carpet cleaning #floor cleaning

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beefromanoff · 1 year ago

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Project Mockingbird Ch. 2

summary: they arrive at the compound, where some are eager to meet the new girl and others...not so much.

pairing: Bucky Barnes x OC

author's note: this got so much more traction than I was expecting with the prologue and chapter one, I tried to get this one up quicker to keep it going! thank you so much for reading, xoxo

chapter list

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It turns out that flying on a jet was a hell of a lot faster, and smoother, than flying commercial. Or as a stowaway on a cargo plan. Neither of which Charlotte enjoyed, but sometimes you just have to make do. It was around 7:30am when the jet touched down on a long airstrip in the middle of a vast forest.

Both women had dozed off during the flight, the pancakes and alcohol lulling them to sleep with the hum of the engine making it nearly impossible to resist. They taxied through down the runway under the cover of the woods before entering a clearing. There was a massive hangar open before them, several different types of aircraft visible through the open garage door. This seemed to be the most corporate of the fleet, with the rest ranging from tactical to full blown heavy artillery.

Charlotte sat up in her seat, peering out the window. The nerves were hitting her for the first time. She saw a handful of uniformed men and women working in the hangar, performing maintenance on the aircrafts.

“Good morning sunshine,” Natasha smiled, still tucked under a blanket.

“Morning.”

“Welcome home.”

When the ramp opened, an eager uniformed man scampered into the cabin. “Agent Romanoff.” He saluted, waiting for her to nod before he continued. “How was the flight? Can I take your bags?”

“Don’t know, I slept through most of it.” She gestured to the duffel bag and small suitcase Charlotte had retrieved from the hotel before they left. “You can help Ms. Rossi with her bags.”

Giving a tight-lipped smile, Charlotte followed Natasha down the steps. Unabashedly holding her heels by the straps, Nat strode across the concrete floor to a set of sleek looking doors. Doing her best to ignore the questioning glances, Charlotte kept her eyes straight ahead and followed the one person she knew into unfamiliar territory.

The doors led to a hallway with elevators to their right. The noise coming from the end let her know the hallway opened up to a larger room, one that sounded like it was already bustling with activity. To her relief, Natasha hit a button on the elevator instead of continuing towards the noise.

“I’ll show you to your room first. I figured you’d want to get settled in, get cleaned up.”

“Thanks,” Charlotte nodded. “I think I have glitter in more places than I even knew existed. And I smell like tequila.”

“There are worse things to smell like.” Natasha grinned as they stepped out into another lobby area. “This is the training side of the compound. The hangars, weapons manufacturing, shooting range, training facilities, it’s all over here. This is where the SHIELD agents work. It’s the more…populated side.” She gestured out the window at a dozen trainees jogging. “They don’t live here. The only ones that do are the ones on the team.”

“You mean The Avengers?” Charlotte raised an eyebrow.

“You could say that,” She gave a wry smile. “I prefer to say roommates.”

They stepped out into the fresh air and Nat pointed out a black ATV. The breeze felt nice on her cheeks as they drove down a paved path across the grounds. The entire thing seemed to be completely secluded, as if it were dropped in the middle of the woods. Charlotte couldn’t even see the entrance to the place. They passed a few smaller buildings, which Natasha dubbed storage and “room to grow”; as well as a beautiful lake off to the left. Marveling at the fog spread across the water, she didn’t realize they’d made it to their destination.

The building in front of them had a similar exterior to the last one they’d come from. It was gray, very modern looking, though smaller than the training side. This one seemed to be only three or four stories tall, but it extended out over the water with balconies jutting from the higher levels.

“This is the residential building. Most of us stay here full time, but some of us have rooms at the Tower in New York City, too. You can come next time I go up there, if you want. It’s more peaceful here, though. Personal preference, I guess.” She opened the door for Charlotte to walk through. “First floor is a private training facility, second is storage and a theater room, third and fourth floors are rooms, and the fifth floor is a common area, kitchen, and a meeting room.”

They stepped into another elevator where Natasha punched the button for the fourth floor. “I put you on my floor. Just so you’d have a friendly face.” She paused. “Although, sometimes the team can be a little too friendly in their own right. I don’t see an issue with them warming up to you.”

The doors slid open and they entered a small common area with doors on every side. Natasha led her to a door on the far wall and gestured for her to enter. “We can set up your keypad in a minute, everything here is print based. Some people had trouble keeping track of their keys.” She rolled her eyes, but Charlotte was too enamored with the room to notice.

It was plain, just the bare bones of a room, but it was perfect. A big, king-sized bed bathed in sunlight from the window behind it. Large closet and an even bigger bathroom. She dropped her duffel bag on the floor and looked around.

“You’re welcome to decorate or do whatever you want, it’s all yours.” Natasha smiled as she watched her take everything in. “Here, let’s set up your keypad so I can give you some space. I’ll leave my number, just let me know when you get bored or hungry or feel like socializing.”

She closed the door behind her, leaving Charlotte to settle in.

I think this will do. She thought as she sank into the plush bedding.

__________________________________________________

“I just don’t understand why you didn’t tell me.” Bucky grunted as he slammed his fist into the punching bag.

“I did tell you,” Steve protested before being interrupted.

“No, you told me we found someone with potential HYDRA affiliation. You said the team was working on tracking her down and making contact.” Bucky stopped hitting the bag to snarl his words out. “What you didn’t say was ‘Hey buddy, there’s a chance we found someone kept in the same hellish lab as you and we’re trying to get her to come shack up with us. Oh, and she may or may not have been bred to kill you.’”

Sighing, Steve sat on the bench next to the sparring ring. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I just didn’t know how to say it.”

“You mean you didn’t know how I’d take it.” Fists slammed into the bag.

“Well,” He raised an eyebrow. “Is that such a stretch?”

“I think I’m handling it pretty well.” Bucky gave a forced smile as he stepped away from the punching bag, beginning to unwrap his right hand.

“It was my idea to keep the details under wraps,” Nat’s voice echoed from across the training room as she walked toward them, wet hair darkening the collar of her sweatshirt. “I didn’t mean for it to seem like we were keeping things from you. There’s just so much we don’t know.”

Bucky frowned. “Seems like there’s quite a bit you do know.”

“I’ll tell you anything you want.” She smiled, always able to walk the line between cold sarcasm and genuine warmth.

Natasha took a seat on the bench next to Steve, both of them watching Bucky as he threw the sweaty tape away. He stayed quiet for a moment, thinking.

“What’s her name?”

“Charlotte. Charlotte Rossi.”

“Where’d you find her?”

“Most recently, the high stakes room at the Wynn.” Nat smirked. “Prior to that, I saw some patterns that caught my interest and dug a little further.”

“I read the file.” Bucky’s face was stoic.

“Do you have any memory of her? Any recollection?”

His brows knit together, thinking. “No. I don’t remember much from that…from those years. Fragments, maybe. If I saw her face it might, I don’t know, might bring something back.”

Steve watched his friend carefully, looking for any sign of distress. Bucky seemed calm, controlled, albeit a little strained.

“Where is she?”

“Upstairs.”

Bucky nodded slowly. “She’s here…for good?”

“To be determined. My offer wasn’t exactly for a week’s vacation.” Natasha stood, putting a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry I wasn’t up front with you on this. I promise not to go around you again.”

“I get it.” He looked at Steve. “I know I don’t have the best track record for handling questionable information.”

Grinning, Steve stood to join them. “What? You think throwing Sam out of a moving Quinjet because he told you he’d be leading point on the mission was an overreaction?”

Bucky ran his tongue over his teeth, suppressing a smile.

“No, totally reasonable.” Nat elbowed him. “Just like when he ripped the arm off of Tony’s last suit because he said Bucky’s arm was a ‘war relic’,”

“Alright, point made,” Bucky groaned, shrugging her hand off and walking towards the door.

_____________________________________

Charlotte: is it too late for breakfast?

Natasha: I know I said there are no stupid questions…..but ;)

Charlotte: music to my ears

Natasha: meet me outside the first floor elevators in 5.

Charlotte slipped her phone back in her pocket, grinning. Thank God superheroes have a sense of humor. Well, at least one does. She made a mental note to ask if FedEx delivered to the compound, as she was in dire need of an online shopping spree. The majority of her clothes were tailored to Vegas, where she’d taken up residence the past few weeks. With the way she drifted from place to place, it wasn’t uncommon for her to leave an entire wardrobe’s worth of clothes in a hotel closet when she left town. For this trip in particular, she’d brought a few of her absolute favorite dresses, three sets of heels, and two designer bags she’d treated herself to after a particularly lucrative poker win.

Unfortunately, not much of her attire lent itself to casual daytime wear. She had a pair of jeans and trusty white sneakers, and luckily a plain white tank top shoved deep into her suitcase. Unless there was some kind of Avengers’ gift shop on the premises, she’d be repeating this look pretty much daily.

She made her way to the elevator and when the doors slid open on the first floor, Natasha stood waiting for her. A tall, clean cut blonde man stood next to her, who Charlotte recognized instantly.

“Hi…” She stepped out cautiously as the duo grinned.

“Charlotte, you remember Steve.” Nat seemed to be the most amused of all three of them. The man nodded, holding his hand out for her to shake.

“We were never officially acquainted.” His handshake was firm but his eyes were kind. “Steve Rogers.”

“Sorry about that,” She pursed her lips. “I thought you were coming after me for my lack of patriotism.”

Steve chuckled. “From what I’ve heard, you tried to represent our country too. Maybe we’re not so different.” The sharp look Natasha shot him as he referenced her Team USA mishap didn’t go unnoticed. Charlotte didn’t seem to take offense, simply raising an eyebrow as she carefully considered her response.

“I think I can stick a landing a little better than you.” Her face was blank, but her eyes crinkled at the corners ever so slightly, an almost-smile.

“I don’t doubt it.” Steve smiled. “Welcome to the compound.”

“Thanks.” Charlotte kept her eyes on him as he led the trio through the doors.

Natasha fell into step beside her, showing her unspoken camaraderie. Years of undercover work had honed her ability to read body language and pick up on cues undetectable to anyone else. As she watched Charlotte over the past twenty-four hours, she noticed several things. She was calculated, but not cold. Her humor was dry and she kept a poker face throughout most of her interactions, hints of a smile showing through as she warmed up to someone. She was quick-witted, but seemed to think through her replies thoroughly as she decided if someone was trustworthy or not. A familiar tactic for someone who wasn’t sure who they could rely on. Her persona was confident, relaxed, assured. Her body told another story.

When she stood, her posture was erect. Her weight was slightly shifted forward on her toes, like someone prepared to cut and run at any moment. She could stand still, facing the person in front of her, but her eyes would flick around to every detail happening around her. She presented herself like a predator, but her behavior was that of prey.

It made sense. She was taken, put through horrors beyond comprehension at the hands of HYDRA. Prey. She was altered, trained, brainwashed to be an elite fighter, an assassin. Predator. But now? She was somewhere in between. Not quite a predator, not quite prey.

As Natasha strode down the path towards the main building, she couldn’t help but feel like even Charlotte didn’t know which category she fell into.

“This is the cafe,” Steve gestured when they walked into the largest building. Charlotte recognized it as another entrance to the same place they’d left earlier that morning. This was where all the noise was coming from. It was a large room, flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. There were two dozen circular tables in the middle of the room, most of them empty. A few had small clusters of people in navy blue windbreakers or jackets, all emblazoned with the trademark “A” of the Avengers. There was a kitchen area to the right, a long countertop spanning part of the wall. “They serve three meals here every day, it’s all up for grabs. This is where all the agents and recruits eat while they’re here. We have a kitchen back in our building, but unless one of us feels like cooking, there’s not much more than dry cereal there.”

They walked towards the kitchen, a few agents pausing as they walked through the room, looking at Charlotte over their clipboards and conversation. Natasha pulled open the door to a commercial sized refrigerator, revealing a massive selection of food. Everything from fresh fruit to Smucker’s PB&J sandwiches. Eyes wide, Charlotte glanced at Natasha.

“Have at it,” She nodded, grabbing an apple and biting in.

When they’d sufficiently raided the kitchen, Steve led them out another set of doors to a patio area. To the right, they could see the edge of the lake peeking around the treeline. To the left, there was an open field, the targets on the far end indicating a shooting range. Charlotte lowered her arms and let the barrage of snacks tumble onto the table.

“I didn’t think superheroes ate junk food,” She raised an eyebrow, pulling open a bag of mini-donuts.

“Superheroes don’t, Avengers do.” Nat winked and stole one from the packaging. “Plus, not all of the agents here are combat focused. There are plenty who work in the control room or in tech and engineering and don’t have to give a shit about being mobile.”

“Well here’s to not being mobile.” She held her chocolate milk in the air and the three of them toasted, just in time for a dozen agents to jog by on the path out in front of them.

Bucky stood on the path around the lake, hidden under the cover of long morning shadows. He watched as Steve raised his plastic chocolate milk into the air, appearing to cheers with the two women at the table. One was Natasha, the other he assumed was the new girl. Charlotte.

She was around Natasha’s size, a little more overtly muscular. He could see her toned arms clearly thanks to the tank top she was wearing. They seemed relaxed, talking and laughing. He took a deep breath and looked down at his phone.

Five Minutes Ago

Steve: Come meet us on the patio by the range. You can meet Charlotte. We’re showing her around.

Sighing, Bucky shot back a reply before shoving his phone into his pocket.

Bucky: Sorry - told Sam I’d help him with something. Next time.

He turned and resumed his run around the lake, going the opposite direction of the compound. Steve glanced up from his phone, brow furrowed, just in time to see black hair disappearing around the treeline.

#james bucky barnes #bucky barnes #avengers #bucky barnes x oc #bucky fanfic #bucky fluff #winter soldier #sebastian stan #winter soldier fluff #avenger!reader #avenger!reader x bucky barnes

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avaantares · 5 months ago

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They say to write what you know...

Here's a little Easter Egg for my readers! (And also for history nerds! Or people who just like personal stories!)

There's a bit in CotFA about Nero creating makeshift building blocks for their foster kids by cutting up scrap lumber and letting the kids draw fences and brick patterns on them with crayons, because he can barely afford food for them and doesn't have money for toys.

The characters may be fictional, but the blocks are real. When I wrote the story, I was drawing on my own childhood memories, but recently I found a few of the blocks in a box (pictured above) and thought I'd share their history.

First, you must understand that my family's generations are EXTREMELY spaced out, due to multiple generations having children very late in life. My own great-grandfather was alive while Abraham Lincoln was in office -- and 159 years later, his youngest daughter, my grandfather's sister, is still with us. (In fact, I saw her at a family birthday party just a few days ago.)

For me, the American Civil War (1861-65) was just three generations ago. My aunt grew up during the Great Depression (1929-39). This is relatively recent history, from a personal memory standpoint.

What this means is that my grandparents, born in the first decade of the 20th century, were married shortly after graduating high school in the mid-1920s. They were a young couple with a toddler (my aunt) when the Depression hit. Though my grandfather was fortunate enough to keep his job, money was still extremely short, and sometimes they ran out of food or other essentials before he got paid. That experience instilled in them a deep-rooted thriftiness, bordering on dogma, that has been passed down to my generation (nearly a century later, I am STILL comparing cans of beans at the grocery and buying the one that costs three cents less, even though at this point in my life I can afford the national brand).

For the rest of his life, my grandfather did not spend a single cent that he didn't absolutely have to, and he saved and reused things religiously. When a shirt wore out, he saved the buttons (I still have his button tin) and then repurposed the fabric as patches or cleaning rags. He recycled wood from packing crates into things like storage boxes and tool trays, some of which I'm still using in my house today. (See the end of this post for a gallery of some of his work!)

Much later in life, my grandparents had my mother. Born in the 1950s when Westerns dominated the American consciousness, she grew up playing with toy horses and wagons and farm sets, and was (*cough* still is) generally the OG horse-crazy girl. She did have some commercial toys, but her father also provided her with blocks made from scrap wood to use as farm fences and jumps for the horses, because why spend money on expensive toys when there's perfectly good wood in the garage?

Fast forward a few more decades: My sister and I inherited my mother's old farm toys and added many of our own. We were used to having assorted old, reused and recycled things around, because that was just the family culture -- you don't throw things away if they can be repaired or reused, and you don't spend money on something if you can find a way to fill its function without spending money. (Today's consumers could learn a lot from my grandfather, I think.)

So, using several decades' worth of toy fences and fence substitutes, my sister and I built massive horse farms and show jumping rings on the living room floor for our toy horses to inhabit. We were very precise with our building, and different kinds of fencing (wooden blocks vs. molded plastic fences from a farm set vs. Lincoln Logs, for example) meant different things -- for example, the gates had to be a different kind of fencing than the fence proper so you knew which part could open to let the horse walk through. Children are extremely serious about such things. It never occurred to five-year-old me that you could make a play farm out of just one kind of fencing. Why else would we have all these different materials to build with?

The blocks pictured above were almost certainly used as toy horse fencing. The piece with the fence pattern drawn on it is actually decorated on both sides, one in a more controlled hand than the other. I think my sister (four years older than me) must have drawn a fence on one side, and I attempted to do the same on the other, but from the looks of things I hadn't quite earned my Fine Arts degree yet.

Gallery

My grandfather had a very white-collar day job, but he was also a skilled craftsman and artist -- and he labeled everything, often humorously. Here are a few of the items sitting around my house that he made.

A wooden lap desk with hinged lid for storage and a silly label (surname obscured):

A drafting board, complete with homemade triangle and T-square, both of which have their own storage slots on the back! I have used this as a drawing board, and honestly this T-square is better than some of the commercial ones I have. (The wood surface has aged poorly because it was stored in suboptimal conditions for a long time, which is unfortunate, as I love the size and convenience of this thing. I can still use it if I put a stiff plastic sheet under the paper, though.)

A silverware divider tray (which, oddly enough, is the ONLY one that fits my narrow kitchen drawers! I tried at least three "small" commercial models with no luck, and was thrilled when this one turned up in family storage)

A labeled (like everything) tool tray from his garage shelves, which I'm now using in my kitchen

A neat old food shipping crate that he dismantled and turned into a large storage box, which now holds my records

#family history #Fanfiction Easter eggs

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homedaily · 6 months ago

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This contemporary living room, which highlights the skills of top interior design companies in UAE, is the ultimate example of both style and comfort. The quantity of natural light coming in through the large floor-to-ceiling windows accentuates the roomy layout, which is characterised by clean lines and a neutral colour scheme. Utility meets elegance in interior design in Dubai with latest trends, which are shown in the sophisticated yet minimalistic approach to design.

A specially made sectional sofa that provides plenty of space for entertainment and relaxation sits at the centre of this living room. Modern conveniences and elegant marble-clad feature wall combine to create a cosy and welcoming focal point that skilfully blends both style and utility. A modern chandelier above gives a hint of glitz and raises the mood by creating gentle, ambient illumination.

Strategically placed green elements bring a refreshing burst of nature indoors, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the space. The combination of textures—smooth marble, soft upholstery, and the subtle grain of wood—adds depth and richness to the design, making this living room a true feature of professional interior designers of a top-tier interior design company in Dubai.

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whitehallcarpetcleaners · 1 year ago

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Wood Flooring

Extending The Lifespan Of Your Hardwood Floors Through Regular Cleaning

We all cherish the warm glow of pristine hardwood floors under our feet. Yet, it’s no secret that daily life can leave its mark. We’ve observed how even specks of dirt can start to dim that cherished luster before their time. But fear not – with a dash of tender love, care, and regular upkeep, those wooden treasures beneath us can stand firm for many sunsets. Let’s dive into some straightforward strategies that will help extend the lifespan by regular hardwood floors cleaning.

Key Takeaways

Regularly removing dirt and debris with a dust mop or soft-bristled broom helps prevent scratches that can dull hardwood floors.

Using felt pads under furniture, cleaning spills immediately, and placing mats at entrances reduce the risk of damage to your wood flooring.

Clean hardwood floors with damp mops and specific hardwood floor cleaners to avoid water damage and harmful residues that can shorten their lifespan.

Consistent cleaning routines, including dusting, dry mopping, and periodic deeper cleans, preserve your floors’ luster while reducing allergen buildup.

Protecting hardwood floors from excess sunlight using curtains or UV films and maintaining indoor humidity levels prolongs floor integrity.

How Regular Cleaning Can Extend the Lifespan of Your Hardwood Floors

Regular cleaning and extending the lifespan of your hardwood floors removes dirt and debris and helps prevent damage that can lead to premature aging. Using the proper cleaning methods and products is essential for maintaining the beauty and integrity of your wood flooring.

Removing dirt and debris

We know how vital it is to tackle dirt and debris swiftly, as they act like sandpaper underfoot, scratching and dulling your beautiful hardwood floors. That’s why we jump into action with a dust mop or soft-bristled broom—it’s crucial for whisking away particles that could lead to scratches. For the more demanding tasks right cleaning solution, our vacuum cleaners are ready at hand to suck up any lingering dirt from high-traffic areas before it can do any harm.

Our team ensures that every speck of dust gets picked up regularly to maintain the pristine condition of your wood flooring. We take pride in preventing damage by keeping your floors clean without leaving behind residue buildup—a guard against premature aging and further wear and tear on those precious panels beneath our feet. Trust us at Whitehall Carpet Cleaners to protect and extend the life of your hardwood floors in Columbia, SC, through meticulous cleaning practices tailored just for you.

Preventing damage to your wood floors

Keeping those floors clean and pristine isn’t just about sweeping away the dirt; it’s crucial for preventing damage that can shorten their lifespan. Minor scratches and dents might not seem like a big deal, but they pave the way for more severe wear and tear over time.

We take proactive steps by using furniture legs and felt pads under furniture legs to avoid scrapes and gouges when moving pieces around. Also, we encourage placing floor mats at every entrance to catch grit from shoes that might otherwise scratch hardwood surfaces.

Heavy furniture can leave deep imprints on your beautiful flooring if you’re not careful. That’s why we recommend using furniture sliders – a small addition to furniture that makes a huge difference in keeping your hardwood pristine.

Another tip is to clean spills immediately; lingering moisture is no friend to wood floors and can cause irreversible damage if left unchecked. By paying attention to these details, we help ensure your wood floors stay as immaculate as the day they were installed—without needing frequent, costly repairs or early replacement.

Proper hardwood floor cleaning methods

Transitioning from the importance of preventing damage to scratch hardwood floors, let’s focus on the suitable cleaning methods that are key to maintaining your hardwood floors. Using a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment is ideal for picking up dirt that could scratch your flooring. When mopping, choose a damp mop rather than soaking wet to avoid excess water seeping into and harming the wood.

For deeper cleans, we recommend using cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors—avoid all-purpose cleaners as they can be too harsh. Spritz on a small amount of hardwood floor cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth to capture any remaining grime without leaving harmful residues.

These steps contribute to keeping your floors looking fresh and play an essential role in extending their lifespan through proper maintenance and care. Remember always to check the manufacturer’s recommendations since following these guidelines will help you use safe and effective products for your specific type of flooring.

Tips for Maintaining and Extending the Lifespan of Your Hardwood Floor

To maintain and extend the lifespan of your hardwood floors, it’s essential to avoid excess water, stick to a regular cleaning routine, and guard against sunlight and humidity changes. These simple tips can help preserve the beauty and durability of your hardwood floors for years to come.

Avoiding water

To maintain the longevity of your hardwood floors, it is crucial to avoid excessive water. Overexposure to water can damage and warp the wood, compromising its integrity over time. Instead, focus on using minimal moisture when cleaning hardwood floors. This approach will help prevent potential issues such as swelling or discoloration caused by prolonged contact with water.

One effective way to minimize water exposure is using a damp mop rather than soaking the entire tile flooring with water. This method allows for gentle yet thorough cleaning without saturating the wood. Avoiding excessive water usage can protect your hardwood floors from unnecessary harm and significantly extend their lifespan.

Stick to a regular cleaning routine

Sticking to a regular cleaning routine is essential to maintain the longevity of your hardwood floors. A consistent dust mopping or vacuuming schedule can prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the surface. This simple yet effective practice helps minimize scratches and damage caused by foot traffic, sharp edges, rugs, or high heels – preserving the pristine look of your hardwood floors.

Furthermore, incorporating periodic dry mopping into your regular cleaning routine aids in maintaining the natural shine and luster of your hardwood floors. By consistently removing dust and allergens from the surface, you’re not only prolonging the life expectancy of your wood flooring but also contributing to a cleaner indoor environment for your family.

Guard against sunlight and humidity changes

To protect your hardwood floors, it’s crucial to guard against sunlight and humidity changes. Sunlight can cause discoloration and fading of the wood, so using curtains or UV-protective window films can help minimize this effect.

Additionally, maintaining a consistent indoor humidity level between 35% and 55% with a humidifier or dehumidifier can prevent the floorboards from warping, cracking, and shrinking due to excessive moisture. These measures allow you to preserve your hardwood floors’ natural beauty and structural integrity for years.

Contact Whitehall Carpet Cleaning for all your floor, rug, and upholstery cleaning, disaster restoration, tile & grout cleaning, and disinfection services today!

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petbitsy · 2 years ago

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🐇🏠 Creating a Safe and Cozy Home for Your Pet Rabbit! 🏠🐇

If you're a proud rabbit owner, you know how important it is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for your furry friend. Here are some tips to create the perfect home for your pet rabbit:

1️⃣ Provide ample space: Rabbits love to hop and explore! Ensure your rabbit has enough room to move around freely. A spacious cage or hutch is essential. If possible, consider giving them access to a larger area or an enclosed bunny-proofed room for exercise.

2️⃣ Soft bedding: Line the floor of your rabbit's enclosure with comfortable bedding. Avoid materials like cedar or pine shavings, as they can be harmful to rabbits' respiratory systems. Opt for soft hay, straw, or specialized rabbit bedding instead.

3️⃣ Hideouts and tunnels: Rabbits enjoy having their own cozy spaces to retreat to. Place hideouts or tunnels in their enclosure, allowing them to feel secure and have a sense of privacy. Cardboard boxes or commercially available rabbit tunnels work well for this purpose.

4️⃣ Safe chewing options: Rabbits' teeth grow continuously, so providing appropriate chew toys is crucial. Offer sturdy, rabbit-safe toys made from untreated wood, cardboard, or safe chewable materials. This will help keep their teeth healthy and prevent destructive chewing.

5️⃣ Bunny-proofing: Just like curious toddlers, rabbits love to explore and nibble on things they shouldn't. Protect your furry friend by bunny-proofing your home. Secure electrical cords, move toxic plants out of reach, and block off any hazardous areas or small openings they could squeeze into.

6️⃣ Balanced diet: A healthy diet is essential for your rabbit's well-being. Provide a variety of fresh hay, high-quality rabbit pellets, and a mix of leafy greens and vegetables. Always ensure they have access to clean, fresh water.

7️⃣ Social interaction: Rabbits are social animals and need companionship. Spend quality time with your bunny, provide mental stimulation through play, and consider getting them a rabbit buddy if it's feasible for your situation.

Remember, each rabbit has unique needs, so observe your pet's behavior and make adjustments accordingly. Regular veterinary check-ups and lots of love and attention are also key to keeping your pet rabbit happy and healthy! 🥰🐰

#animals #pets #puppies #petblr #kittens #ratblr #dogs #reptiblr #kitty #baby animals

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ammg-old2 · 2 years ago

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The west coast of Ireland is famed for its wave-beaten shores and bare, stony mountains, where only a few stunted trees grow in hollows and valleys, bent by harsh storms blowing in from the North Atlantic.

The coastline, with its cold, clean winds and ever-changing skies, gives an impression of unspoiled, primal nature. In 2014, the Irish government designated a 1,550-mile tourist route along the coast, and called it “The Wild Atlantic Way.”

Yet, where generations of painters, poets and visitors have rhapsodized about the sublimity of nature and the scenic Irish countryside, ecologists see a man-made desert of grass, heather and ferns, cleared of most native species by close-grazing sheep that often pull grasses out by the roots.

As climate change threatens even more ecological disruption, a growing Irish “rewilding” movement is calling for the restoration of the native forests that once covered these lands, both as natural machines to capture atmospheric carbon, and to preserve and extend what remains of Ireland’s dwindling biodiversity.

Rewilding, the practice of bringing ravaged landscapes back to their original states, is well established in Britain, where numerous projects are underway. For Ireland, this would mean the re-creation of temperate forests of oak, birch, hazel and yew that once covered 80 percent of the land but now — after centuries of timber extraction, overgrazing and intensive farming — have been reduced to only 1 percent.

For some, rewilding began with a personal choice.

In 2009, Eoghan Daltún, a sculpture restorer, sold his house in Dublin to buy 33 acres of gnarled oaks and rugged hillside on the Beara Peninsula in County Cork, in the far southwest. Where local farmers had once raised a few cattle and sheep, he erected a fence to keep out feral goats and sika deer, two nonnative, invasive species that nibble undergrowth and saplings down to the roots, and kill older trees by gnawing away their bark.

One day in late spring, with the wind driving rain off the foaming ocean, he proudly showed off the results. Wood sorrel, dog violet and celandine were already in flower beneath the twisted branches of mature oak and birch, thickly draped in mosses, ferns and epiphytic plants. New shoots of oak, hawthorn and ash pushed up through the grass and dead ferns.

“The sheep and deer would eat those little saplings before they even started on the grass, so when the old trees eventually died, there’d be no new ones to replace them,” said Mr. Daltún, who wrote about his experiment in “An Irish Atlantic Rainforest,” a memoir. “But the native forest is returning here, all by itself. I don’t have to plant anything.”

Ireland has committed to increasing the total proportion of forested areas to 18 percent by 2050, from 11 percent currently. Yet this would still be well below the European Union average of 38 percent, and most of it would consist of commercial spruce and pine plantations that make up more than 90 percent of Ireland’s current woodlands.

Grown to be harvested within 30 to 40 years, these nonnative conifers are treated with chemicals that pollute groundwater and rivers. Ecologists say little can grow on a forest floor carpeted with dead needles and a desert for insects and native wildlife. And much of the carbon they store is released again when they are harvested.

It would be better for biodiversity and carbon sequestration to pay farmers and landowners to grow native trees and leave them unharvested, according to Padraic Fogarty, the campaign officer for the Irish Wildlife Trust. He cited the example of Costa Rica, which has reversed the Central American trend of deforestation by paying farmers to preserve and extend the rainforest.

Ray Ó Foghlú of Hometree, another rewilding organization, believes farmers could be paid not to plow or graze strips land that border remaining pockets of native woodland — often only a few trees and bushes — that cling to inaccessible hillsides or in the awkward corners of fields. Biologically rich, these microforests would, if left to themselves, quickly recolonize neighboring areas, Mr. Ó Foghlú believes. He himself recently bought nine acres of “scrubland” — home to sessile oaks (Ireland’s national tree), hazels, wood sorrel, blue bells and anemones.

“I pinch myself still that I own it,” he said. “It has a river running through it, and I can’t believe it’s mine, for the price of a second hand car these days.”

Irish rewilding enthusiasts look enviously at the highlands of Scotland, ecologically very similar to the west of Ireland, but where the concentration of ownership in the hands of a few hundred aristocrats and magnates allows rewilding at much greater scale.

Ecologically minded figures like the Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, Scotland’s largest private landowner, with 220,000 acres, can clear deer and livestock from tens of thousands of acres, allowing native growth to quickly regenerate. Eradicated native species, notably the European beaver, have also been reintroduced to Scotland to restore ecological balance.

In Ireland, where the average farm size is 83 acres, such large-scale rewilding would seem to be unfeasible. The big exception, so far, has been in the unlikely setting of County Meath, in the flat, highly fertile and intensively farmed east of the island, and in the unlikely person of Randal Plunkett, a New York-born filmmaker, vegan and death metal enthusiast.

Since Mr. Plunkett — better known, to some, as the 21st Baron of Dunsany — inherited his 1,700 acre ancestral estate in 2011, he has cleared it of livestock and left one-third to revert to unmanaged forest, complete with a wild herd of native red deer.

“Biodiversity is expanding dramatically,” said Mr. Plunkett, 30, standing in thick woodlands humming with bees and other busy insects. “At least one species has returned every year since we started. Pine martens. Red kites. Corncrakes. Peregrine falcons. Kestrels. Stoats. Woodpeckers. Otter. We think there’s salmon in the river again, for the first time in my life.”

One of his forebears, Sir Horace Plunkett, pioneered modern, industrial farming in Ireland early last century, encouraging small farmers to set up cooperatives and to mechanize their operations and use fertilizers and chemicals. Today, Randal Plunkett says, not everyone in this rich farming area is happy about his decision to abandon intensive agriculture, or to ban all hunting on the estate.

“It’s safe to say I’m not popular with the hunting crowd,” he said. “I’ve had death threats.”

Rewilding has its opponents. Ireland’s influential agribusiness lobbies are economically and culturally suspicious of suggestions that farmland should be allowed to revert to what they traditionally derided as “scrub.” People will always need food, they point out. In more marginal areas in the uplands and west, farmers argue recent regulations have reduced the numbers of sheep they can graze per acre, and that removing them altogether would harm existing biodiversity.

“If you leave an area ungrazed and unmanaged, you leave an area that’s at risk of being burned,” said Vincent Doddy, the president of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association. “I think cattle and sheep are the most cost effective way of managing the land.”

Even on poor soil and small farms, where livestock production is sustainable only through government grants and second jobs, the title of farmer is still prized beyond its cash value.

“You’d have some of them who’d say, ‘Sheep are a part of my family tradition, and my identity, and it’s what I want to do,’” said Mr. Daltún, who himself keeps some cattle on his 33 acres. “But others would see the benefit of being paid for looking after the land, and letting it regenerate, and to have time to focus more on their other work or business.”

#current events #environmentalism #ecology #agriculture #rewilding #ireland

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charlesandmartine · 2 years ago

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Friday 23rd June 2023

Breakfast this morning again in the hallowed surroundings of the main dining room where starched white linen table cloths abound and riff raff don't. Eggs Benedict tailored to one's needs with the requisite smoked salmon, all most civilised and above all, peaceful; no harsh and shrill American voice nor screeming children. Tranquility focused entirely on starting a new day with a meal to break the fast of the night now passed. Then the customary jaunt around the deck at speed, with a more chill but highly refreshing sea breeze direct from the arctic today. The sun not far away but not quite managing to clear a way through the clouds. Not many to share the experience with on deck apart from a few optimistic whale watchers excitedly exclaiming at a suspicious parting of the calm waters and a flourish of binoculars and telephoto lenses. Often to be disappointed and equipment stood down.

Today we docked (nautical term) at Ketchikan, Alaska. We were booked on the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary , Eagles and Totems tour.

Ketchikan we liked a lot. It was a frontier's town again set on yet another island. Together as an archipelago in SE Alaska it accounts for an area of rainforest the second largest in the world. The majority is not now commercially felled and is protected from logging. We were shown through a section of rainforest and native species of trees; Cedars, Red-Alders, Spruces and Hemlock most common. Interestingly felled trees on the forest floor provided sustenance for propagating seeds; a substitute for topsoil. With competition for light, the strongest will succeed. Our guide told us that bears inhabit these woods, and we suspect the code words 'ham sandwich' whispered into her radio related to a sighting of one close by which she wished the group to avoid. Certainly fresh bear poo in various sites might substantiate this. We saw spawned salmon in the river that when a certain size will make their way to the sea via Herring Cove; the route their parents will have taken a fews weeks previously and generations before them. More bald eagles, purple and blue swifts circling the river, a couple of owls in a sanctuary where they will stay for the rest of their lives because of injuries sustained in the wild rendering them unable to hunt for themselves. Oh, then there were totem poles. Bit of a mystery with this one. It would appear that the two main First Nation's tribes in this area have symbols of the Raven and the Eagle. A totem pole will have one or the other carved on it and it will be placed prominently in their village. A Raven wanting to marry must marry an Eagle and vise versa. We were introduced to an Indian chipping away at a new pole and we asked him if the pole told a story. Yes he said. What is it? We asked. Can't tell you, it would take too long. Give us the quick version then. That will take at least 10 minutes and I haven't got that amount of time. With that he resumed chipping.

The bus returned us to Ketchikan where we partook of an Alaskan beer or two in a seedy downtown bar called Asylum. The clientele on the rough and ready spectrum, part American, part Indian; the atmosphere heavy with the sweet aroma of cannabis. The thick set barmaid, possibly of Russian descent decidedly dismissive of our tourist credentials and indecisive approach to beer selection. We chose one described as Amber on the recommendation of the drunk on the barstool. With our integrity still intact we held our beers and heads aloft and found somewhere to sit in the courtyard. Unfortunately I had to return and grovel to Greta for the WiFi password. Replete and refreshed we strolled the high street to the old Red Light District, Creek Street. The sign said, 'If you can't find your husband, he's in here'. Well at least that clears that one up!

We very much enjoyed Ketchikan so much so I bought the tee shirt. It was agreeable, clean, well presented and perhaps with the exception of Greta, friendly considering 3 cruise ships dominated this small town of just 14,000 souls that day.

ps. The whole gang was here today, Brilliance of the Seas, Celebrity Eclipse, and Holland and Barrett (Holland America)

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hometoursandotherstuff · 1 year ago

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Wow, this is 1931 home in Winnetka, Wisconsin is impressive. 9bds, 9ba, $8.9M.

Wow, look at the carved wood walls. There's an original tile floor in the foyer, too, and a leaded glass inner door.

You know, I like the white carpet on the stairs. I wouldn't want to clean it, but it looks beautiful. This home has those bas relief ceilings, too.

Is it the way they're photographing the room to get the ceiling in, or are the ceilings low? The large sitting room has wood paneled walls to match the entrance hall, plus the same ceiling and a beautiful fireplace.

Very classy guest powder room. Black marble floor with white veining, and the marble counter on top of an antique dresser has a sink ringed in gold. The gold wallpaper ties it all in.

Comfy home office. The rounded desk looks art deco and is nestled perfectly in a triad of framed windows.

The library shelving is gorgeous. Oblong octagonal cutouts in carved shelves, and that gorgeous fireplace in the middle has a pediment with a pineapple and a black & white marble surround.

I like this light dining room. Cream and pale blue bas relief ceiling is so soft and stunning.

These cheery bright dining spaces are so pleasing. This is a breakfast room in creamy white and it gets a lot of sun from the windows to the garden.

The kitchen is a professional chef's kitchen. It begins with a large pantry done in the same cream color with large glass paned doors on the cabinets so you can see the dishware. The kitchen cabinetry looks maple and has a cute corner fireplace, black countertops and copper pots hanging over the double island.

At the top of the stairs on the 2nd level is a magnificent oval leaded glass skylight. The glass panes are opalescent. And, there's a large sitting room up here, too.

They've made a walkway between 2 area rugs in the huge primary bedroom. On one side is a lovely mahogany canopy bed that contrasts well against the white room and the other side is a sitting room.

There is a huge home office up hear with a pretty French Provincial desk and a chaise lounge.

The bath is nice, there's a separate room for the toilet, and a lovely vintage marble counter on the sink. Love the rust-colored marble on the floor.

What a lovely guest room. It's so large, there's a huge picture window between 2 full-sized canopy beds.

Down in the large basement is a rec room that looks like the ultimate man cave. Rich dark wood furniture, a red pool table with an unusual pool lamp- it's not the usual stained glass, this fixture has foxes in red waistcoats holding up electric candles - love that.

Wow, man cave indeed. That fireplace is the size of a room. You can definitely walk in there. And, look at the life-sized butler statue in the corner. Is he creepy?