Simon's Rattan Room

05/31/2026

Time to knock the cobwebs off of the Fugu Lagoon! Spent the last week clearing the pool after opening to a lovely emerald green swamp and also shattering the skimmer return valve. Figured the main drain valve was also crap, so built entire new suction-side plumbing. The cottonwood fuzz storms have been full blast the entire time, but I keep 1 gallon paint strainers on the skimmer baskets for easy cleanup. Water is crystal clear but still pretty chilly, should warm up quickly when the daytime highs make it into the 80s.
Flowerbeds and dock area up next!

05/01/2026

Marketplace score! Got a great deal on a 60 foot roll of Mexican palm thatch plus two more bonus 7 foot cutoffs she threw in that were not in the listing. Seller is a commercial decorator, seems these were leftovers from a Cincy area job. I've wanted to add a thatch overhang to the bar area, now to figure out the framing ...

03/02/2026

Ever since visiting the short-lived Backwater Voodoo, I've had a silly idea for a tiki lamp made with a couple of those taxidermy gator heads you see at the gift shops down south. Well thanks to chatgpt, i can finally let that one go 😂😂😂

02/18/2026

For your fine dining enjoyment ...

I made a wok! You can read more about it and find ordering information (including a 10% discount code) along with the full spam fried rice recipe on my Patre...

10/25/2025

With the Witco Outrigger headed to it's new home, I'm thinking about the future of this wall in the office. The poor ships wheel has been patiently waiting for an open spot for many months, thinking I'll design around it and continue the nautical vibe with a mix of artwork and maybe some rope or rigging.

10/14/2025

Not fun, but must be done. Winterizing the lagoon ...

10/08/2025

I have so much art on deck waiting to be enjoyed that wallspace is becoming a problem. Giving strong consideration to letting go of my Witco Outrigger. It's super kool and in excellent condition, considered a grail item by many Witco tiki collectors, but takes up a ton of room at 60" wide and 30" high. I've had the Outrigger for 20-ish years and have had plenty of time to enjoy. Will do some price research and go from there ...

10/05/2025

.den found this little gem, just down the road in Springboro. Latin Arepas serves what they call 'tropical street food' and here's the kicker ... 'Trader Abe's Exotic Tiki Cocktails'! We had a FOM Kon-Tiki Chapter meetup there a few months ago and were pleasantly surprised at the decor and Abe's fantastic hospitality. Cocktails were on-point and food was delicious. Definitely worth visiting if you're in the area.
https://latinarepas.com/

09/26/2025

🤣😉😂

09/21/2025

Some very much needed liquid sunshine today.