several lovely readers have written recently to ask mrs. jones about “staying plumb”.  so, let me introduce you to my little friend, the laser level, whom the little joneses have fondly dubbed r2-d2.  for projects such as a wall in silver leaf, lattice and stripes, or for hanging pictures, r2 is the perfect companion.  he vacuums himself very gently to the wall, humming pleasantly, and provides a level laser beam horizontally or, with a sweet, swift swivel of his head, vertically, tossing out a nice straight line to follow…even around a corner.  when “gridding” a wall for leaf or stenciling, r2 gets along nicely with an old-school plumb-bob, casting the horizontal beam to guide your work. 

so there you go.  and if love means staying on the level, i hope it’s not too late to go and get one for your valentine.