If I didn't mention it before I live in Michigan about 40 miles away from Grand Rapids. My daughter used to live near Detroit but hubby's job opportunity moved them to the middle of Illinois, about a 4 ½ to 5 hour drive away from me depending on how much construction Chicago has going on.

So… I'm at the daughter's house helping because she is very pregnant and confined to bed rest. The baby's room is painted, the felt dogs are placed on the wall, and my son has the shelves and bench built.
I'm trying to find a dealer for foam to make the cushions. After several calls to different businesses with out success the neighbor tells me about a local upholsterer who might sell me some foam. She says he is an older fellow who just lost his wife and keeps himself busy in his shop.
The conversation goes something like this.

Hello Spring Valley Upholstery

Oh your in Spring Valley?

No ma’am, I'm in Dover.

Is your shop in Spring Valley?

No ma’am it’s in Dover.

I see. Okay, I need to buy some foam for cushions for a bench.

When do you want these cushions ready?

I'm making them myself I just need the foam.

Your going to want the Dacron wrap too.

What is that?

It helps get the coverings on the foam
What kind of material are you using ?

I have Denim.

Do you have enough Ma’am?

I hope so. We kind of knew what the dimensions of the bench would be
and bought extra. I won’t need that wrap stuff.

Ma'am how dense do you want this foam?

I want nice to sit on dense foam. Not too hard not too soft.

Ma'am have you ever made cushions before?

Ahm… yes, once. The place I ordered the foam, they didn't ask about density. I just told them what it was for and they cut it. I picked it up.

I'm sorry ma'am, I don't stock foam here I have to order it and density is part of what determines the cost.

I see! Well then what to you recommend for seating on a wooden bench? It's for a baby's room.

That is personal choice ma'am I can't really..

Er listen, I just need some foam for cushions that will be used to sit on. We're not that fussy. I'll trust your best judgment on density.
I need four cushions 4 inches thick and ..

Ma’am? 5 inches thick would be better for you..

Oh? Ok I can go with five then. Now I need to make 4 cushions, you ready for the dimensions?

Go ahead Ma’am.

Ok the I need 2 pieces 48 inches by 36 and 2 48 inches by 24 in and 1

Ma’am are you sure?

What?

You sure about those dimensions?

Yes, why?

That’s quite a difference for a bench.

I’m sorry, I didn’t explain, the bench is built in and there are shelves the cushions go around.

Ma’am your going to want the Dacron wrap.

Does it cost more?

No Ma’am

Well I don’t think I need the wrap I didn’t use it before and I didn’t have any trouble.
So when do you think the foam will get to your shop?

If I order it today ….in about 4 days, it comes all the way from Grand Rapids, Michigan…

That’s so funny I live near there in Michigan!

Ma’am about that Dacron wrap you sure you don’t want it?

Yes I’m sure. I don’t need the wrap stuff.

Three days later he calls me..

Hello Ma’am your foam is in. I ordered you that Dacron wrap too.

Er ahm, Well okay.. I guess… Well , as long as I have the foam.

I get the foam and Dacron wrap home sew the coverings and try to fit the foam into them.
After struggling for an hour trying to get the first covering on the foam I’m a ball of sweat my hands are tired and hurting. Ok, ok! I'll give the Dacron wrap a try!
That wrap made those covering slip right on!
The old guy was right! I needed the Dacron Wrap!
I think there is a moral to this story in here somewhere……