We bought a striped Chilewich welcome mat for the front door of our new apartment. Since the hall floors are tile, the building permits them, and since our door is directly opposite the elevator, the Chilewich is on display.

The other morning we came out of our apartment as our neighbors were waiting for the elevator. Little Ellie, age 4, made eye contact with Amy and beamed.

“I like your new mat,” Ellie declared.

“Thank you very much,” Amy replied.

“My babysitter doesn’t like it, but I do!”