Just over a week ago, I got a call one morning from someone I couldn’t identify at first. Then the words “Turkey” and “carpet” came through, and I realized I was speaking with one of the representatives from the merchant from whom we’d purchased a small carpet in Kusadasi last fall during our Mediterranean cruise. Hezzi, the pleasant young man on the phone, explained that he was on the West Coast for a series of trade show events, and that he would be traveling through our town in a few days.

Could he stop in for a brief visit on Sunday afternoon at our home? I figured that sometime during that visit he might offer to show us a few rugs, but that didn’t bother me too much. I can say “No,” if I don’t want a rug, right? Besides, we felt we were treated well in Kusadasi (for example, when our salesman learned we were looking for an entryway carpet, he suggested we would be happier in the long run with a less-expensive wool-on-cotton one rather that silk, as it would hold up to the high traffic better) and decided we’d like to extend a little American hospitality to our “friends” from Turkey.

Harry put together a pan of his famous baklava, we purchased a few baskets of local strawberries, whipped up a cool, citrusy drink and welcomed Hezzi and his Los Angeles-based associate, Brian, to our patio on a lovely, sunny afternoon. We enjoyed sharing travel stories and tales of family recipes and cooking . . . and, yes, Hezzi did have a few items he’d like to bring in from the truck to show us.

He had noted our nice (bare) hardwood hallways and so brought in a few runners. He picked colors that matched the wood and our color scheme nicely, but we really weren’t interested in runners. Actually, I was curious what he could show me to replace our servicable but synthetic and uninspiring dining room rug. Just like that, he and Brian brought in a few examples that were good fits — they even rolled up the old rug and shifted the furniture so we could see how they looked in place.

I have to say, having the rugs brought to you in your home does take the guesswork out of the equation: Will it fit? Will the colors match what I have? Is it too dark/light/busy? Yep, you guessed it; they made a sale, and I have a new fine carpet in my dining room. I consoled my husband with this thought: He’s off the hook for the next few birthdays, Christmases, Mother’s Days and anniversaries!

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor