I'm trying to identify a story I read a very long time ago and was possibly published in the 70's or 80's. It's was written as a fairly humorous story from the point of a view of an older female cousin in regard to the misadventures of her cousin (Charlie?) who has a knack for making things move.
The two primary stories in the novel that I recall include attaching a motor to an old metal bedstead which then runs away. A latter story involves attempting flight by tying a lot of helium balloons (or possibly a retrieve weather balloon?) to some wicker furniture. They're not strictly sci-fi although the cousin does have a bit of "mad scientist" vibe. Any help appreciated.