I read somewhere that the hottest trends in homes todays is not renovating the kitchen, it’s cooking in the kitchen, and I had to laugh about that. Cooking is not one of my strengths. Even though I work from home, and live quite a bit aways from the nearest town, that has not stopped us from “eating out.” But with economic conditions, the way they are and it is healthier to cook your own food, it seems a skill that is best learned sooner rather than later. This year, I have updated all of my appliances. I like the the large skillet area on the kenmore … there’s room for a canner on the stove. But what I’ve really been getting into is the garden. I have 6 raised beds that I’ve been working on. The lettuce has largely worked out well but I’ll need at least two and maybe 3 beds of lettuce to feed both me and stevie. I also started planting seeds under washed out 2 liter diet sprite bottles. Even in the cold and wet weather of washington, the seedlings stay nice and warm. And they’re growing. I’m not sure how this technique will work out, but I’ll keep you informed. I read a really nice article in the new york times about food preservation. Here’s more information about food preservation … Portland Preserve
November 11, 2008
November 5, 2008
The Deck Is Almost Finished And The Hot Tub Arrived Monday
We ran out of composite deck boards about 8 short. Oh well, most of the deck is done. Not counting railing of course. We need the railing to get approved. For now I enjoy sitting on the deck without the railing.
We ordered the Marquis fair special. I hear they sold almost 40 of them. It’s a 3 and half man hot tub, 110/220, with the light show. The day it arrived, Steve spent all day filling it with hot water from the hot water tank and heating water on the stove. It was raining that night, when we slipped into it, but boy did it feel good. The next night it was even colder but the stars were out. They say that most hot tubs get used more the first 90 days of ownership. I can’t figure that out, because I’ve always been a tub person. I think we’ll get years of enjoyment on this one, and maybe upgrade to a better model a few years down the road. This has great jets, but if I had my wish, I’d prefer the “top of the line” jets. Stevie thinks we’ll need a system with two pumps.