My Own Personal Hell

Our bathroom renovation project hasn't gone exactly the way we'd hoped. It's looking like we're going to need to hire professional help for the walls, after my dad arrived tonight to do the electric work, installing boxes for our new lighting, and removing the old. Take a look. And shoot me now. I have been SO anxious just to have this project done, and it looks like it's going to be grossly extended!

States I've Visited.

Kinda sad. I need to do some more traveling, eh? Only 49%



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A Pleasant Surprise

Last spring, I planted Peonies. This year they've gotten little buds on them. One was much deeper pink than the others, and today, that bud was all opened up in my garden. Beautiful, isn't it? I'm so excited!
I think the other two plants are going to have the traditional multi-petaled pale pink blooms, but I do think this one is striking. I can't wait to see it next year when the plant is full size and has multiple blooms!

The Greening of Mayhem Continues

Our next attempt at greening!

Hardwood Charcoal. I read an interesting article this past week on grilling - the green way. Chris and I have both a charcoal grill (because i'm a purist), and a gas grill that we bought second hand (because gas grills are quick and easy - and we often need a second grill when we have a party). My favorite cousin and her husband were in town this week, and stopped by the other night. I was discussing this Hardwood Charcoal i've read about with them. When I went home at lunch today, there was a bag of it on my front porch that they got for me at Trader Joe's.

It put a smile on my face, and it makes me smile just thinking about it. I'm excited to try it out. I'm quite a grilling enthusiast, so i'll keep everyone posted!

Spring has Sprung!

Springtime is my favorite time of year, now that I am a homeowner. Aside from both of us having allergies, it's just wonderful to spend so much time outside enjoying beautiful weather, sleeping with the windows open, and enjoying our neighbors.

We did a full day of yard work last weekend, and it was so rewarding. I added a SECOND compost bin in the yard, so Chris removed a Honeysuckle tree (I hate those things!) to open up a space near the fenceline, and we're now planning to remove them all, and plant evergreens in their place. My compost project is going well. I had actual FINISHED COMPOST at the bottom of my pile on Sunday when I was turning it. I was giddy with excitement.

We also had a nice evening last night. My neighbor is from Denmark and invited us over to come and meet his mother and uncle who arrived on Monday for a visit. It was such a pleasant evening. I always love to hear the observations of someone who is visiting our country for the first time, and recommending things for them to do.

This weekend we'll be hitting up the farmer's plants at the market for some annuals. I love having flowers around! I know, I know. My content here is really getting boring. It's so interesting to me to observe my OWN transformations these days.

New York Photos

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A Quick Rundown on Recent Travel

I hope to post pictures earlier this week than later, but here's a quick rundown of our fabulous trip to New York:

- Lots and LOTS of sightseeing. My feet still feel achy from all the walking
- Great experience watching a taping of the Colbert Report - Chris even got to ask Stephen a question!
- Fun dinner with my cousin Jeremy and his friend Paul
- Top of the Rock - best view in the city, hands down.
- Helvetica is the first type face to become part of MoMA's permanent collection
- Chris learned that he actually DOES like modern art!
- Yeungling and Brooklyn Lager. YUM.
- Chocolate Chocolate Canoli and Raspberry Cheesecake at Veniero's
- A visit to the old stomping grounds - 1st avenue and 12th street
- The Strand Bookstore
- A fun taping of Letterman
- A really wonderful afternoon spent with Kevin at the Public Library, Bryant Park, and Grand Central
- Fishs Eddy!!!!
- Wonderful wonderful Cuban/Mexican food in Park Slope - guacamole was heavenly!!
- Shopping in Park Slope, Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade
- Gorgeous weather