Windows Done

We had quite a week this week. First and foremost, we finished putting in the windows at Jenny Lane. Since last fall, our goal has been to replace all the windows in the house with new and significantly improved windows. We had four left. The biggest being the one in the kitchen over the kitchen sink. It’s a pretty prominent spot and we were waiting patiently to replace it. We have had the window for months but it just wasn’t the right time to do the work. This week we had some beautiful weather and the guys decided that now was the time. Since we had to take out the old window and for a certain amount of time we would be without a window we didn’t want it to be the coldest day of the year. The other windows were the three, very little, bathroom windows. Again, we didn’t want to do the replacement unless the weather was good. Well, it was great this week. We have been enjoying upwards of 70 degrees and sunny so it was a let’s get this done kind of week.

I had no idea what a difference it would make to have a new window in the kitchen. The kitchen is a mess and really we are just existing in there but now, with the new window, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The other surprise was how small the new windows are in the bathrooms. It is only inches but it does make a difference. Finally, all the windows are done and we wait for one more door and then we are done with that particular project. Frankly, we have to celebrate when we can and this was a big celebration.

The Fireplace Project

We have another project that is on-going too. We want to put a gas fireplace in the new bonus room. You might think that it was an easy project. It is not. We have an old chimney that was used for the very old oil furnace. Now that furnace is gone we have a perfectly good chimney that is not being used. We want to vent the gas fireplace into the chimney. Turns out that is not so easy. We needed to not only get a liner for the chimney but we had to drill out a spot for a thimble into the chimney where the exhaust from the gas fireplace would go. I know, they all said it was a piece of cake. Not so. Quite the equipment to make that hole in the chimney. I just got in the car and left with the dogs for a walk. It is mostly done with just a little bit to go to actually get to the flue part of the chimney. Baby steps but we will get there. I spent a lot of time playing telephone tag with the stove person but we ultimately got the information we needed and the project moved ahead.

The Bear and the Bird Seed

We have tried to be so careful with the bird seed. We take it in every evening at about dusk and don’t put it out until the morning. Our local bear, who is now quite comfortable coming for a visit, knows the routine and he showed up this morning shortly after we put the bird feeder out. I heard the noise and looked up thinking I would see John putting the feeder out but much to my surprise, either John had on a fur coat or the bear had come for a visit. He has quite a distinctive snout as it is very blond so I know it is the same one. He is also huge. The dogs are not happy with him but I didn’t let them out until he was off our property and far enough away that they wouldn’t chase him. My point in letting them out is to have them bark at him and perhaps remind him that there are dogs here and, honestly, he doesn’t want to come by here. So far it hasn’t worked but I am hopeful.

Specialty Cocktail Time

We had our Annual Meeting for The Red Canoe Foundation, it is a foundation that supports sending youth out into the wilderness to camp for six weeks in the summer. We believe strongly in the benefits of unplugging from the tech world and getting back to nature and both of us are on their board. The Annual Meeting could not be held in person this year so we did it by Zoom which worked out just perfectly. We took a break towards the end of the day and then reconvened for a cocktail. One of our board members came up with a specialty cocktail for the event. This is John trying it out. Too sweet for me but it was delicious.

It is called a Wanigan Wallop – feel free to try it.

• 1 Part Sweetened Lime Juice ( “1 part” equals 1 standard shot or 1.5 oz) (Rose’s Sweetened Lime Juice is available at most grocery or liquor stores. Every self–respecting bar should have a small bottle of Rose’s.)
• 2 Parts ( 2 shots or 3.0 oz) Raspberry Vodka or Regular Vodka ( I will use regular vodka.)
• 2 Parts ( 2 shots or 3.0 oz) Cranberry Juice Cocktail ( a smidge more if you want more flavor.)
• 1 Part Grenadine( a smidge more if you want sweeter)( Get Grenadine when you get the Rose’s Sweetened Lime Juice)
• Raspberries or Strawberries or Cherries ( Anything Red for the Garnish.)
• Pine Tree Sprig

Walking – Beautiful

We had some wonderful walks this week. How could you not with the gorgeous weather we had. Our walk today was in 70 degree weather and both dogs went for a couple of swims which they haven’t done for a little while. We may not have the pretty leaves but when the sun is shining and the air is warm there is nothing better than to be out there enjoying every minute of it. We ran into a group of people who I thought were crazy because they were carrying rakes and a metal detector. They were in a place where they would not have been raking leaves but it sure looked strange. Turned out one of them had lost her keys the day before while walking in the field and they were looks for the keys. While I was talking to them, lo and behold, they found the keys. One very happy lady. I was very happy for her.

Feel Better Soup

This is shared from Blue Zones – originally from The Colorful Family Table: Seasonal Plant-Based Recipes for the Whole Family by Ilene Godofsky Moreno, copyright ©2019. Published by BenBella Books, Inc

INGREDIENTS
4 servings of your favorite pasta, uncooked
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 yellow onions, dice
1 medium leek, sliced
8 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and minced
6 cups vegetable broth
4 large carrots, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups)
5 stalks celery, chopped (about 2 cups)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Salt and black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS
Prepare the pasta according to the instructions on the package.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, leek, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
Add the vegetable broth, carrots, celery, and dill, and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the carrots and celery are tender. Add the cooked pasta to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.