How can I tell I haven't moved in a few years?

If you've ever had friends ask you to help them move, the first thing you should consider is if they love books... If so, try to have a quick response about having your gallbladder removed next weekend, or some other such excuse.

I like to take the opportunity to weed my books before moving because I know it's such a pain. Well, looks like I've gotten comfortable in our home because the books are starting to take over!

Looks like it time to make a trip to Goodwill or Books in Stock... Anybody interested in some gently used books leftover from my bookclub? Anyone interested is welcome to come and help with my spring cleaning!

When mom gives your free asparagus...

Make a stir-fry!

I have a new favorite sauce recipe that I'm using all the time. It all started with this recipe I tried from Vegetarian Times: Stir-Fried Shiitake Mushrooms with Tofu and Bok Choy.

I really liked the bok choy, but I like to make a stir-fry with whatever I have on hand. I've been changing it up, trying different mushrooms and different veggies, and tonight I decided I wanted to use the bunch of asparagus Mom gave me as part of a Buehler's BOGO.

I started with the tofu and added half an onion, then stir-fried shiitake and baby portabella mushrooms, then tossed in the asparagus. Last I added a variation of the sauce from the original bok choy recipe.

My sauce variation:

• Stir 1 tsp of cornstarch into a couple tablespoons of water. Add the following:
• 3 Tbs light soy sauce
• 2 tsp Thai sriracha chili sauce
• 1 Tbs fresh grated ginger (I've also substituted Penzey's granulated ginger when I didn't have fresh)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

I first purchased Huy Fong sriracha chili sauce for this recipe and have been using in anything that needs a little heat. It's my new favorite condiment, so I was so excited to see this post on the Bitten Word championing the virtues of Huy Fong chili sauce. I can't wait to try their brussels sprouts recipe. I haven't been able to find the chili garlic sauce they use in this recipe, but when I do, watch out! If any of my bloggy friends out there see it, please let me know!

Tree Removal Videos

It took a few days, but I put together a playlist on youtube with footage from the tree removal.

Strangely enough, several of the videos already have a number of views. There must be people out there googling "tree removal videos." I'm now regretting not selling tickets to the big event!

http://www.youtube.com/user/reenie716#grid/user/6876F67D0DBC2206

Goodbye, Mr. Oak Tree!

I posted the pictures from this morning's tree removal. I really didn't expect it to be so interesting... Three guys showed up and took the tree down in a few hours. One guy climbed the tree and cut down limbs with ropes, and the other two guys helped guide the limbs come down and worked on chipping and clearing away debris.

The pictures are available in Picasa, so you can follow this link and view the slideshow:
http://picasaweb.google.com/reenie716/TreeRemoval
2010?feat=directlink

Here's the before picture:
And after:

This will take a lot getting used to... We'll miss the tree terribly, but are happy not to come home and find it in the middle of our chimney!

I'll post some video when I get a chance to piece through the footage and load them into Youtube.

This Post is NOT for the Easily Grossed Out

Okay, here in our little neck of the woods it could be said that this has been one of the nicest weather days of the year so far. Lots of the snow is melting and uncovering the lawn and revealing all kinds of things.

When I was standing on the driveway looking around the yard I noticed something strange about the tree that is in our backyard, about halfway up the hill.

Strange, right? So I decided to trek up the hill (in my work shoes, of course) to take a look. Here's my up-close inspection.

So, I guess we've had some deer rubbing up against the tree. Anyone know why they do this? I have no idea. Why do I think it's a deer?

Yes, this is one of the OVER FIFTEEN piles of deer poop piles I counted in the immediate area. This is crazy! The deer are lovely and all, but do they have to poop all over my yard?

If anyone has any advice on how to make them "go" elsewhere, please let me know. But if the solution has anything to do with the droppings of any other animal, I think I'll pass!

Picasa Pictures Posted

I just posted pictures to my picasa album from our recent trip to Largo, Florida to spend time with family and remember Grandpa.

http://picasaweb.google.com/reenie716/February2010?feat=directlink

It's always bittersweet to spend time with family in such circumstances, but I am grateful for the time we had together.