Happy Composter

Yesterday Richard snapped this picture of me on my way back to the house from the compost heap. Yes, I am that happy about my compost bucket from Gardener's Supply Company. And yes, that was Richard's voice yelling, "Damn dirty hippie!" But he meant it affectionately, really...

The compost heap is looking really good, by the way... I can't believe how much all of those leaves, grass, weeds, and veggie scraps changed over the winter. But I will spare you all a picture of that :-)

Sure signs of spring...

First, as noted in my last blog entry, I did a bit of Spring cleaning, and Scout was all too happy to assist. She is a very good supervisor...

"You've to a major problem, lady... Time to call the Hoarders show... STAT!"

Next, I received email notifications that my seed potatoes and onion sets had shipped from Johnny's Seed Company. I was so happy to hear this, but really disappointed with the delivery from the U.S. Postal Service. No, I didn't stage this photo. This is what I came home to find at my mailbox.

And another sure sign it's Spring: I've started my regular trips to Donzell's. This week I picked up a few blueberry plants. Three varieties should get me started, but Richard was very interested in the grape vines. Who know's? Maybe next year we'll have a mini-vinyard on Deerfield Lane?

The last sure sign of Spring: A trip out to the asparagus patch revealed some spears peaking out of the leaves. At first glance it didn't look like much:

But a closer look revealed about 10 spears poking through:

Since this is the second year of the asparagus bed, we'll be able to harvest only for two weeks. Now I just have to get the potatoes and onions in the garden, the blueberry plants in the ground, and we're off to a fantastic gardening season!

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.

Mid Winter Blahs

I'm really having a hard time with this year's snowy weather, as I'm sure many others are as well. So, here's a little bit of sunshine (courtesy of my recent trip to Largo, Florida) to get you through the next couple of days of February snow.

If you can't view the video, go directly to Youtube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86eQCLMA1Sc

Keep in mind that I shot the video with my little digital point and shoot camera, so sorry it's not exactly professional quality:-)

As if you didn't know it snowed...

Here's our experience of "Snow Storm 2010"...

Richard ran around with the camera on Saturday morning and took a few shots while the snow was still covering everything.

Here's a shot of our tree that's getting cut down on Monday... We'll miss it terribly, but every heavy snowfall or wind storm makes us very nervous with all of the cracks and fractures...

I don't think we'll be doing any grilling any time soon...

This is a view from the driveway...

Here's one with the lamp post...

Then Richard got to work with the snow blower. I think he spent a couple of hours down at the street trying to get through where the snow plow came through.

And finally, here's Richard's amateur weatherman bit. Note: We really only had about 12-14 inches of snow fall, but the drifts were certainly much deeper. And yes, he is wearing my University of Akron sweatpants. I guess he can wear whatever he wants if he's willing to shovel the driveway :-)

If you can't see the video on Facebook, you can view it in Youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DuHHETVeuw

Scout Loves the Baby Panda

Since Jen and I are avid followers of Panda Cam, she got me a little baby panda this Christmas. We decided to see what the cats thought of the little toy. Buttercup and Monkey weren't very impressed, but Scout seemed a least a little interested in it.

Here's a short video of Scout's reaction to the panda:
View the video at Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlX9kZBdCJs

The Trouble with Tribbles...

They taunt the cats....


And impersonate holiday personalities...

Thanks, Tom, for the Tribble! I promise to give it back to Richard eventually...

The Legend of the Funky Llama

Many are familiar with the German tradition of hiding a pickle somewhere on the Christmas tree. Well, not many know about the festive holiday tradition of the Funky Llama. Here's how it works...

First, drink a bottle of Funky Llama wine. Drink the whole bottle (after all, it's the holidays!)

Reserve the cork and turn it into an ornament.

Next, hang it on your tree, or even better, hide on the tree of someone you love.

Once it's found, you earn the privilege of hiding the cork on someone else's tree.

Hmmmm.... I wonder where it's at now? Once it's found, be sure to yell "Llama, Llama" really loud and post a comment to this blog so everyone knows it's been found. Otherwise, the Funky Llama won't know where to deliver the bottle of wine...

Winter Visitors

I hope there aren't any hunters reading my blog....

Yesterday a couple of deer stopped by for a visit:


See the video at YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-Ou-nwxF-A

After they left our yard we saw them sit down on the hill and begin to strip every leaf off of the bushes. I wonder if they eat poison ivy? There's plenty over there!

Yes, I know seeing deer around here isn't that big of a deal, but for this citygirl, I'm always impressed.

Star Wars: The Concert

On Thursday we had tickets for "Star Wars: The Concert" in Cleveland. Here are my two favorite geeks all dressed up and ready to go... I wish Richard would have unzipped his coat to show off the t-shirt I got him for the concert... Oh, well!

Once we got there we weaved our way through the crowd to look at the museum pieces on display. Here's everyone's favorite...

And here's Dad explaining to the crowd how exactly to destroy a death star. It's simple, really...

Hey, what's up with Princess Leia? It looks like she's about to shoot that little kid's knees out!

Who knew that the women's restroom was being protected by a diminutive green jedi?

Richard loves wookies...
The crowds were a bit crazy... Here Dad is trapped and can't get out!


And then there was this kid...

The concert was about to start, so we had to have our traditional self-portrait, complete with double chins.

Just as the concert was about to begin everyone got their seats and many turned on their lightsabers.

We had really great seats, perfect for taking in the light effects.

The museum pieces were really cool, the crowd was fun and friendly, and the music was fantastic. Six thumbs up!