Oops!

Exciting weekend around here - we were on an odor hunt in the kitchen (can you spy the cans of room deodorizer). In the process, we pulled the refrigerator out of the cabinet and blew out the compressor unit. Yes, this is dust flying in the house - nasty. Our conclusion was that there was a dead critter in the ceiling and we would just have to "ride" it out. However, we were not correct in that assumption . . .

2 weeks ago, we cooked 4 whole chickens for a potluck. After getting most of the meat off, Scott threw the pan in the upper oven and we forgot about it. The origin of the odor became clearly apparent when we used the upper oven yesterday. "Gag, shiver and wretch" does not cover our reaction . . . do I hear a "duh!"

The argyle gypsies and their gymnastic genius were busy while we were making a big mess

Sten was also busy at the shop - starting to look like a real beast

I'll take some guacamole with that

Hmmm, what do you do with an overgrown tomato patch? Make salsa, of course! We didn't do too bad, but I need to wash my hands after cutting those fiery peppers - my lips, my ear, and my cheek are numb. Muy bueno salsa, amigos!

I read an interesting idea for canning salsa online- after it is in the jars, put the lids on and run them through the dishwasher, minus the soap. Apparently this seals the jars just as if you would have processed them? Whadya think?

Artisan Bread

Scott is on a "roll" . . . he has really taken to this bread making endeavor and is cranking out 2 loaves every other day. He picked up a 50 lb sack of bread flour at Costco last week. He usually makes one loaf for us and another to give away . . . perhaps you'll be the lucky recipient!

Wanna come over?

In Scott's newly domesticated life, he has decided to take up bread-making. This is his first loaf and it was delicious - not a big fluffy loaf, but a crusty rustic bread. He ran into HIS kindergarten teacher in the grocery store and she told him about this no-knead recipe from the NY Times. Give it a try - it's yummy! Please note, he looks a little scruffy because he's apparently taken a grooming boycott. This is Milah, getting ready in her bathroom. Before we left for CO, she was too small to operate the shower on her own, so she is very excited to have her own space and she is keeping it immaculate. No comments please on her choice of footwear with her nice outfit.
Milah and Maren were playing school, and I had to snap this one - take an extra look at the word, "correctly".
We had a little Colorado weather here in Oregon! It didn't stick around long, but I sure hope we get some more.

You Can't Beat This!

We went to the kid's favorite restaurant for lunch today - Gramps and Wilemina's. They think she makes the best food around and she served her specialty - fried chicken with homemade chocolate cake for dessert.

Her handy sous chef - whipping up the spuds - his designated duty

Getting a lesson on the logistics of a bolo tie

The skilled hands of a 96 year old - an amazing and incredible woman. The wooden spoon she is holding in her hand is one of her treasured possesions - she thinks that she got it about 1935. WOW! I always tell her that on her death bed, we will be gathered around with a pen and paper, asking her the details and directions to all her yummy recipes.
Grandma Patty was there too, with 3 of her 10 great grandchildren.