Knitting Dahlias

New Zealand - Part I

2011-10-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

Just back from a lovely three-week stay in New Zealand, one of the most amazing experiences ever. We flew into Auckland, picked up our campervan, and headed down to Clevedon to start our trip with tea and coconut loaf at the home of Ian's friends Pete and Katherine (with that amazing beach right in front). Courtesy of Kiwi hospitality we stayed for lunch and took a walk on the beach, then headed to Hamilton for two nights. We actually stayed in the village of Cambridge, but our first game was in Hamilton: Wales vs. Samoa. The Samoans did their pre-game haka:

The Welsh did their equivalent:

And then the Welsh proceeded to win 17 to 10. There was even a rainbow after the game.

The next day we headed North to explore. We went to Bay of Islands, and spent a lovely morning in Russell where we had breakfast (including flat whites, the most glorious coffee ever created and apparently only available in New Zealand and Australia, sigh). Then it was on to Goat Island, which is not only a gorgeous marine reserve, but also the subject of a case study from the Ecology unit in the Biology text my team just published! We arrived in time for a bit of lunch in the campervan and a wander around the beach and the tide pools. Ian even found me a stingray in one of the deeper pools:

We stayed until dusk. It really is a magical spot.

Next on the list was Taupo, Craters of the Moon, and Rotorua. There's a lot of thermal activity, including mud pools, hot springs, and especially in Rotorua a lot of sulfur. Despite the incredible, amazing, fabulously yummy sweet potato chips (fries) we found in Rotorua, the Craters of the Moon was my favorite of the three.

Saburo is Amused

2011-09-14T00:29:00.001-07:00

Saburo is Amused, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Lest anyone think that I don't get any grief for taking photos of food all the time...I just received this from one of my Japan hosts. They laughed every time I got my camera out at the table, and you can see that Saburo-san thought it was pretty entertaining that I was so enamored with all the scrumptious food.

Sushi Night

2011-09-04T13:18:00.001-07:00

Final Sushi Results, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Spent a wonderful evening trying out some of the goodies I brought back from Japan in a sushi-making session with friends. The shiso furikake was a big hit. Throw in miso soup, good beer & sake, and an assortment of Japanese desserts and you have a very tasty feast.

The only disappointment for the evening was that the fish my brother shipped from Hawaii didn't make it. UPS has some explaining to do, and come Tuesday I'm guessing there's going to be a very smelly package on my porch...

Tokyo Gardens

2011-08-26T09:06:00.001-07:00

Pine Tea House in Hama Rikyu Garden, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

We visited two gardens our last two days in Tokyo, Hama Rikyu and Shinjuku. I have a hard time picking a favorite of the two, but this was my favorite of the five different tea houses we saw. This is the pine tea house in Hama Rikyu Goen (garden), rebuilt from the original. It's a very simple tea house, without any ornamentation, no fancy roof, just a simple, beautiful pine building. We also went to the Imperial Hotel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and had tea at a very English style tea house in yet another garden across the way from the Hotel. A quick trip to the Tokyo National Museum rounded out Tuesday, and Wednesday after the Shinjuku garden and a quick, final shopping stop on our way to pick up our luggage, we were off to the airport. A lovely trip, absolutely jam packed with adventures and sights and stories and, of course, food. Perhaps next time I'll be able to be a bit more leisurely about it all.

Tsukiji Fish Market

2011-08-26T08:59:00.001-07:00

Tuna for Auction at Tsukiji, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Early, very early, Tuesday morning we headed to Tsukiji fish market to wait in line for a chance to see the fish auction. It was quite an experience. The floor is teeming with men checking all the frozen tuna that are laid out for them. They shine flashlights where the tails have been cut off, and hit the same spot with large hooks, I assume to test the freshness and quality of the fish. Then auctioneers come out to each lot, stand up on a crate and ring bell to signal the beginning of the auction. Everyone bows, and the auction begins. Takes under two minutes and is done. On to the next batch. It was quite fascinating to watch, but difficult to capture since everyone is moving so quickly.

Tokyo Day 1

2011-08-22T04:50:00.001-07:00

Prayer Tablets at Meiji, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

We visited the Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine in the midst of Tokyo. There are over 170,000 trees planted in 1920 in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. After that we headed to Shibuya for some shopping and general wandering (museums et al are closed on Mondays). Not a lot of pictures, but lots of fun.

Pottery, Sake, and a Train Ride

2011-08-22T04:47:00.001-07:00

Three Grades of Sake, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Sunday was our last day with our hosts, and started with a visit to the rooftop, open air onsen with a view of the misty hills of the Nikko area. After breakfast we headed to the Tochiji area for a pottery making lesson and lunch. Last event was, of course, a tour of a sake factory with tasting. Then a quick goodbye and we left our hosts and headed back to Tokyo for our last few days.

Nikko

2011-08-22T04:43:00.001-07:00

Masao-san, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Today we toured Nikko, home of the Rinnoji Temple, Toshugu shrine, Yakushi-do, and Taiyuin Temple. On the sacred stable (where the sacred horse does his two hours of service a day, i.e. hanging out in his stable where people visiting the shrine can see him) there are multiple carvings of monkeys, including the "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" monkeys derived from the three major principles of the Tendai sect (the Rinnoji Temple is a religous center of the Tendai sect). As a result, you can see these monkeys everywhere, including outside a restaurant near where our bus had pulled over for a stop. Masao-san, one of our primary hosts, was kind enough to pose for me whilst taking his smoke break.

We also went to Kegon Falls, 97m high and quite beautiful. That night we went to the onsen (baths) and then had a wonderful formal banquet in traditional Japanese style, including all of us wearing yakuta (robes) that we had donned after the onsen.

Teaching in Japan

2011-08-19T05:45:00.001-07:00

Teaching in Japan, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

We've spent the last two days at the Gunma Kokusai Academy in Ohta, at a teaching conference. This morning I taught a two-hour lesson to 6-8th grade students on acids, bases, and serial dilution. The students are all volunteers who came on their summer vacation to learn more science. They were quiet, but wonderful to teach. All of them were more than willing to give "American style" lessons a try, and they gave very sweet feedback about how much fun they had and how much they learned. Tomorrow we're off to Nikko for sightseeing and cooler weather (and hopefully no more earthquakes!).

Japan Day 2

2011-08-17T14:12:00.001-07:00

Making Rice Crackers, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Several of our hosts took us around the Asakusa region of Tokyo today, before heading to Ota where we will spend several days. The first place they took us was the "cookware street" where all of the restaurant and cooking supply shops are. Heaven! I only wish I could transport the entire street back home. The street is called Kappabashi, after a mythical creature called a Kappa who used to swim in the river there (I guess until the river got paved over). He/she has a turtle's shell and a human head, although there are many different depictions of it that look wildly different. After that we went to the Senso-ji temple and surrounding buildings, then had soba for lunch. With the help of our hosts I was able to order cold soba with yam and wasabi leaf, which was somewhat bland, but tasty. We then headed to a small craft museum, went and picked up our luggage, and on the way to the train instead of the "American-style coffee break" that was originally planned they took us to the Kamiya bar, the oldest bar in Tokyo, where they ordered me a very tasty whiskey sour. The train ride to Ota took about an hour and a half. Ota seems to be a very typical town, but very, very hot and humid. Even more so than Tokyo. We had an amazing dinner, and the catered to my crazy dietary restrictions by plying me with three kinds of tofu with different sauces, various vegetables, rice soup with pickled ume (plums), great Japanese beer, and another sour (this one grapefruit). I slept well. Today's my first presentation to the teachers, fingers are crossed.

Jam Session

2011-08-16T13:52:00.001-07:00

Jammers at Work, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Got together with Carol, Diana, Shirin & Marie to make peach jam and canned peaches. Three flats of Bella Viva peaches made for 8 quart jars of canned peaches and 50 jars of jam (6 pint jars, the rest half-pint). Marie gets the prize for best shirt of the day.

Just Guess

2011-08-16T13:42:00.001-07:00

Tower at Night, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Guess where I am for the next 10 days?

For Uncle PP

2011-08-11T23:00:00.001-07:00

My Little Jungle, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

My marvelous Uncle Peter, the one who helped with just about every little (and big) project inside my house when I bought it, doesn't believe that there's really all that much going on in my garden. Just wanted to let him know that there's plenty of good stuff. Like two massive zucchini plants, five summer squash, at least a dozen huge tomato plants, peppers, chard, beets, carrots, kale, strawberries, peas, bok choi, flowers, herbs...well, you get the idea. The only reason the raised box looks a little bare in this shot is because I just harvested a ton of carrots & beets to pickle. But more on that later. For now, I just wanted to take a minute away from tending the jungle to show it off. Love you, Uncle PP.

Chicago

2011-06-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

Under the El, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

I have now officially been to Chicago. Only for 24 hours, but it was a good 24 hours. I did a teacher training in Mishiwaka, IN (outside South Bend). Stayed at a lovely B&B in South Bend, Innisfree. Spent my evenings in a great Celtic Pub, Fiddler's Hearth, nearby. And then I had one night and most of a day in Chicago. Went to dinner at The Green Zebra with a friend who came up from Champaign-Urbana. In the morning I ferreted out The Bleeding Heart Bakery, the country's first all-organic, sustainable bakery and had one of their fabulous take-a-hike vegan scones. Then a quick run through the Art Institute, where everywhere you turn there's something famous on the wall, and finished up with a wonderful walking tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Must return. Soon.

Bobbies

2011-05-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

First Strawberries, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

When I was a little, little girl, my father had a strawberry patch. I *loved* strawberries. I would eat anything with strawberries in it or on it. I would crawl out, before I could even walk, into the strawberry patch and eat any strawberry I could get my little fingers on, even the green ones. I called them "bobbies" (once I could talk...I was eating strawberries long before I was verbal). There's a great picture on my wall of my father holding me out like a little airplane by the straps of my overalls. I'm covered in mud and strawberry juice, with a big grin on my face. Today I decided to forgo the mud, and only go for the ripe ones, but I'm just as ecstatic at 36 as I was at less than one to be eating bobbies from the backyard.

Fair Trade Eggs

2011-05-03T18:27:00.001-07:00

Fair Trade Eggs, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

My friend Sarah's daughter turned 9 this past weekend, but didn't want birthday cake. She wanted lemon cupcakes. I volunteered to make them, and as payment was given 8 beautiful eggs from the chickens in their yard. I think it was a very fair trade.

What I did on my vacation

2011-05-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

Planted Garden 4, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Two days of vacation time plus one weekend = a real garden. After carrying thousands of pounds of soil amendment, compost, and bark (not exaggerating, it was about 3600 pounds of stuff over the four days and one of those days we didn't carry anything), laying three paths and one patio-ish corner, fixing two raised beds, and planting bunches of stuff, it's official. I have a garden. Come June or so I'll have a small jungle of produce (fingers crossed that this prediction comes true). We planted 2 types of kale, 5 types of carrot, 4 types of beet, 2 types (but many plants) of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, 5 varieties of herbs, 2 types of strawberries, half a dozen types of flowers, and I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things. Zucchini and bunching onions are still in their pots for a few days. Peas will stay in their trellised pot. Here's hoping for a bumper crop and lots of yummy meals over the summer. Yes, you're invited.

Paths are Laid

2011-05-01T09:40:00.001-07:00

Paths & a full box, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Friday we got the rest of the hard rototilling done, and brought in another 1200 pounds of dirt (this time compost). Finished laying out the winding paths, filled on raised bed, cut plastic for the little patio and the third path, and of course weeded some more. The weeding is done (at least until more sprout tomorrow). Today we're planning on "finishing" (she says with a grain of doubt) and actually planting. Going to pick up a load of bark in a few minutes to put in the paths and the mini-patio. That only ways around 650 pounds. An easy day. Unless we decide on one last load of compost...

Winding

2011-04-29T06:36:00.001-07:00

Paths, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

One and a half paths are in place! I took two days off to work on the yard. As of yesterday, the corner under the mandarin is rototilled and amended. Maybe today we can get some plants in the ground.

It's getting there...

2011-04-25T20:05:00.001-07:00

Raised beds waiting, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Yet another Sunday of rototilling, digging, and weeding. We added hardware cloth to the bottom of two old raised beds that used to be on top of the cement, to keep the critters from eating things from below. There are tomatoes, peppers, and herbs waiting to be planted just as soon as we can get these beds set to go...

Eatwell vs. Eatwell

2011-04-23T19:44:00.001-07:00

Cookie Bake-off, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

After discovering the most brilliant recipe for whole wheat cookies ever (thanks, Julia for the link) and trying out the recipe a few times, I decided to have a bake-off. My lovely friends at Eatwell Farms gave me two types of flour to try. The top cookie is made with Blanco Fuerte and the bottom with Bolero. I took the results to the market this morning and had friends from Massa Organics, Tierra Vegetables, Will's Avocados, McGinnis Ranch, Hidden Star Orchards, and of course Eatwell Farms do a taste test. Votes for looks went entirely to the Blanco Fuerte, taste was half and half. The Blanco Fuerte had a nutty texture to them, a bit chewy. The Bolero were more of a traditional chocolate chip cookie. Sadly, I didn't manage to get a picture until they were almost gone. In fact, I didn't get a picture at all, but Laurel's iPhone did.

Center Bed Prepped

2011-04-18T07:12:00.001-07:00

Rototill Day 2, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Another Sunday in the garden. More weeding and rototilling. Two pick up beds full of soil amendment, unloaded by yours truly two five-gallon buckets at a time while Dad did yet more rototilling (but this was the easy kind). Planted the pak choi (yes, that's how it's spelled) and chard seedlings Dad had started in the greenhouse. Pruned the front apple. By the end of the day the "tan" washed down the shower drain but the sunburn did not. Fortunately it's only a small patch where the sunscreen and the clothing did not agree on who was going to cover what. Next Sunday...you guessed it...more rototilling! Anyone who wants a free upper-body workout is more than welcome to stop by.

Don't look now...

2011-04-10T22:59:00.001-07:00

Rototilling Day 1, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

...it's starting to look like there might be a backyard in there after all. Spent the afternoon rototilling and weeding in the dirt patch out back. The soil looks better than expected after however-many years stuck under concrete. Still some serious clay to contend with, but that will happen. The stakes mark what will be a path, and the potted plants mark the other path. The old raised bed in the corner will eventually turn into a tiny patio.

Dad commented at one point that it might have been smarter to just rent a big rototiller instead of using his little one, but we managed. Well, Dad did most of the managing while I weeded. And weeded. And weeded. Got to use my favorite new tool, with the most unfortunate of names: the HoeDag. I'm in love with it. I just wish I didn't feel compelled to giggle like an idiot every time I say the name.

Gift Plants

2011-04-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

Apple from Johann, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Today was all about getting my gift plants in the soil. First Dad & I planted the apple tree Johann gave me. The variety is a secret. Johann (the genius behind Hidden Star Orchards) was willing to trade cupcakes for one of his trees, but he won't divulge what they are until his own trees are giving off enough fruit to bring to market, in about 2 years. Based on the sample we tried, we've nicknamed them crack apples. They are that good. The second round of gift plants were the succulent cuttings that I had brought back from Sarah's garden in San Diego, and they are now happily installed in the kitchen window. I haven't had a lot of luck with succulents in the past, but I have high hopes for these. The rest of the day was spent in the war on weeds that have attacked the front yard. It's going slowly, but some progress was made. Not that you can tell from the pictures.

A Birthday Dinner

2011-04-02T23:37:00.000-07:00

Mom's Birthday Flowers, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Mom's birthday was a few weeks ago, but I was in Wisconsin at the time, so we celebrated tonight. The menu: gazpacho, salad, asparagus frittata, garlic hedgehog potatoes, strawberries, meyer lemon sorbet, and chocolate. Except for the ranunculus, the flowers are all from the backyard. I gave mom a hat that I knitted for her from an olive green wool with an off white border all in seed stitch. She'd requested something warm for her morning walks, and hopefully this will do the trick (and fit better than Dad's hat that she's been wearing in lieu of her own).

First Apple Leaves

2011-03-31T06:17:00.000-07:00

First Apple Leaves, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

Spring is here. The White Pearmain apple that I planted back on MLK weekend has green bits coming off of it! The salvia has blossoms on it, the foxglove I planted last year is coming up, and there are (so far) exactly twice as many plums on the tree as last year. That would be 4.

San Diego Visit

2011-03-28T19:38:00.001-07:00

San Diego Coast, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

After several years of threatening, I finally made good on my promise to visit my long-time friend Sarah in San Diego. We had a wonderful four days trekking around with her three kids (the youngest of which I met for the first time this trip). Lots of playing in the sand, at parks, building legos, coloring, ballet recitals, cartoon watching, and just catching up with Sarah. This shot was taken yesterday at La Jolla where we visited the Harbor Seals at the Children's Pool, built sand castles (at a different beach) and played in the park. Everything is starting to bloom down there, and I'm anxious for it to start up here (although I did come home to a little bit of color on my salvia!). Sarah's four-year-old put on a wonderful protest when it was time for me to leave, in that special way that only four-year-olds can, which made me feel very loved. I promised to return soon, and I'm looking forward to it.

SF Garden Show

2011-03-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hydroponics, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

My parents & I took our annual trip to the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show. Of all the garden exhibits, this was the most unique. More of an art installation, really. Other popular items included succulents and edibles. Not a whole lot of ideas to take home this year, but a few. Enough to keep me hoping for sunny weather and some time in the yard. I did buy some new dahlia tubers, which will go in the ground just as soon as it dries up enough to be called dirt instead of mud.

Wine and WI Cheese Night

2011-03-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

Wine and WI Cheese Night, a photo by zostra on Flickr.

I shared my Wisconsin cheese stash with Seth & Laurel. Accompanied by a bottle of Tramin Pinot Bianco 2009 (thank you, Solano Cellars, for the recommendation) and Powder Keg Petite Sirah 2008 (thank you, Seth), some other goodies, and followed by whole wheat chocolate chip cookies made with flour from Eatwell Farms. It was lovely. The fourth member of our party couldn't make it because his son was sick. While we were saddened by the loss of his company, this did not deter us from eating his portion of the cheese. Sorry, Jan. The cheese was amazing.

Exploring Madison

2011-03-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

After an early-morning presentation I left The Dells and headed down to explore Madison. I stopped at a fabulous knitting shop, Lakeside Fibers, which has a very tempting selection of yarns and an attached coffee shop where there was live music playing an a selection of local pastries and other goodies. Down the street was this view of downtown Madison:

Then I was off to Avol's Books near the University, which houses a great collection of used and antiquarian books. I restrained myself, due to over-full luggage, and only bought one small paperback. Drove through some detours to get around the protesters at the capital building:

Parked the car, and headed to a restaurant on the capitol square that specializes in local foods, Graze, where I had positively scrumptious buttermilk pancakes with spiced butter, Wisconsin maple syrup, and tart cherries:

then made my way to a positively brilliant cheese shop, Fromagination. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and most importantly gave me samples. I made it out the door with only four cheeses, Bandaged Cheddar by Bleu Mont Dairy, Dunbarton Blue by Roelli Cheese, Pleasant Ridge Reserve by Uplands Cheese, and Evalon Saxon Creamery from La Clare farm. For those of you who are wondering, yes, I am still lactose intolerant but some things are just worth the suffering.

Last stop was at my friend Erik's house for coffee and to meet the chickens, who have one of the most fabulous chicken "coops" I've ever seen, not to mention a killer view:

Then I headed home, to wind, rain, and hail in California after four sunny days in Wisconsin. To be fair there are parts of WI that are still a bit frozen:

but still, as I sit at my kitchen table listening to the rain, I do have to wonder if those Midwest winters are all they're cracked up to be...or if I'm just lucky. I think it's the later.

Mirror Lake, WI

2011-03-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

Mirror Lake, WI a photo by zostra on Flickr.

I escaped the faux-jungle cruise for a late afternoon hike at Mirror Lake State Park near Wisconsin Dells. There was snow on the ground, but not enough to ski on. Just enough to crunch through when you're walking and to slide on if there's a good hill. Went with my friend, Digby, who owns scienceteecher.com (if you want a science-themed t-shirt, tie, earrings, etc, Digby's your guy!). After our hike we headed to The Cheese Factory in The Dells, which is a vegan/vegetarian restaurant housed in an old cheese factory. Great food if you ever find yourself in that part of Wisconsin, but only open until 7:30...good thing the sun went down at 7 so we could make it because it's the only vegan place for miles.

African-themed Resort in Wisconsin?

2011-03-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

Kalahari Lobby a photo by zostra on Flickr.

A teachers' conference in Wisconsin, where shall we host it? An African-themed resort and conference center with indoor water slides and theme part, of course. The lobby was too dark to get a good picture on my little, old camera (this was taken in the middle of the day), so if you want the real experience, go to their website. But turn the sound up on your computer first. Trust me, you can't fully understand without it. Here you go.

One Tree In

2011-01-25T14:49:00.000-08:00

White Pearmain a photo by zostra on Flickr.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, Dad and I headed down to pick up our bare root apple trees from Trees of Antiquity. We spent the night in Carmel playing double solitaire, then took the "country" route out to pick up the trees from Nature's Touch nursery, which also houses a natural grocery with a lot of local products (food products and things like soap, lotions, etc.) in Templeton. My tree is a White Pearmain, which some date back to 1200 AD in England (first "official" record is 1867). Good for eating, baking, saucing, and more. In a few years, that is. Dad got a Cinnamon Spice, which is supposed to taste like apple pie and first found near Bolinas!

Digger Slippers

2011-01-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

New Slippers a photo by zostra on Flickr.

After months of languishing on the needles, I finally finished Cy's digger slippers for his third birthday. Mom & Dad spent two weeks in Hawaii with Cy, Chris & Bray, and delivered the slippers for me. Based on the expression on his face, I think he likes them. They're based on a pattern by Pick Up Sticks, originally for tractor slippers. The scale was a bit off, but as long as they stay on his feet and he recognizes what they are, I'm happy with the end product.

Narcissus for the New Year

2011-01-09T21:54:00.001-08:00

Narcissus
Originally uploaded by zostra

On New Year's Eve I returned home from a quick trip to the grocery store to find a beautiful glass container filled with narcissus bulbs that were just getting set to bloom. My wonderful neighbor from up the street had left them for me as a holiday gift. They've all opened up over the last week, and the entire front of the house smells wonderful. I love how they bloom in compact pom-poms of blossoms, it's like a bouquet at the end of each stem.

Favorite Photo of the Season

2011-01-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

Amanda & Uncle Jim
Originally uploaded by zostra

Out of all of the photos that were taken this holiday, and all the wonderful memories, I think this one is my favorite.

He's got rhythm, too!

2010-12-28T21:50:00.000-08:00

Cy's Party Hat
Originally uploaded by zostra

Such style for an almost-three-year-old. This is Cy's party hat. He wears it every time he goes to a party, which included the big, family dinner with all of the aunties and uncles and cousins. Cy and Gryf had a great time playing together, much more exciting than the last time they met when neither of them could crawl yet. Much noisier too.

Chocolate Balsamic Genie

2010-12-27T21:41:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Balsamic
Originally uploaded by zostra

One of the Christmas gifts I made this year was chocolate balsamic vinegar. It's quite tasty, very thick and chocolatey with a decided tang from the balsamic. I found these bottles at the Ecology Center in Berkeley, and I love the way the vinegar separated into layers. It looks like a genie is going to come flying out as soon as you open up the bottle.

Eggnog Demitasse

2010-12-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

Eggnog Demitasse
Originally uploaded by zostra

Bray made eggnog on Christmas eve. Real, thick, creamy, traditional eggnog. Nothing healthy. Nothing lowfat. Nothing non-dairy. That last one put me into the "I'll just have a taste" category, but oh what a taste it was.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T12:14:00.001-08:00

Red Velvet with Buttercream Frosting
Originally uploaded by zostra

Here's to a festive day with lots of yummy surprises.

It's Done

2010-12-06T23:19:00.001-08:00

Finished Window
Originally uploaded by zostra

The grout has been sealed, the label has been scraped off, window cleaned, shelf installed, and the Christmas cactus is just starting to open up to celebrate.

Wonder Who?

2010-12-03T23:16:00.000-08:00

That Worked Well
Originally uploaded by zostra

So much for the cat barrier on the window. Fortunately the grout was dry long before he was allowed anywhere near it.

It's In!

2010-12-01T20:55:00.001-08:00

Corner Cap with Paw
Originally uploaded by zostra

The corner caps and window tile have been grouted. Scooter decided to play Vanna for the occasion. Still needs to be sealed (the tile, not Scooter). In the meantime there is a blue-tape fence to keep the cats off the un-sealed grout in the kitchen window. We'll see how long that lasts.

What to do with all that mud

2010-11-28T22:44:00.001-08:00

Mud Festus
Originally uploaded by zostra

Dad & I tiled the kitchen window and the counter corners today. We over estimated (by about 200%) how much mud we would need for the job, and Dad got creative with the rest of it. Quote of the day from Dad: Considering the amount of time it took Michelangelo to create David, I think this is about comparable.

The corner caps that were on back order never did arrive, so we had a tile cutter cut some of the end caps on a diagonal and we managed to fake it. They've been mudded, as has the window tile. Grout on Tuesday.

Roasting

2010-11-19T23:58:00.001-08:00

Roasted Kabocha
Originally uploaded by zostra

A rainy, grey day really does call for roasted squash. I'm wondering if it is possible to do oneself harm with too much roasted squash in one sitting. Death by squash is not what I would choose for my epitaph, but freshly roasted kabocha is so difficult to resist.

Bloomin' Poppies

2010-11-18T23:55:00.000-08:00

First Poppy
Originally uploaded by zostra

While I realize that plants are supposed to bloom, particularly flowers that are planted for expressly that purpose, I am enough of a novice gardener that I am still thrilled to see it happen in my little patch of dirt. I planted some poppies in a corner by the stairs that already has a few rosebushes, added some violas, and a few other little things. The violas were already in bloom and took to their new home quite happily, but I was a little worried there wouldn't be enough sun for the poppies. Apparently my fears were misplaced as my little corner now has several poppy blooms, with quite a few more buds ready to open. It makes me feel like at least I have a bit of a handle on this little corner of the yard. If the rain holds off enough next week for me to break out the rototiller, I might start to see some progress on the rest of it.

Burg Crush

2010-11-14T22:46:00.001-08:00

November Rose
Originally uploaded by zostra

Last week I got to spend a few days in Minneapolis for a conference. I now have a serious crush on the Twin Cities. I got to visit with my friend Steve and see the very cool Science Museum of Minnesota where he works (not to mention his fabulous mid-fixing fixer-upper house). Ate at Spoonriver and Al's Breakfast. Discovered a previously unknown love of Jameson's at The Local. Browsed through piles of used books at Laurie Books and got to see the old furrier's vault with "the rest" of the books in the basement. Of course, then I came home to my rosebush in it's second massive bloom of the year, despite it being November. That's one thing they don't get in Minnesota...

Pasta Sauce

2010-09-18T21:52:00.001-07:00

Cooling Sauce
Originally uploaded by zostra

Cross 20 pounds of Dirty Girl Farms dry-farmed early girl tomatoes, 2.5 pounds of onions, 15 cloves of garlic, 2 cups of herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary), and one bottle of Cline Los Carneros Syrah 2006 and you get two gallons of very, very yummy pasta sauce.

Gift of Tomatoes

2010-09-18T00:13:00.001-07:00

Gift of Tomatoes
Originally uploaded by zostra

This morning, as I went out the back door to go water the garden, I found these. My neighbor had reached over the fence and left them for me as a gift. As I was weeding the front yard, another neighbor stopped by to bring me a full container of tomatoes from his garden. Yesterday, my friend at work brought me apples to make applesauce for our group. The apples were from her friend's orchard.

Proud Mama

2010-09-15T00:20:00.000-07:00

Diploma
Originally uploaded by zostra

Very few things make me cry. Opening up my daughter's diploma from Berkeley did. Who would have thought that when I brought her home six-and-a-half years ago that today I'd be standing in my kitchen crying over a piece of paper with a gold seal and her name on it. She's come so far, done so much, and I am so very, very proud of her. She is the best part of my life, and I am grateful for her every single day. And I don't mind saying so, for the whole world to hear.

From the Garden

2010-09-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

Derves
Originally uploaded by zostra

Dad came over for dinner, and for our first course we had veggies from the garden. Not a lot of them, mind you. But still...

Colors

2010-09-12T00:09:00.000-07:00

Paint Rainbow
Originally uploaded by zostra

I've been working on sanding down the exterior windowsills so they can be painted. I believe I've now counted at least ten different colors that used to be on the trim of the house. There seems to have been several shades of aqua. I find this particularly fascinating as we discovered during the interior baseboard sanding/removal/replacement that every single room in the house had been some shade of pink at one point or another. I find myself wondering how often the exterior aqua trim coincided with pink interior trim, and how many of those overlaps were during the 60's when some form of altered, drug-induced state might have led to the choice of said paint colors.

The Big Breakup

2010-09-05T19:22:00.001-07:00

Bert with a sledge
Originally uploaded by zostra

Bert and I have been friends for 20 years, since our junior year in high school. He's been living up in Arcata for a long time, so we don't get many opportunities to hang out. Fortunately, he's really good about popping up out of the blue, even though he lives so far away. He did just that not too long ago, right before heading off on a sailing race from San Francisco to Hawaii. We caught up on the phone a few times after his race, and somewhere in there when he said he needed to keep busy I said "Well, if you're ever bored you can always come break up the concrete in my backyard." He said ok. Then he followed through. Today we broke up the entire 20' x 20' concrete slab in the back yard and hauled it into the dumpster waiting for it at the curb. No power tools. No jackhammer. Just a sledge, some big crowbars, and 2 wheelbarrows to haul the cement. Bert taught me how to use the sledge hammer, but he's much more effective and elegant with it. Notice in the picture he's not just swinging the sledge, he's standing on two big crowbars to hold up the slab and make it easier to break? Dad, of course, came and helped, because he is a saint. Seth came by for a bit at the end, and had a hand in getting the big pipe in the back corner of the yard out of the ground. But really, the credit goes to Bert. The man with the sledge.

Firsts

2010-08-18T23:47:00.001-07:00

First Tomato
Originally uploaded by zostra

There's an almost ripe tomato in my garden. It's a sungold, so it won't ever get red. A few days and it will be ready to eat. I did pick and eat a handful of blackberries, and admired the first dahlia. The picture turned out fuzzy though. Perhaps I should rename this "Knitting Tomatoes"?

First Canning Project

2010-08-15T23:45:00.000-07:00

Peach Jam
Originally uploaded by zostra

There was a half-price sale on peaches at the market this weekend. Two flats for $20. I'd been planning on it for several weeks. Now I have three batches worth of jam, a batch of peach ice cream, and still have half a flat of peaches to eat. Somehow I think I'll survive.

The Last Boxes

2010-08-10T23:43:00.000-07:00

The Last Boxes
Originally uploaded by zostra

I've whittled them away, and am now down to under 10 boxes left to deal with. Some of it will land up in the garage, most of it just needs to be organized & put away. The drill is still living in the house. Now the ladder is too (just for a little while, honest). Soon...soon it will all be unpacked.

First Dinner Party

2010-08-10T21:39:00.001-07:00

Dobos Torte
Originally uploaded by zostra

I've come to the conclusion that I will feel truly settled when two things happen. Number one, I'm down to one trip to the hardware store a week. Number two, the drill goes to live in the garage. Not necessarily in that order.

I did host my first dinner party in the new house. We celebrated Daniel's birthday with our parents. Unfortunately, I screwed up my back a few days prior, so I didn't finish all the things I wanted to finish. Paintings are not hung, boxes are not all unpacked, there is still a bit of general disarray. However, the food was great, the company wonderful, and the dessert was to die for. Daniel ordered a dobos torte for the occasion. I'd never had one before, but can understand now why he likes them so much. It's a Hungarian dessert with many layers of very light sponge cake alternating with German buttercream (only the slightest hint of chocolate) and slices of hard caramel on top. It was as good as it sounds.

The good news is my back is about 98% back to normal, which means I've been trying to get back to doing little things. I hung the bathroom mirror today. Towel racks have been ordered (had the worst time trying to find the ones I wanted, no idea towel racks could be such a challenge!). Leak under the sink is fixed. Garage is painted (yay, Dad!) Broken closet rod has been replaced. I own two new drill bits, plumber's putty AND plumber's caulk, and have started fantasizing about procuring various and sundry power tools and gardening implements. Is it bad that I'd rather be at the hardware store than in a clothing boutique?

Tile Mural

2010-07-19T20:56:00.001-07:00

Tile Mural, complete
Originally uploaded by zostra

After some messy grouting and a lot of cleaning up, the tile mural above the stove is in. I love it! The colors worked out perfectly, and the critters all look quite at home above the stove. The octopus is still my favorite. I'll have to post a close-up shot.

Tile Up

2010-07-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

Tile Up
Originally uploaded by zostra

Dad & Peter & I put up the backsplash and tile behind the stove today. Complete with spacers, lots of gooey cement, and a little bit of patience.

First (Only) Plum of the Year

2010-07-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

First (Only) Plum of the Year
Originally uploaded by zostra

My little plum tree out back produced exactly two plums: one for me, one for the birds. Mine was a little misshapen, but pretty good. The label on the tree (it was in the backyard when I bought the house) says it's a grafted tree so I should eventually get another variety, and hopefully more than just one plum.

Plums from a Neighbor

2010-07-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

Plums from a Neighbor
Originally uploaded by zostra

One of my neighbors left me a welcome gift, a bag of plums from their tree. They were incredibly tasty. I still haven't figured out who though, because I wasn't home when they were dropped off.

First Night

2010-07-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

First Night
Originally uploaded by zostra

My first night in the house! Daniel came over and we made dinner (including Mushrooms a la Grecque!), played cards, and just enjoyed being in the space. Don't let the picture fool you...there's still plenty to do and lots to unpack.

Garden View

2010-06-28T23:50:00.001-07:00

Garden View
Originally uploaded by zostra

Much has happened on the house, including some new foliage in the garden. Many things are unpacked, touch up paint has been applied, furniture moved. We still have to do the final inspection, but it's getting close. I'm now keeping a close eye on my tomatoes, dahlias, peppers, beans, zucchini, and pumpkins. Yum!

Baby B

2010-06-21T23:48:00.000-07:00

Baby B
Originally uploaded by zostra

On our New York trip we got to see my oldest friend...we've known each other since she was born, just a few months after I was. We spent a lovely few hours wandering through their Brooklyn neighborhood, checking out all of her son's favorite spots. Now we know where to go for balloons in Brooklyn!

New York Trip

2010-06-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

Daniel at the Cloisters
Originally uploaded by zostra

Daniel & I went to New York for a visit. It was a lovely week, with many museums, lots of wonderful meals, and visiting with friends. Neither of us had been to the Cloisters before. It was enchanting, especially the gardens. I would love to see them in the other seasons. Guess we'll have to go back for another visit!

Dumpster Swimming

2010-06-09T22:42:00.001-07:00

Roses & Windows
Originally uploaded by zostra

You know that the garbage from your project has been in the front yard too long when the roses are growing between the old windows, and blooming profusely. But, this morning the dumpster arrived. Daniel very, very kindly volunteered to come over and help fill it. I don't think he remembered how much had piled up in front of the house, but he was a great sport about it and stayed to keep working while I ran off to work (at my "real" job, that is). Mom & Dad showed up a while later and helped get the last of it, and took the old sink and windows to Urban Ore to recycle. The scrap metal guy showed up to take the water heater & other scrap metal. It's very exciting.

Venting

2010-06-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

Vent & Hood
Originally uploaded by zostra

Some things started happening today. The hood and vent went in above where the stove will go. Still cement board behind the hood, as the tile for the mural backsplash has not come in yet. The dishwasher is mostly installed. There are more light switches. I learned that per state code 50% of your lighting in the kitchen has to be florescent. Wish someone had told me that before we installed the light fixtures. Ah well.

First Box

2010-06-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

First Box
Originally uploaded by zostra

Don't get too excited. I'm not moving in yet. But we did unpack a couple of boxes in the kitchen today. I'm mostly posting this so I can do a count of how many days between unpacking first and last box. Any bets?

Lights, Camera...No Action

2010-06-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

Light!
Originally uploaded by zostra

We installed light fixtures today, everything but the under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen. The only problem is that most of the switches haven't been installed, so the only ones we could actually test were the closet lights. Which are just about the least exciting fixtures possible, but they work, there's light in the closets! Dad worked on the shower and made some progress. Mom & Jo cut most of the rest of the shelf paper for the kitchen (Mom & I had started on it middle of last week). This week they should be putting in the central heating (last big thing), the finish coat of stucco, and finishing up installing appliances, switches, etc. Which means things will be nearing completion just in time for me to go on vacation with Daniel, but that's another story.

The Graduate

2010-06-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Amanda Grad 1
Originally uploaded by zostra

We took the day off for celebrations. Amanda's graduated! Mom & Dad hosted a family luncheon in her honor at their house. We had a lovely meal, with lots of family, and lots of fun. Hard to believe she's done with college, but I'm a very proud mama.

Door minus paint

2010-05-31T21:30:00.001-07:00

Door minus paint
Originally uploaded by zostra

Today was one of those days where we did a TON, but the photos don't do it justice. Dad took approximately 1/16 of an inch of paint off the inside of the front door. That might not sound like much, but we figure it was at least half a dozen layers given the colors we found. It took two quarts of paint stripper and a lot of power sanding with the big belt sander and the orbital sander. We also caulked the inside of all of the windows, and put on the third (final!) coat of paint on all of the interior window trim. Daniel did quality control, wandering around with a roll of blue tape looking for places that need to be touched up. The house looks a little polka-dotted, but it's nice to think that we are nearing the stage of touch up instead of massive undertakings. Of course, they still need to finish the outside stucco. And the shower still isn't functional. But we're getting closer.

Adding Window Trim

2010-05-30T21:46:00.001-07:00

Adding Window Trim
Originally uploaded by zostra

Now that the waiting is over, we're able to add the interior window trim. By 1:30 this afternoon we had all of the window trim measured, cut, and nailed in place. Thanks to Daniel and Mom all the nail holes got filled almost before they were made, and the windows were taped and ready to go. By the end of the day the windows had been primed and had their first coat of finish paint. Now, if I could just find the right flange for my shower.

Waiting

2010-05-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

Garden Window with Paint
Originally uploaded by zostra

We've been waiting. And waiting. And waiting. For approval by the inspector for the windows to go forward. For the weather to clear so that stucco can be applied. For a three day weekend so we can spend all of our spare time working on the house. It might look like nothing has happened to this window but it has.

1) It's been approved & permitted.
2) There's stucco on the outside.
3) Where there was a hole around it, there is now wallboard & mud patching it.
4) Where there was mud & patch there is now primer & two coats of paint.

It's a good thing.

Kitchen Window

2010-05-22T21:17:00.001-07:00

Kitchen Window
Originally uploaded by zostra

It's in! I could see the blue sky poking through the clouds through the lovely garden window in the kitchen.

They shrink when you cook them

2010-05-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Mini-Frank
Originally uploaded by zostra

I didn't see the sausage that Daniel went to put on the grill with my tofu dogs. I was envisioning some kind of large, bratwurst-like item. He checked on them a little while later and when he came back in said that they'd shrunk a little. This was what he showed me. I think I laughed for a full 10 minutes. I know I laughed so hard that I cried.

Expect Delays

2010-05-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

Expect Delays
Originally uploaded by zostra

When the day starts with a phone call saying that your range/oven and hood won't be delivered until June 3 (almost two weeks later than the already-5-weeks-on-back-order-status) and ends with your contractor telling you about why the adjective-deleted building inspector not only hasn't approved the windows but also had doubled your permit valuation and therefore permitting fee and must reinspect things after a day unnecessary work has been completed, you still somehow land up smiling. How? Home-cooked dinner, glass of wine, and the purchase of a t-shirt (by the model, not the author of this post) that seems particularly apropos.

Stucco on Window

2010-05-18T22:02:00.001-07:00

Stucco on Window
Originally uploaded by zostra

If the rain would stop long enough, they could stucco all of the window exteriors where they've been putting the new ones in. So far, there is stucco on two, trim on 7 out of 9, and one yet to go in (kitchen garden window).

Kitchen Non-Window

2010-05-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Kitchen Non-Window
Originally uploaded by zostra

So much for the kitchen faucet with water. It had to come out while they put in the new kitchen window. Oops. Could have predicted that, but I didn't.

Artichoke Gratin

2010-05-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

Artichoke Gratin
Originally uploaded by zostra

We went for dinner at my college roommate's house down in Mountain View. Got to meet her husband and 6-month-old daughter for the first time, saw another college dorm-mate and her husband, and sat around chatting and making Vietnamese spring rolls which turned out quite well. Vegan German chocolate cake for dessert. The door prizes? Artichokes from their backyard! The next night Daniel made an Artichoke Gratin from Richard Olney's "Simple French Food." This is all that was left by the time I managed to stop eating and get out my camera to take a picture.

Pedestal Start

2010-05-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Pedestal Start
Originally uploaded by zostra

It turns out installing a pedestal sink is more effort than one might think, and is beyond the abilities of my nuclear family at this point in our skills set, so the contractor will be doing this one.

It Flows!

2010-05-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

Kitchen with Water
Originally uploaded by zostra

There is water hooked up to the kitchen sink, but the dishwasher plumbing isn't hooked up yet (no dishwasher yet), so we can't really turn the water on full force. Still, it's exciting.

Fridge

2010-05-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

Fridge
Originally uploaded by zostra

I have one. It's hooked up. Except for the fact that we need to put the brakes on it so it doesn't roll out when you try to open it, all is well.

Missed a few spots

2010-05-13T20:37:00.001-07:00

Missed a few spots
Originally uploaded by zostra

The problem with trying to paint over a high-gloss white ceiling with regular ceiling white on a gray, rainy day is that when you come back on a sunshine-y day you realize you missed spots. Then, as you run around taping them so that you'll know where to touch up, you realize that maybe you should just paint the whole darn thing one more time.

Unmasking

2010-05-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

Unmasking
Originally uploaded by zostra

Bathroom is painted, and has been unmasked. The light paint (Adobe White, sort of a hint of the tile color) makes a massive difference. Now we just need to get the shower working, and install the sink.

Kitchen-like

2010-05-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

Sink and Faucet
Originally uploaded by zostra

It's starting to look like a kitchen. The sink is in and has cured, the faucet is partially on (still needs some parts installed), the plumbing is mostly done. Yippee!

Night off with Pizza

2010-05-10T20:34:00.000-07:00

Night off with Pizza
Originally uploaded by zostra

Stopped working early yesterday, and took the night off. Daniel made pizza with caramelized onions and goat cheese, but we forgot to check the date on the yeast so the first batch of dough had...some issues. Luckily the local Italian restaurant has a wonderful owner who felt our pain and gave us (wouldn't take any money) not one, but two pizzas worth of dough. If you need a very friendly Italian place with yummy pizza dough (I hear the rest of their food's pretty good too) check out Villa Romano on Irving & 9th.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T19:37:00.001-07:00

Mom Masking
Originally uploaded by zostra

OK, I did bring her flowers and a card, and promised to make her brunch once my kitchen is functional, but today Mom masked the bathroom so we could prime it and paint the ceiling. The rain made the humidity too high to get any more paint on the walls in the bathroom, but we did also prime the living room and paint the living room ceiling. Quote of the day, heard while painting the ceiling: "Go about 90 degrees over, or 180 degrees, one of those." I'm not saying who said it to whom, but I think that despite the low-VOC paints they had inhaled too many fumes. Another statement overheard was "No, XXXX, that's NOT ceiling paint on your roller!" Response was not suitable for publishing, but the paint was quickly removed with a wet rag.

Caulking

2010-05-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

Baseboards Caulked
Originally uploaded by zostra

All of the baseboards, door, and window trim need to be caulked after they go in. This involves not only spackling the nail holes, but also running painters' caulk along all of the seams. In this case, the corners, between the baseboard and the wall, and between the baseboard and the baseshoe (that bottom ridge part). Then we'll go back with touch up paint and go over any spackle or caulk that needs to be covered. Then we'll be done. Some time in the next decade or so. At least that's how it feels after you do one baseboard. Thanks, Seth, for coming over and spackling with me.

Colors!

2010-05-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

Colors!
Originally uploaded by zostra

I love the series of colors as you look from one bedroom (orange), through the hall (yellow/cream), into the other bedroom (blue). And I love that there is door trim up in the bedroom so it's starting to look finished.

Windows & Baseboards

2010-05-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

Windows & Baseboards
Originally uploaded by zostra

The windows arrived a day early, and they have started putting them in. In the beginning they are just "roughed" in, but as they go they will put them in properly and then start sealing things up and fixing the stucco outside, adding trim, etc. It's very exciting, as this is the last big part of the project that has to be done by the contractor. The baseboards and door trim are being put in by loving hands at home, as Dad likes to say. Those have started as well.

Plastic Kitchen

2010-05-05T22:16:00.001-07:00

Plastic Kitchen
Originally uploaded by zostra

Second coat of yellow in the kitchen & dining area went on today. The hall is now eggnog (creamy, slightly yellow, lighter tint of kitchen & living room) instead of grey-blue-green. Did I mention that my parents are amazing? They've done a huge portion of all of this. I'm just the night shift.

Painting Closets

2010-05-04T22:22:00.000-07:00

Painting Closets
Originally uploaded by zostra

Hall closets with shelves that can not be removed (OK, they could if we REALLY wanted to, but that would create more problems than we already have) are difficult to paint. As I demonstrate in this lovely photo, taken while I paint the inside of the top part of the closet.

Blue Bedroom

2010-05-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

Blue Bedroom
Originally uploaded by zostra

It's blue! Second coat of orange on the other bedroom. Tile is sealed (we did that yesterday, after the move). There are patches. There is primer. The washer & dryer are in. There's a big chip in the kitchen sink, so it's being returned/exchanged. I, literally, have the kitchen sink in my car.

Welcome Home

2010-05-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

Faux Mailbox
Originally uploaded by zostra

Much like the temporary mailbox we put up to keep the mail off the floors while they were being refinished, I am in a state of flux. My stuff is in the garage, in piles in a few rooms, and I am living out of a suitcase at Daniel's (thank you, Daniel). It was decided that cats and an active remodel don't mix. Not to mention the shower isn't working yet. Nor is there hot water. Picky, picky, picky. That's me.

Primer & Paint & Grout

2010-05-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

Orange Bedroom
Originally uploaded by zostra

There's orange in the bedroom. Ceilings in both bedrooms are done. Other bedroom is primed. Kitchen counter is grouted. Moving stuff into the garage tomorrow.

The Helpful Hardware Place

2010-04-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

Pre-mix Paint
Originally uploaded by zostra

You know the tagline for Ace Hardware, right? Ace, the Helpful Hardware Place. It's true. Today I went to Pastimes Ace Hardware in El Cerrito to have my paint mixed. I'd met this lovely woman, Chelsea, there about a week ago and she told me what I needed to do to get the paint mixed there. They don't computer-match, but if you let them know the type of paint they can get the proper formula and mix it with the old fashioned tint machine (all these big tubes on a wheel that measures out the tint). I called ahead and Chelsea had all the formulas ready to go when I got there. I got to watch her put the tint in, and we mixed up all of the paint for the house. While we did this we chatted about paint, and a few other things. She mentioned how much she liked to paint. I told her where the house was & told her if she wanted to see the colors up on the walls to come on by any time (she's particularly fond of the orange for the second bedroom). She showed up. And painted. For almost two hours after she got off work. On a Friday. How cool is that?

Patience

2010-04-29T00:07:00.001-07:00

V-cap-less corner
Originally uploaded by zostra

They tell you that remodeling takes longer than you think. That you will spend more time, more money, and more effort than you thought. Anyone who knows me knows how I like to plan, organize, be prepared, have a list, check things off. But how do you check off the v-cap that is backordered from Japan for an unspecified amount of time? That they didn't tell you was backordered until after you'd ordered the rest of the tile? Sigh. I have patience. But I don't have my v-caps.

Finding Studs

2010-04-27T21:17:00.001-07:00

Peter & Dad searching for studs
Originally uploaded by zostra

The cabinets went back in the kitchen today. Dad and Peter started in on the tiling of the counters. This involves mudding cement backer board onto the plywood that's on top of the cabinets. Before the mud can set, the backer board is screwed into the plywood. Backer board for the backsplash is then screwed into the studs in the wall, as demonstrated by Dad & Peter. I helped with the tail end of things. It was too cold and wet for the cement on the wallboard to completely dry from yesterday. Maybe tomorrow.

Paint!

2010-04-26T23:58:00.000-07:00

First Yellow Coat
Originally uploaded by zostra

I took today "off" (do furlough days really count as days off?) to work on the house. I picked out baseboards and door casings at Rafael Lumber (ask for Allen...he knows his stuff!) then met Dad & Uncle Peter at the house. Today I/we managed to get a second coat of mud on the new drywall, prime the kitchen (mostly), paint the kitchen (mostly), patch several holes with drywall, prime one bedroom on the walls & ceiling that weren't drywalled, sand & wash out one bedroom closet, figure out where the kitchen cabinets need to go back in, accept a washer/dryer delivery, figure out that the stacking unit for said w/d is included in the purchase and is inside the darn dryer (no wonder it wasn't on the order), figure out which bathroom sink/pedestal/faucet I'm going to get, and explain to my credit card company that no one has run wild with my account except me.

New Skill #17,325

2010-04-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

Insulation
Originally uploaded by zostra

I've learned many, many new things since buying my house (and I've only owned it 3 weeks!). This weekend was my favorite so far. After discovering some unfortunate spores (i.e., mold in the walls) under multiple never-ending peels of paint in the the outer walls of the bedrooms we decided to rip out the drywall and replace it. As this fun activity was not in the original budget it seemed prudent to do it ourselves. The fact that my cousin Tony has done a fair amount of drywalling, and was willing and able to come help out made the decision that much easier. So, for 1/10th the cost of having professionals do it, we took out the sheetrock on four walls (2 exterior walls in each room), put in insulation, put up new drywall, and are now in the process of mudding it, which takes about three days because of drying time between mud applications. A nice combination of deconstruction and construction, very task oriented, and you really feel like you've accomplished something at the end of the day. Thanks, Tony et al. You rock. Sheetrock, to be exact. Oh...that was bad...must have been all the dust I inhaled.