Tofu Making Class

On Thursday evening I attended a tofu-making class. It was alot of fun, and a great learning experience. Prior to the class I had never tasted homemade tofu. We started out the class with a tasting of tofu the instructor had made, and it was absolutely delicious. If you are at all interested in making it, I would highly recommend hands-on learning. It is definitely an art. We were told not to be surprised if at home our first couple of batches don't come out quite right. It's a bit of trial and error. But, I'm really looking forward to making my own soon.

Blake got back from Ohio on Thursday, and he's doing well. In August there is going to be a family gathering in Green Harbor, Massachusetts at the family beach house. Blake's father loved the ocean and spending time in Green Harbor, so it will be a great place for everyone to come together and honor his memory as well as celebrate his life.

This weekend we are busy working in the yard. It's something that I really enjoy, so I'm trying to get as much in as I can before classes start next week. Blake's family is going to be here visiting tomorrow. Blake told me a funny story about his sister, Serenity. While she was packing her bags to come to Vermont, she had the opportunity to pack her things in a rolling suitcase, but noticed her boyfriend had a nice, big backpack she could use instead. At the airport before boarding the plane, she strapped on her backpack and then picked up her bags. Well, she literally fell over right in the airport. She quickly stood up and said out loud, "Hmm, I guess I overpacked!!" I would have paid alot of money to have witnessed this.

I hope everyone has a fun holiday weekend!!

The Cutest Garden...EVER!!

Here's a pic of our vegetable garden. Over the past couple of days I planted tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, bok choy, mesclun, leaf lettuce, spinach and carrots. I hope it's successful! Blake built the walls for the raised beds, and he hauled in the topsoil and compost. I planted some marigolds in hopes of keeping the animals away. Also, I used a mild insecticide. I would like to find a reliable all-natural insecticide, so if anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them!! This weekend we are going to build a fence around it which can be taken down when not in use.

I would also like to find a squirrel-proof bird feeder... if anyone has had great success with a certain type, please let me know!! The squirrels and chipmunks have been doing a "Mission Impossible" number on our feeders, the little rascals.

I have attached a couple more photos. One is the view from our backyard. The other is the view of the front of the house. We have lots of work to do, clearing rocks and branches, but things are coming along very nicely.

On a sad note, Blake's father passed away last night after battling a brain tumor. It's a difficult time, to say the least. Blake is in Ohio for the next couple of days, so that he can be with his family. I'm feeling a bit sad that I'm not there with him, and looking forward to his return on Thursday. We spent some time at Green Harbor in Massachusetts last summer visiting with his dad soon after we learned about the brain tumor, and that is where I met his dad. He was on the beach throwing horseshoes and enjoying himself. We really enjoyed our time at the beach house and spending time with the family. He truly will be missed.

Fiddleheads

These crazy looking things are called Fiddleheads, well, because they look like the top of a fiddle. In the northeast these are a popular treat in the early spring. Last night I sauteed them with some corn, then topped with a dab of butter and some salt and pepper. Mmmm!! They are quite delicious. Fiddleheads are actually the early stages of a fern plant before they "uncurl" and spread their leaves.

We are getting more settled in the new house. There is lots and lots to do... clearing rocks and branches, planting flowers and I have yet to get my vegetable garden going. We are going to have raised beds, so Blake built the wooden sides last weekend. We need to haul in some compost and topsoil, which we were going to do ourselves, but it rained all last week which means the yard is kind of a muddy mess due to the fact that our grass has not completely come in yet. We did get some rhododendron and lilacs to plant. We have lots of birds and put up several feeders yesterday. Also, the baby chipmunks are running around like crazy. They have little racing stripes down their bodies so they can run really fast.

I have been neglecting my blog the past couple of weeks, and I have no excuse other than we were moving and I was feeling pretty worn out. Well, that and the fact that the dial-up internet connection kind of puts a damper on things. But, things should be up and running once again.

Settling In

Blake and I are getting settled in our new home. Funny how unsettling not being settled can be. I am not one to complain much... but it is somewhat stressful being completely taken out of your little niche. Learning a new route to work, how to get to the nearest grocery store, joining a new gym and setting up your routine in a new place... Then there's unpacking... during which Blake and I have both muttered to ourselves, "why do we need all of this crap?" Neither one of us are pack-rats. But, it still seems like an overwhelming amount of crap. Funny how you seem to forget what a pain moving actually is until the next time you do it.

The first night in our new house was wonderful. We quickly discovered how dark and quiet a night in the country is. I don't know that I've slept that soundly in quite some time. The only noise was the sound of frogs and an occasional coyote. On my way to work I pass by a few of these ridiculously cute farms situated in the rolling hills and surrounded by trees which have finally gotten their first leaves.

Hopefully this weekend we can finish unpacking. Also, we hope to get started on our vegetable garden and plant some flowers. I am just looking forward to being able to work outside, it's been awhile since I have been able to do that. I will post some new pictures soon!!

Freaking Out...

Well, you may find this shocking, but we still cannot move into our new house. As you may recall, the original reason we weren't able to move in (back in March) was because the builder had made changes to our well and septic, and got what he thought was the proper approval through the town of Fairfax. Well, the town of Fairfax informed us that they did not have the appropriate paperwork, and instead of getting a "verbal okay", they made us jump through hoops. The changes had to go to town meeting. Then, it had to be posted in the paper for 15 days. Then, it had to go back to town meeting. Well, town meeting was last night. Today we were informed that everything was approved, but the paperwork was not signed "because they ran out of time." WHAT?? Are you freaking kidding me?? How could you not take 5 minutes to sign some papers?? Supposedly they are holding a special meeting just for us (aren't we lucky!?) next Tuesday, so that the paperwork can be signed. We are allowed to bring our stuff to the house, but we are not allowed to live there. So, we will be staying at the luxurious La Quinta Inn for a lovely 4 night stay. This is absolutely the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Unfortunately, we kind of feel like our hands are tied, because technically the town of Fairfax can take up to 45 days to sign the paperwork (WHAT??) and they are holding a very special meeting just for us... cuz we're so lucky.

Moving Day, Part Two

I think we are actually going to be taking up residence in our new house this coming weekend!! We've got the moving truck reserved, as well as a studly college student to help with a few heavy items. Our closing is on Friday, then we get to the business of moving on Saturday. I am looking forward to getting settled the remainder of the weekend. Blake and I are both off work Friday through Monday.

I registered for school today, so I guess that makes me all official. I am looking forward to getting it done, and trying to enjoy the process the best I can. The first year I will be working full time, so I'm not sure how enjoyable that will be. Then, the following two years I will be a full-time student. Which just seems like kind of a weird concept right now.

The physical therapist did a deep tissue massage on my left calf last night. It was insanely painful and enjoyable at the same time. Painful as he was working out several knots. The enjoyable part came afterwards, in the form of relief. Ahhh...