HOME - Fireplace update

We officially said goodbye to Directv today and I am thrilled. Rob has talked me into buying a new computer that we have hooked up to the tv. It's really pretty great - we can watch shows on Hulu, the ones that come through our digital antennae, and we can surf the web - all from the comfort of the couch. Here are photos of the progress we've made on the fireplace.

BEFORE - 1980s Miami Vice


DURING

DURING

ALMOST THERE

OKAY - so it's almost done in this photo but really - it is completely done in real life - I just don't feel like taking a picture right now... The cables are hidden but we still need to get a shelf of some sort to store the computer on (the computer is that tiny box on the right side of the mantel).
Our newest project is one that scares me - ALOT! We are replacing the windows ourselves. Rob insists on wood windows and in order to afford them - we are going to do it ourselves. Here is what we have to work with...

This is the window in the spare bedroom with the molding removed. Notice the lovely powder blue house next door. IT IS FINALLY FOR SALE!!!! THANK GOODNESS!!!

Spring is trying to spring

The brewing is going well. We just brewed batch number 7. We tried a soba ale (kit from Rogue Brewery) - it's made with buckwheat rather than traditional wheat. Sounds like it will be protein-rich and a little cloudier than usual. Our newest adventure is growing hops! I finally talked Rob into it - he is very sure that they will take over our yard since they are supposedly quite invasive. To quiet his concern, I planted them in a plastic pot with the bottom cut out - right in the ground. I planted 2 rhizomes of Cascade hops. I sure hope to get some this year.

We also installed a fence around the veggie garden area to keep the pests (Wiley and Penny) from laying all over my garlic! Garlic is the only green at this point but I am still crossing my fingers that the spring mix and spinach will come up soon - even with the 3 inches of snow earlier this week... I have become a little impatient with these sorts of things. We've got several plants started in the house already - kohlrabi, basil, peppers, tomatoes, and rosemary.

It has been a difficult transition back into reality. We spent a lovely week in Sayulita, Mexico - swimming, surfing, fishing, and relaxing. If you need a great place to stay down there I have a great recommendation!

Here is a taste of our first breakfast in Sayulita - best breakfast tacos ever!