Whine Wednesday: But I don't read VAMPIRE books

Stupid addictive vampire books.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, carefully overturn that rock  you've been living under and crawl on out.  I'm talking about the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer.  It's YA fiction and it's delicious, I couldn't put it down.  It's a fairly quick read - and a wicked page turner - I didn't do anything for 3 days last week but read the 4 books in the series.  M was not very impressed with my lack of motivation all week! 

It is a major exercise in self control that I am not reading the leaked chapters from the book she's currently working on (Twilight from the male MC's perspective), it's not that I don't want to read something that's "leaked" (conspiracy theorists argue that the author herself leaked them because fans were so disappointed with the last book Breaking Dawn), it's that I would be thinking, nay agonizing about it until it's finally published.

Check out the series website.  There's a movie, but we all know how hollywood butchers a good book, so I won't be watching that one.  

So yeah, apparently I DO read vampire books.  Now aliens are another story...

me and my gang

people say we look alike.  what do you think?  

we're leap step children - five years between me and the middle brother, five years between the boys.

Pasta Primavera

Summer's last big Hurrah.  It's so sad that summer is quickly fading.  To take advantage of the locally grown vegetables that Hannaford sells, last night I made pasta primavera, it was fabulous!

1 zucchini (sliced thin)

1 yellow squash (sliced thin)

1 head of broccoli (separated)

1 large onion (loosely diced)

1 ear of corn (kernels sliced off)

1 tomato (big chunks)

fresh basil

linguini noodles (I used homemade)

1 cup heavy cream

olive oil

Kosher salt

fresh cracked black pepper

in a large pan heat oil until hot.  add in broccoli crowns, let cook while other veggies are chopped.  add in veggies as you get them chopped (save the tomato and basil for last).  when all the veggies are working, heat the water for linguini.  add in noodles when the water is boiling (cook to al dente).  at the same time, add heavy cream to vegetables, allow it to simmer until it begins to reduce - or until noodles are done.  drain all water from noodles and add to vegetable mixture.  serve warm - actually or cold, it was great for lunch today cold!

In My Red High Heels?! A Challenge.

Alright, I admit.  I have a slight love affair with Crocs.  I currently own 4 pairs of the mary janes (black, brown, blue, and white), a pair of original caymans (bright blue), and a pair of flip flops (brown).  However, that said.  I would never, Never, NEver, NEVEr, NEVER consider purchasing a pair of these...monstrosities.  

Seriously, 4" croc heels?

So, here's where the challenge comes in.  The first person to buy and take a picture of themselves WEARING these sexy little numbers will receive $5.  That's right folks.  I'm going to pony up a whopping $5 for someone to publicly humiliate themselves (because, you know, that picture will be posted here for all eternity or at least until I delete the blog).  Any takers?

The rules:

1.  You must provide proof pictures (full body shots!)

2.  If we've never met IRL, you must provide a comparison photo to go with that full body shot (no cheating!)

3.  That's pretty much it.  Send me the proof and I'll send you $5 (but only to the first!)

The view from within

Not a lot of progress on the house front.  M has been working long hours so the house has fallen to the back burner.  He has a month off coming up so hopefully things will fall into place soon and we'll be able to host Thanksgiving.

Front of house- note M playing with his chain saw.

Side view with rain bucket.

This area will house my kitchen.

Our $75 Craigslist find.  Andersen Bay Window.  300 pounds, installed by M and I, alone.  Not fun.

Bathroom elevation.

View from the bay window.

Sitemeter

I have a sitemeter which among other things tells me how the few people who read this blog get here.  There have been a couple google searches for "slate tile under wood stove."  I have pictures of the tile for you, but nothing of the stove on it.  So here you go random searchers:

The wood stove is a small DutchWest by Vermont Castings. We got it on ebay for a ridiculously low price, lets just say that it was cheaper to buy it online and ship it here, than it would have been to buy it at a local store. I hate taking away local business, but we're on a tight budget.

Over the Hill

This summer has been incredibly draining.  The month of July was spent teaching from 8-1 (and being at school from 7-3) then going to masters classes from 4:30 until they decided to let us out.  I also went on 2 failed job interviews for the school year, it's okay, I just have to keep believing that something will open up at just the right time.  For now, it's back to subbing.  

My students this summer have been fabulous though, especially my 7th graders.  I don't know why 90% of them were in summer school, they were that good.

About a week before school let out, they were getting a bit burnt out.  I asked a question, and didn't get a reply.  Bueller, Bueller, nothing.  Soooo, they decided that because I've not only seen the movie Farris Bueller's Day Off, but I quote it constantly, I must be old.  Since my birthday is next week they decided to throw me an "over the hill" party.  I know!  What?

I'm only turning 24, but they did it.  Complete with a fantastic cake and 2 cases of Monster Energy Drink.  I had to apologize to their 3rd period teacher for getting them so wound up.  So, thanks for the cake B (and B's mom!)!  It was delish!

Gallery Wrap Canvas!

I was so excited to learn about the site canvasondemand.com from the photography board that I visit.  SIL's birthday was coming up, so this was an excellent opportunity to revisit May's photoshoot with Storm.  I ordered her an 11x14 and got an 8x12 of my hydrangeas for the house.

I've also been revisiting some old pictures with photoshop. I came across this one of JoAnne Young, Houghton College Equestrian Center's fabulous program director on her mare Fawn at a cross country event 2 years ago.

And I played a bit with more of Storm's May pictures

Guess the most common words in the English language

I got 47 my first time out.  How'd you do?

100 most common english words