Fruits of June

Until about 40 years ago, rhubarb pies were as popular as apple pies. So popular, in fact, that the rhubarb plant was known simply as Pie Plant. Everyone had one in their garden, and certainly on their farm. The plant I have is a cutting from my husband's family farm, and the original plant is said to be 100 years old.

I look forward to May for the lilacs and lily-of-the-valley, but June's the month when the showstopper flowers compete with the edibles. Strawberries and rhubarb don't compete with each other. They team up for the season's first edible favorite: strawberry rhubarb crisp.

What does all this have to do with renovating a house? Nothing at all...except for the inner turmoil I have when I rush through the garden on my way to the project. We both wish we could spend more lazy afternoons weeding or sipping coronas on the patio.

New Cat!

In a freaky "Juon" moment back in April, this cat surprised us while we were working in the house. It figured out a way to come and go, and consequently made the house it's own. Over the past few weeks it has befriended me (or I it, depending on perspective). We enjoyed having a little outdoor critter hanging around while we weeded the garden or relaxed in the yard, until C noticed that she doesn't have front claws, which explained why she was emaciated. Look at that cute little face! How could anyone resist? I think I might have that mental disorder that makes you take in more animals than sanely acceptable, but we've brought Valentine indoors never the less. She brings the total number of fur friends in our home to four.

Mapping out the Kitchen Cabinets

Idea stolen from D. I saw him taping areas on the cabin walls and floors to simulate cabinets, countertop height, and appliance positions. Verrrrrry helpful.

Main Floor Bathroom

We're happy to say that we FINALLY have a toilet and a source of running water, although I've been very militant about who gets to enter and in what state of filth your hands/shoes/clothes happen to be in. Still much to be done: painting, finishing up the wainscoting, etc.

Cabin Rear Entrance

This will exit onto a soon-to-be-built patio or porch.

A Room with a View

Interior of the FUBAR'd addition, looking out.

FUBAR'd Addition with New Window

So this is shaping up to be a little less FUBAR'd.

Artifact of Yore

Somewhere, once upon a time in 1980, someone lost something very dear and perhaps went to the Senior Prom alone and un-cool.

Wanted: Green Thumbs

As if we don't have our hands full with the INTERIOR of the house, our acknowledged attention deficit disordered brains are formulating a plan for the exterior. Fortunately for us, the last tenant shared our love for gardening, so there are some lovely plants greeting us as the season progresses (many of which we've looted for our own backyard). We still intend on creating something visually interesting in this yard, stick some herbs here and a perennial or two there.

Scrap Wood = Great Fire

After a long day's work, nothing says "relaxing" quite like beers and a cozy campfire.

FUBAR'd Addition

This is the exterior view of that weird area we refer to as the MudRoom. We're doing all we can to keep from tearing it off. It's structurally sound, just ill-conceived and ugly. We're installing a window to create an extension of the kitchen, so it'll essentially be a sunroom.

Back to Work

Our desk, in our spacious, richly appointed office. Frequently the sprinkler system goes haywire, and the thermostat is either too hot or too cold. Beer is allowed while on the clock. Three martini lunches, though encouraged, prohibit your use of power tools and temporarily suspend your license to tell everybody what the hell you think they should be doing.

More Woodland Treats!

We scavenged several favorite woodland plants for our garden- maiden hair and staghorn ferns, trillium, colombine, and wild ginger.

Taking a Break, Hunting for Woodland Treats!

So we've been "away from the office" for a few weeks. This was partially due to a very nasty cold that keeps hanging on, and partially due to our love of all things food and all things outdoors- and the elusive Morel Mushroom is the finest example of both. We took a few day trips to our usual morel haunts (locations, of course, not to be divulged) and turned up only a small handful, which were enjoyed in the usual way: dusted in flour, washed in egg, crusted in cornmeal, seasoned with salt and pepper, and devoured piping hot straight from the Griswold while still standing at the cooktop. Simplicity trumps snobbery every time!