View from my boat, The DorthyJane

When considering a redecoration, why not think about a theme? What is your passion? Mine happens to be water and boats.  So I am searching for ship wheels, boat photos, marine knots, light houses, etc.  But, if you’re a great gardener, an old-fashioned watering can filled with large artificial greens in one corner, crossed gardening tools tied with raffia hung on a wall next to posters or photos of garden shows would make great accessories.

These same ideas can apply to any hobby or interest-music, fashion, sports. When you choose a special theme, you can spend time browsing various places for just the right item to add to your special place, where you spend a lot of time reviving your energy surrounded by many of your favorite things. Keep this in mind when you select a color scheme and please don’t over-do it! Clutter does not relax the eye or the mind when someone enters a room. Keep it simple. Remember—less is still more no matter the design project.

BIG CITY vs.COUNTRY LIFE

I could never live in a big city. The lure of an exciting night life, vast skyscrapers, crowded subway cars and traffic that would make any driver psychotic, pales in comparison to the advantages of country life.

                                                                                   

Did you know that 5 million people ride the New York City subway every day? Just the thought of having to go through that process makes my heart speed up and breath come short.
A condo the size of my closet sells in Manhattan for 1.5 million dollars. That entitles an “association” to charge you a hefty monthly fee for…well, basically telling you what you can and cannot do with your place, plus...I don’t know-keeping the lobby clean and letting the bug man in once a month. And, in a town where you have to fight just to have a purse dog, my only property caveat is that we can’t keep a herd. Hey, I really don’t want a herd although several of my nice neighbors do have them. They let me feed their horses, chickens, cats and dogs and that makes us all happy.



I don’t know about offensive smells in the big cities. Out here skunks can create havoc on a warm summer’s night when we sleep with the windows open. That’s definitely the down side of country living. Of course, gunshots are heard almost as frequently here as they are in the cities. Only yesterday (the opening day of hunting season), what sounded like elephant guns were booming across hillsides, (and on our property) as eager hunters went after the mother and baby deer we watched cross our road all summer.
In Boston people do strange things to protect their parking spots, like put chairs out to block strangers from “stealing” them. Parking is certainly no problem out here. You can put as many bulldozers, tractors, snowmobiles or diesel trucks as will fit in or around your barn.
I would really like to hear from you who actually live in the city and tell me how you cope.
In addition: here's a quick update on the new house down the road.  They are now putting on the siding, so it looks pretty messy but you get the idea.

Write to me!  Comments please!

HOME BUILDER KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

I really hate posting this blog but feel that since I was photographing and blogging the construction of our new neighbors’ house, that you should also be apprised of the death of Richard Clark, the builder and owner of Clark Craftsman Homes. My photos of the sign in front of the house are a testament to his life, family and work.  I am convinced that he will be watching over this project until its’ completion and perhaps beyond.

I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Clark Family.

September 25  Garage Roof Completed and Roof on Turret Ready for Shingles

I will continue to post progess on this beautiful home.



New Neighbors, Continued

(Earlier Photos Below) September 7, 2010

Three Days Later the Garage Roof is Going Up

Rafter Lumber Leaning Against Front

Mountain Visible Though Unfinished Roof

Garage Roof Finished With Studio Window

Construction Assistants Checking Out Sidewalk Superintendents

Center Roof Finished

Great Shot of Back Side of House

It's a bit dark but you can see how the garage blends in with the back.

I will continue to photograph this process until it is finished.

Comments And Sponsor Clicks Please. 

JACK’S FAVORITE—CHILI SAUCE

A very good friend of mine gave me this recipe over 30 years ago and it’s still the best one I’ve tasted yet. My stepmother and I accidentally used “tablespoons” of spices instead of “teaspoons” and it came out great! I will be giving some of the jars as gifts but leaving most of the sauce for Jack. He would cry if I didn’t.

INGREDIENTS

12 Large Tomatoes

1 Large Onion-chopped

1 Large Green Pepper-chopped

1 Cup Sugar (I use Splenda)

1 Cup Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Salt

¾ Tablespoons Cinnamon

¾ Tablespoons Cloves

¾ Tablespoons Nutmeg

¾ Tablespoons Ginger

2 Tablespoons Chili Powder

DIRECTIONS

Peel tomatoes after soaking in boiling water for 2 or 3 minutes. Place in large pot, then add spices, onion, pepper, vinegar and sugar (Splenda). Simmer until desired thickness (about 3 to 4 hours). Freeze and/or follow Ball Blue Book canning instructions to the letter, including boiling for 10 minutes after water comes to second boil.  Be very careful removing jars from boiling water bath, first of all so you don't get burned and secondly because you do NOT want to disturb the jar lid sealing process.  They are NOT sealed if you don't hear them "pop" or they are rounded and not flat when cooled.  Happy Canning! 

Let me know if this works for you!  Other comments and sponsor clicks appreciated. 

HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION

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So, how was your summer?  Please comment and click a sponsor.  Appreciate it.