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.

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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.

CIGARETTE TAX PITS NY STATE GOVERNMENT AGAINST SOVEREIGN NATIONS

Who would ever have guessed that cigarettes would cost over $9.00 a pack??? As if the reality that desperate smokers are being punished by New York State at $4.35 per pack tax for their bad habit isn’t  enough, the state is also attempting to force the Indian Nations to pay the tax to them on every pack they sell. Considering the American Indian Nations are deemed “sovereign” (which means they were declared independent by treaties made in the 1700s and cannot be controlled by anyone but themselves) and that Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution says that “states do not have power to commerce with tribes much less regulate them,” doesn’t it appear as though the New York State government is merely trying to elicit money from any source regardless of legality or ethics?
I am neither a Native American, nor am I a smoker but absolutely believe the state should leave the Indians alone! They are trying to make the best of what they were left with when the colonists took over their lands and drove many of their members west to fend for themselves in a bitter and harsh environment.
Governor Patterson, I strongly suggest that you and your peers refrain from speaking with forked tongues and stop trying to change treaties and revamp the United States Constitution.

Construction on the new house (earlier pics below) is moving fast so I thought I’d better show you these photos now. I’ll be going on vacation for a few weeks and unfortunately I won’t be able to track the progress until I get back. Who knows what will be accomplished by then?

Studs on Bottom Floor Window (on left) and First Floor Studs in Place

Lower Floor Back Bay Window

Opposite side view of Bay Window

Looking Down into Bottom Floor

Mask Removed, He's Thanking Me For the Carrots

Hope I can post some great vacation pics when I return.

Remember the horses with the masks on? I got a comment explaining that it’s to keep the insects out of their eyes. Isn’t it great that the owners take such great care to protect their animals? Thanks to anonymous for that comment. Now we’ve all learned something new.
If you haven’t noticed lately, you can click the “animalrescuesite” key on my blog and feed shelter animals for free.
I also have started a second blog at HUB pages and you may be getting a notice every time I post there. I don’t really know but I’ll try and send you the hot key whenever I can. I love hearing from people around the world at HUB and so far I have connected with a writer in Ireland, a guy who lives in London and a teacher from down south, among others.  Hopefully that list will continue to grow each day.
I really do appreciate every comment, so please keep them coming!