In the comment thread of the obesity entry, Ben and I had a little discussion about how easy it is to subsist in a country where just about anything grows. The climate is kind to plants, no winters when almost nothing grows on the soil, and all it really takes is a small patch of ... (more)

The EXIF data of the photo below says it was taken on February 16, 2006. That’s how long we have been planning on giving the house a complete paint job inside and out, tear down two walls to replace the windows with French doors that will open to the front and back gardens, do something ... (more)

Just found this in my inbox: Dear Host Family, I am a mature and experienced Cook and Housekeeper looking for a family to work for. I have a good childcare experience and I am able to iron, clean, drive and do ALL the house tasks. I prefer a Portuguese or Spanish speaker family. Could you ... (more)

Every now and then, we talk about the possibility of buying a new house. We haven’t gotten to the final-decision-point though–it’s just a kind of on-and-off open discussion in the family. One time, my 14-year-old daughter, Sam, saw me poring over some house plans. She sat on the bed and said, “Mommy, when we build ... (more)