A vegetable garden

mums in our garden

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 … [Read more...]

House remodelling

paint swatches

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 … [Read more...]

Have I been whining too much about not having a house helper?

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 … [Read more...]

Adjusting to a new lifestyle

We finally decided to let the house helper go rather than risk more broken appliances. The feeling of relief after she left was overwhelming. At the same time, it hasn't been … [Read more...]

No master’s bedroom

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 … [Read more...]