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Archive for April, 2006

artillery fungus

Friday, April 28th, 2006

We’ve spent almost the entire time we have lived in our house wondering what these little black dots were on our vehicles and the siding of the house. They are extremely sticky dots, and the only good way to get rid of them is to scratch them off with your fingernail. Last week we had the house power washed in hopes that the cursed dots would be gone, but of course, they stubbornly remain.

Someone I work with mentioned it might be mold, which I quickly dismissed due to the location of our dots. How could mold grow on siding and vehicles, where it gets direct, hot sunlight? So, I began searching the Internet. Lo, and behold, we found out what our little black dots are –
artillery fungus.

I’m going to do some more research, but another one of my co-workers who has experience with this stuff suggested spraying the infected siding with a solution of bleach and water, then treating it with a product called Trisodium Phosphate, aka TSP. I’m going to test a small area this afternoon to see if the bleach is damaging to the siding, but I’m really hoping this works!

designing on a dime

Tuesday, April 18th, 2006

After living in our home for over a year now, I have grown tired of looking at bare walls. As many of you know, I am a crafty homemaker, but when it comes to having an eye for design, I am lacking the skills. As much as I would like to have my rooms look like they came out of a Pottery Barn Catalog, I’d have to figure out with all this stuff I have accumulated from all over, from all sorts of people, some of sentimental value, others just because someone offered it to me and as a poor college student, I reluctantly accepted someone else’s junk. How do you do a Pottery Barn look without spending a ton of money, while incorporating your own sense of style? I’m clueless. So, I’m seeking the help of a professional.

One of my co-workers used to be an interior designer. After griping one morning about my dilemma, she graciously offered (or I cleverly coerced) to come over to my house to survey my assorted collection of wall knick knacks. So, I’ve spent the majority of the evening preparing for her visit. I’ve displayed my collection, everything from canvas art to college diplomas, hoping she can provide me with some direction. I’m terribly excited to find out what she has to offer, but I’m also a little apprehensive the task might be too daunting for her. However, I feel like she will give me an honest opinion, after all she is from New Jersey, and some much needed advice.

movie review : good night, and good luck

Friday, April 14th, 2006

It’s so delightful to find a movie that speaks to you and encourages to explore and ponder the world around you. Good Night, and Good Luck was just that movie. With superb actors and a lean, crisp screenplay, it’s obvious why this movie received several Oscar nods and Independent awards. A take it or leave it movie, I can see some viewing it as too dry, but I liked the fact that it was straightforward and without a lot of fluff. With a PG rating, some might find it disappointing that there’s not enough sex, nudity, violence or language. I’d give it a try, you just might like it.

Good Night, And Good Luck.

Good Night, And Good Luck, Film Site.

listen hear…some more!

Friday, April 14th, 2006

Earlier this week we got results back from Matt’s tests. To read his post about the results, go to Matt’s blog.

listen hear!

Tuesday, April 11th, 2006

Last week Matt experienced sudden hearing loss. To read his post about sudden sensorineural hearing loss, go to Matt’s blog.

ginger lemonade

Sunday, April 9th, 2006

(Over 100 Years Old)
1/2 cup vinegar
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoonfuls ginger

Mix together in quart pitcher, fill with ice water. It is a cooling drink and almost as good as lemondade, some preferring it.

“Ginger Lemonade.” Recipe. Maine Cooking and the Accomplished Cook, or, The Whole Art and Mystery of Cookery, fitted for all Degrees and Qualities. Down East recipes dating from 1664. Ninth Edition – June 1, 1965. Rockland, Maine: Courier-Gazette, Inc., 1965. 78.

here goes nothing…

Sunday, April 9th, 2006

I am sure many of you are wondering what’s been going on with us. It’s been almost two months since we’ve posted anything on our website. We really don’t have an excuse. Life happens.

We now have a different setup here that we are trying out. So, let us know what you think.


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