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21 Jul 10

Vegetarian noodle soup with fresh peas and carrot greens

Vegetarian noodle soup with fresh peas and carrot greens

11 Jun 10

Thunderstorms

Earlier this week it was really warm, as summer should finally be. I’ve been really patient about expecting great things from summer here in Utah. I get that this is the “high desert” and that I won’t be enjoying any extended summer heat. But I really thought with the weather being in the 80s, the farmer’s market finally opening tomorrow, and my CSA box arriving on Thursday … Well I thought it would finally be the blissful throw-clothing-to-the-wind-and-run-through-the yard-naked summer of my dreams. Just kidding. I really wouldn’t do that. I just hate having to constantly have multiple layers with me like I’m camping in the Himalayas and a blizzard could hit if I’m not wary enough. I love summer for the simple ease of putting on a t-shirt and jeans and knowing that I will be nice and warm all day and all night day after day and night after night.

So the day started out pretty good. I rolled out of bed all happy that it’s finally summer and my day off and I’m going to deadhead some roses and take my doggie for a walk and all the while be tanning my shoulders and getting some Vitamin D. These were my hopes. But I looked outside and it’s all gray and pretty chilly so being the analytical person that I am I decided to check some hard data:

What is this? THUNDERSTORMS? Now I can’t go outside with my pruner for fear of being struck down by a ray of electricity? I can’t walk Rhysie-roo because by the time we get a good 10-minute walk from home, I’m sure the lightning will be ready to play.

So, it’s time for another “winter” day in June. However, we are in denial here so the windows are ostensibly being left open in the hopes that some summer heat will drift in. I’m sure I’m up for some more disappointment.

weather utah salt lake city thunderstorms

6 May 10

I took Angela to the groomer this morning. Her dreads were out of control. She was angry, but I think lunch is cheering her up.

I took Angela to the groomer this morning. Her dreads were out of control. She was angry, but I think lunch is cheering her up.

4 May 10

Turns out it’s easier to remove the paint, then the paper. Here I am scraping the paint off.

Turns out it’s easier to remove the paint, then the paper. Here I am scraping the paint off.

Our living room after 1.5 hours of scoring, spraying, and scraping. Pro tip: never paint over wallpaper!

Our living room after 1.5 hours of scoring, spraying, and scraping. Pro tip: never paint over wallpaper!

Here are two different kinds of kale. They are the first plants I put in the garden here in Salt Lake City. One is Russian and I can’t recall what the other is.

Here are two different kinds of kale. They are the first plants I put in the garden here in Salt Lake City. One is Russian and I can’t recall what the other is.

3 May 10

This is the fun part. I love this project. I can’t believe how gratifying it is.

This is the fun part. I love this project. I can’t believe how gratifying it is.

Scoring (the wall) like an Egyptian.

Scoring (the wall) like an Egyptian.

Tonight, Jared and I removed the wallpaper in the bathroom. Here’s a photo of him getting the hard to reach places.

Tonight, Jared and I removed the wallpaper in the bathroom. Here’s a photo of him getting the hard to reach places.

24 Apr 10

This is my HipstaKitty - Angela. I took this using the Hipstamatic app for the iPhone. It’s really a lot of fun.

This is my HipstaKitty - Angela. I took this using the Hipstamatic app for the iPhone. It’s really a lot of fun.

angela hipstamatic iphone photo kitty cat black cat

7 Apr 10

Relaxation time.

Relaxation time.

5 Apr 10

Even the strip mall has a view. I get to see these gorgeous mountains every day.

In other news: I’ve been here six days and it’s already been over 70, very windy, snowed, rained and hailed. I’m having lots of fun.

Even the strip mall has a view. I get to see these gorgeous mountains every day.

In other news: I’ve been here six days and it’s already been over 70, very windy, snowed, rained and hailed. I’m having lots of fun.

salt lake city

28 Mar 10

Angela: connoisseur of fine waters. Here she samples a 2010 West Sacramento Blanc de Bowl. It was a good year.

Angela: connoisseur of fine waters. Here she samples a 2010 West Sacramento Blanc de Bowl. It was a good year.

Cleaning the old place. Progress. Plans changed yesterday so we’ve got two extra days.

Cleaning the old place. Progress. Plans changed yesterday so we’ve got two extra days.

26 Mar 10

All packed!! Jared’s smile says it all. Phew. Now we treat our helpers to a full meal. Then we clean.

All packed!! Jared’s smile says it all. Phew. Now we treat our helpers to a full meal. Then we clean.