Jul 31, 2011 | 94 Days of Summer
Day Forty-one: New Digs. These aren’t the most artistic shots, but my muse took one look at the state of our house and booked a ticket to Boca for the next month. Shameless hussy.
I’m breathing a bit better now. The new suite has one real bedroom, a living area, and another sleeping alcove. No kitchen, but with the wet bar we’ve moved in our espresso machine and Zojirushi. No more drinking yucky hotel coffee in the morning. THAT alone should improve our living conditions.
We’ll still be eating out (or take-out) for most meals, but we’re figuring out how to do that with least amount of stress. We’re not allowed to leave the dog unattended, so we’re tag teaming breakfast and then dropping Sophie off at the house while we eat dinner. She seems OK with that, happy to be back in her home.
IZ brought over his big computer so he can work. I think this might be the biggest complication for us. Since we both work from home, it means a lot of trips to the house and trying to juggle working from a distance. I’m sure we’ll figure out a rhythm eventually. In fact, IZ’s computer is set up just behind the chair I’m working in presently, and he just reached out and gave me a mini head massage. So, it’s not ALL bad. Plus, IZ and I have a beautiful king sized bed with a view of the river and bridge. Tres romantic. Not that I can think that way right now, but give me time, people.
On the down side, the damage. Oh. My.
I think I’ll put up the final list on Tuesday once the adjuster comes back out to reinspect the current scope of the work. But let’s just say, we’re very fortunate to never have had a fire!
Ok, off to dinner. I think I’ll be back tomorrow with a post on how to make a Hotel your Home.
Th
Jul 29, 2011 | 94 Days of Summer
Day Thirty-nine: A view from our window.
I wish I could say that it was good news. That I’m hanging in a hotel enjoying a sunset on the river, just because.  But, we’ve been displaced courtesy of the construction going on out our little house. Right now, due to insurance/bank red tape, it’s looking like we’ll be living the Hotel life for at least 4 weeks. That’s the BEST case scenario. I can’t even wrap my head around  eating out for a month, much less managing the hotel’s requirement that we never leave Sophie unattended.
Presently, we’re hanging out in a hotel room with 2 double beds. But, on Sunday we’ll be upgraded to a suite with rooms and larger beds. Our son, ever the optimist, keeps reminding us of the “bright-sides” of our current predicament. I’m thankful for a child who can see past the destruction and displacement, because after spending the day packing my kitchen and watching my house implode on itself I’m not feeling so optimistic.
So, stay tuned. I’m pretty sure there are stories coming your way.
Jul 27, 2011 | 94 Days of Summer
Day Thirty-seven: Sharing space with IZ because the contractor had to cut the electricity on the 3rd floor. Look at him, hard at work.
Jul 21, 2011 | 94 Days of Summer
Day Thirty-one: Tropical Raspberry Fizzy—a great way to beat the heat.
It’s hardly warm out here on the coast of Oregon. July is wearing its usual ensemble of mist and patchy fog. But the rest of the country is experiencing waves of the warm stuff—sometimes at stultifying heights. For those of you trying to beat the heat, here’s my favorite fizzy drink concoction. And for those of you still waiting for summer to arrive, it’s a tasty (low-cal) way to get your daily dose of Vitamin C!
Tropical Raspberry Fizzy
Mix 1 package of Tropical Emergen-C and 1 package of Raspberry Emergen-C with 14 oz of water. Mix. Add 1/2 -1 single serve package of Truvia and then fill with ice. Stir until chilled. Enjoy! (50 calories, 2000 mg of Vitamin C)
I buy Emergen-c at Costco, which has the best price. It’s really expensive in a regular store. If you haven’t tried it before and want to test it first, Emergen-c will send you free samples! You’ll have to wait a few weeks, but I’ve got a feeling the heat isn’t going anywhere soon.
As for the Truvia, it’s a stevia product. Any will work, it’s just the only one IZ actually likes. What I like about Truvia is it is dental neutral and is considered diabetic friendly. Another alternative (but far more spendy) is Xylitol. It’s actually dental positive—dentists recommend taking it if you have poor enamel, as it helps fight cavities. Sweet! And of course, you can always drink it without a sweetener. It’s a bit tart, but very refreshing on a hot, hot day.
Jul 16, 2011 | 94 Days of Summer
Day Twenty-six: we  haven’t even begun demolition, and I’m already hitting the hard stuff.
Jul 13, 2011 | 94 Days of Summer
Day Twenty-three: Wick testing. Again.
It feels like I’ve been here before. Oh, wait. I have. Once again, I’m switching glassware suppliers for Mireio’s candle line. Last year, I was delighted to find Couronne, because so much of their glass had such a high recycled content. Initially, I was elated with their products. But late last year some of their products were discontinued and then replaced by a cheaper version out of China. About 75% of what was sent to me was completely unusable! (Anyone want unfilled color shot votives for free? You pay shipping and I’ll send them along!) And what was useable, wasn’t as nice. Â I have a really high standard for Mireio and I just can’t bring myself to sell flawed goods to people.
So, it meant going back to the beginning and finding a new glass for Mireio’s amazing candles. And that means wick testing. Again! I’m delusional enough to think that I can get this done quickly. What? It could happen.
