March 19th, 2009 nick
Ever since acquiring a new stackable washer/dryer combo for the basement — a wondrously space- and energy-saving addition to our house, the washer must use about 1/4 the water of the old top-loader — we’ve been hard at work reclaiming more space for us to use down there. The first addition: Jojo’s workshop — a place where bookbinding, sewing, and all sorts of random arty projects are brought to fruition at the 611.
We’ve also started the spring seedlings — with new equipment this year. First, a legitimate grow light from E. B. Fluorescent lights. Second, one of those seedling warmers — a flat rubber heating pad that sits under the seedlings and keeps them warm all day long (bought from the Organic Growers Supply branch of Fedco Seeds). We also are finally putting to use an outlet timer that we got at christmas a few years back. So the grow light automatically flicks on around 6 a.m. and stays on until about 9 p.m. The heating pad stays warm all day long. I think the pad uses about 60 watts and the lights are each about 30 watts. So far the results seem good. Lots of fast germination, more sturdy growth early on than we’ve had in past years. We’re also watering the established seedlings with a diluted worm juice. Last year Celia conducted a carefully controlled experiment in her greenhouse and found that seedlings watered with worm juice did noticeably better than those given just water, so we’re following the hard-earned scientific evidence on that front.
Here is an early picture of the set up, back when we were trying to give just the sprouted seeds light. We’ve since taken to covering unsprouted seeds with tin foil — that works better than the cloth method.
This one was taken a week ago — we’re constantly repositioning the light… 
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March 19th, 2009 nick
After months of agonizing about how to fix the handle on our cool orange Descoware cast iron pan that we use ALL THE TIME, Elizabeth made a suggestion that was simple, cheap and best of all, it works.
The handle is a cool feature of the pan because it unscrews and, presto! You now have a casserole pan that can go right into the oven. However, this pan, inherited from Grandma, has seen many a chicken soup and many a tuna fish casserole in its day and the threads on the handle were worn down to the point that it would basically slip out whenever you tried to use it. So I’ve been poring over the internet for suggestions, searching EBay obsessively for descoware handles (apparently you can order new plastic handles — but, honestly, who wants a plastic handle?!) and imagining the handle slipping out at a crucial juncture — like when there’s a load of boiling soup in the pan and all of a sudden you have a crushed and scalded toe because 5 pounds of cast iron and bubbling water have just tumbled from your grasp.
In walks Elizabeth to our kitchen a few days back, and she makes the off-hand suggestion to see if a broom-handle fits. As it happens, we have an unused broom handle in the basement (it’s been there for at least 3 years) and sure enough — it fits! One slice with the circular saw and one piece of sandpaper later, voila! A new handle!
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March 11th, 2009 nick
Date night got off to a late start, but it was still warm enough that the bike ride up to Petit Louis was cozy. One bottle of Jurançon Sec (2004, very “full-bodied”, so we were told), one order of Pâté (wrapped in bacon) and one Cassoulet later we rolled back to Hampden (literally, you barely need to pedal — thankfully).
The Cassoulet was like baked beans on steroids — sausage, pulled pork, chunks of bacon fat and duck confit all adding a little je ne sais quoi to a standard white bean casserole.
Hopefully those seven games of embarassing squash against Derek this afternoon (my first ever attempts at squash, in my defense) will counterbalance the meal of meat, beans, meat and meat.
Johanna turned down the cheese cart and opted for a pôt de crème (a thick dark chocolate custard topped with a handsome dollop of whipped cream) which was pretty delicious too.
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