Family von Smith

We’re slightly addicted

jlsdesigner — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:22:25 +0000

…to iPhone Scrabble. It’s a wonder I continue to play because I never win. And I mean ever ever ever. In fact, last night Thommy beat me by 175 points. And then, to make me feel better about it, he took a screen shot. That’s love.

Other fun stuff

jlsdesigner — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:09:28 +0000

Sammy had a great Christmas morning opening his present from Aunt Robby….a beautiful pink Snuggie!

Sammy loves opening presents

And really felt very macho in the pink snuggie...

Until Thommy decided to torture him with it.

On Saturday we went to the monthly bluegrass jam at the Stagecoach Tavern in Groton. It was such a good time, we can’t wait to go back next month.

(That’s not a zoom…we really were that close to the banjo guy. The players aren’t on stage, they are just hanging out where ever there is space…in this case, at the bar next to Thommy.)

Making new traditions

jlsdesigner — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:48:17 +0000

Snow tubing on Christmas Eve…

It's not easy pulling off those sunglasses. Not many people can do it.

lunchtime cringe anyone?

jlsdesigner — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:33:56 +0000

I don’t have time to update you about my life, but apparently I do have time to review some Sketchy Santas while I eat my lunch today:

Crap, I forgot my watch.

jlsdesigner — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:15:14 +0000

Thommy and I came across this slightly creepy grandfather clock restoration shop last weekend. Note that all the clocks are at a different time.

Thanksgiving trip to PA, as told by Sam

jlsdesigner — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:08:04 +0000

It all started when she put me in the tub. I didn't do anything wrong, but she said I had to be "clean" and "smell good."

It was so early when we got in the car that I had to eat my breakfast in the back seat. Good thing she realized the cup holders make excellent food and water bowls.

Aaah, now this is what I call a vacation. More noms by deh fire pleez.

Ok, now this I have no control over. That cat scares the crap out of me and, well, it's her table anyway. I don't know what they are making because I'm being ignored down there on the floor.

Hey lady, I'm down here in the corner. Why you gotta waste your pictures on them? Alternative capshun: um dear, there's a deer in the family room, dear.

Finally, we made it home to collapse on the couch.

just a little streettttcccchhhh and I'll take another nap please. kthnxbai.

Home inspection: check!

jlsdesigner — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:07:39 +0000

The house passed with flying colors at the home inspection today. Here’s to smooth sailing for the rest …

Don't you just want to come visit?

prettiest green granite counters and plenty of them!

(That's my future office.)

In other news, Thommy was stranded in Cincinnati last night, after that FAA glitch that was in the news. He didn’t make it to Canada for the lest leg of his trip, but did manage to make it home safe this morning just in time for the inspection.

Heading to Blairsville EARLY tomorrow (Sat.) to visit with the Smiths and the Rosses, with a trip to Hyndman to see Mom and Grandma. Can’t believe it’s been a full year since we’ve been to Western PA.

Hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving full of family and friends and most importantly, turkey, stuffing, and jello salad!

Blog ya later!

Some weekends you just buy groceries. Some weekends, you go buy a house!!

jlsdesigner — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:32:19 +0000

Crazy! True! We found a fantastic house on Saturday, put in an offer, and came to an agreement Sunday afternoon! It’s a beautiful colonial style house tucked in to a wooded neighborhood in Groton. Outside, it’s a grey-stained clapboard with white trim, and inside it’s a cozy little house with a coupla fireplaces, a 3-season porch, amazing kitchen, and a master bedroom with a loft.

Can’t wait to move in!

Home-made Pho

jlsdesigner — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:45:38 +0000

How hard is it to make Pho? It’s really not that difficult, but I would certainly do things differently next time. Here’s a basic recipe:

Really good broth, a lot of it. (Next time I’m in the mood, I will make a stock from scratch not from the store)

Meat: I used pork, which I braised. But I would also use chicken (maybe parts of the chicken that I roast to make stock)

Veg: It’s important to keep these crisp. I choose red pepper, carrot, and snow peas. I sliced them in to thin strips and added to the broth JUST before we were ready to eat.

Noodle: You need to cook the noodles separately from the broth. Very thin rice noodles (vermicelli, even though that word is decidedly not Thai) dropped in to rapidly boiling water for about 3 minutes.

In the end, grab a big deep bowl, add some noodles to the bottom of the bowl and then cover with veggies, meat and lots of broth.

Top with cilantro, thai basil, very thinly sliced onion, maybe some bean sprouts and maybe some hot sauce.

We’re officially house hunting!

jlsdesigner — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:35:22 +0000

We started in earnest last weekend, spending Saturday morning touring around with our new Realtor. (Yes, I’m capitalizing Realtor…everyone at Network understands, I’m sure). We saw a handful of houese, only one of which really stood out. I’m fairly sure they consulted my subconscious when they painted the rooms, because the colors are exactly right for me. Anyhoo, we’re heading out again next weekend for more tours. It’s stressful to think we may be moving (again) during the holidays (again!), but we just may be able to strike a great deal with a seller that wants out of the market before the holidays. So we’ll see…

On a related note, it’s been a full year since we flew up to Massachusetts for the weekend, driving around and trying to decide if we wanted to live here. What a huge move to make, it seems like it was just the other day!

The next few weeks will include lots of traveling and seeing friends and fam…I can’t wait! Thanksgiving week in PA, a trip to Baltimore ..ending with a New Year’s Eve trip to Rohobeth Beach to ring in the new year with some great old friends.