Too Much of a Good Thing

It's been so much fun to play in the kitchen since we've been back. I cannot tell you how awesome it is to open a drawer and recognize the contents. I'm not exactly a frequent Sur la Table shopper, but I've got enough gadgets to get the job done. Plus eating off our own plates makes every meal a comfort dish. Ahhhh...the nesting instinct is in high gear around here. Tim plays in the garden while I play in the kitchen.

Yesterday I played with phyllo for the first time. I'm not a baker. My desserts may taste okay but they are never pretty. I'm not a measurer. I prefer the "little of this and little of that and a bit more of this," strategy when I cook. So that makes it tricky to create elegant desserts. I've always been intimidated by puff pastry and phyllo. You have to keep it at the perfect temperature, the paper thin layers way too delicate for my patience level. But this recipe I found in an old Bon Apetit for B'stilla, a Morrocan chicken pie was irresistable. I love the aroma of cinnamon and onions and spices...so exotic.

We'd invited our good pals, Barbie and Mike, over for a Sunday nt. supper. I warned Barbie I was trying out a new recipe so we could end up eating cheese and crackers and drinking wine in the event of disaster. I got up early, finished my coffee, waved bye-bye to Tim, and got to work. The ingredients called for exotic spices, chicken, phyllo, almonds, raisins, cilantro...and butter. Lots of butter. An entire stick of butter. That is more butter than I have consumed collectively since I got my cholesterol wake up call last winter. What the heck. If Paula Deen's survived this long, what's a stick of butter?  The entire operation went smoothly. It was actually fun to peel the parchment thin layers of dough apart. When I was finished assembling the main course I had left over scraps of phyllo. Couldn't let that go to waste (instead it went to waist.) So, I scrounged some chocolate chips, dried cranberries and more butter. It looked just as ugly as any other dessert I'd ever made but it sure smelled good.

Our pals showed up. We drank the wine, noshed on appetizers and sat down to dinner. It was delicious. Usually when I prepare the meal, I cannot really taste it. But last night was an exception. The pastry was light but crispy, the almonds added a subtle crunch, and the flavors...oooh la la. Every last bit was finished. There would be no left overs from this meal. We adjourned for after dinner sips and shared the ugly, patchwork dessert. More deliciousness. Before we knew it the evening had come to an end. Time for bed.

It wasn't long before I was tossing and turning and gripping and burning. I don't know how Paula does it...she must pop Pepcids like M&Ms. It was a long night and this morning I was very happy to remember there were no leftovers to face today. Bye bye butter. See you in another lifetime.

I'll Get Back to You (and other assorted lies.)

I think it is safe to say Tim and I have spread the word. "We're here, Whidbey Island. Put us to work." Yeah, yeah, I know it's only been a couple of weeks. It's not like we've sent out hundreds of resumes (2 each)or pounded the pavement (driven to Langley and Freeland twice) or hired a head hunter (checked out Craigslist) or any other desperate measures (bought suits) but we are trying to let the lovely island folks know we are OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

In addition to applying for some part time teaching positions at the Community College level, I've put together a three week Life Story writing workshop. So far it's been met with great enthusiasm, "This is perfect," and promises of "We'll be in touch right away." At least people are polite. I like the yes before the no attitudes. But I'm starting to feel a little bit like I'm doing business in Japan... nods of agreements, smiles and other polite responses. But that doesn't necessarily mean yes we want you. They are just nice people who don't want to hurt your feelings. And I suppose that is what I am encountering here on Whidbey.

I guess I can get used to the niceness.It may take a while but in the meantime (no pun intended) if you say you're going to call, please do. I can take it, really I can.

In the meantime, I'll just keep on blahging.

Classified Information

Tim is going on his first "free estimate" call for the new business today. No telling what will come of it. He will probably encounter all sorts of interesting people and circumstances in this little business. I'll be excited to hear all about the trash and treasures on this island. But, I may have to torture him for the info. One promise he is making to potential clients is discretion. I guess it makes sense that people don't want their dirty laundry spilled. It wouldn't be fair to name names would it? Not even initials?  The skeletons in the closet will have to stay there...unless it is time for them to go, along with the rest of the detritus we somehow collect over time. I'm sure some treasures will be discovered. Maybe Antique Roadhouse possibilities...or Pawn Stars (yes, "pawn.") At the very least he will become very good friends with the folks at Island Recycle.

So, I will use restraint when he gets back. I will not torture for tidbits or reports of hoarding egg cartons and cabbage patch dolls. I won't, I won't, I won't. Except I really have one burning question.

Does everyone else have a collection of plastic storage containers in their kitchen cabinets with lids that don't fit, or are we the only ones?

Let There Be Light

The sun is peeking through the trees...Papa and Mama Bear will emerge from their winter hibernation to enjoy the rays streaming through the trees.

Now, don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed the short days and dark, dark nights. It has given me a good excuse to sleep in, curl up with a book, enjoy an afternoon cup of tea,  and ponder what ever it is I'm supposed to be pondering. I am proud to say I haven't complained once and we've been here for almost two whole weeks. But, this tease of sunshine may change all of that. That old you don't know what you've got till it's gone thing may set in soon...by tomorrow or the next day...it's supposed to rain.

In the meantime, let the sun shine in.

That Could Be Me

Yesterday, as I was sitting in my comfy chair while working away at my Sunday Times crossword puzzle, I listened to a news report on the Royal Wedding. It seems collectibles are being sold at such a quick pace it is impossible to keep up with the demand.

"Who buys that stuff?" I pondered aloud.
"People who don't leave their houses," Tim replied.
"Oh, you mean people like me?"

I looked down and realized I was wearing the same outfit from the day before...oversized sweater and stretched out sweat pants. Very attractive.

I hadn't stepped foot outside for two whole days. I hadn't done that since I ditched school and was afraid to go out in case someone saw me. Luckily I was the teacher so I didn't have to forge a note. I don't think I even opened the front door yesterday. I looked out the window quite a bit and even snapped an "arty" shot with my Blackberry from the vantage of my comfy chair.

Got a call during the day from a woman who was coming by to dig up some of our unwanted ferns, etc.
"It's cold and wet out there. Are you sure you want to come today?'
"That's why I'm wearing rain gear,"she replied.

Oh yeah, that's what's hanging in my hall closet. Along with the Uggs and Boggs and other assorted footwear. I guess I should be brave and venture outdoors today.

But first I need to find one of those British Waging sites. I think I need to place a bet or two. What are the odds of rain for the April nuptials in London?

Out of the Closet

That is the name I wanted to call Tim's new business but being a master of restraint, I came up with "Tim Tibbits - Community Organizer (one household at a time.) Inspired by the book, Sell, Keep or Toss,Tim is running a small business that helps people get rid of clutter, organize estates, get ready to move or just simplify their lives. Now, you could follow our example and move every other week to shed belongings or you could stay put and downsize...which is probably a saner way to live. (Hopefully we'll finally discover that concept.) After spending eleven days cleaning out detritus at his mom's house a couple of summers ago, we've decided we're really doing our kids a favor by reducing our cargo before we can't do it ourselves. Plus one man's trash is another man's treasure, right? Tim took a mediation course last year. The skills could come in handy when it's time to decide what to keep or not. His handyman experience should also be put to use with the business. He's even willing (make that anxious) to tackle gardens and landscapes that are overgrown and need of cleaning up. He'd probably love to work outdoors more than in someone's closet, but you never know what he'll discover. Our rule going in is that no matter how tempting an item is that a customer has decided to part with, it cannot come home with him. No matter what, no matter what, no matter what. Unless of course it's a ...

TGIF

We've been back for a week and haven't even once thought about moving (he he.) Actually it's been a great week of accomplishments ala Tibbits. Picked up WA plates for the car, found reasonable (relatively) health insurance, started a business for Tim (details will follow as promised,) completed more job applications, got a landline, got rid of cable box, cleaned out the garage, baked cookies (major accomplishment,) and discovered a new leak in the roof. Not bad for the first week of island living.    

And the best news...the kids are due back today. Monica and family have been traveling since mid-December. We met in Austin for Christmas then they continued East while we headed West. Now we'll all be Northwest. Yahoo.

Hope to do some "latte-ing" with friends this weekend. And perhaps catch some live entertainment in lively Langley. Then again, we may just curl up with a book and play a round or two of Banana Grams. Yup, we're living la vida loca and loving it.

Recycle - At Your Own Risk

One of the joys of living on the island is being able to visit a local recycling facility. Being the adventurers that we are, we ventured to the Coupeville facility yesterday. We had some hazardous waste and a few other items not welcome at the Bayview or Freeland places. Tim and Mike have been working hard at emptying one of the garages. Most of the stuff in there is left over from the Crispin days...long past usable dates, very toxic and just providing clutter. So we loaded up our trusty Prius with our own recyclables, stuff from Mike and the toxic haul from days long past.

Entering a recycle facility on the island is always an interesting experience. Almost everyone knows the routine and is usually in a hurry. So, parking is a very strategic enterprise. Don't want to be in anyone's way if possible but also don't want to have to be too heavily laden while finding the correct bin. Sure enough as soon as we thought we found a good spot, the recycle domanatrix was there to redirect us. I have to say the women who work at our island recycle centers all seem to share similar personality traits. They must have been made to wear frilly dresses and eat everything from their plates when they were little. And now it's their turn for revenge. "Excuse me, where may I dump these magazines?" "OVER THERE WHERE IT SAYS MAGAZINES." From then on we were followed relentlessly. Obviously we had never recycled before so had to be schooled on everything...at very close range. I would turn around from the CARDBOARD bin and she'd be standing one inch from my face. When I discovered some packing peanuts in one of the boxes, all you know what broke loose. "THOSE ARE GARBAGE. WE DON'T TAKE GARBAGE." And without missing a beat she shook some AA batteries in Tim's face. "DON'T EVER, EVER TRY TO DUMP THESE HERE." He wasn't and he surely never will. When we finally managed to escape we wondered to ourselves what she must be like after work. I pictured her curled up in feet in pajamas with her tabby on her lap, venting about all the ignorant people she had to correct all day. I think she really likes her job.

And then...it was time for Hazardous Materials. We were afraid, very afraid. Who could top Miss Recycling? We wound our way through gates and special lanes and were finally at the assigned location. The place looked a bit like a scene from Mad Max or Brazil. Not a place you'd light a match, for sure.  There we met John (I knew this by his patch which was sewed just a bit crookedly on his giant coveralls.) Terry Gilliam, where ever you are, you need to cast John in your next film. His sly grin and gangly gait were a welcome sight after the feral hiss of "you know who." Perhaps the toxic chemicals created a constant high, who knows. He was helpful and cheerful and even offered to take our GARBAGE. He and Tim chatted as they sorted all manners of toxic chemicals. Nothing was rejected.

We left with an empty car and smiles.

Sunshine = Day off

The light is filtering through the trees. It is a crisp, clear sunshiny January day. We worked hard yesterday with applications (so far one rejection and one request for more info.) We went public with Tim's new business project. Thank you, Drewslist. What a great service. I'll describe it in detail later but today is my day off (as opposed to all the unofficial days off as of late.) Bye, bye gotta fly.

Spam - alot

I've noticed a sudden increase in our spam box. It could be due to my exploration of online teaching job possibilities. It is hard to tell which sites are legit so I'm poking around a bit before I complete any applications or send out my resume.  I'm also checking out doing some online editing. From some of the junk mail titles we receive I think I'd have fun teaching ESL to those in the business of making our sex life "more eksiting". "Make your lady happy with Vigara for your peenus, very big." Come on if you're going to write it, you better know how to spell it. I've had plenty of experience with graphic language. I used to teach Middle School and let me tell you it is quite a place behind those frenemy lines. Eighth grade girls can be lethal. I used to intercept notes being passed in class. Phew, they were something. Every once in a while I'd circle the spelling errors with red ink and leave them on the writer's desk the next day. That was fun. Anyway back to my job idea. Perhaps we could barter...pills for grammar. Goodness knows we have "4 or more hours," to kill these days. But wait, we don't have a doctor on Whidbey yet. Better get to work on that today.

Explain Any Breaks

Spent part of yesterday downloading and completing job applications. Yes, we want jobs. Well, let me correct that, we need jobs. Not full time...just some part time stuff. I'm envisioning Tim as a crossing guard ala Albert Brooks in Lost in America. But that probably won't happen as I haven't seen any crossing guards on the island. He may apply to be an asst. soccer coach at the high school(must keep him running around as much as possible.) Plus he's got a small business idea in the planning stages. More on that later. I'd like to get the writing workshops going again. It's seems there is already a plethora of writers and want to be writers on this island so I'll have to find my niche. I'm filling out an application for a teaching position at Skagit Valley College in Clinton. I cringed when I had to fill in my birthdate. I put AD after the year so it wouldn't look so bad. I was a bit stumped when I was instructed to explain the gaps in employment while between jobs. Hmmm...where to begin? It's been over seven years since I worked full time. In the time since, I've had a little part time job in a library and have done some freelance writing gigs. Anybody have some creative input on this? We both wish we could just volunteer around the island. And, we will as soon as we get settled. Today we are off to Whidbey Telecom for a landline. We need to be ready when those job offers start coming in...

Two boomers seek Happily Ever After (before The End.)

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Thank you, Lao-Tzu, after putting on more than 6,000 miles on our Prius over the course of the last two months, we don't have the energy for one more single step. Our travels over the last year have included a move to Claremont, CA, a flight to Nicaragua, a road trip to Tucson, a summer trip to the Oregon Coast, a flight to Maui to celebrate our 20th, a move from Claremont to Whidbey Island and finally a two month road trip to Austin, TX and back, via a few states and family visits in between. Are we road weary? Yup. But we're also excited to start the next chapter. We plan to stay put (yeah, right) and establish ourselves on Whidbey. So, unbuckle your seat belts and comment away as Les and Tim settle in.