Happy (Gregorian) New Year!

I'm a few days late, I know. But, it's gonna be a good one, yes? And we've got another one to celebrate soon -- Year of the Tiger!

This is always a fun, but challenging time of year for me. It's not the resolutions that I struggle with, but the coming down with a case of the winters. Yeah, I know I'm not alone, but I want to actively stay busy to avoid being blue, boring, and bear-like. Grrrr! (And brrrr!)

It's been difficult shaking off the holiday schedule, but I'm almost there. And I'm ready to do some things 'round the house. Home projects were put on hold, so we could take care of all things holiday. I got a DIY home improvement book and a garden planning book from the library yesterday. Spring is around the corner and I've got ideas! We probably won't do a major overhaul for our first spring because we'll probably do a lot of clearing away this time around. But, it's never too early to plan plan plan. We'll have to budget and revise a million times before we execute, right? My fantasy is to have a home/yard inspired by Mr. Miyagi's a la Karate Kid.

So, we recently acquired a washer & dryer and I couldn't be more pleased. Our days of going to the laundromat are OVER. And just in time, we were starting to get depressed going there. It wasn't just a chore, it was the chore of chores. The washateria is dirty, loud, florescent and we witnessed more than one 'almost' fight. And it's expensive. Anyway, our mud room looks a little more put together, so it's paintin' time! We've got a full can of the tint that we painted our living room, so we will paint the mud room (and the hallway) the same. I figure that it being a warm grayish white will ensure that it won't be "too much" of the same. At least, that is what I'm hoping for. The timing is perfect for this project because it is fookin' cold out! We need something to do inside that isn't 1. eating 2. falling asleep with either a book or cat on your chest or 3. playing Wii. Not that any of this is a bad thing, but we do need something else to do.

I got my Red Ryder bb gun in the mail today! On new years day, while we were @ the cabin, I felt an urge to put some aluminum cans out of their misery. No gun! So, I ordered one as soon as I got home in preparation for next year. This is my first (and only?) firearm. Hilarity! I think I may've talked ATM into building me a lodge-style gun mount over the door. I need to call my neighbor Zach and let him know that it's here! He'll be stoked! I can see us making some kind of shooting gallery this weekend.


Misc.



Need to get on making these enchiladas. The goal is to make four things with one bird. Last night, I roasted the chicken with lemon/rosemary/black pepper. Tonite, with the leftovers, enchiladas. Tomorrow night, I'm boiling the bones for stock. With the stock...chicken n dumplins.