Saving the Garden

Don't worry this is not another post on canning. However, I do have some Quince to experiment with. But back to the point, Colin and I are trying to save our garden from the impending frost. How you ask? With a hoop house. 

This puppy will have plastic laid over the top and secured. Perhaps we can have greens all winter. Or perhaps we can save my silly pepper plants that did nothing all summer long and then two weeks ago decided to flower. Ity bity seasonally confused peppers anyone? I will post another picture of our new hoop house once it has its plastic attached.

Sunsets in NM

You know your a New Mexican if you look at a gorgeous sunset and say, "Yeah, that's nice, but I've seen better." Well it didn't get much better than the other night. Believe it or not, these photos were not enhanced in any way, shape, or form. 

 All the RVs are parked for Balloon Fiesta.

Didn't Colin get some great shots? 

The Quaking Aspen

It is truly fall in New Mexico when it is time to go see the aspens turn into fields of gold.

We took full advantage of the aspens in Santa Fe by going for a bike ride through them on Saturday and then a hike with Colin's parents on Wednesday.

This little light of mine

Well, we are making some progress on the kitchen even if it is just some little things. We finally installed the undercabinet lights on the microwave cabinet.

My sister Camille says never to have interior lights on while taking pictures but I had to break that rule to show you my new little light. I also obviously did not style this picture. It even has a little switch. So it will only be on when I am making coffee or searching for a chocolate treat in the bread box (now you know our secret chocolate hiding spot).

Thanks to Heather and Norm this little light was free since it was left over from when they built their house. I think free improvements are the best kind.

Fall flowers

The giant volunteer sunflower in the front.

Is the kitchen finished?

No, of course not! Here's the breakdown of what still needs to be done to finish this project off.

Necessary:
Sink countertop
Under-window countertop
Bar countertop
Tile backsplash for behind the sink

and the stove

Decide on the copper backsplash for the rest of the kitchen ( I am worried it will make the kitchen look too dark- what do you think?)
Install the pot-filler
Paint and install the baseboards


Make a door to cover the flour container spot next to the stove (I am thinking something copper with wooden edges.)

Repaint the round wall where the chair has wrecked the drywall (Install a bumper on the chair or wall?)

Hang metal spice board

Optional: 

Paint the inside of the door with the blue chalk board paint

Install another shelf to display my homemade canned goods

Cut out the drywall by the door in between the studs to make a angled shoe rack instead of this mess!

 Create custom drawer inserts with balsa wood instead of this mess.

The plums are ripe

 

So far I have made, Plum-Apple-Tomato Chutney, Plum Butter, and a Plum custard.