Trying Not to Be Nervous

I'm going to Chicago tomorrow for a job interview on Tuesday. My interview is on the 13th floor of a big skyscraper. I already feel out of place just thinking about it, but the experience will challenge me and I guess there's nothing wrong with that. Heck, I used to go downtown Chicago every weekend when I graduated from high school. What's the big deal? They still have trees and grass there, right? So what if it is surrounded by sidewalk. Besides, I really think I'd like the job. I'll fill you in when I return!

Turn on the Grill

It's the season for grilling again! Here is a recipe for the Teriyaki Chicken that I made last night. YUMMMMM!!

Teriyaki Chicken
1/4 Cup ketchup
1/4 Cup hoisin sauce
2 TBSP soy sauce
2 TBSP rice vinegar
2 tsp minced fresh garlic
2 tsp minced fresh ginger
2 tsp dark sesame oil
5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Put all ingredients in a ziplock bag and marinate overnight or all day. Cook them on the grill and then eat!

Ember is Three

Ember turned 3 today! She was pretty excited about it. She was also proud that she "didn't make a puddle" today. She finally decided to work on potty training and that makes ME happy.

On the weekend we went to a horse show. The girls loved riding the horses and ponies.

The Rebel Gardener

Against the advice of the local nursery, I planted broccoli plants today. They told me not to plant before the last frost date of May 21. I think that's way too late and I'm really hoping to harvest some fresh veggies before I move. In order to protect my plants from the deer that visit in the dark of night, I installed a Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler. They cost $60 - $80 but this is the third year I'm using it and it still works great! When a deer walks in front of it they get sprayed with a jet of water. If you look in the lower right of this picture, you will see the Scarecrow.

Don't Tell Them About the Legwarmers

Although Ember said, "Don't tell them about the legwarmers," she also said, "Put me on your blog!" So, here are pics of Ember wearing the legwarmers that I made from the sleeves of a felted wool sweater.

Basically, you wash a 100% wool sweater in a top-loading washer with very hot water and dishsoap until it shrinks up and looks like felt. Then you can cut it any way you want. I prefer to make bags from the sweater body and I just had the brilliant idea to make legwarmers from the sleeves. The girls love 'em! Maybe Ember just doesn't want anyone to know that her crazy aunt puts sleeves on her legs.

Fishing for Garbage

Ember and I checked out the new sculptures at the local train depot. Since our town is on the Mississippi River, it is appropriate that they have a large sculpture made entirely of things fished out of the river.

Life in America

Do you know about the radio show called "This American Life?" It is produced by Chicago Public Radio and is quite possibly the best radio show ever. Okay, well, it is my favorite radio show at the present time but I don't listen to it on the radio. I listen in mp3 form on my tiny iPod Shuffle. You can download the weekly podcast for free at www.thislife.org or pay for archived shows. Check it out! Sometimes they are really funny and other times pretty sad, but they are all about the lives of real people which makes them fascinating.