sfumato's Profile

Aimi, the "1 red bean, pecan half, or small plastic baby figurine" comes from the tradition of the fève in a Galette des Rois (http://chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2005/01/galette_des_rois.php)- if you get it in your piece, you are crowned king or queen for the day. Traditionally with the Mardi Gras King cake, the person who gets it buys next year's cake. You can also read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_cake.

I would love to get rid of our cable, but then Mr. sfumato wouldn't be able to watch the Red Sox, and that would kill him.

Sigh.

Yes, absolutely. We have a Sentry fireproof and waterproof model (it's about 40 lbs and we keep it hidden, so someone (hopefully) can't easily run off with it). We went through a flood and were incredibly lucky- we didn't lose a single valuable thing. That was an eye-opener, to say the least. Renter's insurance and a good safe- two things we will never go without.

I LOVE this! Kathy, if you're reading, are you able to leave the pots out all winter, or do you have to recreate this garden every year?

We have a huge balcony, too, but we're in Boston, and nothing seems hardy enough to come back each year. I wish we could have something like this!

Agreed with these two:

* rejoice that some people have work in these very hard times

* say hi to the workers... it's easier if you have friends working outside your window

We've lived in and around renovations, and while it can be tough, remember that the end result will probably be worth it. If you can afford it, take this as an opportunity to get out more- day trips, weekend trips, or just afternoons spent somewhere else!

What about something between paint and stain? Or something like whitewash?

http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/total-beach-house-00400000040351/page6.html

http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/paradise-found-00400000002903/page5.html

http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/homes-decorating-00400000027779/page3.html

http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/key-west-getaway-00400000002907/page3.html

I don't know if that's too much of a beachy feel for you.

I think that straight up paint could be awful if not done right, though- makes me think of people who paint over bathroom/kitchen tiles. Just makes the problem worse.

My original comment seems to have been eaten!

It's Garnet Hill's Zinnia Pattern- they've carried it for the last few summers:

http://www.garnethill.com/jump.jsp?itemID=6513&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C5%2C9017%2C9022&iProductID=6513

Just pickled 10 lbs of fiddleheads (a gift)! We've got half in a regular dill cucumber-type brine and half in a spicy brine. Yummm.

we're having a Mother's Day early dinner for mr. sfumato's mom! on the menu (so far):

*grilled blue cheese burgers, ribs (soy/mirin/garlic/grapefruit marinade) & hot italian sausages from our meat CSA

* german potato salad (http://www.saveur.com/article/Food/German-Potato-Salad)

* arugula & radicchio salad with quinoa, toasted pine nuts, parmesan & romano, and lemon vinaigrette

* chocolate (ganache) & caramel tart

she asked for meat, so she's getting meat!

I always make them for Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions (http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Baked-Brie-with-Caramelized-Onions-1008; Bon Appétit | December 1995; requested by our friends at every party).

Whatever we haven't used (usually not much) usually gets frozen and eventually used as a pizza topping with mozzarella and chevre.