Life's a Grind

Sue and I were talking about the value of home made slash hand crafted gifts.  With the abundance of mass production and limited availability of interesting stores in a small town (though there are more popping up), unique and interesting items are at a premium.

Recently, Sue got her grind on and made home made peanut butter.  But she didn't stop there.  She stepped it up with almond butter, then....wait for it....the crème de la crème....cashew butter.  E-yum!  That Bullet sure can do some cool things.

Well, so can the air popper.  Though all directions warn that it is not to be used for any purpose other than popping corn, it also can be used to do this:

That's right, roasting coffee beans!  Sure, I charred my thumb and almost caught a wooden spoon on fire, but dang my house smells fabulous! 

And the gift recipients were all thrilled by their gifts.

Of course.

It's Not the Zickefoose Lamp but What Is?

....and it needs no further words....

No, it was not purchased by myself or anyone I know.  For one thing, it weighed approximately two hundred pounds each and it also was plenty of creepy.

Out with the Old

First hairdryer that lasted nearly 30 years.  The the microwave, which lasted 26 years.

From senior year of college, to Chicago, to Ada, to Alger, this little gem has nuked a lot of oatmeal.

We'll just see how the new guy does.

Hohoho.

End of Summer, but Still Celebrating

Ah, the Gold Coast, never a dull - or weird - moment.

Is it an actual sick reptile or a strange dietary gimic?  Either way, t'aint natural!

Happily, I'm reporting back that most of my bucket list for Summer '13 was fulfilled.  While I haven't (yet) gotten to Yellow Springs for my bike ride, I definitely didn't to go on a canoe trip, and I also didn't take a karate class.  However, I still don't feel ripped off.  It was a really enjoyable summer, though I could have stood for warmer weather for additional swim days.

The Gold Coast is close to many fine "regional" garage sales, and this past Labor Day, I found the Deal o' the Day for a mere $2:

That's right - end of Summer fun for all! 

What did you do this Summer?  Highlights?  Low lights?  Share!