The hills, the hills, the hills are on fiar...

Swear to god, my hometown was the model for Twin Peaks.

Most recent development? 6800 acre (and counting) fire started by folks who lived two doors down from us, with an ill-thought-out smoke bomb during a paintball game. Fire went the other direction from our old house.

( And yeah, it kinda got close to homes. )

I've done a little fireline work, and it is hot, nasty, and grungy. When you're literally helping a school friend save his family's home and farm though, it keeps things in perspective. Hats off to the guys fighting this.

And Diede? You always were a dipstick.

The hills, the hills, the hills are on fiar...

Swear to god, my hometown was the model for Twin Peaks.

Most recent development? 6800 acre (and counting) fire started by folks who lived two doors down from us, with an ill-thought-out smoke bomb during a paintball game. Fire went the other direction from our old house.

( And yeah, it kinda got close to homes. )

I've done a little fireline work, and it is hot, nasty, and grungy. When you're literally helping a school friend save his family's home and farm though, it keeps things in perspective. Hats off to the guys fighting this.

And Diede? You always were a dipstick.

Dear spkorb and/or dollraves...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230150242787

Dear spkorb and/or dollraves...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230150242787

Kitchen geekery

After 17 years of smoothies, margaritas, and general mayhem, my venerable Oster blender has been having... issues. Making a smoothie from milk, yogurt, bananas, and frozen strawberries has involved blending the first three, then adding the strawberries one at a time, otherwise it really got cranky.

So thanks for all the years, little buddy, but you've been replaced.

1200W motor, and while I'm normally one to raise an eyebrow of disapproval at things like Popcorn buttons on microwaves (I mean come on... a 'Beverage' button??), this one has Ice Crush and Smoothie buttons. And you know what? That last one works. 1/2c milk, 1/2c yogurt, 2 bananas, and 2c of frozen strawberries all in at one shot. Hit the button, and... it starts an alternating high-speed and pulsing cycle that turned it into a frighteningly smooth and almost fluffy drink in 60 seconds. It's like drinking a mousse.

I can't wait to try the Ice Crush for margaritas. :) (As a cute aside, the lowest setting is named 'Snow'... it apparently makes perfect snocone ice from ice cubes. I'll let you know how it works.)

Kitchen geekery

After 17 years of smoothies, margaritas, and general mayhem, my venerable Oster blender has been having... issues. Making a smoothie from milk, yogurt, bananas, and frozen strawberries has involved blending the first three, then adding the strawberries one at a time, otherwise it really got cranky.

So thanks for all the years, little buddy, but you've been replaced.

1200W motor, and while I'm normally one to raise an eyebrow of disapproval at things like Popcorn buttons on microwaves (I mean come on... a 'Beverage' button??), this one has Ice Crush and Smoothie buttons. And you know what? That last one works. 1/2c milk, 1/2c yogurt, 2 bananas, and 2c of frozen strawberries all in at one shot. Hit the button, and... it starts an alternating high-speed and pulsing cycle that turned it into a frighteningly smooth and almost fluffy drink in 60 seconds. It's like drinking a mousse.

I can't wait to try the Ice Crush for margaritas. :) (As a cute aside, the lowest setting is named 'Snow'... it apparently makes perfect snocone ice from ice cubes. I'll let you know how it works.)