Halloween

Happy Halloween - our first with real live trick or treaters.

Insert Fireplace Insert

So the house came with a fireplace but the chimney sweep informed us that we needed to line the flue before lighting up.... So we installed a new flue AND a new fireplace. It's an energy efficient insert - so we qualify for a tax rebate :) . It took quite a search to find one that would fit into our mantle (but not in a log cabin) - european of course.

Lounging around

Found a furniture bargain, at the Chiasso clearance sale, to help fill our empty rooms. We're tempting fate a little with the pale shade, but that's what Scotchguard is for. We scored a couch big enough for 4+ people, a matching chair, a slat bench/coffee table, light fixture and cool photo frame.

Xtals

We're getting so efficient at preparing samples we can make 2 different ones at the same time.

Mini MUMs for sale

Mums. Now on sale at your local ace hardware. Comes in a convenient travel size. Nothing compared to the real thing though.

Star Washer

Our new, super energy efficient washing machine. Apparently its going to cost us $11 per year to keep our clothes clean.... based on eight(!!!) loads per week (who does 8 loads?). At that rate we would be washing multiple times between wears - or going through multiple costume changes per day. I'm guessing that it will be closer to a handful of quarters for us.