Water Drum to Composter

We're getting ready for spring around here and I thought I'd share an idea the hubby came up with a few years back for an easy, clean composter.

First, take an old water drum. This one is 55 gallons and has a screwtop lid.

Drill holes on the bottom (for draining the dirt), then two on the side to put a bar in the middle for rotating the dirt. Attach to a pallet to keep it off the ground and the lid keeps critters out. The drum can be spun to shake and mix the dirt and create some yummy, yummy compost!

Here's a peek inside to see how the spinning mechanics work. We ended up donating this one to our son's school garden because our dirt needs are ever growing, but this would be a great option for the backyard gardener in areas with critters or pets.

What kind of spring and garden prep are you getting ready for right now? Share in the comments!

End of Summer Treats

Behold a sassy jalapeño margarita, padrone peppers with pancetta, and an heirloom tomato salad with figs, arugula and feta. Thanks, Healdsburg Bar and Grill!

What are your favorite foods to eat during Indian summer?

Tahoe, Days 2 and 3

After a day at Tahoe without much hiking, the next two days needed maximum mountain use. My dad and I went on a beautiful hike up to Dardanelles Lake.

I scrambled down some rocks to the water so I could get my feet wet. With no one around, it was easy to jump in without a swimsuit, even if you're a modest Midwesterner like me.

Then I found a delicious piece of slab not too far off the ground, so I horsed around on that in my clumsy hiking boots.

Here's a closer look.

The cypress trees around are enormous!

 And the meadows are absolutely breathtaking.

Our reward after 7+ miles was a martini by the lake. Or two or three.

We set out early on our last day for a progressive drive home (we had multiple stops scheduled). On a back road off hwy 89, we took in this view.

My dad and I took a picture where we both look great. It's kind of a big deal. (I usually only publish the ones where I look good, so this is a rare one for him.)

We hiked around Echo Lake.

This was my favorite house- I always pick the littlest one.

Will be back, Tahoe!

Tahoe- Day 1

A couple weeks ago I went to Tahoe with my dad and his friend, Maddy. It's a three hour drive from the East Bay, which means that you still get the better part of a day after you get there. Our first stop was the lake, of course, where we found a couple new friends.

The irony was that the little guy was a far more enthusiastic swimmer than the retriever.

At Tallac Historic Site, we got to walk on trails by the lake and get a little culture at the same time. This once upon a time resort had a museum and restored cabins capturing the essence from its heyday at the turn of the century.

Here's an old icebox from the kitchen. I love old kitchens.

And old laundry rooms. It makes my visits to the laundromat not seem so bad.

I took the opportunity to snuggle up with Smokey the Bear. We were next to the big fireplace in the lobby, but he didn't seem to mind.

The grounds were full of beautiful gardens to explore.

This is where I would sleep if I lived here- the nanny's bedroom!

When there's more time relaxing on the porch than walking, it's a good indication that happy hour is near. Until tomorrow!

Dress Up an Old Hat

Believe it or not, this lonely old sunhat was sitting in a pile of free stuff, ready to be kicked to the curb.

Until I snatched it up.

I found a cheery ribbon, a little glue, and voila!

Thank goodness we still have a couple more months of summer to put this baby to work.

Have you "up-cycled" anything lately?

Mitch Visits!

If you haven't heard from me in a while, it's because I've been too busy having fun with my bestie who came for a visit from Minnesota last week. I'm dogsitting, but the pup, Zero, is so cool we let him join the gang and pretty much took him everywhere with us.

Our first stop was Golden Gate Park, where we conveniently parked in front of the Conservatory of Flowers for a brief walk around the Music Concourse.

Time was of the essence, so I got us out of the city to spare my poor friend from my San Francisco navigating instincts. We stopped at Sol Food in San Rafael en route to the beach. I went for a steak combo (though probably a rash decision for take out) and Mitch got the most scrumptious pork chop pressed sandwich that anyone could have ever dreamed up. Yum!

We took a short hike at Pinnacle Gulch in Bodega Bay. I love this place if you have a dog and are short on time, but look out! Parking is super pricey, though I like to think it's for a good cause.

Here I'm helping Mitch identify kelp from jellyfish.

We stopped to say hello to Hitchcock in my beloved Bodega, put on the map with the filming of The Birds.

Wine tasting! But not just yet ...

We couldn't come all this way without the perfect Northern California picture.

The next day we went for a tour and tasting at Korbel.

Then when we couldn't get enough champagne, we headed to Iron Horse for more. (With a little lunch break, of course.) This is a local's favorite I hadn't been to yet, and it has one of the most breathtaking views of vineyards framed by mountains.

Don't worry, I also gave Mitch a taste of Dry Creek (Unti) and Alexander Valley (Hawkes) wines, not just Russian River.

On our last day, we met up with the colony of harbor seals at Goat Rock.

Aren't they cute?

Look out, Mitch found a taffy shop! How is this the one candy I've yet to understand? Flavors like vanilla cake? Apple pie? Is taffy the new jelly bean?

All I cared about was that she send some home to her amazing taffy-loving husband, who cashed in some miles so she could have a spontaneous trip with her kooky bestie in California.

Yosemite- Day 4

Last day in Yosemite! I made the decision to exit via the south so we could see the other side of the park and delay our departure by a few miles.

But first, one last look before leaving the valley.

When we reached Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center.

Just think, this used to be the fancy way to get to the park.

My heart stopped at "stagecoach rides." And at covered bridges and historic structures. Then I just pretended I was Laura Ingalls Wilder.

From inside the old artists' cabin, where we met one of the artists-in-residence.

Little house in ... Yosemite?

The smithy.

Buying tickets for a coach ride at the original stagecoach office. Those windows! The ticket lady! My heart.

The stagecoach ride was bumpy. And dusty!

Our driver- a single, employed man looking for a wife who can cook, sew and has all her teeth. He drinks a little, but he's a catch!

Making friends.

In jail.

I found my room. It looks move-in ready, don't you think?

We hopped on the shuttle to see the redwoods in Mariposa Grove, which I'm a little concerned about. How many more fire scars can these babies withstand?

This guy is known as the Grizzly Giant.

The Bachelor and Three Graces.

One last look before we leave?