Doug's photo blog — originally a photo a day, now not so much
Our kitchen lacks any sort of outside venting. I am planning to install an over-the-range microwave / fan, inspired by our friend Michael who is planning a similar project. Such a fan is too tall, however, for the existing cabinet in that space. I removed it with a thought to rebuild it shorter, but now I think I might just install an open shelf in that space instead.
We had an open house for neighbors over the weekend. One of them brought us these lovely flowers, just the thing to brighten up the kitchen.
It’s the little changes you make to a house that makes it feel like home. Things like replacing ugly cabinet hardware, or installing one of these:
Sure, turning two separate knobs on & off to do laundry is not a chore (no matter how squeaky & hard to turn they are), but a lever like this one is just so much easier.
Hey look!
It’s my desk! For the first time since we moved, it’s not all covered in papers and stuff.
I woke up this morning to find both kitties on the couch downstairs. 
I guess Winnie was cold.
I finally made it to the famous Russo’s tonight. I have no idea what these things are, how you cook them, or even how to get close enough to try.
You find out a lot about people when you buy their house. For an example, we had no idea they were the type of people who would…
…put a paper clip down the garbage disposal. You’ll note there’s still some paper attached — my guess is the IRS was at the door.
Our house has a number of well-established (some would say over-established) foundation plantings. You saw Lis’s picture of our azaleas earlier in the spring; now the rhododendon bushes are in their full glory. 
I have to say, the supposedly very nice rhododendrons at the old house never looked this good.
I stepped out the front door this morning, only to discover that I had left my camera inside. Why did I need my camera so early, you ask? Because there was a family of raccoons in the storm drain in front of the house.
This family may have just found a comfortable place to spend the day, or they may be semi-permanent residents of the storm sewer. Either way I think I’m glad we don’t have a vegetable garden.
Betsy is in from out of town, and she, David, and Linda visited us for dinner tonight.