SUMMER TIME COOL DOWN

Well we made it past the 95-105 degree weather and it has finally cooled down a bit. In fact this weekend was a dramatic change in the weather with the thunder head clouds moving in over the valley. This is the weather I can stand 70-75 degrees and partly cloudy. Unfortunately that means that it is comfortable enough to get outside and get some work done to prepare for winter, and there is always a lot of that type of

work to do.

At the end of June we had 11 bundles of peeler cores delivered to the house by a friend and neighbor of ours that we will process into fire wood the main source of heat for our family and Momma Zora (aka G-Ma) Additionally there were two oak trees where I work that were cut down, and employees could place bids to purchase it. Like a fool I bid the highest, and Levi and I spent Friday evening and Saturday morning hauling off JCI's grounds. (pictured is the first load Friday evening) Saturday morning we took out just a little less than you see here. Let me tell you, oak is fricken heavy, we had to leave some pieces there, they were just to heavy and we had no way to get them in the trailer. All and all though it was very worth the while. The 1-1/2 + cord of oak will burn more like 2-1/2 cords of Douglas Fir, and that is what keeps the woman happy.

Additionally this week Lynn took Wednesday off and took Jillian and Levi down to the coast for the day since it was Jillian's birthday. They went to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and to the beach (girls favorite place) Then had lunch at Micky-D's. (another favorite). All and all everyone had a good time, and the Lynn said the weather was amazing. Not to hot, a slight breeze (unusual for the Oregon Coast) and there wasn't a huge crowd (always a plus).

During the Obnoxiously hot weather we made the best of it by starting to paint the inside of the house after a 12 year hiatus. He had done it once before about 5 years after moving in, but we painted it the same as it was, all white. Now with trendy indoor paint jobs all the rage I went to the paint store and picked up a dozen paint samples and got started by painting one whole wall for the wife to judge. The Living room is now complete, and we have everything now to get the rest of the house done, and it is going to look nice when complete.

At the end of this week we (my sisters and I) are continuing our cooking competition. This months dish is a single sandwich. Everyone has to make just one, and everyone gets to taste before judging.

Last month was Dinner Crepes, and Corinna was the winner with a simple crepe she called "Wild Rice Crepe w/ Chicken, Cremini, and Mushrooms served with a Red Pepper Sauce. It was delicious. Renee's was very nice too with a very delicate crepe filled with chicken and cheese topped with a very nice sauce.

Although all experience cooks they are all going to get their asses handed to them this month when I present my Sam'mich, one that will take your taste buds on a tour of Flavor Town in just one bite. I will post the winning recipe this moth for you all to enjoy, which will be easy since all I have to do is copy and post from my own computer.

Stay tuned, and check back often.

The Pleasant Hill Billy