Curtains - at long last!

No one ever tells you how much money custom window treatments will cost you when you first buy a house. I have my theories about this phenomenon (probably because everyone banishes that horrible memory of paying that bill), but that is really only a side issue to this post. Here's the important news: we've got some curtains!

If you remember from our last post about the dining room, we were still waiting on those curtains to arrive. They arrived early this summer, and they really worked to soften up the space. They are a cream color with a criss-crossing twine (yes, twine!) pattern.

Just before the 4th of July, we had our master bedroom curtains installed. What a difference! They really change the look of the room, but they also have an incredible amount of function. Before the curtains arrived, we had a lot of stray light coming in from a street lamp. No more! These curtains are blackout lined! Not only do they provide light control, all of the extra fabric in the room really absorbs sound. Not like we had a problem with an echo before (this room isn't that big), but it definitely makes it feel more cozy.

The other window treatments (roman shades) are in the pictures posted for the living room. We were also extremely happy with how those turned out. In all, worth the wait.

Christensen Farm Update: We've Got Beans!

Down on the Christensen Farm, things are looking good. Despite exceptionally dry weather, then a really nasty thunderstorm on July 3, we're starting to harvest green beans. So far I've gotten 3 chopped cups (freezer), and I'll be picking some tonight for dinner. I am really enjoying seeing the vegetables rolling in. It's really satisfying!

These are the neighborhood cats that like hanging out on our backyard fence. As you can see, they are too well-fed to be strays. They are afraid of Josh and me, so they run away as soon as we open the back door. Josh took this picture, so I am not exactly sure how he got this close!

In the District of Columbia, apparently tomatoes grow on trees. I have never seen tomato plants get so big. There are tomato cages in there -- good luck finding them!

I ordered two rhubarb roots, but unfortunately only one grew. That will mean that I will be behind by one more year if I order another root next spring....the wait will be worth it, just so I can make Josh's favorite dessert (Grandma's rhubarb jello cake).

The green peppers are looking strong, just small yet. I'm really looking forward to these!

Happily, these did not blow away in the July 3 storm! I think that we'll have enough tomatoes to even can a few jars -- a new skill I'll have to pick up. We go through so many cans of whole tomatoes during the year, so I hope that the effort will knock down the grocery bill.

Here's what we're eating right now....mmmm! They will accompany some steaks on the new grill.