The Coffee House

[jeffashman9]

It made it to 98F/37C as advertised and made for a fun time grilling on the patio with no breeze to speak of. We had a grand time and everyone enjoyed the food and conversation. I was asked to make a "Wingstop" potato salad, so I found the recipe for the old Wingstop version and it came out very good. "Someone" was worried that one Costco cheesecake would not be enough... we now have a whole cheesecake plus one slice that the two of us are going to have to go through over the next week, those cheescakes are huge. I love cheesecake, but I don't know... It was a good time, though, and everyone left satisfied, and my Sweets enjoyed her day. Tomorrow is our 41st anniversary, but since we both have to work, we went to Magianno's Little Italy for dinner last night. It was ok, but their quality seems to have declined a bit. The ambience was missing as well, and very, very noisy. But they still do a good chicken fettucine alfredo, so I'll give them that. Next time, however, it's going to be one of the non-chain little mom and pop places for the ambience and the ability for us to have a normal conversation without having to yell across the table to be heard...

 

[snowbear115 46]

There's a Magiannos in Annapolis. We had Thanksgiving there with family friends a few years ago. I wish we had one up here.

I had to move the Honda to the far side of the driveway. Snow from the metal roof was hitting it and I didn't want the ice to hit it.

 

[cgw116 141]

It made it to 98F/37C as advertised and made for a fun time grilling on the patio with no breeze to speak of. We had a grand time and everyone enjoyed the food and conversation. I was asked to make a "Wingstop" potato salad, so I found the recipe for the old Wingstop version and it came out very good. "Someone" was worried that one Costco cheesecake would not be enough... we now have a whole cheesecake plus one slice that the two of us are going to have to go through over the next week, those cheescakes are huge. I love cheesecake, but I don't know... It was a good time, though, and everyone left satisfied, and my Sweets enjoyed her day. Tomorrow is our 41st anniversary, but since we both have to work, we went to Magianno's Little Italy for dinner last night. It was ok, but their quality seems to have declined a bit. The ambience was missing as well, and very, very noisy. But they still do a good chicken fettucine alfredo, so I'll give them that. Next time, however, it's going to be one of the non-chain little mom and pop places for the ambience and the ability for us to have a normal conversation without having to yell across the table to be heard...

The resto biz in Toronto is still on the ropes post-Covid. During the pandemic, many closed and others morphed into "ghost kitchens" that cranked out delivery menus for several places with a single crew. Working at home continued and cut the lunch crowd downtown. Problem now is sky-high rents that punish new mom&pop/hole-in-the wall joints that once were the nursery for so many great places. Avoid chains like measles now and try to support new/surviving storefronts wherever they are. Made us better cooks, though.

 

[SquarePeg36 7]

It made it to 98F/37C as advertised and made for a fun time grilling on the patio with no breeze to speak of. We had a grand time and everyone enjoyed the food and conversation. I was asked to make a "Wingstop" potato salad, so I found the recipe for the old Wingstop version and it came out very good. "Someone" was worried that one Costco cheesecake would not be enough... we now have a whole cheesecake plus one slice that the two of us are going to have to go through over the next week, those cheescakes are huge. I love cheesecake, but I don't know... It was a good time, though, and everyone left satisfied, and my Sweets enjoyed her day. Tomorrow is our 41st anniversary, but since we both have to work, we went to Magianno's Little Italy for dinner last night. It was ok, but their quality seems to have declined a bit. The ambience was missing as well, and very, very noisy. But they still do a good chicken fettucine alfredo, so I'll give them that. Next time, however, it's going to be one of the non-chain little mom and pop places for the ambience and the ability for us to have a normal conversation without having to yell across the table to be heard...

Also went to Maggiano’s recently! Normally, if we’re in Boston, and we want to Italian we will head to the North End, which is Boston’s version of Little Italy. But, we were going to see a show in the theater district and Maggiano’s is convenient to there. Also, had the chicken fettuccine Alfredo, and the Parmesan crusted chicken breast was fabulous. The Alfredo sauce was a bit drab. Not garlicky, nor cheesy, just creamy… portions and prices are out of control at most chain restaurants these days. I would much rather have half the quantity of food and bring the price down by 1/3. I don’t need to be eating the same meal three days in a row.

On the other hand, Suffs! was fantastic! If you have a chance to see it, I highly recommend.

 

[snowbear115 46]

We are heading out in a bit, to get out of the house. Lazy Lobster wants to get stuff to make a compost bin and I want to get a couple photos: one of he many lighthouses along the coastand a sculpture of a hand along US Route 1.

Ultimately I want top photograph all of the Maine lighthouses, at least those reachable by land. The hand photo is for Jeep club. We are collecting ideas for a scavenger hunt of fun, quirky and unique things in Maine. For it to count, the jeep has to be in the photo (manipulation is allowed).

 

[SquarePeg36 7]

We are heading out in a bit, to get out of the house. Lazy Lobster wants to get stuff to make a compost bin and I want to get a couple photos: one of he many lighthouses along the coastand a sculpture of a hand along US Route 1.

Ultimately I want top photograph all of the Maine lighthouses, at least those reachable by land. The hand photo is for Jeep club. We are collecting ideas for a scavenger hunt of fun, quirky and unique things in Maine. For it to count, the jeep has to be in the photo (manipulation is allowed).

I got one of these brown and green Geo Bin compost bins last year. I only put leaves, grass clippings and used soil in it. Hoping by next spring I will have usable compost. I’m avoiding any food waste so as not to attract pests.

 

[cgw116 141]

I got one of these brown and green Geo Bin compost bins last year. I only put leaves, grass clippings and used soil in it. Hoping by next spring I will have usable compost. I’m avoiding any food waste so as not to attract pests.

View attachment 295569

Never had much--if any--luck with these thingies or pricey tumbler drums on brackets. Those static tube stacks broke after attempts to turn the contents. And no, it doesn't necessarily reward patience just letting 'em sit. My lste, saintedWith so much yard/garden real estate at the family ruin, I dug 3x3 and 3x4 shallow trenches, around a foot deep. Filled leaves, soil from elsewhere, NO grass clippings, very small chopped trim from deciduous trees, and small amounts of potting soil. Mounded it up a couple inches above ground level and left them. Turned maybe once every couple weeks. Large contact area with the yard welcomed resident decomposters. Surprised how quickly worms arrived. Occasional shot of water doesn't hurt. Slo-mo method but it works for us. May expand this spring.
Bloody cold all day with flurries. Winter aconite and snow drop debut. Peek-a-boo daffs in warm spots. Frustrating and boosting my bar tab--hah!

 

[Rickbb64 2]

I compost everything, (vegetable only), in a plain ole pile. lol. Seems to work, just pile it up, turn/work it with the rototiller 2 or 3 times over the fall and early winter and next spring viola dirt.

 

[SquarePeg36 7]

Never had much--if any--luck with these thingies or pricey tumbler drums on brackets. Those static tube stacks broke after attempts to turn the contents. And no, it doesn't necessarily reward patience just letting 'em sit. My lste, saintedWith so much yard/garden real estate at the family ruin, I dug 3x3 and 3x4 shallow trenches, around a foot deep. Filled leaves, soil from elsewhere, NO grass clippings, very small chopped trim from deciduous trees, and small amounts of potting soil. Mounded it up a couple inches above ground level and left them. Turned maybe once every couple weeks. Large contact area with the yard welcomed resident decomposters. Surprised how quickly worms arrived. Occasional shot of water doesn't hurt. Slo-mo method but it works for us. May expand this spring.
Bloody cold all day with flurries. Winter aconite and snow drop debut. Peek-a-boo daffs in warm spots. Frustrating and boosting my bar tab--hah!

I ended up turning it mostly by hand after failing to get anywhere with a pitchfork. Once I decided to use my long gloves and dug in it wasn’t bad. Did find some worms in there. We had a dry summer last year so I wet it down a bunch of times. But I haven’t touched it since early fall when I added leaf mulch so it needs another turning before I start adding grass again.

I compost everything, (vegetable only), in a plain ole pile. lol. Seems to work, just pile it up, turn/work it with the rototiller 2 or 3 times over the fall and early winter and next spring viola dirt.

Some neighbors have had issues with rats in their woodpiles and compost so I won’t do any food. If I had a bigger backyard and could get it further from my garden and patio I would.

 

[cgw116 141]

I ended up turning it mostly by hand after failing to get anywhere with a pitchfork. Once I decided just attractto use my long gloves and dug in it wasn’t bad. Did find some worms in there. We had a dry summer last year so I wet it down a bunch of times. But I haven’t touched it since early fall when I added leaf mulch so it needs another turning before I start adding grass again.

Some neighbors have had issues with rats in their woodpiles and compost so I won’t do any food. If I had a bigger backyard and could get it further from my garden and patio I would.

Kitchen scraps attract raccoons and skunks up here. Found that grass just degrades into a rancid guacamole. A mulching mower solves the issue. Grass clippings are verboten in city-composted yard waste bags.

 

[otherprof86 28]

Going through yesterday's New York Times Magazine, I came across a magnificent series of photos illustrating an article about the lack of affordable housing in NYC. The photos are by Gail Albert Halaban, and to me conceptualization, the technical excellence and the aesthetics are wonderful. I encourage anyone with access to the March 22 issue to take a look.

 

[PhotoHobbyist115 141]

Adding blood meal to your compost pile speeds up composting, and makes it so hot no critter could live in it.

 

[snowbear115 46]

We are going the chicken-wire route. We'll put it behind the garage so it's close enough to the house to make it convenient, but not too close. We hot a small bucket and lid to hold stuff until it gets to the pile.

We didn't get to the lighthouse, but I got a shot of the hand and we discovered a new restaurant.

 

[SquarePeg36 7]

Adding blood meal to your compost pile speeds up composting, and makes it so hot no critter could live in it.

Hmmm I may try that. I used it once in with my dahlia tubers but it proved to be irresistible to my dog and I ended having to replant a bunch of them.

We are going the chicken-wire route. We'll put it behind the garage so it's close enough to the house to make it convenient, but not too close. We hot a small bucket and lid to hold stuff until it gets to the pile.

We didn't get to the lighthouse, but I got a shot of the hand and we discovered a new restaurant.

View attachment 295580

Details on the restaurant please!

 

[PhotoHobbyist115 141]

Hmmm I may try that. I used it once in with my dahlia tubers but it proved to be irresistible to my dog and I ended having to replant a bunch of them.

When much younger, my mother used blood meal on her compost pile. I believe she sprinkled it between layers. I read it can get as hot as 120-150 degrees! Could it spontaneously combust? I don't know, but you should read up on it before using it for compost.