July's "Tune of the Month"

Its hot and very umid, and we're listening to one of the best cross-genre albums for a long, long time. Alison Krauss (of bluegrass fame) and Robert Plant (of Led Zepellin) team up for a memorable album that just has to get your feet tapping. Sheri had the good fortune to see them live earlier in the summer - what an experience!

Check them out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WRm3VsmXRE&feature=related

Next blog......an update from the North Stonington Fair. Did we win prizes for our fruit & veggies, or not? Stay tuned!

Less Stress at Hangman Hill

We have embarked on our first real investment in furniture since moving to HHR nearly 9 years ago. An Ekornes Stressless love seat and chair combo arrived today. We are pleased that we can offer a way to counteract the stress associated with the uncertainty in the economy, the rising price of fuel and threat of global warming with some new ergonomic furnishings for the felines.

Berry Special Face of Produce

The produce has been berry abundant in the Hangman Hill gardens. The strawberries, raspberries and black currants are featured in this month's Face of Produce along with snap peas. The potato flowers in her "hair" should put you on the edge of your seat thinking about next month's FOP.

The Price of Oil at Spruce Street

Renovations at the house on Spruce Street continue with the landmark event of the removal of an old oil tank from the basement. The tank was filled with oil prior to purchase of the house only to discover the oil furnace was essentially dead. We made the decision to switch to a gas-powered furnace since gas was already plumbed for heating the water in the house.

The problem, what to do with ~100 gallons of oil and a smelly, old oil tank? We struck a deal with our friend Mark. He could have the oil in exchange for help with removal of the tank once emptied. After Mark siphoned the oil, in 5 gallon increments, he engineered a custom dolly that made quick work of a rusty old oil tank. We won't miss the smelly tank, but will miss Mark's visits and encouragement over the last month during his trips to Spruce Street to retrieve heating oil.

Happy Independece Day

We are celebrating a Friday away from work, a lovely summer day, and our independence from the British (well one of us!) with berry picking, a long bike ride and a cookout with Mark, Jen and their extended family.

Two Uses for Tulle

Many thanks to Michael and Janel who sent us the Tulle they used for their wedding. We created a lovely enclosure for our blueberries which in years past have only been enjoyed by the birds at Hangman Hill.

We have been enjoying raspberries, strawberries AND blueberries in our cereal thanks to the Tulle, and Michael and Janel.

Remember to reduce, REUSE and recycle.

Happy Canada Day !!

Happy Canada Day to all our Canadian friends. We miss you all!

In the words of Stompin' Tom "It's Canada Day, Up Canada way, On the first day of July. And we're shoutin' hooray! Up Canada way. The maple leaf forever!"

http://www.videosift.com/video/Stompin-Tom-Connors-Canada-Day-Up-Canada-Way