Even before we had the dream house, back when we only got out of the city a couple times per year, we’ve always made attempts to buy locally sourced and organic meat, dairy and produce. We’ve shopped at farmer’s markets and joined CSA’s and, of course, shopped at Whole Foods to avoid factory farmed food. Now that we have the Dream House, a whole new world of local food is right outside our door.
Nothing says spring quite like winter blankets hanging on the clothesline. I’ve been excited to use the clothesline since we first looked at the Dream House back in September. But then winter took over and mounds of snow covered the backyard. Now that the temperature has climbed into the 40’s and all the snow has melted, I’m finally able to get out there and hang these old wool blankets out for some fresh air. I look forward to brightening our white bedding under the summer sunshine and saving energy by hanging our clothes out to dry.
— J. Blandings
Image: Mr. and Mr. Blandings
Ode to Cow
Oh cow, you give us such delicious treats
Cheeses and milk and lots of meats
But there’s one thing about you of which I must grouse
When an ill wind blows off the fields toward my house
it carries the fragrance of – well, cows.
Get used to it, I shall in time,
but oh, dear cow, please heed my rhyme
And blow your stink another way
So I can go out to frolic and play
And think well of you when I eat you today.
— M. Blandings
Image: Mr. and Mr. Blandings
Perhaps you’ve seen the Youtbue videos that demonstrate heating a room with two clay pots, a bread pan and a few tealights. And perhaps you were dubious when you watched it. Would that actually work? You might have asked yourself. That’s certainly what we asked ourselves! So one blustery day we put the zero energy heater to the test. Here are our findings from the great clay pot heater experiment…
dream house, history, Our Story, small town life
The Town Grocer Used to Live in the Dream House
02/26/2014
Food has played an important role in my adult life. My first jobs were in the food service industry, as a short order cook and later in a tiny sandwich shop near the university I attended. When I met my Mr. Blandings I wooed him with home cooked meals (proving that the way to a man’s heart is indeed through his gizzard). After we got married, my love of food and cooking increased as we began entertaining as a couple. I like nothing better than preparing a hot and hearty meal for friends and loved ones. So it really seems fitting that the town’s grocer used to live in the Dream House.
