The deck reconstruction continues. Only one broken window so far. (sigh) Nothing is ever easy. The crew arrived bright and early this morning to get a jump on the heat. It's been slowly heating up here, finally a little summer weather. All or nothing so it seems. Weather forecasters say it may reach up to 106 degrees tomorrow. Might even have to get out some bed-sheets again like last time. Lord, let's hope not.
Unrelated: I've been watching this awesome Victorian garden and kitchen series that ran on the BBC during the 1980's. The episodes were released in the UK on DVD in 2006. Had never seen it before, I'm not even sure it ran in the U.S. Every detail is utterly fascinating. I've honestly been staying up late every night for a week now watching these. I can't stop! The "old ways" of doing things are so interesting. Life moves at a much slower pace. Makes me truly appreciate all our modern conveniences even though cooking on a wood stove seems appealing. In this setting anyway. And on cooler days.
The authentic Victorian "wall-garden" is another focus and is transformed during the course of the series. They discovered those high brick walls originally created for aesthetics, created a micro-climate which extended the growing seasons. Good to know!
I think that I would love watching these.
Have you ever watched Victorian Farm or Edwardian Farm? Both are fabulous! I could watch them again and again.
Cheers..here's to another hot day in the Pacific Northwest. I am half way between Drain and Elkton, so not too far from where you are. I assume you are not too distant from Corvallis. My youngest son lives there and his older brother lives in Albany.
Happy day to you, and thanks for the links.
Posted by: ellen kelley | August 15, 2012 at 09:55 AM
Oh that was fascinating. What we'd whip up with an immersion blender... I'm going to go kiss my mixer now. Ha! I'll be back to watch them all! Thanks for finding them.
Posted by: Vee | August 15, 2012 at 06:40 PM
Wound up watching them all... That strawberry mold was wonderful and I want a piece of that cake.
Posted by: Vee | August 15, 2012 at 07:39 PM
What a wonderful recommendation! I hope to watch the complete series and never, ever complain of working in my modern kitchen again! I do regularly make beef and chicken stock but just use it as is and don't do all the clarifying. Wouldn't work very long in one of those grand old houses!
Posted by: Jo | August 16, 2012 at 10:30 AM
You're most welcome Ellen, and thank you for introducing me to the other series. I had not heard about them before but will definitely look for them now.
Yes, another hot day here! Whew!
Posted by: vicki | August 16, 2012 at 04:54 PM
LOL! We all love to romanticize about the good old days but forget they used animal fat for hand lotion! Some things are better left in the past.
Posted by: vicki | August 16, 2012 at 04:57 PM
The attention to detail is amazing considering all the work that must go into making even the simplest things. I just can't stop watching!
Posted by: vicki | August 16, 2012 at 04:59 PM
Hahaha, me either! There was usually a staff of kitchen help to manage all that they did. Our modern appliances have replaced them now I guess.
Posted by: vicki | August 16, 2012 at 05:06 PM
Thanks for posting this, it's so interesting. I work as a cook on an 18th century farm/living history museum. We use all the old tools and recipes. I can so relate to the problems of a bad fire. It WILL ruin your day. I wear 4 layers of authentic clothing. When I go home, I am sooty, sweaty, and stinky. Still, I love the job. Most of the time.
Posted by: Jodi | August 17, 2012 at 07:08 AM