Monday Madness

I didn't think you were hinting I should fix the lawn mower, etc. I was being a bit silly and commenting that I actually know how one works and can fix it. I guess the silly tone didn't come across in text.

As to whether I think you should dismiss the lawn guys, that's an evaluation on your time or your money. If it's costing you $90 a month and getting that money back is worth a couple of hours a week to you, then by all means dismiss them. Mowing the lawn is something I _enjoy_ doing so that seems like an easy decision but if you despise doing it, then the money may well be worth spending. The only lawn you have to worry about is the front and if your mower is a decent self-propelled one, then you're looking at two hours to mow and do the various cleanups. I know you worry about getting the gas. I surely don't know how to comment on that since if it's something you don't want to do, it's something you don't want to do. If you have someone willing to fill a 5 gallon can for you, I'd estimate that'd get you a month of mowing just based on how much gas we go through for our lawn.

I didn't do a bunch of cooking this weekend. We did go down and check out that restaurant supply but I was disappointed. It wasn't like a restaurant equipment supply but a food supply like a big Sams or Costco. Oh well! It was still fun to go down and look. We also checked out a new spancy grocery they've opened downtown for the loft dwellers. One great thing is they have an extremely well stocked cheese area and I found some true Parmigiano Reggiano. The price was slightly higher than the one ATK recommended from igourmet so I still think I'll try an order from there once the stuff I purchased runs out. We also bought an "extremely aged" gouda--really, that's how it's marked Very Old Gouda--that the counter guy recommended. Wow it's good. Very expensive so we only bought a small amount. It's strong and a bit salty so I'm thinking using it with fruit and a bit of light sausage and some good bread would be a great way to serve it.

I tried out Ina's "herbal tea" recipe this weekend with the Raspberry and Lemon Zinger along with apple juice. I liked it and think it'd be a great summertime brunch drink though I'd add some sugar. I drink it without but I suspect most folks would want it sweeter.