So here’s a cute photo of Ludi reading to “little” Joseph.
How’s about we play a little game?
What do you think she’s saying to him? Add your funny caption idea in the comments.
When is the best time to buy washer/dryer?
Last year we added a dishwasher to our home. This year we plan to upgrade single-unit washer and dryer with larger, energy-efficient units.
But when is the best time to buy? Tax holiday? Are there seasonal sales at Sears? I have read that September is a good month, but I’m not sure.
Continue reading “When is the best time to buy washer/dryer?”
High-speed internet alternatives in St. Louis?
It’s no secret that the Renaud Empire is a thrifty state.
So, while we are lovers of technology, we have never ponied up for cable, high-speed internet access, or cell phones. There doesn’t seem to be enough competition among service providers in those areas; consequently, prices stay high.
Continue reading “High-speed internet alternatives in St. Louis?”
Looking for Springerle molds
So the Post-Dispatch recently published a story about Springerle cookies.
I pointed it out to Yoli because I knew she would be interested. How right I was!
The first thing that caught my attention was the recipe’s use of “hartshorn,” which is actually baking ammonia. This is an ingredient that is not cheap or available in every store.
We happen to have some that we bought in Bolivia, because Yoli has some recipes that call for it. Let me tell you, when you bake with ammonia, it will stink up the house. But once the smell dissipates, the cookies or whatever taste great.
Yoli was excited to try the Springerle recipe, but the problem is molds. There is a local artist who hand-carves them. His carvings are amazing, but at $20-30 bucks a pop, it’s a more expensive way to get started than we would like. We are hoping to find used ones at a thrift store or maybe some resin copies … something more affordable.
We did actually come across two Springerle “boards” at 309 Antiques here in Ferguson, but they are $50 each. Apparently, many folks collect these hand-carved molds. Yoli just wants to bake with them.
Anyhow, anyone out there have any local Springerle resources?
Google Wave invites
So Google just informed me that I have eight invites available for Google Wave. If you haven’t heard of it, Wave is a collaborative tool that sort of takes the best of email, IM, chat, and other technologies and rolls them together into something seamless and perhaps better. It’s worth checking out.
I’ll send invites to the first eight people to comment on this entry. Be sure to use your real email address when you post your comment, otherwise you won’t receive your invite.
BTW – If any of you already use Google Wave, add me to your contacts there: kirkman14@googlewave.com
More on birthdays (including yours)
So, I hit a milestone 10 days ago: the big three-oh. Haven’t really noticed anything different, other than my brother Justin referring to me as “old man” on the phone today. (But then I am still called “young Josh” by at least one coworker)
Killing time in Miami
In two weeks, we’re flying to Bolivia. As usual, we connect to our international flight in Miami. Unlike past years, this time we have a five-hour layover. So basically we will spend an entire day (from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.) in airports or airplanes.
The girls might go stir-crazy. Heck, I might go stir-crazy. So we’ve been considering our options for the layover.
One thing we’ve been wondering is: would it be worth it to leave the airport and do something in Miami with the girls? Is there anything fun to do that’s relatively close (reachable by bus)?
Any experienced travelers out there? Let us know, we’re counting on you!