You are probably wondering why we haven’t posted in a while.  Well, up until recently, we haven’t had much to say.  June was an incredibly busy month, but it was mostly because every weekend we had projects to complete.  This is all in preparation for Andy’s 40^th birthday party or at least that is the excuse I’m using, because it’s better than admitting we just have found other things to do! 

• Finish the garden – It looks great and is growing fast now.  Soon we will have fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, squash, and jalapeno pepper.  We also planted brussel sprouts, but I’m not so sure about those.
• Add new mulch to the front planting beds – It took 9 bags to remulch.  I had no idea so much had washed away in just a year’s time.
• Clean the outside of the house – Ask Andy about the house wash that he found at Home Depot for only $8/bottle.  Spray it on, let it sit for 5 minutes, and rinse it off.  All the mold GONE.
• Clean the deck – We used the deck wash from the same company that made the house wash.  Our deck is amazingly clean.  It had a lot of mold on it and it’s gone now!  Of course, the actual cleaning process was a lot of scrubbing and hard work, but it looks great now!
• Change up some pictures in certain rooms
• Etc., etc., etc.

On May 22, we had a fun get-together we called Bacon-Palooza.  Although there wasn't really THAT much bacon involved, we did try to make sure everyone brought a dish that had at least some bacon in it.  We actually came up with the idea because of a recipe Erica got from a friend for Bacon Cake.  Not everything actually contained bacon, and nothing was made entirely of bacon, but the day was sufficiently filled with yummy, bacony goodness!

I started off the day by firing up the smoker for a long day of work.  I made a pork shoulder roast, coated with a favorite rub and wrapped in bacon.  It was a good sized roast, and I wanted to make sure it could be on the smoker for a good 7-8 hours at least, so I got going relatively early.  The roast was on the smoker just after 10 am.  Erica and Laura made the Bacon Cake, and we also made some ABTs (Atomic Buffalo Turds), which are Jalapeño peppers split in half, filled with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon (of course), seasoned with pork rub, and smoked for 3 hours or so.  The Lowery's and the Simmons' were there as well.  The Lowery's brought some home made fries, smothered in bacon and a ton of cheddar cheese.  They were awesome.  The Simmons' brought some green beans made with bacon, some deviled eggs, and a cheesecake (alas, no bacon in the eggs or the cheesecake).

This is a list of some of the more interesting fortunes I have received in fortune cookies in Chinese restaurants.  When you read them, be sure to add the phrase "in bed" to the end!

• Your lucky number for this week is the number five.  (5 was NOT listed on the back)
• Now is the time for you to explore.  Take a vacation.  (clearly should have been in an "advice cookie")
• Your respect for others will be your ticket to success.
• Your judgement is a little off at this time.  Rely on friends.
• You discover treasures where others see nothing unusual.
• A four-wheeled adventure will soon bring you happiness.
• You will attend an unusual party and meet someone important.
• You have an active mind and a keen imagination.
• Need some adventure and enjoyment?  Take a vacation.  (another advice cookie)
• Tomorrow your creative side will shine forth with exceptional ideas.
• An enjoyable vacation is awaiting you near the mountains.  (I see a pattern)
• You will soon bring joy to someone.
•  A nice cake is waiting for you.    (yes, the smiles were included, but I was hoping for *pie*)
• Don't underestimate yourself.  Your social skills are needed by others at this time.
• You will be the guest of a gracious host within the month.
• Soon, you will receive pleasant news.
• You will soon receive help from an unexpected source.
• Treat yourself to something of quality.  You deserve it.
• You should be able to undertake and complete anything you desire.
• Investigate new possibilities with friends.  Now is the time!
• Now is a good time to finish up old tasks.
• Do something unusual tomorrow.
• You will have good luck in your personal affairs.
• You shouldn't overspend at the moment.  Frugality is important.
• There are lessons to be learned by listening to others.
• You will have gold pieces by the bushel.  (I suppose this would be great in WoW or D&D)
• You will obtain your goal if you maintain your course.
• Your hard work is about to pay off.
• Your path may be difficult, but will be rewarding.
• Things are not always what they seem.  It's not that bad!  (How comforting.)
• Investigate new possibilities with friends.  Now is the time!
• Now is the best time for you to be spontaneous.  Serendipity!
• You will make a change for the better.
• This year your highest priority will be your family.
• You will soon be the center of attention.  (Maybe this one should have been for Laura?)
• Do not dwell on differences with a loved one.  Try to compromise.
• You will make a change for the better.
• A long lost relative will surface soon to your benefit!  (Surface?  As in, float to the surface?)
• The world will soon be ready to receive your talents.
• Keep your feet on the ground even though friends flatter you.
• Tomorrow is a good day for trying something new.  (Nothing like procrastination, eh?)
• Remember three months from this date.  Good things are in store for you.  (That'll be August 18, 2010, if you're counting)
• Tomorrow will be lucky and memorable for you.
• This year your highest priorty will be your family.
• Take some needed time to relax in the next few days.  (Got this one right before taking a couple days off work!)
• Old friends, old wines, and old gold are best.
• Your imagination will point you in a new directions.  Go for it!
• You will attend an unusual party and meet someone important.