tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46640760442705571692024-03-18T23:10:00.928-05:00The Ranch ProjectLife has really changed in the past year. We got married, we moved from LA to Omaha, and we bought our first house - a ranch. Since we've got so much going on we figured we'd better document it all - whether it serves as a success story or a cautionary tale to all newlywed couples who think remodeling a house sounds like a good idea. Here's a his and hers perspective on moving from the coast to the plains, and the joys and sorrows of home improvement.The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-39693144183636542182009-09-02T08:18:00.001-05:002009-09-02T08:18:00.096-05:00Our tomatoes are kickin'...Check out our unruly tomato garden!<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2990.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2990.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hmmm...what does this remind me of?<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/attack%20of%20the%20killer%20tomatoes" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 292px; HEIGHT: 419px" height="431" alt="Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Pictures, Images and Photos" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Chibitako666/tomatoes.jpg" width="311" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Okay not really. They're really good tomatoes and we have so many we've been able to share with friends. Lots of 'em....but not all of them as clearly <a href="http://theranchproject.blogspot.com/2009/08/breaking-news-anatomically-correct.html">some are a bit too "racy"</a> to eat.<br /><br />There's nothing nicer than going out to pluck a fresh tomato from the vine, then coming back in and putting it on a sandwich.<br /><br />Check out Mr. P's open-face BLT:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2989.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2989.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mmmmmm...and yes we're still using the box of 100 pre-cooked bacon strips my sister sent me as a gift. (thanks Michelle and Eric!)<br /><br />Anyone have a good tomato-based recipe?The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-60128152993122762472009-09-01T08:37:00.002-05:002009-09-01T08:37:00.656-05:00Dining Out in Omaha...If you don't know that Nebraska is highly regarded for its beef than perhaps you should consider NOT auditioning for Jeopardy.<br /><br />FYI: Nebraska is known to have great beef. And so when my sister was visiting we went on the hunt for the best steak in town. And ladies and gentlemen, I'm happy to say we have found a contender.<br /><br />Behold The Drover:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2972.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2972.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Why is it great? Well first of all it's dark and looks like it was decorated by a Clint Eastwood fan circa 1975.<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2970.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2970.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Second, the restaurant features a one-page menu (complete with cowboy on the front):<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2969.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2969.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Your options are steak, steak, grilled chicken, and steak. I recommend the steak. Mr. P and my sis opted for the Whiskey Filet with loaded baked potatoes. I like non-alcholic beef so I opted for the 8oz. filet with salad bar accompaniment. (and by salad I mean iceburg lettuce, ranch dressing and bacon bits...still quite refreshing, actually) The steaks were cooked perfectly, the waiters are friendly and helpful, and the bread, french fries and potato/leek soup were great.<br /><br />Maybe I liked it so much because as a child my family used to frequent a place called The Steak Pit. I believe "The Pit" also featured wagon wheels and dingy yellow lighting and a salad bar well stocked with iceburg lettuce. So perhaps my love for The Drover was simply caused by fond memories triggered by wall-mounted steer horns:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2968.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2968.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The world may never know.The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-27528567844072033392009-08-31T07:25:00.001-05:002009-08-31T07:25:00.558-05:00Before & After: Some front yard landscaping...Behold, the ugliest non-weed I've ever seen:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2978.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2978.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2977.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2977.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's sort of like the plant-version of this guy:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view¤t=agassimullet.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/agassimullet.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />No no, don't get me wrong. I love Andre Agassi...and I love plants. But that hair? Just unecessary. Just like that mop of a shrub. See my point?<br /><br />This weekend we replaced 1990s Agassi shrub with a beautiful Blue Spruce:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2994.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2994.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2995.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2995.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Isn't he much cuter? Like the plant version of this:<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/andre%20agassi" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 239px; HEIGHT: 294px" height="349" alt="Andre Agassi2 Pictures, Images and Photos" src="http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r163/chypre_elexir/agassi-andre-photo-xxl-andre-agassi.jpg" width="319" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Aaaah, much better.The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-6965216305777868292009-08-27T21:21:00.004-05:002009-08-27T22:03:01.548-05:00Review of the Controversial KFC Meat-for-Bun "Double Down" Chicken Sandwich<a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_3040.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_3040.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mr. P here, taking over the blog to write a review of the controversial new sandwich that's taking Omaha by storm.<br /><br />Here's the story. This morning's Omaha World Herald contained a front page article titled "<a href="http://omaha.com/article/20090827/NEWS01/708279948">A Finger-Lickin' Controversy</a>", about a new sandwich concept from KFC. From the article:<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><em><blockquote><em>It seems like a college freshman's dream — a sandwich made of two original<br />recipe Kentucky Fried Chicken breast filets, two slices of cheese, two<br />pieces of bacon and something called “Colonel's Sauce.” And no bun.</em></blockquote></em><blockquote></blockquote>That's right. On the new "Double Down" sandwich, the fried chicken breasts are the bun, and the bacon and cheese go in between.<br /><br />But here's the kicker - it's only being tested in two markets in the whole country. Providence, RI and Omaha, NE. Because when you think meat innovation, think Omaha.<br /><br />Naturally I decided to find a KFC here and be a part of the experiment.<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_3043.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_3043.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So how was it? It was greasy and messy, and it was delicious. It didn't look much like the pictures, but when has fast food ever looked like it does in the commercials? It was super filling, and they are on to something with that "Colonel's Sauce".<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_3044.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_3044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Not something you want to eat on a regular basis, unless you own a defibrilator, but pretty tasty and worth trying for the novelty value. And I have done my part, as a part of the test market, to make sure it comes to a KFC near you soon. You're welcome.The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-9830098254591909262009-08-27T08:33:00.001-05:002009-08-27T08:33:00.155-05:00Before & After: Garage Closets...Anyone who knows me knows that I'm just <em>slightly</em> obsessive compulsive. SLIGHTLY. Fortunately my OCD has rubbed off a bit on Mr. P who is the self-proclaimed Master of the Garage. So today's mission: garage organization!<br /><br />We're fortunate to have two massive cedar closets in the garage. I think you're supposed to put your mink coats in there but since I have no mink coats we use it for other things. Mr. P (a.k.a. Huggy Bear) chooses to keep his minks elsewhere:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2748.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2748.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anyhoodles, some $30 plastic shelves from <a href="http://www.menards.com/">Menards</a> (the best home improvement store ever...you can get a socket wrench and Cookie Crisp and Sham-Wow all at the same place) and we've transformed the closets from this:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2979.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2979.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2980.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2980.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To this:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2985.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2985.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2986.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2986.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hey! That's where the Christmas tree stand went! I was looking for that!The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-72366237220118449092009-08-26T08:33:00.000-05:002009-08-26T08:33:00.876-05:00Before & After: The KitchenWe'd already completed round one of the kitchen remodel, peeling off wallpaper and repainting. But it wasn't quite right. The ugly faux-wood laminate floors were making me crazy and the color I'd chosen for the kitchen walls - though pretty - was a bit bland for the space. And I am, afterall, one spicey Latina...bland just won't cut it.<br /><br />This is what it looked like when we FIRST moved in:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_1728-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_1728-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />HOT. MESS.<br /><br />This is what it looked like a month later:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2184.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2184.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Cute, cute...but not quite right.<br /><br />And this is what it looks like now:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2917.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2917.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2916.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2916.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Ay chihuahua! That's one eh-spicey kitchen, no?<br /><br />I'll tell you all about the new floors in the next post. In the meantime, gaze upon my neon blue walls (the color is called Mermaid Treasure...) and love them.The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-14030013998981674322009-08-25T14:49:00.003-05:002009-08-25T14:53:26.576-05:00BREAKING NEWS: Anatomically correct tomato...I am too much of a lady to tell you what this tomato looks like to me. But suffice it to say Mr. P and I could NOT STOP laughing after we picked this bad boy from our vines.<br /><br />Here it is in all it's glory - talk amongst yourselves. First, the front:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2998.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2998.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2999.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2999.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now the back:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_3000.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_3000.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And now the side view:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_3001.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_3001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ahem...you can also understand why we will NOT be eating this one. Thanks.The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-82142495981226624022009-08-25T08:16:00.002-05:002009-08-25T08:23:49.168-05:00Wanna feel REALLY bad about your landscaping?Visit the <a href="https://www.omahabotanicalgardens.org/">Lauritzen Botanical Gardens</a> and be reminded that your backyard (and maybe your front yard) will never be NEARLY as nice!<br /><br />Okay I kid, I kid! It's an amazing and breath-taking place that makes you wish you were a wee bit better with the ol' potting soil, if you know what I mean. (Don't feel bad if you don't...most of the time I don't even really know what I mean.)<br /><br />Here's my little sister at the start of the gardens - isn't she cute? (TAKE NOTE ALL YOU ELIGIBLE BACHELORS IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA AREA):<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2937.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2937.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We wandered through the Japanese garden (which is still being developed and will be even more fabulous very soon):<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2949.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2949.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We sniffed around the herb garden (quite literally in Mr. P's case):<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2950.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2950.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2951.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2951.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We encountered wildlife:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2967.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2967.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2959.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2959.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And we took in the children's garden which has plants you can touch and even taste, and features a super fun corn maze (or maize maze...HA! Get it?):<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2964.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2964.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This month the gardens feature an exhibit of Wonders of the World made entirely of gourds, berries, sticks, etc. The sculptures have been placed all around the Train Garden - is that cool or what? Behold the Hagia Sofia:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2944.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2944.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2945.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2945.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We left with a ton of inspiration and maybe a tiny case of hay fever. But if you're ever in town make sure to add the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens to your to-do list!The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-79353587502814030742009-08-24T08:01:00.001-05:002009-08-25T08:24:17.332-05:00Before & After: The Front DoorI may have mentioned on this blog that I have a bit of a brown thumb. Things die around me. I mean, not PEOPLE or anything that dramatic. But plants, flowers and the occassional vegetable. (although my tomatoes continue to flourish in spite of me)<br /><br />Exhibit A - the potted flowers Mr. P's mom helped me pick out to brighten the front door:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=beforefrontdoorblue.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/beforefrontdoorblue.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pretty right? Well not after I got done with them:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=BeforeFrontDoor2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/BeforeFrontDoor2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Nice work, Mrs. P. Anywho, my little sister was in town this weekend and she kicked my butt into high gear and encouraged me to try again. (and by "encourage" I mean laughed at my inability to grow things and said my doorstep looked like something you'd seen in a crack den...ah, sisterly love) And try again we did!<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=AfterFrontDoor2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/AfterFrontDoor2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A new light and some house numbers and it looks downright cheerful! No crack sold here, no siree Bob!<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=AfterFrontDoor.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/AfterFrontDoor.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now let's see how long I keep these bad boys alive. Wish me luck!The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-65207460484321975822009-08-23T13:45:00.003-05:002009-08-23T14:01:08.286-05:00Vacation, all I ever wanted...Sorry we've been MIA folks! Mr. P, Design Assistant Magnus and I were on a little vacation! It was Magnus' first and he had a blast:<br /><br />He traveled in style:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2815.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2815.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He met new friends (cousins Gus and Lily...cousin Lily is a bit larger and his nerves got the best of him. Apologies to Aunt Kira and her lovely rug.):<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2851.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2851.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2891.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2891.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He celebrated his fancy new surfboard dog collar by eating ice cream. (not too much...D.A. Magnus watches his figure, especially during swimsuit season):<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2871.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2871.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He played on the beach:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2835.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2835.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2842.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2842.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He went for a swim with Mr. P. (not his favorite...he's really more of a pool/swim-up bar type of guy):<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2880.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2880.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Can't see him? Here's a close-up...note the look of sheer terror in his eyes:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view¤t=magcloseup.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/magcloseup.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He dried off with a nice wet roll in the sand:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2889.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2889.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In fact, Design Assistant Magnus had such a great time that when it was time to go he hid in hopes it would make us delay our departure. Hmm...I wonder where Magnus is? Certainly not under the couch:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2861.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2861.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />All in all the three of us had a lovely vacation! Big thanks Mr. P's parents for being fantastic hosts.<br /><br />Oh and sorry about YOUR rug, too.<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2840.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2840.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-83982313732346755812009-08-08T08:50:00.000-05:002009-08-08T08:50:00.785-05:00Dining Out in Omaha...You know how I love to document my food but I was so entranced by the delicious pasta dish I ordered (oh, and the sparkling conversation, of course) that I neglected to take pictures of my dinner. Suffice it to say that it involved pasta and sausage. Of course...I try to find ways to incorporate sausage or bacon into at least one meal a day. When in Rome! <br /><br />Anywho, no pictures. That's how good <a href="http://www.losolemio.com/">Lo Sole Mio</a> is. Aside from the fact that it was voted "Best Italian Restaurant" in the 2008 Best of Omaha poll, the place has fantastic, giant servings of your favorite Italian food, good bread and, I'm guessing here, yummy desserts. (we were too stuffed to even consider the tiramisu) I did manage to snap a picture of one of my favorite parts of dinner:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view¤t=IMG_2803.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2803.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />That's right. The jug of wine. For $20 six of us had more than enough wine to go with our dinner. Is it the best wine I've ever had? No. Is it the worst? No. (that honor goes to <a href="http://www.manischewitzwine.com/">Manischewitz</a>. Sorry Jewish friends...I've gotta keep it real.)The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-6501771557420179642009-08-07T08:35:00.001-05:002009-08-07T08:35:00.317-05:00Behind the scenes with Design Assistant Magnus...Design Assistant Magnus is the hardest working pup in show business. His contributions to the home renovation projects have been second to none. And so it's good to know that he's making time to pamper himself and take breaks from all the hard labor.<br /><br />For example, Magnus is a bit of a foodie and likes to treat himself with the occasional (he's very concerned about his figure) goodie from <a href="http://www.threedog.com/">Three Dog Bakery</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2774.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2774.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2780.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2780.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2782.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2782.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But of course, being the health nut that he is, Magnus loves to burn some calories with a swim in Zorinsky Lake. And yes, he does skinny dip...he's so "Euro":<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2807.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2807.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2809.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2809.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2810.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2810.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And when a quick trip to the lake isn't enough of a break for him, he jets cross-country to visit his grandparents in Virginia. He's got a new luxury carrier that he can't wait to take for a test drive:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2813.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2813.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />His one secret? He's a bit of a nervous flyer...but not to worry, he's prepared:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2811.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2811.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hey Magnus, lay off the hard stuff, buddy!The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-8463284121914080252009-08-06T08:32:00.003-05:002009-08-06T08:35:18.006-05:00Omaha celebrity sighting...Lest you think that Omaha is too small town to attract big celebs, check out this documented celebrity sighting in the Old Market:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2741.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2741.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />That's right. Mr. P and pal Joe ran into the Robertson Dairy cow!<br /><br />Jealous? I am....of that dress. Fab-u-lous!The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-4734340884418310572009-08-06T07:52:00.002-05:002009-08-06T08:32:24.314-05:00The start of new landscaping...Slowly but surely Mr. P and I have been trying to make some sense of our landscaping. Sure our home's previous owner left all sorts of pretty flowers but there's really no rhyme or reason to their arrangment. No plan or pattern.<br /><br />It's sort of like seeing a Hollywood starlet and thinking, "Oh, she's so pretty...why the heck is she dressed like a cracked-out socialite-turned-bag lady?" (ahem...you know who you are....)<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/mary%20kate%20olsen" target="_blank"><img alt="duh Pictures, Images and Photos" src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m21/msmarvel43/mary-kate_olsen.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What I mean is that it's sloppy. Pretty and sloppy all at the same time. Does that make sense or am I just undercaffeinated? Probably. What I'm saying is that I appreciate the organic nature of our garden, but the anal retentive obsessive compulsive in me NEEDS ORDER.<br /><br />So we've started digging. And as you know, we removed three large bushes from one side of the house. (see them behind the tree)<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_1864.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 401px; HEIGHT: 246px" height="267" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_1864.jpg" width="513" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This weekend we decided to remove their bigger and bushier cousins on the other side:<br /><br />Here's the before:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_1867.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 334px; HEIGHT: 229px" height="316" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_1867.jpg" width="387" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And here's the after:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2814.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2814.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Okay so it's kind of a hot mess right now. But never fear! Feeling inspired to replace the loofah poof bushes with something a little more sleek we hit <a href="http://www.mulhalls.com/">Mulhall's</a>, our local nursery to check out their selection. (Mr. P's awesome aunts sent us a gift certificate...we can't wait to use it but we've been slow to do so...primarily because we don't know what we're doing) Landscaping is really overwhelming! There are so many options and if you pick the wrong one you're left with a pile of leafless sticks. Been there, done that.<br /><br />Anywho, we went to Mulhall's looking for inspiration -and we came prepared:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2795.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2795.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />So many choices!<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2794.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2794.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />But I think we've decided on a Royal Raindrops Crabapple tree and some other shrubs. Yes yes...it's all very exciting.<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2801.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2801.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2787.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2787.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />"After" pictures to come in a few weeks. In the meantime, sayonara ugly bushes!<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2812.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2812.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-50076034949775795442009-07-29T07:46:00.000-05:002009-07-29T07:46:00.431-05:00Before & After: The Dining Room...OMG guys! We scored big time! Mr. P and I had been on the hunt for dining chairs. For weeks we searched high and low but just couldn't find something we could both agree on. Mr. P wanted comfortable leather. I wanted something modern and clean. Design Assistant Magnus wanted something made out of rawhide and pigs' ears. (he's so "out of the box," you know?)<br /><br />The few chairs we did like were way out of our price range. (oh how I long to be in a position to spend $600 on EACH chair...but we needed six of them...and we also need to pay our mortgage and eat on occassion - this body doesn't just happen on its' own, you know? it requires a lot of attention...and bacon.)<br /><br />I had just about given up when Mr. P, ever the crafty bargain hunter, emailed me a link to a Craigslist posting. Six brand new Pottery Barn chairs for the low low price of $350. For all six! I cannot make this stuff up! We drove to the sellers' home, hopes high but still feeling the sting of a recent Craigslist buy gone wrong. (in the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKgPY1adc0A">immortal words of George W. Bush</a>, "fool me once...shame...on you. [long awkward pause] If you fool me you can't get fooled again.")<br /><br />But look! They're fantastic! And they work perfectly in our room! First let's remember what this room used to look like:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_1832.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 357px; HEIGHT: 214px" height="405" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_1832.jpg" width="480" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sweet lord...I'm having chest pain just remembering it. Deep breaths...here's what it looks like now:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2727.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2727.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2725.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2725.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dinner is served!The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-72590033328522366292009-07-28T13:37:00.001-05:002009-08-23T18:25:45.679-05:00Dining Out in Omaha...Why is it that every time we have guests in town Mr. P and I become drawn like magnets to any foods that are 90% Crisco? This weekend Iowa neighbors Joe and Mary came for a quick visit and we decided to hit <a href="http://www.restaurantsinc.net/twisted_fork.html">The Twisted Fork</a> for one of our favorite treats.<br /><br />I give you Exhibit A - fried pickles:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2744.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2744.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With a side of ranch, of course. The deep fried batter wasn't enough - it MUST be dipped in a condiment made entirely of mayonaise and LDL (bad cholesterol for those of us who weren't pre-med majors for all of three months).<br /><br />But wait! What's this? A new item on the menu? Well it's only right that we give it a whirl. And that's how we got to exhibit B - country-fried bacon:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2743.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2743.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yes you read correctly - FRIED BACON. Wrong. Wrong on SO many levels. And yet so so right.<br /><br />And those were just the appetizers. Dinner for me consisted of a turkey, cheddar and tomato sandwich. Doesn't sound so bad, right? Well it is when you add ranch dressing, bacon, Texas toast and a side of french fries. Gross.<br /><br />You'll be happy to know that we skipped dessert. At the restaurant. We walked half a block to the <a href="http://www.oldmarketcandy.com/">Old Market Candy Shop</a> for some mud balls:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2746.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2746.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A mud ball is like a chocolate Oreo cheesecake ball dipped in more chocolate. Mortal sin in bite-sized chunks.<br /><br />I'm fairly certain we burned some of the calories during a heated Wii Karaoke session. But then we loaded up again the next morning with a trip back to Dixie Quicks where I ordered French toast the size of my sofa:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2761.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2761.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today I start my new Ex-Lax and cucumber diet. I'll let you know how it goes...right after I get one last Dairy Queen Tagalong Blizzard.The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-52897046650297303242009-07-28T08:40:00.000-05:002009-07-28T08:40:00.138-05:00Fairacres vandal strikes again!Remember this?<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=mushrooms006.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 359px; HEIGHT: 318px" height="384" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/mushrooms006.jpg" width="404" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Still cracks me up! Well yesterday while on our evening walk with Design Assistant Magnus we spotted this one:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2738.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2738.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Magnus was thrilled. He's a HUGE Vanilla Ice fan. I think it's their shared pain over bad haircuts:<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/vanilla%20ice" target="_blank"><img alt="Vanilla Ice Pictures, Images and Photos" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f349/hopeisadove/vanilla-ice.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2439.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2439.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-81113293861033104852009-07-27T15:21:00.002-05:002009-07-27T15:35:32.117-05:00From the desk of Design Assistant Magnus...<a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2765.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2765.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />I have been lied to.<br /><br />"You'll feel so much better," she said. "Like a new pup," she said.<br /><br />I do NOT feel better. I feel violated, betrayed, and a little dirty.<br /><br />At first I was excited by this new outting.<br /><br />"Hey! I smell other dogs! It's just like the dog park - only with tiled floor instead of grass...and this funny counter thing...and...well, no dogs. Wait...who is this? Yikes, that's cold. Wait, where are they taking me now? And what the heck is THAT thing on the counter? What's a heartworm???"<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view¤t=IMG_2769.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2769.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Readers, they took me to a bad, bad place. They scrubbed out my ears with a cold goo. Then they pinched my tush with something called "steroids" when I wasn't looking. And then - THEN! - it's almost too awful to say. I shudder at the mere memory:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2767.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2767.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />They went...where the sun don't shine. They called it "cleaning out glands." I call it assault. <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2053445_clean-dogs-anal-glands.html">You be the judge</a>.<br /><br />I'm home now. And I'm trying to sleep off the trauma. <br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view¤t=IMG_2770.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2770.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />But just you wait. Once they're asleep I'll show them. I'm going to chew up all their shoes, turn over the trash cans, pee on the couch and blame it on the 'roid rage. That'll show 'em.<br /><br />- <em>D.A. Magnus</em>The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-39483936112047933942009-07-27T09:34:00.001-05:002009-07-27T09:34:00.175-05:00Garden update...It's pink!!! We almost have a ripe tomato! Look!<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view¤t=IMG_2730.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2730.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And check out these peppers - we've already used the anaheim peppers (the darker green ones) in some dishes and boy are they spicy! <br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view¤t=IMG_2731.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2731.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view¤t=IMG_2733.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2733.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This gardening thing is going really well! Maybe next year we'll diversify our crop - less tomatoes, more...I don't know...other stuff that grows in a garden.<br /><br />(Forgive me for being clueless but you're talking to the woman who didn't know that the blinking lights in her backyard were fireflies. Sue me.)The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-37760379768551785562009-07-25T13:00:00.003-05:002009-07-25T13:09:13.538-05:00Dining out in Omaha...Signs you've found a good Thai restaurant:<br /><br />1. The name includes the words "Thai" or "Bangkok." Here in town we have Thai Pepper, Thai Spice, etc. And then there's one called Noodles & Company. If you were craving Thai food and didn't know any better would YOU choose Noodles & Company over Thai Spice? I think I've made my point.<br /><br />2. They ask you how spicy you want your food, the insinuation being "Hey white lady, no way you can handle this dish as it's meant to be prepared. Save yourself." And I appreciate that - because I like spicy, but not Thai spicy.<br /><br />3. You can hear diners around you combating runny noses. No it's not a bizarre form of Asian Bird Flu...it's the spices. Gets me every time.<br /><br />4. It looks like this from the outside:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2737.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2737.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Bangkok & Cuisine (yes there is an "&" in there...no I don't get it either) on 19th & Farnam is fantastic. The food was fresh and delicious, and the service, while a bit slow, was friendly and helpful. My one complaint - no beer. I love a cold Singha when I'm launching an assault on my taste buds with some spicy Pad Prik Khing. But Sprite would have to do.<br /><br />Still, so worth a visit if you're ever in town!The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-46837302434380993512009-07-24T09:53:00.002-05:002009-07-24T13:55:53.099-05:00Before & After: The HallwayWe are equal opportunity house lovers - each tiny crevice in our home gets the royal treatment. Well except for the master bathroom which currently looks like the loo in some sort of horrible P.O.W. camp. We'll get to it one day but until then I'll just have to dream of my <a href="http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/bathing_landing_subcat.jsp?section=59&nsection=2&nsubsection=3&category=10&nitem=cat10">Kohler BubbleMassage tub</a>. But as Mr. P is constantly reminding me, we must first finish tackling other less glamorous projects.<br /><br />Did I mention that the Kohler BubbleMassage tub has 120 airjets and a variable speed-blower? I don't even know what a variable speed-blower is but I know that I want it.<br /><br />FOCUS, MRS. P. Where were we?<br /><br />Right. Less glamour. Hallways.<br /><br />One main hallway connects all three bedrooms and the guest bathroom to the living room. And when we moved in, the master bathroom could be accessed through the bedroom and through the hallway. The previous owner had used that bath as another guest bathroom. As for Mr. P and I? Well we decided that we didn't want to share that bathroom. It's not that we're selfish - no. It's just that we have a lot of crap, have complex and off-putting grooming rituals, and, well shed a lot. There, I said it. I shed a lot. I hope you're happy now.<br /><br />Long story short, I don't want to have to clean up every time someone sets foot in my house. And I don't like the idea of the A/C repairman having access to my make-up or seeing my collection of mini-shampoo bottles stolen from hotels. (I know, I know - don't do the crime if you can't do the time.) It's just creepy, okay?<br /><br />Anywho all of that is a long way of saying that we decided to seal the door. And by "we" I mean Mr. P with a lot of moral support from me. Here's the before:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=BeforeHallway.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/BeforeHallway.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's like the pathway to Blah-ville, no? Well here's the after:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=Afterhallway.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/Afterhallway.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The paintings are from a fabulous Brooklyn-based artist named Steve Keene who was introduced to us by our fabulous friends in LA. (shout-out to Sharon and Jeff!) Steve's philosophy is that art should be like CDs - anyone should be able to afford it and you should be able to change it out as often as you want to. When you visit his web site (<a href="http://www.stevekeene.com/">http://www.stevekeene.com/</a>) you can choose between two sizes and then Steve will mail you whatever he happens to be working on that day. That's it. You don't get to pick. You don't get to dictate subjects or colors or materials...it's basically a control freak's worst nightmare.<br /><br />But grouped together like this:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=Afterhallway2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/Afterhallway2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It adds the perfect pop of color to an otherwise dreary hallway!<br /><br />I would venture a guess that it'd also "go" well with a Kohler BubbleMassage Tub. Because really everything looks good surrounded by 120 airjets. EVERYTHING. Sigh...if only Kohler believed BubbleMassage tubs should be like CDs. Life is so cruel.The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-48701861332502747652009-07-23T14:56:00.002-05:002009-07-23T14:59:13.184-05:00New home owners...Today I called our home warranty folks about our central air conditioning system which was not cooling. One could imagine how that would be problematic in the dead of summer. (read: just plain nasty)<br /><br />For the low, low price of $80 these folks come out to investigate the problem. I walked Jeremy, the very nice technician down into the basement. As he set down his tools I said I'd be right back and walked back up the stairs. When I reached the top of the stairs I heard the A/C unit turn on so I ran back down to give Jeremy this update.<br /><br />Turns out there was a panel on the furnace that was open a smidge. Jeremy simply shut it and the A/C came back on.<br /><br />$80 to shut a door. How can I get that gig?The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-80055377163006180202009-07-23T10:31:00.002-05:002009-07-23T10:31:00.983-05:00A unique drive-thru experience...<strong>Things I love about Omaha - Number 345</strong>: Really tasty drive-thru chicken parm with a side of pizza at <a href="http://fazolis.com/">Fazoli's</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2720.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2720.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />No, for real. A SIDE of pizza - as in, it's part of a combo meal. Of course one could argue that pizza is a main course but to those people I say, "PIZZA WILL NOT STAND FOR BEING PIGEONHOLED LIKE THAT, THANK YOU VERY MUCH."<br /><br />Okay that was actually Mr. P's order - I opted for the slightly more sensible spaghetti with tomato and meat sauce and a side salad. But no matter. The point is that you CAN get drive-thru chicken parm if you want it. And want it I do.<br /><br />My thighs on the other hand...well, not so much.<br /><br />Oh, did I mention that you can also drive-thru for Dairy Queen Tagalongs Blizzards? For those of you communists who don't know, Tagalongs are THE BEST Girl Scout Cookies ever. And the geniuses at Dairy Queen mash them up and put them in ice cream. And then you eat it. And then you regret it. And then you get over it and decide that life is too short and you get another one the next day. And then you realize you have a problem - too many Blizzards, not enough Lycra.<br /><br />Perhaps we'll have to limit our chicken parm/Blizzards outtings. This could get ugly.The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-28654120622046195622009-07-22T12:21:00.002-05:002009-07-22T12:30:25.783-05:00Design Assistant Magnus gets a new bed...I'm afraid that given all the work underway at the Ranch we've been neglecting the needs of our favorite design assistant, Magnus. And although he's really not much of a complainer, one thing was clear - he did not care for his dog bed. And when Magnus is unhappy...boy, what a whiner!<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2670.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2670.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So we hit PetSmart to find the perfect bed. A bed that, selfishly, had to match the living room decor while still providing the perfect place for a mid-afternoon snooze. Low walls for chin-resting? Check. A furry lining for maximum comfort? Check. A color that goes nicely with white fur? Check. (that's the beauty of white dogs...they match everything!)<br /><br />By jove I think we've found it!<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2724.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2724.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But no bed would be complete without a personally monogrammed pillow, made of the same fabric as our headboard and bed skirt, and also courtesy of my mom.<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2723.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2723.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Aaaaah...life is good!The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4664076044270557169.post-16119460810660314032009-07-17T13:40:00.000-05:002009-07-17T13:40:00.326-05:00Before & After: The FireplaceSometimes less is best.<br /><br />Sometimes. Not always. Definitely not when it comes to chocolate, sequins, James Bond movie marathons or DSW. I could go on but you get the point.<br /><br />Less IS best when it comes to mismatched fireplace design.<br /><br />Behold our fireplace. A too-small colonial-style mantle with a modern stone face, a cheaply made built-in unit on one side and beige carpet.<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=fireplace-before.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/fireplace-before.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....<br /><br />We struggled over how to fix the mantle. Replace it with some reclaimed lumber? Build a box over it? Paint it black? Ignore it and pretend it's not there? Tempting. In the end we decided to simply remove it all together. We hung our favorite painting over it the fireplace, added some accessories and cleaned the dang thing out (note to homeowners: a little shoveling of the ashes and some Windex go a long way). Paired with our new wood floors and kick-butt furniture layout and voila:<br /><br /><a href="http://s584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/?action=view&current=IMG_2704.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss283/hobpowell/IMG_2704.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Now THAT'S a fireplace!The Ranchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933875145602897609noreply@blogger.com0