On the menu at L’s kitchen is “Chef Lawrence’s Chicken”. I am not one to order chicken at a restaurant. It’s fine, usually, but never that interesting or spectacular. But I dream of Chef’s Chicken. White wine, mushrooms, chicken, and cream. Flavorful, and simple, but simple like an artist that knows how to draw aContinue reading “Not The Chef’s Chicken”
Author Archives: Gwyn Evans
Snow Day 2025
Today we got the first big snow of the season. It started last night, with huge, flat flakes that were perfect intricate fractals. When I woke, there was a duvet of snow. It was Lizzie’s first big snow. She loved it, tearing exuberantly up and down the yard. Luca, too, loves snow, and was delightedContinue reading “Snow Day 2025”
Realignment
What a strange time. One of the things I’ve always considered an important fact about me is that I feel like Social Media and I grew up together. AOL instant messenger in middle school. Livejournal in high school. Facebook in college, and into adulthood. My social life has always been tied to the internet. I’veContinue reading “Realignment”
Season of renewal
Erik and I have been together long enough now that the rhythms of our annual rituals are recognizable. After Christmas is a time of a renewal of energy and focus. Each year, we spend January and February refining the way our house serves the mission. Today, we cleaned the dining room, living room, and kitchenContinue reading “Season of renewal”
Lizzie Doggins at 25 Weeks
Today was the last day of Puppy Kindergarten. Lizzie is 5 months, a couple weeks. Home for 2 months and a bit. Erik, Lizzie and I were the only students who showed up for the review/graduation today, so we just got an hour of personalized attention from the proprietor. I’m fully all-in on her worldview.Continue reading “Lizzie Doggins at 25 Weeks”
Backyard Reno: Regrade & Fence
This year’s big summer project is a complete redo of the back yard. My neighborhood is hilly, and my house sits about at the level of my back neighbor’s roof. There’s a short retaining wall original to the 1950s builds, but it was insufficient. My back yard was rapidly eroding away, and taking the backContinue reading “Backyard Reno: Regrade & Fence”
Midsummer 2023
Yesterday was Summer Solstice. I’d recently commissioned a leaf sculpture from a friend, and I got to take it home yesterday! What perfect timing. I set it up on a little improvised plinth near a wild corner of the garden, where the volunteer honeysuckle grows. I wanted it to be a little altar where IContinue reading “Midsummer 2023”
Making a Garden: Part 2 – Construction
Erik has given me such a gift, in this garden. He encouraged me in my interest. He has had absolute confidence, and continues to hype how awesome this is going to be. He has always said “yes” and “do more”. And he has put in so much labor to make it happen. This garden, truly,Continue reading “Making a Garden: Part 2 – Construction”
Making a Garden: Part I – Planning
Last year, Erik suggested putting in a couple of raised beds. I’d had a garden before, but it wasn’t the best experience. However, I fell in love with those two 4×8 plots. I went out every day, fussing over each new branch and leaf, carefully monitoring the growth of cucumbers and squash. I started trackingContinue reading “Making a Garden: Part I – Planning”
Early Spring Cleaning Day
It is an early Spring cleaning day at Ahu TongEriki… Our annual household holiday (the Ascension of St. Marlin) is coming up this week, and we will be hosting our traditional dinner. That, in itself, is a story for another time. I focused on deep cleaning the library — pulling out all the tchotchkies andContinue reading “Early Spring Cleaning Day”
Notebook 