Framing my art.

On my most recent trip back home to Sonoma county we got to stay with Candy and Paul on their farm. We feel Paul's Produce is one of the best organic farms in Sonoma county. His wife, Candy is an amazing artist whose water color paintings capture the feeling of the valley I love.

Her paintings are astounding. I've watched her art grow over the years from when I first saw her work on display when she worked at another local organic grower till now. You can see and purchase her art here http://candieded.wordpress.com/

One of the things that impressed me is the framing. She seems to find and use repurposed frames that go with the art. Some paintings were in window frames, other frames had the weathered look of a twice loved frame. Each one seemed made for and complimented the art.

So I thought to myself; self? You have a lot of drawings and art. It's time to get it on walls. Framing is hugely expensive. So I've got errands to run tomorrow that will take be by consignment and thrift stores. Stay tuned and we'll see if something there strikes me as perfect for some work.

Drink up! Hydrate or snore!

This is perhaps TMI for my gentle readership but who knew I snored? Well, it seems I snore a lot. A Google search of snoring revealed anecdotal evidence of links between snoring and sleep apnea and dehydration. We found scant peer reviewed studies even on scholar Google. Still it seemed worth a try. Beats separate beds or rooms,  CPAP machines, surgery or even stuffing a pillow over my head.

Here, drink water.

It worked and immediately. How'd I get so dry? Studies say most of us are dehydrated. I was ultra dehydrated. I worked in a call center for umpteen years. There we could not exactly get up and grab a drink as we wish. Your customer service person can't put you on hold because we need to go get a drink of water.

I had a drinking problem. Problem was I did not drink. Cups of coffee to wake up and then nothing.

As cyclists we have a vast, eclectic collection of water bottles and Klean Kanteens. The Klean Kanteens have almost a cult following. I now appreciate those I see clutching the colorful bottles close to their chest as if it's an oxygen bottle you can't step out without.

There are many ways to live the hydrated, renewable, bottle and can free lifestyle including the uber-trendy use of Ball Jar or canning jars.

http://madeinusareviews.blogspot.com/2011/05/great-taste-and-tradition-made-here.html

Other solutions are Nalgene bottles many of which are made in USA. Nalgene almost started the trend. Klean Kanteens use a food grade of stainless, Nalgene uses a surgical grade of stainless steel. We'll be getting more Nalgene bottles from now on.

http://nalgene.com

We just found a brand of reusable bottles made right here in the sunny Pacific Northwest. Remind me to write about those next.

Martha Stewart does not live here ...

... But we found a helpful cleaning item. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 rubber gloves. The half is only because the handle is slick, may be easier to grip with a rubber glove.

The bristles are sturdy, they clean the tub, sink and bathroom counter well without scratching. Design is nice. Pointy tip gets into corners. According to the companies site at least 80% of the bristles are made from recycled plastic. I like that in a product.

And it's made right here in the good ol' in the USA.

http://www.libman.com/products.aspx#/Surface%20Care/48m/0/