Wheat Gluten

I tried smoking a cajun flavored chunk of wheat gluten today. I am not happy with the results. The outer bit got a fair smoke flavor but it is too hard after the smoking. I am really trying to find a way to make the gluten less "bready" tasting without making it some other over powering flavor. I am going to try it in the pressure cooker again with a new broth recipe. I have steamed it in the oven using plain water the last few times I have made it. The texture is good and the flavor is good when used in recipes, but too bread like for a sandwich. Hopefully I can figure out how to get a better texture from the pressure cooker since I really like the flavor I get that way. Later.

Spot

Do you use sunscreen, try to avoid the sun, or do you just not worry about it? When I was a kid we never used sunscreen. I used to get burnt to blistering quite often. These days I use sunscreen when we are going to be in full sun for extended periods of time, but otherwise try to avoid the chemicals when we can. It is a tricky balance. Here in a few days I will find out what the little red spot is. Wonder if it will change my sun & sunscreen policy. Later.

Reclaiming wood

I think I may be watching too much of "The Antonio Treatment". He uses a lot of reclaimed wood in his projects. While I was replacing the lumber on my deck I began to wonder if it was salvageable. Someone had incorrectly pressure washed the redwood deck at some point. Too much pressure wears away the softer bits of the wood and it looks horrible. Turns out though that if I take off about 1/8" on each side, the lumber is once again useable. My plan is to recover enough lumber to build an eating bar on the deck and to provide the supplies to have a bird feeder project for about 7 kids. Later.

Seating area

This is the beginning of a new seating area in our backyard. We always just sit on the deck and look out over the backyard. Sitting in the back corner of the yard will offer a whole new perspective. Lea painted the terracotta medallion and it gets to be the first bit of beautiful color in what will be our new space. Lots of mulching to do, and some hanging pots to buy, but really looking forward to trying it out. Later.

Bike Building

I am glad I got this book at the library instead of buying it. It has some good information about bicycles and welding but it did not have any good tricycle plans for adults. However, I am going to try and build the sidewinder. It is kind of a wilder version of Huffy's "green machine" for adults. If it works I will make a video of me riding it. Later.

Milk Shake

In general I am not a fan of frozen treats. They hurt my teeth too much. I do like a good chocolate milk shake though. Jarling's Custard Cup makes a good one. Luckily we do not go there very often. Later.

Kids Bowl Free

Took the kids to the bowling alley today. We met some friends there and did some good bowling. The three of us each bowled two games, I had to rent two pair of shoes, and I bought two sodas. The whole trip cost me eight dollars. If you would like to know how to have so much fun for so little money, google kids bowl free. I know I am going back next week. Later.