An Unhealthy Habit

Many of you may not know this, but there is a deep dark secret that KLC and I carry. It's shameful and embarrassing, but it's time to come clean: every Monday night we watch every single second of The Bachelorette (or The Bachelor, depending on which season it is.)

I'd love to say this is KLC's bad habit and I just tag along, but that's no longer the case. While it's true she was hooked before I moved to Seattle, I have gotten on this terrible, terrible show's bandwagon wholeheartedly. Of course, this is one of the most ridiculous shows ever made, and there is no earthly reason why we should sacrifice two hours every week to this nonsense. Except we do.

I think I may have hit rock bottom last night because this season is even extra insulting. While the women on these shows are never portrayed in the greatest light, everyone (man, woman, host) is treated as superficial pieces of fluff so it's at least somewhat egalitarian in that regard. (BTW, if you want proof that this is the best worst show on television, I suggest you read one of the recaps. It's all abundantly clear after that.)

This season, however, the Bachelorette (Ashley is her name, for those not in the know) is so insecure and virtually apologetic for asking these guys to like her, that it's painful. KLC and I have contemplated making up a drinking game every time she says "Bentley" (again, a reference that only a Bachelorette watcher could appreciate), but we abstain since it's Monday and we're no longer 22 years old.

OK, the first step is admitting you have a problem, and now I've done that. I'm not saying I can give up this addiction easily, but I hope I will be able to one day. Or at least by the time another excuse to celebrate Monday evening on the couch comes along.

Spring Bounty

Word has it that spring is almost over and that summer is around the corner. We've heard these rumors here in Seattle, but have seen very little evidence that this is truly the case. Actually, I have seen kids being out of school and the temperature has cracked 70 degrees here -- for at least 15 minutes.

Now that I am involved with growing things in a garden, this new season means excitement in the form of vegetables. These pics show some of the bounty we're starting to reap. First off, the spinach has been great. We pick one of the rows every day or so, and then it's ready for more a couple of days later. Next up, the swiss chard should be ready to go, maybe even for a few meals starting this weekend.

With the delay in warm weather, our tomatoes are not really happening yet but we'll be patient. (I'm told this is atypical and that it should be a little warmer here by now. Really.) The peas -- solidly supported by KLC's trellis -- are visibly growing daily it seems. I'm not quite sure when we get to actually eat them, but I'm looking forward to it.

Meanwhile, the chickens continue to be a source of entertainment for the children (not to mention eggs, which are rather awesome.) Speaking of the twins, they had an end-of-the-year performance at their dance studio. I took a bunch of little videos on my Flip camera, but the blogger website doesn't seem to want to cooperate in letting me post them. Luckily, KLC has a bunch of pictures of the gala event on her blog so take a peek if you're interested.