Monthly Archives: June 2010

When Reality and Wants Collide

Posted on June 29, 2010 by Bettina Colonna Essert

Recently someone said something to me to the effect of, “The more things you have, the more weighed down you are.” No shit. The conversation was in regards to our house and pool as they relate to life in general. … Continue reading →

Posted in Four Oaks, renovation/retrofitting | Leave a comment

Somtimes Writing About It Makes It Seem Better

Posted on June 29, 2010 by Bettina Colonna Essert

The players: The dogs, Jasmine and Thunder. Me. Two unknown women and their tiny little doggies. The location: Our driveway. The story: This morning I woke up and went to let the dogs out. There were two women walking their … Continue reading →

Posted in decency, herding dogs, opinion | Leave a comment

Sweet Tomato Salad Dressing

Posted on June 26, 2010 by Bettina Colonna Essert

No pic, sorry, but this was too good to forget when I tossed it together a few nights ago. It was perfect on our salad fresh from the garden. 1 Tbsp tomato paste1 Tbsp maple syrup3/4 cup olive oilsaltpeppera handful … Continue reading →

Posted in food, recipes, recipes-salads | Leave a comment

Reno’s Continue

Posted on June 22, 2010 by Bettina Colonna Essert

We spent the weekend mysteriously without kitchen lights. It was okay because it’s midsummer and the light doesn’t leave until late. The bathroom floor has been replaced (and the piers and joists) and now the boys are framing in the … Continue reading →

Posted in environment, Four Oaks, health and well-being, renovation/retrofitting | Leave a comment

Father’s Day

Posted on June 22, 2010 by Bettina Colonna Essert

Who knew the pool lounger came complete with THE GIRL!?

Posted in children, Mark, Martina | Leave a comment

Thunder

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Bettina Colonna Essert

This is our professional dog bathing setup. Notice the underpaid workers? The raised tub? The sad looking, wet dog? Uh-oh, I think maybe one of the workers is getting smart with the photographer! It’s a good thing the short person … Continue reading →

Posted in children, family, Four Oaks, herding dogs | Leave a comment

Eli and Payday

Posted on June 14, 2010 by Bettina Colonna Essert

A few days ago my daughter and her friend decided to go horseback riding. Eli wanted to ride Wind, the pony, but he’d already had a hard workout that day so she rode my 26 year old quarter horse and … Continue reading →

Posted in Elizabeth, Four Oaks, health and well-being, horses | Leave a comment

Our House is a very, very

Posted on June 13, 2010 by Bettina Colonna Essert

very old house, with a big hole in the floor. This used to be our master bathroom. Now it’s the Grand Canyon of Four Oaks. Okay, I’ll stop being corny. We’re doing renovations. Part of our house is old and … Continue reading →

Posted in Four Oaks, health and well-being, renovation/retrofitting | Leave a comment

The Pool

Posted on June 12, 2010 by Bettina Colonna Essert

For many years our house was a ladies health spa. This was back in the 1970’s and 80’s when women and men still mostly segregated themselves for exercise. One of the lessors of the health spa decided to put in … Continue reading →

Posted in family, Four Oaks, health and well-being, Mark, Randall | Leave a comment

Dear July 4th: We Won

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Bettina Colonna Essert

Old Wives Tale: You are one of the few and blessed if you find a ripe tomato in your garden before the 4th of July.Today, we found (and ate) two. We also have fresh chard and other greens and few … Continue reading →

Posted in environment, gardening-organic biodynamic natural, health and well-being | Leave a comment