Lost Battle

There was another massacre in the backyard.

This time, it was obvious that the bird didn’t win the battle. :(

The Birds And the Berries

These little bandits (they kinda look like ones with those black masks around their eyes) were gorging on the red berries on one of the trees in my backyard this morning.

I woke up at dawn (way too early!), and, with my eyes still barely open, noticed there was an unusually high number of birds flying around. And it went on and on. After about 15 minutes I finally got up to see some 50 little birds going from one tree, to the grass, to another tree. I stared at them for a while trying to figure out with my scratchy eyes what's going on. Then I realized they were grabbing the berries, running to a safe spot to eat it, and then coming back for more.

They were amusing to watch. I don't know what kind this is. They are about the size of cardinals, even have a little "hat", but are gray like finches, with a bit yellowish tummy and a hint of red above their tail. What a beautiful way to wake up!



After the feast, there were no more berries left on that side.

Let Me Just Brag For a Bit...

... on how awesome our God is!

His timing is perfect.

I scheduled the installation of the new HVAC back in late January. Based on the cost estimate they gave me, I figured out how much disposable cash I'll have by the scheduled date, February 27th. If I got my tax return by that date and if my brother was able to return a loan I gave him on time, I would have just enough to cut that check.

I sent in my tax forms at the beginning of February. I compared the dates back from last year, and it took them about three weeks to return my refund. I was hoping for the quick processing this year as well, so that the deposit is made before the 27th. Few days before that I checked the status on the IRS web site, and it said the refund will be deposited on Friday, the 26th! Now, isn't that just perfect timing!

My brother was not able to repay the loan this month. He is also waiting on the tax refund, but his, for some reason, will not be done until the end of March, even though we submitted it at the same time. So, I temporarily transferred that same amount from my emergency fund to checking. After I paid for the HVAC, I calculated my expenses until the next paycheck, and realized I'll be $50 short. My brother would probably be able to come up with that much for now, but, just out of the blue, I thought "wouldn't it be nice if I got dividend payed out for my company stock this week?" Our stock was doing well, but I didn't know when those dividends are paid. Guess what? I got paid dividend, the very next day! He just read my mind. :)

Ah, how awesome is HE!

New HVAC

Is in!

I decided to take advantage of the tax energy credit of $1500 and install a new, energy efficient, 16 SEER unit to replace my 15 year old, 13 SEER one. 

The old one was still in a working condition, but it has begun to have hiccups. The system was loud, and made clanking sounds when coming on. It was also pulling so much power that the lights would flicker every time the unit starts.  Couple of years ago, the AC coils froze over during summer, and left me without cool air for couple of days. Every time at the semi-annual maintenance, a friend who was working on it, and whom I trust, would tell me that the system is nearing the end of life and should be replaced before it dies again and requires urgent care.

So, this year, because of the tax credit, I decided to replace it during winter when the cost is a bit lower. I got a really good deal on a Carrier, 2-stage compressor, 5-ton, 16 SEER unit.  The 3 guys came in, took down the old unit down from the attic, and the outside box, replaced with the new one, and were done in 5 hours. They also installed another supply went and one return air grid and run air ducts for those. The other ducts were in good shape and didn’t need replacing. The new thermostat is also fancy with some new features like In Recovery, where it ‘remembers’ how long it takes to reach a programmed temperature, and turns early on to be at that temperature at the preset time, instead of just turning on at that time.

Another Snow Day in Austin

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Today was a real white day in Austin, The snow was heavy, just like TX rain can be, and snowflakes fluffy enough to bounce off of windshields. And we actually saw the ground covered in snow. It only lasted for a few hours, but those kind of hours only happen something like once in a decade!

Is This What Nesting Is Like?

I went a little overboard with cooking last night. :)

I usually go grocery shopping on Saturday and then try to cook two meals on Sunday afternoon that last me through the week. I had visitors this Sunday, and didn't get to cook, so I decided to do it on Monday evening, because I had some extra time and knew I won't have it on other weeknights.

I still had one serving left over from the previous meal: sauted, or caramelized onions, baby carrots, green zucchini, and brussels sprouts, with thin veal schnitzel in a mushroom sauce, and cucumber and green onion in sour cream salad.

Since I already thawed ground beef and some left over stuffing mix the day before, I had to make the stuffed yellow zucchini that I had planned to make this weekend. The left over mix was not sufficient, so I had to add a bit more with the thawed ground beef mixed with rice, carrots and spices. That went into the oven for about 45 min.

But, I wasn't in the mood to wait and eat that for dinner last night. There were narrow sides of the zucchini left over that were not good for stuffing, so then I decided to use the zucchini to make pizza sauce. I saute the onions and garlic, then blend them in a mixer with tomatoes, zucchini, a little bit of bell pepper, catchup, spices and water. This then simmers for about 30 minutes. After it cools down, I pack it in jars and freeze the sauce.

But, I wasn't in the mood for pizza either, and didn't want to wait for the sauce to be ready and cool enough. The logical next move is to make something that I DO want to eat. I was craving some pasta. While the water was heating up to boil the pasta, I prepared the topping/sauce. First, I sauted mushrooms to get the water out, and added some vinegar to get the odor out. In another pan, then sauted onions and added chicken cubes. After they were brownish, I mixed them with mushrooms. When this was almost cooked through, I added sour cream to make a nice saucy consistency. This is then mixed in a bowl with some mayo, and topped over pasta. Salad: cherry tomatoes.

This all lasted just over an hour. I got the dinner that I wanted, and now have food for over a week. (and my hands still smell like garlic :()

Hungry, anyone? :)

Backyard Massacre

There was a massacre of some sorts in my back yard. There was a pile of feathers, and a bird lost at least one toe. Yesterday we saw a bird chase a squirrel, but didn't see how it ended.

What a violent world! :)