Palm Fronds & Nom Noms

Sao Lourenco do Barrocal, Monsaraz, Portugal Adam and I have seen similar machines in our Dominican Republic hotel rooms before, but never used them.  During our trip to Portugal though, we allowed ourselves to be introduced to the real deal - espresso.  Adam will take the rest of the story from here... Sometimes the best intentions don't always work out the way we plan.  How often do you hear that? Of course we always expect things to be flawless, that's how it happens on the silver screen.  One morning in Portugal, however, was far from it... We had a beautiful apartment rental for the week - right on the coast, sweet ocean views, walking distance to a quaint market well stocked with fresh meats and vegetables.  The home had everything we needed, we were blissfully content.  Other than some slight operational errors, namely a television and three remotes that we never quite figured out, the spot and amenities were ideal.  My wife is a wonderf...

The Original Camp, Grandma Style - an all white, clutter filled, poor use of space The 2012 Refresh Fresh color, new flooring... ...and a more family friendly use of the limited space We usually travel 2-3 times a year.  In 2018 though, we began seriously thinking about what we wanted our simplified, "empty nest" life to look like.  Namely, not working 40 hours a week until we are 65+ and not spending the next 20 winters in Maine. The result was a 2019 shift in spending priorities as we began phasing our very basic lakeside camp into a viable 3 season option.  After a midwinter trip to Disney World, we redirected the rest of our annual vacation budget toward a substantial camp refresh. Phase 1 is happening this year: wall insulation, wall boards, paint, replacement windows, cabinets, overhead and exterior lighting, and an incinerating toilet.  The bathroom will be relocated and enlarged while opening up space for a more functional kitchen...