Spokane Rental and Caramels

Just a quick update. Matt has been in Spokane to take possession of the keys for the rental and to clean and prepare it for new tenants. We had some unpleasant surprises, the primary one being that the previous tenants chose to turn off the heat, and, in the below freezing temperatures of the last few days, all of the pipes were obviously frozen, as evidenced by the frozen water in the toilet bowls. Matt is going through the required processes to remedy the situation, and then cleaning today. Hopefully he will be able to return this evening before it gets too late, resulting in only two days of vacation from work.

Matt has enjoyed seeing Connie, Kai and Natalie. Thank you Connie for your hospitality!!

On a lighter note....I finally made the perfect caramels without the usual requisite failed attemps! Unfortunately, I was talking on the phone and multitasking, so I have no idea how long I cooked them, at what temperature I had the pan, or the general texture of the sample I took before I decided to turn them off. Oh well. Making caramels has always been a fun adventure at Christmas time. Usually it involves three batches - one so hard it cracks when you cut it (note time), one that is too soft (cut rows "bleed" together after you cut them apart - note time), and one that is just right (always forget to note time). Of course the last batch is made about the time that everyone has made themselves sick on the less than perfect caramels...