HFM

This week the cinder block wall dividing our property from our neighbors' was replaced! We had been hoping to do it this week for a while, but weather and uncertainty about Mr. Bunkport's schedule had us crossing our fingers. The finger-crossing apparently worked because it happened (this is how science works, right?)! Here are some photos of the wall. It's unreinforced masonry, which in earthquake country means "uh-oh." (If you're wondering, the boards and tile shards to the left in the photo are just an attempt to keep the dog from getting muddy in the rain we had recently.) There was a good jolt in October of 2011 -- just before we moved in -- that put a crack right in the center of it. It was barely visible when we moved in in December. Over just five years, it has opened up this much: Here are some photos of the brick retaining wall at the base of the cinder blocks. It's a little tough to show just how screwed up this thing was. Try to look for the ve...

This week we have been celebrating Todos Santos, a time to remember and honor our loved ones who have passed away. As always, we put together an altar of photos and momentos: This year, AJ also made her famous pan de muerto, a sweet bread made with oranges: Pickles got to enjoy some too this year, when she stole the slice off the altar when we weren't looking.