ZOMG, Hardwood Floors!

As part of the kitchen makeover project, we've been planning to put in some faux wood laminate flooring from Ikea. Today, we were finalizing the plans, one part of which was, "Can we install this over the nasty linoleum we currently have, or do we need to pull that up first?" M decided to do some further investigation of what was buried under the linoleum -- it was a layer of plywood. Under that was more linoleum; under that was tar paper and glue.

And under that are the same awesome oak floors we have in the rest of our downstairs. Woo hoo!

Early May in the Garden

Little violets under the pine tree ...

... potted pansies on the veranda...

... George at sunset ...

... and the tree in Frankie and Radar's backyard.

Welcome Back, Joe

For the first time this season, Joe Mauer is back behind the plate at the Dome. It's currently the bottom of the third, and although the Twins are lagging, Joe homered on his first at-bat.

It's spring and life is good.