Random Bits

We got the new catalog of food from Trader Joe's this week. There are a lot of great things there and I was wondering what people's favorites are from TJ's. I like their coffee, vanilla yogurt, marinated fresh mozzarella, horseradish hummus and those triscuit-like crackers. Oh, and the chocolate pudding. And the curry simmering sauce. The turkey chili is not bad, either. What do you guys like there?

Also, to my lurking friend JE, I got the brush cutter running but it was reluctant (as you predicted) and still could use a good carb cleaning. I'm planning round two of shrub reduction (not code for anything, Ed) this weekend and should have it back to you shortly. Thanks for letting me use it!

J and I are whipping the yard into shape. Our next significant undertaking will be to buy dirt and grade the ground by the house so that water runs off as it should. Right now, the ground has settled closest to the house which causes rain to aim for the drain tile, shoot out the sump exhaust and then cycle right back to the house again. Luckily, the sump pump has been working like a charm.

Last thing for now - I had heard of ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead but only heard a few songs and wasn't impressed. More recently, I've heard new stuff and it's really good. I was on a Swervedriver kick for a long time and this stuff reminds me of them. Another band I've learned that I like is Blonde Redhead. More moody, layered guitar and interesting chord progressions. Good stuff.