Category Archives: Experiments and Challenges

The Arabica Incident

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Julie-Ann Baumer

When I went to Florida to visit Reggie Black, he showed me how to make delicious coffee in a stovetop espresso maker, or a macchinetta. Reggie, an excellent instructor, carefully explained how much water to put in the bottom chamber, … Continue reading →

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Local Laundry

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Julie-Ann Baumer

Washing clothes has a long tradition.  Before the Industrial Revolution, women would take clothes to the river and rely on the water’s motion to agitate the dirt out.  Instruments of agitation included bats and sticks; how very violent! I found … Continue reading →

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The Absurd Routines of Life

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Julie-Ann Baumer

Back when I lived at The Coop, I had a certain morning routine that involved getting up early and spending some quiet time reading and writing.  I’d post my blog, do paperwork, and drink coffee.  Then, I’d start my morning … Continue reading →

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Men and Women Working

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Julie-Ann Baumer

Every time I drive north over the Piscataqua River Bridge into Maine, I pass a sign that says “Welcome to Maine, The Way Life Should Be.”  Directly beneath it is a smaller sign that says “Open For Business.”  It always … Continue reading →

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Dinner Plate Dahlias

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Julie-Ann Baumer

My mother and I took a trip up to the Aubuchon this weekend; we were looking for a spring rod so I could hang a curtain.  We got some fine service while we were there, too.  I don’t think there … Continue reading →

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Throwback Moving Tips

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Julie-Ann Baumer

One of my least-favorite concepts is “multi-tasking.” I’ll leave discourse about the brain’s ability to walk and chew gum at the same time to Reggie Black; I don’t think it’s possible to do more than one thing at once. Sure, … Continue reading →

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Helen-istic

Posted on September 30, 2013 by Julie-Ann Baumer

My mother is practically perfect.  If I read this blog post to her, she’ll laugh and then she’ll say “don’t write that.  People in town will think it’s true.”  It is true; she’s almost perfect.  I’m convinced that the key … Continue reading →

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The Ancient Rule of Neighborliness

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Julie-Ann Baumer

The other day, my brother and I were having an e-mail dialogue about enduring local communities.  We discuss this all the time.  One of the e-mails he sent me ended with the following quote by Wendell Berry about the resurrection … Continue reading →

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World Renowned

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Julie-Ann Baumer

The Town of Lisbon is holding a public hearing this evening regarding the fate of the remaining Worumbo mill structure.  I can’t think about it right now, because that old building has been a sentry over my little town all … Continue reading →

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Aunt Tomato’s Stinkin’ Thinkin’

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Julie-Ann Baumer

I haven’t talked about moving lately. Some of my seasoned readers know I’ve wanted to move home for a while and I’ve taken tiny steps towards that end.  I rented a storage space, sifted through some of my belongings, and … Continue reading →

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