Bookshelves!

I have a long history of putting up bookshelves over my desk in baches where I've stayed various places in Europe.




The tradition lives on. And true to the spirit of repurposing household items, my shelves also have a history. They came from the upper regions of the bathroom.




They used to be mounted above this cabinet here. I removed the doors which was lots easier than drilling holes with the boys' jackhammer drill into these concrete walls.
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How to make Shashlik

Shashlik is the Ukrainian version of what we know as Shish Kebab in the west. Traditionally it's made with lamb, but we aren't very picky that way.  We salted and marinated the meat overnight in mayonnaise; makes it really delicious!

From Tarakaniv fort

Our team was busy skewering the meat onto the shampuri while the fire-builders were in action getting things going in their department.

From Tarakaniv fort

From Tarakaniv fort

and in the meantime the rush is on because it still feels stormy

From Tarakaniv fort

Now the coals look ready.

From Tarakaniv fort

Doesn't take long and they're cooked!

From Tarakaniv fort

an amazing little Drummer Boy

Dedicated to Anita who doesn't want a smart phone...

So you have to click on this and then it will play the video. It's from the 1920's, so not much action...

EVE'S WIRELESS

more spring rains!

When you go on a picnic in the rain, you got to go with the right crowd...

From Tarakaniv fort

From Tarakaniv fort

From Tarakaniv fort

When you do it like that it's lots of fun!

How to make a flaming torch

If you want to make a torch you need to ask a friend who has made one before, because you can't find out on google, unless you read this post.
My friend who knows how to make torches gave me all the necessary components:

• a used pop bottle of gas mixed with oil.
• old rags, like towels, raggedy old pants
• wire

That's all he gave me, he said we need to find a good long branch to use for a pole.
Well, I had my bag of goodies with me and handed it all over to our fearless leader who set about to constructing 3 torches.

From Tarakaniv fort

Which were given to the three torch bearers

From Tarakaniv fort

From Tarakaniv fort

As we explored the old, murky fortress in Tarakaniv.

From Tarakaniv fort

computer diagnosis of a plumbing problem

Right after Sven and Laurie left the toilet starting acting up, so we had an online diagnosis using skype and a webcam!

From Rivne stuff