Estates Upgrade: HD Cable with DVR

Over the past few months, residents and guests to the BkE have enjoyed the use of a DVR system. This system much enhanced Lost parties and lowered tolerances for commercials. That DVR, however, was lost after a time and once again, TV watchers were forced to endure commercials and watching programs on the hour which they started. How primitive! That all came to an end once woot carried, for one day only, a Pinnacle PCTV HD card, hailing the beginning of the end. To utilize such a card, requires a desktop computer of stout proportions. That computer was found to be available within the family and thus, the hardware was acrued.

We're still getting the hang of it all and there seems to be better software out there as well. The HD channels look very good and the hard drive allows for about 16 hours of HD recording. With the extra monitor that is suspiciously labelled, 'Budge,' the computer behind the projector is a full blown control console. And now, we wait.
Lost: Jan 21
The Office: Jan 15
Heroes: Feb 2
Pushing Daisies: TBA

Pies and Pumpkins...and wassail!

In an excellent move for the good of all friends of Butterknife Estates, the residents moved quickly to host a new annual tradition. And that was a Halloween party. With so many activities, foods, sweets and good times, how could anyone say no?A game of curses broke out. Nothing like seeing Jared swat at flies while Matt barks and scratches himself.


Thad was inspired by "Pushing Daisies" and made one apple pie and one cherry pie. Jared put together a number of homemade pizzas, Bret made cake and Kendra brewed wassail.
A tournament of Smash Bros. was also hosted and then a MarioKart bonanza.

Deep Fat Fried Friday Anyday!

Legend has it that the heroes of Butterknife Estates once acquired a deep fat fryer and spent evenings frying up whatever could be put into hot oil. That regular tradition has since fallen into ruin, but occasionally, that oil is heated once again to prepare such wonderful dishes as fried onions, potatoes, cheese, snickers and Twinkies.

While I have never prepared a Twinkie quite at good looking as the one pictured, they are quite tasty and rich. You too can participate in a deep fat fried Friday. Bring your random food items and we'll see to it they become a deep fried delicacy any day!