tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54495975708931335962024-03-13T00:02:25.090-04:00I Can't Wait To Be PerfectAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-65237701766799043232014-12-22T17:00:00.001-05:002014-12-23T07:18:00.429-05:00Christmas 2014... and a look back at the best Christmas surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Gt3gogjQMHFnjTf3r5WlDjUx98pTxgqOcwxmatKpLCwt6GJ21OwE1tCj3RPNueuMhN3fpkVl5nyyRPYAOO2d5okyeiIU_9d__7LLTRYGGWckt14aatKlsJr7Pi3NTe2AhcX2nLEeWZhK/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Gt3gogjQMHFnjTf3r5WlDjUx98pTxgqOcwxmatKpLCwt6GJ21OwE1tCj3RPNueuMhN3fpkVl5nyyRPYAOO2d5okyeiIU_9d__7LLTRYGGWckt14aatKlsJr7Pi3NTe2AhcX2nLEeWZhK/s1600/075.JPG" height="320" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Hello! Hello! Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you all are enjoying your holiday merry-making!<br />
<br />
We're doing well, not much excitement going on, keeping things steady (as far as we are able). I don't usually have much hustle and bustle going on right before Christmas, and this year is no different, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to wish you well and give you a short tour around the house.<br />
<br />
I don't do much decorating so the tour won't last long! I really admire people who have a flair for it, like my Aunt Betty. <a href="http://bsneeringer.blogspot.com/2014/12/gifts-from-kitchen-brunch-1.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">You should visit her blog</a>. She has a talent for decorating that just makes me say "Wow!" sometimes. <a href="http://thinking-about-home.blogspot.com/2014/12/farmhouse-christmas-tour-2014.html" target="_blank">And there is my friend, Cheryl</a>. Her farmhouse style is warm and cozy, and her home is full of family and faith. <br />
<br />
This year we decided to weed out some of our less-than-treasured Christmas baubles. We make the same decision every year, but this year we finally did it. We sent a few things to our daughter (who will not be able to come home for the holidays FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!) and set aside a few things that we knew our son might like to have. Other things we either pitched out or put in a box for donation.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the kitchen</span></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the first time I've ever had a Christmas tree in the kitchen. When our children were little they each had a tree of their own to decorate in their rooms. They didn't take them with them when they moved from home, neither of them wanted them, so I thought "Why not?!?"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBYA6SIiEaO1N-AEIwZLPuHvt49ZuoPoMnSWR463tgoBfI5urVPoG5ETVJ0wB9Za38o4Dvjt7MmOljb1gimFi2jqUNbHKWOvC_yZaaka9S2FqWHiHaYrb875gRg47H2TFXLDX4txE41Bb/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBYA6SIiEaO1N-AEIwZLPuHvt49ZuoPoMnSWR463tgoBfI5urVPoG5ETVJ0wB9Za38o4Dvjt7MmOljb1gimFi2jqUNbHKWOvC_yZaaka9S2FqWHiHaYrb875gRg47H2TFXLDX4txE41Bb/s1600/066.JPG" height="608" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I call these little birds my Whimsies. They kinda make me grin.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq0BaEgnmc8MGTxIheZEGaZp4VWz7F15vBdZkWKNRtrfDim1ECHOi28mo4KvVp_Eys2EDZpNjlRQtRCLYRFTM27geOlvnTpSQm80lMZaJ7sPQHGpccCl-W_Cy7xSNf1QYUZS8qCrAP3d5/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq0BaEgnmc8MGTxIheZEGaZp4VWz7F15vBdZkWKNRtrfDim1ECHOi28mo4KvVp_Eys2EDZpNjlRQtRCLYRFTM27geOlvnTpSQm80lMZaJ7sPQHGpccCl-W_Cy7xSNf1QYUZS8qCrAP3d5/s1600/069.JPG" height="278" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That quizzical expression never leaves their face...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtbLi5Ufty_WOJiCb4oAPV0gMWP31g-tQhuHOk1HYBFYxV5uECb83F0mEFwUYo7Mh7CfnS03EricEGZDzrMJbTZ76wo46_2tPcJ4GOaakFNvM4Y-RdZfWqsmRZQ2FG6kgrOSAFmQGNOPF/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtbLi5Ufty_WOJiCb4oAPV0gMWP31g-tQhuHOk1HYBFYxV5uECb83F0mEFwUYo7Mh7CfnS03EricEGZDzrMJbTZ76wo46_2tPcJ4GOaakFNvM4Y-RdZfWqsmRZQ2FG6kgrOSAFmQGNOPF/s1600/070.JPG" height="634" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My house smelled so festive when I was making these clove-studded cinnamon stars.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBQKkX2QkCnqllrCNkvfm3toTqRCH-Vl6AKdKMKMHBDmb6ysSNOMMuyaLTNSCRXZEpXs4sxn2yDMvjIhyphenhyphenSuMJt1-KpWTC_5w7GK7QMB_8WfoYN8JRf_kG4B4JTXo7yB5vtA93yLPpLR7r/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBQKkX2QkCnqllrCNkvfm3toTqRCH-Vl6AKdKMKMHBDmb6ysSNOMMuyaLTNSCRXZEpXs4sxn2yDMvjIhyphenhyphenSuMJt1-KpWTC_5w7GK7QMB_8WfoYN8JRf_kG4B4JTXo7yB5vtA93yLPpLR7r/s1600/072.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My husband brought in a couple bags-full of pinecones last year. I made a swag with some and piled the rest in an old wooden bowl. I saved them for this year so that I wouldn't have to deal with the critters that come with bringing nature indoors. I was knocking down spider webs in my kitchen for *days* last year. And the pine sap? I had no idea that I would react like I did. Even this year it affected me and I barely touched them! I still like them, though.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOw24TFgSmYuM-dV9xIkORmZDLhyphenhyphen_2YiZv0EsN5Oepq25NKEw20okHni_L0UEsL3Cu7pPdg8Nfbqk7_mX1kXwHYLCS6kfxqLqT6nGXpRNx2wDFN2974xHMz4py6uMCbcLju-eWouU4ADj/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOw24TFgSmYuM-dV9xIkORmZDLhyphenhyphen_2YiZv0EsN5Oepq25NKEw20okHni_L0UEsL3Cu7pPdg8Nfbqk7_mX1kXwHYLCS6kfxqLqT6nGXpRNx2wDFN2974xHMz4py6uMCbcLju-eWouU4ADj/s1600/074.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>In the dining room</u></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The tree that convinced my husband that artificial didn't have to look fake... This tree is decorated in gold and maroon. There is no real sentimental attachment to anything here so I'd be happy to part with it, save for one thing. The garland. The fabric isn't special. It is just strips cut from curtains I bought for a dollar at a thrift store. The sentimental thing is that my Mom and I made it together the first Christmas after my Dad passed away. So until I find a different use for it, the tree stays!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U5BWKcI82Eiv_me24P8oFNk10rh-WnVu3Rm3HBsarLSV_LIx4lZkk7LFZ0xtK9f8mVBYrJZwjRSOOGWhtHT-6zaG8gpXs5fekn08wrRhWp1DVBfSn3EcXJ5Y2tfMamyZ8og92JR-VPdd/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U5BWKcI82Eiv_me24P8oFNk10rh-WnVu3Rm3HBsarLSV_LIx4lZkk7LFZ0xtK9f8mVBYrJZwjRSOOGWhtHT-6zaG8gpXs5fekn08wrRhWp1DVBfSn3EcXJ5Y2tfMamyZ8og92JR-VPdd/s1600/051.JPG" height="640" width="388" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A candle holder that my husband made from a cedar tree that fell when Hurricane Isabel hit us pretty hard. One side is for tapers, the other holds votives. The greenery is artificial but it is very convincing!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIl_obgDP6fpk5IiQH1bzD_XWJG7eoJCxqgdazxOcXMP8GSAbmQMnFnBy6zKtxTABDgH9Ftjs6d8O5wAXMCfLubP9h8SVkqYF1dnHpWMJ-PnKN_eqDwJVrZ4G-yO8MVvW9SCLrMK9e18E/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIl_obgDP6fpk5IiQH1bzD_XWJG7eoJCxqgdazxOcXMP8GSAbmQMnFnBy6zKtxTABDgH9Ftjs6d8O5wAXMCfLubP9h8SVkqYF1dnHpWMJ-PnKN_eqDwJVrZ4G-yO8MVvW9SCLrMK9e18E/s1600/057.JPG" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>In the living room</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is my husband's tree. It is decorated with (mostly) old-fashioned Santas. This half of the "we" isn't overly fond of the whole Santa thing, but I am quite fond of my husband, so it is as he likes it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevdBtH5B9k_Wnj9kKbtnfAj3PzBjPTPBGJ3RLInhwL185OWuN_vXcm-HBrd9tzhjYUsPpMpDRkCM9kmtkY0xpgfZekz9-gyZIa_hC6_TyteaErdGpxvbZEk4a-jbWJr98DnRBEQffZukf/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevdBtH5B9k_Wnj9kKbtnfAj3PzBjPTPBGJ3RLInhwL185OWuN_vXcm-HBrd9tzhjYUsPpMpDRkCM9kmtkY0xpgfZekz9-gyZIa_hC6_TyteaErdGpxvbZEk4a-jbWJr98DnRBEQffZukf/s1600/015.JPG" height="640" width="578" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are other things on this tree besides the fat man, like some cute glass mittens and brass jinglebells from the dollar store, a lacy star from an aunt who thought of us on her travels, and these precious 2 peas in a pod that we got the year our daughter-in-law expecting twins.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9ssc90HHgbdDPtCssh7KCcmU9qqMm-rgcloBpkPUfsmm-JkruFx1fVielI02R36D9n5eA1niXhgsztkj2ETcREk913EfZhogWIT8-ft_IVCAEUTi_uEJuoypZ8fS7rG5G9C4V9-guZzh/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9ssc90HHgbdDPtCssh7KCcmU9qqMm-rgcloBpkPUfsmm-JkruFx1fVielI02R36D9n5eA1niXhgsztkj2ETcREk913EfZhogWIT8-ft_IVCAEUTi_uEJuoypZ8fS7rG5G9C4V9-guZzh/s1600/009.JPG" height="634" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of a traditional topper, I found a wooden sleigh at a craft store that my husband painted. He added a post to the bottom to help keep it upright.</span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwA_aI1_SrnxN7VQlchWzRvMZAuOBQX-l9dkArMFZgpevGlOH_IyHfbVekeaFcV9TqojDXuJk5satp8fcihwdn9239ML4WaLt1J3SNft55xAqxU0GBqSryuqjqg3uB38X4xnNO8QefZaTd/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwA_aI1_SrnxN7VQlchWzRvMZAuOBQX-l9dkArMFZgpevGlOH_IyHfbVekeaFcV9TqojDXuJk5satp8fcihwdn9239ML4WaLt1J3SNft55xAqxU0GBqSryuqjqg3uB38X4xnNO8QefZaTd/s1600/017.JPG" height="518" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A Christmas ball wreath. I made 3 of them one year after I hit the 90% off sale at Michael's. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTnnDQwnO3-nAtAANZ2z-v_ZBvYR6-zPsEJHD85mJgfJ_ODo-utvEn6g9GACj-AwXqzaK8-R6jQ7GisdVdMPEao_qlqOnfr5grx-nTe-Izm7JSJ7O4zc29Uyb4nLtPt-mMX40aFMtuOfx/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTnnDQwnO3-nAtAANZ2z-v_ZBvYR6-zPsEJHD85mJgfJ_ODo-utvEn6g9GACj-AwXqzaK8-R6jQ7GisdVdMPEao_qlqOnfr5grx-nTe-Izm7JSJ7O4zc29Uyb4nLtPt-mMX40aFMtuOfx/s1600/022.JPG" height="640" width="608" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas stockings that my Mom made for us close to 20 years ago...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RhmR2DO0gzxnI4iVv7omgoSdDhYwMiBmM2DJgl9ShiHGxqZncMKrzdCHckDuYMR4vUUADe_4BmSQZSEpzwGPMMxYaBLhlKy4vpQFY37NLxcVMRgCxEaig_xDtrmF9fD8dwpddHMX9tFy/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RhmR2DO0gzxnI4iVv7omgoSdDhYwMiBmM2DJgl9ShiHGxqZncMKrzdCHckDuYMR4vUUADe_4BmSQZSEpzwGPMMxYaBLhlKy4vpQFY37NLxcVMRgCxEaig_xDtrmF9fD8dwpddHMX9tFy/s1600/035.JPG" height="608" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And the ones we've added as our family grows... </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I wish I could say that I made them but I didn't so I won't)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFg0fJLWVzIIclGNNJHD4SjXa8BoCBRccO-FsRjqx4mvsKdoKdJirPCBVYBEqhU1J7HLpeSxTctpJvLsCqvD_ERs0Ljpfiqo8nguZukf70h2Ld3g26ck5QLu1_h_Sg0jOE6G2UFEISeiv/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFg0fJLWVzIIclGNNJHD4SjXa8BoCBRccO-FsRjqx4mvsKdoKdJirPCBVYBEqhU1J7HLpeSxTctpJvLsCqvD_ERs0Ljpfiqo8nguZukf70h2Ld3g26ck5QLu1_h_Sg0jOE6G2UFEISeiv/s1600/041.JPG" height="540" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">One last thing</span></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You know how most children have baby dolls or teddy bears as their special cuddle toys? Well, I had a Santa (I know, I know! I don't like Santa now. I'm an enigma. What can I say?) His name was Junior. I have no idea where I got him or how he got his name. Somewhere along the way, I lost track of Junior, but told my husband and children about him several times over the years. Junior had a plastic face with a red velveteen-ish plush body and white trim around his hood.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One year a few months before Christmas I was telling my Mom about a Christmas display that I wanted to make using something that looked like a treasure chest but that everything I had seen was out of my price range. She recalled having an old chest out in her garage and said that I could have it if it was what I needed. So I found the trunk, opened it, and to my surprise, there was Junior! He was moth-eaten and in tatters, but recognizable. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was beyond excited!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took Junior home with me to show my husband and children (oh, and the trunk, too, but it is way down on the list of importance at this point in the story). They were somewhat taken aback at how ugly this beloved toy actually was. And it wasn't that he was raggedy. His face was sort of frightening. But it was really nice to be able to show them something that I thought was lost forever. My husband asked me what I wanted to do with him. I said that we might as well just pitch him because he was literally crumbling. And that was the last of Junior.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or so I thought...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My husband could never be a poker player. That man cannot <strong>NOT</strong> show on his face what he is feeling. He has never been able to surprise me with a gift. And I don't go snooping! Really, I don't. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So it was 2007. My Mom was very sick. She had been diagnosed with bladder cancer earlier in the year. She was tired and weak. I was not looking forward to concealing my sorrow so that she could maintain her hope. (I'd not make a very good poker player either.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was Mom's custom to give us money instead of gifts. She really didn't like shopping and she didn't want to give us something that we didn't like, so money was her answer. Occasionally she would have some sort of token gift for us that she had picked up along the way. Those were usually practical things. Like a frying pan. So I wasn't surprised to see a gift for me to unwrap. I have no memory of what I gave her, or what anyone gave to anyone else.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I unwrapped my gift, I turned into a sobbing mess. My husband and children had snuck Junior back to Mom somehow, and she and her sister, Oneida, had made a new body for him! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was the best Christmas surprise! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKAmeISbgnoZMeyK5vqG0ArmXo2vEvrE0TilvNf_La-uBt9cz3K_Bp1IPOdm3cZD_-F_SCejwgiSW7s1Iv3LMVFuSvglVreqKvoVyPBL1h76D3d02nrdSQ8Wsr6Ce6NofdPR8rCkyi82K/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKAmeISbgnoZMeyK5vqG0ArmXo2vEvrE0TilvNf_La-uBt9cz3K_Bp1IPOdm3cZD_-F_SCejwgiSW7s1Iv3LMVFuSvglVreqKvoVyPBL1h76D3d02nrdSQ8Wsr6Ce6NofdPR8rCkyi82K/s1600/043.JPG" height="640" width="636" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Look at that ugly, precious face!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QqDJJxYAkd3qM6UEspsXl7vayK0_IHg2a6H06gF5E7OfGVqqq8JalI65BXs0AU0Icq-Dc7N2c7-hJ64P9_XSLYhWiu2uOBeek1BfCwYK_ShrcR3Zbwd0tqNGSWmg5AzYJqpzySlSTBDE/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QqDJJxYAkd3qM6UEspsXl7vayK0_IHg2a6H06gF5E7OfGVqqq8JalI65BXs0AU0Icq-Dc7N2c7-hJ64P9_XSLYhWiu2uOBeek1BfCwYK_ShrcR3Zbwd0tqNGSWmg5AzYJqpzySlSTBDE/s1600/046.JPG" height="640" width="588" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the first Christmas that my grandsons are really noticing things. I thought they might be a bit afraid of Junior. Somebody <span style="font-size: x-small;">(ehem)</span> obviously did some artwork on him before there was such a thing as washable markers. But, no, my thoughts were completely unfounded. To quote Liam, "Dat Junior HoHo? I luff him! I sit on his yap." And for the rest of the evening he and Levi took turns hugging him. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Full circle moments. They never get old.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-67289387348682151392014-10-30T17:25:00.001-04:002014-10-30T17:25:07.336-04:00Easy Trunk or Treat Display<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhNbQSaF91enw1yw2Md0fl43JncAjKvSPs9gax2zfdMpZlCiJqrMFLqtr_ZjJKq8gP0NuvB3LHczkcOV-Fz8Te0Nee0-bevedDuCvJYP05WWufIpWj5PcQTuUxlSs1dBoQkLWLr0bIO4_/s1600/pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhNbQSaF91enw1yw2Md0fl43JncAjKvSPs9gax2zfdMpZlCiJqrMFLqtr_ZjJKq8gP0NuvB3LHczkcOV-Fz8Te0Nee0-bevedDuCvJYP05WWufIpWj5PcQTuUxlSs1dBoQkLWLr0bIO4_/s1600/pumpkin.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our church fellowship hosts a Trunk-or-Treat activity each year but this is the first time that we've participated. Not sure what to expect, I decided to do something very quick and fairly easy. I'm all about easy-peasy projects! This plan is for 40 participants. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Materials List</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
wooden board (4'x4' luan plywood)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
black paint (exterior flat)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
orange disposable cups (40)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
orange tissue paper (2 packs)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
rubber bands (40)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
super glue</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
candy (lots!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Paint your board black and let dry...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7BtriWQA03mPFSPu_GlR-bcopymMifHx-GsJQ2U6T2OQonlpcgbNwzkai-EiMfNFWtbej1hXWNSKEbVWpaZ4re-J_HdwR3YClMZwKowv_-pm0jWazxW9plDQQcp2zRs7XIPt5zpkv7OU/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7BtriWQA03mPFSPu_GlR-bcopymMifHx-GsJQ2U6T2OQonlpcgbNwzkai-EiMfNFWtbej1hXWNSKEbVWpaZ4re-J_HdwR3YClMZwKowv_-pm0jWazxW9plDQQcp2zRs7XIPt5zpkv7OU/s1600/029.JPG" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fill cups with candy...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUZsSVEwSSl4Ng2KHJV59DDjTrcUCu7a2cASuv5aaUUma7EeeqkWfEXrFt2CWPXiVo-3aY-SJkafW4ukY5EnOwhXOc25J0A11RTBErM5019-aFolZtXp1EnzOHG7qvQzGFdyXmUgIkvFK/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUZsSVEwSSl4Ng2KHJV59DDjTrcUCu7a2cASuv5aaUUma7EeeqkWfEXrFt2CWPXiVo-3aY-SJkafW4ukY5EnOwhXOc25J0A11RTBErM5019-aFolZtXp1EnzOHG7qvQzGFdyXmUgIkvFK/s1600/032.JPG" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cut tissue paper into squares large enough to overlap tops of cups...</span> (I used a double layer. I recommend using a single layer.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrYIGdn97FlqPhkPruVpWHihJFRztrsLLVUK5_Jzsj25mibD1pr6vSZrJQ81HLPl7kO6owYW5VhityOGhTAz64yb2D062eJZY8HLvSfO42whol5Ci3W2Wdi3Yf_OEn0usa6dMQlGyUYLf/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrYIGdn97FlqPhkPruVpWHihJFRztrsLLVUK5_Jzsj25mibD1pr6vSZrJQ81HLPl7kO6owYW5VhityOGhTAz64yb2D062eJZY8HLvSfO42whol5Ci3W2Wdi3Yf_OEn0usa6dMQlGyUYLf/s1600/036.JPG" height="290" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cover cups with tissue paper and fasten with rubber bands...</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtHtBI7PEY8P4JeHMqJrlq_XU-mcCL0_3Bj-XdB9YhHUlHMmrAsLZog3UZutJN-DqaNqU9Rt-LtgBtPYh1o0kYCTTj8BG-avsQeDScpxqvBDKosnBsq0myBH2KB51lEiz4cAI4IlnUU2o/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtHtBI7PEY8P4JeHMqJrlq_XU-mcCL0_3Bj-XdB9YhHUlHMmrAsLZog3UZutJN-DqaNqU9Rt-LtgBtPYh1o0kYCTTj8BG-avsQeDScpxqvBDKosnBsq0myBH2KB51lEiz4cAI4IlnUU2o/s1600/037.JPG" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Apply super glue to bottom edge of cup...</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIJ-6hmTtesHyh5swvRuDlITtp4WhSD0RxYVYEyXg9v3Ih8lnq03kz0OV3JOm_nC192vwjOd_tpNKVRPej_1awMHX2PTvclOjQiNt3adK1uUeBGyG74qyZDlhp_-eP9wNzB-PIHR5E70J/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIJ-6hmTtesHyh5swvRuDlITtp4WhSD0RxYVYEyXg9v3Ih8lnq03kz0OV3JOm_nC192vwjOd_tpNKVRPej_1awMHX2PTvclOjQiNt3adK1uUeBGyG74qyZDlhp_-eP9wNzB-PIHR5E70J/s1600/039.JPG" height="320" width="165" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Position cups in an irregular circle and fluff out edges of tissue paper to fill in gaps...</span> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacxoF4oh3VW1Mz5FX_iImaG5z7wfVw_Xse_-f8APBTQdI1mlo9w3BSF386ElTSP8mx6lBRu_EH4XjR54_SHGCq4RH4PcW0tKDYhgGLiSxQJM4bMDs-uvyIDluTsxGVDP3vVfWyu9gS_l6/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacxoF4oh3VW1Mz5FX_iImaG5z7wfVw_Xse_-f8APBTQdI1mlo9w3BSF386ElTSP8mx6lBRu_EH4XjR54_SHGCq4RH4PcW0tKDYhgGLiSxQJM4bMDs-uvyIDluTsxGVDP3vVfWyu9gS_l6/s1600/041.JPG" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Paint a stem, vine, and leaf...</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADEGl1JdBzJz57MBulrJfhiEUfhJc3SaRqxP-gQXMZdoWrvBT-WsLir_xPvCxWObrKFBMQhQqtAfUbDIfYdSuwOetGGAzbxO8BAPdvbAN6dN5-B5iHjx0K9u715E52XTAhr11DR8pEDTN/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADEGl1JdBzJz57MBulrJfhiEUfhJc3SaRqxP-gQXMZdoWrvBT-WsLir_xPvCxWObrKFBMQhQqtAfUbDIfYdSuwOetGGAzbxO8BAPdvbAN6dN5-B5iHjx0K9u715E52XTAhr11DR8pEDTN/s1600/044.JPG" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">DONE!</span></strong></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Party-goers then choose their circle, punch through the tissue paper, and retrieve all the candy! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-19399548215986620242014-10-18T18:58:00.000-04:002014-10-18T18:58:00.440-04:00Goodbye, 45!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NAEU-Jj99ze7sTWksnLECzUps6crym_-r2OnwK_iYzD9zG3YyeLiQk1-RW9BT4YAW74jLMCI-3lxmikitOYSa8IZHoe03OgJ9TujaRF0_8AMaRWDzA_BzqCwb6sQM88sobkbYQLh6RGI/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NAEU-Jj99ze7sTWksnLECzUps6crym_-r2OnwK_iYzD9zG3YyeLiQk1-RW9BT4YAW74jLMCI-3lxmikitOYSa8IZHoe03OgJ9TujaRF0_8AMaRWDzA_BzqCwb6sQM88sobkbYQLh6RGI/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I turned 46 a couple days ago. I've never minded getting older. Perhaps because the preceding years didn't seem like all that much fun.<br />
<br />
You couldn't pay me enough money to be a teenager again even if it were possible.<br />
<br />
My twenties and thirties were a blur of "What in the world am I doing here?!?" and the first half of my forties seemed to be spent in re-grouping from one life-shifting event to another. One face-plant after another. <br />
<br />
So, no, I've never minded getting older even though I haven't done it very gracefully.<br />
<br />
But 45 was a different kind of year. A really good kind of different, even though I don't know precisely how it happened.<br />
<br />
I'm really looking forward to the year of being 46. It looks promising!!<br />
<br />
P.S. My baby turned 23 today!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBk1j15EGEn5erOonhWo9nusEbG9rCoN-Ylf6DwT7bKt_3YOj5s4Y3NANt_2ySNkXQ_WNrXXKs2RsrPJyhp4_mMusG9hiU2nZYQx6H9Pt0yE9C7q7YdlIbbB0oNx5R2d9qTcBESURIHrU/s1600/birthday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBk1j15EGEn5erOonhWo9nusEbG9rCoN-Ylf6DwT7bKt_3YOj5s4Y3NANt_2ySNkXQ_WNrXXKs2RsrPJyhp4_mMusG9hiU2nZYQx6H9Pt0yE9C7q7YdlIbbB0oNx5R2d9qTcBESURIHrU/s1600/birthday1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-77627581067511118732014-10-10T15:59:00.002-04:002014-10-10T15:59:59.468-04:00Pumpkin Babies 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_bNF2v_ihBlHUskl7_Ed2CMAFjdTTMhoVwBSABYGh-51_FttdxoOJIkDp-fWLGSefE6awh4r8HND3iudCTjfJqu3LQUm5V5tVl1o4Pj_CiMunLDTf_KLweFDaO7pHMLGqxQKmsn8AwVU/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_bNF2v_ihBlHUskl7_Ed2CMAFjdTTMhoVwBSABYGh-51_FttdxoOJIkDp-fWLGSefE6awh4r8HND3iudCTjfJqu3LQUm5V5tVl1o4Pj_CiMunLDTf_KLweFDaO7pHMLGqxQKmsn8AwVU/s1600/title.jpg" height="160" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, technically, they aren't babies anymore, but I just can't resist calling them babies now and then. It's a grandmother's prerogative to do so. <br />
<br />
When our children were young I resisted establishing traditions but I've since come to understand that there is a sense of belonging, groundedness, that can come from simple traditions if they are done with a spirit of gratitude. So we decided that one tradition we want to establish with our grandchildren is taking a trip to the pumpkin patch each October. You can see our visits in <a href="http://icantwaittobeperfect.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-of-october-day-28-pumpkin-babies.html" target="_blank">2012 HERE</a> and <a href="http://icantwaittobeperfect.blogspot.com/2013/10/pumpkin-babies-2013.html" target="_blank">2013 HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Levi and Liam had already been to the pumpkin patch this year with their Mommy and Daddy but as my daughter-in-law said, when we asked if they were free to go with us... <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Everything is more fun with Grandma and Grandpa!"</span><br />
<br />
Yes, indeed, it is!!<br />
<br />
The boys spent the previous night with us and ran errands with us in the morning. After a VERY brief nap in the car after lunch, we arrived at our destination. They were totally unimpressed. Ha! Nah, they were just super tired. They worked out their grumpies by running around and gettin' dirty.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Grandpa providing a lift...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxx_bjEOQHUqZ3D4FsVmUg1fACejU68g2ABT7xPDvz6PHu_-VWWp4pV-kpx81lrjXUeRMkB1ELOiQW91BLpdC_1pTwrCZ9vsUfXTogU9K121PDj4wDsoxhqn2Lun8Cw2ZiHe732nmiWy-6/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxx_bjEOQHUqZ3D4FsVmUg1fACejU68g2ABT7xPDvz6PHu_-VWWp4pV-kpx81lrjXUeRMkB1ELOiQW91BLpdC_1pTwrCZ9vsUfXTogU9K121PDj4wDsoxhqn2Lun8Cw2ZiHe732nmiWy-6/s1600/008.JPG" height="640" width="634" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Levi refusing to look at the camera...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JTowKkpYLbaeWuL2iVwjyfIPXrZpYs74ElZodaNiXlkUYP1R6eJ7dQC4ciCDLLrEifmirbBPO6fsfBY56FNKtwQcVQ7JMpjlOTx-e7PBFDfzvTToSp5SY0J2yABlBlXJULH0JQUOFLQy/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JTowKkpYLbaeWuL2iVwjyfIPXrZpYs74ElZodaNiXlkUYP1R6eJ7dQC4ciCDLLrEifmirbBPO6fsfBY56FNKtwQcVQ7JMpjlOTx-e7PBFDfzvTToSp5SY0J2yABlBlXJULH0JQUOFLQy/s1600/009.JPG" height="554" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Helping set the scene...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM1Ecy7We4E3Ug_AstDc-POeTERH1kiBGGwv7yokWYeJJdwVyxEpJvv73M1EsXAeIEtRcavenKAIoWi9SzKkLWbB1Chf8Td5W2WxEi9GkHh320b9yDuYwqhHXHynJVKsBhPuWY9gG5KMo/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM1Ecy7We4E3Ug_AstDc-POeTERH1kiBGGwv7yokWYeJJdwVyxEpJvv73M1EsXAeIEtRcavenKAIoWi9SzKkLWbB1Chf8Td5W2WxEi9GkHh320b9yDuYwqhHXHynJVKsBhPuWY9gG5KMo/s1600/021.JPG" height="574" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Liam getting ready while Levi went looking for another pumpkin...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXmu3KHA0hvjyYWk14aFH3qKWFHiGTZjuag3WCGFgMRQu1IKPWh8N82BaibiHNYubQyHS1w2Rwum_2iWr3AYTmJq9ZchBfWYH4raFpPzlgFWYcB1Cu_WKfhok-QQAeqAAXLVYnA33HlVd/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXmu3KHA0hvjyYWk14aFH3qKWFHiGTZjuag3WCGFgMRQu1IKPWh8N82BaibiHNYubQyHS1w2Rwum_2iWr3AYTmJq9ZchBfWYH4raFpPzlgFWYcB1Cu_WKfhok-QQAeqAAXLVYnA33HlVd/s1600/022.JPG" height="574" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Levi still didn't want to look at the camera...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmN8Y9EAR6K94wK-yK1HneQsYbo4bk2Hkn7thlY9m_VHVUbSRPGEXoiXSGkKqYloTB0xBPloGUepESejenNXni6hcNcWdm3449mLD0hpQTdTez4ZjUKBxaEvLau6rEGmJLW7acF4lZ2VB/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmN8Y9EAR6K94wK-yK1HneQsYbo4bk2Hkn7thlY9m_VHVUbSRPGEXoiXSGkKqYloTB0xBPloGUepESejenNXni6hcNcWdm3449mLD0hpQTdTez4ZjUKBxaEvLau6rEGmJLW7acF4lZ2VB/s1600/023.JPG" height="538" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He decided to look after Liam got bored with the whole thing...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8aZNYXe4R9usrEj8Jw0iF457nvEchmhsd5HfVnwH4QbWkj2AlovJh4Xy7aOL0tI3VUmuNELbMF8jixOoSTmrjnmMe0vdaodiTi3ZLPW5D1b6mWVYJtlQdy0yj3n9WEjXPhBY1oQgrEe1/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8aZNYXe4R9usrEj8Jw0iF457nvEchmhsd5HfVnwH4QbWkj2AlovJh4Xy7aOL0tI3VUmuNELbMF8jixOoSTmrjnmMe0vdaodiTi3ZLPW5D1b6mWVYJtlQdy0yj3n9WEjXPhBY1oQgrEe1/s1600/024.JPG" height="574" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Running, running, running far ahead...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwTIqc9MTbr4R5n4VnGpc9Or_SLqAmy-VQMyPjHuNdiChnPVT02UBSv5e4kHi6iHQmOEcVtKUsosRS20UDiEyrQj7m9O9JIL5nsykdaEV4z4dKTx3aSOiie1Zrg6o5MzpbQy6pLpQf2yH/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwTIqc9MTbr4R5n4VnGpc9Or_SLqAmy-VQMyPjHuNdiChnPVT02UBSv5e4kHi6iHQmOEcVtKUsosRS20UDiEyrQj7m9O9JIL5nsykdaEV4z4dKTx3aSOiie1Zrg6o5MzpbQy6pLpQf2yH/s1600/028.JPG" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseckVBcvTjET_zM2ESYE9Ygz0AG6lK4oyH1OVxPKG2VWLtb9Vp9E05MZsP9OYGQN_7HZoc86gM9FS8UrrxAexd1tfMe7fPfXboRIH_IzxDYRcjayT8Tjo94nOEpGJwsIPIT483GRB_wQ8/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseckVBcvTjET_zM2ESYE9Ygz0AG6lK4oyH1OVxPKG2VWLtb9Vp9E05MZsP9OYGQN_7HZoc86gM9FS8UrrxAexd1tfMe7fPfXboRIH_IzxDYRcjayT8Tjo94nOEpGJwsIPIT483GRB_wQ8/s1600/031.JPG" height="622" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Picking up their own treasures...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlRe804-HxLu4QbJImlgtxyhkenmWSL87uv8tLY1-uhmN6n0FMuZAFl9AYvB5mvmHAoIl2IrA6Xqm2UHEPCePYIZqW2QhLI6ScEQdaXiNUOAu3EN14Xf4XSXVhr6OotCqedE5J-f519tv/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlRe804-HxLu4QbJImlgtxyhkenmWSL87uv8tLY1-uhmN6n0FMuZAFl9AYvB5mvmHAoIl2IrA6Xqm2UHEPCePYIZqW2QhLI6ScEQdaXiNUOAu3EN14Xf4XSXVhr6OotCqedE5J-f519tv/s1600/038.JPG" height="614" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiprMHYIgjDYLZCTm0VCIMfBi9lKTCnzCbHfH6NwW7A3gNaQLS6kX1kjcwpVSslnGwt-ywOGaw9S5y4ivvAHqTyZyiORT9biMu5R7Fd2vQ1ocBF6XhfI3eJHpKA3K_T_wRYM6G19yij8a/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiprMHYIgjDYLZCTm0VCIMfBi9lKTCnzCbHfH6NwW7A3gNaQLS6kX1kjcwpVSslnGwt-ywOGaw9S5y4ivvAHqTyZyiORT9biMu5R7Fd2vQ1ocBF6XhfI3eJHpKA3K_T_wRYM6G19yij8a/s1600/039.JPG" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkyoIyFd7ykORM87JbAeekGUAU44dMHZ-dypQiy8-i5N0U1Pi-c02dnbKnlpLPFjkLZbgoz-phVuu-P7Kk32P-2bt0gGrdgyUDm816aEy_8TBUXFVxUDxS4LhTRO37P4Iccgv9jqhI07H/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkyoIyFd7ykORM87JbAeekGUAU44dMHZ-dypQiy8-i5N0U1Pi-c02dnbKnlpLPFjkLZbgoz-phVuu-P7Kk32P-2bt0gGrdgyUDm816aEy_8TBUXFVxUDxS4LhTRO37P4Iccgv9jqhI07H/s1600/040.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Levi didn't want to carry his...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFHn6lI3Ly4m2YIHX2brEhEGvNUW7nEpiHf_8zQMlBvWMoOcp6zmZbozM6sfSBD1-qptTe3plSUnIg9bzIS_OYNWxICX_SRFz4a2xDiUVwduxAh7eR_qx6kIAO9UIS42zcSxqn1TgulJ_/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFHn6lI3Ly4m2YIHX2brEhEGvNUW7nEpiHf_8zQMlBvWMoOcp6zmZbozM6sfSBD1-qptTe3plSUnIg9bzIS_OYNWxICX_SRFz4a2xDiUVwduxAh7eR_qx6kIAO9UIS42zcSxqn1TgulJ_/s1600/042.JPG" height="552" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Classic Liam...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjrz62y9dOreaKMsr5QMm8Kq9gcy0roMxwJjP9xH9lpymYNTYok8n-pxIr6U52LO6RHhg1ennhS34k9x_m4f9MVCzq2Sw5ht7eCyopBSdbwph_A_Z897HcMicIagfwpTJdCCWW5wlUzIM/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjrz62y9dOreaKMsr5QMm8Kq9gcy0roMxwJjP9xH9lpymYNTYok8n-pxIr6U52LO6RHhg1ennhS34k9x_m4f9MVCzq2Sw5ht7eCyopBSdbwph_A_Z897HcMicIagfwpTJdCCWW5wlUzIM/s1600/043.JPG" height="574" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2dNXL3ZwNxGWeq2EuwnT1f6VJyiHVgz78t-TS4VehHY8ISgT1axgHvIlZzbQQc4Q39cH590ntsPW1_15Fxi2MqdBdN0v1Ai1iQlChSPcX-5tVwC-Q5EleHXnZzjOcx4yuEKTIUaVYMHa/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2dNXL3ZwNxGWeq2EuwnT1f6VJyiHVgz78t-TS4VehHY8ISgT1axgHvIlZzbQQc4Q39cH590ntsPW1_15Fxi2MqdBdN0v1Ai1iQlChSPcX-5tVwC-Q5EleHXnZzjOcx4yuEKTIUaVYMHa/s1600/045.JPG" height="574" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There's that precious face...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR0tILzXlLj5jD5V_x-YWu7w32QmoBVMZsw4ZP3VSYeMs3iKaxjfMmwdwZyJ8ltbwyX6H6cO9yR1uhhm473gPbqk_mhLHZrtx4GzEUBAE0Z89674bG66UhqtdZ9iruS5QlDSoB_6BcTex/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR0tILzXlLj5jD5V_x-YWu7w32QmoBVMZsw4ZP3VSYeMs3iKaxjfMmwdwZyJ8ltbwyX6H6cO9yR1uhhm473gPbqk_mhLHZrtx4GzEUBAE0Z89674bG66UhqtdZ9iruS5QlDSoB_6BcTex/s1600/047.JPG" height="544" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Liam very concerned that something was broken...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKyThRhyVndAibBhNMlfxevgEPOYq3vJ5g9falAGhBblE0yG5YzMntgoD9urStHCt152Yg7aV1n4_523l7K1BYk8T3EVy4aUyDAyNeomnGQW76dAZqQHSbLv-DGApQAHpWYbWsiTvKe-N/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKyThRhyVndAibBhNMlfxevgEPOYq3vJ5g9falAGhBblE0yG5YzMntgoD9urStHCt152Yg7aV1n4_523l7K1BYk8T3EVy4aUyDAyNeomnGQW76dAZqQHSbLv-DGApQAHpWYbWsiTvKe-N/s1600/048.JPG" height="640" width="614" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKJlIDSIiIeyKoOT2PYesBo214OXBUnJNiEvSjs16ZAyQgGxG3fo9SEcWeumW5uOAQWs1gc76SaqHRz4NAXs6hwQ3VaMM5qw6Yqkr3NjG0dlI-mrlt6bbQm5olamq3ajmirg6JLc5bTyP/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKJlIDSIiIeyKoOT2PYesBo214OXBUnJNiEvSjs16ZAyQgGxG3fo9SEcWeumW5uOAQWs1gc76SaqHRz4NAXs6hwQ3VaMM5qw6Yqkr3NjG0dlI-mrlt6bbQm5olamq3ajmirg6JLc5bTyP/s1600/050.JPG" height="640" width="612" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Happy Fall, Y'All!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLJ_apoWyarqqF52QLvyVXc03UiohXl3xqaOFyiAwbN_vq38b5Q7a2IhEh0wT21IKPXeONa-fA811YH_Yw3dM_2Jx9NYT1RMacFTc9CWVlkno7Ib8g7iWNbEUaekwp987821G4aqdNU4P/s1600/main+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLJ_apoWyarqqF52QLvyVXc03UiohXl3xqaOFyiAwbN_vq38b5Q7a2IhEh0wT21IKPXeONa-fA811YH_Yw3dM_2Jx9NYT1RMacFTc9CWVlkno7Ib8g7iWNbEUaekwp987821G4aqdNU4P/s1600/main+picture.jpg" height="560" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-72712843409284707602014-10-06T07:49:00.003-04:002014-10-06T07:49:39.973-04:00Make It New Monday 10/6/14 {Where'd It Go?}One of my favorite types of projects is Make It New. It really is! There is something very satisfying in taking an object and giving it some sort of face lift. Perhaps there is a deeper meaning there. {grin}<br />
<br />
So if I enjoy it so much, where did the series go? <br />
<br />
That old saying "If it's not one thing, it's another," has really come into play in the last couple months. And those of you who know me well know that I do not multi-task at all. I'm like a deer in the headlights when I have too much input. I freeze.<br />
<br />
So right now, I'm a bit frozen.<br />
<br />
And to top it all off, MY CAMERA IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY! {I know you can hear the desperation in my voice}<br />
<br />
I did have a really cute project in mind for October but it will have to wait for next year!<br />
<br />
The good news is that my craft room is all ready to be set up! WooHoo! I love, love, love to organize so I'll be happy as a pig in mud for the next few days.<br />
<br />
Since I have every intention of reviving the series, get your projects ready to link up, okay? I really do like it when you join in!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX9PxX1XTp6EgbbodEd-MDZm8G0zt2gJ-dywYP0QaighbU_u_sBNnRLkHiLJZJbej6reNbb4CAuZcX_WOV_lBTE_txmZ3zYFtks0cRDsXkkgMW22ZFzuZEjfUZmNrC-AELovNf640QRge/s1600/Title+for+Make+it+New.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX9PxX1XTp6EgbbodEd-MDZm8G0zt2gJ-dywYP0QaighbU_u_sBNnRLkHiLJZJbej6reNbb4CAuZcX_WOV_lBTE_txmZ3zYFtks0cRDsXkkgMW22ZFzuZEjfUZmNrC-AELovNf640QRge/s1600/Title+for+Make+it+New.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-1289082413818702212014-09-24T09:40:00.001-04:002014-09-24T09:50:11.548-04:00Free Food! Volunteer SquashThis past spring my husband and I started a small garden in our back yard. We didn't plant much since it was our first joint effort in gardening, planning to expand little by little over the next few years.<br />
<br />
No need to get in over our heads, right?<br />
<br />
Our plan was to only plant bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and Seminole squash. We ended up adding black raspberries, strawberries, concord grapes, onions, and bok choy. <br />
<br />
Some of the plants produced very well. Others, nothing at all. <br />
<br />
One thing we <strong>didn't</strong> plant was butternut squash, but we grew it anyway. It volunteered out of our compost pile. Free food, y'all!<br />
<br />
At first we didn't know what it was. Well, we could tell it was some sort of squash, but we didn't know what kind specifically.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi11PdrtfR6SyC6GbHKRuMn1j174LFo9oNYud-XwX8gPCJHUFg6lzjBJJ9B1pHxRZ3NF0YjnDXYwdqJNsJj5p9aphmJp306j3XWk9k3ZbBei7dkDHezhufQsAJE4qx1aAaUdbGwUV08y_J/s1600/28+yellow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi11PdrtfR6SyC6GbHKRuMn1j174LFo9oNYud-XwX8gPCJHUFg6lzjBJJ9B1pHxRZ3NF0YjnDXYwdqJNsJj5p9aphmJp306j3XWk9k3ZbBei7dkDHezhufQsAJE4qx1aAaUdbGwUV08y_J/s1600/28+yellow.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So we waited to see what would happen. Another plant joined it, and together they camouflaged what was a potential eyesore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvmy4JxGgfPoFX4zi_VIwwpDH10btDOY149m4GppJR7b_2TiWj_-rOfzJJT31gzOz6cfi_naUhC-zdaR8KFvvrRK9y96GZncvEhVS4FSZBy4ey-B4PYkeJYLu6NhqB0AnN-RiCpl7FNEb/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvmy4JxGgfPoFX4zi_VIwwpDH10btDOY149m4GppJR7b_2TiWj_-rOfzJJT31gzOz6cfi_naUhC-zdaR8KFvvrRK9y96GZncvEhVS4FSZBy4ey-B4PYkeJYLu6NhqB0AnN-RiCpl7FNEb/s1600/072.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Finally, the vine produced something that we recognized and we were able to harvest...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINe2yXGpqWeRMfttzi46XufRhyzHKO6c9UoMoRGYwLdPzvB6hSotbRE9iVAwhSBb2dFsy7ZY2RhiL-Z2ltjiU4A3NULFVtaFt1cmVg0o30L09cFIoQj1PFVLQImTAn4DTOX9e612Cqxis/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINe2yXGpqWeRMfttzi46XufRhyzHKO6c9UoMoRGYwLdPzvB6hSotbRE9iVAwhSBb2dFsy7ZY2RhiL-Z2ltjiU4A3NULFVtaFt1cmVg0o30L09cFIoQj1PFVLQImTAn4DTOX9e612Cqxis/s1600/009.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Notice anything strange? The seeds are in the neck of the squash rather than the bulbous part! As far as I know, that is not normal.</span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxArQ0m0bUkZe8b7kGkJJhipGnytt4yVMFD0GXzxCm8a6ucAST9ziPC8cqjOOg5QHQxo4xQdzCl-tRqFQTHL4CSnziXRn1l-7zhj1lLCn-ryvwJab5nKImZIbAayZ-H5T3YT8gT1aivw2/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxArQ0m0bUkZe8b7kGkJJhipGnytt4yVMFD0GXzxCm8a6ucAST9ziPC8cqjOOg5QHQxo4xQdzCl-tRqFQTHL4CSnziXRn1l-7zhj1lLCn-ryvwJab5nKImZIbAayZ-H5T3YT8gT1aivw2/s1600/033.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I continued cutting it into cubes, hoping that the mutation wasn't poisonous or anything. (It wasn't. We both survived.)<br />
<br />
As you can see, it gave us quite a lot of squash.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4kNi60hce-S2z4TZTSsMmAr-gFUynHW_JRsQmFkEyjdORsE2ZAyYS5S1j4DmNRO3Wq99ICDn36YZ2p6gFD5AC8LfWxwNSkxXTGOzt_WI41hkcnv-jPJleOf-r0pn47zrsRP2h-Co_OGV/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4kNi60hce-S2z4TZTSsMmAr-gFUynHW_JRsQmFkEyjdORsE2ZAyYS5S1j4DmNRO3Wq99ICDn36YZ2p6gFD5AC8LfWxwNSkxXTGOzt_WI41hkcnv-jPJleOf-r0pn47zrsRP2h-Co_OGV/s1600/035.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I haven't been very adventurous with cooking butternut squash, or any other winter squash for that matter. I've roasted them, baked them, and made soup with them. All with decent-to-delicious results. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What is your favorite way to prepare and eat butternut squash?</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Linking to <a href="http://myjourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com/2014/09/fabulous-fall-linky-party_23.html" target="_blank">The Journey Back</a>. Join the fall linky party! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-66819552733686799172014-09-17T08:30:00.000-04:002014-09-17T08:30:17.534-04:00Hodge Podge... Birthday Bash <div style="text-align: center;">
<a border="0" href="http://joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjkst7rbMP6lQOpzWsxEjGJXbckp5QhxMmUaLLrLB6SEfKpUi8NfnvnlchD1jUyHqZjYdKVA5aEDAOsnDXfq0VFeNS7FnhHmgn43H2a6ikEUQP9-8rYkLYt0wzZlsPqmPeE8y6tCpS7lu46RMfApnuFFr1AYf36weYr7MhPgrK7-DSXaPCeZgL3okEzI2tYW8zxSKH86UuGAbKb7sNh1nsLkUX-Fs4=s0-d-e1-ft" /></a></div>
<br />
1. [The host of Hodge Podge is] celebrating a birthday this week so a question relating to aging feels appropriate. Douglas MacArthur is quoted as saying, '<i>You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair</i>." Would you agree? If not why not?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">I'd agree to a point.</span> <br />
<br />
2. What remarkable feat, interesting piece of trivia, or historical event occurred on your birth day and month? Not necessarily in your birth<i>year</i>, just the same date/same month.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">On October 16th, 1384, Jadwiga (Hedwig) was crowned king of Poland even though SHE was a woman</span>.<br />
<br />
3. Describe a time or circumstance where you wanted to <i>'have your cake and eat it too.</i>'<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">I quite frequently want to "go do something" but don't really want to leave the house. I think that's pretty common for introverts.</span> <br />
<br />
4. What's something you do that makes you feel young? Something that makes you feel old?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Young... hiking.</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Old... after hiking.</span><br />
<br />
5. When did you last do something that was 'a piece of cake'?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Most of what I do is easy for me. I'm not a fan of difficult.</span><br />
<br />
6. Beef, wine, and cheese all improve with age. What's something else you'd add to that list? <i>(not necessarily food or beverage) </i><br />
<em></em><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Certainly not eyesight! Hmmm... blue jeans. I love a pair of old, comfy blue jeans.</span><br />
<br />
7. If I <i>were</i> to have a giveaway when we hit Volume 200, what should I give away? By my calculations we'll hit Volume 200 on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_403409651" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">November 26th</span></span></span>, the day before Thanksgiving, which means whoever wins would have whatever it is in time for Christmas. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Oh, dear! Don't ask me those kinds of questions.</span> <br />
<br />
8. Insert your own random thought here.<img height="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhLez5MdvxA94kQrN3Fs1iOEk_DjMShZAulwo6QkarMnfFE2qwJvqswpOfP75SQMzg0HJ714kib3Be1dBFOAIJ6FF4aIOTt73W0Tes9O4Jx-VubjBa6-8IwoN9jo8_FDM-pHafXC6vmfwbLyOVUxGWE1j_0e5BZ_dBZFJuxGGXeuoVeCtyYcas9KgazYwWtK6VZ1RxNahubwKKex2H_g7f9ApkD0Gdek5h2uQ=s0-d-e1-ft&utm_medium=email" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Every year at about this time I start thinking about what I want as a special dessert for my birthday. Will I want cake or pie or some other sort of sweet delight? Will I choose something chocolatey or something fruity. Something warm or something cold? Something different or something familiar? I tell myself that I have to do this because I'm going to have to make it myself. Or buy it somewhere.</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Every year it is the same process and I end up wanting it all. ALL OF IT! So I treat myself here and indulge myself there because I have created a craving. Because I've spent so much time trying to decide what it is that I actually want! As a result I end up gaining weight, feeling horrible, and not even caring about a special dessert. I've already eaten everything, after all!</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">It isn't that way for my husband. Every year it is the same thing. Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Every. Single. Year. I don't even know if he thinks about it until about 2 days before his birthday and only then because he wants to make sure I've bought everything I need to make it. He knows what it is going to be. He doesn't fool around with his options. He knows what he likes best and sticks with it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">I think it must be that way for people who have a fixed focus with an eternal perspective. They know exactly what they want. They know right where they're going. They don't bother with all the options because they've set their hearts on something that can't be moved. They're not going to stand before God all bloated with the excesses of this life, with all the stuff that they thought would make them happy, wheezing and coughing by the burdens they've carried. They're not going to ask God "You sure you've got something better than what I've given to myself?" or "This reward of yours better be worth it!" </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">They're going to run freely up to the victory line because they've cast all that mess aside. They're going to know that their day of celebration is going to be eternal and they just can't wait to get started singing! Those goodies that the world offers don't mean a thing to them. They're happy to be rid of them, I think.</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Yeah, that's what I want. I want that to be my choice.</span> <br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-80017431648286849672014-09-16T19:39:00.000-04:002014-09-17T05:53:03.898-04:00Monday's Sunrise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW8GXtK7mtWMaJKOsqGfkcC2UI0-kwTu0GeLLcg-L1ka-hRpKC3kWgtlbtsqoT95fMo_PpVnbW12pTxfMsyw8Tv4jQhkVFv7T-kG3XSWyQS3R55_0LvpKS5Nd91fBv2FJ3DhoOJqtOMO_/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW8GXtK7mtWMaJKOsqGfkcC2UI0-kwTu0GeLLcg-L1ka-hRpKC3kWgtlbtsqoT95fMo_PpVnbW12pTxfMsyw8Tv4jQhkVFv7T-kG3XSWyQS3R55_0LvpKS5Nd91fBv2FJ3DhoOJqtOMO_/s1600/007.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Join the <a href="http://myjourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com/2014/09/fabulous-fall-linky-party-party-on.html" target="_blank">fall linky party at The Journey Back!</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-74946025845091376772014-09-16T06:06:00.003-04:002014-09-16T06:06:40.951-04:00Hope From My HusbandLet me be frank. I'm a pessimist. I am neither proud of it, nor I endorse pessimism as anything good. It's just a fact. A changeable fact, but there you have it. <br />
<br />
I am married to a man who is not an optimist. Wouldn't it be great if he were? He'd bring me balance. Or so that's the theory. But he is not an optimist.<br />
<br />
Neither is he a pessimist. <br />
<br />
What he is is a man of <strong>remarkable hope</strong>. <br />
<br />
You wouldn't notice it by what he says (He doesn't talk much. Except to me. Or when you get him talking about history and guns. Or prisons.) but if you were to observe him over time, you couldn't help but see it by how he lives. <br />
<br />
To be sure (and he would admit to it) there are things that could have been, should have been different over the years. His perspective is often too broad for the work of fine-tuning that family life frequently requires.<br />
<br />
But regardless of the widely believed saying, <strong>hindsight is NOT 20/20</strong>. It is only conjecture. So I try not to belabor the point. <br />
<br />
And I <strong>try not to let the <em>what ifs</em> defile the reality</strong>...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His hope is what has kept him, and ultimately us, together.</span><br />
<br />
He has chosen to lose a lot of battles so that the war would eventually be <strong>won by the right things</strong>. That takes a humble, courageous kind of hope, y'all.<br />
<br />
I reap good things in places where I did not sow because he is happy to share. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1N6KiounQByn-5039XinnBrOfrGidZ9UkPYs_oU8c3-8KmgVPW4wYDlBAgJ_DKjv_17eVxFhKpeWom3GGlyY9D6h4s0zlLQN5QBe_3dTlujkuzOXJ4WQxcuDuhmSO_7KICc4gimAauOT/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1N6KiounQByn-5039XinnBrOfrGidZ9UkPYs_oU8c3-8KmgVPW4wYDlBAgJ_DKjv_17eVxFhKpeWom3GGlyY9D6h4s0zlLQN5QBe_3dTlujkuzOXJ4WQxcuDuhmSO_7KICc4gimAauOT/s1600/025.JPG" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-14438270600937638622014-09-14T15:04:00.002-04:002014-09-14T16:34:07.189-04:00A Complete OverhaulTwo years ago I started writing a blog. Right out of the gate I joined a challenge... <a href="http://icantwaittobeperfect.blogspot.com/2012/11/31-days-of-october-list-and-links.html?zx=a3ae0a8c60d7416" target="_blank">write every day about a single topic for the month of October</a>. I had prepared not one thing! I didn't even have a name for the blog. <br />
<br />
What's the opposite of quitting cold turkey? Yeah, that's what I did, whatever that's called.<br />
<br />
I had toyed with the idea of writing a blog for some time before then, but not with any serious consideration, so when the right name popped into my head, I jumped on in.<br />
<br />
And it really was the right name. For the time.<br />
<br />
Our children had both left the nest, but then our son, along with his doubly expectant wife, moved back home for a time.<br />
<br />
In the space of a couple years our number went from 4 to 3 to 2 to 6. That's how my empty nest became "Not-So-Empty".<br />
<br />
Babies are small but they sure do fill up a house, don't they? <br />
<br />
But that time has long since passed. They've all gone their own way. As it should be. Or at least as it is. And we are now back to two.<br />
<br />
Yes, it's time to move on into another phase of life, and I want the title of this blog to reflect that.<br />
<br />
"I Can't Wait To Be Perfect" represents both my renewed focus on the eternal (Heaven help us all when my eyes wander!) and the desire to be unburdened from the crush of perfectionism.<br />
<br />
Like any good perfectionist is wont to do, I began second-guessing this change. But then I felt a sense of confirmation that this change was needed when I spent a morning with a wonderful group of friends both old and new, women whom I admire and respect. Women who love God and love Jesus, but who struggle <span style="font-size: x-large;">due to the fear that their imperfections disqualify them from having a confident joy.</span><br />
<br />
I can laugh at my neurotic tendencies to be OCD. I can laugh at my bent toward irrational thoughts. But that kind of fear is no joke.<br />
<br />
It suffocates every breath of joy. It blinds us from seeing real and significant need. It turns us inward and destroys relationships. I know this because I live this. I fight this fear every single day. <br />
<br />
The messages of perfectionism that went into my mind as a child have taken up residence in my heart as an adult. I hope some of you can relate to this. Not that I want there to be a whole lot of hurting people out there, but because I don't want all of this to be a self-indulgent rant.<br />
<br />
With that said, I want to assure you of a few things...<br />
<br />
<strong>I am not giving myself permission to be slap-dash.</strong> My intent is to do my best, and even if it turns out badly I will have enjoyed the process. <br />
<br />
<strong>I will do my best to be authentic.</strong> My intent is to acknowledge the imperfections without fault-flaunting. I'm not okay with remaining unchanged nor am I encouraging anyone else to be okay with it.<br />
<br />
<strong>I will make short stories long.</strong> I've heard it said that if a story is worth telling, it is worth exaggerating. I prefer to think of is as dramatic retellings. This is for entertainment value or explanation purposes only, not to deceive.<br />
<br />
I opted to change the URL for this blog so that all of what I've posted before now remains intact, but that also means that people who have followed me may have to re-subscribe. I sure hope I haven't lost everyone in the process! I hope they find their way back here. (*NOTE: My husband had to unsubscribe from My Not-So-Empty Nest and then subscribe to I Can't Wait)<br />
<br />
Let's move forward even though we know that we're going to make mistakes. I Can't Wait To Be Perfect... and neither can you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-65163724076288019112014-09-11T12:39:00.003-04:002014-09-11T12:39:51.289-04:00One Pan Cashew Chicken (W30/paleo)My husband loves going out for Chinese food but since we are trying to eat a little more healthy, we rarely go to restaurants. Too many unknowns floating around on the plate! And since I like to recreate some of our favorite dishes using <a href="http://whole30.com/" target="_blank">Whole 30</a> compliant foods so that we aren't AS tempted to jump off the wagon, I decided to make my own version of Cashew Chicken. <br />
<br />
Despite its bland appearance, this dish was delicious. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifySGIA5fO_sBbGrVINbof7pWY3IU3MHuKpOtiAs8IKERO40R0Bw2FbnN0GrHFWhU6RCp-QDfYlyoDmTOJt8FLOjvveIvYhJ2Je78FQ3j7vc6HabnWRm-vO13DnRe8LnbezrUmEqsbUyv/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifySGIA5fO_sBbGrVINbof7pWY3IU3MHuKpOtiAs8IKERO40R0Bw2FbnN0GrHFWhU6RCp-QDfYlyoDmTOJt8FLOjvveIvYhJ2Je78FQ3j7vc6HabnWRm-vO13DnRe8LnbezrUmEqsbUyv/s1600/037.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A note about fresh ginger. I didn't think I liked it. But I was wrong! I actually do like the flavor, I just don't like biting into bits of it in my food, so I tried a trick I learned from Rachel Ray... Shave it on a Microplane! I went one step further to make it even easier to shave... Freeze it first! I buy a small hand of ginger, peel it, cut it into 1-inch chunks and freeze in an airtight container. This is <u>so much</u> easier than grating it fresh, but it retains all the flavor. Win/win!<br />
<br />
Eating healthy does not mean eating bland, boring food anymore. It can get a little tedious, yes, but we never regret staying on plan. Not once!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsuMb85SqiDawhZUXnT0nzF5hQe3oWTRwRjL7RsMsu-SIrAMO1xqqr_rfqjLolMT-iVuawnUbSwRZFGpofzZLnZlVaHPbIJFhdA-frtZUyWgPkMGL-pkgpGAy3xbyurpAQhZt_tnbhKKn/s1600/cashew+chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsuMb85SqiDawhZUXnT0nzF5hQe3oWTRwRjL7RsMsu-SIrAMO1xqqr_rfqjLolMT-iVuawnUbSwRZFGpofzZLnZlVaHPbIJFhdA-frtZUyWgPkMGL-pkgpGAy3xbyurpAQhZt_tnbhKKn/s1600/cashew+chicken.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-83002598810852572472014-09-07T05:00:00.000-04:002014-09-07T06:34:32.149-04:00I'm Overwhelmed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5rumyY-NZnk9RhJNK8eQ24wpUH3yfXm36B-ROhDTssaFpHLls7m1qyDcvjVq6sokZ3_WVkfJcj04evLk6qszdT5mamGHaFMUaUwWEIZ4wqAg9isAXD_2PAMqllARmxOAZUOiI3WG63vd/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5rumyY-NZnk9RhJNK8eQ24wpUH3yfXm36B-ROhDTssaFpHLls7m1qyDcvjVq6sokZ3_WVkfJcj04evLk6qszdT5mamGHaFMUaUwWEIZ4wqAg9isAXD_2PAMqllARmxOAZUOiI3WG63vd/s1600/021.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/F6oxXwRWFTo?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-32399695533346168172014-09-06T16:16:00.001-04:002014-09-06T17:04:33.641-04:00Slowin' My RollI go out walking 2 or 3 days a week. About 4 miles. In circles. Around a neighborhood down the road. It is safe and quiet. And if my ipod battery dies, I know exactly what route I need to take to get in the full distance. <br />
<br />
It is predictable. Predictable = comfortable (to me). I find my pace and get it done. <br />
<br />
The neighborhood is nothing special, visually speaking. It is young, so there are no grand old shade trees. Most of the residents are probably too busy earning the money to pay for their little patch of land to do much landscaping.<br />
<br />
That's not a criticism, btw. My own lack of landscaping has nothing to do with lack of time.<br />
<br />
The houses are fairly standard and repetitive. Muted tones of vinyl siding do not make me wonder <em>What kind of person paints their house that color?</em><br />
<br />
The people are generally friendly, though, with mostly well-behaved dogs and cheerful children.<br />
<br />
But sameness can become boring. Annoying. And I need to see with new eyes.<br />
<br />
This morning as I headed out the door I grabbed my camera and chose to go for a stroll (as opposed to for a walk) to allow me to look closer and see things beyond the obvious.<br />
<br />
The houses and sidewalks and empty lots were still there, but that isn't where I focused my lens.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7zltwx1GWIwpgKh1cEdsa9SyrON6IB09kHZHJJ0hmTXeGRokL7858Nnn0TaH0q6fb8KRZKT8edI1yFu5c3wukZJsFn1r7y9vtVG3zvQ2ZAQc7-_kFiTJj6cWk1a62AwyRLOdz9gz8R78/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7zltwx1GWIwpgKh1cEdsa9SyrON6IB09kHZHJJ0hmTXeGRokL7858Nnn0TaH0q6fb8KRZKT8edI1yFu5c3wukZJsFn1r7y9vtVG3zvQ2ZAQc7-_kFiTJj6cWk1a62AwyRLOdz9gz8R78/s1600/002.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgto_kOAExBrdRbkBO-DwYgDXylAwOaYj-pWhfVKIpgPD_D0X3O5IuNmMYzipKl_jlYTyniSgxju5J9r1W7ZUcWMsVe0JEvqiXTH5HYFJxEou_LAWc3keQUpwRigBSQ3_B31WldaEM1d_0u/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgto_kOAExBrdRbkBO-DwYgDXylAwOaYj-pWhfVKIpgPD_D0X3O5IuNmMYzipKl_jlYTyniSgxju5J9r1W7ZUcWMsVe0JEvqiXTH5HYFJxEou_LAWc3keQUpwRigBSQ3_B31WldaEM1d_0u/s1600/005.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4Fg-AeRntQxTxBOpaRpbED2MuQ-havtNqG_LX2jUNCDfY2HLiCx8tK0-1_o8jH_TBI4oI8Z-NheNZaMOFHCUggnONwTcQnBFDF63ABIQ7Iq_Dh6R_f30FgndVOr4rJ4HQq0ydOqYNLMy/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4Fg-AeRntQxTxBOpaRpbED2MuQ-havtNqG_LX2jUNCDfY2HLiCx8tK0-1_o8jH_TBI4oI8Z-NheNZaMOFHCUggnONwTcQnBFDF63ABIQ7Iq_Dh6R_f30FgndVOr4rJ4HQq0ydOqYNLMy/s1600/006.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuUewNXBcofn_4etanI_ocAWgfWe3gFN09sumWLKtLxFF0FRlIVYttuSG6nNQIe5a2-t5X0IjbFH3j0qUFnjWyLwFbxViTRcKa9h5_9w9AFL3f5pjOgWr2nEhj_2GuifX7NDr3Mke_LTh/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuUewNXBcofn_4etanI_ocAWgfWe3gFN09sumWLKtLxFF0FRlIVYttuSG6nNQIe5a2-t5X0IjbFH3j0qUFnjWyLwFbxViTRcKa9h5_9w9AFL3f5pjOgWr2nEhj_2GuifX7NDr3Mke_LTh/s1600/008.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQqDUSm6oUD4QXPfX2YofI0PWYxY1wAK9N3KvAuTkc_h7QzOe_qOrxwdLurBYFty-iDGFxN4vpEc9UlOQZhd75CLhef16jJD7LrfbePhVn04uhGfRKUrjCroUZ8h_XPRRIzgC0UukeAex/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQqDUSm6oUD4QXPfX2YofI0PWYxY1wAK9N3KvAuTkc_h7QzOe_qOrxwdLurBYFty-iDGFxN4vpEc9UlOQZhd75CLhef16jJD7LrfbePhVn04uhGfRKUrjCroUZ8h_XPRRIzgC0UukeAex/s1600/010.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahWoFfRXTakD9f1YuhVIIAXorVg94yt4_ZvO57URUftwauBftvAlgDn9gCygnvOAAex99bpLXm8hYncLysSlknKm11JFK62mCSBaNVK5dbjoT0VAPDBAsIUeko8UtMvkRSIkPbOSmewRD/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahWoFfRXTakD9f1YuhVIIAXorVg94yt4_ZvO57URUftwauBftvAlgDn9gCygnvOAAex99bpLXm8hYncLysSlknKm11JFK62mCSBaNVK5dbjoT0VAPDBAsIUeko8UtMvkRSIkPbOSmewRD/s1600/013.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWVz04jtCiemP56phA3qubSBsSw5eKVRNOQrqVi34eNyWum3mcbJeP4DEqeyTXmCreZfWRYjApDjs1phzpKR7pOMdpDM41OUMwBa4PmzueOUlhcJDLY8pK1UH5dZzvTgr63MA5nOq-Tv3/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWVz04jtCiemP56phA3qubSBsSw5eKVRNOQrqVi34eNyWum3mcbJeP4DEqeyTXmCreZfWRYjApDjs1phzpKR7pOMdpDM41OUMwBa4PmzueOUlhcJDLY8pK1UH5dZzvTgr63MA5nOq-Tv3/s1600/015.JPG" height="640" width="330" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AwF3ZZZ7SSXD_nns6wliEzMPEJsvAYaFxFXd6RMGvDY-KvtGMvlioAp2FRLsaXJvLG5eJrBFcVarn9RcGxa_Dq-wRMMZDf6Clq8CuMgedViqzZFKCRB3vGXMghKA0KvbAfETL0y7zVOj/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AwF3ZZZ7SSXD_nns6wliEzMPEJsvAYaFxFXd6RMGvDY-KvtGMvlioAp2FRLsaXJvLG5eJrBFcVarn9RcGxa_Dq-wRMMZDf6Clq8CuMgedViqzZFKCRB3vGXMghKA0KvbAfETL0y7zVOj/s1600/016.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXro-jJtkQbFKKdNLDRLL2icD9KPi645AQXg-DCSRVSB4i8BuRwPdjKg8jHTKSQBO_x3VDIB8o8DsSTzjpdsXmWZqgGXSOpSOdKGXn-H5mkjLxaC9k6-dat-ZQhbYAjr510EBwVlefrV4/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXro-jJtkQbFKKdNLDRLL2icD9KPi645AQXg-DCSRVSB4i8BuRwPdjKg8jHTKSQBO_x3VDIB8o8DsSTzjpdsXmWZqgGXSOpSOdKGXn-H5mkjLxaC9k6-dat-ZQhbYAjr510EBwVlefrV4/s1600/018.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsStl6ujYFp3rEClh787ISnqEYt3cyIu04PpgCYQ8sDM7CfRFYuAMBFK1VY7HteTCbbdVmf2DauCNBAa89n6seo4vX1eKABhEsB4n9tAZ83ehn2w1qQkzyV52z4nLqHQm2Ma3x9mewFjw/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsStl6ujYFp3rEClh787ISnqEYt3cyIu04PpgCYQ8sDM7CfRFYuAMBFK1VY7HteTCbbdVmf2DauCNBAa89n6seo4vX1eKABhEsB4n9tAZ83ehn2w1qQkzyV52z4nLqHQm2Ma3x9mewFjw/s1600/020.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAdOA23Pu1VzhMLurskq8kOCgaEYqUG-Y0_EHKyJNEb7D0s6Iuay1mHdxa-WUZ_CX7M_FWIcRBB8ug6sKbiBia0j7Y_kyIlsB8zwP4sXds5lSTm9c5RmsM4JEldEd4sXarlz90EPJj84o/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAdOA23Pu1VzhMLurskq8kOCgaEYqUG-Y0_EHKyJNEb7D0s6Iuay1mHdxa-WUZ_CX7M_FWIcRBB8ug6sKbiBia0j7Y_kyIlsB8zwP4sXds5lSTm9c5RmsM4JEldEd4sXarlz90EPJj84o/s1600/017.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">That's when boring became beauty.</span> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-71036542828377132832014-09-05T21:35:00.000-04:002014-09-05T21:35:31.459-04:00A Day at the Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Each summer since our grandsons were born, my husband and son have had old time photos taken with them. I hope they continue the tradition for many, many years!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today was the day for this summer's photo and since we all were available we decided to make it a whole-family day.</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeripr-cVZ994skB3oFbTcuRiuNgdgGoNrmZ6V39QoWioIfkDldEsLIJUOh8N0Ry37l2D2rMfHJPVS6RcCZChVCWJlv-c2k0AevPp8iHrW5gZQ4JNVfMGUh5_24hzScCYwZo6I-euwLGK/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeripr-cVZ994skB3oFbTcuRiuNgdgGoNrmZ6V39QoWioIfkDldEsLIJUOh8N0Ry37l2D2rMfHJPVS6RcCZChVCWJlv-c2k0AevPp8iHrW5gZQ4JNVfMGUh5_24hzScCYwZo6I-euwLGK/s1600/001.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTEQS73AQQMeoiSj5WgFgk6Ba1ls7-KzUcREdYc2FduXqYnoqSXO1aef1VvGr_roY0Pb0n1x1sH-v2oLFUkhQq6Q4Sqqcff49LwkYgKJRniNB4GTZsu31Cj3WtWt9b_M4fpffvl67cCtS/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTEQS73AQQMeoiSj5WgFgk6Ba1ls7-KzUcREdYc2FduXqYnoqSXO1aef1VvGr_roY0Pb0n1x1sH-v2oLFUkhQq6Q4Sqqcff49LwkYgKJRniNB4GTZsu31Cj3WtWt9b_M4fpffvl67cCtS/s1600/002.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZ8-Wi3nUCeT1MHQ2D6lM5baAAkS4LqfkONFPN7XKXyfAX7bayzXLmdI3MGCK-lcrbpmY_GG_ugCV4c4lXqt-wymfGWxRAyW1rzP_4tSvy4vDhH3GQSfbz9cPX_ibng2e8XWdW5i9dPxm/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZ8-Wi3nUCeT1MHQ2D6lM5baAAkS4LqfkONFPN7XKXyfAX7bayzXLmdI3MGCK-lcrbpmY_GG_ugCV4c4lXqt-wymfGWxRAyW1rzP_4tSvy4vDhH3GQSfbz9cPX_ibng2e8XWdW5i9dPxm/s1600/003.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-puTBiLo_fsO5i2AYhcjaXUkt8i9BracphoMKqeqtPjuNSbIHhbyDL7cKetiZNfEEbLYO9zCZb3peLVvI2uUyZvmvhB58m-9ruemC8e1DnXmmk3GS8WaQ4-Wb2geZtUnZJgWc9-B5hPyd/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-puTBiLo_fsO5i2AYhcjaXUkt8i9BracphoMKqeqtPjuNSbIHhbyDL7cKetiZNfEEbLYO9zCZb3peLVvI2uUyZvmvhB58m-9ruemC8e1DnXmmk3GS8WaQ4-Wb2geZtUnZJgWc9-B5hPyd/s1600/005.jpg" height="538" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Liam...</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkW6cyHRMvfyE9DjXFbN4IbeOzRGtpRThfcODioFpNRVar1MqiHLF5YrEmh6wYWFSjHeIBOWGO8JGdXk96jxsUgKp9OBhhqZ2htd0EtGFUdCkL_wMMX-v91vUYO5S38tRzVav5iMPmFFk/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkW6cyHRMvfyE9DjXFbN4IbeOzRGtpRThfcODioFpNRVar1MqiHLF5YrEmh6wYWFSjHeIBOWGO8JGdXk96jxsUgKp9OBhhqZ2htd0EtGFUdCkL_wMMX-v91vUYO5S38tRzVav5iMPmFFk/s1600/006.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Levi...</span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMSGJ2ecfZUukyYWhvcBmt0dr3twafJIc4AGlxvfL-0SXKXxF5SZucf836TYMcmgeBO9X0DM2AMw2eJwGSRNnUHtftpBnOGURBmHz9w-6iuWnhOxSXazktRYgiupnXezz8ILHkjTnlSnP/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMSGJ2ecfZUukyYWhvcBmt0dr3twafJIc4AGlxvfL-0SXKXxF5SZucf836TYMcmgeBO9X0DM2AMw2eJwGSRNnUHtftpBnOGURBmHz9w-6iuWnhOxSXazktRYgiupnXezz8ILHkjTnlSnP/s1600/009.jpg" height="640" width="624" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Mommy and Levi...</strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuazGUuQacgbI8UMfb2u5vtKv5ag0uA6PHoujrwBhuWLIzuOqfxhM_zB0XKDiHAJTJLGiA91seA5rDaKwOftuOikcZsL4hyufUv04cbNufOXW4TQBjwSg2Q1tow5L1BxdLb4ti0hu3mN0z/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuazGUuQacgbI8UMfb2u5vtKv5ag0uA6PHoujrwBhuWLIzuOqfxhM_zB0XKDiHAJTJLGiA91seA5rDaKwOftuOikcZsL4hyufUv04cbNufOXW4TQBjwSg2Q1tow5L1BxdLb4ti0hu3mN0z/s1600/012.jpg" height="534" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My son...</strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnzyTL1cdmQibWPFGghhOlqZ203vOnydbEDiDXGzd7zUXSv4E3eCLjoWJ9zy_EvpSY0Q2mkiGPIX5FsHAmfkb7W2SPtCOO8vB9b_NjfZEhY5ouGMAYdL9jad2sD1nE717MlL2xMQaXsy_/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnzyTL1cdmQibWPFGghhOlqZ203vOnydbEDiDXGzd7zUXSv4E3eCLjoWJ9zy_EvpSY0Q2mkiGPIX5FsHAmfkb7W2SPtCOO8vB9b_NjfZEhY5ouGMAYdL9jad2sD1nE717MlL2xMQaXsy_/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Grandpa and the boys...</strong></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5uj7m7hi-YD-IyAAdE-LhSq_Esi8o6_QpKMQ8J3uq1QmrSi8hE-5S1lUg10fMEIMLVdc6GMJXgdGZJc-Ux1s7WCdMbtzPg1uxUlAORE0RxYk0qGJELMDwp4B0o6WvOGp6UpFSKJXlRCx/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5uj7m7hi-YD-IyAAdE-LhSq_Esi8o6_QpKMQ8J3uq1QmrSi8hE-5S1lUg10fMEIMLVdc6GMJXgdGZJc-Ux1s7WCdMbtzPg1uxUlAORE0RxYk0qGJELMDwp4B0o6WvOGp6UpFSKJXlRCx/s1600/016.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIDiTzV75OBKB8JJeaqm_gVGZqV0809YIlEuELSJGWoOZLCswUV_beziYDnUHPC5hhNL4r4Hnx7hskH_M11Mky7tY8XaQo2pePmQabT-53Rn2RbVfYNY5ZIFf8_ijCoRyVpBfgoy4SLln/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIDiTzV75OBKB8JJeaqm_gVGZqV0809YIlEuELSJGWoOZLCswUV_beziYDnUHPC5hhNL4r4Hnx7hskH_M11Mky7tY8XaQo2pePmQabT-53Rn2RbVfYNY5ZIFf8_ijCoRyVpBfgoy4SLln/s1600/017.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jCl_aGhbMBWbR9lMIXRWR9VGtypplw7VAyqHwyeNbHAmO3l7kwDf0MUT0Zsi1jnLlPanX6cYRc7EsjgwqKdy18Tqdfaq0IiGhCZs8uce_fV139WlLZuqKvhJwepAHJWoWHBS7uUo5bI1/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jCl_aGhbMBWbR9lMIXRWR9VGtypplw7VAyqHwyeNbHAmO3l7kwDf0MUT0Zsi1jnLlPanX6cYRc7EsjgwqKdy18Tqdfaq0IiGhCZs8uce_fV139WlLZuqKvhJwepAHJWoWHBS7uUo5bI1/s1600/018.jpg" height="640" width="522" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7eAiDEL0qoyYt7-v5Tqd1gk02WR78O_eyRL6I6BI69JetNE7SsejdCDIZoULwbvYhSB2hEE-w-y74WE5lWW-ODUGFWfMatc2V9VyKjWff-er1n2BK42xLxWOBnZlkiadnKC059ZPw84R/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7eAiDEL0qoyYt7-v5Tqd1gk02WR78O_eyRL6I6BI69JetNE7SsejdCDIZoULwbvYhSB2hEE-w-y74WE5lWW-ODUGFWfMatc2V9VyKjWff-er1n2BK42xLxWOBnZlkiadnKC059ZPw84R/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Levi...</strong></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVVM0nsEW_y3P5JxldN_wYD7ymWDfXUq8EcvlsrV2dlJqdv84x48Lb1yetXCMIuuOJKJEeILnLIbDP0jFWxVR5GwXhGXW3jB9DIx3tVcv_S_SbpXs-ip3yVucxTCrQh4i9xxecmdovsNP/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVVM0nsEW_y3P5JxldN_wYD7ymWDfXUq8EcvlsrV2dlJqdv84x48Lb1yetXCMIuuOJKJEeILnLIbDP0jFWxVR5GwXhGXW3jB9DIx3tVcv_S_SbpXs-ip3yVucxTCrQh4i9xxecmdovsNP/s1600/027.jpg" height="520" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Liam watching the kites...</span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozxVVeZ8XjP1358S4Zv90wQJfUC9EknzEjjW1ZasrtwyIzd6n8sQKrozczjpQS5GKwj4MRIStECstrSSFlFqrtDAu-JhGN458FAbLG6KpNXLrBOUR97Ik9gKbObmDLp-hM88JeZ0tBoBF/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozxVVeZ8XjP1358S4Zv90wQJfUC9EknzEjjW1ZasrtwyIzd6n8sQKrozczjpQS5GKwj4MRIStECstrSSFlFqrtDAu-JhGN458FAbLG6KpNXLrBOUR97Ik9gKbObmDLp-hM88JeZ0tBoBF/s1600/029.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Their little family...</strong></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicV26bPt9pDD1HL5LTvEiPVdfflGV0a2630yLVV38EnqxVC4jAZo_pCHrDAIxlJE5NTZqsE0KLwW0ZmGdOOTxIjmR1LT7XCFVdTBofYv6hDfHLN-AIgs2w9NaTt_fEkFWh7aD8qXXQS6EG/s1600/033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicV26bPt9pDD1HL5LTvEiPVdfflGV0a2630yLVV38EnqxVC4jAZo_pCHrDAIxlJE5NTZqsE0KLwW0ZmGdOOTxIjmR1LT7XCFVdTBofYv6hDfHLN-AIgs2w9NaTt_fEkFWh7aD8qXXQS6EG/s1600/033.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Eating ice cream and cookies... </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">(Liam was telling me that he had a cookie.)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH1lQHrpiI02cQbuG7BRpKvZli4nfyJKpvhJJ3oSmodJ-BQhm4WZHM_MiN535v4Nte4RLjXHhIF-A0eg7QC-N-mMSKqiVtRjaf-V2Ac4F-4UJqW7O591QwZjF1KaVaD1eFvNtcgDcaGih/s1600/034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH1lQHrpiI02cQbuG7BRpKvZli4nfyJKpvhJJ3oSmodJ-BQhm4WZHM_MiN535v4Nte4RLjXHhIF-A0eg7QC-N-mMSKqiVtRjaf-V2Ac4F-4UJqW7O591QwZjF1KaVaD1eFvNtcgDcaGih/s1600/034.jpg" height="640" width="630" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The beach is not my favorite place to visit largely because of the sand. But these sand-covered cuties make me not mind it so much!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-9399495544447430972014-09-05T09:14:00.000-04:002014-09-05T09:14:08.072-04:00He Laughed. You Might, Too.Those of you who know my husband know that he rarely really laughs. He has perfected the "heh, heh" when amused. So when I can get that man to laugh (and I'm one of the few who can) I feel like I have earned a gold medal! <br />
<br />
Over the past year I have been serious about getting regular exercise. My goal is to exercise 6 days a week. I try to do a good mix of cardio and resistance workouts to improve my health, but have no expectation of becoming ripped, buff, or svelte. That's just not a realistic goal for me. <br />
<br />
I am getting stronger, though. My muscles are getting firmer. And I've been particularly impressed by how my arms are tightening up. But I still have that jiggly grandma arm thing happening. Ugh!<br />
<br />
Not many evenings ago I was flexing my biceps and triceps, admiring how much I've achieved. I struck a distinct pose for my man, and this happened...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Me: Hey, Hon. Look at my guns.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Him (with a bit of a patronizing tone): Mhmm. I see.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Me: Hey! I have guns! They're just concealed carry!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
My husband actually guffawed! Yes, folks, I was an Olympian at that moment.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-82852872262575105312014-09-04T19:53:00.000-04:002014-09-04T19:53:19.507-04:00The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge... just my 2 centsIf you have a facebook account or sit near anyone who has a facebook account, you surely have witnessed an unprecedented number of people dumping buckets of ice water over their heads. And it is all for the purpose of creating awareness and raising funds for research for <span class="st"><em><strong>Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis</strong></em> (ALS).</span><br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<span class="st">Basically you film yourself nominating 3 people to take the challenge, then dump the ice water on yourself. Or have someone dump it on you. Either is acceptable. Then off-camera you send a donation to an ALS charitable organization. Pretty basic stuff.</span><br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<span class="st">And if you have a facebook account or sit near anyone who has a facebook account you also likely have seen that it has created a bit of controversy. </span><br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<span class="st"><em>You mean to tell me that people are creating drama over such a good intention, </em>you ask?</span><br />
<span class="st"><em></em></span><br />
<span class="st">Why, yes, my naïve friend. They are.</span><br />
<br />
And I was pretty content to just stay out of it until... <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I WAS NOMINATED!!!!</span> </div>
<span class="st"></span><br />
<span class="st">Ugh. I had to decide which part of my brain I was going to listen to. Was the cynical side, or was the good sport side going to win? </span><br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<span class="st">Just so you know, I'm a card carrying member of the Cynicism Rules club. A silver star member, thank you very much!</span><br />
<br />
But every once in a while, my Good Sports United membership dues opportunity comes around, and I need to pay up. I don't want to be dropped from the roster and I sure don't want to miss the newsletters!<br />
<br />
So the downside of being a member of both clubs is that when I choose to participate with Good Sports United, I have to justify it before the board of Cynicism Rules. And I'm not at all comfortable with public speaking, even if it is only imaginary. <br />
<br />
It went a little something like this...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Esteemed Cynics, I know that you know that there are problems in this world that need to be addressed. This isn't the Hard-hearted Jerks Club, after all! And some problems are on a much larger scale than others. Now, it may seem awfully ridiculous for thousands of people to waste buckets of water when there are hundreds of thousands of people around the world who suffer or die because of contaminated water and dehydration. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">But I ask you this... Does a person's decision NOT to waste a bucket of water help those poor people? I doubt it. Just like I doubt that cleaning my plate as a kid helped any starving children in China. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">A hearty BRAVO! to you, though, for your tender heart for the plight of those living in areas with a lack of good water. Send them your money! Go to them and help them dig wells! Do all that you can to ease their real burden.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">It is a good, godly, God-given mission to help the people for whom the Spirit shows you to help.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">But, please, I beg you, don't roll contemptuous eyes at someone who wants to do a good deed. It is unlikely that they will ever be able to do a GREAT deed (if they even want to), so let them have this small gesture.<span class="st"> </span><span class="st"> </span></span><br />
<span class="st" style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span class="st" style="color: #cc0000;">If you are socially liberal, derision might not be the best stance for you to take in anyone's charitable endeavor. I'd hope that you, especially, would <strong>encourage everyone to help</strong> <strong>anyone</strong> <strong>who suffers</strong> in any way that they can. That way when you insist that our government put more and more money into health care (despite the enormous amount of waste and egregious misuse of funds), your argument might have a bit more <em>umph</em>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">If you are socially conservative then you should be thankful that, due to the donations, <strong>burdens are being eased without more government spending.</strong> You win, too!</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">One of our own here at Cynicism Rules has said "I bet you that half those people aren't even sending in any money!" I'd expect that from the most judgmental of us. When you don't KNOW a statistic, make one up based on your supposition to give self-righteous legs to it. She should be elevated to gold-star, lifetime membership! But, with all due respect to the one who said it, if half of the people aren't sending in any money that means that half of the people ARE sending in their money! I've never had half of the people I asked to participate in fundraising say "Yes!", let alone follow through on their commitment.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In closing, I'd like to say that although it is an awfully silly gimmick, it has been a successful one for which many are grateful</span> (<a href="http://www.faithit.com/heres-what-an-als-family-really-thinks-about-the-ice-bucket-challenge/">http://www.faithit.com/heres-what-an-als-family-really-thinks-about-the-ice-bucket-challenge/</a>) <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Thank you for your understanding that I will be participating with my Good Sports friends.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<span class="st">Okay, so that speech really didn't happen. But I have an agenda, which is this...I want to <strong>encourage you </strong>(and myself)<strong> to encourage others to do good where they find good to do </strong>rather than dismissing their efforts as not enough or not quite as worthy.</span><br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<span class="st">So without any further ado, I am accepting the nomination to do the Ice Bucket Challenge as an honor. Thank you, Aunt Becky, for thinking of me as someone who is <strong>willing to help promote awareness of a terrible, horrible, body-stealing disease.</strong> </span><br />
<br />
I <strike>am so glad that</strike> regret that I do not have good video on my phone and have to just show a still shot of my drenched head. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXFE-77_-1CRLJSjE389HzTCQIH-BGmnEKvy9Nzu1Bx6LYF9nPaZVFrhzjc9pJb7cozLvWGOT5Qolq7NISHBUtWndYd1AjzwynMO4gn9Mo5Bg_A_5RTFOWNr99cAyiWoBWqUrNWniguBy/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXFE-77_-1CRLJSjE389HzTCQIH-BGmnEKvy9Nzu1Bx6LYF9nPaZVFrhzjc9pJb7cozLvWGOT5Qolq7NISHBUtWndYd1AjzwynMO4gn9Mo5Bg_A_5RTFOWNr99cAyiWoBWqUrNWniguBy/s1600/015.JPG" /></a></div>
<span class="st"></span><br />
<span class="st" style="font-size: x-large;">And now I nominate you all. Give. Do. Promote. Wherever and however you feel led. To the extent you feel led. And I applaud you!!!!</span><br />
<span class="st"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-84424224141361710012014-09-03T07:59:00.000-04:002014-09-03T08:21:36.203-04:00Hodge Podge Wednesday 9/3/14... Getting Schooled<div style="text-align: left;">
It's Hodge Podge Wednesday again, where someone else asks the questions and I think I have all the answers<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">{insert super-sized grin here}</span></div>
<br />
<br />
1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to actually doing?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">I think I did everything that I had planned to do, and more! Unless you count not having custom cabinetry built. That was completely out of my control. I think we've come up with a good alternative until then, so I'm okay with it.</span><br />
<br />
2. Share a favorite memory of your own back -to-school days as a child?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Making book covers from paper bags. They started out so nice and crisp, then ended up tattered in no time.</span><br />
<br />
3. What's one chore or daily task you prefer doing 'old-school' ?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Reading books. I don't think I could ever get used to reading a book on an electronic device.</span><br />
<br />
4. Share something you've learned in life through the 'school of hard knocks'?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Oh, dear! What <em>haven't</em> I learned from the school of hard knocks? I'm pretty hard-headed and it takes me repeated "lesson learned" moments to get the message.</span><br />
<br />
5. As a child, did you mostly bring or buy your lunch for school? What was your favorite thing to find in your lunchbox?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">I'd say it was about half and half. I would sit down with my Mom when I got the menu for the month and decide which days I would buy and which days I would pack a lunch. I really liked finding 15 cents in my lunch box for an ice cream :-D</span><br />
<br />
6. Football season is upon us which has me wondering... how big of a sports fan are you (not just football) ? On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being '<i>I scream at the players through my television screen</i>' and 1 being '<i>is knitting a sport</i>?' where do you fall in fandom?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Why is there no zero on this scale? I couldn't care less about watching sports. Enduring my own exercise is quite enough sport for me!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
7. Share a favorite quote you think might inspire students of all ages at the start of a new school year.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">"Be the one who smiles first, not the one who only smiles in return." </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"></span><br />
8. Insert your own random thought here.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Tonight (Wednesday) starts a new Bible Class for the little ones in our church fellowship. My daughter-in-law told me that our grandsons had been asking for us all day yesterday so she kept telling them "Tomorrow you will go to church with Grandma and Grandpa." When we had to go over to their house last night to pick something up from our son, the twins were so excited! They thought we would be taking them with us. (Oh, you see what is coming, don't you?) Liam laid his little hand on his chest and said "Go to church. In Grandma's car." When we had to leave without them (we couldn't take them with us because we were in the pickup with no car seats) Levi cried so hard that I just had to walk out the door. {sigh} I love that they love us, but sometimes it is so sad when they are too little to understand what "tomorrow" means. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Sometimes we get anxious for God's promise to deliver us and we become like a 2 year old... earnestly believing the promise but not understanding the timing. And we cry out. Passionately. Like a wounded animal. Often times angrily. We want to know why this is not redeemed. RIGHT NOW! I don't have the answers for His delay. So when answers fail, I must look to faith. And that is so very hard. But when I do, His reward is more often than not far better than I even expected.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"></span>
<a border="0" href="http://joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab305/SincerelyShannon-designs/Blog%20Buttons/Hodgepodgebutton.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-90628523047720433222014-09-02T07:28:00.000-04:002014-09-02T07:28:11.067-04:00In the Kitchen... Pickled Onions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrKu50vkZhLtu2vo1nTBR6QJo7YNZfr1tKuiIK-ODRgr1BKo9s6u2lbXETJx7wJDD6EJuzJPWvHr8CDCzAcC8c6UPZiFguF4uSQTHMOUm45a-ECCJksBlg416NB2ISKmA97JQw6UCQJDL/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrKu50vkZhLtu2vo1nTBR6QJo7YNZfr1tKuiIK-ODRgr1BKo9s6u2lbXETJx7wJDD6EJuzJPWvHr8CDCzAcC8c6UPZiFguF4uSQTHMOUm45a-ECCJksBlg416NB2ISKmA97JQw6UCQJDL/s1600/012.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At the beginning of summer, I was gifted a bunch of onion sets to grow in my garden. We hadn't planned on growing any onions, but we received them gratefully and planted them all.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0MLWv94cV85LnqB9qST-GUOh0yTcE63NUfEgaH95X6LdS821QygllMjS2pQ-jS4G4Lr_DZnCx8jUE3-r49KD_7PPG4XMr_9PM03EOaBykWhKsaRwfTk4avFAcDgsusnxfT31zg6sWOCD/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0MLWv94cV85LnqB9qST-GUOh0yTcE63NUfEgaH95X6LdS821QygllMjS2pQ-jS4G4Lr_DZnCx8jUE3-r49KD_7PPG4XMr_9PM03EOaBykWhKsaRwfTk4avFAcDgsusnxfT31zg6sWOCD/s1600/002.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just a fraction of the onions I grew. I gave some away and used quite a lot in cooking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So I had all these onions and I wasn't quite sure what to do with them since I prefer milder sweet onions. Then one evening "Pickled Onions" popped into my head for some unknown reason. I've only had them a few times on fish tacos, but they seem like they would complement quite a few dishes.<br />
<br />
But since all sorts of odd things pop into my head, so I wasn't disturbed by this occurrence.<br />
<br />
Sitting on the back deck peeling onions wasn't something that I really wanted to be doing on a Sunday evening, but that's when I had the idea so I just went with it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMzw04TSRM3CnZSNfOxyWO2q3i9VhIRcToIbstXxRJJqPeNMbsgxOwkRRIYLZ1DW_TjfJFIpJ3Vywd112J3tjm2cAga_T1Vh7_zSR0jyEtRZUMOeNFtTNBU8EXW_Vh-1w9EZlLONIFNvP/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMzw04TSRM3CnZSNfOxyWO2q3i9VhIRcToIbstXxRJJqPeNMbsgxOwkRRIYLZ1DW_TjfJFIpJ3Vywd112J3tjm2cAga_T1Vh7_zSR0jyEtRZUMOeNFtTNBU8EXW_Vh-1w9EZlLONIFNvP/s1600/006.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I don't particularly like to cook but I do enjoy experimenting with cooking and creating new recipes. If I could afford it I'd hire someone to do the day in and day out life-sustaining kind of cookery.<br />
<br />
Since I had no idea what to put in pickled onions I read through a couple dozen recipes for them. Not one of them was the same so I figured I could just wing it. YES! That's my favorite kind of cooking. Measuring is just too fiddly.<br />
<br />
Also, I did not want to use any kind of sweetener so that I could eat the onions when I am doing a strict Whole30 dietary cleanse. These are not for the faint of heart... NO sugar to soften the vinegary bite!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiYmmGeB7K7Tgoraypom-3OtcXFzPO2oru0NRO_-jCmbRecZL6V3KY2Ol0Gt50h-2yu05LWwhXF7yluLhzDInRRDjaytksOBxHfn0ijDJeaUK8PkT7EuLQkQAjYYk4v9cxT4bCxeiS5Yl/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiYmmGeB7K7Tgoraypom-3OtcXFzPO2oru0NRO_-jCmbRecZL6V3KY2Ol0Gt50h-2yu05LWwhXF7yluLhzDInRRDjaytksOBxHfn0ijDJeaUK8PkT7EuLQkQAjYYk4v9cxT4bCxeiS5Yl/s1600/004.jpg" height="552" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So here's what I used, measurements are approximate...<br />
<br />
6 cups sliced onions<br />
1 quart white vinegar<br />
6 star anise<br />
1 Tablespoon whole cloves<br />
2 teaspoons black peppercorns<br />
2 teaspoons whole mustard seeds<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
liquid from 1 can of red beets <br />
<br />
The beet juice is for color only. I wanted pretty pink onions! Use red onions and the beet juice is completely unnecessary.<br />
<br />
First I seasoned my vinegar with all the spices. Just mix 'em together in a quart jar and let it sit for about an hour, depending on how strong you want it to taste. Then I strained out the spices and poured the vinegar and beet juice in a glass bowl with the par-blanched onion slices. (Par-blanch by pouring boiling water over onions in a wire mesh sieve.)<br />
<br />
You could put the par-blanched onions directly into the jars and fill them with the pickling liquid to skip a step. I didn't think of that until later because all the recipes that I referenced were small batch and did not do a canning process. <br />
<br />
I did a simple 10 minute water bath canning method (no special equipment) and all 6 half-pint jars sealed. <br />
<br />
Love to hear that Pop! Pop! Popping as they settle!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lV_bJkNR2E8f8c4pkafBi9pHZBWGvorTFHwNTAp1mwZYGDbAUQcljyXDjy_b3HeFyNZ0kg8z05hA05LCyPQxgohN30_ixFMU7qW7WiNEAertlU1Vz3zHLrC8HjWMH_-MA_p5WDf3pREs/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lV_bJkNR2E8f8c4pkafBi9pHZBWGvorTFHwNTAp1mwZYGDbAUQcljyXDjy_b3HeFyNZ0kg8z05hA05LCyPQxgohN30_ixFMU7qW7WiNEAertlU1Vz3zHLrC8HjWMH_-MA_p5WDf3pREs/s1600/010.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMVxVDE_IKSiHzUA4Q8mDjuO2xJTKwNR0z-2L7uRyEPRmrTpWjudM5QLVXHSVzNanVh73ojwzRF4fLICknAsR33NbBN-UfWVJTMbzRjRhm25dUodiH2G4vZ1QTw2RcsC5Qr8eCFyophPD/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMVxVDE_IKSiHzUA4Q8mDjuO2xJTKwNR0z-2L7uRyEPRmrTpWjudM5QLVXHSVzNanVh73ojwzRF4fLICknAsR33NbBN-UfWVJTMbzRjRhm25dUodiH2G4vZ1QTw2RcsC5Qr8eCFyophPD/s1600/015.jpg" height="222" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jar on the far left has all the red onions. It is only slightly darker so I think I did a pretty good job of using the right amount of beet juice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had some extra onion slices, not enough to make another full half-pint so I just threw them in a quart jar with the beets from the can and the extra pickling liquid and put them in the refrigerator to use right away. Let me say again... These pickled onions are very vinegary. VERY! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9_e0BO_wJyHIoEbdGp2CUGpkGgyZqjzx8-RHDt6ejznjNKZO2pzzgs2RLJGCXFuCNLqJ8-Cq_VAtTdlNPKM6aSqCIiU_EGwvf0YUMv40FdKCe9TNjfXsj8TUw2MCLdtCohQPxSHf5lc4/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9_e0BO_wJyHIoEbdGp2CUGpkGgyZqjzx8-RHDt6ejznjNKZO2pzzgs2RLJGCXFuCNLqJ8-Cq_VAtTdlNPKM6aSqCIiU_EGwvf0YUMv40FdKCe9TNjfXsj8TUw2MCLdtCohQPxSHf5lc4/s1600/007.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
That's about it. <br />
<br />
I tried them right away on a plate of chicken salad. Um, YUM! We had them with dinner as a condiment for salmon. Eh, so-so. They will probably be served with burgers later in the week. Zing!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What do you think pickled onions would add a nice touch to?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-68616334024854247142014-09-01T15:21:00.000-04:002014-09-01T18:43:59.328-04:00Welcome September {2014}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrq1SMZ8zjqNhjbpAJ5Gbt1zC8J1kZ2fm-_biDf8YIT9G4vmbnYTykOU_hJFfrtF2DYJvNPDxAoGWAdE65TUsX21sC6k4jTcwWhlqM7BI6SG97NA8pAH3H7X1hKQVsuji7pgC00a14PcO/s1600/Welcome+September.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrq1SMZ8zjqNhjbpAJ5Gbt1zC8J1kZ2fm-_biDf8YIT9G4vmbnYTykOU_hJFfrtF2DYJvNPDxAoGWAdE65TUsX21sC6k4jTcwWhlqM7BI6SG97NA8pAH3H7X1hKQVsuji7pgC00a14PcO/s1600/Welcome+September.png" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY LABOR DAY!!</span></div>
<br />
I've been a little lax in the writing department recently. For quite some time, really.<br />
<br />
Inconsistent creativity. Perhaps that is typical for a lot of people who possess a bipolar brain.<br />
<br />
But this first morning of September brought with it a surge of newness that I didn't want to miss out on! It doesn't matter if it fizzles out in a day, or a week. <br />
<br />
I am receiving this gift as if it were from the very hand of God. Because it is!<br />
<br />
Too often I've said "No, thanks! It isn't going to last anyway so why get all excited?" Sad, sad, sad!<br />
<br />
Today I was to begin my new exercise routine with a 4 mile walk and a kettlebell workout. The weather did not cooperate (rain and oppressive humidity) but not to be daunted I popped in an indoor walking program DVD and followed that for about 4 and a half miles. I had never done this particular routine before (this is borrowed from a friend) and it was much tougher than the others I've used. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHlbfKNI8_-Vzx0zlkcahvSy6zyXQRXxZr3UvKDX72zK1JNBX-toq0WNcNuq629Dyailox2vqvMErgSoo_VtT63xt-vUEgLTuTiDd7AK3LBv4fBU933GEdGOHZn_f4BkYeoSYB5C4uaau/s1600/61MPipJrqQL__SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHlbfKNI8_-Vzx0zlkcahvSy6zyXQRXxZr3UvKDX72zK1JNBX-toq0WNcNuq629Dyailox2vqvMErgSoo_VtT63xt-vUEgLTuTiDd7AK3LBv4fBU933GEdGOHZn_f4BkYeoSYB5C4uaau/s1600/61MPipJrqQL__SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the DVD I followed this morning. I didn't provide a link because I am not endorsing it, only providing the information. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After showering (did someone let an old goat in here?!?) and taking a quick trip to the grocery store, I worked on a recipe experiment. I'll share the results regardless of their success. Just a hint... you might want to have a tissue handy.<br />
<br />
And now that lunch is done, I'm off to take a nap and do some other piddling things that need taking care of. Hopefully Stewart will be home early enough for us to have a good chat before I go swimming later. I'm going to try for a mile if the weather cooperates and the sun doesn't go down before I'm done.<br />
<br />
See ya soon!<br />
<br />
***UPDATE*** I did 80 laps in the pool. 74 is a mile. Where'd all that energy come from?!?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-8565838420869803122014-08-30T17:14:00.001-04:002014-08-30T17:14:29.244-04:00Gathering in August<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRelmauxjCkxM56lHqtiufKr3JyUp8O7YLM6ColcUkoYRXWrHteryXV9UQHUExmiXTeEhgkQZ-yKp93ZT9_f9ybdWkBuDpTaE0MLvOk8smKGoHiwjn-Fobddn3uJEuHogE1nIiXNyD_IXp/s1600/calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRelmauxjCkxM56lHqtiufKr3JyUp8O7YLM6ColcUkoYRXWrHteryXV9UQHUExmiXTeEhgkQZ-yKp93ZT9_f9ybdWkBuDpTaE0MLvOk8smKGoHiwjn-Fobddn3uJEuHogE1nIiXNyD_IXp/s1600/calendar.jpg" height="200" width="175" /></a>Is August over already? Apparently so! That's what the calendar is indicating and that's what Cheryl says over at <em><a href="http://thinking-about-home.blogspot.com/2014/08/gathering-moments-august.html" target="_blank">Thinking About Home</a></em>, and I'm pretty sure they are both telling the truth! August is typically sweltering and sticky in these parts. Not so this year. I don't think we made it into the 90's one single time. You aren't hearing me complain about that! Just like every month August had its ups and downs. I'm sensing a trend. I think it's called life. Or at least it's called my life. So let's take a tour of my August, shall we? </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
At the beginning of the month we had a picnic at the home of my husband's and son's co-worker. Of course I took potato salad! My family loves my potato salad. I wouldn't ordinarily take pictures of food like this, but I HAD to send a picture to my daughter to say<em> See what you are missing by living so far away?</em> She didn't take the bait. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop_7_ZqhaQDRSrjPR0WaOw0ZzFDtUL5LJa5nigQI3YE6YTwU4KLh60auFSiw0ae4sXrKnWsq9amkB8LxHhguIk8G4ZTbVv8Bll0MIVXHvVL7lsmr04HZlsBYf4njvfMu6htcmrnCDy-Nz/s1600/005+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop_7_ZqhaQDRSrjPR0WaOw0ZzFDtUL5LJa5nigQI3YE6YTwU4KLh60auFSiw0ae4sXrKnWsq9amkB8LxHhguIk8G4ZTbVv8Bll0MIVXHvVL7lsmr04HZlsBYf4njvfMu6htcmrnCDy-Nz/s1600/005+(2).JPG" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the picnic we brought the twins home with us so that Mommy and Daddy could stay a little longer and have a kid-free night. First order of business was a bath! After that they had a grand time playing cars in front of the living room window. They like being able to see everything going on outside. And of course there was a snack. Fruit. That's the only snacky thing I can keep in my house. They seem fine with that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bedtime requirements are as follows... Levi has Froggy and Blanky. Froggy is for cuddling, Blanky is for chewing. Liam has Baby and Chocolate Baby. Both for cuddling. (Let me insert here... Liam named the darker monkey Chocolate Baby. Until recently they were both just "Baby". He's an observant kid. I'm sure there is a connection between the name change and his learning the difference between milk and chocolate milk.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix3wBWTLeWzxYPiH9B-xf8A9XDLZXHOuRpaLZ4BtD0U3epgGZS1fvnWVyzMl16S9uKId3vswUHKrTz3Ur3B5-ggW4PCJD_f0d7XacH_Az7Y09MoPtTTwdjAaxUOe2WbyiXxjj4_9o606b/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix3wBWTLeWzxYPiH9B-xf8A9XDLZXHOuRpaLZ4BtD0U3epgGZS1fvnWVyzMl16S9uKId3vswUHKrTz3Ur3B5-ggW4PCJD_f0d7XacH_Az7Y09MoPtTTwdjAaxUOe2WbyiXxjj4_9o606b/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+4.jpg" height="213" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
My hydrangeas did not make the showing that I had hoped for this year, but there were a few blooms. I love the transition from chartreuse buds, to creamy petals, to lavender flowers. This picture captures all 3 stages at once.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UG2T5LP3t9XSVxPFqOKSSq3MkdGUAQs1TT97694rKawXs7rfRq6DyBhp0_vkch1pkM6_1N0CIgoLdq0ropHba4hKffq9nS3-Bgmy-Rx_cveN7uh4dZoWGHzBpChbbjTOd5pIXvIQvTjh/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UG2T5LP3t9XSVxPFqOKSSq3MkdGUAQs1TT97694rKawXs7rfRq6DyBhp0_vkch1pkM6_1N0CIgoLdq0ropHba4hKffq9nS3-Bgmy-Rx_cveN7uh4dZoWGHzBpChbbjTOd5pIXvIQvTjh/s1600/012.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I cut back the spent peonies in my flower bed I had this little surprise waiting for me... a volunteer petunia! Since this picture was taken the plant has thrived and produced more than a dozen blooms. I didn't plant it, I wasn't expecting it, but I sure do appreciate it. Some of the flowers have even more pink striping on them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTQ5KKKuE2VW6QILUg4TEvn4VWDJekjw4zWezqetrtxmo4HkYBfN656FnIRN_Twis3kCk31ezpY7URtUm8Ng0JH-ksPYqPiCrc1Hu7GK8nwfFk7Zzmi2-EbNowkA7hiFfW86CbMEBZM6O/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTQ5KKKuE2VW6QILUg4TEvn4VWDJekjw4zWezqetrtxmo4HkYBfN656FnIRN_Twis3kCk31ezpY7URtUm8Ng0JH-ksPYqPiCrc1Hu7GK8nwfFk7Zzmi2-EbNowkA7hiFfW86CbMEBZM6O/s1600/004.JPG" height="363" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now THIS is something that really made me happy. My beloved crape myrtles. They are just babies now but I can imagine them being tall and full and beautiful. I thought they had died so I was very excited to see them start to produce buds. All three shrubs are making a very good show despite their slow start. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQXRtgRKpHZAb-MZQT3BgPwiCREVhpqUPM3N99C1DtGC-tylSvNx706n8V13QxGTxMdVGsu1W8RKJ8yzAMBKtOC3bEFTBaBuE1FONq7IdQqDn2luBBmEbu-D97uRITtZGhvVUB2CL5OsU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQXRtgRKpHZAb-MZQT3BgPwiCREVhpqUPM3N99C1DtGC-tylSvNx706n8V13QxGTxMdVGsu1W8RKJ8yzAMBKtOC3bEFTBaBuE1FONq7IdQqDn2luBBmEbu-D97uRITtZGhvVUB2CL5OsU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+1.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I don't mind a bit of creepy stuff. Actually, sometimes I quite enjoy it. Especially when it lends itself to a macro shot. Not my best, but they can't all be winners. Feel free to scroll right on past this next picture if it isn't your cup of tea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxVXUTiYGeuvM-HEm5VD1rSroUA8nW5YL15RaF3KpmJ0Ym36tHGhmE19CK7rJCfnLgKz_HYm7QFZ8aYNYOYCfO6-Qfz_Waj4W0eBCs_dLt49wGyqGzm9WHoopIqwUE3hofwStb5hiFq9x/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxVXUTiYGeuvM-HEm5VD1rSroUA8nW5YL15RaF3KpmJ0Ym36tHGhmE19CK7rJCfnLgKz_HYm7QFZ8aYNYOYCfO6-Qfz_Waj4W0eBCs_dLt49wGyqGzm9WHoopIqwUE3hofwStb5hiFq9x/s1600/001.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This has been the year of the squash in my garden. Our zucchini and yellow summer squash produced so much more than we would have guessed. Now it is time for the Seminole squash to do its thing, and it is taking over the place! Our shed is about 20 feet long and 8 feet wide. The vines from this one plant are already wrapping around toward the front. We have 2 other plants that are conquering their patches as well. I have a feeling that the people with whom I shared seeds are either thrilled or cursing me, depending on their mindset. But to them all I say "You're Welcome" because these squash will make a tasty dish come winter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCT53sV-h23xzdUfR41RtQRR2p9Xcq1chx9ZG7RKfAN6jmGzglSQO3wksa3dhjM07PaBpzw7aFV2WhAW5m1NpcQvX7nJDmE18BQdrG6ieNfSO5Yqj3qZCbUc4Nnly8NWkX6iW5Ja9TFfc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCT53sV-h23xzdUfR41RtQRR2p9Xcq1chx9ZG7RKfAN6jmGzglSQO3wksa3dhjM07PaBpzw7aFV2WhAW5m1NpcQvX7nJDmE18BQdrG6ieNfSO5Yqj3qZCbUc4Nnly8NWkX6iW5Ja9TFfc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here was a fleeting opportunity... watching a mother house swallow teaching her babies to fly. There were 4 babies. Three stayed close to the Mama, one was fiercely determined to do it all by himself. The pictures are horrible because I had to take them through a dusty window but I couldn't open the door lest they be startled before they were ready to take the leap. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V5n7YBSctPjdk6ViwMjwwnRJZO1P98QnGZOqKIknC_YdfHOCcmYnoVLe944g2mRAq68gzNO9EciCvBv5c2c34YK0hUjqdCU5yt6yA1TXxC5hmvIMEC-4U6NHhsNrg2y7EVnG6Ck4hbV7/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V5n7YBSctPjdk6ViwMjwwnRJZO1P98QnGZOqKIknC_YdfHOCcmYnoVLe944g2mRAq68gzNO9EciCvBv5c2c34YK0hUjqdCU5yt6yA1TXxC5hmvIMEC-4U6NHhsNrg2y7EVnG6Ck4hbV7/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+3.jpg" height="224" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My husband and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary in August. One of the things we did to mark the occasion was to take a boat ride to Tangier Island. Stewart bought me a Coke at the boat's snack bar. I thought it had a very appropriate message. He and I really have become best friends over the years. One of the tiny islands in the Chesapeake Bay on the way to Tangier has this one lonely chimney. I found it to be terribly romantic in a <em>Wuthering Heights</em> sort of way. It had us both imagining what life would be like if we were to live so isolated. We decided that we would enjoy it as long as we had a reliable motor boat and the internet access wasn't cost-prohibitive. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHITs3JtO61ekcgdvvCpMzu7savkYlj92VapHvT_Esg66ETSz45E_nEX_GI5srQXAeKPd329n7GrAcJU3th_ySSQBJT7BjLW6SFHXQELxkpx-cZbhchbyj5T8DocOuf9bvdGwc-iLPbQG/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHITs3JtO61ekcgdvvCpMzu7savkYlj92VapHvT_Esg66ETSz45E_nEX_GI5srQXAeKPd329n7GrAcJU3th_ySSQBJT7BjLW6SFHXQELxkpx-cZbhchbyj5T8DocOuf9bvdGwc-iLPbQG/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+5.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
August brought with it the need to refocus on our diet. Will we ever learn moderation? I doubt it. So until we do, I try very hard to keep our food tasty and interesting. I came up with this golden beet and fennel salad that really hit the spot on one of our warmer days. Cold and refreshing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-P0bX0DR-YC6G0Uez_0Q6wdvwLCHvbtmsLWLwavQJEcxD_r2eoDAHaGhPVeydF-Sdpclzp6PWSiH9U3MaP9B336GM_k_arPcrf0AvpPxEFbI9CiXwWv1P7D8I4SQlSnmbBDn_O6eRFB7/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-P0bX0DR-YC6G0Uez_0Q6wdvwLCHvbtmsLWLwavQJEcxD_r2eoDAHaGhPVeydF-Sdpclzp6PWSiH9U3MaP9B336GM_k_arPcrf0AvpPxEFbI9CiXwWv1P7D8I4SQlSnmbBDn_O6eRFB7/s1600/069.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One morning in late August I noticed dozens of spider webs out my front door in the grass. They looked like small, hoary pieces of cotton candy. They were all rather jumbled messes of silk, not at all pretty once I got up close. And then I noticed this one.... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnOfQu-Zjvioz1tKVAeU7TxuFO-mGbgK41BRuTWVd1SlJ250xwDWkHXXc9K1r36mlm-dZZgNq6aPTaJ9pfLFVFRVNgzANnC7fMZEdx11VmUtW3cpGd7nBDuBWPW0c965pO7VZ9DpldMwE/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnOfQu-Zjvioz1tKVAeU7TxuFO-mGbgK41BRuTWVd1SlJ250xwDWkHXXc9K1r36mlm-dZZgNq6aPTaJ9pfLFVFRVNgzANnC7fMZEdx11VmUtW3cpGd7nBDuBWPW0c965pO7VZ9DpldMwE/s1600/002.JPG" height="540" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that's my kind of spider! Neat and tidy. It was the only one out of all the webs to look like this. Another pleasant surprise! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, I know this post has surpassed a decent length but I have to share ONE LAST THING. August 30th marked the last day of a challenge that I issued for myself in the spring. Thirteen weeks of consistent exercise, 6 days a week. Here's the chart that I used to keep myself on track... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUIZzKzjQNnJq_jE8dptSDmmdqfgdNfBT8LgvQGMt9mOFh2FIby5MGn9HXA-QsAbY2JdduRc7InsNwe4br8BSrY02Jsbq5wsfcSdQwY4F0owfGdzd501VubR4nYkjCtuLSOR_4h6O73Kn/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUIZzKzjQNnJq_jE8dptSDmmdqfgdNfBT8LgvQGMt9mOFh2FIby5MGn9HXA-QsAbY2JdduRc7InsNwe4br8BSrY02Jsbq5wsfcSdQwY4F0owfGdzd501VubR4nYkjCtuLSOR_4h6O73Kn/s1600/002.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also met my goal of swimming enough laps (74) to constitute a mile. You might be able to see that in week 2 I started out with only being able to swim 10 laps. I progressed fairly quickly and enjoyed it all the while. The best exercise is the exercise that you will actually do. And if you have fun doing it, that's all the better! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My September schedule is a bit fancier... </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QOpriXZ5a9_BNaFVo8UMo6-7GhMVd6R5IVkYNBwyYRpZIPf376tQspa0xeI97avZT_9WkEiaZOQ1-fYGoZqXVAU76vonhqgHa0iuFtltgitc-hjeSOFKpcbBISQBj8t1SV46LMPXh7d2/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QOpriXZ5a9_BNaFVo8UMo6-7GhMVd6R5IVkYNBwyYRpZIPf376tQspa0xeI97avZT_9WkEiaZOQ1-fYGoZqXVAU76vonhqgHa0iuFtltgitc-hjeSOFKpcbBISQBj8t1SV46LMPXh7d2/s1600/004.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used to think that if I could create the perfect schedule for myself that I would no longer need a chart, that it would just become part of my routine. Not so! I have learned that I am <strike>obsessive </strike>very goal oriented, externally motivated, and I become bored quite quickly. I always just thought I was lazy. That's what I was told, anyway. I suppose I am lazy to some extent, but I am learning to work <strong><em>with</em></strong> who I am and what I've been given rather than against my talents. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">It isn't about perfection, it's about direction</span></strong>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, now that you have endured this, it is time for you to click on over to Cheryl's blog and see what she and some of her other friends have been up to this month. That's what I'll be doing! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://thinking-about-home.blogspot.com/search/label/Gathering%20the%20Moments" title="Thinking About Home"><img alt="Thinking About Home" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e106/mckelveyhome/GatheringtheMomentsbutton150.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a><br />
<br />
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-yWKWvwzP3Dw%2FVADtLFrkWeI%2FAAAAAAAACO4%2FF5EgVA7eMSs%2Fs1600%2Fcalendar.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRelmauxjCkxM56lHqtiufKr3JyUp8O7YLM6ColcUkoYRXWrHteryXV9UQHUExmiXTeEhgkQZ-yKp93ZT9_f9ybdWkBuDpTaE0MLvOk8smKGoHiwjn-Fobddn3uJEuHogE1nIiXNyD_IXp/s1600/calendar.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-6896057168830120672014-08-06T15:43:00.000-04:002014-08-06T18:55:04.868-04:00Hodge Podge... It Is KeyI'm joining Hodge Podge Wednesday for the first time today. Looks like fun. We shall see! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 1. What would you say is the key to success?</span><br />
<br />
I'd say that it is different for everyone. For me? I'll let you know when I figure that out.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> 2. Have you ever been to the Florida Keys? Any desire to visit that part of the US of A?</span><br />
<br />
Yes, I have been to the Keys. I used to live in Miami, Florida, and the keys are just a hop, skip and a jump from there.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> 3. When and where did you last see a real live don<i>key?</i> Mon<i>key? </i>Tur<i>key?</i></span><br />
<em></em><br />
Donkey? I don't remember.<br />
Monkey? The last time I was at the zoo, about 8 months or so ago.<br />
Turkey? A wild flock in a field, just a few days ago.<br />
<br />
Have YOU ever seen a Zonkey? They are real! This friendly girl lives in the Searcy, Arkansas area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_Y1vByl-gg40VgPDbYoCV57uHKyoRfSRY4tC_XY_R80bJDVK-njPEicC4X1fb12_guam-rKKaCuzIjuhgOVAmNqTpV_rXYjtsr4XOz99heogh1ii-xG58BkeQLM35wVfZESRs6M9fepL/s1600/securedownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_Y1vByl-gg40VgPDbYoCV57uHKyoRfSRY4tC_XY_R80bJDVK-njPEicC4X1fb12_guam-rKKaCuzIjuhgOVAmNqTpV_rXYjtsr4XOz99heogh1ii-xG58BkeQLM35wVfZESRs6M9fepL/s1600/securedownload.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> 4. An old Portuguese proverb says,<i> 'Beware of the door with too many keys.' </i>What do you think this means? Share an example of how this has proven true or false in your own life.</span><br />
<br />
The more people who have access, the less safe the treasure. Suffice it to say, it has proven true. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">5. Besides your home, vehicle, and special jewelry, what is something you keep under lock and key?</span><br />
<br />
Our storage/tool shed.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">6. When did you last get keyed up about something?</span><br />
<br />
Monday (2 days ago). I got really excited about a project I am working on and my mind just would not let me relax.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">7. Who thinks we need an easy one right about now? Key lime pie...yes please or no thank you?</span><br />
<br />
Oh, yes! Love the real stuff!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">8. Insert your own random thought here.</span> <br />
<br />
My husband and I are watching the television series <em>Lark Rise to Candleford</em> (based on a book by the same name) for the second time. The character Minnie shows up in the second season as the new maid in the post office, replacing the maid who had served there for decades. <br />
<br />
Minnie is quite young, very inexperienced, and woefully absent-minded. She does not know how to cook or properly clean, and she day-dreams at the most inopportune times. She's a bumbling mess with whom everyone in the post office gets very, very frustrated. At the end of the first episode in which we meet Minnie, she ruins the wedding dress that the postmistress (Dorcas Lane) has kept as a treasured heirloom, hoping beyond hope that she will one day wear it herself. <br />
<br />
Miss Lane calls Minnie to her, furious and crying, to tell her that she is not at all equipped to do the job for which she is hired and that she might just be hopeless. Minnie would be headed to the workhouse or worse if Miss Lane turned her out. <br />
<br />
But then Miss Lane says to her that she will teach her, and she will never be thrown out to be lost. The post office would be Minnie's home for as long as she wants it. Minnie runs from the room, in tears, but with the biggest smile that her face will allow. She knows she is "worthless" but she now also knows that she is loved.<br />
<br />
This whole scene reminds me of the scripture that tells us that God chastens those whom He loves. Miss Lane freely gave Minnie a home knowing that she, Minnie, had nothing to offer, much as God freely gives us salvation. How often have I been broken by my own worthlessness, been chastened by God, but having a lightness that only comes from knowing that I am loved deeply enough by the Creator of the universe that He will not leave me in such a state.<br />
<br />
It is the BEST feeling in this life!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a border="0" href="http://joyce-fromthissideofthepond.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab305/SincerelyShannon-designs/Blog%20Buttons/Hodgepodgebutton.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-53975019079088401372014-08-04T07:08:00.001-04:002014-08-04T08:04:38.107-04:00Make It New Monday 8/4/14... foam blocks to lap counter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBChWNs7Ukbefi6NmOLfcfX9LnmCcT7nmND_LuRUfNCB05fQ51oKCynlTDWkJPZUtyxnMIW2pPlwvOrzp0EScDfiehJaGoh0ivWmWBcH1UV-t9y-nEtcfd76BJsOmd8rDSExYLDBdecStX/s1600/Title+for+Make+it+New.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBChWNs7Ukbefi6NmOLfcfX9LnmCcT7nmND_LuRUfNCB05fQ51oKCynlTDWkJPZUtyxnMIW2pPlwvOrzp0EScDfiehJaGoh0ivWmWBcH1UV-t9y-nEtcfd76BJsOmd8rDSExYLDBdecStX/s1600/Title+for+Make+it+New.jpg" /></a>Is it really that time again? Time for Make It New Monday? It is incredible how quickly the month of July flew by and the first Monday of the new month rolled around. <br />
<br />
If this is your first time visiting, or you've been here before and need a quick reminder, let me briefly explain... On the first Monday of the month I post pictures of a project that I've done that repurposes, recycles, or reworks in something in some way, and you get to link up with me. Turn a <a href="http://mynot-so-emptynest.blogspot.com/2014/03/make-it-new-monday-030314-hooks-to.html" target="_blank">planter into a hummingbird feeder</a>? Link up! Turn a<a href="http://mynot-so-emptynest.blogspot.com/2014/01/make-it-new-monday-project-and-link-up.html" target="_blank"> sweater into a hat and gloves</a>? Link up! Use <a href="http://mynot-so-emptynest.blogspot.com/2014/01/make-it-new-monday-project-and-link-up.html" target="_blank">paper towel tubes to make napkin rings</a>? Link up! As long as it starts out like "this" and ends up like "that". The sky is the limit. And please, please remember that <a href="http://mynot-so-emptynest.blogspot.com/2014/07/make-it-new-monday-7714-what-do-you-do.html" target="_blank">perfection is not needed</a>! REMEMBER?!? Good!<br />
<br />
This month's project is purely functional, born out of mild desperation. I hadn't even intended to use this as a post but because all of my project materials have been jammed into a closet awaiting new accommodations (I will explain in a bit) I didn't have a whole lot of choice.<br />
<br />
I've started swimming laps as part of my summer exercise regimen and I needed something to help me keep my count accurately. I am not a very good swimmer so I found it difficult to swim AND keep count at the same time. <br />
<br />
My swimming partner has a system of counting her laps based on the different strokes she uses. Side stroke, breaststroke, and a few others that I don't know the names of. She used to be a lifeguard so she's really good at all that.<br />
<br />
I have one stroke. It is called "just don't drown".<br />
<br />
So after toying with different options, I came up with an idea based on a bracelet that I had made for myself to keep track of speed increasing increments while walking. Yes, folks, my brain goes a-wandering and I forget. <br />
<br />
Here's the bracelet...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine59sBbSAFanEy1D2U_68FtFxsAY9VzNyGI-DMvwcGBDSMYB71yDBWP39cfkFhbHIT38pkBctoVZKjjvDU6jMW5n3Bp03yqYBgpyuEnITe6lrA31r1ONq4Xv87Rj_zQAIn-C8LgtwlTdd/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine59sBbSAFanEy1D2U_68FtFxsAY9VzNyGI-DMvwcGBDSMYB71yDBWP39cfkFhbHIT38pkBctoVZKjjvDU6jMW5n3Bp03yqYBgpyuEnITe6lrA31r1ONq4Xv87Rj_zQAIn-C8LgtwlTdd/s1600/001.JPG" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How it is used is this... For each speed interval I did, I would move a bead around to the opposite side. When all the beads were moved, I was done. Simple as that. The elastic band fits very snugly through the hole in the beads so there is no unintentional slipping. That's important, trust me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the lap counter I needed something that was heavy enough to stay put, yet buoyant. Just in case. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What kind of beads are able to float and are cheap, too? Hmmm... How about making my own? I have hundreds of little foam cubes that my grandsons play with, why not use those? I could drill holes in them then string them together and make some sort of frame to keep them stable. Hubby suggested PVC. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brilliant idea, hon! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we gathered the materials...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6QLYFtvmVyXjle6GqpPnXtlbOd_sWgUsUFSvWl5iOrhS0SsqYqhk0vL1lE5UuX1r91m6SnoPFYULAo_Kd0tDxrUJ_oD_Hxv6THK_OQ6475IAvtee7RZ_13GE-xaHz580cxSdW9386B_i/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6QLYFtvmVyXjle6GqpPnXtlbOd_sWgUsUFSvWl5iOrhS0SsqYqhk0vL1lE5UuX1r91m6SnoPFYULAo_Kd0tDxrUJ_oD_Hxv6THK_OQ6475IAvtee7RZ_13GE-xaHz580cxSdW9386B_i/s1600/002.JPG" height="400" width="397" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
It took just a few minutes to come up with a design, not very long to put it together, and this is what we ended up with...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21nD9ZH2e9mcckOFIWqOTJqJlMoK1ZXWfaxfQ1-0soM1ct4dK5gso0H2zmbfbrlZytcwxxsMTsNbdOQWCUpJXkPlYYgfRek4dz0Aw2lzlV5OBTNve4DinCD-M7hyphenhyphenPy8lLiebXOyu-DnoW/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21nD9ZH2e9mcckOFIWqOTJqJlMoK1ZXWfaxfQ1-0soM1ct4dK5gso0H2zmbfbrlZytcwxxsMTsNbdOQWCUpJXkPlYYgfRek4dz0Aw2lzlV5OBTNve4DinCD-M7hyphenhyphenPy8lLiebXOyu-DnoW/s1600/013.JPG" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It works much like an abacus. I move the cubes from left to right, one at a time, then after I finish 20 laps, I flip it over and slide them back one by one again. Simple! <br />
<br />
I like simple.<br />
<br />
I have the cubes grouped by color in fives so that a quick glance can tell me how many laps I've done or how many I have left to go.<br />
<br />
The string through the middle is the same elastic that I used for the bracelet, by the way. Works like a charm!<br />
<br />
I started out this summer only able to do 10 laps but with consistent practice and great encouragement, I am up to 60 laps (as of 8/1/14). 74 laps is a mile. I'm gonna go for it and try to reach that by the end of summer! It will take me about an hour to do it and I'll be exhausted but it will be completely worth it.<br />
<br />
And just so you know that these had previously been used for another purpose, check this out...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC5rjAEXlciUJe_X1chj-9_vZ3zTIFpHGgnl_2sOi-jkn_Bq3M0NcxU4OhWHH8KiL5GCUQz4UeU2N-NsbhI03TQs_2JL7QUpinllHrrMydGmGejkxwUoAUIPtgTkA1pYbYrnuKJFxsGKh/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC5rjAEXlciUJe_X1chj-9_vZ3zTIFpHGgnl_2sOi-jkn_Bq3M0NcxU4OhWHH8KiL5GCUQz4UeU2N-NsbhI03TQs_2JL7QUpinllHrrMydGmGejkxwUoAUIPtgTkA1pYbYrnuKJFxsGKh/s1600/014.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the boys left his teeth marks in a block. <span style="font-size: large;"><em> <strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">And it makes me smile</span>.</strong></em></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">{Why are almost all my project materials shoved into a closet with no organization whatsoever? We have decided to have cabinets built to house my stash, and I had to quickly move it all out of the way for the builder to get to work. He never showed up. So now we are in the process of finding someone new. And there is all sits, a massive junk pile. I'm so thankful that it is behind a closed door!}</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now it is your turn! Link up and let us see what you've been doing!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don't forget to grab my button.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br />
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=433417&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
<img alt="My Not-So-Empty Nest" src="http://i1334.photobucket.com/albums/w646/allshewroteblog/TitleforMakeitNew_zps9fb3c33a.jpg" title="My Not-So-Empty Nest" /></div>
<pre style="background: none; border: currentColor; padding: 0px;"><textarea style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240); border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0px 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center">
<a href="http://mynot-so-emptynest.blogspot.com/2014/08/make-it-new-monday-8414-foam-blocks-to.html" title="My Not-So-Empty Nest"><img src="http://i1334.photobucket.com/albums/w646/allshewroteblog/TitleforMakeitNew_zps9fb3c33a.jpg" alt="My Not-So-Empty Nest" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
</textarea></pre>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-19389116632396678682014-08-01T18:19:00.000-04:002014-08-01T18:19:23.662-04:00Overnight Oats... the Basics (and some preaching)<div style="text-align: center;">
****THIS IS A BLABBETY, BLAB, BLAB, BLAB POST.**** </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
****THE RECIPE CARD IS AT THE VERY END.****</div>
<br />
A couple summers ago as we were about to leave for a trip, I stumbled upon a really weird concept... eating uncooked oats, cold. I was intrigued but didn't have the opportunity to try it before leaving the next day.<br />
<br />
When we arrived at our destination our hostess and I were discussing meals. I mentioned the idea. Thankfully she and her husband both seemed to be curious about it, and since they had all the ingredients on hand we whipped up a batch of Overnight Oats for the next day's breakfast. My husband declined and ate his oats in the traditional manner. <br />
<br />
He likes oatmeal hot with brown sugar, thank you very much!<br />
<br />
This is the basic recipe... yogurt and rolled oats in a 4 to 1 ratio. That's it. Stir them together, cover, refrigerate overnight, and eat cold the next morning. I haven't eaten them unembellished like that, but you could if you really wanted to.<br />
<br />
I've never really wanted to.<br />
<br />
I've used both Greek-style yogurt and standard American-style. Plain. Always plain. Using the stuff that is pre-flavored rather defeats the purpose of eating healthier foods. Seriously, friends, the sweetened stuff is NOT all that good for you. Check out the ingredients! <br />
<br />
If you choose to use the less healthy version of yogurt I'm sure it would work just as well. But know what you are choosing. Don't be misled by crafty advertising.<br />
<br />
Sermon over.<br />
<br />
Using Greek yogurt will give you a thicker result than American yogurt. A higher ratio of oats to yogurt will yield a gummier texture. I don't mind the gumminess, but some may find it off-putting.<br />
<br />
So what are the basic add-ins? Nut butter, sweetener, fruit. <br />
<br />
My preference for nut butter is almond. Chunky, all natural almond butter. Again, read your ingredients list! Be aware of what your food contains. The kind I use is nothing but almonds.<br />
<br />
Sweetener is key for most people, I'm sure. I have used honey, real maple syrup, and fruit puree to sweeten my overnight oats. My taste preference is honey, but my calorie preference is fruit puree. Sometimes I don't even use a sweetener. It really all depends on what I have on hand.<br />
<br />
Let me just pause to say that this is not a low-calorie diet food. This is a real foods food. God's food, as a friend of mine says. That's why I try to use the most basic, unadulterated ingredients I can find (and afford). So much of our food supply has been altered in a way that our bodies don't recognize and we are being poisoned by it. I've used stevia in this a time or two, but I have mixed feelings about stevia. It is so highly processed and doesn't resemble its original source at all that I'm not convinced that it is all that healthy. But sometimes you have to make a better choice when the BEST choice isn't available. <br />
<br />
Sermon over. <br />
<br />
For real, this time.<br />
<br />
Fruit. You can add fruit to your oats prior to refrigerating overnight, but I prefer to add it right before eating. It can get a bit droopy otherwise. Blueberries are my personal favorite.<br />
<br />
And now for froufrouing it up a bit...<br />
<br />
I've experimented with relatively few items since I like my typical mixture the best... yogurt, oats, almond butter, and cinnamon, blueberries added the next day. After making a carrot cake-inspired version I've started adding shredded carrots (uncooked) and shredded coconut. I like the texture.<br />
<br />
Extracts, "sweet" spices, chopped nuts, toasted seeds, dried fruit. I've seen quite a few yummy-sounding combinations for Overnight Oats. A quick search on Pinterest will show you millions of options. <br />
<br />
Well, at least dozens.<br />
<br />
My favorite method is to mix it up in a large batch. 4 cups of yogurt, 1 cup of oats, 4-ish tablespoons of almond butter, 4-ish teaspoons of cinnamon, half-cup of coconut, 1 cup carrots, 4-ish teaspoons of honey or maple syrup (if using). Divide among several glass jars, pop on the lids, and refrigerate. It isn't an exact science, which is my favorite kind of recipe to follow! <br />
<br />
I'm a rebel like that.<br />
<br />
Still skeptical about trying this out? I don't blame you. My husband has never even tasted it. It just doesn't sound good to him at all. And that's fine. Really. Even though he has grown to like many, MANY foods that he once said were inedible, he doesn't trust me on this one.<br />
<br />
Pfft! His loss. I didn't want to share it anyway. <br />
<br />
But I did share it with a group of women friends a few weeks ago. They all seemed to like it. They all took the recipe home with them after eating the sample. One of the women made it for her husband. He ate it and declared it to be "okay". Which, according to her, is high praise from him.<br />
<br />
Now, in the interest of full disclosure because I did so much preaching... <br />
<br />
I know a moderate amount of information about eating healthy food. I like to eat food that is good for my body. I honestly do. I am getting better and better at making wiser choices. I know what foods make me feel energetic and I know what foods make me feel sluggish. I'm learning that things labeled to make them sound healthy are not always very healthy. I pay much closer attention to those things than in years past. <br />
<br />
So, yay for me!!! {Applause appreciated, but not necessary}<br />
<br />
All that is very true. However, that does not mean that you will never see me eating a big ol' nasty drive-thru burger, or chips, or a vat of ice cream. I eat those, too. I will sit at anyone's table and eat what is offered to me and I will not flinch because of its anti-health ingredients. <br />
<br />
Note to self: This "disclosure" part really should be its own post. People don't like blog posts that are too wordy. You are dangerously close to exceeding the limit.<br />
<br />
My goal is not to be a purist. C'mon, folks! Dairy Queen just came out with the Chips A'hoy Blizzard. Do you really think I'm going to pass that up? I'm not. But I will know what I am choosing and will accept the consequences. Those things aren't wholesome and nutritious. So when I feel like a bomb went off in my gut, and when my 4 mile walk takes me longer because I feel like a slug, and I get the sugar grouchies, I'll know exactly where it came from. And I'll be less likely to make that choice again very soon.<br />
<br />
Will you be giving Overnight Oats a try?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeEmJrD9lgIxwuoZhh3xNQW2F6kMJWbbHQ4a6_AdspyXXWKt-B-lxWwGjPqzkn-wcFjDBVcMMIbUgkiJfwPNkkD6saIjLHj6yxl0c53rI0TG2WtRtUFhjpKw04dd_XQ75saFOvQeCQajK/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeEmJrD9lgIxwuoZhh3xNQW2F6kMJWbbHQ4a6_AdspyXXWKt-B-lxWwGjPqzkn-wcFjDBVcMMIbUgkiJfwPNkkD6saIjLHj6yxl0c53rI0TG2WtRtUFhjpKw04dd_XQ75saFOvQeCQajK/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-42577535626066617692014-07-31T08:23:00.000-04:002014-07-31T12:29:27.128-04:00Gathering in July<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYp0anGQiSjM9y71yjavehsDxVl9JzViVVHGvpLvRv6DZ50GtxsKoabgZlZ0CtOQAgvdJ_x0wOP8f37pwcmSIWEAzeawZeQOpiEeczGS8ehIkd5TRCWHsCgGIiH3W0xME4vcJk3dsB5uG/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYp0anGQiSjM9y71yjavehsDxVl9JzViVVHGvpLvRv6DZ50GtxsKoabgZlZ0CtOQAgvdJ_x0wOP8f37pwcmSIWEAzeawZeQOpiEeczGS8ehIkd5TRCWHsCgGIiH3W0xME4vcJk3dsB5uG/s1600/021.jpg" /></a>July, one of my least favorite months, has seemed to fly by this year. I think I've been saying that about most months lately. Seems to be a trend for people as they get older, to make statements like that. But the end of July snuck up on me with nary a thought of <a href="http://thinking-about-home.blogspot.com/2014/07/gathering-moments-july.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Cheryl's Gathering</span></a> so I am throwing this post together at the last minute. I know Cheryl will forgive the slap-dash efforts because she knows that it is no reflection on how I feel about this monthly post. She's a gracious host with a generous heart. <br />
<br />
Usually the summer months run together as one hot and sticky blob, but our July has been quite mild in comparison to summers past. I typically avoid the out-of-doors in summer but when your husband decides that this is the year for a garden you <strong>sorta hafta</strong> go outside. And then when a friend says "let's swim laps in my pool for exercise" you <strong>sorta hafta</strong> go outside. And if you <strong>sorta hafta</strong> you might as well go all in. It is only for a season, after all! <br />
<br />
So gardening and swimming got me out of the house to do things that are a-typical for me. Not grand or unusual, but different. For me. And that is my goal... to find contentment and joy in everyday living. Which is more of a struggle than you might assume.<br />
<br />
Let's get going with some pictures, shall we? Don't worry. It is highly, HIGHLY unlikely that you will ever see a picture of me in a swimsuit. My muscles may be toned, but they are way down deep and that's just not something that needs to be witnessed by the masses!<br />
<br />
Here is a picture taken from our deck of our garden area. The plan is to do this thing little by little. Even with that in mind, we did more than we had originally intended. Just to give you some sort of scale, the grape arbor is about 7 feet tall and each section of fence is about 8 feet long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY-w6XjzhVWnPNLenoEbpSFPQWqJYwlqRDlXQ7tr6POLsTRB4rmLBowuwhxwNNUE8SQ37tLm6-uWu8Me-zj1QyBmkrHPRrPMQiLFyZoVp7EkiFrnJIiHCy7st8yHWeG1zv4ZsLiqlRgKh/s1600/033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY-w6XjzhVWnPNLenoEbpSFPQWqJYwlqRDlXQ7tr6POLsTRB4rmLBowuwhxwNNUE8SQ37tLm6-uWu8Me-zj1QyBmkrHPRrPMQiLFyZoVp7EkiFrnJIiHCy7st8yHWeG1zv4ZsLiqlRgKh/s1600/033.jpg" height="166" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A bit of a closer look...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeeZwzunT2N2pJL3Wj8M2N-MPd2fwggnTUuSnSZMYrvMCx09tGBvV71dBCAPNCL_dGIxef5p_nEwJCCEd3dAlsnhpBXgnLC7BCqVwO5XYAE3C0N23cmNX9A2kFZGSrVrnjbgLtmY4I8F5/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeeZwzunT2N2pJL3Wj8M2N-MPd2fwggnTUuSnSZMYrvMCx09tGBvV71dBCAPNCL_dGIxef5p_nEwJCCEd3dAlsnhpBXgnLC7BCqVwO5XYAE3C0N23cmNX9A2kFZGSrVrnjbgLtmY4I8F5/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+4.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our zucchini and yellow squash were much more prolific than we'd anticipated but we aren't complaining! I think one of my favorite parts of gardening is having stuff to share! We've given and we've received. <br />
<br />
Our compost pile has even become a source of enjoyment. A Seminole squash has volunteered to grow here (bringing their total number of plants to 3) along with some other squash-vine thing that isn't producing any fruit. They do such a good job of making an eyesore less offensive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVZs4VZ9saEeGaAeeEe9hiak4adoFOr491c0S_egZoWBKT6yfViVuhGEPieSRXmlN9Td12N2xmzupxgGBCgUEs86C2NL5R7p_ovbkIf43cXKzLRp1emgOs6YbtdXHZ7KPGdgvowSdzjPi/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVZs4VZ9saEeGaAeeEe9hiak4adoFOr491c0S_egZoWBKT6yfViVuhGEPieSRXmlN9Td12N2xmzupxgGBCgUEs86C2NL5R7p_ovbkIf43cXKzLRp1emgOs6YbtdXHZ7KPGdgvowSdzjPi/s1600/024.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our neighbors have even gotten into the act. Their children bring compostables over just about every day. I have a separate bin for eggshells sitting on the deck. Their youngest just can't wait to be big enough to climb the steps all by himself to bring us eggshells. So cute! They had a city relative visiting a couple weeks ago who wanted to know absolutely everything that we were doing in the garden. I guess even when you are a novice and know so very little about what you are doing, there is always someone who can be inspired by it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjsZsDw-MvqR3jYV1YEQOUBXiWgeO26QhUfyOAkj-WDYMNROLwodtLEPrjrzG8AoyqLBv3VeFP1u7hj1zalEPBsv6VeeIDmDjoyvDFa4B8mD04MMDAuBMDqXV3jfqXbCFUVxKM3kKpBmS/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjsZsDw-MvqR3jYV1YEQOUBXiWgeO26QhUfyOAkj-WDYMNROLwodtLEPrjrzG8AoyqLBv3VeFP1u7hj1zalEPBsv6VeeIDmDjoyvDFa4B8mD04MMDAuBMDqXV3jfqXbCFUVxKM3kKpBmS/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3FLzVPlbyIa1XrRpYX6ENTsPm072YbPNseDL_YMgz5tYUWfTSqVJ5JZEgSGUfp7iDHoNIZltsTntzyzMXvu-HbtTVK4aDXqhvbroETXer0HmKfiEjf1GygZIGujV6mXsk6hpcat2Wfq4/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3FLzVPlbyIa1XrRpYX6ENTsPm072YbPNseDL_YMgz5tYUWfTSqVJ5JZEgSGUfp7iDHoNIZltsTntzyzMXvu-HbtTVK4aDXqhvbroETXer0HmKfiEjf1GygZIGujV6mXsk6hpcat2Wfq4/s1600/029.jpg" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I bought 20 pounds of green beans from a local natural farm and processed them for the freezer. I don't have the equipment needed for canning {did my Yoder family just gasp?} but my seal-a-meal thingy came in handy for this project. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYGRsIZq8anLxxcFuCY5nhN7fC9MmjkFCQMI8yh93CKj6l53PX_oAq3douz1nMdk_crn_Nna0m7-23aU0i7IHdBralDH2vjff3vm9DLHpTcw9gRRF2bkucMvfjeku5guIhpcTll2kvGqa/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYGRsIZq8anLxxcFuCY5nhN7fC9MmjkFCQMI8yh93CKj6l53PX_oAq3douz1nMdk_crn_Nna0m7-23aU0i7IHdBralDH2vjff3vm9DLHpTcw9gRRF2bkucMvfjeku5guIhpcTll2kvGqa/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+3.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
A few little garden critters...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9gde3lLREOAwbAYJA1ZeOwlZGBtR1EQh6v6R_0CvjlhZnTF6BjzRqsUn9zNm_XX0lE6EoDCHZDGRhKpbLTH9d5AXf5uwG5gPhnhi6xQw4pDkg2xzM72zI-O1q8hdbRnaVMtQpka8mVZW/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9gde3lLREOAwbAYJA1ZeOwlZGBtR1EQh6v6R_0CvjlhZnTF6BjzRqsUn9zNm_XX0lE6EoDCHZDGRhKpbLTH9d5AXf5uwG5gPhnhi6xQw4pDkg2xzM72zI-O1q8hdbRnaVMtQpka8mVZW/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+1.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
We took the twins swimming at the neighbor's pool. Levi didn't hesitate for a second. Liam was a bit more skeptical. Here they are waving at each other...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1WVKNrifBuYclz23F4zKKuiYal2fJtQmpQZpQDqRzdqsySqBV3v_ZBFH_fmOpGZp1ybZZm60_5B0iHyGiE_EDyeoDU-3SdTPkaCwd7-I9zvLDCezL7T4-UAO6PkGc9hsbSJYwaa6f8cH/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1WVKNrifBuYclz23F4zKKuiYal2fJtQmpQZpQDqRzdqsySqBV3v_ZBFH_fmOpGZp1ybZZm60_5B0iHyGiE_EDyeoDU-3SdTPkaCwd7-I9zvLDCezL7T4-UAO6PkGc9hsbSJYwaa6f8cH/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+5.jpg" height="278" width="640" /></a></div>
I've been eating a lot of overnight oats this summer. Stir uncooked rolled oats into yogurt, add some almond butter and other healthy ingredients (I came up with a pretty decent carrot cake-inspired version), cover and refrigerate overnight, throw some fresh fruit on in the morning. I love this stuff!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcOdIQyTrCVL4_h0Y-p7h50A3j883SIhv1sge3huGZdu0L1cqmIVKLQ4npSXeD2eGGOxLPIqOB3JG_rJr1jePc1ubreGvg5ezUdhUMcgUUJGK8F2uWlxtPPgOXGSHMAx2j0vQ0OZescOb/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcOdIQyTrCVL4_h0Y-p7h50A3j883SIhv1sge3huGZdu0L1cqmIVKLQ4npSXeD2eGGOxLPIqOB3JG_rJr1jePc1ubreGvg5ezUdhUMcgUUJGK8F2uWlxtPPgOXGSHMAx2j0vQ0OZescOb/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+6.jpg" height="284" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You may be wondering why I am using a meat thermometer to pit cherries. Because I couldn't find my chopsticks! Duh! Seriously though, several tutorials on Youtube suggested using chopsticks to push the pits into a bottle. I really <em>couldn't</em> find my chopsticks so I improvised with a meat thermometer. It didn't work as quickly as I had anticipated. The search continues...<br />
<br />
Have you done anything this month that may not be unusual, but unusual for YOU?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://thinking-about-home.blogspot.com/search/label/Gathering%20the%20Moments" title="Thinking About Home"><img alt="Thinking About Home" src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e106/mckelveyhome/GatheringtheMomentsbutton150.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5449597570893133596.post-44033421592458997582014-07-15T06:43:00.000-04:002014-07-15T07:56:42.523-04:00Easy Chocolate Zucchini Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhWhvN3hYTtz7reT1bi35pkqPgMFwV1cJtfYMP4banpL1ETdYe9_I42RzqYDPD-13SJlvtL3qj98ndyOvigjH5dXqh0TBDB5mu4RXoBp-ilpQO9RNJU3L8YpA6QbuinJur2SeHUHQG_Gw/s1600/27+fruit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhWhvN3hYTtz7reT1bi35pkqPgMFwV1cJtfYMP4banpL1ETdYe9_I42RzqYDPD-13SJlvtL3qj98ndyOvigjH5dXqh0TBDB5mu4RXoBp-ilpQO9RNJU3L8YpA6QbuinJur2SeHUHQG_Gw/s1600/27+fruit.JPG" height="217" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I haven't baked a cake in years but when your garden hands you a zucchini that is too big for your liking yet not so big that it is only good for compost, you do what you gotta do. Right? Riiiiight?!?<br />
<br />
The <strong>obvious</strong> choice was to make some sort of treat. Again, agree with me. <br />
<br />
So chocolate it is! <em>See how I made that leap there?</em><br />
<br />
I got this recipe from one of the Aunties (one of my mother's sisters) a very long time ago and I knew it to be easy, quick, and delicious... all without frosting. <br />
<br />
And I'm all about the frosting, y'all! <br />
<br />
To me, cake is just the socially legit way to get the frosting from container to mouth. Unless you firm it up a bit and make fudge. Now you're with me. Mhmm!<br />
<br />
Since Hubby and I are trying to live a more healthy lifestyle and not have treats around the house much, I gave half of the cake to the neighbors. They have 4 kids so I really should have given them three-fourths of it, but I baked it in 2 9" rounds so I technically gave them a whole cake. But then that means <em>WE</em> technically ate a whole cake, too, so I'm just going to stick with "I gave the neighbors half of the cake."<br />
<br />
Either way, I didn't lose any sleep over it and the neighbors loved us for it.<br />
<br />
Okay, I'll quit babbling and give you the recipe. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkRAtMDfykXlmrAVPfqbauubtN4DLqAwGgHWtdszki1KYuhaKb2TLqQ2odxV3GPlPwHyih3ru0fAhSudWsdfVKRlmQjTFnEoAU6i_E9iZNBn_mz2Ab6icGoxwstkFKVP7nQ7WJWBXNI-w/s1600/cake+recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkRAtMDfykXlmrAVPfqbauubtN4DLqAwGgHWtdszki1KYuhaKb2TLqQ2odxV3GPlPwHyih3ru0fAhSudWsdfVKRlmQjTFnEoAU6i_E9iZNBn_mz2Ab6icGoxwstkFKVP7nQ7WJWBXNI-w/s1600/cake+recipe.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01076138629863759234noreply@blogger.com8