tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12611625550491910322024-02-20T11:44:58.851-08:00Seasons on the PathBrittany Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03429077001904311159noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-75825778506006385032013-12-15T17:17:00.000-08:002017-08-29T15:51:49.816-07:00December Love - My Christmas Card to You<div align="justify">
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From early October on....I hope for snow. If its in the forecast..I am up several times in the night, peeking out the shades. If in fact its falling..I wrap in a blanket and step out in my slippers, lifting my face toward the swirling icy crystals.</div>
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Its beautiful. It always makes my heart sing, I'm not exactly sure why. </div>
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Everything looks pristine under its white blanket, and the quiet that falls along with it is ethereal.</div>
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I simply love it.</div>
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Chandler loves it too.</div>
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Ever since I found this bird nest on the path, tucked in a blue spruce, I envisioned how stunning a red Christmas ornament would look nestled in there.</div>
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The first day it snowed, even though it was -2 degrees, I tucked the shiny red ball in my pocket, and with my" always eager to hit the trail" dog, set out to bring my vision to life.</div>
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The white on white of the birch trees against the frozen pond is also calling to me for a touch of Christmas adornment, I cannot resist its quiet request.</div>
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December is so full of our busyness. No other month can compare! </div>
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The lists, the shopping, the baking, the giving,..</div>
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Nostalgia weaves its golden threads through our hearts. </div>
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We remember Christmas's past, loved ones far away, those who are no longer with us.</div>
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We love. We give. </div>
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We celebrate the birth of Jesus. Who first loved.</div>
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Who first gave.</div>
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So Thankful He came to save us. </div>
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I love snow covered trees. This was taken looking out my kitchen window when I lived in out Little House in the woods, in Lake Stevens. The snow was so heavy, we could hear branches snapping off in the night under the heavy blanket of white.</div>
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I am so blessed to be surrounded by by so much beauty, I love to share it with all of you. I hope it brings you joy!</div>
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I hope this December, you are surrounded by those you love, that you can still find joy, and beauty in this world that sometimes seems to have gone mad. If it snows where you are... lift your face into the frosty swirl...</div>
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and for goodness sake EAT some of this zero calorie ice cream!</div>
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and finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,</div>
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whatever is admirable... if anything is praiseworthy, think about such things. Phil.4:8</div>
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Look for that beauty, and love, and joy in December, and carry it in your hearts all the year through!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">MERRY CHRISTMAS!</span></div>
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With love from Gail,</div>
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@Seasonsonthepath</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-28161058304594532522013-12-09T18:35:00.000-08:002017-08-29T15:51:57.105-07:00Evening of Destruction<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> EVENING OF DESTRUCTION</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> (Part three of Where the Willow Tree Grows)</span></div>
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Another Scorching August day was thankfully fading. A breeze was beginning to stir, and preparations were once again underway for a lovely summer gathering under the willow tree. This was a special evening! Bob and Denise had brought everything for dinner. Ribs to BBQ on the grill, fresh green beans with bacon, and Bob had spent hours that afternoon painstakingly preparing a favorite potato salad his Mother used to make! It was a labor of love, and a thing of beauty as he slipped it into the fridge! As if this wasn't enough food, we of course had trays of Bernie's Secret Garden delights, tonight, she had even included a plate of chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce!</div>
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Bob and Ric put the ribs on the grill, we girls load up with all offerings from the kitchen, which as usual..takes several trips ..( Bernie has resorted to loading up as much as possible in bags.)...</div>
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While she meticulously loads the little green wooden table with all the goodies, and glasses and napkins, getting everything just "SO"...I climb up on a chair and attache the new Bobeche on the Tree Chandelier that Denise has so kindly purchased....There! That's better!</div>
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Ribs are on the Grill, little wooden table is piled high, we all settle in to relax and enjoy another magical night under the tree.</div>
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Ric takes the champagne out of the bucket and places it on the table under the chandelier and commences to pop the cork just about the same time as Bernie warns "don't open it under the.."</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">POP!</span></div>
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The cork shoots straight in the air making a direct hit with the brand new Bobeche, sending a spray of " broken sparkly" all over Ric, who is so startled, he has stumbled backwards bumping the loaded little green wooden table sending cheese and crackers flying,chocolate dipped strawberries sailing, and tiny tomatoes rolling right into the raspberry patch! In that split second of knowing something has gone terribly wrong but was hysterically funny...there was complete silence.(other than the sprinkling of tiny shards of Bobeche bouncing off Ric's hat) Denise and I turned to see the look on Bernie's face...we knew Ric was gonna get it...then, we all began laughing SO hard..at first there was no sound coming out of us, then we were howling and were relieved to see Bernie's face crumple into laughter too.</div>
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Ric was off the hook.</div>
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We eventually calmed down and began gathering the scattered veggies and cheeses and wiping off glasses that somehow escaped the chaos without breaking.We settle back into our gliders with our glasses of bubbles still chuckling..We decide its time to enjoy the beautiful platter of shrimp and cocktail sauce, as I pull back the saran wrap, something out of the Twilight Zone happens! Reminding me of an old movie that used to scare the pee-wadin out of me..The Birds! Only it wasn't birds.... it was</div>
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They came out of no where ..they came out of everywhere! They swarmed the plate, crawled under the saran wrap..sending the whole bunch of us into a tizzy for the second time this evening! Denise and Bernie are allergic to bees for goodness sake!! In the cloud of insects we somehow got the saran back on the plate ( bees and all) and raced it back to the house!</div>
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Now for a third time this evening, we return to the comfort of our swaying seats, a bit shaken but determined to enjoy each others company and the space under the flowing branches of this tree we love so much.</div>
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As I'm listening to the conversation, I gaze up into the tree, as we often do, and realize directly above the glider where Bob and Denise are relaxing, is a LARGE branch that has apparently broken off and is dangling from another branch..pointing straight down like an arrow at my two friends.</div>
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Now, I didn't want to push the panic button..but the way the evening was going, and being a pretty strong believer in "things happen in threes" I didn't say anything, but simply pointed up.....Well! Ric was going to take care of this problem RIGHT now! He went for the ladder , the rope, a long stick... We did NOT want him up there fixing this himself and were commencing to make quite a stink about it, which got him all riled up...then, well..Bernie had had enough!! </div>
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Finally we got Ric all calmed down with some sweet talk :)</div>
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And... I'm happy to report, nobody got shish-ke-bobbed.</div>
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By now the ribs are done, and smell heavenly. We gather up whats left of our eventful evening and head indoors to the studio where the table is set. By the glow of candlelight we enjoy a truly wonderful dinner! The Ribs were perfectly delicious, Denise's green beans and bacon, so good, and that potato salad!! Oh MY! I'm a potato salad lover..this was one of the best I have ever had! We ate as much as we could possibly hold, but there was a lot left in the bowl.</div>
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Even with all the excitement, it has indeed been a great night! </div>
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I guess bad things don't happen in threes after all.</div>
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We are all relaxing around the table after we finish, Bob (bless his heart )begins clearing the dishes and taking everything back out to the kitchen. As the rest of us are enjoying one of Ric's stories, I hear an unusual sound coming from the kitchen, kind of like a Plop, a thud...a borderline kersplat ??No one else seems to hear it, the story continues and I don't want to interrupt..</div>
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Bob comes quietly back from the kitchen and stands at the edge of the table, the story stops, we all look up...</div>
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"You are not going to believe this" he says, and turns to head back to the kitchen.</div>
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We follow.</div>
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There on the kitchen floor lay destruction episode # 3</div>
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Bob thought the lid was attached to the bowl, he was sadly mistaken. We were all so sorry, so sad for the waste and the loss of all his hard work ...then of course.......</div>
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we laughed uncontrollably til tears ran down our cheeks. </div>
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WHAT a night!</div>
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At least he never had to worry about his potato salad going bad.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-68978647898357932492013-11-02T20:43:00.001-07:002017-08-29T15:52:03.663-07:00Losing Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A thing long expected takes the form of the unexpected when at last it comes. </h4>
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(Mark Twain)</h4>
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I've often pondered this quote in joyful times, things hoped for, prayed for, waited for. But on this afternoon , as I was preparing to write a post on my Obsession of Pumpkins, I realized it also speaks of things that are difficult, dreaded, painfully expected.</div>
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I received the call yesterday that my sweet Mother was very quickly fading. Something I have indeed prayed for, hoped for...and so has she.</div>
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After suffering a massive stroke at the age of 49, she has endured 33 of her 82 years in a wheelchair. Most of those years in assisted living, many in Nursing homes.</div>
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I tried to help her, make her happy, find peace, but I could not save her from the waves of anger, sorrow and frustration, the physical and mental disabilities, the understandable spiral into depression.</div>
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So she endured. For thirty three years.</div>
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Yes I prayed for her release. I asked the Lord many times.."Why must she linger? Why cant you take her home? Why did this happen to her? Why..Why..WHY?</div>
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The clock ticks away the rainy October afternoon, and I am comforted by the company of my visiting daughter and grandchildren.</div>
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Mom lies in a bed in a nursing home, in another state, slipping away under a veil of morphine. I want to crawl in bed with her and hold her. Tell her how much I love her, that very soon she will be free.</div>
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At 6:17, I receive the call. She has taken her last breath, she is gone.</div>
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The thing long expected has come.</div>
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The pain that drops me to the bathroom floor is the "unexpected."</div>
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I cry loud and hard and long. The patches I have stitched over the hole of "Mama" in my heart over all the years, unravel. I have missed her for so long. </div>
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But gone...Gone is different.</div>
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I have grieved for years at not having her healthy and happy....but that was selfish grief. Not having her to have lunch with, or laugh with, or tell all her friends how cute my kids are... paint a bedroom, can tomato's or go on a road trip. But I realize this fresh grief is for all that SHE missed. Simple gifts most of us take for granted. </div>
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Raking leaves, riding a horse, stuffing a turkey, planting bulbs, having your kids over for dinner, babysitting your grand kids.</div>
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Legs and Arms that do what they are supposed to. Hug and wave, and dance.</div>
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I remember the last time I was with my Mom in August. It was hot, but I put on her big floppy hat and pushed her down the street to the park.</div>
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There was some kind of a festival going on. Music, little girls twirling, sweaty little boys hanging from trees. People just enjoying life. She watched from under the brim of her hat, and she smiled.</div>
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I bought her a milkshake and fed it to her with a spoon so she wouldn't choke. I took her back inside, kissed her and held her hand. I told her how much I loved her and that if I had all the Moms in the world to choose from...I would still choose her. She smiled. I said ;"See you later Mom, be good!" Walked down the hall, out the door, got in my car and drove away with a heavy heart.</div>
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Just like always.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkG97AvOo_qFbxVV_xKfKhftwhWBDkyNBTrhlmp7rXctDPJgdLVX5qFJJCSxXOoaYuc6tqp7xa4_uGBFDQvBSGZrV8CgRTPHEixhm_o-dADnLkNwfDq6kA1Xr2bXUBJ7GrJZx_Xe0pvs/s1600/IMG_5920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkG97AvOo_qFbxVV_xKfKhftwhWBDkyNBTrhlmp7rXctDPJgdLVX5qFJJCSxXOoaYuc6tqp7xa4_uGBFDQvBSGZrV8CgRTPHEixhm_o-dADnLkNwfDq6kA1Xr2bXUBJ7GrJZx_Xe0pvs/s320/IMG_5920.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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The morning after I received the "expected call", beautiful flowers arrived on my doorstep, reminding me of hope, and love, and life, and the life Jesus promises us in heaven. Much more beautiful than these fragrant roses! Where we will shed no more tears, and receive new bodies!</div>
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My Mamas broken little body got replaced with a NEW one! I close my eyes now, and hope to hang on to a new vision of her...NOT in that wheelchair..NOT "resting in peace"... but dancing!! With her arms over her head , laughter escaping her smile, and those beautiful brown eyes reflecting the radiance of the One on the Throne of Grace, who has brought His child home.</div>
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You keep dancing Mama, I will meet you there someday</div>
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Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.</h4>
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Psalms 30:5</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-90274655856860132352013-10-24T17:35:00.001-07:002017-08-29T15:53:44.425-07:00DIY Frosted Pumpkins<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweMpKM3-4xrk0ykbvJa5HgbFJEWwVTC4tI0DUzOyR22cGLG9fjXMFpHqYPjhD_X-YXB8LHUHwZxt2wQweGW-nra2ahKx7pxDFewH-K8nLBXd4BmcHbqTW2foFrp1qcDR6t5S_LQ_39-o/s1600/IMG_5689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweMpKM3-4xrk0ykbvJa5HgbFJEWwVTC4tI0DUzOyR22cGLG9fjXMFpHqYPjhD_X-YXB8LHUHwZxt2wQweGW-nra2ahKx7pxDFewH-K8nLBXd4BmcHbqTW2foFrp1qcDR6t5S_LQ_39-o/s400/IMG_5689.JPG" width="298" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the easiest thing to do EVER! Have I got the interest of those of you who always say </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"I cant make ANYthing!"??</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is SO easy in fact, I am going to let my 3 year old grandson help me sparkle up another batch of these tiny ghosty punkins this weekend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WHAT YOU'LL NEED</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">paint brush ( 1 inch or wider)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Modge Podge</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Epsom salts</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pumpkins (any size, any color)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh08yMLTbNspO0kiaK_iLt2T6_AZhKd9fNAb8AOfdePJI7avxVMIAItvi_c8D3tvpmFbKdyA3c5SUp026we5Q92k-W46vOfAUb2lMR5VEsPCEtZZl80_xU8PIfZeVaHTe9ukeDj_e4Y4/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh08yMLTbNspO0kiaK_iLt2T6_AZhKd9fNAb8AOfdePJI7avxVMIAItvi_c8D3tvpmFbKdyA3c5SUp026we5Q92k-W46vOfAUb2lMR5VEsPCEtZZl80_xU8PIfZeVaHTe9ukeDj_e4Y4/s320/IMG_5682.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Its a good idea to wash them off first, and dry with a towel.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3jbw4u8TZxDTvoeFanOGSNT2QwaNF3wFJoXdtLEoYD9LapVxOPadfBUkGtlCZSR368wl8Tnmy-MAti94DqMq4YffaDqwWFPfnsdO9bPp6fKl7yg3Rn62cWjiVo14ouX7jYPpsb7MBak/s1600/IMG_5674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3jbw4u8TZxDTvoeFanOGSNT2QwaNF3wFJoXdtLEoYD9LapVxOPadfBUkGtlCZSR368wl8Tnmy-MAti94DqMq4YffaDqwWFPfnsdO9bPp6fKl7yg3Rn62cWjiVo14ouX7jYPpsb7MBak/s320/IMG_5674.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pour your salts in a dish big enough to roll them around a bit, and sprinkle over tops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simply brush the modge podge on to surface. (don't forget the stem) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then roll around in salts, sprinkling over the top if necessary. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUuXN8XYIigutVz9_KIMTdKiHlUjmXTSbMqtpzYP7kCSm-O5OJJkibKQfHePdI8zUu-lwY4bQdyeqWvOCNcKv6zq3dpDkIfNGjNo1E33TIFMiVqbnZ5wmZ3qJP2ubfW0ErXOgQ8E8Fsk/s1600/IMG_5684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUuXN8XYIigutVz9_KIMTdKiHlUjmXTSbMqtpzYP7kCSm-O5OJJkibKQfHePdI8zUu-lwY4bQdyeqWvOCNcKv6zq3dpDkIfNGjNo1E33TIFMiVqbnZ5wmZ3qJP2ubfW0ErXOgQ8E8Fsk/s320/IMG_5684.JPG" width="239" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Place them on a newspaper to dry. (about an hour)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And there you have it my friends!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yyLbN0xjd2uKj3L_i25zPgbzb63BAW73CPilqGW5P2O_1nRROhqUdXICmp7NjemzjZSLO9YuqIt6mCqXct8fISluLhLgBvMbZc9MtXjV0FswSkWfHrwG-P-rYe4jnR-14dRgt2M3zqA/s1600/IMG_5690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yyLbN0xjd2uKj3L_i25zPgbzb63BAW73CPilqGW5P2O_1nRROhqUdXICmp7NjemzjZSLO9YuqIt6mCqXct8fISluLhLgBvMbZc9MtXjV0FswSkWfHrwG-P-rYe4jnR-14dRgt2M3zqA/s320/IMG_5690.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These ( and many other gourds) would be beautiful on your Thanksgiving day table, would they not?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm telling you, you are going to think you are Martha Stewart!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm35Ob3dyeji2O4FAkNr_kZaLtAB5kzeDjNbkZxbqiKH2rHDSK1SCRnrJ4OCJR10E2Yag8EbP8civtt8lRjMmjuq5Gmqb1XjWDL_dTSQP9FhitJ8AoGpGHALx4b8xOH8qPPIwznKfcfEk/s1600/IMG_5687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm35Ob3dyeji2O4FAkNr_kZaLtAB5kzeDjNbkZxbqiKH2rHDSK1SCRnrJ4OCJR10E2Yag8EbP8civtt8lRjMmjuq5Gmqb1XjWDL_dTSQP9FhitJ8AoGpGHALx4b8xOH8qPPIwznKfcfEk/s320/IMG_5687.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After Thanksgiving dinner is enjoyed and the greasy kitchen all cleaned up... throw all the pumpkins in the tub and have a well deserved Epsom salt soak!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But watch where you sit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now go get your glitter-self ON girl!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-85366866580478714722013-10-22T14:48:00.000-07:002017-08-29T15:51:27.634-07:00October Love<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAGqQ2nR-ekgdQEUjLhMt-N6IJ-BcWi6GOHq6CkNEVhp8eVc5NPooIirY87ptCNoOzHlmyLaaC7cJHf-i_GwQyATdHG46yOe7FYNeBAOgt8IwrqEQ9-NgfFx_aRrw06yF4nWuUZLoPGoA/s1600/IMG_5468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAGqQ2nR-ekgdQEUjLhMt-N6IJ-BcWi6GOHq6CkNEVhp8eVc5NPooIirY87ptCNoOzHlmyLaaC7cJHf-i_GwQyATdHG46yOe7FYNeBAOgt8IwrqEQ9-NgfFx_aRrw06yF4nWuUZLoPGoA/s640/IMG_5468.JPG" width="478" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
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October passes much too quickly don't you think?<br />
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Although the nights have grown cold, the mornings dark, and the fleece sheets pulled up under my chin tempt me to stay cocooned against the morning chill... just a little longer.</div>
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But the path, in the first morning light is always calling to me.</div>
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(that… and the large head of a Black lab propped next to my face, soft brown eyes watching my every breath until my feet hit the floor.)</div>
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Reaching the trail, I am never disappointed.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9WiMd4omdDfoPvtQLotgGTZvRmH-ToRw9vIlTaNXZmhx2vtMISZs3YTlFMezros9bs-BvEppdaahcsQ8qkJMR6lA4Nj9D_deP-AfCtgFqCailOeV5WR8d-vvqB0VM2WlJ_gxzfhMvfI/s640/IMG_5456.JPG" width="476" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This particular morning as the sun comes up, the leaves that have been painted with a touch of frost overnight begin to fall all around me with a soft clicking noise. (as if there is not enough beauty for my eyes to behold, my ears get to join in the party too!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqleL6ZidXqalFdffxOglMIuGiKc8BLBkzhiI-d1hcoF7sE5pn1lhoqnxPUEOraQ4Eak9Woz0tRt1HnKOsZG_LPPDOFcXnkG8lpO1lTHn9wXajObIiXbRS97v6zIWtkFZyQwbNv_UP916/s1600/IMG_5488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqleL6ZidXqalFdffxOglMIuGiKc8BLBkzhiI-d1hcoF7sE5pn1lhoqnxPUEOraQ4Eak9Woz0tRt1HnKOsZG_LPPDOFcXnkG8lpO1lTHn9wXajObIiXbRS97v6zIWtkFZyQwbNv_UP916/s640/IMG_5488.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ducks float silently through the mist rising from the pond. The foxes are no where to be seen, perhaps they are still curled up in there den under the covered bridge, more than likely… they are hidden in the tall grass watching me!</div>
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Chandler and I turn back as the sun is completely up now, the morning show for today is over.</div>
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I'm so grateful, that God made everything in living color! He could have just made everything black and white. Color is a gift, in every season, every day… but October? Who can not love it?!</div>
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Back home, we enjoy our morning coffee, and look out the window at all those beautiful leaves… that have fallen… and now need to be cleaned up. We could hope for a wind storm or...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRy0gXXVQxjthQgPjOLh5oxB64pbqaOsy1AEA7ucLo0eFYjN4N-f-guXVDA0L5BELxQTRBST31ZhkpSw74tUmw-Ri5bG5AvoK6JutqCHVwEcWLLRfo_ZxkLWRusMIqlDCSZh9AolwsVf5J/s1600/IMG_2984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRy0gXXVQxjthQgPjOLh5oxB64pbqaOsy1AEA7ucLo0eFYjN4N-f-guXVDA0L5BELxQTRBST31ZhkpSw74tUmw-Ri5bG5AvoK6JutqCHVwEcWLLRfo_ZxkLWRusMIqlDCSZh9AolwsVf5J/s640/IMG_2984.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We could invite the grand kids over for cheap labor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyY8n2E6sz_Q6uzhxf41ZGMfUciDcV0x86nXMDrkVJJkjgurxTGx_J9FqPgFKCHiF51SOZiPY7K9pC9CYRg5CN7n-RJSuRCkJIgHfuHEwDqN6IKHLsPU9_3Lq-YyJH0qD3FEAzg9NK4D9/s1600/IMG_2164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyY8n2E6sz_Q6uzhxf41ZGMfUciDcV0x86nXMDrkVJJkjgurxTGx_J9FqPgFKCHiF51SOZiPY7K9pC9CYRg5CN7n-RJSuRCkJIgHfuHEwDqN6IKHLsPU9_3Lq-YyJH0qD3FEAzg9NK4D9/s640/IMG_2164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Take time this day to enjoy the many paintings of October, right outside your window because November is coming with its bare tree browns, and it whites of frost and snow...</div>
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Which I believe, has beauty all its own!</div>
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Don't you just love the changing of the seasons? </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-90957686045061922242013-10-19T16:03:00.000-07:002013-10-20T16:11:12.937-07:00Chandelier in the Willow Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(continued from "<a href="http://seasonsonthepath.blogspot.com/2013/10/where-willow-tree-grows-where-do-you-go.html" target="_blank">Where the Willow Tree Grows</a>.")</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyK3ntjJZBXTIsSAdIQ8fHbuM9-qAUICa0o4UpyAm2qTzOEB9h2TgZy9XEdAAhXO6b1efnoqSo5AXguqJY7RIOb9KHTbyMoNdim46t36JyTkI1JE8o_1OC4VCCn1QpZo1o-Ew92GwAIy1/s1600/IMG_4865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyK3ntjJZBXTIsSAdIQ8fHbuM9-qAUICa0o4UpyAm2qTzOEB9h2TgZy9XEdAAhXO6b1efnoqSo5AXguqJY7RIOb9KHTbyMoNdim46t36JyTkI1JE8o_1OC4VCCn1QpZo1o-Ew92GwAIy1/s640/IMG_4865.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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This beautiful willow tree graces the little farm on Emma Lane.</div>
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As I was sharing with you in part one of this story, it began 30 some years ago when Ric and Bernie stuck two tiny little willow twigs in a bucket of water. The roots filled the bucket, then were placed side by side in the ground, they grew together entwining into one magnificent giant!</div>
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At the end of this late summers day, the sun sinks behind the hills painting the sky pink and gold.The long graceful branches dance in the cooling evening breeze, inviting us to come.....</div>
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Hearts are glad as we friends bustle about in the kitchens gathering up all the special culinary delights lovingly prepared earlier in the day by Bernie. </div>
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Fancy trays of strawberries with dip, tiny crackers with Bernie's Mint Jelly, seasonal offerings from the garden, Ric's smoked cheeses...</div>
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and SOMEtimes… Bernie makes a fancy tray of tiny bologna sandwiches, on white bread cut in little triangles, crust off… my FAVORITE!</div>
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Mind you… I don't eat white bread and my bologna eating days disappeared with my childhood</div>
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but I'm telling you...</div>
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under this tree they seem to be food of the gods! </div>
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Last but certainly not least..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxzQvUSNZcmfIYftWo6g0XX3LcP2ui4_JzvT0HJCh5OoD_myOVlpP1g8ZcK9gMMTqrKmaCSXKlXV4vRHzr67vuLhs3_vYLL-P7_VRBaf8b5LFQH3-pl1ePfNdMj3Fyaj_blIIv7APX8nz/s1600/IMG_4888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxzQvUSNZcmfIYftWo6g0XX3LcP2ui4_JzvT0HJCh5OoD_myOVlpP1g8ZcK9gMMTqrKmaCSXKlXV4vRHzr67vuLhs3_vYLL-P7_VRBaf8b5LFQH3-pl1ePfNdMj3Fyaj_blIIv7APX8nz/s640/IMG_4888.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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The champagne arrives wrapped in ice and shining silver!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaEk5_kC7nx4wMGINoIeso-kycrauv4Nj5E4u9FIMxgPMEDvuy35DVppFnukOlv2GZOUbRgywh1JyN3j1lrhb419P-vtEdqZt5uQjopU15xpe49lZOQghBOui5jxs_Mh0cqvyvnZNpt7T/s1600/IMG_4887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaEk5_kC7nx4wMGINoIeso-kycrauv4Nj5E4u9FIMxgPMEDvuy35DVppFnukOlv2GZOUbRgywh1JyN3j1lrhb419P-vtEdqZt5uQjopU15xpe49lZOQghBOui5jxs_Mh0cqvyvnZNpt7T/s640/IMG_4887.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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We all settle under the tree to enjoy its shelter from the sun and the outside world.</div>
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Pleasant conversation among friends blends with the evening calling of the turtle doves and the beginning of the crickets chorus.</div>
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The Wrens flit in and out of their gourd birdhouses overhead reminding us...</div>
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It is time to add the ethereal glow of</div>
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the Chandelier !</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRibYKpBj3tKpQFwcEcBLqBMFucERTi_6fYthHc9B-J3T7iY0KbSTNrrU8Ubj-ZRRbcXS5T315QFwksXnwkoHXgtF0tnpmujLCSFH6yVGARsbFaIWSA0ryrNNKpt9tsEDRZQyn3MTJOZ8r/s1600/IMG_4903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRibYKpBj3tKpQFwcEcBLqBMFucERTi_6fYthHc9B-J3T7iY0KbSTNrrU8Ubj-ZRRbcXS5T315QFwksXnwkoHXgtF0tnpmujLCSFH6yVGARsbFaIWSA0ryrNNKpt9tsEDRZQyn3MTJOZ8r/s640/IMG_4903.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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I found there was only ONE way to share the magical glow of a Chandelier in a Willow tree, (and I really wanted to… because after all… how many of you have ever sat under a chandelier in a tree??)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsqNbiazKMrEXtZ6-rEII2t4E0HFYzZuN7flH1Fsl9NbHI_hqMv8keA8Cg-80mPIENTWzfqpRiBJHMFIgrG2ShT_ftDJTyQVPmmKDSyZsQZPneEQ96LFv0TrdG-zdHCCcLXAojC9o1pPS/s1600/IMG_4840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsqNbiazKMrEXtZ6-rEII2t4E0HFYzZuN7flH1Fsl9NbHI_hqMv8keA8Cg-80mPIENTWzfqpRiBJHMFIgrG2ShT_ftDJTyQVPmmKDSyZsQZPneEQ96LFv0TrdG-zdHCCcLXAojC9o1pPS/s640/IMG_4840.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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So onto the ground I went.</div>
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As I enjoyed the hard work of this particular photo shoot, I realized there was a missing bobeche on our beloved chandelier!</div>
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"BOBECHE...!!!"</div>
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Who says that??</div>
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This word makes me laugh out loud every time I say it, or even think of it!! I had to look it up on google to even know how to spell it! It is a French word and is the glass collar that sits beneath the bulb and holds the glass prisms on a chandelier.</div>
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Who knew.</div>
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I noticed that there was one missing, and it was really bugging me..messing up my flat-on-my-back shots!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp838D_vzKjEgGXx1bVnCPowWm4uroImcNhLNp5MVKdNxwxo91L4LdI9ztIqTh2Qfw8ZUJEP7JyPYUCzhotJHYhMdmaVgff0g5TxVpVB1Bg1Iw_79HPRy_0LCVsN4GdFvS2LqIZbLdxMII/s1600/IMG_4844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp838D_vzKjEgGXx1bVnCPowWm4uroImcNhLNp5MVKdNxwxo91L4LdI9ztIqTh2Qfw8ZUJEP7JyPYUCzhotJHYhMdmaVgff0g5TxVpVB1Bg1Iw_79HPRy_0LCVsN4GdFvS2LqIZbLdxMII/s640/IMG_4844.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Now that YOU see it… it bugs you too, right?</div>
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My friend Denise and I agree, we must replace it! We decide to get one for Bernie's Birthday and have it up for our next tree gathering in a few days. Where in the world do you shop for a Bobeche?? (I just put that line in because I wanted to say it one more time .)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjfjb2RLvjQzfHL5ldANXCQEhIHU7RJHUhQ74KLuHdixz-vTQdUmrpWt65gKaBrTu0uBjmxTQ2rrFiX7ZvptcwWCZSaiPjRerxzzirHm1qO0sHa8LLVEaLdYW8WpfyVfviWNDXwLdgpJL/s1600/IMG_4904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjfjb2RLvjQzfHL5ldANXCQEhIHU7RJHUhQ74KLuHdixz-vTQdUmrpWt65gKaBrTu0uBjmxTQ2rrFiX7ZvptcwWCZSaiPjRerxzzirHm1qO0sHa8LLVEaLdYW8WpfyVfviWNDXwLdgpJL/s640/IMG_4904.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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By now, Ric has started a fire in his fire pit with bundles of willow twigs he gathers, ties up with twine and keeps stacked by the barn. (On occasion, he will grill thick steaks over the flame for our dinner!) </div>
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The harmonica is brought out, Rick Service Stories are recited, Old stories are brought back to life, new stories are shared.</div>
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Our laughter rings out over the cooling pastures as time is suspended under the tree, the outside world turning midnight blue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxpAUvjC8STCMhv0iGCrWOprAvA2nvos-k_0v4CjGrVcdB8yoKmdYW9_ehUukdZrJ3Wf4qZ2ITXeMaQkXb__0xN9Gz0UlCnM4j36Ayb0YlhcA2utcC2mDSijpbG_EP1qWcvnIWFbwPCwN/s1600/IMG_4911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxpAUvjC8STCMhv0iGCrWOprAvA2nvos-k_0v4CjGrVcdB8yoKmdYW9_ehUukdZrJ3Wf4qZ2ITXeMaQkXb__0xN9Gz0UlCnM4j36Ayb0YlhcA2utcC2mDSijpbG_EP1qWcvnIWFbwPCwN/s640/IMG_4911.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Under this beloved tree, many have been refreshed and encouraged.</div>
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And the laughter, OH my goodness the laughter!!</div>
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Tears have been shed, friendships mended,and prayers have filtered up through the knowing branches,who have heard it all, yet hold it all secret. Which must be why Bernie calls it her Secret Garden.</div>
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Yes.</div>
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Our time under the Beloved Willow tree is always perfect.</div>
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Except for that ONE night.</div>
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(to be continued..."Evening of destruction")</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-40898236978932361692013-10-11T08:24:00.002-07:002013-10-19T16:03:42.842-07:00Where the Willow Tree Grows<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXngbYg8KNG2GuqZnOI_blUZSXVcumMI-8UgeXzw8pdxqAFfS6x6K_sekVZkm4QAdPRo7aXWr5qfJSLJYzhz8DGxgDezoVNsqgdQq6IOCrdqXyxYUV_lQNXylvFVU3Nlnvd8monMayI7U/s1600/IMG_4857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXngbYg8KNG2GuqZnOI_blUZSXVcumMI-8UgeXzw8pdxqAFfS6x6K_sekVZkm4QAdPRo7aXWr5qfJSLJYzhz8DGxgDezoVNsqgdQq6IOCrdqXyxYUV_lQNXylvFVU3Nlnvd8monMayI7U/s640/IMG_4857.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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Where do you go when your heart longs for home but there is no home in which to return?</h3>
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I was fortunate enough to have grown up in the country. We were poor, our family never owned a home, living in 7 different places. I have fond memories of every one of them; fields and creeks, barns and tree houses, cats, dogs, horses, cows, chickens and ducks. How I wish I could return to my favorite spot in the hayloft , or show my grand kids the rickety raft tied at the edge of the pond, or the tree house my brother built in the big tree above the creek....</div>
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My parents divorced years ago, dad has since passed away and my dear mother is in a nursing home.</div>
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Before you stop reading this sad tale, please come with me to my adapted home, that feeds my country-heart longings.</div>
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Come with me to Emma Lane, where my friends Ric and Bernie have lived and loved each other for 38 years! When my country loving roots need nourished, I am blessed to be welcomed here! I am greeted with warm hugs and the heavenly smells of Bernie's Pot Roast, which is THE best I have ever had! ( Sorry Mom)</div>
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The front porch swing creaks in the breeze that is scented with honeysuckle. Almost every seat inside the house and along the back porch are rocking chairs! 24 of them! Ric says the only thing that doesn't rock in this place is the music!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21oEuWHCCkTOtA8KLT556IkWEPfvjbwe42QeRukWXMVAVlk4uwc5wctsInyFLJsBMoj9oQchm4kXXOvJyYmo-WIeIEVJ6KwMz_vWF8j53p3Q3nIYtoRV5BGrfYT1Ieu4HjUqjBDJVLPE/s1600/IMG_4854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21oEuWHCCkTOtA8KLT556IkWEPfvjbwe42QeRukWXMVAVlk4uwc5wctsInyFLJsBMoj9oQchm4kXXOvJyYmo-WIeIEVJ6KwMz_vWF8j53p3Q3nIYtoRV5BGrfYT1Ieu4HjUqjBDJVLPE/s640/IMG_4854.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lKoxA46zBgfkD0iJWAFx9rvRJs3Ym8hU480FQTOvSBjfmdDrb-ZSAySZjr4SYdfKRFFcGMPqzYDXDYO_SGS4UXQpxyJtZKy_K4dMW4dwE9Vf3p3YANXfJ801wbA-dRjO005mf7YOFEY/s1600/IMG_4848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lKoxA46zBgfkD0iJWAFx9rvRJs3Ym8hU480FQTOvSBjfmdDrb-ZSAySZjr4SYdfKRFFcGMPqzYDXDYO_SGS4UXQpxyJtZKy_K4dMW4dwE9Vf3p3YANXfJ801wbA-dRjO005mf7YOFEY/s640/IMG_4848.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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HOME SWEET HOME!</div>
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Where late summer flowers ramble freely over fences, </div>
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Gooseberries hang heavy, just daring you to taste....</div>
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and 28 birdhouses nestled here and there make for some happy birds who all sing their chorus of thanks in the early morning!</div>
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I wander through the garden picking the last of the raspberries, I marvel at the size of the rhubarb plant, and wonder if tonight's dinner will include Bernie's amazing rhubarb pie! There are pumpkins unable to hide their orange as they grow fatter under the tangle of leaves<br />
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Out in the pasture under the bridge, Farmer Ric has planted Squash and Zucchini where they ramble with abandon!</div>
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I look back from the pasture at this little home I love, and smile at the thought of my bedroom , with windows flung wide open, where tonight when I crawl under the Chenille bedspread, the cold night air smelling of fresh cut hay, will float over me like a dream from my childhood, complete with dogs barking in the distance, and the "chht chht chht" of sprinklers....The covey of turtle doves alongside the house whisper soothing coos throughout the night...</div>
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I am brought back from my daydream as I gaze upon the giant willow tree, which is after all the center of this special place, not to mention the star of my story!</div>
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Thirty years ago...Ric and Bernie stuck two willow branches in a bucket of water. The roots soon sprouted, the twigs were stuck in the earth....It has withstood storms of wind, ice and snow.</div>
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When the sun goes down..... the chandelier hanging low in its branches begins to glow , the crickets begin their song, </div>
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and that my friends...</div>
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is when the magic happens.....</div>
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to be continued.</div>
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( <a href="http://seasonsonthepath.blogspot.com/2013/10/chandelier-in-willow-tree.html" target="_blank">Chandelier in the Willow Tree</a>)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-50079366017025410602013-09-10T15:37:00.000-07:002013-09-10T18:01:29.123-07:00Chocolate Zucchini Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHez07dx1iN_rzBE1-nuLm6fl3Q0H_HylalSna1yQ0N9nrcaJTj3Bm8fDrxvpkt5j2_YUP-iZRuejTWudcEj4Ktv5IGI8VjtSUTr3Y_Azx-d85Yxdb93OjNQtJww6hj5MnaaHo7ieP_g/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHez07dx1iN_rzBE1-nuLm6fl3Q0H_HylalSna1yQ0N9nrcaJTj3Bm8fDrxvpkt5j2_YUP-iZRuejTWudcEj4Ktv5IGI8VjtSUTr3Y_Azx-d85Yxdb93OjNQtJww6hj5MnaaHo7ieP_g/s320/IMG_4796.JPG" title="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">
This recipe is from one of my favorite cookbooks, from the Junior League of Yakima, my Home town in Washington State.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVEM405c0r8mr4xAwmLzteok4ZV4TIyUh-seAwkjK6VgeLozS0Na3Ae9UHZsj_mggUlYDr4gZIg1rr4iQAJG1osGvV3JPSg-BJcedruqlJtVX1yU2PQDaiE_fua2H212917Z2Su9b9yg/s1600/IMG_4937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVEM405c0r8mr4xAwmLzteok4ZV4TIyUh-seAwkjK6VgeLozS0Na3Ae9UHZsj_mggUlYDr4gZIg1rr4iQAJG1osGvV3JPSg-BJcedruqlJtVX1yU2PQDaiE_fua2H212917Z2Su9b9yg/s320/IMG_4937.JPG" title="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
What to do with a vegetable that has taken over our gardens, our laundry rooms, the entire months of August and September with there plethora of green goodness?! We have fried it, grilled it, frozen it, sauteed it… slipped it into every dish possible… the best thing to do of course is....</span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2viygVFx9I1sUQOTc70g0H_0vOmNvEdbh8kHD4JJ-Ck6ffR01KHQffPo4QRq8rNX8PCAQTfpRjOxXxInqOCUNHpwfP9PejdFD5HDotLqGBpRjYIJL0BWqB-ygCXXRU6ki7rOBAyeEUMw/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2viygVFx9I1sUQOTc70g0H_0vOmNvEdbh8kHD4JJ-Ck6ffR01KHQffPo4QRq8rNX8PCAQTfpRjOxXxInqOCUNHpwfP9PejdFD5HDotLqGBpRjYIJL0BWqB-ygCXXRU6ki7rOBAyeEUMw/s320/IMG_4965.JPG" title="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">ADD CHOCOLATE!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;">
SO, lets begin!</span></h4>
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2 1/2 cups flour (half whole wheat is good!)</span></h4>
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1/2 cup baking powder</span></h4>
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1 tsp each, baking powder, baking soda, salt</span></h4>
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2 cups sugar</span></h4>
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1 cup canola oil</span></h4>
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3 eggs beaten</span></h4>
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2 Tbls.vanilla</span></h4>
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2 cups finely shredded zucchini</span></h4>
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1 cup ( 6oz.) semi sweet chocolate chips</span></h4>
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1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)</span></h4>
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Combine the cocoa, baking powder, soda and salt in a bowl. Combine the sugar, oil eggs and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat until well blended. Add the zucchini and mix well. Add the flour mixture and stir just until moistened. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Pour into two greased 5x9 inch loaf pans. (YES! it makes TWO loaves one to enjoy and one to freeze or share!)</span></h4>
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Bake at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove the bread from pans to wire rack to cool.</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLLEu31RzgCmOTRjEX05SRFhvngDvB9h0Yv1BZS6bVNtwoXECZ9Hu3GZ9jcaUgJFLaafyFudYomj7fC-H767U6lE1ROdZmCTP6MY-zAjzfetEbCRGZeL3Pc-BEZNcWd8hyphenhyphenhGBrLLDfRU/s1600/IMG_4969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLLEu31RzgCmOTRjEX05SRFhvngDvB9h0Yv1BZS6bVNtwoXECZ9Hu3GZ9jcaUgJFLaafyFudYomj7fC-H767U6lE1ROdZmCTP6MY-zAjzfetEbCRGZeL3Pc-BEZNcWd8hyphenhyphenhGBrLLDfRU/s320/IMG_4969.JPG" title="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXC37k-EjyqcjD_F_m7Klkdwr2lQMLwFHGmLbLNJlEDyMRfEGbz5Dq_EpnV6iVVtg_cBc0pNXT2GdzukymEPvzMzHdWomHv4XQhxR2WRhWh1j3j8D763kgidVQkqo2ZULsMqjLZjtca0/s1600/IMG_5110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXC37k-EjyqcjD_F_m7Klkdwr2lQMLwFHGmLbLNJlEDyMRfEGbz5Dq_EpnV6iVVtg_cBc0pNXT2GdzukymEPvzMzHdWomHv4XQhxR2WRhWh1j3j8D763kgidVQkqo2ZULsMqjLZjtca0/s320/IMG_5110.JPG" title="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" width="239" /></a></span></div>
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MY Favorite way to eat this is warm with butter. </span></h4>
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YES!! We Americans know how to eat our vegetables!</span></h4>
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I think you are going to LOVE it!</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0EHdfz4EuTckzF4i-49_Zc2mVYRhEk6ssvvQXd1kl5YrCZw0byP7TX42niWFm0fZWYnc9xG0wk-wl0I_sSHabrdIJSLbu3O8MCcknaE3Ct4KqQ_Uxf6lAZtVTZX5yuaRVuXy2C2849g/s1600/IMG_5111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0EHdfz4EuTckzF4i-49_Zc2mVYRhEk6ssvvQXd1kl5YrCZw0byP7TX42niWFm0fZWYnc9xG0wk-wl0I_sSHabrdIJSLbu3O8MCcknaE3Ct4KqQ_Uxf6lAZtVTZX5yuaRVuXy2C2849g/s320/IMG_5111.JPG" title="Chocolate Zucchini Bread" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-58728704021833695782013-09-10T09:21:00.001-07:002013-09-10T18:02:58.620-07:00Yesterfood : Maple Cornbread MuffinsThese are amazing! So sweet, and an interesting twist of flavors with chili!<br />
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<a href="http://yesterfood.blogspot.com/2013/08/maple-cornbread-muffins.html?showComment=1378830086313#c8919247468560113332">Yesterfood : Maple Cornbread Muffins</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-87965034655670738672013-09-02T14:08:00.002-07:002013-09-09T14:36:44.712-07:00Foxes or Snakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMUjZFWnzIIkvoT6dU0lhcNhULyErJvj414ej9Lhn4VJMDXv0790VvK7vmo5ChfYTI46xO_ySh0nmm6U4BItwy7sVXJGbYvsvSnAwRWQrKBIG_X4N951ckB0bHCJxUBm4yeV3iZB6fGw/s1600/IMG_4559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foxes or Snakes" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMUjZFWnzIIkvoT6dU0lhcNhULyErJvj414ej9Lhn4VJMDXv0790VvK7vmo5ChfYTI46xO_ySh0nmm6U4BItwy7sVXJGbYvsvSnAwRWQrKBIG_X4N951ckB0bHCJxUBm4yeV3iZB6fGw/s640/IMG_4559.JPG" title="Foxes or Snakes" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My little friend Lori walks our path several times a day. In fact that is where we met, we have walked it many, many times together. Nobody has walked this path, or knows it better than Lori. When this girl tells me something about the path, I believe it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Last spring she announced to me that there were ticks in the tall grass on the sides of the trail from spring to fall and that while laying in her bed the night before, she had found one crawling up her leg. I took this news so seriously, that when returning from our walk, I would completely strip in the garage (apologies to the neighbors) and run to the shower! The clothes would stay out there for the day in a heap, giving all ticks opportunity to exit the premises.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Summer goes by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> I stay on the dirt path and out of the grass, with exception of a couple brazen dashes to a tree to grab a bird nest (because seriously… who can resist a good bird nest?) I really, really, don't like ticks. If you have ever had one of the things attached to you or your child… you hear what I'm saying!! Ew!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> My son came home from camp when he was a kid. Hanging from his chest, filled with his blood was a big fat tick! He came out of the bathroom yelling… "Moooom!!! What IS this??" Like any mature parent, I went screaming to the neighbors for help cause, I wasn't touching it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nope. Don't like ticks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Recently Lori and I had lunch together. As she calmly took a bite of her chick pea salad, she says to me; "You know that there are a couple of four foot long snakes that live on the path… right?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My toes instantly curl up in my sandals, both my hands have slapped the sides of my face and my mouth is hanging wide open as I gasp in horror at this terrifying revelation!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> "NO!! Say it isn't so! Not our beloved path... our path has robins, and finches and deer and turtles and foxes… how did SNAKES enter into this peaceful place??!!" Just saying the word has curled me up in the fetal position! "How do you know this terrible thing?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was pretty sure I did not want to hear her answer! She told me anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Apparently she and a friend were coming around the bend before the lake, when he pointed out there was a large snake hanging in the willow tree, (AUUGH!!!) which caused them almost to step on the large one that was stretched out across the path at their feet!!! (AUUGH!!!) She told me not to worry. that if we came upon one while walking together, she would simply pick it up and fling it back into the grass! The visual this creates in my mind has just been entered into my nightmare file for all time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have had nightmares all my life about them, used to jump from the center of my room to my bed… just in case one was underneath. I realize some of you may like snakes. One of my best friends likes snakes. WE… are not from the same planet! Anything that has the words slither, hiss, fang, in its description… are you kidding me? If I would have come upon that dangling snake in the tree, I would have thought I was eye to beady eye with the devil himself!! (Hey! I've read Genesis chapter 3, this guy is bad news! If I would have been Eve, I would have high-tailed it in reverse so fast the apple would not have been eaten!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> When I was in high school, I stayed with my best friend more than I was home. Now Jean was a prankster with a capitol P! She would spend hours planning schemes, building contraptions, just to scare the dickens out of me. (I know you are asking the question… "then why did you stay there?")</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> One Friday night, I went into her bathroom to shower before going to the football game, locking the door behind me, because I'm telling you the girl cant be trusted!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> I am lathering up my hair with Herbal Essence Shampoo when just I get this feeling.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I open my eyes just a teensy and at the same moment I SEE the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">snake dangling in front of my eyes, it BUMPS me in the forehead! Flailing and screaming, shampoo burning through my eyeballs to my brain, I wrestle my way through the shower curtain to the floor outside of tub, where I of course, find Jean laying on the floor in hysterics holding a rubber snake on a stick. Jean knows how to pick locks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Now it seems I have gotten off track of my story by sharing a bit of my snake history… so back to the present situation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Am I still going to walk this path every day with my friend the snake slinger?… or switch to dragging my dog through the paved streets of our neighborhood…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I decide to put on my big girl snake proof panties and hit the trail as usual.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> This first day back was different though. Instead of wandering along with my head in the clouds, watching the sun rising in all its glory, watching for the fox, or the deer, hearing the birds sing, smelling the cool morning air... I was watching for a SNAKE laying across my path by golly!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">With toes curled tightly in my shoes, I kept my eyes in the dirt, glancing up now and then, just in case there was a low hanging reptile swinging from a tree, that would bump into my forehead (thanks for that, Jean.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Relief swept over me as I rounded the dreaded bend and made it </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I glanced up and there in the field were the two fox pups sitting side by side, just watching me. I went to pull out my camera, but when I looked up they were gone. A fellow path walker came around the corner all excited and grinning from ear to ear… "Did you see the 6 deer back there?!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I sadly replied "no." I did not admit I had my eyes on the dirt watching for cobras or pythons. The sun had now risen high and hot. I had missed the sunrise too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was once accused by a friend of "living in my happy little world" and not realizing all the frightening things that were going on around me on the planet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> I do know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I watch the news. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But, I can't stay there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Those of you who move and shake the world, I thank you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But if I focus too long on the frightening, the poisonous, the hissing,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I miss the beauty and peace and joy of a simple life. Right here. Right now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Philippians 4:4</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-37258650007233605562013-08-29T14:07:00.000-07:002013-09-09T14:36:57.455-07:00One Green Gift<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">James 1:17</span> </h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgK1bzWyjrKfYQZ2MEU32cA9BXLC_4aQ425S__GhMMdzzsogKvXzR3S1_nWTXNtCqhfOCeF34VWfs9DYgsYqY80Qf0iLycdkRxdgBqyAZfSWzkQGzGAFYy9edbbfmSKUHCRozAIZn80fo/s1600/IMG_5013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Green Gift" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgK1bzWyjrKfYQZ2MEU32cA9BXLC_4aQ425S__GhMMdzzsogKvXzR3S1_nWTXNtCqhfOCeF34VWfs9DYgsYqY80Qf0iLycdkRxdgBqyAZfSWzkQGzGAFYy9edbbfmSKUHCRozAIZn80fo/s320/IMG_5013.JPG" title="One Green Gift" width="239" /></a></span></div>
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As my sneakers hit the path this early August morning, the clouds of dust that rose from each step I took reminded me that although it was cool at 6:45 am it would soon climb to be in the mid 90's. Dry. Dusty. Hot. I am tired. of. Summer.</span></h3>
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*SIGH*</span></h3>
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I decide to inspire myself and turn my attitude into gratitude on this new day and pull out my iPhone to try to capture a few signs of fall.</span></h3>
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I see leaves on the ground but know they have just given up trying to stay green and have fallen because they are tired of summer too.</span></h3>
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I also begin my morning conversation with God. I thank him for a new day, the beauty I am walking in, pray for my family and friends… but as usual, I am so easily distracted. By the edge of the pond, I see hints of fall, yellow wildflowers and fat cattails at waters edge, sunflowers nodding their happy heads.</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIYuipiB3cVlEKc5OGyngmbwKrTtkSuQ8bOPeyNU05s6ISCFUJY-Fbm2uBdpokvadJbPRrr-MnsSFJDWxN0W3VWUjMH6pJqaZ_lwudmhx4Q0D8vTSI6zyhFFxau8R0YboHjVkUM9-_Pk/s1600/IMG_5121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Green Gift" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIYuipiB3cVlEKc5OGyngmbwKrTtkSuQ8bOPeyNU05s6ISCFUJY-Fbm2uBdpokvadJbPRrr-MnsSFJDWxN0W3VWUjMH6pJqaZ_lwudmhx4Q0D8vTSI6zyhFFxau8R0YboHjVkUM9-_Pk/s320/IMG_5121.JPG" title="One Green Gift" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh yes Lord… now where was I?… I talk and talk some more trying to pause every now and then and listen, but the talking; it is always easier than listening. Then familiar thoughts start swarming around my head like flies…</span></h3>
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Who am I that He would hear me? Maybe He isn't listening because you aren't listening…</span></h3>
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What have you done for Him lately anyway? Maybe He doesn't even see you. You are insignificant in His Grand Scheme of things…</span></h3>
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*SIGH*</span></h3>
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I stop at a young tree that is holding a nest I had spotted weeks ago, knowing that it was going to end up on my porch, nestled into the seat of a child size chair.</span></h3>
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Today is the day.</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Gqu-MXJB14-78nSLqcf7BqX0A-SIFSWqwcGU_xFYeuzkz9iM064W3wcpxhc9VSHDnRAK7ZFYGsaPJ-Ikcs63ib2cyxxS_nRnz0TDZXFXsKuTqop58iz59Tzpdb-BnAuqXu72TDWvWIE/s1600/IMG_5010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Green Gift" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Gqu-MXJB14-78nSLqcf7BqX0A-SIFSWqwcGU_xFYeuzkz9iM064W3wcpxhc9VSHDnRAK7ZFYGsaPJ-Ikcs63ib2cyxxS_nRnz0TDZXFXsKuTqop58iz59Tzpdb-BnAuqXu72TDWvWIE/s320/IMG_5010.JPG" title="One Green Gift" width="239" /></a></div>
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I make my way through the tall grass, trying not to think about ticks or snakes and lean on the tree until I can reach the sweet little abode and gently lift it out.</span></h3>
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I head back up the hill to the path and smile because there are leaves in the nest, they are just brown ones, but is that not what I was looking for? "Funny" I say to myself as I begin to lift them out one at a time. Then…</span></h3>
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WHAT???!!!</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDd9-XmQZjruZVPs-WIuoeZiXpyVNFPEyGjsJB-nHsGPHCUhvBTG5OD8PiwTDiN3MnzvZ-CDJJw7Y_Cdkx6nFsFcwxpTIsUuA-njuSCnoTkvMJ8KCYautiTluDLPLCk-7pc7eRj8snMs/s1600/IMG_5012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDd9-XmQZjruZVPs-WIuoeZiXpyVNFPEyGjsJB-nHsGPHCUhvBTG5OD8PiwTDiN3MnzvZ-CDJJw7Y_Cdkx6nFsFcwxpTIsUuA-njuSCnoTkvMJ8KCYautiTluDLPLCk-7pc7eRj8snMs/s320/IMG_5012.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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To my delight I came face to face with this little green fellow! As I stood there in that moment, I felt that if I turned around, I would see Jesus standing behind me smiling...</span></h3>
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"Surprise!</span></h3>
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" I hear you. I see you. I love you."</span></h3>
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My heart was filled with child like joy as I stood there in wonder, at this frog, in MY nest! We looked at one another for quite some time, this little green fella and I, then I gently set him in the grass knowing he would be happier here than my front porch. Every time I walk in my front door, I have a little reminder that I am loved.</span></h3>
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Just the way I am.</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNxCJ3Tcp1GD0wAb6IrGIGspp3L2hw3PTiXT3TTJ0IxeJTTO0syY3Syq5ZuEst3sclKtpWuGO5UhG9xoJQvVCGhf5L9JcFs_5AwnAQcXwg7PO2kj3_2AwM7Yk6ef5QlSot1VSfdgbjuc/s1600/IMG_5118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Green Gift" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNxCJ3Tcp1GD0wAb6IrGIGspp3L2hw3PTiXT3TTJ0IxeJTTO0syY3Syq5ZuEst3sclKtpWuGO5UhG9xoJQvVCGhf5L9JcFs_5AwnAQcXwg7PO2kj3_2AwM7Yk6ef5QlSot1VSfdgbjuc/s320/IMG_5118.JPG" title="One Green Gift" width="239" /></a></div>
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See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands.</span></h3>
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Isaiah 49:16</span></h3>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-30303847606554505602013-08-28T17:48:00.000-07:002013-10-19T18:50:45.497-07:00Blueberry Blackberry Shortcake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Blueberry Blackberry Shortcake</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUd1vbqApKLYe7KV31wHxehbq8-lY7p96ahyc7IKniHpiqNuJsHjnq6_FFGlV-cdBqQAPm53ULvygDzFmTmd_ETThtaqI-cOuT5bckyda-18XNsJ0G_ai7grGsw6DWpZmeBrLjyJDhMbA/s1600/IMG_4991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUd1vbqApKLYe7KV31wHxehbq8-lY7p96ahyc7IKniHpiqNuJsHjnq6_FFGlV-cdBqQAPm53ULvygDzFmTmd_ETThtaqI-cOuT5bckyda-18XNsJ0G_ai7grGsw6DWpZmeBrLjyJDhMbA/s640/IMG_4991.JPG" width="606" /></a></div>
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This shortcake is so easy and always a hit! </div>
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Got the recipe out of an old cooking light magazine (July 2004) been making it every summer for 8 years, which of course means, it's a keeper!</div>
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Best made with fresh berries so this is the month to make it.</div>
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Shortcakes</h3>
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(if you are pinched for time, use Bisquick shortcake recipe, add lemon rind, hard to beat)</div>
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2 cups flour</div>
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1/4 cup sugar</div>
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1 Tbls grated lemon peel</div>
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2 tsp baking powder</div>
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1/2 tsp.baking soda</div>
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1/4 tsp. salt</div>
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1/4 cup chilled butter, cut into small pieces</div>
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1/2 cup buttermilk</div>
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Cooking spray</div>
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1 tsp. water</div>
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1 large egg white, lightly beaten</div>
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2 tsps sugar</div>
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Filling</h3>
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3 cups fresh blueberries divided</div>
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1/2 cup sugar</div>
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2 Tbls. fresh lemon juice</div>
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2 tsps. cornstarch</div>
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2 cups fresh blackberries</div>
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freshly whipped cream </div>
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Preheat oven to 400.</div>
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To prepare shortcakes: Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Cut in chilled butter with a pastry blender until it resembles coarse meal.</div>
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Add buttermilk, stir just until moist.</div>
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Turn dough out onto lightly floured board, knead lightly 4 times. </div>
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Pat into 1/2 inch thickness; cut with 3 inch biscuit cutter to make 8 rounds.</div>
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Place rounds 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet.</div>
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Combine water and egg white brush over tops of rounds and sprinkle evenly with sugar.</div>
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Bake at 400 for 12 or 13 minutes. Remove and cool on wire rack.</div>
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To prepare filling: Combine 1 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup sugar, juice and cornstarch in small saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until slightly thick.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuzkciJiGKv0UerP2u_7vskuLLoEp_oLZI5oI40c-QhlGhzrib6FfRXG9rmhDoWHMtRA18NNUYiBAOg14g3oV_jkAEZYoARv-JRp2cukGQYorSybd7nEkzzEr0cQOb1yudRQcPX0YUns/s1600/IMG_4985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blueberry Blackberry Shortcake" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuzkciJiGKv0UerP2u_7vskuLLoEp_oLZI5oI40c-QhlGhzrib6FfRXG9rmhDoWHMtRA18NNUYiBAOg14g3oV_jkAEZYoARv-JRp2cukGQYorSybd7nEkzzEr0cQOb1yudRQcPX0YUns/s320/IMG_4985.JPG" title="Blueberry Blackberry Shortcake" width="239" /></a></div>
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Place in a large bowl; add remaining 2 cups blueberries and blackberries, stirring to coat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NE-ZJ7tIECJjcSKZZkBVdsPQ-6q_cNbJ7CXR-kbT6XePPmqVI4590_IV4NOA5ETqcQN8pvJZXwSXLUlUCsMddL2ihmAvCgF2B06d2o0Ud-3vpcz6mYfxh6wrOVCC_iHYlWW5WzszFVE/s1600/IMG_4986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blueberry Blackberry Shortcake" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NE-ZJ7tIECJjcSKZZkBVdsPQ-6q_cNbJ7CXR-kbT6XePPmqVI4590_IV4NOA5ETqcQN8pvJZXwSXLUlUCsMddL2ihmAvCgF2B06d2o0Ud-3vpcz6mYfxh6wrOVCC_iHYlWW5WzszFVE/s320/IMG_4986.JPG" title="Blueberry Blackberry Shortcake" width="239" /></a></div>
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Cover and chill.</div>
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To serve, cut rounds in half, spoon filling on bottom half, top with real whipped cream, and place top half over all.</div>
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* ( I have made this using 2 cups frozen Blueberries, 1 cup fresh</div>
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and 1 cup frozen blackberries 1 cup fresh. It is the fresh berries that make it so beautiful on the plate!)</div>
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Linked at: <a href="http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/2013/08/peanut-butter-frosting-for-homemaking.html" target="_blank">Hope in Every Season</a>, <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.ca/2013/08/home-sweet-home-134.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a>, <a href="http://www.saving4six.com/2013/08/welcome-to-think-tank-thursday-45.html" target="_blank">Think Tank Thursday</a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-62931020748482888262013-08-15T17:37:00.000-07:002013-10-19T18:51:17.868-07:00Spanish Rice<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Spanish Rice</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fresh and easy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjHuNbC8nLscu7MaO8kZOaDWfeVQgFr7p5GwsjRhMOHBceprfeySvHYsAsNMdCCeJ8vhHIpGHKDEj9aLkXP_QbJ91muqHNHRYw0vFUH0hH3T0ggxBiFHBb9SnAXcCPWLM9qH7DOgl3mhk/s1600/IMG_4783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjHuNbC8nLscu7MaO8kZOaDWfeVQgFr7p5GwsjRhMOHBceprfeySvHYsAsNMdCCeJ8vhHIpGHKDEj9aLkXP_QbJ91muqHNHRYw0vFUH0hH3T0ggxBiFHBb9SnAXcCPWLM9qH7DOgl3mhk/s640/IMG_4783.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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1 large green pepper, coarsely chopped</div>
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1 large tomato coarsely chopped</div>
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1 medium onion coarsely chopped</div>
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2 Tbls butter</div>
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2 cups cooked rice</div>
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1/3 cup water</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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Cook vegetables in hot butter till crisp/tender</div>
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Stir in cooked rice, water salt and pepper</div>
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( I like to add a little cilantro )</div>
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Heat through stirring occasionally</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-74402040317227109932013-08-15T17:28:00.000-07:002013-09-09T14:37:57.007-07:00Cilantro Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cilantro Chicken</span></b></div>
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Another tasty EASY favorite!</div>
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1 small onion, chopped</div>
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1 clove garlic, finely chopped ( I use a big tsp of chopped jar garlic )</div>
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2 Tbls butter</div>
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2 Tbls vegatable oil</div>
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4 boneless chicken breasts, cubed or sliced (your preference)</div>
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2 Tbls snipped cilantro</div>
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Cook and stir onion and garlic in butter and oil in a 10 inch skillet until onion is tender.</div>
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Add chicken, cook and stir over medium high heat about 5 minutes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityeyzcDs_RGCbRzfwPoQZKM5lH8Nm4TOJVFaA4BclHqQfUFYmsAsdcBf2uI8j0OcxZ8OhNW7xAzOzuJ-spIo-9bbuzIyDsZKpclpOAkurp-TIYXxtXNsrWXwzQQSCia1W-Gv7VGv2mSo/s1600/IMG_4780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityeyzcDs_RGCbRzfwPoQZKM5lH8Nm4TOJVFaA4BclHqQfUFYmsAsdcBf2uI8j0OcxZ8OhNW7xAzOzuJ-spIo-9bbuzIyDsZKpclpOAkurp-TIYXxtXNsrWXwzQQSCia1W-Gv7VGv2mSo/s400/IMG_4780.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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Stir in Cilantro.</div>
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Pour pan juices over chicken to serve.</div>
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Serve over rice, in your favorite flour or corn shell with shredded letuce and other taco trimmings, or as a lettuce wrap.</div>
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Squeezed fresh lemon is a nice touch too.</div>
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We like it with <a href="http://seasonsonthepath.blogspot.com/2013/08/spanish-rice.html" target="_blank">Spanish Rice</a> on the side.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-47252358526032939212013-08-15T15:53:00.000-07:002013-10-19T18:52:05.450-07:00What's to Love About Summer<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Being a person who loves to grow things, Summer is of course the frosting on the cake of all my hard labor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgWAIrpXPIszLrzXqXEOngYM933HbmIVN6UU-DidXjoq0Xa4nKbpZiBYkav7WRHaQ8fe6sF06gkZvi3KnyHFE8BUoK4wQHVDwWBQo0YqxQ25lURMZpDul6aJIeDzpnlLLzQUDAnfGbV0/s1600/IMG_4829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgWAIrpXPIszLrzXqXEOngYM933HbmIVN6UU-DidXjoq0Xa4nKbpZiBYkav7WRHaQ8fe6sF06gkZvi3KnyHFE8BUoK4wQHVDwWBQo0YqxQ25lURMZpDul6aJIeDzpnlLLzQUDAnfGbV0/s400/IMG_4829.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
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Digging in the dirt, cheering my little plants on, protecting them from frost, too much rain, too much sun, and rotten bugs and slugs who think my main purpose was to supply them with a salad bar, has once again paid off. It simply amazes me that beautiful flowers with hundreds of different colors come up out of dirt! And food? How wonderful we can grow our own if circumstances allow!</div>
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As many people are finally realizing, homegrown and locally grown are the way to go, our country and our kids would be in a lot better shape if we could get this into everyone's head!</div>
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I have to admit though..the flowers are what thrill me the most, pairing plants with colors that play off each other,colors,textures, to me its like painting in slow motion.</div>
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(It is always nice to have extra help with the watering.)</div>
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Of course there are other favorite things in summer.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Popsicles</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAt7nL3pRuhQ38PfhcVzsY3S4pZBasBy4wkkXSzzv0LI_DKD547DC1JiC24TaRy8FkMSAG5mXHY5ULMA2NGMChtCaMSD1iq4AqcIot-8nLPRjJs72KPJAf5-DcjZUIBjM4N_jpteXnoJS/s1600/Brittany's+New+Camera+2008-Present+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAt7nL3pRuhQ38PfhcVzsY3S4pZBasBy4wkkXSzzv0LI_DKD547DC1JiC24TaRy8FkMSAG5mXHY5ULMA2NGMChtCaMSD1iq4AqcIot-8nLPRjJs72KPJAf5-DcjZUIBjM4N_jpteXnoJS/s400/Brittany's+New+Camera+2008-Present+073.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Little Plastic Pools filled with little Sunbeams</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1TI27LYD8yHDz4ZexNJKOy6DLstk9v7lloGczblAe9zphL85N0RQZbKaOeU2WNUGRB2FZwx047Q0G-K2Gnc9aDJG3vEOcQ3_MPkjpnNu6W3X7rmYoiDnQ4r2W6C3OwvcPm46GGdQncf1/s1600/IMG_1991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1TI27LYD8yHDz4ZexNJKOy6DLstk9v7lloGczblAe9zphL85N0RQZbKaOeU2WNUGRB2FZwx047Q0G-K2Gnc9aDJG3vEOcQ3_MPkjpnNu6W3X7rmYoiDnQ4r2W6C3OwvcPm46GGdQncf1/s400/IMG_1991.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bare Tootsies</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEaFdO6zBDMjuiiJPrwk7O7skEo7d34PLTH_xYVbX_v9pIYAlXXvIgxfy8XIOZBQzBiwDHpFXU8rwKXSuvyY7wpRrvtlEmut3EeyvJCEZgNhyphenhyphenCcjd_wW6JdsxrjkdlgPc-mt56YhmIuLW/s1600/Brittany's+New+Camera+2008-Present+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEaFdO6zBDMjuiiJPrwk7O7skEo7d34PLTH_xYVbX_v9pIYAlXXvIgxfy8XIOZBQzBiwDHpFXU8rwKXSuvyY7wpRrvtlEmut3EeyvJCEZgNhyphenhyphenCcjd_wW6JdsxrjkdlgPc-mt56YhmIuLW/s400/Brittany's+New+Camera+2008-Present+035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Trips to the beach</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD1j-UKvAp1MFdT2YZLz9rIZi7kVGjs9sVfP71i4ysMo8jfOcwr-uhBdHxffI38YLGZKhDWvZgmsqIi5xLkM3T1VP-dSYD6ZRJV7mc-FseL7bwAstSy___tLZr7wQmyX4AogtrgzLHhqF/s1600/Brittany's+New+Camera+2008-Present+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD1j-UKvAp1MFdT2YZLz9rIZi7kVGjs9sVfP71i4ysMo8jfOcwr-uhBdHxffI38YLGZKhDWvZgmsqIi5xLkM3T1VP-dSYD6ZRJV7mc-FseL7bwAstSy___tLZr7wQmyX4AogtrgzLHhqF/s400/Brittany's+New+Camera+2008-Present+107.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stars from the Sea</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIDT0vyZGD8S9G2QLNJIAZxmoKBaW2qdZw1OHPapc2HGBCwCtft3mgFzt9rJ-oW0rzjxa_nmUQhnY-D5rJwYoipXGyoDWAJSsJd4QtpG5PTm-gC-g-1MoTWybG03S01i65JElLPjybBs/s1600/IMG_3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIDT0vyZGD8S9G2QLNJIAZxmoKBaW2qdZw1OHPapc2HGBCwCtft3mgFzt9rJ-oW0rzjxa_nmUQhnY-D5rJwYoipXGyoDWAJSsJd4QtpG5PTm-gC-g-1MoTWybG03S01i65JElLPjybBs/s400/IMG_3632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes, indeed. There is much to love about summer.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However</b></span></div>
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By the time the Black eyed Susan's are in full bloom come August </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiXMwEN-ly0UVBAoCCNAIGUI1M_1u7lzpolI6slBa26Pc2vKh-4aNiyst-rCTckMnQKp52_w90NW86Wd_A6XDzSmFlnpk30GKimA6Uhyphenhyphen6A9eKxYlbH1Hdliv0I3m2FWkGt5FxAW-11ts/s400/IMG_3624.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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I have had enough of the 90 degree heat.</div>
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My plants are now lucky if they get a bucket of water thrown on them.</div>
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I no longer have my coffee at six a.m. while dumping salt on the doomed slugs who have not quite made it back under their rocks.</div>
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And my joy of daily dead heading has well..died.</div>
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My sweet one hundred tomato plant is proving itself worthy of its name..my husband finds them topping salads, stir fry..everything but his Cheerios's.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLfsgnhxTUxG82PKbKd_RMZh8p5nDBTG4AUkvM0mMrXaqkmtbxKYsvV4oSHFK6AYWV9tCRyKS0KoZylPsjn5DdI8qrrj6xg-bX5SK23bLlKPE2ASYITgwRYTQajXRH1ijv4IJ3oLsFfI/s1600/IMG_4815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLfsgnhxTUxG82PKbKd_RMZh8p5nDBTG4AUkvM0mMrXaqkmtbxKYsvV4oSHFK6AYWV9tCRyKS0KoZylPsjn5DdI8qrrj6xg-bX5SK23bLlKPE2ASYITgwRYTQajXRH1ijv4IJ3oLsFfI/s400/IMG_4815.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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The Zucchini...?? Well, it seems to be making its own Miracle Grow and does not care if I show up or not. At this point there is no stopping it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDmCEtqyJ52iLXOuyEBGBLi7zjzoV7Nd5_wIFFg4450RIxWVEVfONX7it55rRaKrMUcQVDj67aYg2Lp_QIN2GmvyFqQljqV9j7y0BLwYWa09XtlT0rKjvmSE8uzJXoXZaEMXLSGOUd94/s1600/IMG_4879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDmCEtqyJ52iLXOuyEBGBLi7zjzoV7Nd5_wIFFg4450RIxWVEVfONX7it55rRaKrMUcQVDj67aYg2Lp_QIN2GmvyFqQljqV9j7y0BLwYWa09XtlT0rKjvmSE8uzJXoXZaEMXLSGOUd94/s400/IMG_4879.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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So this time of year...what I love about summer is...</div>
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Sunrise</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-Bk2OE_xIsOJVcxPxxPuZxlJWPoE_2OY0bNA3GiEhc_zz6qGHw45hUs_7BIfHFISzTbKWVI45k1ga5Iqy069QOpo6CRyt__sVTQInGMHh-i_Qc4sdhMEIwkjr07QZa8IKz2SwsMc8bA/s1600/IMG_4943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-Bk2OE_xIsOJVcxPxxPuZxlJWPoE_2OY0bNA3GiEhc_zz6qGHw45hUs_7BIfHFISzTbKWVI45k1ga5Iqy069QOpo6CRyt__sVTQInGMHh-i_Qc4sdhMEIwkjr07QZa8IKz2SwsMc8bA/s400/IMG_4943.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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Sunset</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJX-Z2uTbWuDI5u9DfnU3_GhddRwlKSsG1C6Xo22wVw88qHU6op3nD-9MMoRnN5Nmf0JPDLzqvLzifl-fRnIfq3z7KHLjZHQ5opX2ogk-Hl8nIyqSl8-pOXf9TofANYcQ1-grnNG4p3w/s1600/IMG_2743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJX-Z2uTbWuDI5u9DfnU3_GhddRwlKSsG1C6Xo22wVw88qHU6op3nD-9MMoRnN5Nmf0JPDLzqvLzifl-fRnIfq3z7KHLjZHQ5opX2ogk-Hl8nIyqSl8-pOXf9TofANYcQ1-grnNG4p3w/s400/IMG_2743.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yup. I can almost smell that first loaf of Pumpkin bread. I am ready for my favorite Season of all.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Autumn!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGB9k5gP2JDkgcrnCf2Zw_Q-enpNOR-X_bs_QGDsnD2_u1wfvorabkCafS9ODFDeOSQiWAXgAiDStGfN1X_h9fNA0NNQhsHy_8j7MGB6J_6MrPxx6JPuHo7wtdImLkWxWt218JjGbc-U/s1600/IMG_3619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGB9k5gP2JDkgcrnCf2Zw_Q-enpNOR-X_bs_QGDsnD2_u1wfvorabkCafS9ODFDeOSQiWAXgAiDStGfN1X_h9fNA0NNQhsHy_8j7MGB6J_6MrPxx6JPuHo7wtdImLkWxWt218JjGbc-U/s400/IMG_3619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How about all of you?</b></span></div>
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Thank you Lord, for allowing me another Season of Summer and listening to all my ramblings while tending it. I like meeting with you there!</div>
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Ecclesiastes 3:1</div>
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There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-36860482213303966092013-08-07T07:47:00.000-07:002013-08-07T10:13:12.292-07:00Happy Anniversary Justin And Brittany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY 8th ANNIVERSARY</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">JUSTIN AND BRITTANY</span></b></div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ_dcnGkgGwE76ptOJhtZVWht_jOjOWEioJQzP8_75LFVYogZyjtI2xOJqzZ2fumZTec_FnipCRyHXClTMn8yclcNr2V3PwSIrihN9zkMN0UO3kpexNfKrX2iy_hBHnNfk4FuswiiacjW/s1600/IMG_0668_edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ_dcnGkgGwE76ptOJhtZVWht_jOjOWEioJQzP8_75LFVYogZyjtI2xOJqzZ2fumZTec_FnipCRyHXClTMn8yclcNr2V3PwSIrihN9zkMN0UO3kpexNfKrX2iy_hBHnNfk4FuswiiacjW/s1600/IMG_0668_edited.JPG" /></a></div>
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These two met at Bible College and soon announced to their families they had found their soul mate and wanted to get married!</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvvQKcRJfE917nAR8ooFL6op_ivqvjBRqwP8iQNo580TZzGgrbdIIH3oJQEgt3SkAG-OTDR9h2EabYt_Sk3kyW5ZqUfs9q3rok9Vq9LwuQAlSN2s1NMu-dlvSHK93QadkEequcPSUkAHj/s1600/IMG_3296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvvQKcRJfE917nAR8ooFL6op_ivqvjBRqwP8iQNo580TZzGgrbdIIH3oJQEgt3SkAG-OTDR9h2EabYt_Sk3kyW5ZqUfs9q3rok9Vq9LwuQAlSN2s1NMu-dlvSHK93QadkEequcPSUkAHj/s1600/IMG_3296.JPG" /></a></div>
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As we all know..wedding rehearsals can be stressful..:) especially when its 103 degrees out!</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc59pOfW7ViXlqOXvtXlj_PCTVWvR8E4P0o_fPpZxA3pGe6Wj9pFJft1m9QrbBWvBtH3AsdXj6vgiRX1iUaGzuby0-SDN7maLexKYwHyapXBw9FtEpZBeEtyjtugAaKPwrnT_SWCPszGJ4/s1600/justin+and+brittanys+wedding+pictures+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc59pOfW7ViXlqOXvtXlj_PCTVWvR8E4P0o_fPpZxA3pGe6Wj9pFJft1m9QrbBWvBtH3AsdXj6vgiRX1iUaGzuby0-SDN7maLexKYwHyapXBw9FtEpZBeEtyjtugAaKPwrnT_SWCPszGJ4/s1600/justin+and+brittanys+wedding+pictures+044.jpg" /></a></div>
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But of course the wedding was beautiful and their love for one another was evident to all !</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02cX7Q8l_5RHng1t8ryMOuhoZ18AwbL9rCkMuz1riKiSpLWWGjWhFmDyT60TK6dewWi_wDQvH5O7J7tK_NszvT3ozJ6-_lMio03D1RDDRKOrFmEcjFQuClD3CcXK7nifF44-4rCseLLva/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02cX7Q8l_5RHng1t8ryMOuhoZ18AwbL9rCkMuz1riKiSpLWWGjWhFmDyT60TK6dewWi_wDQvH5O7J7tK_NszvT3ozJ6-_lMio03D1RDDRKOrFmEcjFQuClD3CcXK7nifF44-4rCseLLva/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" /></a></div>
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They continue to grow in their love and commitment to God, to each other and they have also grown...</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcww2QUlwd_bn7wPZo4njLH0MStudLaz_6TuUWmQOkOW_zZoFGts_9GIt22T0oR9hkJv5w-aCkEfSslEa3e1mSzMDNVA7cA7tnRlZAMjtIjMRi5bhzA6Xl7K2QBIHaR5OMpb56oWZozLJ/s1600/thomas+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcww2QUlwd_bn7wPZo4njLH0MStudLaz_6TuUWmQOkOW_zZoFGts_9GIt22T0oR9hkJv5w-aCkEfSslEa3e1mSzMDNVA7cA7tnRlZAMjtIjMRi5bhzA6Xl7K2QBIHaR5OMpb56oWZozLJ/s1600/thomas+family.jpg" /></a></div>
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a most beautiful family!</span></span></h3>
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(including of course one more little angel who is not in the picture)</div>
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Congratulations! </span></span></h2>
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You are loved and wished many more years of joy and adventure in your life together!</span></span></h3>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-28977713088819417142013-08-05T17:28:00.000-07:002013-10-19T18:52:59.716-07:00Quinoa Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblplOofm-i4Z3J8mF-iana3HKH2WxXn6vnTiYVvmpSsDTriTFUNrXw43nNxLU3lg2MwElG_tByUJWTespeonP5jSwP7Uw68o5w0RBAhrcbT_KtxT20Ox8XTSBaZwcz7xxcnZ7Rde4TNOP/s1600/IMG_4762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblplOofm-i4Z3J8mF-iana3HKH2WxXn6vnTiYVvmpSsDTriTFUNrXw43nNxLU3lg2MwElG_tByUJWTespeonP5jSwP7Uw68o5w0RBAhrcbT_KtxT20Ox8XTSBaZwcz7xxcnZ7Rde4TNOP/s640/IMG_4762.JPG" width="522" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Quinoa Salad</span></b></div>
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3 Tbls. olive oil</div>
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1 cup Quinoa (rinsed/drained)</div>
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1 can chicken or vegetable broth</div>
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1/4 tsp cumin</div>
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1/4 tsp salt</div>
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2 Tbls. lime juice</div>
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1/8 tsp pepper</div>
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1 can black beans rinsed/drained (Bushes brand by far the best!)</div>
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1 can cut corn (rinsed) or fresh corn cut off cob is great!</div>
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1 large Roma tomato ( diced)</div>
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11/2 cups green pepper( diced)</div>
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2 green onions (chopped)</div>
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3 Tbls. cilantro (chopped)</div>
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2 Tbls. parsley (optional)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For nights when its too darn hot to cook!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzIO-D1rs7H6uDBVxdZFKT_ABk2-PbKvP_jH8fspRTuV_9POl1WiwSk6CQoggf8NV1ogbfpWl0oZ10xdqmZC9GnZ46_9v_fCLESpiEVKogLfFC4LxfpDNqe0aFitnpuUVaN-eFrxwfjPI/s1600/IMG_4351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzIO-D1rs7H6uDBVxdZFKT_ABk2-PbKvP_jH8fspRTuV_9POl1WiwSk6CQoggf8NV1ogbfpWl0oZ10xdqmZC9GnZ46_9v_fCLESpiEVKogLfFC4LxfpDNqe0aFitnpuUVaN-eFrxwfjPI/s640/IMG_4351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">" I am NOT turning on that stove!!!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in Skillet, add Quinoa. Cook stirring often for 5 minutes until brown.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add broth, cumin,and salt. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer (covered) for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Combine in a small bowl remaining 2 Tablespoons olive oil, lime juice, pepper. Stir into Quinoa.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Add remaining ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Great to make day before!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You can add more tomato, peppers and cumin to taste!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj0NTXTld899ecaVg_7x8XyccduS3LnYzsoA2pGrixeR_8VmTzS6UKIGWcTQsv39gejm_aF0x6kQV_wR4STC6bbr1nVpmh6QP5haNCLK2-uh9A9l_RP16uLB9bKT5pYWojJFapIMMD_w/s1600/IMG_4800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj0NTXTld899ecaVg_7x8XyccduS3LnYzsoA2pGrixeR_8VmTzS6UKIGWcTQsv39gejm_aF0x6kQV_wR4STC6bbr1nVpmh6QP5haNCLK2-uh9A9l_RP16uLB9bKT5pYWojJFapIMMD_w/s320/IMG_4800.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Quinoa is Beautiful</span></div>
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Health benefits are amazing! If you haven't included it in your diet yet, google it!</div>
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You can buy it in bulk, I buy regular and red, mix it up and keep it in a mason jar!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-68276837427198717332013-08-05T16:28:00.000-07:002013-10-19T18:54:31.861-07:00Hair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_JLDPe1vW6IqK2pu_0FPVKpZJ80vw3sKKls_7RCQkbg_8z_XHP6DwQZIEkYkDO_s8k4X7kFFkluini-AWIfkguQQpS2ufX_QnFWeN-jKPVn49Xi_pYJIzIsrblQLJFeaqdK_0IgLyVw/s1600/IMG_4375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_JLDPe1vW6IqK2pu_0FPVKpZJ80vw3sKKls_7RCQkbg_8z_XHP6DwQZIEkYkDO_s8k4X7kFFkluini-AWIfkguQQpS2ufX_QnFWeN-jKPVn49Xi_pYJIzIsrblQLJFeaqdK_0IgLyVw/s400/IMG_4375.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My thoughts lately, often seem to turn to hair. Umm..in all honesty… I think a LOT of a woman's time is spent thinking about hair. Even when we are little girls.. from the time our moms can capture that little sprout of wisp in a pink sparkly band and shoot it straight up off the tops of our heads (a.k.a. water fountain pony tail) or those of you who glued tiny ribbons to little girl heads who were born with as much hair as an egg ( how DO you make them stick??) Little girls and Mommies alike… we have a thing for Hair!</div>
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I was born with a ton of hair and by the time I was five it was so long I could sit on it. I remember my mom sitting me on the washing machine and twisting the long strands around her finger while it was wet, then I would bounce around with ringlets for days… just like that!<br />
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My long braids provided much entertainment as I would run across the playground lickety split, from sweaty, freckle faced little boys who like to pull them.<br />
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In the sixth grade, I cut it to my shoulders. I wanted it to turn under just so, you know… like the girl in Teen Magazine. No matter what I did there were waves and bumps and although I slept carefully with Dippity Do and Scotch tape across my bangs… I could NOT get my hair to do what I wanted it to.<br />
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And THAT is the story of our Hair Obsession is it not? If it's blond, it's not quite the right blond, if it's dark we want it light. If it's curly, we want it straight, if it's straight we so badly wish it was curly...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyuLymIDLo-oBIQzw3MrWZsn1TL8tBv1F9dtDhpkAh7Sg-XWTVyDnVlke09ptXAMfz6Ue3BfAa8XJ-yOy1e9fH3RDVCXtmR7mxx1bvNUMDeVgd0LCU1TfpPStCsUrvYgtz0adXP2NKYpu/s1600/imageCAG4BFZWgrown+up+bearbear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyuLymIDLo-oBIQzw3MrWZsn1TL8tBv1F9dtDhpkAh7Sg-XWTVyDnVlke09ptXAMfz6Ue3BfAa8XJ-yOy1e9fH3RDVCXtmR7mxx1bvNUMDeVgd0LCU1TfpPStCsUrvYgtz0adXP2NKYpu/s1600/imageCAG4BFZWgrown+up+bearbear.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is my daughter, Hannah… her hair does this naturally but what did she do all through High School?… That's right… smoke floated out of the bathroom from the flat iron several times a day.</div>
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I would say the first half of our lives we try to make our hair to do what it is not meant to do and be colors it was never meant to be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI3gIH4XnUdacPHe_WqQ8o1Ayu1W-s3mg5pvTRvz9niEa1zkz3bk6qA4ifEznbZQjJdecCJn_OfVIE6EtWjX2vIuU_lZcz8_UqehuIk4Yu_7CyLBhyutBJuTNBKK55P_U6ujtLnK1wsLJ/s1600/IMG_1287_edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI3gIH4XnUdacPHe_WqQ8o1Ayu1W-s3mg5pvTRvz9niEa1zkz3bk6qA4ifEznbZQjJdecCJn_OfVIE6EtWjX2vIuU_lZcz8_UqehuIk4Yu_7CyLBhyutBJuTNBKK55P_U6ujtLnK1wsLJ/s1600/IMG_1287_edited.JPG" /></a></div>
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This hair style I forced upon my wavy feather light hair about 8 years ago. I insisted upon it I loved it.(that flat iron IS amazing!!)</div>
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And see that glow of light on the top of my head?… NO… that is not a halo. That is God's way of highlighting the exact area of my head where I would pull out hair as I straightened it… that would never return... (at least not on my head) so began my quest to repair damage already done.</div>
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Now then, as if this isn't stressful enough knowing the phrase you used with your kids all those years ("I'm gonna PULL my HAIR out!!") has come true, at no ones fault but your own. Your focus on hair problems takes a very interesting turn...</div>
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Illustration</div>
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Sitting in the car eating hamburgers, my husband looks over at me and says.."Oh! Hold still… you have a hair." <span style="font-size: large;">...OUCH!! </span><span style="font-size: small;">That HURT!! "Oh… I didn't know it was attached..." </span></div>
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With wide eyed terror, I grabbed my chin and looked at him; I'm still not sure who was more horrified… him or me!</div>
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This memorable event was nearly 10 years ago… let's just say, things have progressed.</div>
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Now, I spend a lot of time in a love/hate relationship...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhOvE5dwAF7s-Y-l2k5b1_6Mc2okOvaoRpz8pozi6rH904uLP330_1uBmxb3weMRCcTVSIEQC34aB5_UYkgHHADP9kPbt2jJwFvy_I_IwwqMtyCmvFA2uxdzQqq1_NowNQfdAoEj-2Eo/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhOvE5dwAF7s-Y-l2k5b1_6Mc2okOvaoRpz8pozi6rH904uLP330_1uBmxb3weMRCcTVSIEQC34aB5_UYkgHHADP9kPbt2jJwFvy_I_IwwqMtyCmvFA2uxdzQqq1_NowNQfdAoEj-2Eo/s320/IMG_4813.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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with my magnifying mirror. Talk about horrified!</div>
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One word.</div>
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TWEEZERMAN</div>
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google it. get one. grin and bear it.</div>
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So I guess, our hair hasn't really left us… just re-located.</div>
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Love your hair..</div>
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and maybe once in awhile… let it do its thing, what ever that is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU2-PfFxZMpnBWKP8Qke-ysZORaepniR3l-C52pldUEllHCcoQmlDFA0zRE73kfDT3Hi3ecElC8hWrYpGu1v4eZzQRMFrLq3y7rP5PGD5VsCt9cFjJEF_SQuG_xV1LMKin2HNKQ5zr-v1/s1600/IMG_4390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU2-PfFxZMpnBWKP8Qke-ysZORaepniR3l-C52pldUEllHCcoQmlDFA0zRE73kfDT3Hi3ecElC8hWrYpGu1v4eZzQRMFrLq3y7rP5PGD5VsCt9cFjJEF_SQuG_xV1LMKin2HNKQ5zr-v1/s1600/IMG_4390.JPG" /></a></div>
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Like our little mop-top Eli says</div>
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"Baby I was BORN this way!"</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-42246217321430100562013-08-01T21:43:00.000-07:002013-10-19T18:56:14.871-07:00Pushcart Spaghetti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMkfP0qMRWZI0osHmK2MH9CZEmGS9gM_WxHn3WJjDTWTYP8Ghjcut3hbA7EwaHYX8evTRlJ59gb-XxdRw-TDqNoPItKuHerXGf71fph72RbzL0h0Jh4sErK8c2dRuo_1CwyKJxLAHn29Q/s1600/IMG_4309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMkfP0qMRWZI0osHmK2MH9CZEmGS9gM_WxHn3WJjDTWTYP8Ghjcut3hbA7EwaHYX8evTRlJ59gb-XxdRw-TDqNoPItKuHerXGf71fph72RbzL0h0Jh4sErK8c2dRuo_1CwyKJxLAHn29Q/s400/IMG_4309.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">PUSHCART SPAGHETTI</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">THIS IS AN OLD FAV OF
MINE. NO MEAT, EASY PREP, AND IT IS DELISH!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">28 oz can tomatoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">1 cup fresh basil leaves,
chopped<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">3 large garlic cloves
chopped (I just put in a couple T. jarred chopped garlic)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">5 T. extra virgin olive
oil <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">1 pound dry spaghetti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Fresh grated Parmesan
cheese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Salt and Pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">IN A SKILLET OVER MEDIUM
HEAT, BRING TOMATOES, BASIL, GARLIC, AND 3 TBLS. OLIVE OIL TO SIMMER AND COOK
UNTIL THE TOMATOES REACH A SAUCE LIKE CONSISTENCY, AT LEAST 25 MINUTES. SEASON
WITH SALT AND PEPPER.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">COOK SPAGHETTI TO AL
DENTE. DRAIN.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">POUR REMAINING 2 TBLS.
OLIVE OIL IN HEAT PROOF BOWL THAT HAS BEEN HEATED IN 2OO DEGREE OVEN. TOSS
DRAINED PASTA IN OIL.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1S365GxgnON3zd-vGXBvElQs_x1L6mz7Z4WptDfaYgRnahlfIi_380-3hGMJZMNr7LFo10Q0mjqAouzBWjqsEMplPVp8H0N7u8NZ65VIaPAZkjqtUF_MykbBjwgeLwB0acGFRRdNG2k/s1600/IMG_4310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pushcart Spaghetti" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1S365GxgnON3zd-vGXBvElQs_x1L6mz7Z4WptDfaYgRnahlfIi_380-3hGMJZMNr7LFo10Q0mjqAouzBWjqsEMplPVp8H0N7u8NZ65VIaPAZkjqtUF_MykbBjwgeLwB0acGFRRdNG2k/s320/IMG_4310.JPG" title="Pushcart Spaghetti" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">(I HAVE SKIPPED THIS OUT
OF PURE "THIS IS COMPLETELY UNNECCESARY' ATTITUDE..IT IS MUCH BETTER WITH
IT :) )<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">POUR THE BEAUTIFUL SAUCE
OVER THE PASTA AND TOSS. PLATE UP AND SPRINKLE WITH FRESH PARM AND FRESH
PARSLEY IS NICE TOO!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">MEATLESS MONDAY…YES WE
CAN! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpFcmOinZugWDXXcm_CmsLb5_L5eDRttJ-qJhQz3Bp22KJdEpU3fDQ7AOSILagKGArEpakRaNXpJzH_K8L4Rkl4RxtkLTfgAW73QWDrnnxbfbgvJzgE7vw01a6vjpUcaAVAA6XdQd5DO/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pushcart Spaghetti" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpFcmOinZugWDXXcm_CmsLb5_L5eDRttJ-qJhQz3Bp22KJdEpU3fDQ7AOSILagKGArEpakRaNXpJzH_K8L4Rkl4RxtkLTfgAW73QWDrnnxbfbgvJzgE7vw01a6vjpUcaAVAA6XdQd5DO/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" title="Pushcart Spaghetti" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">BECAUSE SERIOUSLY…WHO DOES
NOT LOVE PASGETTI??!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shared at: <a href="http://www.thecountrycook.net/2013/08/weekend-potluck-78.html" target="_blank">Weekend Potluck</a>, <a href="http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com/melt-in-your-mouth-monday-recipe-blog-hop-128/" target="_blank">Melt in Your Mouth Monday</a>, <a href="http://realfoodeater.com/monday-meal-plan-and-recipe-share-3/" target="_blank">Monday Meal Plan</a>, <a href="http://asouthernfairytale.com/2013/08/05/mouthwatering-mondays-week-13" target="_blank">Mouth Watering Mondays</a>, <a href="http://www.thebettermom.com/2013/08/04/how-to-get-a-perfectly-clean-and-organized-home/" target="_blank">Better Mom Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.susieqtpiescafe.com/2013/08/5-quick-and-easy-pasta-meals-and-menu.html" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday</a>,</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/2013/08/apple-doodles-snickerdoodles-with.html" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Homemaking Party</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-5837041653038965422013-06-19T15:01:00.002-07:002013-09-09T14:39:10.328-07:00Farmers Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzso6-b0Id7aSZVFdQvXA9rpVwXs5kqBZFqhw9WXN45bPitMriF__Odtaov4JL_OnVEqMBqeqxzgQ19AjapLbLStqXoyrLLgqmOq6lXFinsXe5cqfYXZbLyifDNU5DRfxxLhPZDeiABM4/s1600/IMG_4387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzso6-b0Id7aSZVFdQvXA9rpVwXs5kqBZFqhw9WXN45bPitMriF__Odtaov4JL_OnVEqMBqeqxzgQ19AjapLbLStqXoyrLLgqmOq6lXFinsXe5cqfYXZbLyifDNU5DRfxxLhPZDeiABM4/s320/IMG_4387.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Woke up Saturday, June 15 to a very fine, just about perfect Summer Day. Bluest skies, warm sun, just a touch of a breeze….<br />
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After watering my geraniums, I had the urge to do something summerish… local like and down to earth. Hmmmm.. this would be the perfect day to finally investigate our little town of Eagle's Farmers Market I said to myself! Only six blocks away… I think I shall walk! As I put on my most 70's like attire, my most natural unsparkly down to earth sandals, I was feeling quite peaceful, and healthy and my head swimming with visions of the beautiful fresh produce that I would bring home to wash up for supper, perhaps beets, pulled right from our local ground, with soil still clinging to them;</div>
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and hopefully some fresh spinach (one of my favorite things EVER). And surely there would be strawberries still warm from the sun, which would be a lovely finish to our "a la natural" evening meal!<br />
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I slung my most favorite bag over my shoulder that spoke loudly of the generation I come from ( and somehow survived) . And as I began my journey through the neighborhood inhaling the heady fragrance of honeysuckle, I was singing..."When you goooo to San Fransisco (Insert Downtown Eagle here )… be sure to wear some flowers in your hair"... if you're goin' to "Downtown Eagle" you're gonna meet some gentle people there..."( I'm seriously wishing right now there was a music note "key" on the computer, because I'm gonna LOVE getting songs stuck in your head on a regular basis, those of you who are old enough anyway)<br />
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Now is probably a good time to bring up a very true saying I've known and on more occasion than I care to admit, lived ..."The Road to Hell (insert Farmers Market) is paved with good intentions." and no, this is not found in the Bible, not in these exact words anyway......</div>
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I finally arrive at my destination. The first site to behold are little kids running through water fountains shooting up from the ground, diapers sagging, (not from the dreaded "could you NOT have pooped beFORE we left the house?") but just from being drenched in water, the squeals of delight and fun they were having was enjoyed by all of us around them. I think of how my Grandkids would love this. I then began wandering through the people and the booths of handmade jewelry, tie dyed onesies for the apparently 70's wanna-be infants, watercolor paintings and handmade soaps from beeswax. That soap smelled so lovely, I decided to make my Farmers Market visit even MORE authentic, I would include a fragrant bar for my final purchase. Speaking of fragrance… I now smell Kettle Corn which as most of you know, is irresistible… but NO… I shall resist because this little trip is all about being healthy today!! Yes it is! Now just WHERE is all this produce I have come for??? I search and wander about, til I realize… there IS none, that's right, NONE! Apparently it's just a bit too early? *sigh* well then… I head back to buy a bar of soap… Suddenly, a woman is standing right in front of me and with her phone, begins to take pictures of my hair! Turning me sideways, backwards, all the while saying how she knows this is weird, she hopes I don't mind, but its JUST the way she has been wanting it cut, and asks me for my stylist's number… as she finally walks away I pull myself together after the paparazzi attack and would like to be flattered by all this, but realize the woman is at least five years older than me… maybe I need a haircut...<br />
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By now I am too warm, thirsty, my Peace Bag is empty, and as a wonderful smell captures my attention. A fragrance far more tantalizing than beeswax soap has me following it like a bloodhound after a raccoon! Before I know it I am in front of a table covered with red and white check cloth, slathering on mustard and relish and a ton of sauerkraut... on top of what my grown kids call "floor scraps in a bun!" <br />
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IT. WAS. DELICIOUS.</div>
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you know you want one.</div>
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I headed over to a bench in the shade next to the bandstand where a one man band was singing<br />
"I shot the sheriff" (not going to write the words because NObody wants to get that song stuck in their head!) I devoured the thing in minutes, marveling all the while at how my attempt to be an earthlovin- veggie eatin -small town Mama, groovin on a Saturday afternoon, had ended in such disgrace. <br />
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To redeem myself, I stepped into Albertsons and bought some good ol California Corn.<br />
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"Buuuurp" excuse me. The dog just landed. I best be gettin on home.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-76385860932737639062013-06-10T15:52:00.000-07:002013-09-09T14:39:21.978-07:00Sunrise in SummerAs the temperature has reached the 90's here in Eagle Idaho. I have found that our daily walk on the path had to be done much earlier so that my large black friend can not only enjoy his usual romp, but survive it! He has a very thick black coat on and cannot take it off to chase squirrels, run through the meadows or swim the lake. Meet my good ol pal Chandler.<br />
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I have always been a morning person. I find my day is so much better if I start the day, before the day starts...does that make any sense to any of you?<br />
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Now all you young Mama's with little ones who are now on summer break, I remember how nice it is NOT to get up early in the summer after doing it throughout the school year; shaking all those warm, sleepy " Idontwannagetup"fuzzy headed little munchkins, flippin the pancakes, turnin out the PBJ's, digging the important paper that needs to be signed and turned in TODAY out of the garbage can <br />
(oops) zipping the backpacks, and herding your little ducklings down to catch the bus before they miss it and you end up driving them to school in your Flannels! (I also remember, how from first day of summer vacation on, how they wake up at 6 am on their own, to watch cartoons, eat four bowls of Cap'n Crunch and start the dreaded summer mantra of " I'm Bored.." before 9 am! ) Can any of you explain this to me???<br />
Okay, I'm completely off track....anyways,<br />
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I love mornings. However, since we have moved here, I must admit..I have began to sleep in til 7:00..7:30..and even 8:00..which really freaks me out when I pull the pillow off my head and see that number!! That is how much of a morning person I am! My morning gets away from me, and its downhill from there!<br />
So! I have gotten back on track this week, and I would love to share my rewards with you!<br />
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As Chandler and I step onto the Path this June morning, I am delighted to realize, that even though it is to be 94degrees today, I need to slip on my favorite flannel shirt I bought from Shopko (for $10 I might add) about 19 years ago! Chandler? He is cloaked in his ever present Shiny Black coat, remember? :) He takes off with great vigor enjoying the coolness as well. The earth sends up a fragrance that is heavenly, as if kissed by the moon in the night, leaving only dew drops and smelling of "New"! A brand new morning. <br />
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But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases: His mercies never come to and end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.<br />
Lamentations 3:21-23<br />
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Oh Goody! I'm loved, I'm forgiven, I get to start another day! <br />
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The squirrels on this path, are seemingly fearless. As you can see by this guy, undisturbed while having his breakfast, He peers down at Chandler who would give anything to be a cat right now and tear up into that tree…Mr. Squirrel somehow knows ..he is in this moment, superior, so looks down upon us without concern and continues to enjoy his version of Cap"n Crunch.<br />
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I thought I had come to know every wind of this stream, but in the quiet of this particular morning, I hear a waterfall I did not realize was there ,so we head down to the stream and found this! Chandler happily spins in the pool at the bottom like a crocodile snapping at the water as he spins..he does the same thing in his kiddie pool at home..he's a weird dog.... The waterfall is like a happy morning song... <br />
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All along the path, the wild roses have bloomed, and though I have passed them many times in the past few weeks, I have not noticed the fragrance that perfumes the air!<br />
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We have by now reached the turn around point, I can hear Chandler tearing along the creek further on so I turn and wait for him to surface back on the path with his ears up wondering why I'm not keeping up with him, the sun is steadily rising now, and to my amazement...so does a hot air balloon! <br />
I'm thinking "this is just too great!!! ( I was also thinking of The Wizard of Oz, and wondering if they were heading to Kansas...I know weird..this is how my brain works…)<br />
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As I turn to head back to the car, I realize this has been a pretty special start to the day! I look up... and I kid you NOT....a deer!! is standing in the path about 100 feet in front of me..ears up..we stare at each other for a few seconds, then it trotted off along the path, turning to look at me every now and then...Seriously..I cannot believe all this...fortunately Chandler is busy elsewhere, coming up behind me, doing his thing..I do not want him to see the deer...suddenly I can tell he has picked up the scent..he is whining and running all over with his nose to the ground....ha! Sorry buddy...Bambi is long gone! <br />
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I still smile thinking about this morning last week...wish every day could start like that right? But of course they don't...but early...? Early mornings in summer are the BEST!<br />
Now...go pour yourself a bowl of Cap'n Crunch and have a great day! (What's IN that stuff ANYway????)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-58867887682032825432013-06-06T19:04:00.000-07:002013-09-09T14:39:39.104-07:00Nest<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's pretty safe to say, everyone who knows me knows I have a thing for nests!! I collect them (only the evacuated of course.) They are in my house, my planters and often times riding around in my car next to my starbucks cup. I. LOVE. NESTS.! I bend young trees back to see them, pile things on top of each other at the trunk to see them, and more than once in a while climb the tree much to my own peril. A few scratches, less than lady like tumbles, and awkward explanations to passers-by what in the world I'm doing, and I have lived to tell about it. My friend, Suzanne says I am a predator. But I am a gentle predator armed with only my trusty iphone, which is how I got these amazing pictures of a robins nest on my beloved path!<br />
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I saw the nest, (lots of parental Robin activity, which soon included dive bombing yours truly) I pulled a couple pieces of wood next to tree but still could not see in so just reached my iphone up over the nest and got the first shot of the amazingly blue eggs! I was SO tickled!! Is there anything more beautiful than this?! Not even the sky can equal this hue! When I got home and looked more closely, I realized the eggs had tiny holes in them (look closely) and were about to hatch!!<br />
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The next day...there were two! Definitely not as beautiful as their shells! I checked on them every day and was totally amazed at how quickly they grew! Filled out with feathers, filled the nest to overflowing, and constantly had their mouths open!! <br />
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No wonder I love Nests! It's a close comparison to becoming a couple, making your first home, expecting and raising all those little babies. I loved ALL those years! And they seem to have gone by in a flash!! You young Mamas… I know you are rolling your eyes, I used to be SO annoyed at that comment, usually heard in line at the grocery store, one child screaming and crying to get out of the cart, while the other opened a conveniently child height pack of skittles which scattered around our feet… but we Older Mamas-now Grammas know........<br />
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The nursery you spent a whole year planning and preparing, the crib that looks big only after you bring that tiny one home from the hospital. You spend hours just staring at them while they sleep… and if they sleep more than an hour at a time (in the beginning) you wake them up to see if they are alright…. time passes…<br />
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Soon you have another and a little family emerges and grows (and are certainly cuter than these bug-eyed, grandpa eye-browed red skinned fellas!)<br />
They fill your heart, your home, your every hour and somebody is ALWAYS hungry!!!!<br />
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They watch you and they grow and grow and get personalities and whiskers and meltdowns and attitudes...</div>
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"She touched me!" "He's on MY side!" "She LOOKED at me!" ".."Are we THERE yet? It's HOT in here!"<br />
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And the next thing you know… they have all flown the nest, out on their own, and all you have left is a heart full of loving memories and a couple feathers. That white stuff around the edge of nest?...well.."it" happens
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Be nice to your husbands ladies..he is the only one who stays! :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-35429545856397058082013-06-06T17:20:00.001-07:002013-10-22T14:30:24.979-07:00Just Wok AwayJust Wok away......<br />
<br />
Went in to Fred Meyer a short time ago, to pick up a "couple items "in the grocery department and
fell into the very effective web of the "One stop shop!" You know.....you have bananas, chicken and
yogurt in your cart, and the next thing you know you have bought a shovel, slug bait and are trying
on a new sports bra!
<br />
<br />
This particular day I found that the FM spell had been cast and I seriously thought to myself..I need a
new WOK! Yes I do! I cruised quietly along with my cart from the produce Department somehow
dropping a few other items in I did not need, and arrived at my destination. There were more
than a few to choose from, which of course was going to make this challenging..14 inch? 18 inch?
One handle? Two handles? Hmmm.. so much to consider...I just want to Stir fry some chicken..but
to be a wise shopper I figured I better play the wise shopper game and check out all my options.<br />
<br />
Now I'm realizing that somebody tall must have put together this display which had them hanging
from six different hooks, and realized a little too late as I stood on the bottom shelves to reach
one.."Wow..they really crammed too many on here" Before I could say Holy Kikoman it was raining
Woks! The 18" tumbled down first, hitting me right on the side of my head being followed by the
14" which repeated the dent! They were falling all around me with the very loud clanging
and banging (or was that just my head?) with the whole episode ending with me holding one to my
noggin as if it were a helmet ( a little late, but hey, I tried) and the two handled one spinning madly
in the center of the isle for a grand finale. I'm sure this all happened in a matter of 6 seconds, but it
seemed much longer, AND in slow motion.<br />
<br />
For a second or two there was silence, then I hear feet pounding the concrete as people come running to see if there are any survivors. I of course tell them
all "No, no, I'm alright, I"m sure I'll be fine.." and "No, I don't want to file a claim" (Frankly, I'd just
to get out of here..I'm thinking..) As everyone is assisting in picking up the scattered Woks, I decide
to just "choose" the one that so conveniently landed in my cart, but as I leave the scene of attack, I
realize said Wok in Cart now has a dent! Well!! We cant have that! I pick out another and get the
heck out of Dodge! ( as my dad used to say)<br />
<br />
When I get out to the car I allow myself to say OWWWWW! Man! That hurt! I look in the mirror
and see that I have a large purple Goose egg growing near my temple! Oh good! Lasting proof of my
exciting adventure in isle twelve! Did it knock any sense into me??..uhh no. I pick up my phone and
call my friend Judy...she is gonna laugh when she hears this one!
<br />
What's on YOUR list today?<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-53039680078297261002013-05-23T17:00:00.000-07:002013-09-09T14:40:06.996-07:00Road trip frustrations and funnies IIThis particular day of travel, had of course been planned down to the minute I would arrive in my driveway back in the Peaceful little town of Eagle, Idaho in five and one half hours. I had an extra hot Starbucks Grande Latte by my side, and in my lap for breakfast was my favorite, Bluberry Scone! (which we all know is basically a cube of butter with white flour, and 5 or 6 blueberries , dropped in so we can feel all healthy about it!) <br />
<br />
I made up my mind I would not pull in anywhere to eat, couple rest stops and that's it. When I'm headed home..I'm not driving and enjoying the scenery..I just want to get there!<br />
<br />
However, the stormy sky WAS determined to make me take notice of its beauty as I flew along.. with its ever changing display of different clouds, some white and flat on bottom, some black and low and heavy with drops, it was amazing. Lightening flashed now and then, by the time I got to the Blue Mountains, it was snowing for about 20 minutes! What a show! Coming down the hill into La Grande and going through Baker...one of the prettiest places Ive seen! Beautiful fields and pastures, with Majestic Mountains rising behind..Love it.<br />
<br />
Well 3 hours into this trip, I of course realize that I am hungry. Already made one stop thanks to the Grande Latte, but determined not to stray off course for something as trivial as food, I decide to hit one more rest stop somewhere past Baker. Maybe check out one of those vending machines. Surely, there must be one or two "healthy" snacks available. <br />
<br />
After using the facilities, even though the wind is blowing and it's COLD! I head back to the car to put on sweatshirt and gather up some change for my frugal time effective "lunch". As I head to the vending machine I notice that the thing is literally wrapped in a monstrous rusty metal cage with chains and locks and oh for goodness sake!!! Vandalism??? Clear out in the middle of nowhere?? For a bag of chips?? Rotten kids anyway, always ruining conveniences for the rest us nice people.<br />
<br />
As I survey my selections, I am amazed once again at the junk people eat. I see that I have 3 choices of so called" Healthy "snacks.<br />
(1) Yogurt covered fruits and nuts. (too sweet.)<br />
(2) Dried apple rings (too boring) <br />
(3) Wasabi nut mix...hmmm.enough sodium to cover a week, but..sounds tasty, decision made.<br />
<br />
I have to reach about 2 inches into the cage to reach the place to put my dollar bills. (yes...this small bag of salty delight was $1.75) I am happy my hands are small so everything went in. I press D2...clangity clang clang clang.....no bag is dropped, just change...I notice it has shorted me 50 cents.<br />
*sigh* I put the change plus more change back into the slot and again push D2 my taste buds are already happy just thinkin about this salty snack! Noises rattle from inside the machine, I watch in anticipation...kerplop! Whaaat!!? I did not hit the M n M button..why did it give me those!!? (now don't get me wrong, I love M n Ms...but this was NOT my selection..now I'm getting mad.<br />
I stomp back to the car for more change and toss the random unwanted snack in the front seat. I return to the armour wrapped enemy put in more money and PUNCH the darn D2...noises, rumbling sounds from within the protected beast..yes!! the proper lever is moving..the bag moves forward starts to drop...... but it does NOT drop. It is of course hanging by juuust a corner... "Are you KIDDING me??" Much to the delight of the truckers and other Rest Stop Stoppers watching this drama unfold... I begin kicking the outside of the blasted armor, and trying to shove the thing out of its clutches, I body slam the side of it, then realizing my foot will fit in the area where food is supposed to come out, I give it four or five good kicks.I am huffing and puffing and realize..I'm no longer cold. I give it one last punch, which really hurt, then in defeat headed back to car.<br />
<br />
There in the seat next to me is the crumpled bag of M n Ms. FINE. I will eat them.<br />
I open the bag and try to shake a few out in my hand.. nothing comes out I look inside the bag and realize, this bag of M n Ms has been sitting in this vending machine since 1979. I start the car, turn on Ramble On by Led Zeppelin and head towards home. I realize by this time I could have pulled in to a Shari's and had a Cobb Salad in the same amount of time I have "rested" at this stop.<br />
<br />
I dumped them out on the counter when I got home just to document my experience which resulted in an empty stomach and a bruised hand.<br />
and entertainment for a few other bored and weary travelers.<br />
<br />
"Ramble on..nows the time the time is now to sing my song....as my daughter says, "Led Zeppelin makes everything better."<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1261162555049191032.post-21384884838606680632013-05-23T15:05:00.000-07:002013-09-10T16:10:51.464-07:00Road Trip Funnies and FrustrationsWe all know, Roadtrips come with many surprises. Traveling with littles ones, the surprises may be hourly. For instance, one of my favorite memories, (from my two year old, tucked in her car seat in the back of the Suburban) " Mommy, I have to go potty".".Mommy I have to go potty" followed by my ridiculous request every time to hold it just a little longer...this went on for about 30 minutes, when we finally reached a rest stop..she happily announced " I don't have to go anymore"..which of course meant we now needed to change her clothes. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGqie5zgd6ps9-846AS23kNA21tkP74G2faoMSAdPz7psmHilkw7A0fCYv5x76VL_Fypch4PsdMXr3fxANiGE76BRcdldfOzqLLgd5fb4LRfjH1n5X0RV_oo4Y3EBOWoqFayYtQZMBaA/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGqie5zgd6ps9-846AS23kNA21tkP74G2faoMSAdPz7psmHilkw7A0fCYv5x76VL_Fypch4PsdMXr3fxANiGE76BRcdldfOzqLLgd5fb4LRfjH1n5X0RV_oo4Y3EBOWoqFayYtQZMBaA/s320/IMG_4165.JPG" width="239" /></a>Now this Roadtrip was recent in my travels, and was just me. Heading back from visiting my Kids and Grandkids in Seattle, I timed my exit perfectly(6:30) to miss Bellevue rush hour, and onto I-90 without incident, or losing my temper. I made if from Woodinville to Sammamish in 25 minutes and feeling quite smug about it all, was even congratulated by God with a beautiful Double Rainbow for my perfect plan of Departure <br />
<br />
I set my cruise control (cause oh yaaa...I'm cruisin!) and put in my Favorite Crosby Stills Nash CD. Now as I'm flying along over the pass enjoying the tunes, the beautiful Mountains and trees, I happen to notice a flashing sign that was announcing the top of the pass would be closing in 10 minutes for Blasting, and would remain closed for an hour or so..DRAT! My plan had been foiled, and the rainbow had drizzled away in the relentless rain.<br />
<br />
I wasn't about to sit in a line of trucks on the road, (or finally find out what its like to have to use a water bottle for a potty) so I decided to pull off at the pass and get something to eat. Why not. if all else fails, we can always eat to pass the time more pleasantly..right?<br />
<br />
I pull in to a Pancake house with about 6 other cars who apparently had the same idea as mine, which delighted the waiter who had just cleaned his section (and had probably just texted his wife saying he would be home in 10 minutes) was going to close down for the night.<br />
<br />
There was already a table of three men finishing up their meal, about 3 booths straight ahead of me. They were probably in their 30's, the one facing me was a good 6'4 I'd say. I placed my order right away deciding on a hamburger and fries cause that's what "Tall guy" was having and it looked good.<br />
I, of course was scrolling on my phone looking at my adorable Grandkids pics and whatnot, eating my fries..sort of oblivious to what was going on around me.<br />
<br />
I did notice that the 3 guys had gotten up and were heading towards the exit which was right past my booth..but I didn't need to acknowledge them or smile, cause I was in my "iphone world" you know what I'm talkin about! Suddenly..I was brought back to real life as Tall Guy (seemingly) fell from the sky and with a thud was laid out flat on the floor at the edge of my booth, I couldn't have gotten out if I wanted too, and was too shocked to move. As Tall guy landed, out of his bottom half came a loud and surely unexpected fart, and the top half of Tall guy agreed with whatever was going on with the bottom half and instantaneously, barfed up that beautiful Hamburger he had just enjoyed. Now all the while, his kind buddies were along side him, comforting and assisting the best they could.As I put down my last "enjoyed" bite of burger, I of course asked if he was okay..since I was siting right there looking down at him..He was coming to consciousness, and apologizing and trying to regain his dignity, (trust me, at this point, the poor guy had none), his friends pulled him up to a seated position with his back leaning against my seat. <br />
<br />
Apparently, they had just ridden they're bicycles up the pass and his body did NOT think that burger was a great end to the day! He was so embarrassed, ( hey..we ALL were!!) Poor guy! I just tried to act like it was no big deal and continued eating my fries so he wouldn't think he had ruined my meal, which of course he kinda had. Just before they got him up off the floor to leave, he leaned his head back and said to me with a sheepish grin.." It was nice having dinner with you!"<br />
<br />
Our bodies are amazing, miraculous...when we have control of them.<br />
<br />
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Heres to you tall guy..Ride on!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13099296477664812133noreply@blogger.com0