tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10577371557182920802024-03-04T23:17:26.730-05:00Life on the EdgeLife on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-40553492110951131542012-06-21T19:26:00.001-04:002012-06-21T19:27:57.699-04:00Good-bye to JakeyIt has been so very long since I last posted. Life is very, very busy, but is going very well. My husband and I just celebrated out first anniversary. I don't know why people think that the first year of marriage is the most difficult -- my first year has been surprisingly easy!
Anyhow, many of you will remember our puppy dog Jake.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ33pEcOP0GUw06JnQ81Xi-TKppEmMNDI8qQfuiNpWNIlAk7I7lQMQW0JOvy1JC-rLFvonEwLvXCVk_D-Q4Hgym4aEXk6lJGHN8uQnvRSZuqmkmtDDGkrX1mLcQKWXTCS77fKp_i2vK14/s1600/JakeStretch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="235" width="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ33pEcOP0GUw06JnQ81Xi-TKppEmMNDI8qQfuiNpWNIlAk7I7lQMQW0JOvy1JC-rLFvonEwLvXCVk_D-Q4Hgym4aEXk6lJGHN8uQnvRSZuqmkmtDDGkrX1mLcQKWXTCS77fKp_i2vK14/s400/JakeStretch.JPG" /></a>
When I got married and moved in with Mike, Jakey went to live with my sons in their new apartment.
Yesterday on my way home from work, I got a call from my oldest son Sean. He was in tears. He said that Jake was not acting right and he feared he was very sick and was afraid he would not make it. Poor Jake was unable to walk without stumbling and kept falling into the wall. He also laid on my youngest son's bed and urinated as he laid and just stayed there. This was very unusual.
This is Sean and Jakey.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQBkUZusf0xc-N_Ld7ztj9sYTkBnmu0X8Om8ucREXNIb_kZaauL1hHjZzXXxHXz9UgTaTnboYaOKSSCPZ-G2DCBi9bTjAkDOeVTukHMd_d0Uq0FN_-q7_RkwAOgIVb5ZwcajSxqpjWBU/s1600/sean+and+jake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="348" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQBkUZusf0xc-N_Ld7ztj9sYTkBnmu0X8Om8ucREXNIb_kZaauL1hHjZzXXxHXz9UgTaTnboYaOKSSCPZ-G2DCBi9bTjAkDOeVTukHMd_d0Uq0FN_-q7_RkwAOgIVb5ZwcajSxqpjWBU/s400/sean+and+jake.jpg" /></a>
Anyhow, I went straight to the boys' apartment, and we rushed Jake to the vet on an emergency basis. After an exam, we were told that he was very sick and close to death, and that even if we did emergency treatment, the prognosis was poor. My heart wept for my son when he made the painful decision to end Jakey's suffering. I told him that he had given Jake a very good life and that this was the last good thing he could do for him.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sB249ZtqB5OffnhWkFI2o61pHFmpkPlSV_S1Ps-0ZBoHoHmyTJhZmJ4mubJEpxnV0cFGDKXaT0TS8rDsBfyn-F3tKtC-Mmhoe7do2Fd8Av0YK2wuz9M79xjXpsHrnl7VgvA46xeDiGs/s1600/Jakey+berry+sweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sB249ZtqB5OffnhWkFI2o61pHFmpkPlSV_S1Ps-0ZBoHoHmyTJhZmJ4mubJEpxnV0cFGDKXaT0TS8rDsBfyn-F3tKtC-Mmhoe7do2Fd8Av0YK2wuz9M79xjXpsHrnl7VgvA46xeDiGs/s400/Jakey+berry+sweet.jpg" /></a>
I was there with both of my boys as we comforted Jake through his last moments. It was heartbreaking for all of us, but especially for Sean as Jake his been his "little buddy" for the last 14 1/2 years.
We are going to miss him so much!
See you on the Rainbow Bridge, Jake!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jzQJLs6TzOrsWMZhAhlfVNf2CS7o1YQGfpBQcjMOvJFdHIpKfZ9eDZboWhFuktHu55NNYNVbUU3j2fRlZf-Oo_2PkQsQ-9fP3d7lPdANDAkXB8cgs-9dIxdzMVyTt8lIgDoUBY9wUgQ/s1600/Jakey+smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jzQJLs6TzOrsWMZhAhlfVNf2CS7o1YQGfpBQcjMOvJFdHIpKfZ9eDZboWhFuktHu55NNYNVbUU3j2fRlZf-Oo_2PkQsQ-9fP3d7lPdANDAkXB8cgs-9dIxdzMVyTt8lIgDoUBY9wUgQ/s400/Jakey+smiling.jpg" /></a>
We love you.Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-2675855759285400432012-01-29T00:45:00.004-05:002012-01-29T00:58:44.285-05:00My Husband's Devotion Published!My husband had a devotion published this week in the Upper Room, a daily devotional by the United Methodist Church.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnqoJWIp2cX77jEmZMABnPa2x2R1Md6XoSA4wMn7xjIHPq_ZcJVQ_qIR69SK83qEhNVqab7mRPV9x7d56VCxCHql38Ks2BiySLfL2-p4RFZqjhFBvht650TiWu1af5FErDlvQDti34zE/s1600/upper+room+january.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 335px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnqoJWIp2cX77jEmZMABnPa2x2R1Md6XoSA4wMn7xjIHPq_ZcJVQ_qIR69SK83qEhNVqab7mRPV9x7d56VCxCHql38Ks2BiySLfL2-p4RFZqjhFBvht650TiWu1af5FErDlvQDti34zE/s400/upper+room+january.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702926371747346898" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is a picture of Mike while on our honeymoon. Isn't he handsome? I am so proud of him! He is a talented writer.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFq5_tSBDZzLPFL1MpHngJn_OGms4Yp8-l_a1bq98WBfGTYmbtP2NLdR1gpclyYvER7CLU-RHqGil6TFwCKiUvB8qIFYFr0Cc5uRnfggiHbmzF3-RDd9Ttk_MHSLJ7cglEmUm4MTEeoE/s1600/mike+texture+polaroid.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 344px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFq5_tSBDZzLPFL1MpHngJn_OGms4Yp8-l_a1bq98WBfGTYmbtP2NLdR1gpclyYvER7CLU-RHqGil6TFwCKiUvB8qIFYFr0Cc5uRnfggiHbmzF3-RDd9Ttk_MHSLJ7cglEmUm4MTEeoE/s400/mike+texture+polaroid.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702926369775338418" /></a><br /><br />Here is his devotional called "God's Plans."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FMbiYZGSoxBQx3OT2RXnNdQF47kG1SznFdobODI5cIr60eBWiKl3LD3SJ4gu3soy3Q_tRAOA4CnvvI50XkFzWAylXBBAItEUlL9TIG7X7uVRLbQpygN1tRf9-tPYfzjL4g4KLu_vzmg/s1600/plan+a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FMbiYZGSoxBQx3OT2RXnNdQF47kG1SznFdobODI5cIr60eBWiKl3LD3SJ4gu3soy3Q_tRAOA4CnvvI50XkFzWAylXBBAItEUlL9TIG7X7uVRLbQpygN1tRf9-tPYfzjL4g4KLu_vzmg/s400/plan+a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702926367584245218" /></a><br /><br />“ <i>I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</i>”<br /><br />— Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)<br /><br />When I divorced, I wondered if I had wrecked my life. Not only had I disappointed my family, but I am a pastor. I am supposed to set an example for Christian living. How could people take me seriously as a spiritual leader? How could I preach about marriage or covenant when my marriage had failed?<br /><br />But Jeremiah 29:11 promises that God has good plans for us. A curious detail in that verse has caught my attention. The scripture doesn’t say “plan”; it says “plans.” The word is plural. God has more than one plan. Perhaps God has a Plan A for us; but if we mess that up, God also has a Plan B. And if Plan B doesn’t work out, God has a Plan C. And so on.<br /><br />I doubt that many of us are living Plan A. And people like me may be rapidly approaching the end of the alphabet. Many people feel they have made so many mistakes that if God ever had a plan for them, it must be spoiled. But God does not give up on us. God has more than one way to give us hope and a future. Not only does God have more than one plan; God is at work to fulfill those plans.<br /><br />___________________________________<br /><br />This week I am once again joining in on <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com"> Spiritual Sundays</a>. Please click on the link to access many other good posts.<br /><br />And if you're visiting from Spiritual Sundays, please feel free to check out my last post where I shared about my wedding. Yes, I have newly become a pastor's wife!Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-30478231804091537142012-01-08T00:46:00.017-05:002012-01-08T04:10:33.715-05:00I Now Pronounce You Husband and Wife!It is possible to dream of finding your soulmate. It is possible to find someone who loves you unconditionally. And it is also possible to find him after being single for 11 years and in ones 50's! <br /><br />It is even possible that this person wants to marry you!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny_jeEX3P6iLhnBG5f2ACrsrkNfgMQLahDbZCLFUutPk-XLv8LJwQ189-f3LW6r1al1Sgfluu6-zT2rfj74Pup3gt8PexMTfBAlnky-yvRtJd9BHFxtkMtDJ_DPpVN5pJGNOycOJizjk/s1600/s32a.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny_jeEX3P6iLhnBG5f2ACrsrkNfgMQLahDbZCLFUutPk-XLv8LJwQ189-f3LW6r1al1Sgfluu6-zT2rfj74Pup3gt8PexMTfBAlnky-yvRtJd9BHFxtkMtDJ_DPpVN5pJGNOycOJizjk/s400/s32a.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695148216031518322" /></a><br />I am so happy to announce that Mike and I are now husband and wife!<br /><br />Okay, it was way back in June, but it took me a really long time to sift through 350 pictures! Also, my life has been crazy busy since getting married as I have a very long commute to work now, had a new household to clean and decorate, and have been very busy being a pastor's wife, which I love!<br /><br />Here's my wedding story in pictures. Please click on any of them to enlarge. <br /><br />The night before the wedding, my daughter Tara and I stayed at a nearby hotel. In that time, I finally finished my toss bouquet and decorated my shoes. I had worn fancy satin shoes when I married my first husband, and decided that this time, I was wearing comfortable flats!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTQ2q8aHXsMnP2drxmyJ62ntj0p9dHDzM4quVVH-2tpbZHzE-kXf0kLpMo_C7wDIl_WhNKgXJ2WijTLfDuCh0muJGSYQCQBekbH3YyqMIDHVAi1dRaU_B8TYzrP2XTDgd3a_5znsm6cI/s1600/shoes+and+toss+bouquet.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTQ2q8aHXsMnP2drxmyJ62ntj0p9dHDzM4quVVH-2tpbZHzE-kXf0kLpMo_C7wDIl_WhNKgXJ2WijTLfDuCh0muJGSYQCQBekbH3YyqMIDHVAi1dRaU_B8TYzrP2XTDgd3a_5znsm6cI/s400/shoes+and+toss+bouquet.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695149523685291346" /></a><br /><br />I just added little satin flowers for some bling.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtHnndJ6qpfBJW_QiTTwvgAaf61Pbia_zws6330B-xqKwUnQbE3LGabwJvRgzvGpaQPEetSrhu81BtwcxhNRNGT3VALUw6xG60WgW6xPwTawYsWWQC6sEgyAXJkzBaIS6zt7n1gav8so/s1600/shoes+closeup.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtHnndJ6qpfBJW_QiTTwvgAaf61Pbia_zws6330B-xqKwUnQbE3LGabwJvRgzvGpaQPEetSrhu81BtwcxhNRNGT3VALUw6xG60WgW6xPwTawYsWWQC6sEgyAXJkzBaIS6zt7n1gav8so/s400/shoes+closeup.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695149526766918674" /></a><br /><br />The next morning, my bridesmaids and I went to the hair salon where I had my hair fancy for the first time ever! I found my headpiece and veil just 5 days before the wedding.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M1m5ZJMJGJFaR6NscHioWdeBZY8J_QMg6LiJBG1sNTnBtjThq3Kh6tnqzdvub4oSAi8kLeyuxlbJuUO8REM3kAeR_WYoP8OgVI9Yzwp2SyZqTWs8Nlpd6dMD8Nyy-FRv1xqj9Rr5csw/s1600/hair+done+with+veil+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M1m5ZJMJGJFaR6NscHioWdeBZY8J_QMg6LiJBG1sNTnBtjThq3Kh6tnqzdvub4oSAi8kLeyuxlbJuUO8REM3kAeR_WYoP8OgVI9Yzwp2SyZqTWs8Nlpd6dMD8Nyy-FRv1xqj9Rr5csw/s400/hair+done+with+veil+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695150941817202658" /></a><br /><br />At the church, a memorial candle that Mike and I had made in honor of my parents was placed on the altar.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtZos-7VUlRBVdADapd146Z-moBLiELqZHCQUYH1pyWV1ia9ggaC-NHI0X3z3_vZ_4AQ4H3xbgU2Y-rGXHG2Hqlo9HsJ74s6GFnyz2fRjUyKXVMnBhxAkuWokXG4psB6nZN8Md36SROs/s1600/memorial+candle.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtZos-7VUlRBVdADapd146Z-moBLiELqZHCQUYH1pyWV1ia9ggaC-NHI0X3z3_vZ_4AQ4H3xbgU2Y-rGXHG2Hqlo9HsJ74s6GFnyz2fRjUyKXVMnBhxAkuWokXG4psB6nZN8Md36SROs/s400/memorial+candle.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695152690234971714" /></a><br /><br />Here's my bouquet and our rings. I made the bouquet myself, and added a vintage brooch for bling.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCq45ZBTtHLkqghlhNXDGx_gqPJ-V51lGe55ptNCZDtGSFFHCzpeuYXlfBxKifDBxGFHws4zzhcfLd2DLvy5lBGfikwCemV-aIVeJjPzT_U4dvdtmtxYLx3TmvDrc3VEtdnuMbU2kXms/s1600/s89.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCq45ZBTtHLkqghlhNXDGx_gqPJ-V51lGe55ptNCZDtGSFFHCzpeuYXlfBxKifDBxGFHws4zzhcfLd2DLvy5lBGfikwCemV-aIVeJjPzT_U4dvdtmtxYLx3TmvDrc3VEtdnuMbU2kXms/s400/s89.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695146148667296706" /></a><br /><br />My children, Sean, Tara,Jared and I before the wedding.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNuQgq3pyWfN_gNfzBmqasKkXv53N6MhJABehReD8ppsWwPhFbGAzZVObwPoiTYsSn1WmpY-jlXn2A8pVD_HKJOJBvnntSUjeoQ3O9wU8HTx8bv1qXHbXDyVBgc48GoUxtOE-qlWlP9g/s1600/s43.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNuQgq3pyWfN_gNfzBmqasKkXv53N6MhJABehReD8ppsWwPhFbGAzZVObwPoiTYsSn1WmpY-jlXn2A8pVD_HKJOJBvnntSUjeoQ3O9wU8HTx8bv1qXHbXDyVBgc48GoUxtOE-qlWlP9g/s400/s43.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695148220878069954" /></a><br /><br />My sweet sons giving me a kiss!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl6VvCVyRLutcC7pZ1KVJwlFxGMMUB2K7itozSGHVV8dkbmQqn8vljbNxv-n0sppegd-64mZi1K31OOTSoD7swPMQnyyc2q9tCefymAUAKhyKRogxs06UrVkVbzovCyUss2zIhT88-tQ/s1600/s45.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl6VvCVyRLutcC7pZ1KVJwlFxGMMUB2K7itozSGHVV8dkbmQqn8vljbNxv-n0sppegd-64mZi1K31OOTSoD7swPMQnyyc2q9tCefymAUAKhyKRogxs06UrVkVbzovCyUss2zIhT88-tQ/s400/s45.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695146147882361650" /></a><br /><br />My mother-in-law Nancy is also a pastor and was our officiant.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSOpYIaH7Y8s5PxdZGiXGgxcbd3XjrCiWXpIKrsbYhCKsC4B-DEWQSCB_d4ahW083artsLDHijll3GUYz4AaHPglANWrFpwHTFI_AAPJTDf46ldsR5N29NX3GiLmwDUjHi7iZgjMMxRU/s1600/s118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSOpYIaH7Y8s5PxdZGiXGgxcbd3XjrCiWXpIKrsbYhCKsC4B-DEWQSCB_d4ahW083artsLDHijll3GUYz4AaHPglANWrFpwHTFI_AAPJTDf46ldsR5N29NX3GiLmwDUjHi7iZgjMMxRU/s400/s118.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695146171937664546" /></a><br /><br />We showed a little video before the ceremony, and I thought this pic looked cool.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6wg4JcTRg7oeXzQVPXD1F2g1PvEOtw5ug9d-T0Ih4cHFEzFS9BmuZyh55vUB_dp__usuxdqjRIRt9BECZviM1zc8NWHyLd6cpbx58mY58r9FxDntVDlwFSpSjuJkA03-p4giVR-phlg/s1600/s141.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6wg4JcTRg7oeXzQVPXD1F2g1PvEOtw5ug9d-T0Ih4cHFEzFS9BmuZyh55vUB_dp__usuxdqjRIRt9BECZviM1zc8NWHyLd6cpbx58mY58r9FxDntVDlwFSpSjuJkA03-p4giVR-phlg/s400/s141.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695143181603603538" /></a><br />Time to begin!<br />My future husband waited for me at the alter with his son and best man Holden, and my son Jared.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5Q801xoNV4xjIwOQHTWyWKjohtIdgwi-cV9N9ARTw7nXP6L-slylUblcjfHznlvvKs99mI9kE1sW94ZWXAen8rWCSBanC0BmkxJQi_SdKOtE0WUHrhdaHqswJ4b2IWBt91hZvbsmgzo/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5Q801xoNV4xjIwOQHTWyWKjohtIdgwi-cV9N9ARTw7nXP6L-slylUblcjfHznlvvKs99mI9kE1sW94ZWXAen8rWCSBanC0BmkxJQi_SdKOtE0WUHrhdaHqswJ4b2IWBt91hZvbsmgzo/s400/1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695154250338871106" /></a><br /><br />First came Corinne down the aisle. She is Mike's daughter and my bridesmaid.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpFuZm7TCh5sxudgywtVI1WOaSXSnn4LXx9eE9boEcv_9JSKwwu0_zY_2IMCdEx_imtP50Eha9chpeBb8Y7LgKhEso63y-IqyH5FpXaJR5QrcoLI9m9LjLofb4IfxsQEJCD3d-y1TzJ8/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpFuZm7TCh5sxudgywtVI1WOaSXSnn4LXx9eE9boEcv_9JSKwwu0_zY_2IMCdEx_imtP50Eha9chpeBb8Y7LgKhEso63y-IqyH5FpXaJR5QrcoLI9m9LjLofb4IfxsQEJCD3d-y1TzJ8/s400/2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695141651076156290" /></a><br /><br />My daughter and Matron of Honor Tara was next.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxul6PmlLg-ol8RosRlh7jVIGUAlr0Xd0wpIKeqXprqNY2Do2k-WbaB0BSy9n3bTPN6i9b31kcEFEs0XKZBL_8zuvAON_8hGsYq3szPX9zVzYI82-yxXKKNYOJ9daHb5ztUVjP54wTr8/s1600/3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxul6PmlLg-ol8RosRlh7jVIGUAlr0Xd0wpIKeqXprqNY2Do2k-WbaB0BSy9n3bTPN6i9b31kcEFEs0XKZBL_8zuvAON_8hGsYq3szPX9zVzYI82-yxXKKNYOJ9daHb5ztUVjP54wTr8/s400/3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695141650701712130" /></a><br /><br />With a big old smile on my face, I am escorted to the altar by my oldest son Sean. Read "escorted"...after all those years on my own, I surely didn't need to be "given away!"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xaN34n68t3DUjAcD0G1-a34o939H_KOwUPGEsZ8PQNtqSY_htaZ0YIhyphenhyphenB5_N-gY5EETsQn_jBAdSJRvahLOe8EIM9L2ds8f3cRixTv-Heu4KBCwbui1SkpO32idAerq0SUbkFWe70c0/s1600/s147.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xaN34n68t3DUjAcD0G1-a34o939H_KOwUPGEsZ8PQNtqSY_htaZ0YIhyphenhyphenB5_N-gY5EETsQn_jBAdSJRvahLOe8EIM9L2ds8f3cRixTv-Heu4KBCwbui1SkpO32idAerq0SUbkFWe70c0/s400/s147.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695143180170858866" /></a><br /><br />I look more than just a little happy to be up there with Mike, about to be his wife!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOMTSiveySzgNeVNFp2G9nF4t3kU4zAxMRVQKZ6cWsieZFfiqmagO70GH8p6hAm07jhKt2Y7c-Zc3KzMxK8dt6FQIS9O4ssJUYN_gFsMgn0h0DLtTn7aCMNQHMoYGoKCf9pBVQJ0rS4E/s1600/s148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOMTSiveySzgNeVNFp2G9nF4t3kU4zAxMRVQKZ6cWsieZFfiqmagO70GH8p6hAm07jhKt2Y7c-Zc3KzMxK8dt6FQIS9O4ssJUYN_gFsMgn0h0DLtTn7aCMNQHMoYGoKCf9pBVQJ0rS4E/s400/s148.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695145416020328098" /></a><br /><br />We were so blessed to have all these people who care so much about us to be there to witness our happy day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PAWgObrPI0CNeP4YJ1wUGmngfPUILJl1GUoq2RcHhUzBwL-Fq9Q8CGCiMpTqgsNFjRxwrfpef4MELHeEqHeyRURLzkecUmDIdB35g5DrOdIDWP6gUXq7YF0en0rfY5rxWcU2ol3AgfI/s1600/9.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PAWgObrPI0CNeP4YJ1wUGmngfPUILJl1GUoq2RcHhUzBwL-Fq9Q8CGCiMpTqgsNFjRxwrfpef4MELHeEqHeyRURLzkecUmDIdB35g5DrOdIDWP6gUXq7YF0en0rfY5rxWcU2ol3AgfI/s400/9.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695141652007436146" /></a><br /><br />My son Sean sang "Testify to Love" by Wynona Judd.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdV_O44sI2fEw1BzS4HV7PXjVzFZf-J1U7dGn_nDyjt_aPltOxFD0CQMWsd1SQS54wAnD5VzLHV2YbHQP0OZtwak2rbY2IsZAdx5drcawwsVZillaNIL_FAX50ittROnS3X0FNgXaEKI/s1600/13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdV_O44sI2fEw1BzS4HV7PXjVzFZf-J1U7dGn_nDyjt_aPltOxFD0CQMWsd1SQS54wAnD5VzLHV2YbHQP0OZtwak2rbY2IsZAdx5drcawwsVZillaNIL_FAX50ittROnS3X0FNgXaEKI/s400/13.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695141655884354210" /></a><br /><br />The ceremony...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oPwXVFEWR7YRZijmO038eXatcT4mUnipi8xw662-sUQRBQg7nehWGxzS_qcuX3_L-CBVCQ-m0UlP3gFKp7OVr8uJ3unp6uqdMXAx4NPXFxlprioVqt2Duh-aV0WxSe_B2XXZKH2BqOY/s1600/19.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oPwXVFEWR7YRZijmO038eXatcT4mUnipi8xw662-sUQRBQg7nehWGxzS_qcuX3_L-CBVCQ-m0UlP3gFKp7OVr8uJ3unp6uqdMXAx4NPXFxlprioVqt2Duh-aV0WxSe_B2XXZKH2BqOY/s400/19.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695140128865188498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQuxZqDzhn0-0OGqHI5ekmg3g8IWtZzULB6fis3MGFses3qslpdd6iycM27G68-3BLgZ3zlu1Jb3b4qrkOCjtoxybonpbkdSi4xlaKvjugc5wOZpzeVSeuHB_BDVKsRSlbUgonEHzYMc/s1600/30.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQuxZqDzhn0-0OGqHI5ekmg3g8IWtZzULB6fis3MGFses3qslpdd6iycM27G68-3BLgZ3zlu1Jb3b4qrkOCjtoxybonpbkdSi4xlaKvjugc5wOZpzeVSeuHB_BDVKsRSlbUgonEHzYMc/s400/30.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695140127411303426" /></a><br /><br />...and finally, we are husband and wife!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79oQgB9GCJYkC37Q-Mbvl97jBHqsDbQmMVB6skC0BHjnQ5v9ukszOVA98_2ycmNpIqYeS2qaesJAB__e1zsauFmZDjCZ-UR6Ih_cAUhdAHD9Yna5Pw2xr60L8Rh1FJRqrjRCQZGjEW6k/s1600/34.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79oQgB9GCJYkC37Q-Mbvl97jBHqsDbQmMVB6skC0BHjnQ5v9ukszOVA98_2ycmNpIqYeS2qaesJAB__e1zsauFmZDjCZ-UR6Ih_cAUhdAHD9Yna5Pw2xr60L8Rh1FJRqrjRCQZGjEW6k/s400/34.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695140115404111970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo5SEtWC7HWo-k5b5TUow-GkdqqqY0jmd7W-LzzfbTen4YB4MoXBbMADOZuHLv49LxlGtweP4TMMklQgyNjhCD_y_OQOgLXKkJXUxfq0F-4sZuFmgeorOnkwVEFEUFIL4IIgflPkgKgY/s1600/s163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo5SEtWC7HWo-k5b5TUow-GkdqqqY0jmd7W-LzzfbTen4YB4MoXBbMADOZuHLv49LxlGtweP4TMMklQgyNjhCD_y_OQOgLXKkJXUxfq0F-4sZuFmgeorOnkwVEFEUFIL4IIgflPkgKgY/s400/s163.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695143183168600354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRbjA_n7AROc58pXycmO6EYqPkSE1cpOPcEQ_j9_lk-Yf7c8Q0UM3VKzssm4a9jnIprEpK3oMfqksrxkYaONlJ8qJUAyLq-d_fjd_7_vpEmSVjPKNWMbRhvCnoCDee6EFJllY9gBNnX8/s1600/s180.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRbjA_n7AROc58pXycmO6EYqPkSE1cpOPcEQ_j9_lk-Yf7c8Q0UM3VKzssm4a9jnIprEpK3oMfqksrxkYaONlJ8qJUAyLq-d_fjd_7_vpEmSVjPKNWMbRhvCnoCDee6EFJllY9gBNnX8/s400/s180.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695143192281625170" /></a><br /><br />I call this pic "Who farted?"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-s3A6WAqMUuz8hw4-7W_v8J7BSYzd81fqz6UmZ_880enLFrHvkpMD2KwCeryJ1Zfi1Dza95D5ZPyOYlQK7qLvr8B7WD4pdZyoK-FDx27EQpVN_1RlKZ78LDClxKWdZdP5Owrsf6HGYQ/s1600/s191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-s3A6WAqMUuz8hw4-7W_v8J7BSYzd81fqz6UmZ_880enLFrHvkpMD2KwCeryJ1Zfi1Dza95D5ZPyOYlQK7qLvr8B7WD4pdZyoK-FDx27EQpVN_1RlKZ78LDClxKWdZdP5Owrsf6HGYQ/s400/s191.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695143193751355810" /></a><br /><br />Surely not Corinne...she is too pretty! I swear, she is gorgeous enough that she should model.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmL2W55XWJrqZyK2c6lKI83nxy_1YqQk2c09OIegi3SRiXG6V8M3Oev5UiJRwrp7rui3bl4Jf-yi5XYMvy_Vm0zI-C2BGB3WRwDArBAq0teKtKbvaZ239fdiWPVlVwrWs3TMbFKTzunA/s1600/42a.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmL2W55XWJrqZyK2c6lKI83nxy_1YqQk2c09OIegi3SRiXG6V8M3Oev5UiJRwrp7rui3bl4Jf-yi5XYMvy_Vm0zI-C2BGB3WRwDArBAq0teKtKbvaZ239fdiWPVlVwrWs3TMbFKTzunA/s400/42a.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695140108391708562" /></a><br /><br />Happy husband and wife!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRz61i_Cx1nSPwx4p9hlevpe8j5rGXZc0DD2yYKf5oIqu2Ps04xCVTT3YTKhITIYs-hpnMaJ-lI2dZX1HKOPBPTx6ct_iFO4ksamdXHASxS7aJsmeBFR2etAJ46cUKLq4uFMFCWDBgOU8/s1600/s105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRz61i_Cx1nSPwx4p9hlevpe8j5rGXZc0DD2yYKf5oIqu2Ps04xCVTT3YTKhITIYs-hpnMaJ-lI2dZX1HKOPBPTx6ct_iFO4ksamdXHASxS7aJsmeBFR2etAJ46cUKLq4uFMFCWDBgOU8/s400/s105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695146157028351826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfqJR7jcCFVSZH8m9ngCCPXj13zKK8bQiXUPuJmYtswU3KkDhN2Urq590WdXRHnOhKVd1xZn6Ru7PYqRX4Sg81aX7gswib-4q93OgVpS5Ex-h6hIj9GSIV5-fuZVgW_wNwtvkR7NXPRQ/s1600/s37.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfqJR7jcCFVSZH8m9ngCCPXj13zKK8bQiXUPuJmYtswU3KkDhN2Urq590WdXRHnOhKVd1xZn6Ru7PYqRX4Sg81aX7gswib-4q93OgVpS5Ex-h6hIj9GSIV5-fuZVgW_wNwtvkR7NXPRQ/s400/s37.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695148218865058354" /></a><br /><br />Our new blended family.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeT0S7Pf2sIWaJYCm2TAixlpNFc1AgCU65y21wNt6u9LYUagvED8TEqZ8_q51HYmjZBLqQnSMdAX2FbsY_WymrVaI_NOpgYuIG2sw1t4Zd2y09OLTL8EqayY8s8gUzJrrMpLGcY6F_l4/s1600/s91.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeT0S7Pf2sIWaJYCm2TAixlpNFc1AgCU65y21wNt6u9LYUagvED8TEqZ8_q51HYmjZBLqQnSMdAX2FbsY_WymrVaI_NOpgYuIG2sw1t4Zd2y09OLTL8EqayY8s8gUzJrrMpLGcY6F_l4/s400/s91.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695146157202724034" /></a><br /><br />The tables were decorated for the reception.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLj_Cpou5TRdFefz91VFhdDfU71tFwEviQ6QGdhzb3ZZ8KscdJvEaCfFSrVrsK_515xydcR1gdabQegcvIHGni3D7PmDZfLIauw2fin9qPKD7ZsEQJaQVSmamZrdmged5EH6oHxsExiTU/s1600/table+decorations+blue.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLj_Cpou5TRdFefz91VFhdDfU71tFwEviQ6QGdhzb3ZZ8KscdJvEaCfFSrVrsK_515xydcR1gdabQegcvIHGni3D7PmDZfLIauw2fin9qPKD7ZsEQJaQVSmamZrdmged5EH6oHxsExiTU/s400/table+decorations+blue.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695149528140797314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnHq0AP6UzBECOlnBhNPsb8EGwIK4FamcvsHLdxXOAXllrwhJeIujitiJkFVZqvPyaAGbkb2o8lU8wHhkFGPVr_1j1bh8i0FKvh_bnEmUdhdejdbW3OMvsd_O8nQR3_2_uIMulj0YDN8/s1600/table+decorations+green.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnHq0AP6UzBECOlnBhNPsb8EGwIK4FamcvsHLdxXOAXllrwhJeIujitiJkFVZqvPyaAGbkb2o8lU8wHhkFGPVr_1j1bh8i0FKvh_bnEmUdhdejdbW3OMvsd_O8nQR3_2_uIMulj0YDN8/s400/table+decorations+green.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695149538213865794" /></a><br /><br />Since I was on a very tight budget, I thought about using my gift boxes as decorations...double duty and doubly economical. They are filled with candy. It also meant less cleanup.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGJU9l8YflP4_UZUhJ1iPFgSS1_firP4_GvzEFQt1IXGonFO2wt8Im4-oNENhKwyOTmYY0cl0gffJx3rRbRfeETonF1Bp9oVPhyphenhyphene5-AvMGSMXgQhRiE7DC_Ltw3IkvRX5hipxTmI7vzg/s1600/flower+decoration.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGJU9l8YflP4_UZUhJ1iPFgSS1_firP4_GvzEFQt1IXGonFO2wt8Im4-oNENhKwyOTmYY0cl0gffJx3rRbRfeETonF1Bp9oVPhyphenhyphene5-AvMGSMXgQhRiE7DC_Ltw3IkvRX5hipxTmI7vzg/s400/flower+decoration.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695149523512189090" /></a><br /><br />Here we all are at the head table. I found vases to put our bouquets in, and they also served as decoration.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6sotfqBA2sUyjuBRMcRGIa4RrlnO8uE1_a32N8QGkTlFD6YvPFI8yhG9GXnje6FWBocjjlcEBcXT6RY71eFyXtF-AmcJZVQemFvvkL2JbJ8TS8ko27HXQLVQ6p7C3ze4YWqtxEE_bnQ/s1600/60.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6sotfqBA2sUyjuBRMcRGIa4RrlnO8uE1_a32N8QGkTlFD6YvPFI8yhG9GXnje6FWBocjjlcEBcXT6RY71eFyXtF-AmcJZVQemFvvkL2JbJ8TS8ko27HXQLVQ6p7C3ze4YWqtxEE_bnQ/s400/60.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695137887828244466" /></a><br /><br />Tara gave the first toast, a lovely poem she had written.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71PPO_YgsU4osPONUd1WcpuvJq6MjERaSQWSNVknEhHSU0UGcmDt8vq844HiJvEDFzI6rxqdbr-84YR9s1bVOpAHjP1py2PYYaIrc0tjVuN-fOsduOuPe3NhH6TfFitUhcOThJ_r3ofo/s1600/69.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71PPO_YgsU4osPONUd1WcpuvJq6MjERaSQWSNVknEhHSU0UGcmDt8vq844HiJvEDFzI6rxqdbr-84YR9s1bVOpAHjP1py2PYYaIrc0tjVuN-fOsduOuPe3NhH6TfFitUhcOThJ_r3ofo/s400/69.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695137890009778434" /></a><br /><br />Then Holden gave his toast. Even though he is only 13 and was nervous, he did a great job!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf_A4Tk_ROhuDW3xBbtchHD2PeDuU_McL88raFKyqtwBbnqH-i6_JTGUkqqbXJ_OdcDqzhQEy4QMwLy94xsLEs-mcisvORLp8RBrB6hEu0wjVaRnlxuoXmh7nlBaY3txHTnjOvC66mCg/s1600/70.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf_A4Tk_ROhuDW3xBbtchHD2PeDuU_McL88raFKyqtwBbnqH-i6_JTGUkqqbXJ_OdcDqzhQEy4QMwLy94xsLEs-mcisvORLp8RBrB6hEu0wjVaRnlxuoXmh7nlBaY3txHTnjOvC66mCg/s400/70.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695137885996415874" /></a><br /><br />I decided that I wanted to toast my groom. "Because you give me so much love - unconditionally, because you see the girl in me that no one else can see, because I want to give you my love fully and completely, because it all came together so very neatly...and because your butt looks good in jeans, I love you Michael Dean!"<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30D7W5WrprKkY88AijI5muN2V0okY6Eq472lASnm57TMuWaafKO_CGTfX8KDyJht3cvBQcDFL3fkmyVcFqyIyQ0CBZoePolgLA0fJaykzfv0i4Mx4quZl9WddlN17K5JWSvo0Vb4Ia14/s1600/s241.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30D7W5WrprKkY88AijI5muN2V0okY6Eq472lASnm57TMuWaafKO_CGTfX8KDyJht3cvBQcDFL3fkmyVcFqyIyQ0CBZoePolgLA0fJaykzfv0i4Mx4quZl9WddlN17K5JWSvo0Vb4Ia14/s400/s241.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695134088132942594" /></a><br />Click on the pic to look at his face, lol. He was initially not really pleased, but later told me it was hilarious! I was plenty amused, as you can see!<br /><br />This is me just sitting at the table, looking pretty pleased with my married self.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7ThWcg0pqHr5QS2AXyGspanas-j8InZ9P-8RyqdtR7XGFJwFcnTuwtPY84Okazxt2aXpcoC5cHwnjWqm5LFwKNdxTjndte3pz-vCPufn_AhetHKRUhySUwyuKpO9E-BQB_LQ6WodofE/s1600/44.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7ThWcg0pqHr5QS2AXyGspanas-j8InZ9P-8RyqdtR7XGFJwFcnTuwtPY84Okazxt2aXpcoC5cHwnjWqm5LFwKNdxTjndte3pz-vCPufn_AhetHKRUhySUwyuKpO9E-BQB_LQ6WodofE/s400/44.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695140111393880450" /></a><br /><br />My new children: Corinne and Holden and me.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno2UUNiPtAGL3u9ITklAknI2NmH69k0tdVg-zmI53pBsHbqAttAbOV6A5T0PPodwif3xytbLDMg9CsuKh1X9kmhdzFQWKURc6xwHXz9XP8x-ap3Saj4nTyip_73B5FmDxkbHORoXe5Ug/s1600/126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno2UUNiPtAGL3u9ITklAknI2NmH69k0tdVg-zmI53pBsHbqAttAbOV6A5T0PPodwif3xytbLDMg9CsuKh1X9kmhdzFQWKURc6xwHXz9XP8x-ap3Saj4nTyip_73B5FmDxkbHORoXe5Ug/s400/126.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695136162016317906" /></a><br /><br />My mother-in-law gave me a beautiful watercolor painting as a wedding gift. I love it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI53MvVIf1bsEK0Pb75aAAY6CEFkpGzibXO98SE91GSyXQ-OiZgwd6bPpZsK4Y_A37eUD2DuhUyNyIxofTNNK_a1rLB6xy__La1V8mKDJT04cE-QpCCB80oODa6DEOmb7zJEXbKQ0lN7c/s1600/146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI53MvVIf1bsEK0Pb75aAAY6CEFkpGzibXO98SE91GSyXQ-OiZgwd6bPpZsK4Y_A37eUD2DuhUyNyIxofTNNK_a1rLB6xy__La1V8mKDJT04cE-QpCCB80oODa6DEOmb7zJEXbKQ0lN7c/s400/146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695136156519394162" /></a><br /><br />A quiet moment with my groom.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTD9PKyz13zryzDX7ALeGzAxYvjs8AFTgq4C_WnD-6hvVEIm9i02BPgwJN2zudZcRAyZsyhQfLY8-pKxiWTlfUuvRONTA1sP7XDWYzxAcSkFrQXqtaaQ_vxxwJ_9kKqJ_Ip2_KJ6Y1c3w/s1600/s225.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 383px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTD9PKyz13zryzDX7ALeGzAxYvjs8AFTgq4C_WnD-6hvVEIm9i02BPgwJN2zudZcRAyZsyhQfLY8-pKxiWTlfUuvRONTA1sP7XDWYzxAcSkFrQXqtaaQ_vxxwJ_9kKqJ_Ip2_KJ6Y1c3w/s400/s225.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695134093133730706" /></a><br /><br />"I have to do WHAT for him now?"<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNwFOUeoh6Xq8wjBaQ4tJVtYlZ_bGB3ubLCHHOtBL1rzh2WKPZuPvrBe1kA1rntj9kRSgnBbFlQ-s2rC_IyOthKSU5nrTUBDXyJAhJPWFTQtIyrRqvLQN_PkiYKXIRixKqHjkgWN6ki0/s1600/s231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNwFOUeoh6Xq8wjBaQ4tJVtYlZ_bGB3ubLCHHOtBL1rzh2WKPZuPvrBe1kA1rntj9kRSgnBbFlQ-s2rC_IyOthKSU5nrTUBDXyJAhJPWFTQtIyrRqvLQN_PkiYKXIRixKqHjkgWN6ki0/s400/s231.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695134089432252050" /></a><br /> <br />My beautiful cake that a friend made for me at cost.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGhRQaF_-iywPEvh8nrzWoSA3LjVRV_JkQsnPaKXFLfpXQdBFl4kVsqbkaLoPqDPSXLWZagcasgtORmXX9yZ_Xbnilnvb1wsyw6D_J-ds4fRok-ohsuvEs5obvWP0KMHdoTkbEE0dt_A/s1600/s218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGhRQaF_-iywPEvh8nrzWoSA3LjVRV_JkQsnPaKXFLfpXQdBFl4kVsqbkaLoPqDPSXLWZagcasgtORmXX9yZ_Xbnilnvb1wsyw6D_J-ds4fRok-ohsuvEs5obvWP0KMHdoTkbEE0dt_A/s400/s218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695134105366374946" /></a><br /><br />Mike gets the first bite...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24_IpzdgOnyNNWxAt9Zcm5zz0MIkm83Ia9I34N3kkNVWSbojl7ukfsu0XZ52YCKmhZxIlJ9Lr2rSVev_KaYbbmcjJSLwkLE6lfogSTEPqcKM8ITSKdCMxVqP5ns9FnLtQ77scNbwjaUg/s1600/76.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24_IpzdgOnyNNWxAt9Zcm5zz0MIkm83Ia9I34N3kkNVWSbojl7ukfsu0XZ52YCKmhZxIlJ9Lr2rSVev_KaYbbmcjJSLwkLE6lfogSTEPqcKM8ITSKdCMxVqP5ns9FnLtQ77scNbwjaUg/s400/76.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695137881463620386" /></a><br /><br />...and then it's my turn. We were nice and did NOT smash cake in each others' faces. I think that is so disrespectful!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VrGEL1EAocrmpBSwyG7_QImeVR8WdJrVEFolz0Q_pfNBb3KoMUShJkIMz0-kx1VazmQaRaBq_feSZFO7oQnPZy5lkeAbAxOQe6mVrDCd27Q2lP5JshY_3LL7mDfj9yQwb6bp0QVae9g/s1600/79.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VrGEL1EAocrmpBSwyG7_QImeVR8WdJrVEFolz0Q_pfNBb3KoMUShJkIMz0-kx1VazmQaRaBq_feSZFO7oQnPZy5lkeAbAxOQe6mVrDCd27Q2lP5JshY_3LL7mDfj9yQwb6bp0QVae9g/s400/79.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695137879426684866" /></a><br /><br />We decided to serve the cake to our guests.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGg-93dEhg6Qpnvy5ZbGBWGPVU24KSouiaTVJFzNowJ-LSoTPszle2hnvFBrIBUSbnB2vijoOo8naZOJGpNJwFPK64uZZ7lY0Taiebfrc2iRcKXlEii0TxDvxdwS2Zk6F3dyL5lWvkk8/s1600/94.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGg-93dEhg6Qpnvy5ZbGBWGPVU24KSouiaTVJFzNowJ-LSoTPszle2hnvFBrIBUSbnB2vijoOo8naZOJGpNJwFPK64uZZ7lY0Taiebfrc2iRcKXlEii0TxDvxdwS2Zk6F3dyL5lWvkk8/s400/94.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695136175762579170" /></a><br /><br />Our first dance! I chose a very nontraditional song, Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p9pBNVdJld7elAtmrbe0mrTZNodeDnEqWnvo1NyfwicWTs24BJTEEd8ElHmWFYmx-HnVFmIq91FLsECPN-K_JyQYAGE6KIThOUM5sQRJPhW_yyEL6_DKUxQoPFsjcZ-EI04ljBGMOlA/s1600/108.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p9pBNVdJld7elAtmrbe0mrTZNodeDnEqWnvo1NyfwicWTs24BJTEEd8ElHmWFYmx-HnVFmIq91FLsECPN-K_JyQYAGE6KIThOUM5sQRJPhW_yyEL6_DKUxQoPFsjcZ-EI04ljBGMOlA/s400/108.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695136176768243538" /></a><br /><br />My girls and me, and my new nieces out there shaking our tailfeathers on the dance floor! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHsDo44IowvSruvX3pbsGM7CoAMiRP8E-yFBhgqkXhQ6ekg2n_7WXSjr0YzkALHA3C_EHOguBXcVJ6JKHvi_IQyx4okiweYIXfIVUbtcQwlC-tBfpe8J39U7_3ODbjdkyNW8ysMjUo1g/s1600/136.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHsDo44IowvSruvX3pbsGM7CoAMiRP8E-yFBhgqkXhQ6ekg2n_7WXSjr0YzkALHA3C_EHOguBXcVJ6JKHvi_IQyx4okiweYIXfIVUbtcQwlC-tBfpe8J39U7_3ODbjdkyNW8ysMjUo1g/s400/136.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695136159475332626" /></a><br /><br />All too soon, it was over. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyeVzYZE501ypotbVbbumSkrrQFJS5duxhvwTRB7Y6ftaSHXPBFuiJxyGMlULuuGsRi5eeFFPEF0JGEc9AQn11hDVpUeumz1M4YRq82FPAP7ZGphH9F7d_JfP3FoQqJxVrrYh4ZbyC_k/s1600/s266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyeVzYZE501ypotbVbbumSkrrQFJS5duxhvwTRB7Y6ftaSHXPBFuiJxyGMlULuuGsRi5eeFFPEF0JGEc9AQn11hDVpUeumz1M4YRq82FPAP7ZGphH9F7d_JfP3FoQqJxVrrYh4ZbyC_k/s400/s266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695134084156319170" /></a><br />And it sure was fun!!! <br /><br />Truly, this will stand as one of the very best days of my life!<br /><br><br /><br>Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-51192983736300800302011-05-28T00:28:00.006-04:002011-05-28T01:12:15.327-04:00Spiritual Sundays/Brides/AnnouncementThis week, I am participating in <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com "/>Spritual Sundays</a> and am sharing an eDevotion, plus making a very big announcement!<br /><br />It's been a long time since I last posted, a really long time. I think the last I posted was in January or February, and here it is May already!<br /><br />So very, very much has happened during that time.<br /><br />My sweetie Mike and I have been dating for just over a year now.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjagg3-Pw0cfn9Hj7tW10z02gesOfwFmPzkPdROUth5nhwEXRAKcx2jCy-RCUCDmoObsd8HJuWENO6pDA_e3ew2P6YOIq8jBickKeuK0ZjZzrFXXusSWNFUNKj0ivLvxKOSoqXsHNl_NU/s1600/Us+7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjagg3-Pw0cfn9Hj7tW10z02gesOfwFmPzkPdROUth5nhwEXRAKcx2jCy-RCUCDmoObsd8HJuWENO6pDA_e3ew2P6YOIq8jBickKeuK0ZjZzrFXXusSWNFUNKj0ivLvxKOSoqXsHNl_NU/s400/Us+7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611622076964510034" /></a><br /><br />It was a long, cold, harsh winter.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbDwL0XP7kGJO6hBqvfLdxNvJicuIFegC7UVTbpKT_kMx5EKECnoEXukwWy9CzELGQtQOzV_Lq7Am-JZ6Ofuz406jLbWVn_W2Iv8q8ueKvXXvgpTtJIB-8Tp3NeFxBmickgBNRy2wygg/s1600/buried+bushes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbDwL0XP7kGJO6hBqvfLdxNvJicuIFegC7UVTbpKT_kMx5EKECnoEXukwWy9CzELGQtQOzV_Lq7Am-JZ6Ofuz406jLbWVn_W2Iv8q8ueKvXXvgpTtJIB-8Tp3NeFxBmickgBNRy2wygg/s400/buried+bushes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611622080871598578" /></a><br /><br />But spring finally arrived.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsocBD1dUfJLNKllKNf3TS2J12WiT7E2BxfqyuLMFAuDsrCtNK9fowc_h-kVY3kDXst6rwoqo59dAN4k68Abt2buz_-t5-RElV9_X1tE8H4mqPNoBO2EHguLHddD4gJflmvdMVxi243Z8/s1600/four+eggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsocBD1dUfJLNKllKNf3TS2J12WiT7E2BxfqyuLMFAuDsrCtNK9fowc_h-kVY3kDXst6rwoqo59dAN4k68Abt2buz_-t5-RElV9_X1tE8H4mqPNoBO2EHguLHddD4gJflmvdMVxi243Z8/s400/four+eggs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611621183333036466" /></a><br /><br />I even got a new (to me) car! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTQuthFldaf5aPBh84Y57ZaIFOvVzqvD6sS09xzenOkUtJqN-c4UGQmjADxKRTGSkDZFYFoEjMdrbB1ZF_eBZkdtOyWRz1KPjoJF_29Y2tsVJ6vMaxqDhK8KhveA0ltE5pCEU1klJIJI/s1600/car+2a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTQuthFldaf5aPBh84Y57ZaIFOvVzqvD6sS09xzenOkUtJqN-c4UGQmjADxKRTGSkDZFYFoEjMdrbB1ZF_eBZkdtOyWRz1KPjoJF_29Y2tsVJ6vMaxqDhK8KhveA0ltE5pCEU1klJIJI/s400/car+2a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611621189812724818" /></a><br /><br />Mike wrote another excellent eDevotion, this one about an interesting subject. He titled it:<br /><br /><u>My Day as a Bride</u><br /><br />"“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Revelation 21:2<br /><br />Recently a big bridal show came to town and I was there. (It’s too hard to explain why.) They had a huge room full of booths where people sold the kinds of things that brides like. You could browse dresses, flowers, jewelry, cakes, crystal. There were photographers, disk jockeys, travel agents, and hotel managers. One lady would take your ordinary folding chairs and wrap them up in satin sheets which seemed like a bad idea to me because I couldn’t see what would keep old folks from sliding out of there. Caterers had toothpicked samples of their finest grub. A harpist would sit you down and pick a little for you.<br /><br />But more than anything there were lots of excited young girls. They shot from table to table with no signs of waning enthusiasm. They giggled with their friends or their mothers and tasted cakes and tried on crowns. You could tell this was not work for them. There were a few grooms there too. They didn’t look so good. Most of them had the same expressions that I see on a lot of guys in church on Mother’s Day – like they were there against their will.<br /><br />Like I said, the young ladies were the highlight of the day. They were so excited about becoming brides – and why not? I am too. According to scripture the Church will be the bride of Christ, and I owe it to those girls for reminding me what a big deal that is. It’s something to squeal about.<br /><br />It seems to me that lent, if you care anything about it, is a time to prepare ourselves to be the bride. Lent can seem pretty gruesome, with all its thorns and ashes and fish dinners. But this is also a time for excitement. It’s a time to get ready for the Biggest Day of Your Life – and then to live happily ever after."<br /><br />Maybe some of you have already guessed the reason why he was at a bridal show. In late February, Mike asked me to be his wife!!!<br /><br />His church was very excited to learn that he was going to have a wife. Rumor got out ahead of time, so our big announcement came as no surprise. They were ready for us, with signs declaring their congratulations!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvs3kKpXyN8HTKygYdZoTWoXMHk7te-VWnJqciqJqtiK2uMNHuG6abv1RFOf2xX-i6_izkxEj80fOd6osBbiBTlwzw9WpaOyZ-4eYywaZNZCgiXF5aGmLfyZs9jjf4TLZrSGfdaf-0wI/s1600/announce+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvs3kKpXyN8HTKygYdZoTWoXMHk7te-VWnJqciqJqtiK2uMNHuG6abv1RFOf2xX-i6_izkxEj80fOd6osBbiBTlwzw9WpaOyZ-4eYywaZNZCgiXF5aGmLfyZs9jjf4TLZrSGfdaf-0wI/s400/announce+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611621192740703090" /></a><br /><br />This is as close as we are going to get to an official engagement portrait.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkXMo_78aIK2wBOk0JLEIpX3f5UDfUevnq-XFI_M7dsU8TGAZMyMhizfAR68TvQ7ClIr5Z-dxc32VmAjF_beV5e1WOd3SRAHRVzmq2IPFDRuIHq6e5KjL5-OPhzDMOOXIgwmP-z5cJds/s1600/Us+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkXMo_78aIK2wBOk0JLEIpX3f5UDfUevnq-XFI_M7dsU8TGAZMyMhizfAR68TvQ7ClIr5Z-dxc32VmAjF_beV5e1WOd3SRAHRVzmq2IPFDRuIHq6e5KjL5-OPhzDMOOXIgwmP-z5cJds/s400/Us+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611621196343830034" /></a><br /><br />Mike was pretty happy when I told him he didn't have to buy me a ring, as it has been my heart's desire to wear the ring that belonged to my grandmother. She became a bride in 1920, I believe!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisawH_qAlFSoNvF-nysRjs0nUxGJBW6r7KPNTtkcoEYUZnwm3IlwI-nOnJ6kOcA_l-YcHHzEHLfULOj-SW3rLypXvFevDBVIgYvrCde2eDHZNahIX4ZZTmQ4ONnMuGofq4WMzNe1Iuv5w/s1600/ring+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisawH_qAlFSoNvF-nysRjs0nUxGJBW6r7KPNTtkcoEYUZnwm3IlwI-nOnJ6kOcA_l-YcHHzEHLfULOj-SW3rLypXvFevDBVIgYvrCde2eDHZNahIX4ZZTmQ4ONnMuGofq4WMzNe1Iuv5w/s400/ring+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611621201047957298" /></a><br /><br />The very first thing I did was buy a wedding dress! I was hoping for a proposal, so had already been searching eBay for a dress. I was very lucky and found one that I loved for only $111, and it was brand new with tags!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_hJzTwXW_5QIu8NWuzTYBMq6VfXpsNEjA60YPgQaYoKtzD8KMEwmFXSHYfboTbPoY_28a7IKVmxqqt-w3mVEdSnVC8blmagiUcd8WBQiPWCK5LGmfdNBAlOZUUyhMxfIBZAnXLuQJ5Y/s1600/dress+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_hJzTwXW_5QIu8NWuzTYBMq6VfXpsNEjA60YPgQaYoKtzD8KMEwmFXSHYfboTbPoY_28a7IKVmxqqt-w3mVEdSnVC8blmagiUcd8WBQiPWCK5LGmfdNBAlOZUUyhMxfIBZAnXLuQJ5Y/s400/dress+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611620182835309234" /></a><br /><br />I found lovely earrings on sale for $10. The aqua and lime green are going to be my colors.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb-UlXfPlzI7YUhC5KtffUEPQjRqMM_WVrqfJ4O4DGAM3ZyxqSGB53tYszXWIw-hf_kYxSpnxX1hA2H6LWg48jFcqseUoga4HAveHweZJ-fZu4p3Szuj0bpNehmcFpHIFt7hQTreT0e0/s1600/wedding+earrings+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb-UlXfPlzI7YUhC5KtffUEPQjRqMM_WVrqfJ4O4DGAM3ZyxqSGB53tYszXWIw-hf_kYxSpnxX1hA2H6LWg48jFcqseUoga4HAveHweZJ-fZu4p3Szuj0bpNehmcFpHIFt7hQTreT0e0/s400/wedding+earrings+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611620180806932002" /></a><br /><br />I'm making my own bouquets. Mine will be somewhat similar to the one pictured. I love hydrangeas and roses! Hydrangeas grew in my grandmother's garden.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRKXEZaqQGOImlOY373bVgeSI2B_8W1TjRP3ZTDrGO6O3rQbTJW0Pm2FU4NRj94PtfaQYI2zcqbRPOA89p9l3D9OH0U6cNGAAiRiZwO9CHHMiQpWBFZLb45ocgqxMnN1gVW81VjTCfOA/s1600/bluehyd+bluedelph+creamroses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRKXEZaqQGOImlOY373bVgeSI2B_8W1TjRP3ZTDrGO6O3rQbTJW0Pm2FU4NRj94PtfaQYI2zcqbRPOA89p9l3D9OH0U6cNGAAiRiZwO9CHHMiQpWBFZLb45ocgqxMnN1gVW81VjTCfOA/s400/bluehyd+bluedelph+creamroses.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611620176685944610" /></a><br /><br />This is the style of dress my bridesmaids and I selected, except it will be a lighter blue called "pool." <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyRBof6kfcGd9jVLEG_xLcZr4_3c3mIrv7CfIU7_WfqOLoOcknCODuR2kZ-Nun2t0U2h-wCJlfDrjzN6qkunW2R5FDNHmZObbmnIV88L1TUzo5EScYYoFEJa5l10OAWJys7H0e_FaCxU/s1600/bridesmaid+dress+in+malibu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyRBof6kfcGd9jVLEG_xLcZr4_3c3mIrv7CfIU7_WfqOLoOcknCODuR2kZ-Nun2t0U2h-wCJlfDrjzN6qkunW2R5FDNHmZObbmnIV88L1TUzo5EScYYoFEJa5l10OAWJys7H0e_FaCxU/s400/bridesmaid+dress+in+malibu.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611620171299082754" /></a><br /><br />My future step-daughter Corinne will be a bridesmaid, and my daughter Tara is going to be my matron-of-honor.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSOji01BSDZJVSVMyirrhcu8t1OMqjNBYtW1ZFQFHrKe3kBpiq11EXs53vpje6VnOVZEE8_XZsYY1aegtHUIsHppipVr_bfH2iFW-TsODfA16sn-Os4xoRN1HqKMrjQv1cM8NFzNSAuQ/s1600/Corinne+and+Tara.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSOji01BSDZJVSVMyirrhcu8t1OMqjNBYtW1ZFQFHrKe3kBpiq11EXs53vpje6VnOVZEE8_XZsYY1aegtHUIsHppipVr_bfH2iFW-TsODfA16sn-Os4xoRN1HqKMrjQv1cM8NFzNSAuQ/s400/Corinne+and+Tara.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611626444757260562" /></a><br /><br />A young woman that I knew from church since she was a little girl is starting a cake business and offered to do the cake at cost! This is a picture that she is using for inspiration.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2LG-fJmXwxE0ONZgrI7EUYZwvfxYDK61mzU2gbGTFqMo4f-3HLOXSnHQvGohrBBjxtIbntBv8wgE6b3m7shmC3IWrXjw6pQIvjr10gQj1tGwZgRNUwkAtWwh9lepI_llHkQHg2qnz9c/s1600/fondant+lace+cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2LG-fJmXwxE0ONZgrI7EUYZwvfxYDK61mzU2gbGTFqMo4f-3HLOXSnHQvGohrBBjxtIbntBv8wgE6b3m7shmC3IWrXjw6pQIvjr10gQj1tGwZgRNUwkAtWwh9lepI_llHkQHg2qnz9c/s400/fondant+lace+cake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611620166786618850" /></a><br /><br />Hopefully, I will be posting more pictures as I prepare for my wedding day, which is rapidly approaching: <b>June 18, 2011</b>! And if any of you reading this are pastor's wives, I would really love some input on what I can expect in that role. In three weeks, I'll be a preacher's wife!Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-17381277818025909062011-01-06T17:41:00.012-05:002011-01-06T18:40:22.780-05:00Celebrating November and DecemberWell it has been almost two months since I last posted. Oops! I really think that I will be doing well if I manage to post once or twice a month. I have a very full life these days, and time spent with my honey and in going to church, along with working some overtime and spending time with my kids, has really kept me busy.<br /><br />Oh! My boyfriend, Pastor Mike, has just begun his own blog <a href="http://soulnachos.blogspot.com">Soul Nachos</a>. Please visit him. He will be doing eDevotions and sometimes sermon snippets. He is just getting started and only has one post so far, but I love his little nuggets of wisdom. He has a very folksy, relatable way of getting his story across that I just love. It's one of the things that attracted me to him before we actually met in person. If you do visit, please leave a comment and let him know I sent you. Pretty please!<br /><br />The fall season began with me finally getting around to decorating my porch for autumn. Since money is especially tight right now, I used only things that I already had. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FXjaA2ugq6q_pO_8ulp9orDTm5VgyTafoNAmXkV8p8wT8wn37lZm5kWOlicr9acfptivjPQQLbsnSC6g68G7uXqeNGp8jsPlzRtR2Sa73JUKUZepDFt5HOWInJ52cLEw2Wj1VDE611U/s1600/porch+in+autumn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FXjaA2ugq6q_pO_8ulp9orDTm5VgyTafoNAmXkV8p8wT8wn37lZm5kWOlicr9acfptivjPQQLbsnSC6g68G7uXqeNGp8jsPlzRtR2Sa73JUKUZepDFt5HOWInJ52cLEw2Wj1VDE611U/s400/porch+in+autumn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559213184862069314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbqgIi2C8CEWz07mcm89GEWtlk_oHeH8lvYvyMVxQFCsm_uUYoKZpqF42_d74TkK4SRk9CCP7nvKfgEjaDsHSgQ4dVeaCqUB6W-1ODSQYfqw77dXPe8C2eQJb9Ij8tDyFMAwu30TdTnA/s1600/view+from+porch+side.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbqgIi2C8CEWz07mcm89GEWtlk_oHeH8lvYvyMVxQFCsm_uUYoKZpqF42_d74TkK4SRk9CCP7nvKfgEjaDsHSgQ4dVeaCqUB6W-1ODSQYfqw77dXPe8C2eQJb9Ij8tDyFMAwu30TdTnA/s400/view+from+porch+side.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559213187420967474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGAYQut3fw8F-q8EtndbKkKR_x2rc5KF9qRp4K7nYsY3tqKL4fDe2MgCXXEqcOdnkv3eNF0tjw5FcXkC1SnwyODBs9fhgaiZ8ONBUPfaJfu5yIKV2WgKBOr8O4PmyyI05SN6d8EUU85U/s1600/scarecrow+and+wreath.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGAYQut3fw8F-q8EtndbKkKR_x2rc5KF9qRp4K7nYsY3tqKL4fDe2MgCXXEqcOdnkv3eNF0tjw5FcXkC1SnwyODBs9fhgaiZ8ONBUPfaJfu5yIKV2WgKBOr8O4PmyyI05SN6d8EUU85U/s400/scarecrow+and+wreath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559213183410788370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNnF_8hmjrtThKU0LHBrM5d0Rokowfb3cjQOVBCvhbunEI9PEWBQNL8ls1TPSxHqygy1rbQ4WFjK1C5wf2XzdNG5ElCzVZr4iOE5I-pm8sNsCiKRMSGyhq6G5z6pUUDJXbCk3bYIlx7g/s1600/angel+and+arrangement+better.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNnF_8hmjrtThKU0LHBrM5d0Rokowfb3cjQOVBCvhbunEI9PEWBQNL8ls1TPSxHqygy1rbQ4WFjK1C5wf2XzdNG5ElCzVZr4iOE5I-pm8sNsCiKRMSGyhq6G5z6pUUDJXbCk3bYIlx7g/s400/angel+and+arrangement+better.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559213179633633746" /></a><br />We had a fairly warm autumn, so I was still able to sit out on my porch occasionally.<br /><br />Next thing you know, it was Thanksgiving. I worked third shift the night before and went straight to work cleaning house and preparing for dinner. My table setting was not too different from last years, but in a different home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCO0RCNyj0AQOs_WzWjH9eJYtvgIX_l5k_MjFB5cz0ZZwAUhyvdFaIhep0n4zr2Lh9VXSlVl6RNcgnFAFL1Ir6d-op6tMsLWoOfHSaNYhxnO-UIM0hi0fjaKQmKOSXQlhbaMSLZD7gUI/s1600/table+set+for+dinner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCO0RCNyj0AQOs_WzWjH9eJYtvgIX_l5k_MjFB5cz0ZZwAUhyvdFaIhep0n4zr2Lh9VXSlVl6RNcgnFAFL1Ir6d-op6tMsLWoOfHSaNYhxnO-UIM0hi0fjaKQmKOSXQlhbaMSLZD7gUI/s400/table+set+for+dinner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559212778359445378" /></a><br />This year the centerpiece was my wreath from outside, and a cornucopia shaped planter.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqtlbAEBcsIRx1-12V5KF6k_Ie9-Mu6RO1TSF60e-os7dpPF-B-apkwbY5SPFTDfAjoQivi4axXc5l8-I_z6GiDuGGkfB0fF28YDvf5pV0lZjuLp_p59b4386v-errD9VeJ2czINWtJY/s1600/centerpiece.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqtlbAEBcsIRx1-12V5KF6k_Ie9-Mu6RO1TSF60e-os7dpPF-B-apkwbY5SPFTDfAjoQivi4axXc5l8-I_z6GiDuGGkfB0fF28YDvf5pV0lZjuLp_p59b4386v-errD9VeJ2czINWtJY/s400/centerpiece.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559212776129758850" /></a><br /><br />Family started to arrive! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQPrcbpCn-WWJIF9z8OyBXk337BofWipfb1HKyd4CbIxrGhus97GoMQPKWBgAZwUUxW9QILUj94UuDzqOgOZTdYK9OGAi7FnKAvjkNYR8KuXOp4xFUecTMYjJE_yocVUQNxVuZMsHniw/s1600/Tara+Dave+Jared.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQPrcbpCn-WWJIF9z8OyBXk337BofWipfb1HKyd4CbIxrGhus97GoMQPKWBgAZwUUxW9QILUj94UuDzqOgOZTdYK9OGAi7FnKAvjkNYR8KuXOp4xFUecTMYjJE_yocVUQNxVuZMsHniw/s400/Tara+Dave+Jared.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559212392053523954" /></a><br /><br />My sweetie Mike carved the turkey.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbfLjsuxC0rLtGRCiecpx8_7foTf4YfXHK7TkeZzFHMSN3kePtEwsrYABcsftVfiDow6TRxrvmo6rW_dSF-WdouUZ6pP_0g3toDfngmku1r9Y8TJ7XmunxbR7oPc2isyDifktS61wb30/s1600/mike+carving+turkey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbfLjsuxC0rLtGRCiecpx8_7foTf4YfXHK7TkeZzFHMSN3kePtEwsrYABcsftVfiDow6TRxrvmo6rW_dSF-WdouUZ6pP_0g3toDfngmku1r9Y8TJ7XmunxbR7oPc2isyDifktS61wb30/s400/mike+carving+turkey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559212388515040498" /></a><br />My son Jared's girlfriend Kylie, of the pretty gray-blue eyes, was able to join us and took her place beside him at the table. My older son Sean and my brother Dave were there too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9kGzJ2VX9cQ6pI5YaQiRYrrg-CsZBmr6JJTpTJhauPA1a52YuoFeq6noKG9P99cYMiB6BwRN-O2e3xQbpBZjz1mkXzVlJ6qjhefx9yYjlJGBPM7lSVWMsz6TXJ6s7Hln1qw0SUurLkU/s1600/Kylie+Jared+Sean+Dave+eating.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9kGzJ2VX9cQ6pI5YaQiRYrrg-CsZBmr6JJTpTJhauPA1a52YuoFeq6noKG9P99cYMiB6BwRN-O2e3xQbpBZjz1mkXzVlJ6qjhefx9yYjlJGBPM7lSVWMsz6TXJ6s7Hln1qw0SUurLkU/s400/Kylie+Jared+Sean+Dave+eating.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559212384963373954" /></a><br /><br />Here are all three of my children and my little brother.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_Zm54b_kgrtZnEa70e_oNFMrzWLlrWvJKN_tTROYiWEEgqVdMgM8eZ1Okz_kzxNqDKri-aAsB_VZcpL69N2KAD0mZc-Zm6Y9XCojwT7phhzIN5grnBvtDpLXSAqE9oQs4ScZan0cepg/s1600/Jared+Sean+Dave+Tara+eating.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_Zm54b_kgrtZnEa70e_oNFMrzWLlrWvJKN_tTROYiWEEgqVdMgM8eZ1Okz_kzxNqDKri-aAsB_VZcpL69N2KAD0mZc-Zm6Y9XCojwT7phhzIN5grnBvtDpLXSAqE9oQs4ScZan0cepg/s400/Jared+Sean+Dave+Tara+eating.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559212383892501266" /></a><br /><br />On the other side of the table were my brother Dave again, daughter Tara, and sweetie Mike. Not sure why my son-in-law Mike S. is missing from that empty chair. He was there, I swear!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oybPkXfagxVfci10dTu9sdcL5jeBwhkwlb4NxY4jwPg3JYsRHXT3BqVoNnyD1ZJeYdFB7Q1PPpRTOE7H46pUnjpEx2-KtO50gQscOEqJcGbOhn2aTHhB2zrj73vSzDjDetJZ5X0Intg/s1600/Dave+Tara+Mike+eating.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oybPkXfagxVfci10dTu9sdcL5jeBwhkwlb4NxY4jwPg3JYsRHXT3BqVoNnyD1ZJeYdFB7Q1PPpRTOE7H46pUnjpEx2-KtO50gQscOEqJcGbOhn2aTHhB2zrj73vSzDjDetJZ5X0Intg/s400/Dave+Tara+Mike+eating.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559218842316717202" /></a><br /><br />Even my dummy dog Jake got in on the action, scavenging for goodies underneath the table. He didn't have to go far. I found out a couple years ago that the kids were slipping him scraps!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaKX4Jis816yGmLmD_QKnW4BiPgJn4i_eZ1gAClglY5XGD7BnzIoZ6dUHO9opt_aTfD6JCEwoOp78GRkxTnLDljpunPTLS_DYFxzMUkZOtt7k4D8iTwV1M3H2mwnyDxTTizFO_lPdMf8/s1600/jakey+scavenging.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaKX4Jis816yGmLmD_QKnW4BiPgJn4i_eZ1gAClglY5XGD7BnzIoZ6dUHO9opt_aTfD6JCEwoOp78GRkxTnLDljpunPTLS_DYFxzMUkZOtt7k4D8iTwV1M3H2mwnyDxTTizFO_lPdMf8/s400/jakey+scavenging.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559212374382663314" /></a><br /><br />Soon enough, it was time to decorate the porch for Christmas! Again, I used things that I already had around the house. My poor Santa was so much worse the wear since he was always being blown over at the last couple places we lived. I had to use Gorilla Glue to put him back together. Almost good as new!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYODFwRtNz_RgJe2PTLB8AAjCnheHlUhjlZ867MBkmd1xTjrZXYmW5KNN-fC0eBD4y5xMahF8UOWYMplre2ZbKXzRUFCWM3ZMJwRyP2D_MNf72hBKbaF5zLQFQgr72VMo8LNkMhY96x8/s1600/Christmas+porch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYODFwRtNz_RgJe2PTLB8AAjCnheHlUhjlZ867MBkmd1xTjrZXYmW5KNN-fC0eBD4y5xMahF8UOWYMplre2ZbKXzRUFCWM3ZMJwRyP2D_MNf72hBKbaF5zLQFQgr72VMo8LNkMhY96x8/s400/Christmas+porch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559208907375995538" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepKYqtY0FNZnddzpXCi6UHR4X4v2zj3Lv0jQhVh5wfr2g_47PykblXD2_7zs9hd34TPxBDQPkrd1L_dMmDknGmsOJ-zWg25LnYf7TII2wDdJdYtxPGcX9gkvjTeLh_Mka73v-mJbumsE/s1600/porch+bright.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepKYqtY0FNZnddzpXCi6UHR4X4v2zj3Lv0jQhVh5wfr2g_47PykblXD2_7zs9hd34TPxBDQPkrd1L_dMmDknGmsOJ-zWg25LnYf7TII2wDdJdYtxPGcX9gkvjTeLh_Mka73v-mJbumsE/s400/porch+bright.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559208900555093442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwPVg5Vd1NtBGv0UgUujvDtY26vwwpoVvjkn97UM6sQKCRX8V8-dZuw7Igke-SPkY2u21VS3g3-PrRlszIS9JuJ3imTbmfmXI0h_HGegI-g_ZxaKrgoutUOo5o3y6SyLa5rEkFHxIQg4/s1600/santa+closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwPVg5Vd1NtBGv0UgUujvDtY26vwwpoVvjkn97UM6sQKCRX8V8-dZuw7Igke-SPkY2u21VS3g3-PrRlszIS9JuJ3imTbmfmXI0h_HGegI-g_ZxaKrgoutUOo5o3y6SyLa5rEkFHxIQg4/s400/santa+closeup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559208896155703938" /></a><br />I loved how my lit tree looked through the window. The metal blinds inside the window panes made it look like lights were streaming down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblXqUwhU1a6Xzb7-Z_xDjcTvhtRGSIQz0aV5c1k0VhOB0IrRviGaR4tk149rjAxSnVmjEkx36cb5ticXh2WONaTDUbkAPk6miyAHqedI-QsKkI8SkuQ9sw2Yw6pKJFM-N-3Qn_a1YYFg/s1600/tree+in+window.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblXqUwhU1a6Xzb7-Z_xDjcTvhtRGSIQz0aV5c1k0VhOB0IrRviGaR4tk149rjAxSnVmjEkx36cb5ticXh2WONaTDUbkAPk6miyAHqedI-QsKkI8SkuQ9sw2Yw6pKJFM-N-3Qn_a1YYFg/s400/tree+in+window.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559208891860312098" /></a><br /><br />My honey, Pastor Mike, decided to do an advent series on The Christmas Carol and donned Ebenezer Scrooge-type jammies for a couple Sundays. Then he dressed as the Ghost of Christmas Future, complete with a Scrooge's headstone that he had crafted.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo2XYsiRhCJgIz4ZwfoS6GBYZik1eBdhPk14bB-0u_a2xwSQkAT9H-D3-U_9okNt_lk7wN0RoJathGk1tdgVaUZLmN1_DrxZiNC2vGv50Hs9IhK20Vxwlj-mUN1OPnMSsc60jd7dmW-c/s1600/Mike+in+pajamas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo2XYsiRhCJgIz4ZwfoS6GBYZik1eBdhPk14bB-0u_a2xwSQkAT9H-D3-U_9okNt_lk7wN0RoJathGk1tdgVaUZLmN1_DrxZiNC2vGv50Hs9IhK20Vxwlj-mUN1OPnMSsc60jd7dmW-c/s400/Mike+in+pajamas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559208524792039170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dH62gK20r0I9lVz6Bkfudg5fgzTEhU8gvxeiyxQxYNMtCHuXy7EUUXs0v5J-UPNZUXXi7Q-s1HR37wmMMNrKgm_Akf1fIZ86rL8uBmEHyLxP63sLSlI1ppXR5_23PCIpZm_7IWPBmJ8/s1600/ghost+of+christmas+future+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dH62gK20r0I9lVz6Bkfudg5fgzTEhU8gvxeiyxQxYNMtCHuXy7EUUXs0v5J-UPNZUXXi7Q-s1HR37wmMMNrKgm_Akf1fIZ86rL8uBmEHyLxP63sLSlI1ppXR5_23PCIpZm_7IWPBmJ8/s400/ghost+of+christmas+future+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559208523945790434" /></a><br /><br />All three of my children and my son-in-law were here Christmas morning. I love that they are all adults now. They didn't even try to wake me until 10 in the morning. Later in the day, my brother Dave and my sweetie Mike joined us all for dinner.<br /><br />I had it all set for Christmas with special plates, placemats and candles.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuJ0F6c-jzp6uJj2Dj519h2_DI-30dF_BtmBXp_Ydl-aVw6CgZcQKMb3Fkvfs7wM3x_WRai4ZPlgcCjUOsw3EG2DbfVUOWV7lD1Z9gGo5SpM20QtkOVuoqnilS5hl0xuLHGf1e5_XfQk/s1600/christmas+table.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuJ0F6c-jzp6uJj2Dj519h2_DI-30dF_BtmBXp_Ydl-aVw6CgZcQKMb3Fkvfs7wM3x_WRai4ZPlgcCjUOsw3EG2DbfVUOWV7lD1Z9gGo5SpM20QtkOVuoqnilS5hl0xuLHGf1e5_XfQk/s400/christmas+table.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559208093549117234" /></a><br /><br />Here is the centerpiece that I found at Goodwill last year for only $3. I added a trio of candles that I purchased at a deep discount during post-season sales last year.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbh4SSSGLoD7sdCAEO1RXqV_I_w5Fc-20j4sYENsxanhpjOLvkzTyf1s2x1pwa8ZksLbCxyB589EsFx2568lP8w4fQu-5H8Sa9Z56DRs5JnFLMJMB83vKoau8OzPQPJYB3Lm3He1AZRI/s1600/christmas+centerpiece.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbh4SSSGLoD7sdCAEO1RXqV_I_w5Fc-20j4sYENsxanhpjOLvkzTyf1s2x1pwa8ZksLbCxyB589EsFx2568lP8w4fQu-5H8Sa9Z56DRs5JnFLMJMB83vKoau8OzPQPJYB3Lm3He1AZRI/s400/christmas+centerpiece.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559208089846278850" /></a><br /><br />Yummy food! Candied yams, green bean casserole, and ham were among the goodies served.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZOcIenZlMTzEi0M3UEalVgv0ewuFlmzQh5XXJ5FhEIIuvRmyabXvNDbw6VTkeBV98XUryGV3i8yJWWhPeTOVcAxLq3Z1uhAfEMiS6OOd0R48cnSaGewGyFhgNugPiSn_wP98E-RIWRk/s1600/The+Food.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZOcIenZlMTzEi0M3UEalVgv0ewuFlmzQh5XXJ5FhEIIuvRmyabXvNDbw6VTkeBV98XUryGV3i8yJWWhPeTOVcAxLq3Z1uhAfEMiS6OOd0R48cnSaGewGyFhgNugPiSn_wP98E-RIWRk/s400/The+Food.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559208085808083986" /></a><br /><br />Everyone looked ready to eat, including my brother Dave,my son Jared, and my sweetheart Mike.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IRT1ScqV81a1bqxs8y9G50_DSO_chdt-8uJUhawvk7iCnTiAsuVxE1Cd-hltZNmIPkYxwjptwJNWLROWlTIZ_OieEG3QTb7QRWHrdnll4C5PLjVjzmxy5-W5C4454qpe8x5HhbAmT4Y/s1600/Dave+Jared+Mike+in+kitchen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IRT1ScqV81a1bqxs8y9G50_DSO_chdt-8uJUhawvk7iCnTiAsuVxE1Cd-hltZNmIPkYxwjptwJNWLROWlTIZ_OieEG3QTb7QRWHrdnll4C5PLjVjzmxy5-W5C4454qpe8x5HhbAmT4Y/s400/Dave+Jared+Mike+in+kitchen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559207204923882786" /></a><br /><br />My daughter Tara and her hubby Mike S. took their places at the table.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8iuX8StAOudULQgLdjMpCOH7KX88E1Z1rtqJY06EAPEe5LCRvsWZf49vNmNJUqlHk9iMWvTM2C_NdZMaOIuGLcx0ylHPmINKovCAGxxXvWgsEQFubpifu_nWIBWDw0aaYxtxBUkntJQ/s1600/Tara+MikeS+at+table.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8iuX8StAOudULQgLdjMpCOH7KX88E1Z1rtqJY06EAPEe5LCRvsWZf49vNmNJUqlHk9iMWvTM2C_NdZMaOIuGLcx0ylHPmINKovCAGxxXvWgsEQFubpifu_nWIBWDw0aaYxtxBUkntJQ/s400/Tara+MikeS+at+table.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559207202505548434" /></a><br />Dinner was good! Wow, I really love that empty box decoration in the background filled with stuff that was thrown in hastily after Christmas morning.<br /><br />I had a home party in November, and got this cool beverage server. I put it in the freezer before so that it would keep the apple cider cold.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYwzVqyIsFb1f4kZaNtV_0Do9uZVU1bputABtqn2rxI3wrmxeGl7vfmpx1aQzj7zlkaH9uTbO8XejqHGsgzrG5ToQdWziNXqtmckYb1w2iYqSvfZDLwRfkOkY_ib0-d_veNVQlWQJZ30/s1600/drink+server.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 344px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYwzVqyIsFb1f4kZaNtV_0Do9uZVU1bputABtqn2rxI3wrmxeGl7vfmpx1aQzj7zlkaH9uTbO8XejqHGsgzrG5ToQdWziNXqtmckYb1w2iYqSvfZDLwRfkOkY_ib0-d_veNVQlWQJZ30/s400/drink+server.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559207199654043618" /></a><br /><br />Mike's favorite gift EVER was this camera I bought him for Christmas! I'm so glad he liked it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRP0pdmh7ge8nLu1f-puIONErF6tmQTcn4c5JhsYHjjAl3i18_kMQpIlpfRy0oJtRic4WrE2afrhyyGXYaZlKWwgun6tw8D0sEabkYJ8DFBmKWDafqwkp4s9ssgc-ZLb2xwaKFh4Cb0I/s1600/Mike+with+new+camera.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRP0pdmh7ge8nLu1f-puIONErF6tmQTcn4c5JhsYHjjAl3i18_kMQpIlpfRy0oJtRic4WrE2afrhyyGXYaZlKWwgun6tw8D0sEabkYJ8DFBmKWDafqwkp4s9ssgc-ZLb2xwaKFh4Cb0I/s400/Mike+with+new+camera.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559207192545730098" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, he had a lot of fun with it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R6K4ugIyP0z-cXVCN0yHrMh9qSNbDUq_03CGb108ljAc4j0MK3CAiiN2HOjpUYDlSkxzjyozWBgJyCh9mOgVnubGoQgiiSFNrMHe9m8dDfua0XRgW3WHHSERY3wgkdYnc4tcF8LFBD0/s1600/Mike+silly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R6K4ugIyP0z-cXVCN0yHrMh9qSNbDUq_03CGb108ljAc4j0MK3CAiiN2HOjpUYDlSkxzjyozWBgJyCh9mOgVnubGoQgiiSFNrMHe9m8dDfua0XRgW3WHHSERY3wgkdYnc4tcF8LFBD0/s400/Mike+silly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559207184633015970" /></a><br /><br />So no pics of me? Okay, here is one from November on a day that Mike was visiting. He did a pretty good job as my photographer!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxQZ3McycMX28dtyPI-hx9FO5aKSm4BQ5q2UHNSuBI8ck1DUFx3ZNlw2fFw1Y9VBQLO_n5NVks0EaVJkX83IZH0ze9Q14_PMFviy6ekqCh3UiLNLfYes9e-qN63YqcJ0rp0TMO2ud0q0/s1600/kay+closeup+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxQZ3McycMX28dtyPI-hx9FO5aKSm4BQ5q2UHNSuBI8ck1DUFx3ZNlw2fFw1Y9VBQLO_n5NVks0EaVJkX83IZH0ze9Q14_PMFviy6ekqCh3UiLNLfYes9e-qN63YqcJ0rp0TMO2ud0q0/s400/kay+closeup+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559207705634155314" /></a><br /><br />Hope that all of you had a great holiday season too, and a very Merry Christmas! I'll be visiting when I can.Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-49022046891738773142010-11-09T20:28:00.005-05:002010-11-09T20:59:37.760-05:00A Li'l Luau!What fun I had this weekend! I was hostess for a home party, and it gave me a great excuse to do a tiny tablescape as the theme for the party was Hawaiian Luau. It also gave me a great reason to clean my house, and it probably won't be quite this pristine again for a while.<br /><br />I had so much fun putting this together! Just a tropical green bottle with faux lilies, a pineapple, coconut, and bananas placed on a bright strip of fabric, and tied with coordinating ribbon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5G8htEUik0aPofUDjFE-VaOrARkVi7MsEyGlxBmU5gDdoMBF7lx1Kewp9CwNVKBAz0mLbhyphenhyphenlFILHVU5NcFD1FnNALuCPrpdqs4jBvX95RzgxIIRceLJVmTw_SmMj9EmJT2wdfBxaY5so/s1600/luau+tablescape+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5G8htEUik0aPofUDjFE-VaOrARkVi7MsEyGlxBmU5gDdoMBF7lx1Kewp9CwNVKBAz0mLbhyphenhyphenlFILHVU5NcFD1FnNALuCPrpdqs4jBvX95RzgxIIRceLJVmTw_SmMj9EmJT2wdfBxaY5so/s400/luau+tablescape+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537727361051530482" /></a><br />The Hawaiian-looking napkins were left over from my son's birthday party over a year ago. <br /><br />I even wore this tropical print shirt. It was purchased this summer at Goodwill for a luau at a camp event. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm7LCTEtVFBUPQbMCPLg1imL1JhLqEsJUQOdc0RVBVHxzjdnyDU9CjjS2_j0T7jgybf_impwz5yVifTLwi-rDY6f8mDv_HyUFUxwn6ECOiYIno_lBqMe24TZWmVwuIqi2mRQM6wpnse4/s1600/luau+shirt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm7LCTEtVFBUPQbMCPLg1imL1JhLqEsJUQOdc0RVBVHxzjdnyDU9CjjS2_j0T7jgybf_impwz5yVifTLwi-rDY6f8mDv_HyUFUxwn6ECOiYIno_lBqMe24TZWmVwuIqi2mRQM6wpnse4/s400/luau+shirt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537727357023738450" /></a><br /><br />Though I had invited many people, only one person...just ONE!...was able to make it. So disheartening. This is why I never hold home parties. *sigh*<br /><br />A post by my friend BJ at Sweet Nothings (she's in my sidebar) got me to thinking about tables. When I got my first apartment, my parents gave me their old <a href="http://www.diningroomsdirect.com/Drop-Leaf-Dining-Tables-C91731.html">drop leaf table</a>. I loved it because when it was just my daughter and I, I would drop both ends down and it was perfect for the two of us. When I had a party or get-together, like the little party I just had, I could put the ends up and put the leaf in the center, and have enough room for 8-10 people. I loved it! Alas, during a home move, my ex dismantled it and didn't put it back together right, so nothing slid into place any more, plus my children just about ruined it during their young destructive years. <br /><br />I have a table that I adore now, but sometimes I do miss that little table, especially when I lived in my last apartment which had less room for my dining room table. <br /><br />Some of you may have guessed, and yep, this is a teaser post for another great CSN review! I absolutely adore the beautiful lamp I got with my gift certificate last time. I was floored with their quick shipping. Stay tuned to see what I review next, and please do click on the link above to check out some drop leaf tables. <br /><br />Maybe you'll find one to love as much as I loved my table!<br /><br />I'll leave you with a recipe for a dish I served at my luau. So easy to make, and really delicious, even for those who normally don't like a dessert with Jello: <br /><br /><u>Pineapple-Lime Delight</u><br /><br />1 can crushed pineapple<br />1 6 oz. pkg lime Jello<br />1 8 oz. pkg cream cheese, softened<br />1 8 oz. container Cool Whip<br /><br />Drain the pineapple and reserve the juice. Add enough water to the juice to measure two cups. Boil and stir in gelatin. Add to bowl and chill until thick (like molasses), but not solid. In another bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and the fruit. Add into the thickened Jello, then fold in Cool Whip until all is mixed thoroughly. Chill.<br /><br />You can also make this with sliced strawberries instead of pineapple, and strawberrry gelatin instead of lime. I like that version even better, and sent my honey home with the strawberry dessert tonight.<br /><br />Stay tuned...in addition to the upcoming review, there is more excitement in the works!Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-12995748959601100582010-11-05T13:05:00.009-04:002010-11-05T14:02:17.233-04:00Hiking at Goll WoodsMy sweetheart Mike, his children, and I took a walking tour of a state park last month. Our visit was to Goll Woods in Fulton County, Ohio, and a park ranger led a group of people along the trails, pointing out interesting things.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgGycFko3R3NN-D3Rux9WC2WYXEhzFskWV4IJCOL7HlGcA9hCYybAPCZOmd77BqhUX42deAh0K8ilvoJ1OmGMsda2Av1wv20W1NWOYkjn68Y-RnY4yHG0VCRaEZdtbGUP2Ge1oTJGBq4/s1600/trail+entrance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgGycFko3R3NN-D3Rux9WC2WYXEhzFskWV4IJCOL7HlGcA9hCYybAPCZOmd77BqhUX42deAh0K8ilvoJ1OmGMsda2Av1wv20W1NWOYkjn68Y-RnY4yHG0VCRaEZdtbGUP2Ge1oTJGBq4/s400/trail+entrance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536122285026427682" /></a><br /><br />It was an unseasonably warm day, about 75 degrees, so there was a nice group of people. Right before the tour began, the ranger pointed out a little woodland critter, and here is the group getting a gander of this...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh2MyJfHEQhUzPAZkSk7fmHmb0napBNeMMX3bCbV5pYgE7lcceNucEyjga4vRO8Yjqj11Vd1dee5nj_SV3DXLeSICCTLEIAwlCtTyUyjtQ-WT1I2Jjhey073elJ_eluM6hbXbXTmHP0A/s1600/group+looking+at+frog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh2MyJfHEQhUzPAZkSk7fmHmb0napBNeMMX3bCbV5pYgE7lcceNucEyjga4vRO8Yjqj11Vd1dee5nj_SV3DXLeSICCTLEIAwlCtTyUyjtQ-WT1I2Jjhey073elJ_eluM6hbXbXTmHP0A/s400/group+looking+at+frog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536122007373776066" /></a><br /><br />...a little frog! Not sure what kind of frog, but it was native to the woodlands.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLjydtHQFk-uokfA_IS-9riAbjs6qmEQ2pNk4v3owoOMzk7OFzewbt49BXhQxaq57Ref1jt4mAD71HlE1XXz_YMiBTIaWTArF6apre4943jPaQ5sBYpQdzUQ_YjQ35Hd6UaeVOPUETmw/s1600/frog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLjydtHQFk-uokfA_IS-9riAbjs6qmEQ2pNk4v3owoOMzk7OFzewbt49BXhQxaq57Ref1jt4mAD71HlE1XXz_YMiBTIaWTArF6apre4943jPaQ5sBYpQdzUQ_YjQ35Hd6UaeVOPUETmw/s400/frog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536122003965852034" /></a><br /><br />One of the first things we learned about was the paw paw tree, which grows a fruit that tastes similar to a wild banana. There were none left for us to try though as the deer and squirrels got first dibs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpw-SBAd-7SOU-T1CJ10vGe5RVXR3leFDPvA5evUmbyS8mz3GW8sE6fSTuESp0sksvaOoG_uP9LlLNLI0J0iwzdcRLJlsZMytt5QmNOjyyvWmz6IEq5RHckGtVikp7v5VFU4IK4dmmRI/s1600/pawpaw+tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpw-SBAd-7SOU-T1CJ10vGe5RVXR3leFDPvA5evUmbyS8mz3GW8sE6fSTuESp0sksvaOoG_uP9LlLNLI0J0iwzdcRLJlsZMytt5QmNOjyyvWmz6IEq5RHckGtVikp7v5VFU4IK4dmmRI/s400/pawpaw+tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536121995869870370" /></a><br /><br />There were some very tall trees here. This is one of the very few remaining virgin forests in Ohio. Here is Holden craning his neck to look up at one while Corinne keeps her eyes close to the boggy area on the ground.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7RtX6VgduAc3cjkpmDsCwSC-8gAi71KNShX1ySAo6Oh57l62a122x_rpGaxe9McEn9kQoJW5Gx9ZJZUJ7_sNqPVYVpSyljq0doWShSDD7Q7Z-ccNDvi0TyvbPJk5RNcUmIbO9nCrXUs/s1600/holden+looking+up.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7RtX6VgduAc3cjkpmDsCwSC-8gAi71KNShX1ySAo6Oh57l62a122x_rpGaxe9McEn9kQoJW5Gx9ZJZUJ7_sNqPVYVpSyljq0doWShSDD7Q7Z-ccNDvi0TyvbPJk5RNcUmIbO9nCrXUs/s400/holden+looking+up.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536121992293876946" /></a><br /><br />This is the largest oak in the area.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXSZB52qDk6VI2aEIMSHcFLlnKRI606lxmkmpAzBVFu8LpvNKN-9CCdPO5wNGZjVoaUjDfr8MLK2_e-U5jc3L08giDF9uXcCAj7bUiEVNGWTWlOmatwPShJvPnNXwiE3yMryymHAKPAc/s1600/huge+oak.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXSZB52qDk6VI2aEIMSHcFLlnKRI606lxmkmpAzBVFu8LpvNKN-9CCdPO5wNGZjVoaUjDfr8MLK2_e-U5jc3L08giDF9uXcCAj7bUiEVNGWTWlOmatwPShJvPnNXwiE3yMryymHAKPAc/s400/huge+oak.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536121986905808130" /></a><br /><br />I kept taking pics of Mike because I think he is so cute! Love this pic of him.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b0cOsAQZzSFMmrWrSm7qNHSX7q85Bh8KhCiCQQhadPc3rPlsxzd3qeMfqyfZMoq7HJvntEHqXnN6u1vbWidumTR9z9QixO5VYWeDu9OhsR61V9bCX69X5CjLq04I9mvJM7kWPabqxVA/s1600/mike+closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b0cOsAQZzSFMmrWrSm7qNHSX7q85Bh8KhCiCQQhadPc3rPlsxzd3qeMfqyfZMoq7HJvntEHqXnN6u1vbWidumTR9z9QixO5VYWeDu9OhsR61V9bCX69X5CjLq04I9mvJM7kWPabqxVA/s400/mike+closeup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536121285044702786" /></a><br /><br />I thought this rotting log was interesting as it was covered in moss.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s3rHWX-_p_QC2si7zxBLHT3bmD3eF7ss3yjsJXTJT4A62CN2KF9JmeJ0jyi73Hu5qPT2aDVgFqCSgb2OEhIY1mevYM0rg7cn0AclGxVob9N4EPweI9CUXYC-DdLFvrU21TRuhpa04SY/s1600/rotting+log+with+moss.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s3rHWX-_p_QC2si7zxBLHT3bmD3eF7ss3yjsJXTJT4A62CN2KF9JmeJ0jyi73Hu5qPT2aDVgFqCSgb2OEhIY1mevYM0rg7cn0AclGxVob9N4EPweI9CUXYC-DdLFvrU21TRuhpa04SY/s400/rotting+log+with+moss.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536121283554843474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D-D0BDsOe2tyiiXpmdD0BDl0h-5WLBvDn3ryAZyNMFNoqWu4oohYmHHXeM4In-1gwD5ty-gIP7tgxOyjVOUbAY2jtpClXqaiOwTAGMQoTl_oN5k_YxNifzWJWBxTzZ3Pb3R9iHQv6rk/s1600/log+end.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D-D0BDsOe2tyiiXpmdD0BDl0h-5WLBvDn3ryAZyNMFNoqWu4oohYmHHXeM4In-1gwD5ty-gIP7tgxOyjVOUbAY2jtpClXqaiOwTAGMQoTl_oN5k_YxNifzWJWBxTzZ3Pb3R9iHQv6rk/s400/log+end.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536121270416959794" /></a><br /><br />The ranger was pointing to this tree and telling about how the peeling bark is often a good place for bats to nest and live. Glad I didn't see a bat!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhFCMLlGGdXMiA_BGtLvETUVG8fwVRtfSGoWBhe4xSEWTbsYAmF8GLPWqigE70ZGYB-D1YExwscyEz2AO92KaJL4ueHXwHiCuMX8o3R861Fu6rOBwCz_rK9gpAk7DPUhsSNDwiUJR43o/s1600/ranger+and+large+tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhFCMLlGGdXMiA_BGtLvETUVG8fwVRtfSGoWBhe4xSEWTbsYAmF8GLPWqigE70ZGYB-D1YExwscyEz2AO92KaJL4ueHXwHiCuMX8o3R861Fu6rOBwCz_rK9gpAk7DPUhsSNDwiUJR43o/s400/ranger+and+large+tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536121264543294802" /></a><br /><br />I thought the tree stump was interesting too. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4I4rjEH6nGRhv3mQhM7IhmGoPdStBmu0Di3-vhfyL0vzOH9eXtcTWHNg_0iw2p9CsFj-53CZwHEqtY0ubQa09Aghf4hdc_aHJZrWQhl6NYg7kAxsN_HjwPnzZLwcEY7LB_LZqZLwaRpY/s1600/tree+stump+better+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4I4rjEH6nGRhv3mQhM7IhmGoPdStBmu0Di3-vhfyL0vzOH9eXtcTWHNg_0iw2p9CsFj-53CZwHEqtY0ubQa09Aghf4hdc_aHJZrWQhl6NYg7kAxsN_HjwPnzZLwcEY7LB_LZqZLwaRpY/s400/tree+stump+better+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536121260646387138" /></a><br /><br />Red leaves in the trees. Unfortunately, due to the dry summer, there were not as many pretty red leaves as usual. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNNgyVGCOrpK0LrHtxQg3JVBWO7Lcf2HFbpyzCm5zweKcwA7HFaCyUu9Ykm6g0l7QCVJK_TdxbLYaz-GsWSXJSInS3sJiEKrZj1L2nLSkRPEmE4Lz3OjGw_E2R66E5gqRHBA9tnAq5T8/s1600/tree+red+leaves+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNNgyVGCOrpK0LrHtxQg3JVBWO7Lcf2HFbpyzCm5zweKcwA7HFaCyUu9Ykm6g0l7QCVJK_TdxbLYaz-GsWSXJSInS3sJiEKrZj1L2nLSkRPEmE4Lz3OjGw_E2R66E5gqRHBA9tnAq5T8/s400/tree+red+leaves+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536120689675469874" /></a><br /><br />I liked the look of the sunny sky through the tree branches.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7O7RfCBx6Z61V9Rr9lRMH0Wdpv3do7MddK80DbYx0vuOlDogyAzs7-1OGG_VxS0Z3JIxzkO39dgIwSEgildGk5xTlxS5URFC1gKLc1C-UuDMBd3dRBozLrvudgaDsYbYHFM099fahUtU/s1600/trees+and+sky.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7O7RfCBx6Z61V9Rr9lRMH0Wdpv3do7MddK80DbYx0vuOlDogyAzs7-1OGG_VxS0Z3JIxzkO39dgIwSEgildGk5xTlxS5URFC1gKLc1C-UuDMBd3dRBozLrvudgaDsYbYHFM099fahUtU/s400/trees+and+sky.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536120680382964386" /></a><br /><br />More pretties on the trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNLc4nUPOymwmRqBhenHuDLLdL_T1SJLbFW5BQvqmN5yIxEWLFr-dNZUN-NCGCJTcTxLQnt_CjSuKOznuwoIP-UlptVs_u4tmtXlIUrxNfMk1ZK3JWX20X7WZVh_RHtgth58WBq-xn5s/s1600/berries+closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNLc4nUPOymwmRqBhenHuDLLdL_T1SJLbFW5BQvqmN5yIxEWLFr-dNZUN-NCGCJTcTxLQnt_CjSuKOznuwoIP-UlptVs_u4tmtXlIUrxNfMk1ZK3JWX20X7WZVh_RHtgth58WBq-xn5s/s400/berries+closeup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536120673215443362" /></a><br /><br />This tree looked interesting, especially the roots. I think that the roots on the right side of the second pic look a lot like a dragon's head.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0kbc6FM2JwJODw1lhXuMEtf0hRNq-gfmKIgL96YJK5aN0lX53aUWf0-mRZrDB0wXrl4jEjBuneqlQpZCAArU_-0uun8csZgC-u0kULpNMtmC_-7DIBQH7DiUTxp6VvSbNxQNYeDUnbg/s1600/fallen+tree+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0kbc6FM2JwJODw1lhXuMEtf0hRNq-gfmKIgL96YJK5aN0lX53aUWf0-mRZrDB0wXrl4jEjBuneqlQpZCAArU_-0uun8csZgC-u0kULpNMtmC_-7DIBQH7DiUTxp6VvSbNxQNYeDUnbg/s400/fallen+tree+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536120670655953234" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mewIK5p8owk6cFieRr2rRcolz8ddqOjfVQqEEmRcMmP-o76z5cqhys_dfh7FgkUaISReAeWtqENErEh0PToJsk0mQFBhIBQUdxh-jdlTKT9L8rNiuiJ5ML_CCnl9O8vdQfp5EqNUjU4/s1600/fallen+tree+roots.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mewIK5p8owk6cFieRr2rRcolz8ddqOjfVQqEEmRcMmP-o76z5cqhys_dfh7FgkUaISReAeWtqENErEh0PToJsk0mQFBhIBQUdxh-jdlTKT9L8rNiuiJ5ML_CCnl9O8vdQfp5EqNUjU4/s400/fallen+tree+roots.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536120670102881490" /></a><br /><br />The group on the move.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9AWtHtqHuCJoaYnF5ZR9MKduJZ27tQzuGoMrPelqg1KIcRWmm4qGWC2WtV7yYaxpBM1L-gOLoYR6qyEzmcH0fDSXn2CgiFi_WCW-Tpvg5zTH0oKV3i-s08BLLRt-qCqRHlusLClJ11k/s1600/group+in+woods.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9AWtHtqHuCJoaYnF5ZR9MKduJZ27tQzuGoMrPelqg1KIcRWmm4qGWC2WtV7yYaxpBM1L-gOLoYR6qyEzmcH0fDSXn2CgiFi_WCW-Tpvg5zTH0oKV3i-s08BLLRt-qCqRHlusLClJ11k/s400/group+in+woods.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536120037287858210" /></a><br /><br />I couldn't resist a pic of my honey's cute butt as he hiked.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYrAIDlRUj_6p9vRxoHUGSauPAptIIAgT4puevQh3_KFM9Yg3xUuS_P7T5KrkD6kChSJW7zxODFeUSDCCh7MHiazCIXJM6G-N2RzO0QCsCQmqJ5m-NPnzcUfXe6v4KhNs6Z7GRO95qbk/s1600/mikes+cute+butt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYrAIDlRUj_6p9vRxoHUGSauPAptIIAgT4puevQh3_KFM9Yg3xUuS_P7T5KrkD6kChSJW7zxODFeUSDCCh7MHiazCIXJM6G-N2RzO0QCsCQmqJ5m-NPnzcUfXe6v4KhNs6Z7GRO95qbk/s400/mikes+cute+butt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536120029681349010" /></a><br /><br />Holden in profile.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiec87U-tLmaQtUb9RippRAvbKlLYEeMnC6QB6uqBLuEszlDC3Ik7_dvMBHE5wGgofGjPCzujTaFRENqQGrXMvGTCyzm8dKW7Dt-H1GOzC4odnFU2fLO7z8tElSOzfg2gS8b-ZOhDVk82Q/s1600/holden+profile.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiec87U-tLmaQtUb9RippRAvbKlLYEeMnC6QB6uqBLuEszlDC3Ik7_dvMBHE5wGgofGjPCzujTaFRENqQGrXMvGTCyzm8dKW7Dt-H1GOzC4odnFU2fLO7z8tElSOzfg2gS8b-ZOhDVk82Q/s400/holden+profile.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536120022630848514" /></a><br /><br />And Mike in profile.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6TAkN5TP29hzlaPNcZAQQzzBErQDGdtSBhXHjzVFFgAeev77e8QBTenAft6-eT7zFVxSX2pnvKBbq0_wAD4dx3nBNHqtrqgVF2UVQPseuogqOg57YGJI2ko-B3uM-Iqh_Uf-OTdmsk4/s1600/mike+profile.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6TAkN5TP29hzlaPNcZAQQzzBErQDGdtSBhXHjzVFFgAeev77e8QBTenAft6-eT7zFVxSX2pnvKBbq0_wAD4dx3nBNHqtrqgVF2UVQPseuogqOg57YGJI2ko-B3uM-Iqh_Uf-OTdmsk4/s400/mike+profile.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536120019105027458" /></a><br /><br />A closeup of Corinne who has no idea of how beautiful she is!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5ULBpka4vPGg5ZUkVVxIhjkGLpbIo6S-JkRl_GMQjC3wM8tfpaDT0wZxMytCV3BTyRb3j7WuqT7L9PELh02vxPatM3oWg3ZEapcjqav7RSBcQkvJnJf_13Re4ScOG1W9xTvemNnOBJU/s1600/corinne+closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5ULBpka4vPGg5ZUkVVxIhjkGLpbIo6S-JkRl_GMQjC3wM8tfpaDT0wZxMytCV3BTyRb3j7WuqT7L9PELh02vxPatM3oWg3ZEapcjqav7RSBcQkvJnJf_13Re4ScOG1W9xTvemNnOBJU/s400/corinne+closeup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536120017042880626" /></a><br /><br />And a pic of the three of them. No pics of me today. I was called home unexpectedly due to my son needing a ride to work, two hours earlier than he planned.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBJCoWbIPA9-DSlUvjavYolPTNRUhXBkMLpsc9zVg4Nuk7vV9V3Ue41HOCbrtDJyJYesVaoLfjHo6bqLfkQ10iQBDSIJLPBuBxzcz4JhdCfRnSy7Mfw6IXL4v6U0RVPmJAASQALiUlqk/s1600/mike+and+kids.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBJCoWbIPA9-DSlUvjavYolPTNRUhXBkMLpsc9zVg4Nuk7vV9V3Ue41HOCbrtDJyJYesVaoLfjHo6bqLfkQ10iQBDSIJLPBuBxzcz4JhdCfRnSy7Mfw6IXL4v6U0RVPmJAASQALiUlqk/s400/mike+and+kids.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536119290840421410" /></a><br /><br />I found a pretty red leaf untrampled on the trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4NU_A4XZPEVOKTkgjJCTAiQyM01rJb9RrkY0LHdgFLCqWW1MrX1CYYK0psT0gsJ5-UsmjQKuQwViUJkG4xY_XJmd21WVhlPqgZWEGveBhBioYcCrHlpA5KyVzz3geaVeiCkgD6hLDyk/s1600/red+leaf+on+ground.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4NU_A4XZPEVOKTkgjJCTAiQyM01rJb9RrkY0LHdgFLCqWW1MrX1CYYK0psT0gsJ5-UsmjQKuQwViUJkG4xY_XJmd21WVhlPqgZWEGveBhBioYcCrHlpA5KyVzz3geaVeiCkgD6hLDyk/s400/red+leaf+on+ground.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536119292746929442" /></a><br /><br />These heart berries were pretty. Bet they would be nice in a romantic centerpiece for the table.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_CdsPGwwJ-j-4bLZmL1aNmORtnAPOxhZDFKeZZEJGqq46NrN_g32GhSkFS9h0F5r7gflclawbYICbAG3OWceCxm5DMqQAZI5vYJsR6fgw9stoc1K29U-3K0Aq6-Sx-LSPBxWvW95KZw/s1600/heart+berries.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_CdsPGwwJ-j-4bLZmL1aNmORtnAPOxhZDFKeZZEJGqq46NrN_g32GhSkFS9h0F5r7gflclawbYICbAG3OWceCxm5DMqQAZI5vYJsR6fgw9stoc1K29U-3K0Aq6-Sx-LSPBxWvW95KZw/s400/heart+berries.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536119294295657266" /></a><br /><br />More things that I found to be photo-worthy on the trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaA47rIGsTlgvbvmxQFb1PXallkdl-vONY96-m0wN0fdZglKeHJGDT3FNph6oZ4r6Ag2NeVA_m1M41pDLoBJQCBmkI3FZy5EZe8RelpbgvbnVbT7AJ79-A_jl_TbsR39-LnuJelxVUo8c/s1600/mushroom+on+tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaA47rIGsTlgvbvmxQFb1PXallkdl-vONY96-m0wN0fdZglKeHJGDT3FNph6oZ4r6Ag2NeVA_m1M41pDLoBJQCBmkI3FZy5EZe8RelpbgvbnVbT7AJ79-A_jl_TbsR39-LnuJelxVUo8c/s400/mushroom+on+tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536119299751528146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm23k_PQ870651k32oWNS56-jfCB519qA1qCnNYIOSJjUc_01hfLTu3poLsnU8GDTIzGctgX4BUUL7V5FhwSNXuvlq0VaQ9jiboHN0XQdFJqK7-UCrjkaJIHiKzV7AsQDE5cx3Kazhcms/s1600/purple+flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm23k_PQ870651k32oWNS56-jfCB519qA1qCnNYIOSJjUc_01hfLTu3poLsnU8GDTIzGctgX4BUUL7V5FhwSNXuvlq0VaQ9jiboHN0XQdFJqK7-UCrjkaJIHiKzV7AsQDE5cx3Kazhcms/s400/purple+flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536119301837882066" /></a><br /><br />Before we left, we also toured an historic barn on the property. It is about 150 years old and was recently restored and being shown for the first time that weekend.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWY_DoNVTRMR-H_cEnyKGJ1jTaVxahl1TZGjprp0CPhQUiXd-IucnE1Cg45V7uX3yTRg9ggUds4kx11X2HgBNPZk8Oz9rZ3oWsoh4LTCRIwyOn3bf29fmqh_eKEuRntSOK8s42vsLm8o/s1600/historic+barn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWY_DoNVTRMR-H_cEnyKGJ1jTaVxahl1TZGjprp0CPhQUiXd-IucnE1Cg45V7uX3yTRg9ggUds4kx11X2HgBNPZk8Oz9rZ3oWsoh4LTCRIwyOn3bf29fmqh_eKEuRntSOK8s42vsLm8o/s400/historic+barn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536118402384987778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms6T3BeIJri9tzxgbKB5vM2nK98MrEmFs2NvNu3Yh2KToI0TWu-EqFIgYPOrtBB884oe8VUbDyrb26l87CqJO_10mLJYziAO1O20DZQqFbNIHuwsQw-s_l4AI0odtAheOrJtci2mtdO8/s1600/barn+from+side.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms6T3BeIJri9tzxgbKB5vM2nK98MrEmFs2NvNu3Yh2KToI0TWu-EqFIgYPOrtBB884oe8VUbDyrb26l87CqJO_10mLJYziAO1O20DZQqFbNIHuwsQw-s_l4AI0odtAheOrJtci2mtdO8/s400/barn+from+side.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536118400292266450" /></a><br /><br />The view through a door in the barn. I call it "Oops, your barn door is open, but wow, I sure do love what I see!" <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXx1HfI4FUBzVPquIGpwdjXUkHhnv0iGQLrSZC7QVX53KU8hmF1_i_okTxC155UdhdhWltl4dKiD_v2nCbV5fMBPun4BCB5_I7J9OEEOuxOHKjgkmwSSR-sMZf0cRUOW6DrhyphenhyphenqeQ-3yQ/s1600/through+barn+door.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXx1HfI4FUBzVPquIGpwdjXUkHhnv0iGQLrSZC7QVX53KU8hmF1_i_okTxC155UdhdhWltl4dKiD_v2nCbV5fMBPun4BCB5_I7J9OEEOuxOHKjgkmwSSR-sMZf0cRUOW6DrhyphenhyphenqeQ-3yQ/s400/through+barn+door.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536118409170168434" /></a><br /><br />On the way to my car, I spotted this trail through a pine forest. It beckoned to me, so I will have to come back another time to explore.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF-T-3goukhKzpTE_CdHOheRihVjWRz9kwAY5iNLyALBlBxUoKKuXqSOyfTypSWVRJ4oGULY7UnXvVLzD3-2CCB_XecIgQhghd5tFHMUyfZ8oX0Sl_E_CETyqTTLj8YQnLc3cXwApmQQ/s1600/toadshade+trail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF-T-3goukhKzpTE_CdHOheRihVjWRz9kwAY5iNLyALBlBxUoKKuXqSOyfTypSWVRJ4oGULY7UnXvVLzD3-2CCB_XecIgQhghd5tFHMUyfZ8oX0Sl_E_CETyqTTLj8YQnLc3cXwApmQQ/s400/toadshade+trail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536118412576014370" /></a><br /><br />A tree tunnel! I think these are so cool, and there are more down the road. What a unique way to leave the park!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYwuE9avhgkP9cC3lO1h5i7SWUqe2w7CnhRTeA5n1JMnjfzDYhO2F63rP7phDlT6vNaw8zZZSSihwoHUdxl0meJrnS5lVyApsnfSn7I9fMShXX7W6FHQqDOVo7GovhCGf3aEiX1PWFQo/s1600/tree+tunnel+closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYwuE9avhgkP9cC3lO1h5i7SWUqe2w7CnhRTeA5n1JMnjfzDYhO2F63rP7phDlT6vNaw8zZZSSihwoHUdxl0meJrnS5lVyApsnfSn7I9fMShXX7W6FHQqDOVo7GovhCGf3aEiX1PWFQo/s400/tree+tunnel+closeup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536118415830739682" /></a><br /><br />It was a great afternoon with my sweetie and his great children. I liked that it was also totally free. You really can have fun in these trying times if you look for events like this. We all learned a little something too.<br /><br />Hope you are still having wonderful autumn days!<br /><br>Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-90089898187365529112010-10-31T02:19:00.003-04:002010-10-31T02:41:49.255-04:00Spiritual Sundays/Joy -- Sermon ExcerptOnce again, I have been absent from Blogger for the better part of a month. For two weeks straight, I have worked 14 hours of overtime. In addition to that, I have been trying to keep my home clean (a never-ending process), trying to see my sweetie as much as possible before he goes to Kairos (prison ministry), and trying to get a decent amount of sleep despite it all (unsuccessfully).<br /><br />Coming up, I have an autumn trip through a forest, and some fall prettiness on my front porch, but first...<br /><br />With no further ado, I am sharing an excerpt from my sweetheart's recent sermon. I was delighted that he mentioned my dog. I have to say, he is right on the money in what he says about my little Jack Russell dog Jake. Oh, he looks so innocent here. "Berry Sweet" and "Berry Good" it says. Ha! Not quite. Anyhow, this is what Pastor Mike had to say. And I have to admit, I enjoyed every bit of it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsApYFL-LO7OV2W2ufb4bpdU8b9aO_5BRWcSjyCdL7S8ND2QGlq1ER_ev8ewJZhmt_LRBe48FS0FxBLb9VdDQl46X0hnu9wQaJm-IWaQEkpqGcyX-mKJPOIqSFA6ycDvNakUa4PReHh70/s1600/Jakey+berry+sweet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsApYFL-LO7OV2W2ufb4bpdU8b9aO_5BRWcSjyCdL7S8ND2QGlq1ER_ev8ewJZhmt_LRBe48FS0FxBLb9VdDQl46X0hnu9wQaJm-IWaQEkpqGcyX-mKJPOIqSFA6ycDvNakUa4PReHh70/s400/Jakey+berry+sweet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534091654534771778" /></a><br /><br />~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br /><br />"I have a friend who has a dog. I don’t want to sound bad, but this is the most useless dog I’ve ever seen in my life. This dog would have to improve a lot to be as smart as a lamp. He makes messes on the floor, he barks at the wall. He bites sometimes for no reason. But still, I have to say I kind of like this dog. I have a soft spot in my heart for this dog. Because every time I go over there this dog nearly turns himself inside out because he is so happy to see me. He has this little stub of a tail and he almost wags it right off. And he’s happy about everything – you know how dogs are. You feed the dog and the dog is happy and dancing around – oh boy, oh boy, I’m going to eat the same thing I ate yesterday and the day before and I just can’t wait! You take the dog in the car – oh boy, oh boy, I get to go in the car – this is the greatest thing ever! And I think, why can’t Christians be as smart as dogs? How’s come dogs are better at showing joy than Christians are? We have so much to be happy about – we have so much to be excited for, but you would never know it most of the time!<br /><br /><br />OK, I read this and its supposed to be true – I have my doubts though. But even if it isn’t true it’s a good story. When missionaries were in the northern part of Alaska they were trying to translate the Bibles for Eskimos, but there were some problems. Any time you go to translate the Bible in any culture, there’s a difficulty in translating some words because cultures and languages don’t always have the same words. There was no word in the Eskimo language for joy. And as they were trying to translate joy, biblically, they drew from experience. And as they watched, they saw that the happiest, the most joyful moments in those Eskimo villages were in the evening when they fed their sled dogs. They’d go out, and the dogs would yelp and wag their tails and get all excited. And so, out of that experience, they pulled the word for joy: "wagging their tails." So like, for instance, in that passage where it says, "The disciples, after the resurrection, saw Jesus and they were full of joy," in the Eskimo version it would read, "When the disciples saw Jesus, they wagged their tails." Why can’t we wag our tails?"<br /><br />~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~<br /><br />I wonder why we don't show more joy. We live in an incredible world. Even on my worst days, I can look out my window and see something to be joyful about. This earth we live on is so beautiful. <br /><br />Sometimes joy is a choice. We can choose to look out the window on a fall day and see all the leaves on the ground and think about all the raking we have to do, and how we dread the approaching cold winter temps and weather, or we can look out that window and instead see the beautiful colors in the trees, and we can go outside to enjoy the sound of the crunch of leaves under our feet, the smell of autumn in the air, and enjoy marshmallows roasted over a bonfire to create s'mores. <br /><br />Mike used a passage from Romans 5 as inspiration, which includes the verse, "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." He leaves His glory all around us! All we have to do is look for it and take joy. <br /><br />And if we get so excited that we wag our little (or not so little) tails in joy, well then, isn't that just a testament to His awesomeness? <br /><br />C'mon and shake your tailfeathers....I know you can do it!<br /><br />Have a great week. And for more Spiritual Sunday goodness, head on over <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com">here</a>.Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-15178434119687930962010-10-09T23:38:00.006-04:002010-10-10T00:41:55.139-04:00Spiritual Sundays/eDevotion -- Blind DateIt's time for <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com">Spiritual Sundays</a>. This week, I am sharing a post about love...God's love and the love that we as humans seek from each other. The author of the eDevotion is my sweetheart, Pastor Mike. This one is called "Blind Date."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkldhjdUPmSkVeo7-03lW15Kdw5Gq5u9rTUFvl4jWSFxIGup_WqLGnbJbXWGKDwq69FSc4UeeIT44zMGpq3wgi_TYfrjGPjZpK7TSwZhJ177Gej3vxghZADKHUajj7ErCBh7f_yLDQcig/s1600/date+clipart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkldhjdUPmSkVeo7-03lW15Kdw5Gq5u9rTUFvl4jWSFxIGup_WqLGnbJbXWGKDwq69FSc4UeeIT44zMGpq3wgi_TYfrjGPjZpK7TSwZhJ177Gej3vxghZADKHUajj7ErCBh7f_yLDQcig/s400/date+clipart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526259559154075266" /></a><br /><br />*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<br />Blind Date<br /><br />"Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea. I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers." 2 Corinthians 11:24-26<br /><br />I was sipping some kind of harsh Kenyan brew at a coffee shop in Toledo. The woman across the table from me was surprisingly lovely, and our conversation was pleasant enough. Then at some point she excused herself to go to the ladies room. She took her purse.<br /><br />I got down a whole cup of that blistering hot coffee and started another before she got back, apologizing like a monk in sackcloth for taking so long.<br /><br />No more than a minute went by and her cell phone rang. She said, "I’m sorry, I better get this." Hey, I understood. It was her friend – her car had broken down and she was stranded at work and her boyfriend couldn’t pick her up and could she please, please come and get her and take her home?<br /><br />My date apologized again and then the evening was over.<br /><br />I sat there fascinated. Never in my life have I watched a grown adult perform such an intricate act of unmitigated horse manure. Never have I seen anyone work so hard just to get away from little old me!<br /><br />Now, before you feel sorry for me being dumped and all, let me say in all honesty I wasn’t that interested either. Quite frankly I would rather have the story than her any day.<br /><br />Still, dating can be a real kick in the chitlins. That’s why they write country songs like, "She Ripped My Heart Out and Stomped That Sucker Flat," and "Billy Broke My Heart at Walgreens and I Cried All the Way to Sears."<br /><br />I could be wrong, but my theory is that God created romance partly to make a point – the more real living you do the more vulnerable you become. And the more vulnerable you are the more real living you do. If you want to be warm and safe climb into a coffin. You can get them now with silk sheets and everything. But if you want love you’re going to take your turn on the whipping post. And if you’re going to live the love of Christ, call your tailor right now and have yourself measured for a cross.<br /><br />*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<br />I might be veering a bit away from the spiritual here, but I thought it would be a great time to talk about how I met Mike. We have been dating 5 months as of today. <br /><br />I had been alone for 10 years and 5 months as of the day I first met Mike. I jumped into the dating pool almost immediately after my marriage of 12 1/2 years split. Believe me, I felt at times like I was going through all of those things that they talked about in the above Bible verse. I estimate that I had at least one date (and some long term) with about 30 different men in that time. Some were nice sweet guys, but a pretty fair number were quite the opposite. I dated men who turned out to be liars, cheaters; one was a swindler and later went to prison for raping someone. I had been grabbed at, inappropriately kissed and groped. I remember how flat-out dirty I felt after one date who, upon my leaving, full on grabbed my breast. Yes, dating is a sometimes bumpy road. I also met men that I fell for, but apparently, they didn't return my same feelings. <br /><br />Every single one of those men that I had dated since my divorce were men that I met on the internet. I had tried meeting men in other ways, but no one ever asked me out. Still, I never ever gave up, but in the last couple years had started slowing down on the dating. I figured that if I wanted a good, quality man, I had better start being a good, quality woman. <br /><br />One day, I was browsing profiles on a site called OkCupid. I can't remember if he spotted me first, or if I was the first to notice his profile, but when I read Mike's profile, I liked what I read. He had a great sense of humor. Then I read that he was a pastor. What? I had an idea of what sort of men I liked, and a preacher was NOT one of those types. Still, I had a feeling that I should write to him. If nothing else, I might have a really nice friend. <br /><br />We began writing. It's funny, but he lived only 6 miles from my hometown! It was easy to verify that he was exactly who he said he was. Soon we started talking on the phone, and it wasn't long at all before he asked if we could meet. I was happy to say yes, and was eager for our first date. In the past, I might not have been so excited. After a series of dates where you meet someone new and they don't meet your expectations, or you get your hopes up only to have them dashed...well, dating can be something you actually sort of dread after a while. But not in this case. I was ready to be open and vulnerable, and I was really excited about meeting Mike. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97ecqz5Gr7tcbzNpeHCy0AZnubc3ZagwFYMOnXGETMCSVo12eZVNQU-MJ8mtzG395iypJEC7W_j8ZvPD8PlElTB2Y3c5BFP1uriGw4YBjmbSXNRQ4G_eF5hLa1J6TzUss8Y3Vi0A7E60/s1600/l_first-date.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97ecqz5Gr7tcbzNpeHCy0AZnubc3ZagwFYMOnXGETMCSVo12eZVNQU-MJ8mtzG395iypJEC7W_j8ZvPD8PlElTB2Y3c5BFP1uriGw4YBjmbSXNRQ4G_eF5hLa1J6TzUss8Y3Vi0A7E60/s400/l_first-date.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526259565848216770" /></a>(This picture was created by an artist named Doug Hyde)<br />Our first date was wonderful! After a great meal at a Chinese restaurant, our conversation was flowing so well that we went to a local state park and spent more time talking.<br /><br />From that point on, we have been seeing each other an average of twice per week, and sometimes even three times a week, even though my home is now about an hour away. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCAp6d0LlVrK2DAXIsjHQnPBSVFJ4wGGQS6krSeHlczG-gmICYGxXGADNGl-uqi636V-QbWDuzQlCoL1TFp-CO8VF8viPwDWUaW-A64tza8NYbm9k007hlRImP8ws8Mdna_JLaxy5f6Y/s1600/mike+closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCAp6d0LlVrK2DAXIsjHQnPBSVFJ4wGGQS6krSeHlczG-gmICYGxXGADNGl-uqi636V-QbWDuzQlCoL1TFp-CO8VF8viPwDWUaW-A64tza8NYbm9k007hlRImP8ws8Mdna_JLaxy5f6Y/s400/mike+closeup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526261266335657218" /></a><br />And this week? This wonderful, handsome, sweet man told me he loved me. <br /><br />That sure makes the trials and trepidations and heartaches of the last 10 years worth it, because if not for that, maybe I wouldn't be as appreciative of a truly good man.<br /><br />And I thank God for him every single day. I love you too, Mike!<br /><br /><br>Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-49181833381512534852010-10-07T12:04:00.004-04:002010-10-07T12:28:10.508-04:00Product Review for CSN stores/ New LampAs many of you online have done, I accepted a gift certificate to <a href="http://www.csnstores.com">CSN stores</a> in exchange for a product review. <br /><br />And just look at the gorgeous thing that was delivered last week!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyoqZQVqb8xTOF7Tkxtwm7CZfUuazQ30G8f37bbsJCju0yE53jksDs2znWO_uNpqz3ce9o6RM37_8WmhxvRYLa6E9zXF4s53uXo2CWTNhrTkxYhIRUGuOedC6bBrMLaa0sRYYyXajrkQ/s1600/lamp+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyoqZQVqb8xTOF7Tkxtwm7CZfUuazQ30G8f37bbsJCju0yE53jksDs2znWO_uNpqz3ce9o6RM37_8WmhxvRYLa6E9zXF4s53uXo2CWTNhrTkxYhIRUGuOedC6bBrMLaa0sRYYyXajrkQ/s400/lamp+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525336519518515762" /></a><br /><br />I am so in love with this <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/Fangio-Lighting-126-Red-FG1217.html">Fangio Country Table Lamp in red</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRxN-mWBeklmtRk8WkiUBoOmKCI-i9lxnKtDpDok2KY03y1J1rS9S2vw7onc1zTgdPsB51yrhTm7IUAqJfNLKooVRiDVzm7_dQBUmaA7tHWaCyQ2ONERkyI8DVNa9ThuvXOGHpH1OQ9Y/s1600/Fangio+Country%2BTable%2BLamp%2Bin%2BRed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRxN-mWBeklmtRk8WkiUBoOmKCI-i9lxnKtDpDok2KY03y1J1rS9S2vw7onc1zTgdPsB51yrhTm7IUAqJfNLKooVRiDVzm7_dQBUmaA7tHWaCyQ2ONERkyI8DVNa9ThuvXOGHpH1OQ9Y/s400/Fangio+Country%2BTable%2BLamp%2Bin%2BRed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525336505947805202" /></a><br /><br />The gift certificate I was sent was for $40. Now, I had really been wanting a lamp for my black end table as it sits between two chairs, and I didn't have a good reading light. Well, I won't even get into my recent financial situation, but it was just not in the cards for me to be able to buy a lamp. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQhHfgakJRQhF3cMAVzO8D32EaeWo6aK5Teiuf5fPw-vdy-Rx3QmHGEpxWtffEPHP-vqK04KzFX85eHuYKdUrO1gahd7bUSBq7Jd1EY_ct8jhSYJrxUEy57QAnbY9VxKfcDp5_XV96jA/s1600/lamp+15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQhHfgakJRQhF3cMAVzO8D32EaeWo6aK5Teiuf5fPw-vdy-Rx3QmHGEpxWtffEPHP-vqK04KzFX85eHuYKdUrO1gahd7bUSBq7Jd1EY_ct8jhSYJrxUEy57QAnbY9VxKfcDp5_XV96jA/s400/lamp+15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525336545056277346" /></a><br />So when I spied this in their clearance section, my heart did a little flip-flop! This lamp was PERFECT! I was beyond excited to rip open the box and pull out my new treasure.<br /><br />My kids were more excited about the bubble wrap.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NjPpVOdc4ISS7vnnmmUjZuvLBLQaqEwLD6uNoPm1S092Pl3iptuAx-5sw4pHnmfkngeW-LM6IGo6HyOfu9TTsaY7-_4MT8wNW6ztD5jKqpXhKrUlwAEDdeT9VWT1UY6E_CwqONh0wK4/s1600/lamp+6+bubble+wrap.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NjPpVOdc4ISS7vnnmmUjZuvLBLQaqEwLD6uNoPm1S092Pl3iptuAx-5sw4pHnmfkngeW-LM6IGo6HyOfu9TTsaY7-_4MT8wNW6ztD5jKqpXhKrUlwAEDdeT9VWT1UY6E_CwqONh0wK4/s400/lamp+6+bubble+wrap.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525336532617145106" /></a><br />Got to admit, its one of my favorite stress releasers too.<br /><br />I am so pleased at how pretty this lamp looks in my home. It matches so well with all the other red that I have in my living room. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9Yx0urX3JreXbj98I58ynOT8G0DM3Xlo65jEuEIxCqDX9UOQMBFkham4x_sUIpTJQC1t6uSkEQtjNHq06UYQbQLpxUgTVrV8e8ffqtG9cSgiR2TaPR-j-695Ez8rEP19QBYXZiZDQoo/s1600/lamp+4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9Yx0urX3JreXbj98I58ynOT8G0DM3Xlo65jEuEIxCqDX9UOQMBFkham4x_sUIpTJQC1t6uSkEQtjNHq06UYQbQLpxUgTVrV8e8ffqtG9cSgiR2TaPR-j-695Ez8rEP19QBYXZiZDQoo/s400/lamp+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525336525181173826" /></a><br />I am thrilled beyond words with this product. <br /><br />It came in the mail VERY quickly after I ordered it, and shipping was free! You'll never guess what the cost for this lamp was....$34! The reason for this was because it was on clearance due to having been returned. I cannot imagine any reason that this was returned, because it was just fine. There was not a single thing wrong with it. For anyone else to buy it though, it's going to cost you $84.99, but even that is a markdown from the original price of $164.97. What an amazing bargain I got!<br /><br />The only negative I could find was the packaging, but this is because someone else returned it to CSN stores, and they did not repackage it before they sent it to me. Also, the original owner's invoice was in the box, as was her address, but the invoice part, that would have been her fault, not the company's. However, the lamp was still securely packed and arrived safely, and the lamp was absolutely just like new. I wonder if the first person had even put it together and turned it on! Didn't look like it. I am very, very pleased, and will be happy to spend my own money someday to purchase from CSN stores.<br /><br />Disclaimer: Though I did receive a product for free in exchange for this product review, the opinions stated here are my own. I was not influenced in any way by CSN stores as to what I should say about the product. This product review is my own honest evaluation of the product I received.<br /><br />If you are one of the lucky bloggers who are emailed an offer from CSN stores, I highly encourage you to go for it. I am so happy that I did!Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-90984361889519525162010-10-05T19:23:00.010-04:002010-10-05T21:30:42.265-04:00Day Trip to Auglaize VillageThe smell of autumn is definitely in the air. Leaves are just beginning to turn, and Mother Nature has turned down the thermostat. This weekend, I don't think it got above 55 degrees in my neck of the woods. Even though skies were overcast, it was a perfect day for me and my sweetie Mike to go to the Johnny Appleseed Festival at Auglaize Village, an historic museum just a few miles west of my city.<br /><br />You can tell fall is here when you see all the pumpkins for sale.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHcyp3T6gDXkbdcJ7z_HRLTCG7bjAtvlw98bt2Ga310crBpd8X676WScQTKSwrOgf0E3pZwhvVw8K-jBGtAQXmeBDnsYhR_eCquk0MEriIMTKn_CCo1nkSpvYT-B-jR7oNRJYA60TCUI/s1600/av+pumpkins+and+squash.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHcyp3T6gDXkbdcJ7z_HRLTCG7bjAtvlw98bt2Ga310crBpd8X676WScQTKSwrOgf0E3pZwhvVw8K-jBGtAQXmeBDnsYhR_eCquk0MEriIMTKn_CCo1nkSpvYT-B-jR7oNRJYA60TCUI/s400/av+pumpkins+and+squash.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524730095068563378" /></a><br /><br />One of the first things I saw was this big red barn. Treats were being sold outside and inside. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrVFoqAe5r3nrrcs2u7ztlEe3LDEHIuIjUPxMCs5a-UzOa9JV3Fk93XG5bpXRBQPV8gGnsSXDm5LdvRLKWvVI_mOoEv_339tSLuQAIu209o2yKLy8EsVSBEWZucNVXM1OUNYfBExYqYU/s1600/av+barn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrVFoqAe5r3nrrcs2u7ztlEe3LDEHIuIjUPxMCs5a-UzOa9JV3Fk93XG5bpXRBQPV8gGnsSXDm5LdvRLKWvVI_mOoEv_339tSLuQAIu209o2yKLy8EsVSBEWZucNVXM1OUNYfBExYqYU/s400/av+barn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524730095522383202" /></a><br /><br />If I had need of a mailbox (I don't), I would have been sorely tempted to cart this one home with me!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIttWo62otHfSnnKMyk0VXDQh46dq5ytjwSrZJ_9uaGmEzfjh9FM2AMRB5exrGC-F7EDMLcP1tNE3SkZXKmbYt3jf0RwbwYc7SKnKrNrqNKxwuQBS39K2ZKBYAIcf3bf6zDy5cFw7phek/s1600/av+mailbos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIttWo62otHfSnnKMyk0VXDQh46dq5ytjwSrZJ_9uaGmEzfjh9FM2AMRB5exrGC-F7EDMLcP1tNE3SkZXKmbYt3jf0RwbwYc7SKnKrNrqNKxwuQBS39K2ZKBYAIcf3bf6zDy5cFw7phek/s400/av+mailbos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524730091122317138" /></a><br /><br />This little birdbath was cute. I took a pic because I figure that one of these would actually be pretty easy to make.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyDWVzm7YSWOjH08M-NqMzQdlO9sklYG6XKkVrF4wO0zhyphenhyphenN3Ohr-5hjaLB2YCDvtrKXAIed8VwXRm-1DtUUWVumagveU5UVEawdTchJQRAaTBoS0hthd4nghFKNxY3y7n4eUFKQqT7YU/s1600/av+birdbath.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyDWVzm7YSWOjH08M-NqMzQdlO9sklYG6XKkVrF4wO0zhyphenhyphenN3Ohr-5hjaLB2YCDvtrKXAIed8VwXRm-1DtUUWVumagveU5UVEawdTchJQRAaTBoS0hthd4nghFKNxY3y7n4eUFKQqT7YU/s400/av+birdbath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524730082928830258" /></a><br /><br />Auglaize Village features rooms, office, and businesses from days gone by. I loved this door to the little dentist office.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNof0i-sqbPkG99lAG1PD-naSogIQy1LXEYGPzcb2ioTL7fhKp3B4i_WFKdbc39T1A4MpFbjJC_mAMJYIJl8GW87WHzwgJ7PE9fhhPV_KthVkepKW6AUGMNZ7p0mYtkHUWNaNM14EuW9o/s1600/av+door+detail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNof0i-sqbPkG99lAG1PD-naSogIQy1LXEYGPzcb2ioTL7fhKp3B4i_WFKdbc39T1A4MpFbjJC_mAMJYIJl8GW87WHzwgJ7PE9fhhPV_KthVkepKW6AUGMNZ7p0mYtkHUWNaNM14EuW9o/s400/av+door+detail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524730081026617666" /></a><br /><br />It had the former owner's initials etched into the glass.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fieascLKQiYAN6x2i4hUCYrvocsssvyWhLRCihdDn2G_gJBp9dWsG0z9ke5lLbs1I8oAgo3awTICKcTfE9pf4NwlE059sizFrp3aOug4-8o6bSDXC9Ci4eMKZzRZsIRN0VydJtTrqVM/s1600/av+window+etching.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fieascLKQiYAN6x2i4hUCYrvocsssvyWhLRCihdDn2G_gJBp9dWsG0z9ke5lLbs1I8oAgo3awTICKcTfE9pf4NwlE059sizFrp3aOug4-8o6bSDXC9Ci4eMKZzRZsIRN0VydJtTrqVM/s400/av+window+etching.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524729344658246738" /></a><br /><br />Now this dentist office looked pretty scary to me. I couldn't imagine some of those instruments in my mouth...no siree!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlofNL1eGl6sPDEVBesuQZ7HddKEFfO-J4T3xOUFylPj50PErJPoe3llmqOf_ld9c-YcZZI9Y-G77vjcVo8JApkD2hAkyiaCMGzqarWRINxs00FLH8FSiepyEIh4vBm63jenhIIftQxE/s1600/av+dentist+office.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlofNL1eGl6sPDEVBesuQZ7HddKEFfO-J4T3xOUFylPj50PErJPoe3llmqOf_ld9c-YcZZI9Y-G77vjcVo8JApkD2hAkyiaCMGzqarWRINxs00FLH8FSiepyEIh4vBm63jenhIIftQxE/s400/av+dentist+office.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524729340280918194" /></a><br /><br />Next door was the cobbler shop. I was trying to imagine my big feet in these cruel shoes. They are cool, but Mike remarked that he thought they were children's shoes. I don't think so. People were much smaller a hundred or more years ago.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wOqC5CuAsnEUcp662tAzM6AE9NNqXiQf2YPzg7NppUWYUQwTtg0mbLo4fsE4ME4rhXJDN6X7Lt1qfBVFzTj5LMvqCRSpDnNWW8wWgsw3aX3ea88tLj-2tnoZlquTvBK3MH02XaukpUI/s1600/av+shoes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wOqC5CuAsnEUcp662tAzM6AE9NNqXiQf2YPzg7NppUWYUQwTtg0mbLo4fsE4ME4rhXJDN6X7Lt1qfBVFzTj5LMvqCRSpDnNWW8wWgsw3aX3ea88tLj-2tnoZlquTvBK3MH02XaukpUI/s400/av+shoes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524729335038698850" /></a><br /><br />I am enchanted by windows. I always wonder what is just beyond. Ever see that commercial on HGTV where the couple are driving through a neighborhood at night and looking at the houses? Well, that could be me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcY6nZVkDoBDNzcBCvNd8t50OcToHViMrEvCsx-0A_uqGFbkAb867VqshqAFPjM_0i-5x1DnBgwsoMepyVgV3gPZYIDz7Ks6OezbJnp0rJWwnvcyP8WD3VyOAvujVCps2BJ9a3fBg-lE/s1600/av+red+window.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcY6nZVkDoBDNzcBCvNd8t50OcToHViMrEvCsx-0A_uqGFbkAb867VqshqAFPjM_0i-5x1DnBgwsoMepyVgV3gPZYIDz7Ks6OezbJnp0rJWwnvcyP8WD3VyOAvujVCps2BJ9a3fBg-lE/s400/av+red+window.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524729335510886770" /></a><br /><br />Here was a display of keepsakes from years gone by.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQzP2afMAuKNTZ34kHHJOFZthProCmk1xCbQdFDZGaIh-LVHx_vCq6UXBsChtOgWi9mqnGsdsW9JxADowhgQWuvXXYJ70Bqsz0DIbRwa1hZ73AlAxrVCrGfByOULmGpY_b0vLi3a61ho/s1600/av+baby+carriage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQzP2afMAuKNTZ34kHHJOFZthProCmk1xCbQdFDZGaIh-LVHx_vCq6UXBsChtOgWi9mqnGsdsW9JxADowhgQWuvXXYJ70Bqsz0DIbRwa1hZ73AlAxrVCrGfByOULmGpY_b0vLi3a61ho/s400/av+baby+carriage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524729330500407010" /></a><br /><br />My grandmother had an iron like one of these. And we think we have it hard now if we have to iron something.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MLPTXUw3lBHI4ZUOU7fgnv7J_CXAGDpVvCQeK4sm7WpA39xlfMHqP4USKUw2eApy1TVN5yQqSVxVNa4fKlBAtzbJw3GmOosoGYQz5YRvDSCcxodjlqw6w00iyI413GhBRg2nTUu2OsM/s1600/av+irons.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MLPTXUw3lBHI4ZUOU7fgnv7J_CXAGDpVvCQeK4sm7WpA39xlfMHqP4USKUw2eApy1TVN5yQqSVxVNa4fKlBAtzbJw3GmOosoGYQz5YRvDSCcxodjlqw6w00iyI413GhBRg2nTUu2OsM/s400/av+irons.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524728844921495330" /></a><br /><br />I was struck by some of the portrayals of old time kitchens. I know that I complain if I don't have a dishwasher. Think of all the hard work it was to wash dishes in sinks like this! If you didn't have a pump in the house, you had to tote in the water.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1Eqe_vJybxfwvFa58290hv59kTNmHlw6TVYuLn5N8WIQRIlGv43JnVTTsNTNVzy_qBQr6TZfkSThgecOGIwo5L6TJJKyx1Cv0SwkAkIn4sHJSVJgjHg5B7fUJA05cICbrtf418V73_w/s1600/av+sink.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1Eqe_vJybxfwvFa58290hv59kTNmHlw6TVYuLn5N8WIQRIlGv43JnVTTsNTNVzy_qBQr6TZfkSThgecOGIwo5L6TJJKyx1Cv0SwkAkIn4sHJSVJgjHg5B7fUJA05cICbrtf418V73_w/s400/av+sink.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524728840147005298" /></a><br /><br />I do love this blue stove though.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ42vBcN9YoWURxmERaHEdbxtBESpKg2RW1G8A6yYtKqQQGVeUnlcRB4dgnrxmANefcKdfrBehc8RGudBAAYvlte0pXFlZIypNoE9eRztW08i07PNBTeV1bgx7Z84ox1BoGhZ4cj8sws/s1600/av+blue+stove.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ42vBcN9YoWURxmERaHEdbxtBESpKg2RW1G8A6yYtKqQQGVeUnlcRB4dgnrxmANefcKdfrBehc8RGudBAAYvlte0pXFlZIypNoE9eRztW08i07PNBTeV1bgx7Z84ox1BoGhZ4cj8sws/s400/av+blue+stove.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524728834224040658" /></a><br /><br />Ugh, washing day was really a chore! Now all we have to do is put the clothes in, push a button to wash them, push another button to dry them, and then all we have to do is hang them up or fold them. Not so hard really when you consider the alternative.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhn6d4IR3hh4cq2WINKrj_M8-6ATbWNKa0tmox9jCa5pRMurCvkvhBEpJUr_-oCDwTSLTW48pMG4dlhYVQWNVQ-K4dAMhWMUJ7zcYbEj8JiqVvcQQyxydeOpyZa8faRMp5LrAht826qYA/s1600/av+washing+machine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhn6d4IR3hh4cq2WINKrj_M8-6ATbWNKa0tmox9jCa5pRMurCvkvhBEpJUr_-oCDwTSLTW48pMG4dlhYVQWNVQ-K4dAMhWMUJ7zcYbEj8JiqVvcQQyxydeOpyZa8faRMp5LrAht826qYA/s400/av+washing+machine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524728827398691282" /></a><br /><br />I would love to have carted these home with me!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHMpguZ6A2A-sS3OWqdxyI-clWKVeJKGyFkA0DmhpU0qh2jIELDS_OhTq_eSus4-orJIK954DN_Yfc1E13VSPdIORQKH4ntuQLN0yzzQ5cl1O8KRwKgOvFVtvNMhGIYcSgQTcr5Fi4Zw/s1600/av+jugs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHMpguZ6A2A-sS3OWqdxyI-clWKVeJKGyFkA0DmhpU0qh2jIELDS_OhTq_eSus4-orJIK954DN_Yfc1E13VSPdIORQKH4ntuQLN0yzzQ5cl1O8KRwKgOvFVtvNMhGIYcSgQTcr5Fi4Zw/s400/av+jugs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524728820309839106" /></a><br /><br />Outside, vendors were making caramel corn. Yum! There were a lot of things for sale, crafts and also flea market wares, but my camera was being persnickety and I didn't get pics of all of that.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02HvKCd_FwyUiIqYYYlHjrO7ARLfXtBHXQhqUePg4JiN01O_vrK-86RkJZPIbNgJiF2wSR27KKvqea44yjjO_zoSoFIjrDfqHyGxFJHmiWhaq9O-tVc6nhBLIz1Q2wYlAIq2iumHp3i8/s1600/av+making+caramel+corn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02HvKCd_FwyUiIqYYYlHjrO7ARLfXtBHXQhqUePg4JiN01O_vrK-86RkJZPIbNgJiF2wSR27KKvqea44yjjO_zoSoFIjrDfqHyGxFJHmiWhaq9O-tVc6nhBLIz1Q2wYlAIq2iumHp3i8/s400/av+making+caramel+corn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524728298353432690" /></a><br /><br /><br />This was the actual office for an old-time phone company in the county. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgP4q3j_vC8Mm5wA58lcYiiY-TPLL_rV-JwYt7g4c62vb_ovvf0LiC71o2xrBStRKsuFKpPuVr1qlNtllkljqyRcIyx7HqoGs4tv_l3S8I36BpnhXL7LdiLBQuEe1gGhUE9w-CXjnSas/s1600/av+phone+co.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgP4q3j_vC8Mm5wA58lcYiiY-TPLL_rV-JwYt7g4c62vb_ovvf0LiC71o2xrBStRKsuFKpPuVr1qlNtllkljqyRcIyx7HqoGs4tv_l3S8I36BpnhXL7LdiLBQuEe1gGhUE9w-CXjnSas/s400/av+phone+co.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524728294693943042" /></a><br /><br />You didn't get to talk to anyone until the operator connected you!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipef73uOdFGRldLm1sWlHivIk_VaQky_nEPZnRg3URJECg0_-MDzJxP-dKLsZngslGRiYCQHS0DhaKg_GWVuagQyupWG92K1jaQPjLtPvYBWR0QsGkowKPOuQq0i26qgzCU6Qnyc34cV4/s1600/av+phone+operator.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipef73uOdFGRldLm1sWlHivIk_VaQky_nEPZnRg3URJECg0_-MDzJxP-dKLsZngslGRiYCQHS0DhaKg_GWVuagQyupWG92K1jaQPjLtPvYBWR0QsGkowKPOuQq0i26qgzCU6Qnyc34cV4/s400/av+phone+operator.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524728288847115874" /></a><br /><br />Just look at these old phones! I grew up with a phone just like the one on the left. Things sure have changed!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXaeR59epI_ZPBL9Ut5U_9Rl6nlDnJpI5yO0AdfAuittWEcpnKPhrXLdQELA9LlRrSIMrhz-toq54BT1HH-xZSMP3w_HUz5UYuMsJjnlwdR1dQTgsKmf-EpHndeA4ss6zBiCyfE8pM5o/s1600/av+old+phones.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXaeR59epI_ZPBL9Ut5U_9Rl6nlDnJpI5yO0AdfAuittWEcpnKPhrXLdQELA9LlRrSIMrhz-toq54BT1HH-xZSMP3w_HUz5UYuMsJjnlwdR1dQTgsKmf-EpHndeA4ss6zBiCyfE8pM5o/s400/av+old+phones.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524728276683603714" /></a><br /><br />I love old insulators. I like the turquoise color.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcCi-WV_z5jLBAJM_pemVuchlrrwdStjG5bTVDpZGFYVny2kc-DV_SB_NB17JadXEu-cZdWxVapWWL7bbjYa6F4O_rsocFDb1H2rrvdzO1ybBwdl6fcS3W7S9e1kRsKtVoTHFDl41Srk/s1600/av+insulator.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcCi-WV_z5jLBAJM_pemVuchlrrwdStjG5bTVDpZGFYVny2kc-DV_SB_NB17JadXEu-cZdWxVapWWL7bbjYa6F4O_rsocFDb1H2rrvdzO1ybBwdl6fcS3W7S9e1kRsKtVoTHFDl41Srk/s400/av+insulator.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524728270198828930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7frsDnwXj6drBlDvBDW0ogKTFfGZaJxqRwiFso8JIi1QBunnucqDepymNnaLQ3B0uRTE7ry_eeEx2EA6esYEgCBPoE2pCi4_so-yt4frTIBl_8pocxlHEQ7zOdzLj36Jxgau_MIiaGw/s1600/av+insulator+outside.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7frsDnwXj6drBlDvBDW0ogKTFfGZaJxqRwiFso8JIi1QBunnucqDepymNnaLQ3B0uRTE7ry_eeEx2EA6esYEgCBPoE2pCi4_so-yt4frTIBl_8pocxlHEQ7zOdzLj36Jxgau_MIiaGw/s400/av+insulator+outside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524727364518824386" /></a><br /><br />Next we went to school!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEOFKlLIKaR7PJPzQe4Xm6jjk27lqDlDx9Hi0BhNGSbcLfIfgfXTKzUXVgwoI3YdLme37Ch62QoAa4M7P6EULS_oOkKEH0NlY0GgBzaIq4JTWsDxSfym8PzXM-StpBJOK6bgV34GshrA/s1600/av+school.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEOFKlLIKaR7PJPzQe4Xm6jjk27lqDlDx9Hi0BhNGSbcLfIfgfXTKzUXVgwoI3YdLme37Ch62QoAa4M7P6EULS_oOkKEH0NlY0GgBzaIq4JTWsDxSfym8PzXM-StpBJOK6bgV34GshrA/s400/av+school.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524727364397878834" /></a><br />Love these old school desks! Not sure how comfortable they would have been though.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnot8YEfL-YNqMt8haRrOkLguQmWcRz3Ac1SetUrXcGNj-osSLREWR47Dciq0NrkITGrbfbSad9SYpwnqsWtP6XfZffTLbi1ZVpynauZVoy5Us_9nUrPsFOSoa7nMUNV_CV0r3IVhDMTA/s1600/av+school+desks+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnot8YEfL-YNqMt8haRrOkLguQmWcRz3Ac1SetUrXcGNj-osSLREWR47Dciq0NrkITGrbfbSad9SYpwnqsWtP6XfZffTLbi1ZVpynauZVoy5Us_9nUrPsFOSoa7nMUNV_CV0r3IVhDMTA/s400/av+school+desks+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524727370729166578" /></a><br /><br />Can you imagine writing with inkwells and quills?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPwy50nUguWNU5xe_9bkXxhEQxOvs9xDi99YVw2x-TEO8d3e9mIR7eDbLzRVhX7cDICc4rMhb5a_MRGTcixt0gmqya04kpNt0Qbaq8rCTzQx65HMd0OxWxntaVqHXgYUYs1x2cEXOCNk/s1600/av+book+and+inkwell.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPwy50nUguWNU5xe_9bkXxhEQxOvs9xDi99YVw2x-TEO8d3e9mIR7eDbLzRVhX7cDICc4rMhb5a_MRGTcixt0gmqya04kpNt0Qbaq8rCTzQx65HMd0OxWxntaVqHXgYUYs1x2cEXOCNk/s400/av+book+and+inkwell.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524727373481068786" /></a><br /><br />I must be getting old, because I remember going to school in the 60's and having blackboard like these with the alphabet above.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeqWpHM6YAlBWeBMV4fdsVON8CNxEhguVmadCKuUjKUnVaLIR02jkIaQIlPW7P3v0sa52bTng6Zs_kpQ3y3kgfCBFIkdu_6g1kuJe7g9IpkjfjZNKwvT7vmC3faRbZSXD4eY9crQYEGs/s1600/av+blackboard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeqWpHM6YAlBWeBMV4fdsVON8CNxEhguVmadCKuUjKUnVaLIR02jkIaQIlPW7P3v0sa52bTng6Zs_kpQ3y3kgfCBFIkdu_6g1kuJe7g9IpkjfjZNKwvT7vmC3faRbZSXD4eY9crQYEGs/s400/av+blackboard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524727380025177986" /></a><br /><br />After that, we went by a blacksmith shop. No one was demonstrating the art, which I think would have been fun to watch. One of my great-grandfathers was a blacksmith.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y8OddnV_o-drrPFlA5ztAAij1Ao1MLgm0AOT-eaqMHde_7BUtRlopHqmqhombn5Jt_2vhfPXLeT2GlwsBMvMFWyno54DM7v2-lPr3av9Zt_ejK6RP3R-_B9sm0mjKtj8-tfEmJD8tTk/s1600/av+blacksmith+shop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y8OddnV_o-drrPFlA5ztAAij1Ao1MLgm0AOT-eaqMHde_7BUtRlopHqmqhombn5Jt_2vhfPXLeT2GlwsBMvMFWyno54DM7v2-lPr3av9Zt_ejK6RP3R-_B9sm0mjKtj8-tfEmJD8tTk/s400/av+blacksmith+shop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524710098239823218" /></a><br /><br />This bellows was huge!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5VQpQ7MJjgVRSNNE8pvCR3kJ_xGv0kDvK8_6IRcKQUpy3Bw7kiif_y_gQLerOwOiEYO6kBqIQ4mxtEcA7Cv2y7ySeVVFiPOsz7GFRAY5qvDPDVXNnwuv8Hu_jOFC4L0aou3LQjBMFzU/s1600/av+huge+bellows.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5VQpQ7MJjgVRSNNE8pvCR3kJ_xGv0kDvK8_6IRcKQUpy3Bw7kiif_y_gQLerOwOiEYO6kBqIQ4mxtEcA7Cv2y7ySeVVFiPOsz7GFRAY5qvDPDVXNnwuv8Hu_jOFC4L0aou3LQjBMFzU/s400/av+huge+bellows.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524710097264821634" /></a><br /><br />We then decided to go to church. I love old churches. One of the churches that my boyfriend pastors was built in 1875. I think it is really interesting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzecmteJPUhgN851DAmXJWOGtUZKnFEOmNUaVeY8gs5zCGFRiH5LSTdnFZYvKqIws-EboTM0KtQohbuZ7EuuWhwWg0hR-HjS48VQLKJWwNGBucdfio-VkR6fEGAR82G0yQ9C1y27LHd0/s1600/av+church+outside.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzecmteJPUhgN851DAmXJWOGtUZKnFEOmNUaVeY8gs5zCGFRiH5LSTdnFZYvKqIws-EboTM0KtQohbuZ7EuuWhwWg0hR-HjS48VQLKJWwNGBucdfio-VkR6fEGAR82G0yQ9C1y27LHd0/s400/av+church+outside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524710089927029090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzwTpVdz6T2caolYZxFUNQqMfNHxlIAy9DHlIDVniKlkUXWLvKYfcv_0xPfrquCVHB-boY5vvAtLb7my8mmZRdE8fTGb1Zub-Z0FHW22G_2FuxcdptD8tXxiP0Y7WWQly6QTAj2sAIW8/s1600/av+church+inside.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzwTpVdz6T2caolYZxFUNQqMfNHxlIAy9DHlIDVniKlkUXWLvKYfcv_0xPfrquCVHB-boY5vvAtLb7my8mmZRdE8fTGb1Zub-Z0FHW22G_2FuxcdptD8tXxiP0Y7WWQly6QTAj2sAIW8/s400/av+church+inside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524710086922392738" /></a><br /><br />I didn't get a picture of the hay-bale maze, but it seemed to be really popular with children. This display was nearby. Ah...fall!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcJb4L5uVRnRhzCZlkXyf8kGHSiuZ2IlZiFQ9EAIOd77V1x836WAILm7eZ-TWFaM8yaknDKcUY8Dh9pkbRfaUjk7fFB_RpDEsIjwywOjGZu_cMpl0PRe8CZOogCH7X-2N3o1NmyOKkGs/s1600/av+bale+and+pumpkins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcJb4L5uVRnRhzCZlkXyf8kGHSiuZ2IlZiFQ9EAIOd77V1x836WAILm7eZ-TWFaM8yaknDKcUY8Dh9pkbRfaUjk7fFB_RpDEsIjwywOjGZu_cMpl0PRe8CZOogCH7X-2N3o1NmyOKkGs/s400/av+bale+and+pumpkins.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524710081599395362" /></a><br /><br />I have always dreamed of living in a log cabin...the modern kind though! These were fun to go through.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hXRdPPkGlTBKmKpmGhz7zyh7QaPqXw539kEOUV7hfVjOqFy35RVBBIP4cwlkazBp_JYkrkyPqsrrE0SqLudKDUPAq77sNOO-HLbTOlkCkf9kuTsJ4wE3oKJfAfLSg5NakxR0l5ocR9E/s1600/av+kinner+cabin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hXRdPPkGlTBKmKpmGhz7zyh7QaPqXw539kEOUV7hfVjOqFy35RVBBIP4cwlkazBp_JYkrkyPqsrrE0SqLudKDUPAq77sNOO-HLbTOlkCkf9kuTsJ4wE3oKJfAfLSg5NakxR0l5ocR9E/s400/av+kinner+cabin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524709473284656338" /></a><br /><br />Again, me with the windows.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjukbwBtGzdbMxhB7sCWnXUJHm0j6Mkw1QLa7Mw3_D6E2X8E-g48VXZQfQ-SqnZkIIzhyphenhyphenZ7gXw3IenOrAkx989wrge0IjPU_Lkx8GjzORuV4CzMz2v1cSW3bhruNk7UbwXvrrqHiR0hRE/s1600/av+kinner+cabin+window.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjukbwBtGzdbMxhB7sCWnXUJHm0j6Mkw1QLa7Mw3_D6E2X8E-g48VXZQfQ-SqnZkIIzhyphenhyphenZ7gXw3IenOrAkx989wrge0IjPU_Lkx8GjzORuV4CzMz2v1cSW3bhruNk7UbwXvrrqHiR0hRE/s400/av+kinner+cabin+window.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524709468610027618" /></a><br /><br />The fire in the fireplace was welcoming and offered visitors a bit of warmth. We climbed the stairs to the left...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7IjVDpaWxaYP9DZ5liy3Ta7Z-8QRzNz7cLIMlpi0QOnYodWQHcH_axLpndKbuoqKjeKctPjhABjLOt5jhraOhgCEV0T0Q4JfhjorAYeeN5sHW9R87ew8jEkSKi-WRJKAxukUvBHP6Gk/s1600/av+fireplace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7IjVDpaWxaYP9DZ5liy3Ta7Z-8QRzNz7cLIMlpi0QOnYodWQHcH_axLpndKbuoqKjeKctPjhABjLOt5jhraOhgCEV0T0Q4JfhjorAYeeN5sHW9R87ew8jEkSKi-WRJKAxukUvBHP6Gk/s400/av+fireplace.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524709464226480578" /></a><br /><br />...to discover this upper room!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X4QW4423D4dPLYVrcpjCN6dybNFBhHkFxQfkDyey5gkeSR9zBP9RGV-_x9ZN_ZlqEXMI2rO_FB2GB8pwSTO-Ke1FtThqY2fa27DQqTwdRsFdTL_J6FfUUqSJOJHUSOXXXa0mHFTdyAU/s1600/av+cabin+upstairs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X4QW4423D4dPLYVrcpjCN6dybNFBhHkFxQfkDyey5gkeSR9zBP9RGV-_x9ZN_ZlqEXMI2rO_FB2GB8pwSTO-Ke1FtThqY2fa27DQqTwdRsFdTL_J6FfUUqSJOJHUSOXXXa0mHFTdyAU/s400/av+cabin+upstairs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524709456149947442" /></a><br /><br />In a time when we all want a walk-in closet, its hard to imagine even a generously sized armoire holding the clothes for a whole family.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDESX4_fogiEdwVOLOhajfQo5LkAKAAxfAhviJMXceHdRolk_FUUuHVhrczVzgbIScxRLUedtVUWFC74oRdfIkb5XVfG1puzWt52PIXRc_XboaslJGHWXAKbGmpsYUbhDYJH8n827n9vo/s1600/av+armoire.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDESX4_fogiEdwVOLOhajfQo5LkAKAAxfAhviJMXceHdRolk_FUUuHVhrczVzgbIScxRLUedtVUWFC74oRdfIkb5XVfG1puzWt52PIXRc_XboaslJGHWXAKbGmpsYUbhDYJH8n827n9vo/s400/av+armoire.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524709450988296658" /></a><br /><br />The bed frames were really cool, and I loved the quilts, but they really didn't look at all comfortable to sleep on.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Hl-NbLzQvuz_yW9iV4oslCkH_gHAY_83HK6cM0rWjSPAaHXD_n8VftFGEpTvxVZ3FZAWAhk-MyI1ozncVTStLa09IZfwgNgTpq5Eg4fG71pk3FeO5LUIo18OzjUciBjxUFLYqHTMU_Q/s1600/av+cabin+bed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Hl-NbLzQvuz_yW9iV4oslCkH_gHAY_83HK6cM0rWjSPAaHXD_n8VftFGEpTvxVZ3FZAWAhk-MyI1ozncVTStLa09IZfwgNgTpq5Eg4fG71pk3FeO5LUIo18OzjUciBjxUFLYqHTMU_Q/s400/av+cabin+bed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524708581631210098" /></a><br /><br />Here is another, smaller cabin.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUMNRzEpepbLpy96NwOMCPysIAHcYVKBlgcCfn8gAyqNrc9jRISnWZduQxkqJUl7G73q_hzNLh0zM1l6WqQqiEmV4FSz8I2EEydwaKGT3VV0iurzoyGAkMM23FRO8UHEKHN4ve6y7xJU/s1600/av+kieffer+cabin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUMNRzEpepbLpy96NwOMCPysIAHcYVKBlgcCfn8gAyqNrc9jRISnWZduQxkqJUl7G73q_hzNLh0zM1l6WqQqiEmV4FSz8I2EEydwaKGT3VV0iurzoyGAkMM23FRO8UHEKHN4ve6y7xJU/s400/av+kieffer+cabin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524708589302071586" /></a><br /><br />Yet another window.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKQ78mTPCPJuEVAB5l8Euf1xsiECHLJmFhODwsjmczUBkO_l1RrIgief_MEzyIIAMxIoURf5X7GDNhelhQl18GDeE8jfVWYc4JcrAtmdfpfRuLmknWHPyf1kXrEmu9I_uGaJAtRaQbSM/s1600/av+small+cabin+window.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKQ78mTPCPJuEVAB5l8Euf1xsiECHLJmFhODwsjmczUBkO_l1RrIgief_MEzyIIAMxIoURf5X7GDNhelhQl18GDeE8jfVWYc4JcrAtmdfpfRuLmknWHPyf1kXrEmu9I_uGaJAtRaQbSM/s400/av+small+cabin+window.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524708591622831346" /></a><br /><br />Interesting mill stones.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1rYP_OuiXMuAUgVzxKOs-DrzIryUB7Bi8xGavcEbMpXjyVP2Zam24SQUKMOLC_MfUkEun2RpQMO1r0M13SP4G-z6cTfqrh8oJ6Y9pE9Wsna3L6VYIMFQk4XX5Af_yASp_79b6T6IJCA/s1600/av+mill+stones.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1rYP_OuiXMuAUgVzxKOs-DrzIryUB7Bi8xGavcEbMpXjyVP2Zam24SQUKMOLC_MfUkEun2RpQMO1r0M13SP4G-z6cTfqrh8oJ6Y9pE9Wsna3L6VYIMFQk4XX5Af_yASp_79b6T6IJCA/s400/av+mill+stones.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524708595518036466" /></a><br /><br />I think these are traps for small game.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGucGmdfzBUzJQ2_CgNNW0hAoKnzb__P93lX8kluSCVkdwhnhH62ewAb-RLEChKmEhSdtGR8gRI64GVKGMkmz0IAhd6qbgOCmbZmzLxW9EzizXLtAOr2eb47OEtB3Wj9fciZ3CvqZNoU/s1600/av+traps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGucGmdfzBUzJQ2_CgNNW0hAoKnzb__P93lX8kluSCVkdwhnhH62ewAb-RLEChKmEhSdtGR8gRI64GVKGMkmz0IAhd6qbgOCmbZmzLxW9EzizXLtAOr2eb47OEtB3Wj9fciZ3CvqZNoU/s400/av+traps.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524708599727120114" /></a><br /><br />Not sure what they did with this wheel.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55cxuvlOCr00MytXfmvlwn2TCCo0_HEaHLgZF-tVD1dITjmf4qnNskuYtKtRqYh1WDfUkk-PAc57d20oN3Cw7eoMbGQgyiNt_bgENx8YvXzyp0Ay0kDDWRG_sQKt60hayWk4fd0IhFWw/s1600/av+wheel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55cxuvlOCr00MytXfmvlwn2TCCo0_HEaHLgZF-tVD1dITjmf4qnNskuYtKtRqYh1WDfUkk-PAc57d20oN3Cw7eoMbGQgyiNt_bgENx8YvXzyp0Ay0kDDWRG_sQKt60hayWk4fd0IhFWw/s400/av+wheel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524707507417037746" /></a><br /><br />There was another visitor that remarked that "those were the good old days," when viewing the rustic, simple way of life that people used to lead. <br /><br />You know, although it seems that way, Mike and I both thought of what a hard life it was back then. It seemed that you'd never ever be warm in the winter, and that you'd have to deal with all kinds of vermin coming in through the floor. Life was not easy. We didn't have modern medicine, and many people died during epidemics. <br /><br />No, while it was great fun to look back into the past, I wouldn't really want to turn time that far back!<br /><br />On our way out, I spied this old firetruck. My dad, a former fireman, would have loved this.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-iKLTAb8ewp4Lhs5J9c9aUdi5jub87RyG6k8nJklO399j6y7AfN-PwVdm5S9zXynBwhgGINtATpHuD10lnE70Qt4otaXU-SeQtKwWhI-ZQ4F9kMzxNEX4kihdXtfBuCMOu9sKI9HFKY/s1600/av+firetruck.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-iKLTAb8ewp4Lhs5J9c9aUdi5jub87RyG6k8nJklO399j6y7AfN-PwVdm5S9zXynBwhgGINtATpHuD10lnE70Qt4otaXU-SeQtKwWhI-ZQ4F9kMzxNEX4kihdXtfBuCMOu9sKI9HFKY/s400/av+firetruck.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524707510961325874" /></a><br /><br />Right near the exit were these carriages. Mike thought they were too small for adults, but like I said, I think people were a lot smaller back then. We are not far from Amish country though, so it really isn't all that unusual to see people in horse drawn carriages yet today, but they are bigger.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOZxomIwUXkqMem7YdPTBkGeZJKoqfxsUmQ3hkxl6uPabpT1RIUhjzyJvXdcccfuZL_j6iGwZqFK-dw_zV5zxTXSrF0UNiAH7v_vULmQ83Q5p1-OWOll1zJwDbmzgMyitGZWMy_2GkCo/s1600/av+carriage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOZxomIwUXkqMem7YdPTBkGeZJKoqfxsUmQ3hkxl6uPabpT1RIUhjzyJvXdcccfuZL_j6iGwZqFK-dw_zV5zxTXSrF0UNiAH7v_vULmQ83Q5p1-OWOll1zJwDbmzgMyitGZWMy_2GkCo/s400/av+carriage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524707513148117570" /></a><br />What a fun day we had at Auglaize Village! Mike wants to take his kids there next spring when it's warmer.<br /><br />Even though it was a chilly day, Mike and I were tempted by the pumpkin flavored flurries offered at the dairy bar behind my apartment. It was raining, so we sat inside his car. I love that they added a little candy pumpkin, whipped cream and cinammon to the treat!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIB3OWgP_Nsnz39QA_ID_PZ7FyDObhDuQfuFG5YpkeIp1e0OqrhvbrT6u5MXZimEjbfUZVialLddQGpa_zEeOHnaPYiJX5oksiajpvs6iNRLcH4gahXesm9Y1yUdjMtm-wtKp_hP3gvhY/s1600/pumpkin+flurry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIB3OWgP_Nsnz39QA_ID_PZ7FyDObhDuQfuFG5YpkeIp1e0OqrhvbrT6u5MXZimEjbfUZVialLddQGpa_zEeOHnaPYiJX5oksiajpvs6iNRLcH4gahXesm9Y1yUdjMtm-wtKp_hP3gvhY/s400/pumpkin+flurry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524707516024810674" /></a><br /><br />Mike liked his too!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDD2W5bVeVKzokLrIYvpf8-o3Kh3eN_6mBUMe_WDGuSMLB6JoGEXCNX7SGyE0mL2tOXoRNrEvl6MLi6iHXf7FueVD8xAVnojBtQZayvwSW6znB5iLHrEux2b54ZPDxfRiUrrsoAcOOxcw/s1600/mike+eating+flurry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDD2W5bVeVKzokLrIYvpf8-o3Kh3eN_6mBUMe_WDGuSMLB6JoGEXCNX7SGyE0mL2tOXoRNrEvl6MLi6iHXf7FueVD8xAVnojBtQZayvwSW6znB5iLHrEux2b54ZPDxfRiUrrsoAcOOxcw/s400/mike+eating+flurry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524707519361681314" /></a><br /><br />Hope you enjoyed sharing the day as much as we did!<br /><br />So what do you think...would you trade today's conveniences and go back in time?<br /><br /><br>Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-69325662340429395892010-10-03T11:51:00.003-04:002010-10-03T12:13:44.824-04:00Spiritual Sunday/eDevotion -- CrushYikes, I didn't get up any other posts this week! Well, this week coming up, I will be doing a product review, will post on some unexpected nature that I found in my yard, and hopefully, will get around to doing a Pink Saturday. For today, however, I'm participating in another <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com">Spiritual Sundays</a>. <br /><br />I am again sharing an eDevotion written by my boyfriend, Pastor Mike. He writes weekly (sometimes every other weekly) eDevotions that he sends out. I love these! I like his folksy way of telling a story and making me feel things on a personal level. The eDevotion that I am sharing today is called "Crush," and it is my favorite that I have read so far. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFDah_fX_L5-zi_LNaAF6Xm2CT2Gu-dPSdr7qMg8l6MdvsktTP29GnxDCePTiS8IjnciGEGBu078CP35T1183tEeaeShsz1sANGbLf-ynYrDAISRUn9iNvwMKjVqtZsDHFB3kMx-IwaI/s1600/cs-salute.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 336px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFDah_fX_L5-zi_LNaAF6Xm2CT2Gu-dPSdr7qMg8l6MdvsktTP29GnxDCePTiS8IjnciGEGBu078CP35T1183tEeaeShsz1sANGbLf-ynYrDAISRUn9iNvwMKjVqtZsDHFB3kMx-IwaI/s400/cs-salute.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523848608306713634" /></a><br /><br />*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<br /><br />Crush<br /><br />"Is not Ephraim (Israel) my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him, declares the LORD." Jeremiah 31:20<br /><br />I get a lot of prayer requests, as you might imagine. A recent favorite came from one of our Cub Scouts. He crept up to me on the sly and said, "Pastor Mike, there’s this girl that I really, really like – could you please pray that she will like me too?" I could tell by his face that he was as serious as poison oak.<br /><br />Now, if I were a good pastor, no doubt I would have gently explained that that’s not the sort of thing one prays for. God doesn’t manipulate people for our benefit, so He’s probably not going to turn up some little girl’s thermostat just to warm her up for you. But I forgot to say that because, well, I just sort of felt for the little dude. He had these big droopy eyes that said, if this girl would just like me all of life would become Wonderland. If she doesn’t, well then stop the world because I want to get off.<br /><br />You’re going to think I’m cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, but that boy is a picture of God. I think God pines for us like an aching puppy lover. What God wants more than anything else – more than he wants us to behave ourselves, more than he wants us to feed starving kids in India – is just us. Our love, our affection, our company. The number one promise in scripture is not "I will forgive you" or "I will help you" (though those are both in there plenty), but it’s "I will be with you." Hoping, no doubt, that we will return the favor.<br /><br />Pastor Mike, there are these people I’m just crazy about. We’re talking head over heels. I think about them all the time – I can’t even sleep at night. But it’s hard to tell if they even like me. They seem interested in other things. Will you pray, Pastor Mike, that they will like me back?<br /><br />I’ll give it a shot.<br /><br />*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*<br /><br />One of the things I loved so much about what Mike wrote here is that for me, it made our Lord so much more real. It made me feel the love that God has for us and His longing for us to be with Him. It touched me in a way that nothing else has. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtagRg9lMPPpt2iOidP-Rnc-tfbE1K3O6IxWC06176rCPi7yfbzRe6oJWW0lkSjAjGfeFG47XCp8s_UwOjv76Ept23r2Me1uCgDFsNwsnG_8UcGYwabIuqMcxEVPSMXolOxAdvLcJ_rE/s1600/JesusHug.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtagRg9lMPPpt2iOidP-Rnc-tfbE1K3O6IxWC06176rCPi7yfbzRe6oJWW0lkSjAjGfeFG47XCp8s_UwOjv76Ept23r2Me1uCgDFsNwsnG_8UcGYwabIuqMcxEVPSMXolOxAdvLcJ_rE/s400/JesusHug.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523848611116792738" /></a><br />When I found this picture, it seemed perfect for this post. Look how much He loves us! Look how much He craves our fellowship!<br /><br />He can't wait to pull us into His embrace!<br /><br>Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-9088016179763758562010-09-25T22:15:00.006-04:002010-09-25T22:44:26.008-04:00Spiritual Sundays/An eDevotion -- ChinaI am going to venture out into something completely different for me and am going to be participating in <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com">Spiritual Sundays</a> this week, and maybe every Sunday that I manage to get around to it.<br /><br />You see, this is a really new thing dating a man of the cloth. I never, EVER pictured myself dating a minister! I mean, I haven't even been a church-goer for well over 10 years. Though I have always been a very spiritual woman, and have told people that I am a Christian, I described myself as a "disillusioned, disenchanted Christian." I have encountered a lot of weirdness in the body of Christ. Sad to say, some of the biggest hurts I have ever received in my life were at the hands of those who called themselves Christians. People have said some of the stupidest things to me, feeling that they were sharing through Christ. <br /><br />It was enough to make me feel like I never wanted to go back to a mainstream church ever again. Still, I longed to be part of a church again. I have longed for that fellowship. But I just didn't know if I could do it.<br /><br />One of the things I really like about my sweetheart is that he writes eDevotions. He recently even had one published in the Upper Room daily devotional! When I received the following one in my email, at first I wondered if he was purposely stepping on my toes. Read on: and by the way, these are copyright per Pastor Mike, but if you want to use it or share it, I would be thrilled to pass on a message to him so that you can get his eDevotions in your inbox too!<br /><br />*~*~*~*~*~*<br />This one is titled "China."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4lelL0hRQCvjpxDGH2_nLzm27MzsdINHY7DYZ_1OxlhYl5Q27y6gmVIr1vMgzwgRWlM4RoooES57cs-KVv7MgvlUUJGMB5y1dqSRlS3Nst_qi3a43Cro4HGN2QzkhNqfJi04LYzyIlg/s1600/fortune-cookie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4lelL0hRQCvjpxDGH2_nLzm27MzsdINHY7DYZ_1OxlhYl5Q27y6gmVIr1vMgzwgRWlM4RoooES57cs-KVv7MgvlUUJGMB5y1dqSRlS3Nst_qi3a43Cro4HGN2QzkhNqfJi04LYzyIlg/s400/fortune-cookie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521041394044677138" /></a><br /><br /><br />"Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world." 1 Peter 2:12<br /><br />I’ve never been to China, but I bet it isn’t anything like Chinese restaurants.<br /><br />For one thing, eating at Chinese restaurants you’d think that a nation of a billion people had only managed to come up with three kinds of soup. Also, fortune cookies aren’t Chinese. (True story – when fortune cookies were first marketed in China they were advertised as "Authentic – just like in America!") And they probably don’t really number all their food like that over there. And anyway, most "Chinese" dishes we see have been mutated into more American-type vittles. I bet when folks from China come here to visit they go to McDonalds, where at least they’ll have some idea what the heck they’re ordering.<br /><br />What I’m trying to say is, you’d be nuts to make any judgments about the country of China based on your local neighborhood noodle house.<br /><br />It’s no less crazy to draw conclusions about the Kingdom of God from your experiences with some church. But people do that all the time. Because they have found some congregations to be narrow, bigoted, insensitive, judgmental (you know this list as well as I do) they deduce that they are better off without the whole shebang. They can be "spiritual but not religious." OR, equally erroneous, because some churches have rubbed them that way at a particular time and place they conclude that they all must be that way. Listen, there are many, many churches where the love command is still on the books – where people who are different are welcomed, generosity is practiced, the sick and poor are treated with dignity, and folks are encouraged to use their brains. They just don’t show that kind on TV very much.<br /><br />And while we’re at it some of those eggroll joints aren’t bad either. At least they’ll get you by until you finally get to make your big trip to China.<br />*~*~*~*~*~*<br /><br />Like I said, at first this eDevotion kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I thought, "well, I'm not going to like them all." I also wondered if he was quoting me with the "spiritual but not religious" part, since I say that a lot. Turns out that he wasn't.<br /><br />It still got me to thinking. Maybe it's time I put aside some of the hurts. As a counselor, I had a whole lesson on Forgiveness. Though I thought I had forgiven all the hurts, I was still letting them affect my life today. <br /><br />Time to put it all in the past. Time to move forward. Time to stop letting what stupid things other Christians have done to keep me from getting with others and worshipping and praising my Lord again in a church family.<br /><br />So I am not yet going to my boyfriend's church. For him, it will be a Really Big Deal for me to hear him preach. I'm happy that he so highly values my opinion of his work, and that he wants to be impressive. I've decided to start attending my son's church in the meantime. It still feels a little awkward, and I feel like a little bit of a fake after being out of the loop for over a decade, but the people are warm and welcoming. I feel fed. I feel accepted. <br /><br />And I feel pretty darn good about it. Hallelujah!<br /><br /><br>Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-34006166721105229132010-09-22T20:46:00.005-04:002010-09-23T16:16:55.546-04:00Tablescape Thursday/Everyday TablescapeWelcome to another Tablescape Thursday! I haven't participated in quite a while, but I felt it was about time that I shared my every day tablescape with you. For the last few months, this is what my table has looked like. Nothing fancy this time, just giving you a glimpse into how I like my table looking all the time...at least for now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSl0tLOtrNggLu7slvRWe-QDoa5FOzehLAqpnJ1cz1apLy1C7pwgQup9qccEisuug8zdRtA4i9DWVrVCzrobrqIBZMgfvVgAHn2LCeNLUfNOmNA7XaIN79EufJwey8HyOc7lM-KgGRkog/s1600/tt+head+place+setting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSl0tLOtrNggLu7slvRWe-QDoa5FOzehLAqpnJ1cz1apLy1C7pwgQup9qccEisuug8zdRtA4i9DWVrVCzrobrqIBZMgfvVgAHn2LCeNLUfNOmNA7XaIN79EufJwey8HyOc7lM-KgGRkog/s400/tt+head+place+setting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519906433109208002" /></a><br /><br />But before I start, how many of you have thought about the most basic element of tablescaping...the table on which your pretties all sit? I have a table that looks very similar to this table, except my chairs are different.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o28IxuETJrOlRX9OrYKukWTr7AirXDOIuYRExuFvpP3TBlNhearrgKqLzpx4x20FUpO1oEuytCw97TGp74MDJKSAT1XVx5853ZZaEtv8AuBzJt7q6Cd_VTilheYs9omPR3MIpzDLE1c/s1600/Morrison+Rectangular+Dining+Table+with+Solid+Wood+Side+Chair+in+Natural+_+White.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o28IxuETJrOlRX9OrYKukWTr7AirXDOIuYRExuFvpP3TBlNhearrgKqLzpx4x20FUpO1oEuytCw97TGp74MDJKSAT1XVx5853ZZaEtv8AuBzJt7q6Cd_VTilheYs9omPR3MIpzDLE1c/s400/Morrison+Rectangular+Dining+Table+with+Solid+Wood+Side+Chair+in+Natural+_+White.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519906784318238722" /></a><br />In fact, my chairs don't even all match, though they did when I first bought them. I found many more beautiful <a href="http://www.diningroomsdirect.com/">kitchen tables</a>, at Dining Rooms Direct,a division of CSN. Yes, this is a teaser for an upcoming product review that I will be doing! Anyhow, please do check out that site for all the gorgeous dining sets they have there.<br /><br />It's true though. The table on which you set your beautiful things is important to setting the mood in your dining room or kitchen. I LOVE my table, and have had it for years now.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4v3rat9YxKSolLLdtd6PQCBBqBttcn_jCrCYytwsXSOX6B3Mq4oX8gWzVVgPjQvv7787AZeQKBDktrBiy9Z2OAhYtP8hlANd279yJSRJDBOmryuYspJIzRlWP13IaNX8eVEn6FPKKyY/s1600/tt+tablescape.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 327px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4v3rat9YxKSolLLdtd6PQCBBqBttcn_jCrCYytwsXSOX6B3Mq4oX8gWzVVgPjQvv7787AZeQKBDktrBiy9Z2OAhYtP8hlANd279yJSRJDBOmryuYspJIzRlWP13IaNX8eVEn6FPKKyY/s400/tt+tablescape.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519906774070623474" /></a><br /><br />My current tablescape all started with this pretty placemat. I found four of these at Walmart on sale for $1.50 each. I love the warm reds and golden yellows. It went really well with the table runner that I had purchased online a few years back on eBay.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGa7aa_aa4_ZEmWz8S_Oqyiy8J6Y9WSPNG9id_Ss4WPLmNdaw4Jqx9G3tpSAV0Y1C4nZ0MuGOIVJUcFjzWkMSHrjeT0h9Pz3Rs0HgDtsvlnZHsYDw5fSQM5dPjkLf7EOuwfeDdu72kI8/s1600/tt+placemat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGa7aa_aa4_ZEmWz8S_Oqyiy8J6Y9WSPNG9id_Ss4WPLmNdaw4Jqx9G3tpSAV0Y1C4nZ0MuGOIVJUcFjzWkMSHrjeT0h9Pz3Rs0HgDtsvlnZHsYDw5fSQM5dPjkLf7EOuwfeDdu72kI8/s400/tt+placemat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519906474646848258" /></a><br /><br />I had purchased the goldent yellow tablecloth for $5 at Wally World last fall and used it at Thanksgiving. To this, I added my white Gibson dishes, and dark red salad plates, also from Walmart for about $1.50 each. I used my everyday eating utensils.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySntDTwxykRa7G9YRpc1VU-2FGj-sc_S24ukNzWxCnEMujXTVuxt61MOP9QXFjZ7tALeR7Dc-3qdIK8RgiSOzx19_oFKFl1uE_mUbg_gBHB9QaAnPqp8vs2gJ284-msyJn8EYW80fSIk/s1600/tt+placesetting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySntDTwxykRa7G9YRpc1VU-2FGj-sc_S24ukNzWxCnEMujXTVuxt61MOP9QXFjZ7tALeR7Dc-3qdIK8RgiSOzx19_oFKFl1uE_mUbg_gBHB9QaAnPqp8vs2gJ284-msyJn8EYW80fSIk/s400/tt+placesetting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519906767738673634" /></a><br /><br />I have used my grandmother's milk glass glasses for many tablescapes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdwFJvxztVo1qhnrJTATYUGAvdcnl-46bNdxexPxCIBZVMszYzpwz_IcdZR64yTt26D0SI-7jziIRtD4OfOnsMl5u8_k2_QMdotRkC4d5Mk5YEMrL6HvzxSasWILrRf1D__ZOghq7m6I/s1600/tt+milkglass+cup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdwFJvxztVo1qhnrJTATYUGAvdcnl-46bNdxexPxCIBZVMszYzpwz_IcdZR64yTt26D0SI-7jziIRtD4OfOnsMl5u8_k2_QMdotRkC4d5Mk5YEMrL6HvzxSasWILrRf1D__ZOghq7m6I/s400/tt+milkglass+cup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519906465829986194" /></a><br /><br />I got the iron stars at a home party years ago. I don't know where I would get them any more these days. They are designed to be candle holders, but were originally architectural in purpose. I love stars, which are a big theme in my decorating.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0coZMkYoKu0avNG9A5XJjEo-LFfV-dA3S1g48tm7U5yWls506ng2FJvEZWj4PKDgGAHcDDrUy392ofI7bnVpViaz9HhLDx3_K82-6NuevdklIp3DrdYeDttcPXT-bdfKEBb06tLP1PE/s1600/tt+iron+star.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 356px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0coZMkYoKu0avNG9A5XJjEo-LFfV-dA3S1g48tm7U5yWls506ng2FJvEZWj4PKDgGAHcDDrUy392ofI7bnVpViaz9HhLDx3_K82-6NuevdklIp3DrdYeDttcPXT-bdfKEBb06tLP1PE/s400/tt+iron+star.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519906448371208082" /></a><br /><br />I didn't get elaborate with the tablescape, but felt that I needed a little something extra. I added a red candle with an apple scent, and this little yellow duck that I found at Goodwill. It was originally part of a set that was sold through Home Interiors. I found it for much cheaper at GW! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCawo2_Afqy2dhIz18NuXpR1aHmOiDM-Pv4bTheiEmuE_GZoF4N4z7jx7R4VsdojwMCkHVL_1lLWAFAOPIPJZfuyV2LVpVBRgyvJ1mEsoWhDrXIliytWEvYlHrImNekcTqCBpJW8pbSRo/s1600/tt+duckcandle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCawo2_Afqy2dhIz18NuXpR1aHmOiDM-Pv4bTheiEmuE_GZoF4N4z7jx7R4VsdojwMCkHVL_1lLWAFAOPIPJZfuyV2LVpVBRgyvJ1mEsoWhDrXIliytWEvYlHrImNekcTqCBpJW8pbSRo/s400/tt+duckcandle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519906425240158594" /></a><br />He makes me feel that this tablescape is just "ducky!"<br /><br />Ok, I'll stop with that for now!<br /><br />Please do check out other tablescapes, hosted by Susan at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com">Between Naps on the Porch</a>. This is such a fun weekly event!<br /><br />Perhaps one day soon I'll get a little bored with this table setting and do something new. Until then, see you!<br /><br>Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-58404932261715528872010-09-20T18:12:00.010-04:002010-09-20T20:06:36.478-04:00What I've Been Up to This Summer, Part 2Here I am three weeks after my last post. Since it is the last partial day of summer, I suppose I better update you on the rest of my summer activities!<br /><br />Before I start though, I would like to note the absence of two of my favorite bloggers, Dot from "Picket Fences" and Heather (Rue) of "Rue's Peanut Butter and Jelly Life" who have apparently left the blogging world during the last week or two. Though I don't know if they will ever see this, I would like to tell them both that they touched my heart when they shared their lives with me and the world, and that they shall be sorely missed. I hope they both come back sometime. Since I can no longer access their blogs, I didn't get to see why they decided to stop blogging, but I want to say that I do understand if they felt that this was best for them. There is NOTHING more important out there than our families, and I feel that this is why they left.<br /><br />On a happier note, my sweetheart Mike has let me post his pictures on Facebook, so I am sharing a few here now too. We have been dating for just over 4 months now. I really don't like this first picture of us, but its what I have.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vt5N6GWgO8djU_bjETZMu_D4kHO9G1Z1kZxxjp-J5OlOIU5JNTGVSg6gcrL_DR6p6xU23cq32ODMS_aCgI3PiL1jLRsWqFo8i8kk5_eNSiAw13b1wuflxumTo7jsBlk2GJKRL1UT2QE/s1600/Kay+Mike+not+as+bad+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vt5N6GWgO8djU_bjETZMu_D4kHO9G1Z1kZxxjp-J5OlOIU5JNTGVSg6gcrL_DR6p6xU23cq32ODMS_aCgI3PiL1jLRsWqFo8i8kk5_eNSiAw13b1wuflxumTo7jsBlk2GJKRL1UT2QE/s400/Kay+Mike+not+as+bad+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519139619361399858" /></a><br /><br />Here are a couple pictures I took of him on one of our boat trips. Isn't he cute?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HA9gCsoIQ81Jmd4gKjSz7bpWeJ3ZRFW43p814eGIrQsRqZC3laojeKp1rWDLUk0-GBNieQG7JcRMfQc2BYvepYkYCBiDnlFGkt9Hms5fVIYu6XNsm-PFwfXDVYf8PQY18YC6ZWOuR2M/s1600/Mike+headshot+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HA9gCsoIQ81Jmd4gKjSz7bpWeJ3ZRFW43p814eGIrQsRqZC3laojeKp1rWDLUk0-GBNieQG7JcRMfQc2BYvepYkYCBiDnlFGkt9Hms5fVIYu6XNsm-PFwfXDVYf8PQY18YC6ZWOuR2M/s400/Mike+headshot+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519139624547698882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCv5HFPuhOOyx8-f5e1kN7YtKmBERvtUFIGwXrfqspgSLPtrR8JmlC8G1Sn_NU3hT_AlJ_-jimDLxgH5UXxFOiHJatpR_Qv9-ilwqBb7328LhXs8dScfiufaVyjQkG_Okh359z-lBet0w/s1600/Mike+headshot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 321px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCv5HFPuhOOyx8-f5e1kN7YtKmBERvtUFIGwXrfqspgSLPtrR8JmlC8G1Sn_NU3hT_AlJ_-jimDLxgH5UXxFOiHJatpR_Qv9-ilwqBb7328LhXs8dScfiufaVyjQkG_Okh359z-lBet0w/s400/Mike+headshot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519139628285668418" /></a><br /><br />One of the places I got to go this summer was to <a href="http:www.jellystonesbest.com">Jellystone Park</a> at Barton Lake, Indiana, near Fremont. This was a working vacation (as an aide), but so much fun! This is where I got to stay, in one of their deluxe cabins. This picture is from the website.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiG56hyGVivukDhsAJTGn1iivwem1eLXmMA-z-kIkzJTFukmNsZJBk3P1wmZ7D14_8-eWAkSPvn7l9VEUD_DEQYQ0UnpV25O5r8iTMCnBtflOe5r14fCVrZrfdSP7l5TsQJOCgJTSwD0/s1600/ws+deluxe+cottage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiG56hyGVivukDhsAJTGn1iivwem1eLXmMA-z-kIkzJTFukmNsZJBk3P1wmZ7D14_8-eWAkSPvn7l9VEUD_DEQYQ0UnpV25O5r8iTMCnBtflOe5r14fCVrZrfdSP7l5TsQJOCgJTSwD0/s400/ws+deluxe+cottage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519137834254680594" /></a><br /><br />I took this pic of the lake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwDWE6besKtpuKJMjaTjbO6837jYRQt5L0grhMBU0b3DzpI2MakO1Qpu4rmByVA9-qEImiSrFl8DnwhzMmfVhHvsglisIF3O01U2TPO58enoXbGjE3TguNCNd7vH-ywuRLKqdI1EfExw/s1600/barton+lake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwDWE6besKtpuKJMjaTjbO6837jYRQt5L0grhMBU0b3DzpI2MakO1Qpu4rmByVA9-qEImiSrFl8DnwhzMmfVhHvsglisIF3O01U2TPO58enoXbGjE3TguNCNd7vH-ywuRLKqdI1EfExw/s400/barton+lake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519137832048548962" /></a><br /><br />The ceilings were so high! I love pine, so I really liked the cabin interior.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC09CK4fkz205MN70BbpKWPaPPHsVEjPFowwQ8dYfntpmDEOfCXROhkTguDNENk0c0EcyQnUaveirZ3LPCdMO2MIPFhdDSgDjmKCaEx1Zk2IWw1JffBPBwMApLO0EuOJ2LEuBdDSoo7U/s1600/cabin+ceiling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC09CK4fkz205MN70BbpKWPaPPHsVEjPFowwQ8dYfntpmDEOfCXROhkTguDNENk0c0EcyQnUaveirZ3LPCdMO2MIPFhdDSgDjmKCaEx1Zk2IWw1JffBPBwMApLO0EuOJ2LEuBdDSoo7U/s400/cabin+ceiling.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519137824852635954" /></a><br /><br />Each cabin was decorated a little differently. I would have loved to "borrow" these curtains for my own home. Of course, I didn't.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hwYVtmJdC3odwzo8cK8cfPEJVpju1vKkynPp6BhMGo8_6WI8JHbLwJJsC9Ri_-UyMoDaVmcWcixBVqj6lJX2YxDNGOvTT5U_UYZp8i-na_ohacWxS_GzOimu5SQ3LXJMtLgzKR-OA0w/s1600/cabin+curtains.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hwYVtmJdC3odwzo8cK8cfPEJVpju1vKkynPp6BhMGo8_6WI8JHbLwJJsC9Ri_-UyMoDaVmcWcixBVqj6lJX2YxDNGOvTT5U_UYZp8i-na_ohacWxS_GzOimu5SQ3LXJMtLgzKR-OA0w/s400/cabin+curtains.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519137815841283298" /></a><br /><br />One of the camp activities was a luau, so I got some Hawaiian shirts, which I hung with my jacket in the living room.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_QGkaQoeyPaQIhz6bTeM2up6onx_T68hobdq4G_D7BdWXqv0xM9V07nBIctzqGscQjiXqwgla-BA9_H-Yhv-vFEgDyBUp67iAn4ZWgG1W44bNGZVtc4f9zH955b4J7K8D1AJg2ytQ-Q/s1600/hawaiian+shirts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_QGkaQoeyPaQIhz6bTeM2up6onx_T68hobdq4G_D7BdWXqv0xM9V07nBIctzqGscQjiXqwgla-BA9_H-Yhv-vFEgDyBUp67iAn4ZWgG1W44bNGZVtc4f9zH955b4J7K8D1AJg2ytQ-Q/s400/hawaiian+shirts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519137807230910274" /></a><br /><br />There was a picture hanging on the wall which I loved because it reminded me of summers spent at Clear Lake nearby during my childhood. More on that in a bit!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbof22h3ZaVxC5aBnngYd4Lh1Zn_K_Zgz3FFdIRydPjxGGxxH8ZLU1HD8eoQAGLl5XdRp8JxaPXym7WJ2R44rnVSP2_C9j0t0Ye0qkwuG6EQuuimATR6gIQiTXupFO7WwN0ySj56FW1xo/s1600/pic+in+cabin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbof22h3ZaVxC5aBnngYd4Lh1Zn_K_Zgz3FFdIRydPjxGGxxH8ZLU1HD8eoQAGLl5XdRp8JxaPXym7WJ2R44rnVSP2_C9j0t0Ye0qkwuG6EQuuimATR6gIQiTXupFO7WwN0ySj56FW1xo/s400/pic+in+cabin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519136631869462498" /></a><br /><br />The rest of these cabin pictures are from the campground's site, linked above. This is how the cabin where I stayed looked too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0c4KgQl0cQNJEwylbtl9ExsJCGsrwNdvVXRnSXTzkfcCU9uEzts4fv8sTM2ii8i0YnfGIgHfIK_WZwhvfB0SAXGmfX_JLVly7zYq5YdCCAuPwfeqe2s9V46ZMcUO6r_k4OOth6C1z4A/s1600/ws+porch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0c4KgQl0cQNJEwylbtl9ExsJCGsrwNdvVXRnSXTzkfcCU9uEzts4fv8sTM2ii8i0YnfGIgHfIK_WZwhvfB0SAXGmfX_JLVly7zYq5YdCCAuPwfeqe2s9V46ZMcUO6r_k4OOth6C1z4A/s400/ws+porch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519136626627043586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjBrQ4_HKsMWqAIAzVMZcnyk7nLlsx2tRXUQOCge6bEyoVBbA72ov3TxG2MgHP9EibBxpGK1uvVa50nz26BemVYHmwybEiyHyNZ6ecrLPtjq5bV3s3rBG5Fe3RoYJ9atahw4gDou4H1U/s1600/ws+bunk+room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjBrQ4_HKsMWqAIAzVMZcnyk7nLlsx2tRXUQOCge6bEyoVBbA72ov3TxG2MgHP9EibBxpGK1uvVa50nz26BemVYHmwybEiyHyNZ6ecrLPtjq5bV3s3rBG5Fe3RoYJ9atahw4gDou4H1U/s400/ws+bunk+room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519136622738608546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmlZzKfYic5Jj8_OsquYOpCKdvCwPcNss7eqd7Yjsh0-BXrcDsuZHvrFHXuJKyrXtB4jYgOLwZfBn3km4OkDS4nwFGTTOZCw0oBgX5i96Mp8bp8m1XlZ66aKJUzb70ptdM2aPhFZNYiA/s1600/ws+kitchenette.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmlZzKfYic5Jj8_OsquYOpCKdvCwPcNss7eqd7Yjsh0-BXrcDsuZHvrFHXuJKyrXtB4jYgOLwZfBn3km4OkDS4nwFGTTOZCw0oBgX5i96Mp8bp8m1XlZ66aKJUzb70ptdM2aPhFZNYiA/s400/ws+kitchenette.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519136614410978178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbLrDmZ1yus7cwdkQlmhtKnTKlRGPpPraI-GqPQUBH8RCTR70hF4aQBhpK2U2_Yhr79Y_WX7JV-UoybRymitrY30LzoBg7xq3GALwWwTsz6frqpuDnNz-bVgqDF-pcWcdiIi9jHpwDKo/s1600/ws+table.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbLrDmZ1yus7cwdkQlmhtKnTKlRGPpPraI-GqPQUBH8RCTR70hF4aQBhpK2U2_Yhr79Y_WX7JV-UoybRymitrY30LzoBg7xq3GALwWwTsz6frqpuDnNz-bVgqDF-pcWcdiIi9jHpwDKo/s400/ws+table.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519136611816548098" /></a><br />I would love to go back there again someday, but with my own family! It was a lot of fun.<br /><br />Here I am helping out at one activity.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOdti6hylSOGkBzy13hKs9U7YeTfk8JcEM-8oKoYxpJUS1pbdhEnRM4gfRSXDVFShCkkZYyM5hVldc5jrbPJ4vp7lDraVxhD_gqWzh7VEyEmMnDyMNoRuzcasOH82ubyBrm9N6VHBZLI/s1600/kay.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOdti6hylSOGkBzy13hKs9U7YeTfk8JcEM-8oKoYxpJUS1pbdhEnRM4gfRSXDVFShCkkZYyM5hVldc5jrbPJ4vp7lDraVxhD_gqWzh7VEyEmMnDyMNoRuzcasOH82ubyBrm9N6VHBZLI/s400/kay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519136096858959506" /></a><br /><br />This was a part of another activity, which was great fun! There were also three pools, and of course, I spent time in one of them!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv7at2o-3Vc4foi5zIEN2n4qV6mUSiGZr2p7Aa0VFEwT3j6hdi7ozPuSFkMoH39Z-TQAhotQJRhOe497OW46WUdzS3OXO6UG6VhWOOOXVEl9vLybK5lzGi_UYVhpLc1iTqEEQwacO7z8/s1600/Yogi_Bears_Jellystone_Park_at_Bartoc4e8f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv7at2o-3Vc4foi5zIEN2n4qV6mUSiGZr2p7Aa0VFEwT3j6hdi7ozPuSFkMoH39Z-TQAhotQJRhOe497OW46WUdzS3OXO6UG6VhWOOOXVEl9vLybK5lzGi_UYVhpLc1iTqEEQwacO7z8/s400/Yogi_Bears_Jellystone_Park_at_Bartoc4e8f.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519136090824587730" /></a><br /><br />After three days at camp, I drove home, passing Clear Lake, Indiana, where I spent every summer until after I was 12. My grandparents had owned a cottage here, which my father later inherited. Eventually, they sold the cottage, which broke my heart, but now that I have been a parent struggling to make ends meet, I understand why they did it. <br /><br />Anyhow, our cottage was just 6 lots down from the public beach. Here is a view from the bluff overlooking the beach.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLanFjTBmbSTRfvauJ0fNRvfAhnzu0IhlUoqjC4SINV5Ww3NCNiQlkGF7PGAAPphbWMMvklctDWSYNGC1yLK3ysk8ISpASuygS84-aoM9CduUvrV1O4bYDUdxMVfz5Dl4Ir4YTQNFQtk/s1600/clear+lake+from+bluff.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLanFjTBmbSTRfvauJ0fNRvfAhnzu0IhlUoqjC4SINV5Ww3NCNiQlkGF7PGAAPphbWMMvklctDWSYNGC1yLK3ysk8ISpASuygS84-aoM9CduUvrV1O4bYDUdxMVfz5Dl4Ir4YTQNFQtk/s400/clear+lake+from+bluff.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519136072488423938" /></a><br /><br />Then views to the left, and right. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOqCJQJYAfubMTYHFFYLB9LguZr4xECGBxoM91OcsE0aQMXtrEblG55sInKWJy6bqocYo5NYJljnRJspWEB1Ay6NljO6Wt5mTgbT6lsvCUd6xZzEQ8OJDlgeUkIoi2cxFZbV_qxlepbQ/s1600/clear+lake+left+view.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOqCJQJYAfubMTYHFFYLB9LguZr4xECGBxoM91OcsE0aQMXtrEblG55sInKWJy6bqocYo5NYJljnRJspWEB1Ay6NljO6Wt5mTgbT6lsvCUd6xZzEQ8OJDlgeUkIoi2cxFZbV_qxlepbQ/s400/clear+lake+left+view.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519136070084861842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-AY-OE1YW1YfaMknshVGYDjici5Zu8jWp_8bD5GMcdvNcfmvwG46Y07T7al0-LWv1IwlePL_CeET8dzwSt4Dye3RMLum9qk8RuP1yLHBviBQYI0CUnU-Hv4RXSi55xLyUxe-mIXWpLw/s1600/clear+lake+right+view.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-AY-OE1YW1YfaMknshVGYDjici5Zu8jWp_8bD5GMcdvNcfmvwG46Y07T7al0-LWv1IwlePL_CeET8dzwSt4Dye3RMLum9qk8RuP1yLHBviBQYI0CUnU-Hv4RXSi55xLyUxe-mIXWpLw/s400/clear+lake+right+view.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519136065484599026" /></a><br /><br />Here is the beach...open to the public. I remember it looking bigger when I was young!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEIuXWlXv9c5D_Dq67TZso3PEoJe7XbS45iDC9yBEZpMyG2_CSULafFgb-IiXbqDfOdDGtMUuRJ-aNqoHvOzra5MXANoXubpZ1fbekiHT3pfo2mr5dYbZ7yi-FkAjU6SxVI-oCO2CVJo/s1600/clear+lake+beach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEIuXWlXv9c5D_Dq67TZso3PEoJe7XbS45iDC9yBEZpMyG2_CSULafFgb-IiXbqDfOdDGtMUuRJ-aNqoHvOzra5MXANoXubpZ1fbekiHT3pfo2mr5dYbZ7yi-FkAjU6SxVI-oCO2CVJo/s400/clear+lake+beach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519135503018171458" /></a><br />Oh, how I miss that lake and the old cottage, now long gone. My visit sure tugged at my heart and brought a few tears to my eyes.<br /><br />I made another stop on the way home to visit my sweetie and his children. We decided to take a little trip to George Bible Park near Montpelier, Ohio. There is such a pretty pond there. It's so peaceful.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0ncvjLJ36eozsiBd5Gv9frFq4fMxsD_AogJQt-YZf4LUcHLtqz8mlheerJil1rmev4axi_nRoomNKR91I7bcOk_r-fZ7ewGBaVZNB1GL0TY4aaP6WscjvFajrDGVZagE6v9rZvtDBUQ/s1600/bible+park+pond.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0ncvjLJ36eozsiBd5Gv9frFq4fMxsD_AogJQt-YZf4LUcHLtqz8mlheerJil1rmev4axi_nRoomNKR91I7bcOk_r-fZ7ewGBaVZNB1GL0TY4aaP6WscjvFajrDGVZagE6v9rZvtDBUQ/s400/bible+park+pond.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519135499415511522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7c76dm8lY32ldy7IX_BWmd7yV4QL4SjiHkR8v4scUufUBS9NO1A0u2vBA2rxmH4lWM2une2ylEL6lPpM9LZiQl_WKgC8xAVHpkt0JWfWZVPDAxwNSBAn-nsCS94vYq6aLgb7Ck5h230/s1600/bible+park+pond+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7c76dm8lY32ldy7IX_BWmd7yV4QL4SjiHkR8v4scUufUBS9NO1A0u2vBA2rxmH4lWM2une2ylEL6lPpM9LZiQl_WKgC8xAVHpkt0JWfWZVPDAxwNSBAn-nsCS94vYq6aLgb7Ck5h230/s400/bible+park+pond+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519135490288392738" /></a><br /><br />We took a walk around the pond. Her is Mike in the woods, looking like he is none too pleased that I have poked a camera in his face. Can't help it...he's so cute! Actually, it was about 97 degrees that day and we were sweltering.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Xk05o5Jw3RFUjYbjKtx6IXrLvya_M5rdilrhcITK8tom2KRMk4ZfpiGMZVjUIWnjjEgpfuk6viUDEN9hbgc4tLMIXl2jNYzKfSMCyM_6b2BUCAagUQIVJ5PutLyDQU6bNumYnMcX1Mg/s1600/mike+in+woods.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 347px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Xk05o5Jw3RFUjYbjKtx6IXrLvya_M5rdilrhcITK8tom2KRMk4ZfpiGMZVjUIWnjjEgpfuk6viUDEN9hbgc4tLMIXl2jNYzKfSMCyM_6b2BUCAagUQIVJ5PutLyDQU6bNumYnMcX1Mg/s400/mike+in+woods.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519135482575808098" /></a><br /><br />Here is his pretty daughter in the park.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWdX4RuwqPa9x9vUV5_LKKBaiZvPitvwuv8A63JZAEP-2Gzr1F8R2c1UA2Xa4McG7NUzpjb9L1jEO-iUmFzhMFTcuFKZ54PAT6c-f8paTnJNRX3IXQpbCsR8329vBa4F8kWHAxYUQPBQ/s1600/corinne+in+park.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWdX4RuwqPa9x9vUV5_LKKBaiZvPitvwuv8A63JZAEP-2Gzr1F8R2c1UA2Xa4McG7NUzpjb9L1jEO-iUmFzhMFTcuFKZ54PAT6c-f8paTnJNRX3IXQpbCsR8329vBa4F8kWHAxYUQPBQ/s400/corinne+in+park.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519135478347899458" /></a><br /><br />And his son standing on a log.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6MkfKtF4FSzWpUhBp9XliZLkc2x0s3XbBN1DvUsqkaKMDbf_w0cfoNqoaZWlkIwwE1mrnY_DP2VL1nKNmBVvB1HtwSF72jasfRY1AyP9BsnzaoF5WGmqbHpadkVTdxBFkWctX8ybFxw/s1600/holden+on+log.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6MkfKtF4FSzWpUhBp9XliZLkc2x0s3XbBN1DvUsqkaKMDbf_w0cfoNqoaZWlkIwwE1mrnY_DP2VL1nKNmBVvB1HtwSF72jasfRY1AyP9BsnzaoF5WGmqbHpadkVTdxBFkWctX8ybFxw/s400/holden+on+log.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519134744658196658" /></a><br /><br />Another pic of his daughter while in the woods.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6OAe-9D-xD7tNT2Rlqc_zny7bsG99JLeGjm1afH25gWPbUfUNMJfG28fsIIzloMa51xzJ32k8M4_Awld1N3XQ_II9sMZScGLybtRZLSttxZPUwcg2sQH83KJjk_m93qVP_P3OKyQz60/s1600/corinne+in+woods.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6OAe-9D-xD7tNT2Rlqc_zny7bsG99JLeGjm1afH25gWPbUfUNMJfG28fsIIzloMa51xzJ32k8M4_Awld1N3XQ_II9sMZScGLybtRZLSttxZPUwcg2sQH83KJjk_m93qVP_P3OKyQz60/s400/corinne+in+woods.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519134737922308530" /></a><br /><br />His son peers into the pond, maybe looking for frogs and minnows.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yR5xwGYTHIcshp-TNsFHlaS8t2HG1mNflrVEFteq3-04LHHZMfQVFY5OPRBWB5Od-2u7JkNCrcTFHFZ2qaXoIEes3REnvzmDYnnfYUlgNQw-pWBNy90Uz5mlX1XbzK7ReBeLD-El2k8/s1600/holden+checking+out+pond.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yR5xwGYTHIcshp-TNsFHlaS8t2HG1mNflrVEFteq3-04LHHZMfQVFY5OPRBWB5Od-2u7JkNCrcTFHFZ2qaXoIEes3REnvzmDYnnfYUlgNQw-pWBNy90Uz5mlX1XbzK7ReBeLD-El2k8/s400/holden+checking+out+pond.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519134733071397650" /></a><br /><br />As Mike and I sat and rested, his son decided to pretend he was airbending/breakdancing at the edge of the pond.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVxtlivu_wLMXk6XY_D8CYjBc5md8LQs5l9uYEfM49U1E2VbQvuarXS13WJIZgr09ucA60faL0Gai0yQu26z1BhMA-JqFdfLEpXHpMa3CYiOu9VymFZ9tjBjRbL7RrvNvs4dRDLJq-Mg/s1600/airbending+collage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVxtlivu_wLMXk6XY_D8CYjBc5md8LQs5l9uYEfM49U1E2VbQvuarXS13WJIZgr09ucA60faL0Gai0yQu26z1BhMA-JqFdfLEpXHpMa3CYiOu9VymFZ9tjBjRbL7RrvNvs4dRDLJq-Mg/s400/airbending+collage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519134727784341714" /></a><br /><br />I also took some scenic pics. Pretty yellow flowers!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3FoxvNfmIamPdBmiFMd4bgjMSbWBNL0JFPnI9Yw0QGPwZ2dWKQv2RlUJwhJsfJ58CxqXTb88hv5Cr3cjbRxBG2gkoSkVeWqz7NF_jRPssZYj4dz74lsUjAu7gtKMhplNon8mjcQdVls/s1600/yellow+flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3FoxvNfmIamPdBmiFMd4bgjMSbWBNL0JFPnI9Yw0QGPwZ2dWKQv2RlUJwhJsfJ58CxqXTb88hv5Cr3cjbRxBG2gkoSkVeWqz7NF_jRPssZYj4dz74lsUjAu7gtKMhplNon8mjcQdVls/s400/yellow+flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519134721030725426" /></a><br /><br />View from the pond's edge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9HbgVPwoyxR8ZI9mUI7FCv5LEUZ7QM0w-RiVwdiRMYwT2nH_tb_RqXCG0TzvZH5fGbC_k1quq_1jE_9DFekO-QwOYvn5vECSd6RIptRPkL1NhJvpiEDxbeWr8XnBJvpT6_qktFMIE5g/s1600/pond+edge+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9HbgVPwoyxR8ZI9mUI7FCv5LEUZ7QM0w-RiVwdiRMYwT2nH_tb_RqXCG0TzvZH5fGbC_k1quq_1jE_9DFekO-QwOYvn5vECSd6RIptRPkL1NhJvpiEDxbeWr8XnBJvpT6_qktFMIE5g/s400/pond+edge+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519133370842866290" /></a><br /><br />A closeup of a green walnut.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsfy8CQtF4R0GiJi-Gm-EDOWPnGicsRCGDoRNA4CAVNEqA2jgQtYbz4-9J5q_YBagoNWNt2MUy_l09zspiInD2PeZJmIdvG3UwFEvPCBxrOKvGRs6VGLTSGqTiSQszAA4OT9XgZ_E7hg/s1600/green+walnut+closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsfy8CQtF4R0GiJi-Gm-EDOWPnGicsRCGDoRNA4CAVNEqA2jgQtYbz4-9J5q_YBagoNWNt2MUy_l09zspiInD2PeZJmIdvG3UwFEvPCBxrOKvGRs6VGLTSGqTiSQszAA4OT9XgZ_E7hg/s400/green+walnut+closeup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519133375368444386" /></a><br />Despite the heat, it was a fun day!<br /><br />Toward the end of August, my sweetie Mike and I and his children took off for a day at Pokagon State Park near Angola, Indiana. This is a lovely place. They have a beach for swimming, picnic areas, and hiking trails. In the winter, they have tobogganing. In case you wonder where my boys are during all these activities, mostly at work, or declining to come along.<br /><br />We decided to hike trail number three. I was really uspet that I forgot my camera because there were so many beautiful things on the way! This is picture is from <a href="http://www.answers.com">this website</a>. These are wetlands near a small lake that we passed on the trail. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lUhYulVZAlMIjpNUvfUjA57W-lvmih4FigkbIknaVRmKXc-bwYvW2jLJHHB2pnQh3jBSmAB5evcmz1CiSdfy2yluc00DrEmgCQHWhyphenhyphenUwvQAAeq1ZGtxhfAwz9JNuOo4Xqq9PlZYow8A/s1600/Pokagon_State_Park_Wetlands.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lUhYulVZAlMIjpNUvfUjA57W-lvmih4FigkbIknaVRmKXc-bwYvW2jLJHHB2pnQh3jBSmAB5evcmz1CiSdfy2yluc00DrEmgCQHWhyphenhyphenUwvQAAeq1ZGtxhfAwz9JNuOo4Xqq9PlZYow8A/s400/Pokagon_State_Park_Wetlands.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519133385087658210" /></a><br /><br />Our destination was an overlook called Hell's Point. I found this picture <a href="http://www.explorepics.com">here</a>. It was worth the almost 2 1/2 mile hike!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3NXAoxiPScYdeeEQ6N71WQ9wpQEdK260MYancaF4TzBTO_qMocVUFe450uv9J1PFVf9KBE3S_p_kzgqT60pXH1z_pEWwp4WjABwDGVbtNsrUQz9Cx0DtB1s2K9hrxzNd7SRaSWMoiwI/s1600/hell+point+pokagon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3NXAoxiPScYdeeEQ6N71WQ9wpQEdK260MYancaF4TzBTO_qMocVUFe450uv9J1PFVf9KBE3S_p_kzgqT60pXH1z_pEWwp4WjABwDGVbtNsrUQz9Cx0DtB1s2K9hrxzNd7SRaSWMoiwI/s400/hell+point+pokagon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519133400621250466" /></a><br /><br />Following our hike and a picnic lunch, we cooled off in beautiful Lake James and relaxed on the pretty sand beach. I found this pic <a href="http://www.en.wikipedia.com">here</a>. I would love to go back next summer, even if just to spend the day on the beach. The water felt great!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0FXmICGzH0Q_XwKeTyIEL50IDok3nFd6T25KZhwCDgH10D9WDfM1izRwrCnnG3uj0apC1ND3XO6QV1OGJ1KXO766W4lNR1XoBP-Jq33Cu215DgBOi52lzxtgKGHJkVoZtytNkQWbteY/s1600/Beach_house,_Pokagon_State_Park.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0FXmICGzH0Q_XwKeTyIEL50IDok3nFd6T25KZhwCDgH10D9WDfM1izRwrCnnG3uj0apC1ND3XO6QV1OGJ1KXO766W4lNR1XoBP-Jq33Cu215DgBOi52lzxtgKGHJkVoZtytNkQWbteY/s400/Beach_house,_Pokagon_State_Park.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519133398935383602" /></a><br /><br />I'm so glad that I had such a wonderful summer, and that for the first time in over a decade, I had a summer filled with love! <br /><br />But now summer is hours from being officially over, and I am so thrilled to be moving on to autumn, my favorite season!<br /><br />Until later, enjoy these (hopefully) cooler days! In this part of Ohio though, our first full day of fall is supposed to get to 88 degrees.Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-54460732063512091322010-08-27T23:04:00.006-04:002010-08-27T23:27:48.699-04:00Pink Saturday/Pink Tea PartyIt's been a while, but I am once again joining Beverly at <a href="http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/">How Sweet the Sound</a> for Pink Saturday!<br /><br />This week I'd like to share a special link. Please visit <a href="http://www.katillacshack.com">Katillac Shack</a> to see an amazing room makeover that Kat created for a cancer patient. We need more people like her to bring cheer to people in trying circumstances! She is also having several giveaways for those who leave comments. Also, Guidepost magazine will leave a donation of <b>one dollar</b> for each comment posted, so that others can receive this same kind of gift. It's such a worthwhile cause, and will take only a minute of your time.<br /><br />Since the last time I posted for Pink Saturday, I have acquired the accoutrements for a pink tea party!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtvq8UPP5dMK7TRVWYZVb9_rwhTFh-FS7DaHzwxjstNZnL4zmCkGQVMPb9Hje0xhPrxkkTHhUXzCltVFXLRBmuY1CPYahpeoxkio-mz-cbtxXNeUDRYYmjLwc8bN2mQi1pdt26f_R8WI/s1600/tea+table.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtvq8UPP5dMK7TRVWYZVb9_rwhTFh-FS7DaHzwxjstNZnL4zmCkGQVMPb9Hje0xhPrxkkTHhUXzCltVFXLRBmuY1CPYahpeoxkio-mz-cbtxXNeUDRYYmjLwc8bN2mQi1pdt26f_R8WI/s400/tea+table.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510293165054542034" /></a><br />I pulled out my old pink Goodwill tablecloth, and added an old white cover. <br /><br />My angel statuary takes a turn as a table decoration, with pink flowers in her hair!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoC-3aVbV1M6GmmGeDuQby5m-5feoGTNWP8lGKX-MYd3e1Iv3PoMrFa860VGeT0HxhCfuCguvoDuT3A2MAmE4d4B04N7wXDUExsnEwWvEFMo8ov-6PPE-x16Xhv9YQddsY4z4HTmil-k/s1600/back+table.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoC-3aVbV1M6GmmGeDuQby5m-5feoGTNWP8lGKX-MYd3e1Iv3PoMrFa860VGeT0HxhCfuCguvoDuT3A2MAmE4d4B04N7wXDUExsnEwWvEFMo8ov-6PPE-x16Xhv9YQddsY4z4HTmil-k/s400/back+table.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510292864510996722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU2y_bb2_TObSwzDdz41f5zzIFzRYYmFy5fD8Za6o6M2cbBFuQ28Sv0YwOCexKBf92E5zp_7zh5nlUulyw10z5N5tmxtf-n5Dnym649rI_bFCCrXFZHdHkOF3n45yMZ7OmGiWPkiiZGI/s1600/angel+face.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU2y_bb2_TObSwzDdz41f5zzIFzRYYmFy5fD8Za6o6M2cbBFuQ28Sv0YwOCexKBf92E5zp_7zh5nlUulyw10z5N5tmxtf-n5Dnym649rI_bFCCrXFZHdHkOF3n45yMZ7OmGiWPkiiZGI/s400/angel+face.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510292862206704130" /></a><br /><br />I found the pink roses plate at Goodwill for only fifty-five cents, then later found the teapot at a church garage sale for $3!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FdzJG5iHIv1z1-gRBRrqZU8yg_XruTSXXohhus-S0ZbYzBzKlD8-anEsORCjwpc-OV5h_ofmRItwfEGJf22w9Aq39axtvl3NFxw4z5kFIRIoxywVrxfS-tHeFnqxkkLurWl6ufPMiN4/s1600/teapot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FdzJG5iHIv1z1-gRBRrqZU8yg_XruTSXXohhus-S0ZbYzBzKlD8-anEsORCjwpc-OV5h_ofmRItwfEGJf22w9Aq39axtvl3NFxw4z5kFIRIoxywVrxfS-tHeFnqxkkLurWl6ufPMiN4/s400/teapot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510292843543566866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6592fZzULq366HQJGtNDiaxUq_Gi5Dz2DUBERMrWRTVKxliGmNACyh0rhCqi5oqdpckc2oC_A0k60az7kft1NZD9bE9V4xk4xXfNiP1B1a4sP-BJY3PKwqyL3SEEb4xgl883RFSvCh4/s1600/teapot+lid.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6592fZzULq366HQJGtNDiaxUq_Gi5Dz2DUBERMrWRTVKxliGmNACyh0rhCqi5oqdpckc2oC_A0k60az7kft1NZD9bE9V4xk4xXfNiP1B1a4sP-BJY3PKwqyL3SEEb4xgl883RFSvCh4/s400/teapot+lid.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510291977126192770" /></a><br />Isn't that little bud rose at the top precious?<br /><br />This pink rose is also a Goodwill find for three bucks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQ_a5Va7HAqUkOKuivnmDHUWVGOPr2T9sM0aeO0-7zMA4ZFLFOpTETQuTAvZirDpZjC1bjZA17GiPoUJsR6AseB5exes-V2xkNZ33y5d4T5mb7sk7W9-EtUkkkpi2EV9pMabH1lF0Gik/s1600/pink+rose.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQ_a5Va7HAqUkOKuivnmDHUWVGOPr2T9sM0aeO0-7zMA4ZFLFOpTETQuTAvZirDpZjC1bjZA17GiPoUJsR6AseB5exes-V2xkNZ33y5d4T5mb7sk7W9-EtUkkkpi2EV9pMabH1lF0Gik/s400/pink+rose.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510292854816972802" /></a><br /><br />The spoon and knife were part of a giveaway that I won a couple years ago. I've had the perfume bottle for a long time. I think it was a garage sale find.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0hj17KG46-LlzVBoOBcSPumuberU0TaszU_rM_BwXloaSt7qd3SjTM724OzyPm5HhYLYFsAj29wWcLAftRZT0aikX9jfSsSzYVeq1hPRPgucdl-eLbmHfamw5c7OpvzrnZUeh90MwLo/s1600/rosespoonsbottle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0hj17KG46-LlzVBoOBcSPumuberU0TaszU_rM_BwXloaSt7qd3SjTM724OzyPm5HhYLYFsAj29wWcLAftRZT0aikX9jfSsSzYVeq1hPRPgucdl-eLbmHfamw5c7OpvzrnZUeh90MwLo/s400/rosespoonsbottle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510292850362906050" /></a><br /><br />For some reason, the color isn't quite right here. However, this really is a teacup with little pink roses. I couldn't find the matching plate, so found one that would still complement the cup. Both were fifty-five cents each at GW.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsM6iDp5riV1A_HOxcVWsguu0bzBXOPwScCX89wrzyIZ3rL1nH_VyA1BOBb2WOqXxOWNdYppQLSigKQku-bTQo9y3xBXfXWE3QBVg3Dv37Dr_nqWPUldYhRxuTaNuDxJsIxkuVtFYQsg/s1600/teacup+1+a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsM6iDp5riV1A_HOxcVWsguu0bzBXOPwScCX89wrzyIZ3rL1nH_VyA1BOBb2WOqXxOWNdYppQLSigKQku-bTQo9y3xBXfXWE3QBVg3Dv37Dr_nqWPUldYhRxuTaNuDxJsIxkuVtFYQsg/s400/teacup+1+a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510291978792453586" /></a><br /><br />On a trip home from a short vacation, I found this beautiful cup in an antique shop. I was so touched by the "mother" reference, and decided it must come home with me!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojWEijBtBLaVdtXTGlUJ8zuutg7doGGkQLy6287CyGGEuY0YkTchDfc6y4-nzEZoQy_xFXPouGFe7Bjs0XrOLVUiLId4IzSCEoHvOiNgd4BUi302ROwJRrpipaRxXVcRWd0YQ4u36Y2w/s1600/mother+cup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojWEijBtBLaVdtXTGlUJ8zuutg7doGGkQLy6287CyGGEuY0YkTchDfc6y4-nzEZoQy_xFXPouGFe7Bjs0XrOLVUiLId4IzSCEoHvOiNgd4BUi302ROwJRrpipaRxXVcRWd0YQ4u36Y2w/s400/mother+cup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510291984920552994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBm4zVpKIogxkXxKMuwzWCdK853z4RRheJ54LZ82B1O9O4hmX2bYhVF8uluSDv3HyIbrFEkVXWm2NRv9wxHgzjKZsHo4FSoerokxyniLa0yc06_tXGj_epQSkHDMrRFMbBUD2kABXIZYY/s1600/mother+plate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBm4zVpKIogxkXxKMuwzWCdK853z4RRheJ54LZ82B1O9O4hmX2bYhVF8uluSDv3HyIbrFEkVXWm2NRv9wxHgzjKZsHo4FSoerokxyniLa0yc06_tXGj_epQSkHDMrRFMbBUD2kABXIZYY/s400/mother+plate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510291998701748018" /></a><br /><br />This was another lucky find at Goodwill. I think I spent a total of just over a dollar. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaN3oU17ODy_boUOjX0GBp6ir98jGlRax8wTQwKwb1pdWHiR_vqPOS7T_jnomdCT3bsJtXZahJSmWarh-Mgy0Zn-w_S39hyphenhyphenRt-6eMKLes9mbs4Zo9jx4ZO3bgv4Zqb_LAy0y0la4azQU/s1600/teacup+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaN3oU17ODy_boUOjX0GBp6ir98jGlRax8wTQwKwb1pdWHiR_vqPOS7T_jnomdCT3bsJtXZahJSmWarh-Mgy0Zn-w_S39hyphenhyphenRt-6eMKLes9mbs4Zo9jx4ZO3bgv4Zqb_LAy0y0la4azQU/s400/teacup+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510292003624876658" /></a><br />I thought that a tea party was the perfect way to share my new pink finds. Won't you come over and have a cuppa?<br /><br />Please visit Beverly's above-mentioned blog for a list of other Pink Saturday participants.Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-54882995871654009322010-08-21T01:04:00.009-04:002010-08-21T01:57:10.968-04:00What I've Been Up to This Summer, Part 1...Boating!Since I had been absent from the blogging world for so long, I'm sure that some of you wondered what I have been doing with my summer. Besides work....LOTS!<br /><br />One of my favorite things is to go boating, and living in a town with three rivers, this is a great place to do it! My friend Monica and her husband Jon own this boat. Just a reminder, you can click on any pic to see a larger image.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyOC7Vz1qK3QCfHzgU5LGiRQfpH0Ldc1dRoRM4CIkzqHai2xR26azJ9Elb1311-2kwzNuW1FdkVLIx1HEUNDIO_1rO73aBw9IWhNqppBTz1OVnf7f5K3rPINI42hSlMAD2pCGRgyp7Uw/s1600/the+boat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyOC7Vz1qK3QCfHzgU5LGiRQfpH0Ldc1dRoRM4CIkzqHai2xR26azJ9Elb1311-2kwzNuW1FdkVLIx1HEUNDIO_1rO73aBw9IWhNqppBTz1OVnf7f5K3rPINI42hSlMAD2pCGRgyp7Uw/s400/the+boat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507732938075639554" /></a><br /><br />It was time for me to get a new pair of boat-worthy flip-flops and join in the fun! Yes, I know I have cankles.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN450IMTbZGAHCXAVrX2jyMUrYrh9aEdrhSBIwDG7cIlmh5NktV9V4W1Q1ME_TB5PQPdhll0ic4cFWdI8AqMgUSdAKPF0sCS9C-noZEScIyfVAVzSLkxCkgQzlg1-btGlpyj8qIPofLJ8/s1600/pink+flippies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN450IMTbZGAHCXAVrX2jyMUrYrh9aEdrhSBIwDG7cIlmh5NktV9V4W1Q1ME_TB5PQPdhll0ic4cFWdI8AqMgUSdAKPF0sCS9C-noZEScIyfVAVzSLkxCkgQzlg1-btGlpyj8qIPofLJ8/s400/pink+flippies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507732551457745874" /></a><br /><br />We set off on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend on the Auglaize River from this boat launch, downriver from the Power Dam.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Vm-KmUgQPJjkTCEi9FWyf-saqNkYOKGGS_a6siu8vKs8qjk1hF3w9st9Vr08Z3bPEfpYicCxlaTc8NCOGliEW9OJxUQvYUlb0gykfUuwxeWdIdSbTQdlfN8ZrCn_8WF9BbHAAxVoR8c/s1600/boat+launch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Vm-KmUgQPJjkTCEi9FWyf-saqNkYOKGGS_a6siu8vKs8qjk1hF3w9st9Vr08Z3bPEfpYicCxlaTc8NCOGliEW9OJxUQvYUlb0gykfUuwxeWdIdSbTQdlfN8ZrCn_8WF9BbHAAxVoR8c/s400/boat+launch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507732544875445986" /></a><br /><br />Here is a shot of the pretty river.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPB9-XnMK5RIJsp-kh-PSqX81_yk2rMdmOJcPeNOORFMITgipJ644d8W8CuS2jsQkauPMUOO9PBUjbn0pD_t9B1hrImfe6iJVuY7LgPs9ry3uAaZj1PuLhqEstrVMM7sPQSttLVncUxM/s1600/ar7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPB9-XnMK5RIJsp-kh-PSqX81_yk2rMdmOJcPeNOORFMITgipJ644d8W8CuS2jsQkauPMUOO9PBUjbn0pD_t9B1hrImfe6iJVuY7LgPs9ry3uAaZj1PuLhqEstrVMM7sPQSttLVncUxM/s400/ar7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507732534985977522" /></a><br /><br />There was a family on board, besides my friends and myself. Their little boy was adorable!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A2aRQpkBaNToJ0uYAIfWxurSIZol7ogMxxozBOBJjGBBB7z2k_yHMStmsXRDgZpdEpBY5Ec80wkhxiCoF71Cew50dD2h86TdI2c2peM_nqR75mkjdG1RBThzvcN0qFeS4EizqHVeFGc/s1600/brandon+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A2aRQpkBaNToJ0uYAIfWxurSIZol7ogMxxozBOBJjGBBB7z2k_yHMStmsXRDgZpdEpBY5Ec80wkhxiCoF71Cew50dD2h86TdI2c2peM_nqR75mkjdG1RBThzvcN0qFeS4EizqHVeFGc/s400/brandon+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507732531609264322" /></a><br /><br />He brought along a little friend. I was only too happy to watch Mr. Teddy while he "drove" the boat. (It was anchored at the time and the ignition was off.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm2FSzS3s72GyMG5p51H2UcgxYMsaZnDOOKvscqmKkxxSOjdqBZqdn8qXWo7Pocaz64YVNchrs8kHTrix7P-TrrLDO8l2n5CA6rMnc0nUPFfXJwhLXbw4O7NyMbOKwemSI_JyLxbxk0g/s1600/bear+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm2FSzS3s72GyMG5p51H2UcgxYMsaZnDOOKvscqmKkxxSOjdqBZqdn8qXWo7Pocaz64YVNchrs8kHTrix7P-TrrLDO8l2n5CA6rMnc0nUPFfXJwhLXbw4O7NyMbOKwemSI_JyLxbxk0g/s400/bear+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507732529361564898" /></a><br /><br />We saw some fun sights along the way. A boat was pulling a dock along in the water with this teenage boy perched on top. Not your conventional way to transport a dock!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPdSlTl3vo6oMXOqF-Gt_eEZQk7GAW84aZWkEOe30VVpDEd9I1-Zx1yI1TgndSLXhKyIx3ZMprs4RF-xNVTqc115ez2YRWlHkdGNvSVmmQ3GiGvUamK61qLDRbXfbyGZTS0Mwf3rUhaU/s1600/boy+on+dock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPdSlTl3vo6oMXOqF-Gt_eEZQk7GAW84aZWkEOe30VVpDEd9I1-Zx1yI1TgndSLXhKyIx3ZMprs4RF-xNVTqc115ez2YRWlHkdGNvSVmmQ3GiGvUamK61qLDRbXfbyGZTS0Mwf3rUhaU/s400/boy+on+dock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507731689930249154" /></a><br /><br />In one part of the river near an island, there is a sandbar. Boats put down anchor there and people swim. I imagine that they also drink...quite a lot, though we didn't care to participate in that part of it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca0vHVotjyF2zLMVMOuVUQVQ9Cv6xL77BMJXavpO40FL4b7bU4Lre4nnbAFrbAp24rFlrSLizESvnGXg_wI7dOnh4QR6x8-LT7Cw71ODvP44nczuM-eH3hgyHxWcShYA_atsRXv1hyg0/s1600/boats+at+sandbar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca0vHVotjyF2zLMVMOuVUQVQ9Cv6xL77BMJXavpO40FL4b7bU4Lre4nnbAFrbAp24rFlrSLizESvnGXg_wI7dOnh4QR6x8-LT7Cw71ODvP44nczuM-eH3hgyHxWcShYA_atsRXv1hyg0/s400/boats+at+sandbar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507731696248294642" /></a><br /><br />Though Memorial Day was unseasonably warm in the high 80s, the water was still pretty chilly. I can't believe all these people went swimming!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxa2sSnwMNO8ySdz8V4p8KqVbelmMy0la4Kxq4GvWyW6YZvgBvgiSd-ThXRkjJuarNE8EkMCKQLz8vB1AgfgvoX-8e34CWtDE4m4-wA1K-Cvzy92XpeqB1dc9O1Mf8tatgRBtAX3kqYbM/s1600/sandbar+swimmers+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxa2sSnwMNO8ySdz8V4p8KqVbelmMy0la4Kxq4GvWyW6YZvgBvgiSd-ThXRkjJuarNE8EkMCKQLz8vB1AgfgvoX-8e34CWtDE4m4-wA1K-Cvzy92XpeqB1dc9O1Mf8tatgRBtAX3kqYbM/s400/sandbar+swimmers+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507731699020284610" /></a><br /><br />So did some of our party! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JHnxjC6SEK003lMKfsomUNxcx7_gd6BizE4LLUIiaLAr1dWSb2QbaSjq511amD-Rn82VMd5bbGWPTrnBujYgjxjJhUUmSiQzyzMQUuOF7RvlL3p6XQ4Xl-PgBoEcZ05DBLKr4J1SNDc/s1600/tierra+and+brandon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JHnxjC6SEK003lMKfsomUNxcx7_gd6BizE4LLUIiaLAr1dWSb2QbaSjq511amD-Rn82VMd5bbGWPTrnBujYgjxjJhUUmSiQzyzMQUuOF7RvlL3p6XQ4Xl-PgBoEcZ05DBLKr4J1SNDc/s400/tierra+and+brandon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507731706221813586" /></a><br /><br />On the way back, we had a view of the Power Dam. Electricity used to be generated here. It's now a popular fishing spot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTVrRP5oTpEnvwRQVXpdNYfDHuygQ6fxgDnkk3VPqrYNJSN0YEC2HbK2ry-TtIaA4ruRrXH03l-IXF1Pe2GLd-a0UA2li7bbBxDOqhTlTS8d5hueaEi1FZw_rAAfLgMdhP496auavVsc/s1600/power+dam.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTVrRP5oTpEnvwRQVXpdNYfDHuygQ6fxgDnkk3VPqrYNJSN0YEC2HbK2ry-TtIaA4ruRrXH03l-IXF1Pe2GLd-a0UA2li7bbBxDOqhTlTS8d5hueaEi1FZw_rAAfLgMdhP496auavVsc/s400/power+dam.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507731045531873682" /></a><br /><br />After we were back on land, I noticed that we were in a picturesque spot, and there were some pretty trees.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJGFIYWcEheoo4IyI1N4RH3b6_r_kDggPjuVRpYXzLt9I62Ahxk6hm1I56TopCoSdqFIPQPgYXhd4sJpntsM_ERrghbkhuIvtut6e5xlNjFz62c72RYjbmKJJ50Fs68xjsFZuNiHYMck/s1600/pretty+tree+number+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJGFIYWcEheoo4IyI1N4RH3b6_r_kDggPjuVRpYXzLt9I62Ahxk6hm1I56TopCoSdqFIPQPgYXhd4sJpntsM_ERrghbkhuIvtut6e5xlNjFz62c72RYjbmKJJ50Fs68xjsFZuNiHYMck/s400/pretty+tree+number+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507731050938221538" /></a><br /><br />I have a passion for barns, and couldn't resist taking a picture of this red barn across the street from the boat launch.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdFxVs3bNfYagMWk8a3XfzsjXMyETQTVq2JTErrfYppeFJjL-EM_e_LUg3E4S5rSB9E4mdcbCyj9sQcxoPD6M0ZK0v3WUlgPNVzPdo8WXnRN6HMCvXF4v2Ix0aa8jsYV2xWTmaOihohI/s1600/red+barn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdFxVs3bNfYagMWk8a3XfzsjXMyETQTVq2JTErrfYppeFJjL-EM_e_LUg3E4S5rSB9E4mdcbCyj9sQcxoPD6M0ZK0v3WUlgPNVzPdo8WXnRN6HMCvXF4v2Ix0aa8jsYV2xWTmaOihohI/s400/red+barn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507731054059078994" /></a><br /><br />As the day drew to a close, the sun began to set behind the trees. It was time to head home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCrLS4Ci3RkGG3Lkee9RZ_32JEm6TqwWOR2GAaAioYht4IFBQmo-TMXNzqZmUieU-Yw_9tEnCsAPrRtj58zU3kGbGZjSPwmSWbYGuch0TB0-elhjHQBeVfJxfHBUeRthF_FtOKfuG1QE/s1600/sun+fading.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCrLS4Ci3RkGG3Lkee9RZ_32JEm6TqwWOR2GAaAioYht4IFBQmo-TMXNzqZmUieU-Yw_9tEnCsAPrRtj58zU3kGbGZjSPwmSWbYGuch0TB0-elhjHQBeVfJxfHBUeRthF_FtOKfuG1QE/s400/sun+fading.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507731060752569202" /></a><br />We went out again, this time on the Maumee River, the next day. I didn't get any more pics that weekend, but did a few weeks later...<br /><br />...On July 3, I took another boat ride with Jon and Monica. This time, my sweetie and his son and daughter joined us. We launched the boat from this dock. This dock floats to accommodate the fluctuating water levels, and believe me, it can vary a lot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9lMt3S6R1_OtnD_3xzIwjoFsS9GEhThcHs9cPWr4v-YB1x3Ov6ufU63Fy4Y_Vt-SpIo6FMo4ZTRZCpLMQfLXcxsTBDjFOrVZatjAPG56RpzxWEJP5FWi7YQVUq2SJ_pBar4oXUWGJ5Y/s1600/boat+dock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9lMt3S6R1_OtnD_3xzIwjoFsS9GEhThcHs9cPWr4v-YB1x3Ov6ufU63Fy4Y_Vt-SpIo6FMo4ZTRZCpLMQfLXcxsTBDjFOrVZatjAPG56RpzxWEJP5FWi7YQVUq2SJ_pBar4oXUWGJ5Y/s400/boat+dock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507726446121115762" /></a><br /><br />I know that some of you have been wondering what my sweetheart looks like. He isn't really ready to share many pics, so I did this picture of him, myself, and his daughter in paint. You can't see them clearly, but have an idea of what they look like.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dNtJ0Cr2kvAxGdXNyoP3Lmw58Qulrk-WuIWowj8xm07-USvCkrjic9Hz2OLf7dszQCUIctNOKO280JIfJsfJsNobjUzknCWC0BULjncDiqYg_h5jTDZYFsW_Nqbo8rwfOoH59JtakUg/s1600/KayMikeCorinne+paint.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dNtJ0Cr2kvAxGdXNyoP3Lmw58Qulrk-WuIWowj8xm07-USvCkrjic9Hz2OLf7dszQCUIctNOKO280JIfJsfJsNobjUzknCWC0BULjncDiqYg_h5jTDZYFsW_Nqbo8rwfOoH59JtakUg/s400/KayMikeCorinne+paint.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507726450092208066" /></a><br /><br />Here is the pretty river, the Maumee. We traveled almost all the way to the dam, then back near the city's downtown area. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mVo5RozVv4WAv0DxAZUNVCA6OD0OcFQ8pBuKtQ3tNPH_ZagUBZaHSp7stfnz5gBfHCxgsLR4kZQPw8JnlJ0ldJw8cQ-asBUV4FNq6aXQCJkSGA1eTMfTaR_YUDzdr3J_ode-ypPrbLI/s1600/upriver.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mVo5RozVv4WAv0DxAZUNVCA6OD0OcFQ8pBuKtQ3tNPH_ZagUBZaHSp7stfnz5gBfHCxgsLR4kZQPw8JnlJ0ldJw8cQ-asBUV4FNq6aXQCJkSGA1eTMfTaR_YUDzdr3J_ode-ypPrbLI/s400/upriver.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507726459660706450" /></a><br /><br />It was a beautiful warm day, perfect for some water sports. Now I won't get in that icky muddy water, but our host Jon, and Sweetheart's son decided to go on in.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx9HX1lgROdaJw408_pOigEZmPwOPJky1fzRuKqDW6TVKqLAEjbRC2WF8dHpd1xOx3YPAP_TXL4Ouzq8bJWx0-8LXnhpANOwIS4pRtcD_RhJje5P2FqRWaqoG4StKMk_fWHpt75rntys/s1600/getting+ready+to+tube.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx9HX1lgROdaJw408_pOigEZmPwOPJky1fzRuKqDW6TVKqLAEjbRC2WF8dHpd1xOx3YPAP_TXL4Ouzq8bJWx0-8LXnhpANOwIS4pRtcD_RhJje5P2FqRWaqoG4StKMk_fWHpt75rntys/s400/getting+ready+to+tube.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507725898706763570" /></a><br /><br />Here is his son tubing in the river. What a blast! He did a great job!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHYevzefC2ePjUfhkpe5uFQmjTIMnOpOFHfp3V5UB35eTrr02IOi-VIdyb9jFzgl4U3KMi2b7I6ZXpLVKgEk_WAwdPg3kDlNzuySPSgqkRCZnZfI8zKH6qkiub445Ny5_u6_OhNrONVo/s1600/Holden+tubing+closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHYevzefC2ePjUfhkpe5uFQmjTIMnOpOFHfp3V5UB35eTrr02IOi-VIdyb9jFzgl4U3KMi2b7I6ZXpLVKgEk_WAwdPg3kDlNzuySPSgqkRCZnZfI8zKH6qkiub445Ny5_u6_OhNrONVo/s400/Holden+tubing+closeup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507725903542264642" /></a><br /><br />Besides boating and tubing, our next plan was to set anchor not far from the confluence of the mighty Maumee and the Auglaize Rivers, adjacent to the library grounds, the site of the former Fort Defiance. There were scores of boats lined up to watch the fireworks!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d3SNzeJ7M9WxbLrDk1Ama46IhjDYh5qoLeOJkLo8sop0tKRm0-FV4pdxSrOEan1g0iS6S8T0t5RWwQ2DoF5lGDOKmn1UOFARikhw26yvTv0cQUuB8m-fUueA6_70s_mOCO8zAk0v0jA/s1600/boats+lining+up.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d3SNzeJ7M9WxbLrDk1Ama46IhjDYh5qoLeOJkLo8sop0tKRm0-FV4pdxSrOEan1g0iS6S8T0t5RWwQ2DoF5lGDOKmn1UOFARikhw26yvTv0cQUuB8m-fUueA6_70s_mOCO8zAk0v0jA/s400/boats+lining+up.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507725890957387058" /></a><br /><br />The fireworks were beautiful. It was such a treat to watch them from the river, unimpeded by trees and big crowds.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8beC-FUKGDpfV7YL_RFhNDnum8xgg_1ZBsvZVyjZ4OlTUaYRj4xBlXIAc6AP8wtQoHo8q8p2Io-Uh9dQVeJi8zmZShjDesqUh5-HPAJ3JfPzbn393QQkJ18nFngKaYyEl5qNxsG87sE/s1600/fireworks+9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8beC-FUKGDpfV7YL_RFhNDnum8xgg_1ZBsvZVyjZ4OlTUaYRj4xBlXIAc6AP8wtQoHo8q8p2Io-Uh9dQVeJi8zmZShjDesqUh5-HPAJ3JfPzbn393QQkJ18nFngKaYyEl5qNxsG87sE/s400/fireworks+9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507725329497332114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgVGbH-4CpgS_VJEjyepCB42M0mBTSRlZongzo3j-o15J8Vy5TslP4P6hyN6VIfG2pxtNmWeC1j1AJfs_Y0DZlvYu9cWYpPJTqHY4gQHKqzVpxC9x1vm0ahIzhZzE8RFk9rwkQwbGBVk/s1600/fireworks+7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgVGbH-4CpgS_VJEjyepCB42M0mBTSRlZongzo3j-o15J8Vy5TslP4P6hyN6VIfG2pxtNmWeC1j1AJfs_Y0DZlvYu9cWYpPJTqHY4gQHKqzVpxC9x1vm0ahIzhZzE8RFk9rwkQwbGBVk/s400/fireworks+7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507725320575653170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVen9-M65FLfZi-CGr-ZqysQYDk5Si-5mtC4BEKOpz1L0jpVNIIB8VVjoA1ur3q-WHLPdOwwev6_RTiPZpwt5Vy2wMej46mTBhwyqTNWN8vrGqg5u9rPgN8MJnO8QUWejn1k5Bn7V30s8/s1600/fireworks+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVen9-M65FLfZi-CGr-ZqysQYDk5Si-5mtC4BEKOpz1L0jpVNIIB8VVjoA1ur3q-WHLPdOwwev6_RTiPZpwt5Vy2wMej46mTBhwyqTNWN8vrGqg5u9rPgN8MJnO8QUWejn1k5Bn7V30s8/s400/fireworks+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507725316905534818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdkD-MXaFBTW6GvFviX-BWrW4JvAhg8YS7NiVcQ6reMcOgVQjrvbxP5fKp_kLe819tePGGM2u7uJBvx4Q1oVpk1_WtU6Eu5I5_BJ0sFkZFmXWSEyLTqw0McISA42c4qU5JChoUUi3yQI/s1600/fireworks+11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdkD-MXaFBTW6GvFviX-BWrW4JvAhg8YS7NiVcQ6reMcOgVQjrvbxP5fKp_kLe819tePGGM2u7uJBvx4Q1oVpk1_WtU6Eu5I5_BJ0sFkZFmXWSEyLTqw0McISA42c4qU5JChoUUi3yQI/s400/fireworks+11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507725313318031090" /></a><br /><br />As the fireworks ended, we had a leisurely ride back to the boat dock in the dark. It was actually really nice being out on the river that late, though it was chilly. My sweetie cuddled me close, and people along the riverbank were setting off their own fireworks. I told Sweetie to kiss me, so that I could say that when he did, I saw fireworks! lol He was happy to oblige. <br /><br />It was the end of a wonderful day.<br /><br />Tune back in again soon to hear what my other activities have been this summer. I've been having tons of fun!<br /><br>Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-90565188696195689752010-08-16T19:56:00.005-04:002010-08-16T20:16:09.857-04:00Prom 2010One of the nicest things that went on during my little blog vacation was my son Jared's prom. Here he is with his girlfriend Kylie. They've been dating since November.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheH0iGmLEAoAjAEMy3Su0cbEZekpJn7QZRHlSCxPycAIPAvcmxdF1Cz9_6J-1OE_snMlzraunjh_0Ckh6ucN3fCFo2oqbNQazUxNrlag_RhHs9AEN-WVrBhKiO71p6IP7c6yDDIPsfy_k/s1600/prom+11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheH0iGmLEAoAjAEMy3Su0cbEZekpJn7QZRHlSCxPycAIPAvcmxdF1Cz9_6J-1OE_snMlzraunjh_0Ckh6ucN3fCFo2oqbNQazUxNrlag_RhHs9AEN-WVrBhKiO71p6IP7c6yDDIPsfy_k/s400/prom+11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506163080250787378" /></a><br /><br />They went to first her prom, then his prom. Since I was out of town during the first prom, he put on his tux for me so I'd know how handsome he was going to be!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHItA9n_IasGKqCRbrhqOVzSuYkglekn1kLCByuVsi3ipubWN57FG6c6go49RUAR31XwIX-Mx4FP7LM6wceBIbi4re0IrKvZ1ROTUON5Dsn4WV78ZVRVO1XeGtvlV2lqMlk2b49l6fK_0/s1600/Jared+tux+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHItA9n_IasGKqCRbrhqOVzSuYkglekn1kLCByuVsi3ipubWN57FG6c6go49RUAR31XwIX-Mx4FP7LM6wceBIbi4re0IrKvZ1ROTUON5Dsn4WV78ZVRVO1XeGtvlV2lqMlk2b49l6fK_0/s400/Jared+tux+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506163072740967986" /></a><br /><br />I think he looks so GQ in these pics, especially the second one!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PtZJG01snxXI3l5sLYADtiy-OwrhmMfU6SDjc_w3WPuOolqUzHXvTv4XOPZa1wcHAnfg3ZPEINA5gmlUPbjsKYEKo443Mdi4nHXt_iq3HMqQl3WLlzVAER8ylVHa0aanpNJ0xqCixSo/s1600/Jared+GQ+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PtZJG01snxXI3l5sLYADtiy-OwrhmMfU6SDjc_w3WPuOolqUzHXvTv4XOPZa1wcHAnfg3ZPEINA5gmlUPbjsKYEKo443Mdi4nHXt_iq3HMqQl3WLlzVAER8ylVHa0aanpNJ0xqCixSo/s400/Jared+GQ+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506163064434795698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnaZD3QvsgFo8q7JbWIhhk91gm8WpVHlCd4hyphenhyphenOe3bZgjQjisN7hlwCLT-yic70ciLlz1mz0ch_t4X7b51OWPl3kTUaBxcUUYySlS3hHHUQmWSyisiNuohh1Uqtw_HiMFK4NGzDZHIklA/s1600/Jared+GQ+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnaZD3QvsgFo8q7JbWIhhk91gm8WpVHlCd4hyphenhyphenOe3bZgjQjisN7hlwCLT-yic70ciLlz1mz0ch_t4X7b51OWPl3kTUaBxcUUYySlS3hHHUQmWSyisiNuohh1Uqtw_HiMFK4NGzDZHIklA/s400/Jared+GQ+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506163058681865042" /></a><br /><br />They posed for me out on the porch. It looks like she is checking Jared's belly for a food baby here in the first pic. Nope, flat as a board!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYsI8n3i7xy3Jr6umcxAaqZlAFT6fAj02mNj3FEVW3eZr_l8zf-2irtFb7XpfC1-LlKscEBldCrOPzfUJaw0PR5Yq04bqwU8ADgeTejIiD8KJxeRxtm7DpIh-7g4fH8kDFLO-SglkMYE/s1600/couple+4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYsI8n3i7xy3Jr6umcxAaqZlAFT6fAj02mNj3FEVW3eZr_l8zf-2irtFb7XpfC1-LlKscEBldCrOPzfUJaw0PR5Yq04bqwU8ADgeTejIiD8KJxeRxtm7DpIh-7g4fH8kDFLO-SglkMYE/s400/couple+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506162394240648050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPHYxBFtVHZIm9QQjxpQB6kbH0AwiEZ0F04qgED3koBCRpkdt-Bpl_ed_vk-1rGJEm0qbzyfUei_no8cC41kXiLyEq3RbkvOiw_fnXBMpcXpKkmQL1GjtQ-q3u_ooW2GH04MnwyuD4KI/s1600/couple+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPHYxBFtVHZIm9QQjxpQB6kbH0AwiEZ0F04qgED3koBCRpkdt-Bpl_ed_vk-1rGJEm0qbzyfUei_no8cC41kXiLyEq3RbkvOiw_fnXBMpcXpKkmQL1GjtQ-q3u_ooW2GH04MnwyuD4KI/s400/couple+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506162398618122594" /></a><br /><br />I also took a couple pics out in the front yard.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0Gf7fboenv9256OCbJ2UdJCWWjorCV2fe0IJz-NdAm3fd-dfF6t3qr3V4ef6cpKPdEVqrRCd97oaUshwwsSg77a4hA8EQH_eGG_S-bp57gVbPbisEWq0KFIf3QmxBva9HkUmhKQVWxI/s1600/couple+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0Gf7fboenv9256OCbJ2UdJCWWjorCV2fe0IJz-NdAm3fd-dfF6t3qr3V4ef6cpKPdEVqrRCd97oaUshwwsSg77a4hA8EQH_eGG_S-bp57gVbPbisEWq0KFIf3QmxBva9HkUmhKQVWxI/s400/couple+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506162384526961746" /></a><br /><br />She said, "It looks like he is checking out my boobs in this pic."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cJCZcj_Layc6rqqI1viD1KmKH-VL0_zK9Y8ETNC_1KXSmTu_5YtrCfUdWKX26GugYN3-5zHTQpGX3NlVArtgT-pgNSe3d3OytQHb72e1_KmBOIDiQ-jSVWnqdDoAuMR_D2jXcqHdRMs/s1600/couple+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cJCZcj_Layc6rqqI1viD1KmKH-VL0_zK9Y8ETNC_1KXSmTu_5YtrCfUdWKX26GugYN3-5zHTQpGX3NlVArtgT-pgNSe3d3OytQHb72e1_KmBOIDiQ-jSVWnqdDoAuMR_D2jXcqHdRMs/s400/couple+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506162376229977570" /></a><br /><br />This was my favorite of the cute couple. He's leaning in for a kiss. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWYTBMF2_ESniZkJm020HbP4N3RhfZtM7bOvhzDqC6hgxSzjDTZorkwdT1f6xAHCZ-K5lgx1_LbDfQS5VzdKJXfs62uHy8ZrbCttuZtr6ZlXC-G-koL1Dmv3Pcxn8hhJuFMfdNbqmRAc/s1600/couple+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWYTBMF2_ESniZkJm020HbP4N3RhfZtM7bOvhzDqC6hgxSzjDTZorkwdT1f6xAHCZ-K5lgx1_LbDfQS5VzdKJXfs62uHy8ZrbCttuZtr6ZlXC-G-koL1Dmv3Pcxn8hhJuFMfdNbqmRAc/s400/couple+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506165144142019650" /></a><br /><br />They had so much fun! Hope you enjoyed seeing them in all their finery.Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-73640388370703882002010-08-13T19:11:00.013-04:002010-08-13T20:28:59.922-04:00Chicago! Chicago!Before I start telling you about my trip to Chicago, I again apologize for not having posted sooner than this. I have been making a priority of keeping my home cleaner, and and even bigger priority of building a relationship with my sweetheart. We have been dating three months, and I can honestly say that he is the best man I have ever dated! He drives an hour one way to come see me, but still manages to make the trip an average of twice a week, and sometimes more! I've been staying busy with a lot of fun activities, and will try to share those with you soon too.<br /><br />However, I'll start with a very belated account of my trip to Chicago in April of this year. I had taken the train there to attend a women's retreat called Women On Fire, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. It was enriching and the fellowship was fabulous. I was among some of the most vibrant, intelligent, and supportive women I have ever met!<br /><br />I stayed at the Embassy Suites in downtown Chicago near the shoreline. These open floored hotels must be the new thing. This was the pretty dining area. It's open all the way to the roof! While this looks cool, for an acrophobic like myself (scared of heights), this presented quite the challenge. I clung to the walls on the way to my room and tried not to look out over the edge! I kept my back turned in the glass elevators!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFAoabh8H8UW4O6ZT9JamTdpaFTbHfXeMUNjJnjgUfBegbxtPqxx7m0W712Wp7ZC2Q1Kc-JlcaOVZ3BPJ0PMVRovlCkOp_ZQfc7C6EUlsWI8bfBBUYG0Tg0ApxSKHCYcGcHHO7JNHZCw/s1600/hotel+dining+area.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFAoabh8H8UW4O6ZT9JamTdpaFTbHfXeMUNjJnjgUfBegbxtPqxx7m0W712Wp7ZC2Q1Kc-JlcaOVZ3BPJ0PMVRovlCkOp_ZQfc7C6EUlsWI8bfBBUYG0Tg0ApxSKHCYcGcHHO7JNHZCw/s400/hotel+dining+area.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505049774495313218" /></a><br /><br />These two story bamboo trees were pretty.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xw9eHlVIK0BGzYF6q8qAaPKQcOAhJ839TfDVZDioVf5VolwcCTLFjD4saKmlGWY-UHJmntbiD6pQi_6Ur0Nk8TpgTPNs0Bv4BbDQzVqgJg0gZGI6ZbBKdesg-dqP9sxIB_gCX-dXbFk/s1600/bamboo+trees.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xw9eHlVIK0BGzYF6q8qAaPKQcOAhJ839TfDVZDioVf5VolwcCTLFjD4saKmlGWY-UHJmntbiD6pQi_6Ur0Nk8TpgTPNs0Bv4BbDQzVqgJg0gZGI6ZbBKdesg-dqP9sxIB_gCX-dXbFk/s400/bamboo+trees.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505049764776598002" /></a><br /><br />I also liked this water wall. I love fountains and the sound of water.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnoDSmAXmRL2RFO6zJAnFnwq66Uoqj8pWlb58ZYpS5PhalaKzNpA7Glr293VyyBGOCa1KK20LRZhSQEGwRkkiXURkk1_qusgFIwicsl3Smm9QB41fuoaTYGaQXUXwh7zRp72dY9K48c4/s1600/waterwall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnoDSmAXmRL2RFO6zJAnFnwq66Uoqj8pWlb58ZYpS5PhalaKzNpA7Glr293VyyBGOCa1KK20LRZhSQEGwRkkiXURkk1_qusgFIwicsl3Smm9QB41fuoaTYGaQXUXwh7zRp72dY9K48c4/s400/waterwall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505049761357019714" /></a><br /><br />I had a great view of Lake Michigan from my hotel room! I couldn't wait to get down to the shore and get near the water. Navy Pier was right there and within an easy walking distance. I bundled up in my jacket as it was in the low 50s, and took a hike.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJbohvGEau_VRwmD76iUcKeeSWCzIRZKTySwhxxP2Na4H_FmZJO_9gwVm14aQUYfVJb-YaEkaEcm4MF_Z1Cn8Nc4ruJuU5uxqRSDtNTek_7ZGasXCZNtDi4kB0zcRCSSVzlkgoJLPbB0/s1600/view+from+window.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJbohvGEau_VRwmD76iUcKeeSWCzIRZKTySwhxxP2Na4H_FmZJO_9gwVm14aQUYfVJb-YaEkaEcm4MF_Z1Cn8Nc4ruJuU5uxqRSDtNTek_7ZGasXCZNtDi4kB0zcRCSSVzlkgoJLPbB0/s400/view+from+window.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505049753744871250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkgRs_zTyuT-VRHsAygPIu1cAO-zO96IUnx2NQNDlQUHk1rd-0bzmmm0yiC2zKih4o3WMgbEB_tG8OUWb_BRdVIqb-AGFK0Dn0fpIwnDJSjQMXh89L8BTi8nNc6n2ilzHl_C8dK2gq5E/s1600/view+from+window+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkgRs_zTyuT-VRHsAygPIu1cAO-zO96IUnx2NQNDlQUHk1rd-0bzmmm0yiC2zKih4o3WMgbEB_tG8OUWb_BRdVIqb-AGFK0Dn0fpIwnDJSjQMXh89L8BTi8nNc6n2ilzHl_C8dK2gq5E/s400/view+from+window+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505049748225161394" /></a><br /><br />It was so exciting to approach Navy Pier! This was a place I had always heard of, but really didn't know what to expect or see.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFNjX5vZx2u3NunGcjBs5kXvqaC1IEDh9Ob-acffj3FgEW81SO57NXKULBJssm4O5E66w8pByKB6OUUwKr9moe8zytHXRX9UbCH0KWwxdMFt6eMjUjic3BhYcYaB-tFRypAHXcGS2F-w/s1600/navy+pier+from+shore.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFNjX5vZx2u3NunGcjBs5kXvqaC1IEDh9Ob-acffj3FgEW81SO57NXKULBJssm4O5E66w8pByKB6OUUwKr9moe8zytHXRX9UbCH0KWwxdMFt6eMjUjic3BhYcYaB-tFRypAHXcGS2F-w/s400/navy+pier+from+shore.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505046754744278994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIp0uUwuuu0UbWFrWU6NJ1RELpRNxmWd1f5sOW0zVuC8xSbXqbu36TO2J5OE106634o8SvNCWyqaal4236uC30r7twRCIuqpMmFBcnRFSAGaD12_tA4qiyuaLXPJZ4ZRZbYP0Hkdkxa6Q/s1600/navy+pier+building.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIp0uUwuuu0UbWFrWU6NJ1RELpRNxmWd1f5sOW0zVuC8xSbXqbu36TO2J5OE106634o8SvNCWyqaal4236uC30r7twRCIuqpMmFBcnRFSAGaD12_tA4qiyuaLXPJZ4ZRZbYP0Hkdkxa6Q/s400/navy+pier+building.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505046241334589234" /></a><br /><br />Here is a look back at the city, from where I had just come. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj737HKbA4B_0wrrOnAkc71FDwAwWkMvCDjAjQKP7pTOHoNBxWqMJLDvG2vlwtWT5qUpWnvdoR_OLNHINR6CnQGmFsZ7mTZTiHCeUpTPov9zRHIYfFvDBjXQNaTkDNbIblGbiff25O73k0/s1600/navy+pier+near+roads.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj737HKbA4B_0wrrOnAkc71FDwAwWkMvCDjAjQKP7pTOHoNBxWqMJLDvG2vlwtWT5qUpWnvdoR_OLNHINR6CnQGmFsZ7mTZTiHCeUpTPov9zRHIYfFvDBjXQNaTkDNbIblGbiff25O73k0/s400/navy+pier+near+roads.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505046244782834626" /></a><br /><br />One of the first things I wanted to check out was the Stained Glass Museum...and it was free! I highly recommend it. Some of these were by Tiffany!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLHubrCC2pR0ZoXGj5E-ub-Xo4_fAR5R1QLc6wHqxI732LPySTOj_YVciHeSr3xqY8nOkCO6KRlwQ984HPg_W5TguNEjehH2GIMCTojjpNWGi9Qi4lFNFaYKoDlzI-e0DbVUcnSb9jXA/s1600/tiffany+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLHubrCC2pR0ZoXGj5E-ub-Xo4_fAR5R1QLc6wHqxI732LPySTOj_YVciHeSr3xqY8nOkCO6KRlwQ984HPg_W5TguNEjehH2GIMCTojjpNWGi9Qi4lFNFaYKoDlzI-e0DbVUcnSb9jXA/s400/tiffany+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505048491938099346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqJdnOFaNVrZNlQTWNfI_Df1DS8NQ8VUJ5kOnNb7RLsnYe9qxP48Ri_5SAn6cAOUqc6ToUW1DXl7ou5NKyRXrwWwPO4BQ6jmq9YX2myFdkkQr0yrgFyGZ0EOmnMmIXKIwTerCaPmGVKs/s1600/tiffany+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqJdnOFaNVrZNlQTWNfI_Df1DS8NQ8VUJ5kOnNb7RLsnYe9qxP48Ri_5SAn6cAOUqc6ToUW1DXl7ou5NKyRXrwWwPO4BQ6jmq9YX2myFdkkQr0yrgFyGZ0EOmnMmIXKIwTerCaPmGVKs/s400/tiffany+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505048483617473010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIejcl2yZUmRmi3etWhPNmdouc3pPWftDnKSHl7L8S7QxpjzcmC_pk94oOaY5jF4eqx4uPZpnGaVcIevQIzjvmOqqN9pVAw5w6eSwTCl9lEIitCVWzLbibAE4kCalJA8UqWDs4phQOWHg/s1600/stained+glass+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIejcl2yZUmRmi3etWhPNmdouc3pPWftDnKSHl7L8S7QxpjzcmC_pk94oOaY5jF4eqx4uPZpnGaVcIevQIzjvmOqqN9pVAw5w6eSwTCl9lEIitCVWzLbibAE4kCalJA8UqWDs4phQOWHg/s400/stained+glass+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505048475258893010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmTeCs7Ky1CPppGRMc8Jq2PPXH8w3gGfM050hxiVIrAGkVR6vzXxabY9A1jmoyrau5qEBqDFxj5nZUV6f3ZXrWHWB-OSlKhE_4bcyzaKXHHuu9JsHMAUW_2TKhTMb2gv7ZNJdHGzeV-k/s1600/stained+glass+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmTeCs7Ky1CPppGRMc8Jq2PPXH8w3gGfM050hxiVIrAGkVR6vzXxabY9A1jmoyrau5qEBqDFxj5nZUV6f3ZXrWHWB-OSlKhE_4bcyzaKXHHuu9JsHMAUW_2TKhTMb2gv7ZNJdHGzeV-k/s400/stained+glass+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505048463600333714" /></a><br /><br /><br />After that, it was onward to explore the rest of the sights. Me near the Beer Garden. No, I did not drink any beer!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSM8Ej0-olJIfk3gBdpeMyMcv_QaE2iXD3HS0n3jN6LaIsiaEqD1AM9zbRCM6A2INvdHmpT6K2HcLWV7DtKMDlTMre0JJ7luQeVbztIOy-AbdLO2KC00QsNY8z0jyBM9QMfAWD-4KSFQ/s1600/self+pic+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSM8Ej0-olJIfk3gBdpeMyMcv_QaE2iXD3HS0n3jN6LaIsiaEqD1AM9zbRCM6A2INvdHmpT6K2HcLWV7DtKMDlTMre0JJ7luQeVbztIOy-AbdLO2KC00QsNY8z0jyBM9QMfAWD-4KSFQ/s400/self+pic+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505046250356305010" /></a><br /><br />The famous Harry Caray's restaurant. There were a lot of people out despite the chilly weather.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQOTVGMM5N9XqIGvBiejnH1sdreNY_nBVo5H9XsLjBuY971sG9NNU1bfOKTQk8Zvim0DN5NyMfgOKmHCFnOvR7P5WouI4o3NXnLRL0GAn1BrV3Qei7g_A-U5Qu-xWXadqNE6ZlpUszQc/s1600/harry+carays+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQOTVGMM5N9XqIGvBiejnH1sdreNY_nBVo5H9XsLjBuY971sG9NNU1bfOKTQk8Zvim0DN5NyMfgOKmHCFnOvR7P5WouI4o3NXnLRL0GAn1BrV3Qei7g_A-U5Qu-xWXadqNE6ZlpUszQc/s400/harry+carays+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505046236437728834" /></a><br /><br />And here is the famous ferris wheel. I am terrified of heights...didn't ride that!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdsMkAc08fullpehoq8e-aJoyObLgOsxaX-iHUk7PDkeMsRJBrxEm-t46WPXiGTbXjUFr7lwZk_jxy9f4yu1r2DCQotGgLuc5PZppMP9uYKvZcy2nRgJ-gro68Gcix5vIKFNhl2dkkeU/s1600/ferris+wheel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdsMkAc08fullpehoq8e-aJoyObLgOsxaX-iHUk7PDkeMsRJBrxEm-t46WPXiGTbXjUFr7lwZk_jxy9f4yu1r2DCQotGgLuc5PZppMP9uYKvZcy2nRgJ-gro68Gcix5vIKFNhl2dkkeU/s400/ferris+wheel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505046233564797474" /></a><br /><br />This theater is at the very end of the pier.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHP-Nms9wZjsnQiaH8EHkoojGtgfLagFs9w8cCtMa8VEbCifpBJ_zbToPSAbLHY-VxLBfKPGvvAEwAe68klL_GxCNS5iJdDw4XEbtHT41CacKBD7LDM-NC9Pud_9jQ1PvxNyF4jxrF48/s1600/theater+on+navy+pier.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHP-Nms9wZjsnQiaH8EHkoojGtgfLagFs9w8cCtMa8VEbCifpBJ_zbToPSAbLHY-VxLBfKPGvvAEwAe68klL_GxCNS5iJdDw4XEbtHT41CacKBD7LDM-NC9Pud_9jQ1PvxNyF4jxrF48/s400/theater+on+navy+pier.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505046762062320642" /></a><br /><br />After my stroll through Navy Pier, I decided that I really wanted to get out on the water, despite the chilly temps and wind. I love being on the water, and the tours were not really too expensive. <br /><br />This looked like it could be a fun ride!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO107zIUlpQk9UJFikZegQ20FqowPjAoCorV2AKQ4uHaACSTdtrulIb-L8YiAbyoZgIi-NqsOsfkGVIhxa-0rUqARbRNucApxG34vHFr-ILPqZtQcHb1VcDlXwhiTVaKiSE1tMRaMKsWs/s1600/pirates.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO107zIUlpQk9UJFikZegQ20FqowPjAoCorV2AKQ4uHaACSTdtrulIb-L8YiAbyoZgIi-NqsOsfkGVIhxa-0rUqARbRNucApxG34vHFr-ILPqZtQcHb1VcDlXwhiTVaKiSE1tMRaMKsWs/s400/pirates.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505039423357993202" /></a><br /><br />The pirate ship approaches from the lake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr1HutLfq38ZLsvePmRJZLxdghk_GZSQCeqD36Niw9GohBfZDCyMDqQV7CqR-9QME_kNXsqKqUW2LRRozVndt9Lqm2dxzEjI1kG5Aijw_tq41QAo1ReibkSg1Psl4GW9B_gwSumGC6kw/s1600/pirate+ship+in+lake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr1HutLfq38ZLsvePmRJZLxdghk_GZSQCeqD36Niw9GohBfZDCyMDqQV7CqR-9QME_kNXsqKqUW2LRRozVndt9Lqm2dxzEjI1kG5Aijw_tq41QAo1ReibkSg1Psl4GW9B_gwSumGC6kw/s400/pirate+ship+in+lake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505039428625944834" /></a><br /><br />Although this might have been a lot of fun, it was a little more pricey than I cared for.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg5B8QaWtPBMa2AIvMl6f97odRWAdDdntwzX2zBFwbe8GxPIwBxztkBBCvpGNxy6DT55E3cPb6guQzceVAq_xnPdfOIgnffU1hl6kTXUDVJlDdOoPDNDNrrXGpuQvWp0UP4VYMH_98Q4/s1600/pirate+ship.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg5B8QaWtPBMa2AIvMl6f97odRWAdDdntwzX2zBFwbe8GxPIwBxztkBBCvpGNxy6DT55E3cPb6guQzceVAq_xnPdfOIgnffU1hl6kTXUDVJlDdOoPDNDNrrXGpuQvWp0UP4VYMH_98Q4/s400/pirate+ship.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505039431111095490" /></a><br /><br />I spotted this seagull while I pondered my decision.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VhE1RQRwCMpotPgPmh0GmGAsy9Ynj3sfwUN3wUGwHOHUN8p62wghyphenhyphennuf0O4XHVm1mzZA2UPL1JDT_3kkV7RaoCwNhdSBRGjV_HMq9OKLVDgUtCOsZgHKWPU1nNwXwIz3EG82Nrntdso/s1600/seagull+on+post.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VhE1RQRwCMpotPgPmh0GmGAsy9Ynj3sfwUN3wUGwHOHUN8p62wghyphenhyphennuf0O4XHVm1mzZA2UPL1JDT_3kkV7RaoCwNhdSBRGjV_HMq9OKLVDgUtCOsZgHKWPU1nNwXwIz3EG82Nrntdso/s400/seagull+on+post.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505039416752590370" /></a><br /><br />There were so many to choose from!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflE9U1GO9Cxl9Bk0XoJQhuGevOlnnoBpEoQ3xo_tJq40ecl8fSR0jutKCrbxYgzBfZhl-TKYsKFMrzPflDVsukrVvEpMh2gqrqBbA9s83-fsiDW3d2Omnq9GP1mqfzBxQteGnaf7wuAk/s1600/boats+navy+pier.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflE9U1GO9Cxl9Bk0XoJQhuGevOlnnoBpEoQ3xo_tJq40ecl8fSR0jutKCrbxYgzBfZhl-TKYsKFMrzPflDVsukrVvEpMh2gqrqBbA9s83-fsiDW3d2Omnq9GP1mqfzBxQteGnaf7wuAk/s400/boats+navy+pier.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505038156029458850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBnuY4egpDZMK1lltkgPViYxXTiUW5bWzZX8WgLonduFWs1zrM8rGwP9-T8-tgwe0k-eczO8RcnaxqluZbeBjtxlWw_-5T-AOYGcaf87cV0TyH4NMxAKoDLHKRzNmMLC0VY7o6wVEUIo/s1600/boats+at+pier.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBnuY4egpDZMK1lltkgPViYxXTiUW5bWzZX8WgLonduFWs1zrM8rGwP9-T8-tgwe0k-eczO8RcnaxqluZbeBjtxlWw_-5T-AOYGcaf87cV0TyH4NMxAKoDLHKRzNmMLC0VY7o6wVEUIo/s400/boats+at+pier.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505036517026267458" /></a><br /><br />I eventually chose the shoreline tour for $14.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrK61j7TpelQ-cwF2DZJQW3zPuTC0exbvpVw5jlcblSb-si0lgm59p_d3QtYY8EVOFU0mVvCELQCYi1aJgdIJp71zj4dRcmY_2ITur3dvlhX3t4mTIFIf7OjM2YHx9EhV7KWEkXODOp0/s1600/boat+arriving+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrK61j7TpelQ-cwF2DZJQW3zPuTC0exbvpVw5jlcblSb-si0lgm59p_d3QtYY8EVOFU0mVvCELQCYi1aJgdIJp71zj4dRcmY_2ITur3dvlhX3t4mTIFIf7OjM2YHx9EhV7KWEkXODOp0/s400/boat+arriving+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505036513933607106" /></a><br /><br />I had great views of the pier.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBFCPczMPYdt7XmiSJuf7Oo0NHUsodaMYq4mROA1zIGWaYqfIRMRW5PrVkLShIlXhYIDqMXEQMkWHuhdvFiFo_yLFM1_EUoT2u7HtV2LHikhNA79jbrNrJMwsu_XX_XrsTfhyphenhyphenQ-qXHbo/s1600/end+of+pier+from+boat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBFCPczMPYdt7XmiSJuf7Oo0NHUsodaMYq4mROA1zIGWaYqfIRMRW5PrVkLShIlXhYIDqMXEQMkWHuhdvFiFo_yLFM1_EUoT2u7HtV2LHikhNA79jbrNrJMwsu_XX_XrsTfhyphenhyphenQ-qXHbo/s400/end+of+pier+from+boat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505036534280565378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvMJ2plKPJ0GsKGssJzMD-oofb1B2N65utJLnXtEe9z-XgHshz9I19PS9Hg-jk1Am-7vA3ZZ4mt7vztoN7GOGXUZ2OKgDUkynfuWS6joa7c28oNLP0gkePiYPjzeCLkxmw3yHaRhaHBg/s1600/pier+from+boat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvMJ2plKPJ0GsKGssJzMD-oofb1B2N65utJLnXtEe9z-XgHshz9I19PS9Hg-jk1Am-7vA3ZZ4mt7vztoN7GOGXUZ2OKgDUkynfuWS6joa7c28oNLP0gkePiYPjzeCLkxmw3yHaRhaHBg/s400/pier+from+boat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505038178026827986" /></a><br /><br />And some of the lighthouse.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9unohp90olWQG5BCE6Pf4NjRI0a_9psus4RVdOkHg8XSZMhhJmyaSA4esksmdoREXmGV-x7Odj01PzB0io200Vym3QcEgdhmxY8hFgzXlJR_4FOSFyvpL3As_eHvbcvkHfve_WDNy0M/s1600/lighthouse+from+boat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9unohp90olWQG5BCE6Pf4NjRI0a_9psus4RVdOkHg8XSZMhhJmyaSA4esksmdoREXmGV-x7Odj01PzB0io200Vym3QcEgdhmxY8hFgzXlJR_4FOSFyvpL3As_eHvbcvkHfve_WDNy0M/s400/lighthouse+from+boat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505038168592357218" /></a><br /><br />And even one of a naval ship far in the distance. Great Lakes Naval Base is not far from the city.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFaPJCBtH5Tz0LVTRo5rOx_2nu9MNv1vkhRwwGTXxOzn3dpZfYUKB-6EaRmDtHF-RkFYrclDOPzfPJPsh0k2HA0_1ZiSsOrIdOy3kGmNS5KzOS2o1hWFtaoRviPOc_RtVsYO52efsG6g/s1600/navy+ship+in+lake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFaPJCBtH5Tz0LVTRo5rOx_2nu9MNv1vkhRwwGTXxOzn3dpZfYUKB-6EaRmDtHF-RkFYrclDOPzfPJPsh0k2HA0_1ZiSsOrIdOy3kGmNS5KzOS2o1hWFtaoRviPOc_RtVsYO52efsG6g/s400/navy+ship+in+lake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505038880162970034" /></a><br /><br />There were great views of the Chicago skyline.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1LvPnbQOO_3N1AyhzjQP2mbTJvYl-PWrFVMXrc_IeaakCX6DtnVt4mphqCAlvq-l7IYK_k_wWnvx98xMb2elzuET4WnCdXJ00G-XTp0CbMCCwpriN1bz4WoJw_liHHSF4_x6ZRAFhSY/s1600/shoreline+from+boat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1LvPnbQOO_3N1AyhzjQP2mbTJvYl-PWrFVMXrc_IeaakCX6DtnVt4mphqCAlvq-l7IYK_k_wWnvx98xMb2elzuET4WnCdXJ00G-XTp0CbMCCwpriN1bz4WoJw_liHHSF4_x6ZRAFhSY/s400/shoreline+from+boat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505038871321498594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGd_Nb3mt-deD0znYZaJIgHr7pOQ9tSFp86uV0wm8iLEVAa1mGQI9xs3vmO77PkteCJ4fDeeYv-sRxDJRiXqOcqFNiSNYdCfaFmrjRSg_SU6JgNmwb_vmQsmlzUtAHmBKWxxNOPz027E/s1600/shoreline+from+boat+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGd_Nb3mt-deD0znYZaJIgHr7pOQ9tSFp86uV0wm8iLEVAa1mGQI9xs3vmO77PkteCJ4fDeeYv-sRxDJRiXqOcqFNiSNYdCfaFmrjRSg_SU6JgNmwb_vmQsmlzUtAHmBKWxxNOPz027E/s400/shoreline+from+boat+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505038867756332034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbAsjAVqmrGgRlVeIb0KEuB74w0tJ-YzPxOA6pTlCqJcjMvUjcawTcCS2AmUhKJC3wvQEcH7vhMUmsNatTxDNu9BRNbn8xj1Dy8BCUt_b6yGua-BjUVHXr9bchE4PhtyDJKj-CdiHK2M/s1600/tourists+looking+at+skyline.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbAsjAVqmrGgRlVeIb0KEuB74w0tJ-YzPxOA6pTlCqJcjMvUjcawTcCS2AmUhKJC3wvQEcH7vhMUmsNatTxDNu9BRNbn8xj1Dy8BCUt_b6yGua-BjUVHXr9bchE4PhtyDJKj-CdiHK2M/s400/tourists+looking+at+skyline.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505038189152294018" /></a><br /><br />On the return trip, I spotted these noisy seagulls. There were literally hundreds of them!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoeHIht-aGgUpOp_EH_GUMfk_xOnLdjd5XzJaU4I0h5h6dp_3vlnnY1Zz7aHdIgZ_d5l1JniVSYTOLmse2KUqluxRmEEcINrX1agGM5o3X7vkt3AbO4WFwztEoxqZtrcvHn2-d2fgH0o/s1600/seagulls+on+rocks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoeHIht-aGgUpOp_EH_GUMfk_xOnLdjd5XzJaU4I0h5h6dp_3vlnnY1Zz7aHdIgZ_d5l1JniVSYTOLmse2KUqluxRmEEcINrX1agGM5o3X7vkt3AbO4WFwztEoxqZtrcvHn2-d2fgH0o/s400/seagulls+on+rocks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505038876624078818" /></a><br /><br />Once off of the boat, I decided to head out from the pier and take in a few last sights before heading back to the hotel. I was so intrigued of this sculpture of TV's Bob Newhart with his psychiatrist couch! That was such a funny series.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhFkKYJPMLSjSYAI93G28xcu0dpoNSP6bj_q5OT7v7ynL-qEJypo-CqNPRjVF8MBj2w31MoEUENZnMPwhlzhEwPsVrqqXjlFDQJF_S2gs_aE6X3oAx_zWVk5ve8UFRFqdSbcSx95FtsM/s1600/bob+newhart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhFkKYJPMLSjSYAI93G28xcu0dpoNSP6bj_q5OT7v7ynL-qEJypo-CqNPRjVF8MBj2w31MoEUENZnMPwhlzhEwPsVrqqXjlFDQJF_S2gs_aE6X3oAx_zWVk5ve8UFRFqdSbcSx95FtsM/s400/bob+newhart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505036528968043954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAufSyyNQUInmD8BU4_ByTRVSAnwGuHA997TLPh5uVJ42qVxN2kVMo1vpznSlNHUHFJRV4GerTL4lbkWELPe9mNnbuqeD9IW4MWZ5-6Xi0clHfDJZjOBBWMjbVuXhsPI3DA4ZZ8rZ1iYE/s1600/bob+newhart+sculpture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAufSyyNQUInmD8BU4_ByTRVSAnwGuHA997TLPh5uVJ42qVxN2kVMo1vpznSlNHUHFJRV4GerTL4lbkWELPe9mNnbuqeD9IW4MWZ5-6Xi0clHfDJZjOBBWMjbVuXhsPI3DA4ZZ8rZ1iYE/s400/bob+newhart+sculpture.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505036523263348834" /></a><br /><br />I also loved this sculpture of a sea captain.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGdTbXVT3g6x560EChnCcsGjeQRgeyuOKuPZLjYZ6C-n50Lzu189_9aLAy3wgkc7rMW0QGtUOYViEtmHldL_JwkoAwbrU-P_bLJYZlNWTllFseVbL8LIIarzOe559lAMpwmj1JJBeRlA/s1600/maritime+sailor+statue.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGdTbXVT3g6x560EChnCcsGjeQRgeyuOKuPZLjYZ6C-n50Lzu189_9aLAy3wgkc7rMW0QGtUOYViEtmHldL_JwkoAwbrU-P_bLJYZlNWTllFseVbL8LIIarzOe559lAMpwmj1JJBeRlA/s400/maritime+sailor+statue.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505041150160453906" /></a><br /><br />I said my last farewell to Navy Pier.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSFiBHw5SSCTKbDOrHCTC3D-pEIqBK1TCvo9s8om7vgnpzjEIqCImsMbN2fZmGyeFrsSb-PKozXtsD7XVEKolqHiuxBVWC4DWRvjUOPBCEnXU9krFZoZpWI5BOeO6IORjg-gywZteSIY/s1600/navy+pier+sign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSFiBHw5SSCTKbDOrHCTC3D-pEIqBK1TCvo9s8om7vgnpzjEIqCImsMbN2fZmGyeFrsSb-PKozXtsD7XVEKolqHiuxBVWC4DWRvjUOPBCEnXU9krFZoZpWI5BOeO6IORjg-gywZteSIY/s400/navy+pier+sign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505041161589059394" /></a><br /><br />See the smile on my face? That's because I had such a great time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHs4ju-8RljybPzBy-ofoW6e7jKWaArgr6B9mZiFFyTDeKDACdcR4d7z_KPGTSjyfBMa61rtc2ns0nE-oG3_OOh7A52vdU8a6ZKRCIRIMNtLr5KseUY1jXHB1FaJeJbCZJKaGn_FVeQ9g/s1600/self+pic+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHs4ju-8RljybPzBy-ofoW6e7jKWaArgr6B9mZiFFyTDeKDACdcR4d7z_KPGTSjyfBMa61rtc2ns0nE-oG3_OOh7A52vdU8a6ZKRCIRIMNtLr5KseUY1jXHB1FaJeJbCZJKaGn_FVeQ9g/s400/self+pic+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505041165475663474" /></a><br /><br />Later that day, I ran into Debbie, founder of the Women on Fire event, and my former babysitter! This was the first time I had seen her in decades. Oh how wonderful it was to see her again! Such great memories, with more to be created over the next couple days!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJU9blwHFAAdJjIOTrfEXKRJRX4PIJzfy1SZirgx8NEGZ4tO89TSmuUql0o48vSYHYkZavotlc9LZ2jlu7aRMDRC1X_z-kjqfJJK-O44syw_OikZnmNpP5MjQ304vJrxgu3xKPNMQtX8/s1600/Debbie+and+me.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJU9blwHFAAdJjIOTrfEXKRJRX4PIJzfy1SZirgx8NEGZ4tO89TSmuUql0o48vSYHYkZavotlc9LZ2jlu7aRMDRC1X_z-kjqfJJK-O44syw_OikZnmNpP5MjQ304vJrxgu3xKPNMQtX8/s400/Debbie+and+me.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505042052933658642" /></a><br /><br />Even later, I met my roommate Carin, a most amazing lady! She was the coolest and we got along so well. I had never met her before that night, and was so happy that Debbie suggested we room together. We had an instant connection, and I feel like I've found a new sister!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSssxdJjxibEYjUovnTWluBHyxq-VIcegJLBLU1SHFrnlArdLgO4oDr5_tIHgfuFy5LSsv09dnoj0QgBHuCxMraTrWhLtzrN3vnkIQR8grD-p3R7XyITVUqt1V5qFKNVaUr6dmzeqwBk/s1600/Carin+and+me.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSssxdJjxibEYjUovnTWluBHyxq-VIcegJLBLU1SHFrnlArdLgO4oDr5_tIHgfuFy5LSsv09dnoj0QgBHuCxMraTrWhLtzrN3vnkIQR8grD-p3R7XyITVUqt1V5qFKNVaUr6dmzeqwBk/s400/Carin+and+me.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505042049348423890" /></a><br /><br />This wouldn't be complete without a picture of me with Debbie and Stedman Graham. See, I really did meet him! This was right after I handed him my business card.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bXDGqAA3GaQUbtx27ZR1yS9713We2ExCn2WhUyZryhdVootfl2x0l3P-zEGiaTmSvoK4bZHq5kO1KtjXqMNIJT8bJdr2TA9oI2cphRUTd7p9Wma-iQ1rU-GDn_p_-z-Wm2UeQzNRXH0/s1600/Me,+Debbie+and+Stedman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bXDGqAA3GaQUbtx27ZR1yS9713We2ExCn2WhUyZryhdVootfl2x0l3P-zEGiaTmSvoK4bZHq5kO1KtjXqMNIJT8bJdr2TA9oI2cphRUTd7p9Wma-iQ1rU-GDn_p_-z-Wm2UeQzNRXH0/s400/Me,+Debbie+and+Stedman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505042056177100066" /></a><br /><br />Chicago is an amazing city. I hope to be able to take the train back and visit again someday! I would also stay at the Embassy Suites again. The hotel was really nice and the breakfasts are included in the cost of the room and were delicious. The only drawback is that if you drive, it will cost you over $40 to park your car at the hotel. Since I took the train, that was not a concern. <br /><br />I'll really try to make a better effort and posting and visiting! I have so much to share, including a wonderful garden tour which afforded me the opportunity to take some wonderful pictures!<br /><br />I've missed you all!<br /><br>Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-40872239152710609182010-06-20T00:54:00.005-04:002010-06-20T01:52:16.680-04:00Where to Begin?It seems like I haven't posted in forever. Actually it has only been since April, but that was almost two months ago. I feel terrible about going missing in action, but life has been incredibly full lately. Boy do I have a lot to tell you! The biggest news is toward the end of the post. <br /><br />I do apologize to all of those who follow my blog. I have made very, very few blog visits in the last couple months. I am going to work to remedy this situation.<br /><br />This pic is following a recent boat trip on a local river. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnne6Vzj3Mjc6W8dTsJM0sity3Nk5igxdWwmH8g3vHK_lhujRPwr6zbZDsbNxaEWRmPlWeC_2d9O1ogBvik18oUqtR9Lvnr5ViH4vA1iLb1S0IFwl5fmL2uEIJhcumx2EQ7J-p-k9KdQ/s1600/sun+fading.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnne6Vzj3Mjc6W8dTsJM0sity3Nk5igxdWwmH8g3vHK_lhujRPwr6zbZDsbNxaEWRmPlWeC_2d9O1ogBvik18oUqtR9Lvnr5ViH4vA1iLb1S0IFwl5fmL2uEIJhcumx2EQ7J-p-k9KdQ/s400/sun+fading.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484718591908007874" /></a><br />Since I last posted, I have been out on a boat twice, both times over Memorial Day weekend, which was a fantastic weekend for me! I took some pics and will post them sometime in the future. <br /><br />I have also been spending much less time at the computer. Between working third shift and struggling to get enough sleep, I have also been working much harder at keeping this home clean. Although you only see a clean house in the pics on my blog, the truth is that I have often been a dreadful housekeeper. I am determined that this place is going to stay tidy and clean, and it has taken a lot of time daily to keep it the way I like it. I love this place, and want to keep it beautiful. Although you've seen pics of my little bathroom and my porch, I do have more pics of the apartment and plan to post them soon too.<br /><br />As I wrote in my last post, I traveled to Chicago to attend a women's retreat in April called Women on Fire. It was one of the most enriching experiences of my life, and I feel forever changed. The purpose of the retreat was not only to bring women together to network, fellowship, and support each other, we also talked about what we are on fire about in our lives and identified our passions. One of my passions has been working with people, and I recalled how much I enjoyed my counseling jobs.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b2gnidxBs2RL615cdGrlk8v0ENZ5ypJTHxA4qduHaKKkitWewk_wF9U-ntwrgdr1a9A9NHtwIu9W5-QfKUVVJyEhkcYsTaAw3wXn-6zDtrPyq4KGU_jZf0l5rOqYJOKbXSuwncIh9ZM/s1600/support-group.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3b2gnidxBs2RL615cdGrlk8v0ENZ5ypJTHxA4qduHaKKkitWewk_wF9U-ntwrgdr1a9A9NHtwIu9W5-QfKUVVJyEhkcYsTaAw3wXn-6zDtrPyq4KGU_jZf0l5rOqYJOKbXSuwncIh9ZM/s400/support-group.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484717160370135698" /></a><br />With the help of the women at the retreat, I discovered that although I cannot return to chemical dependency counseling without being under an agency, there is no reason that I cannot bring women together to form a support group, or to have classes on increasing self esteem. Some of the women at that retreat are life coaches, and perhaps I can do something in that area, though I feel I need some training in that. However, people have always come to me for advice, and they seem to think I am wise. Why not continue to use that talent in another venue? I haven't formulated a plan yet, but plan to soon.<br /><br />The biggest change in my life has been the happiest change. <br /><br />I'm dating!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiAhTPgpLhAY4gklLnF26nBhCSTQgGKLQjLo4v98ToUDceVBZXfes7LZ0lsYaB9KI7oaXg1pkUdhFmq7X4BocUVH86vltP85-dK43rPzNanfBwE33cInN1irGwPYu5_Cpo0t11ziF_nk/s1600/dating.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiAhTPgpLhAY4gklLnF26nBhCSTQgGKLQjLo4v98ToUDceVBZXfes7LZ0lsYaB9KI7oaXg1pkUdhFmq7X4BocUVH86vltP85-dK43rPzNanfBwE33cInN1irGwPYu5_Cpo0t11ziF_nk/s400/dating.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484717138048373746" /></a><br /><br />I met him online through a dating site. The funny thing is, he lives only 6 miles from my hometown! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvC697kDzWf_IUDaatkIDwtPXCVAsPRciPe6fKnGuEKqTqaCxeeWUWsiUkue6gQc-V7XjgCehnBClWAFK6U3dT2qdxmPJpz-8gNaUZahS6ei6sJ7JA9TXnIWYLLWAnF6R8y9MMAXnlmVU/s1600/cyber_love_27064.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvC697kDzWf_IUDaatkIDwtPXCVAsPRciPe6fKnGuEKqTqaCxeeWUWsiUkue6gQc-V7XjgCehnBClWAFK6U3dT2qdxmPJpz-8gNaUZahS6ei6sJ7JA9TXnIWYLLWAnF6R8y9MMAXnlmVU/s400/cyber_love_27064.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484717130295690034" /></a><br />Oddly enough, he was divorcing about the same time that I moved to my present city, so he wasn't eligible to date while we lived close. I first wrote to him about May 1 and met him in person the second week of May, and we have been on about 10 dates so far.<br /><br />He is the most considerate men I have ever gone out with. Since the day we first began e-mailing each other, I have either heard from him via email, instant message, personal visit, or phone call daily. He believes that the man always pays for dinner, he remembers little things about what I like, and we always have fun together, even if its just hanging out and talking. He's incredibly intelligent (master's degree), and has a wonderful sense of humor. We laugh together a lot. We like a lot of the same music, and even watch the same cartoons! (Yes, I watch cartoons. And I don't care if you think I'm silly for it!) Besides going out to eat, we've gone on walks together, gone on a picnic (he cooked the chicken), and we've gone to an art museum. He even likes shopping. Last weekend I met his children.<br /><br />Needless to say, I am thrilled to pieces. And I am falling....Head. Over. Heels.<br /><br />I so hope this works out!<br /><br />Oh, one more thing I forgot to mention...when I attended the Women on Fire retreat, I heard from a couple different women about how they met their beloved. We talked about thinking outside the box, and to say Yes to dating anyone. One of the type of men I said I would never date was a pastor. <br /><br />Well guess what my sweetie does. Yep, he's a preacher!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpjNxWsTPE7OVLpFQ8rTSWKmB4bfOZgUrOD7VhdN7_7chwv16WYjnP_oVSqpu2_YZO_S_r6_CH3Y9YsALrrvJDueCk6gm7ZgcWYxIKYcPgX1daeeFavDQ_ENMNAH6rPdLT8cZs36Rdlk/s1600/preacher.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpjNxWsTPE7OVLpFQ8rTSWKmB4bfOZgUrOD7VhdN7_7chwv16WYjnP_oVSqpu2_YZO_S_r6_CH3Y9YsALrrvJDueCk6gm7ZgcWYxIKYcPgX1daeeFavDQ_ENMNAH6rPdLT8cZs36Rdlk/s400/preacher.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484717148327927474" /></a><br />I believe that God has an incredible sense of humor, because although I am a born again Christian, I only go to church when my son asks me to watch him sing or perform, or when he asks me to go for a special occasion. I haven't attended any church on a regular basis for over 10 years. Some of my religious beliefs are not consistent with mainline Christian beliefs. I have shared this with him. And yet this man sees the spiritual in me. He likes me anyhow, even though I call myself his "little heathen." <br /><br />The funny thing is, he is a preacher I could listen to even if I wasn't dating him! He writes one paragraph weekly eDevotions, and I feel like he is speaking my same thoughts in each one. I have told him that if he invites me, I will come to hear him preach, but he has to ask, because dating a pastor is a bit tricky, and its too soon to be asked a bunch of questions about my role in his life. If we get serious (and I hope we do), then that may be the time. For now, I'm just enjoying getting to know this wonderful man.<br /><br />Oh yeah, and if you're one of my Facebook friends, please don't ask me questions about him on my FB wall! One of my best friends from school (also on FB) goes to his church, and for now, I need to keep this on the down-low. He is also on my Facebook, and if he DOESN'T feel the same about me, it would be pretty embarrassing for him to read how I feel before I have actually told him.<br /><br />So that's my life in a nutshell! I really am going to make a better effort to keep my blog more current and make more visits. Oh, I am now moderating all my blog comments as I have been inundated with spam comments, some of them with really inappropriate links. I hope you'll understand.<br /><br />Until next time, thanks for stopping by!Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-84751688706759489212010-04-26T12:39:00.004-04:002010-04-26T13:06:52.559-04:00Now I Know That I Can Do Anything!I just had the most amazing, incredible weekend in Chicago at an event called Women on Fire. It was an event designed to boost self-esteem, to help discover your passions in life and how to work toward those passions, and to build support among women. I will write more later on about the specifics as I need time to ask permission to use links and pics, but first I want to tell you about an incredible opportunity I had. It was truly a defining moment in my life. <br /><br />One of the two wonderful speakers we had at this event was the fantastic <a href="http://www.stedmangraham.com">Stedman Graham</a>. Yes that Stedman, better known as Oprah’s boyfriend. However, I will never look at him as Oprah’s sweetheart again, but as Stedman, masterful speaker, real individual, and the man with a warm, wonderful spirit; the kind of man you would want as your big brother or mentor. He is just that genuine.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXpqACuhX2Nl5Nb5XTZIGvrjuUD8umHLY1S4IJ7sSytRpGOpzy9SpHoBDZhMGOdp7oBS7axTRSx5CBAI67krx61BIs-d-ow1N0giG3pdEqjf9Sh5dVphPf90xg_OJJQFYpI8zefbYMAg/s1600/SGraham-headshot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXpqACuhX2Nl5Nb5XTZIGvrjuUD8umHLY1S4IJ7sSytRpGOpzy9SpHoBDZhMGOdp7oBS7axTRSx5CBAI67krx61BIs-d-ow1N0giG3pdEqjf9Sh5dVphPf90xg_OJJQFYpI8zefbYMAg/s400/SGraham-headshot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464488229081901122" /></a><br />As you all know, I have been selling <a href="http:www.tahitiannoni.com/KayKerr">Tahitian Noni</a> products for several months. When a young boy in my life who has been helped immeasurably by using the Noni juice and vitamins heard that Stedman was going to be at this event, he told me that I had to tell him about Noni. I told him that one does not just walk up to a celebrity and do that. He even told me that I should raise my hand, interrupt the speech, and tell him that I needed to talk to him afterward. Again, I told him that just wasn’t appropriate. <br /><br />On the first day of the Women on Fire event, Stedman gave his talk, and we were all inspired. I was delighted when we were told that we could all have our photographs taken with him! Let me tell you, he is one tall fellow! As I awaited my turn, I realized that I would have the chance to hand him my business card. <br /><br />A little background on myself: I have in the past been painfully shy. I still have moments of shyness and insecurity. Believe me, all of those insecurities were boiling up inside me at that moment, but when I thought about having to go back to this child and tell him I missed the opportunity to tell Stedman about Noni, it propelled me forward despite my fears. When I stepped up to be photographed, I pulled my card out from my pocket, took my spot between Stedman and my former babysitter Debbie Phillips (founder of the event), and told him, “I hope its not inappropriate, but I’d like to give you my business card.” He said, “It’s not inappropriate. I’ll take your card!” Then I told him, “This is the best stuff on earth!” (Boy, that just sounded like a popular tea commercial.) “Chauncey Billups, Terrell Owens, and Danny Glover all use it!” <br /><br />Wow, I did it! Despite all my shyness, my doubts, my insecurities, and worry that I couldn’t do that, I did it!<br /><br />Even though one of the biggest messages of the whole event was that we can do whatever we set out to do, this step of faith and even bigger fear of having to go back and tell this child that I failed, made it possible for me to do what I needed to do. <br /><br />And now I know that I can do whatever I need to do. I can approach anybody and talk to them about Tahitian Noni or any other subject. <br /><br />Because I? Handed my business card to Stedman Graham!<br /><br />PS~ This post is not meant to imply that Mr. Graham uses or endorses Tahitian Noni products.<br /><br />PSS~ I'm so glad I plucked my chin hairs before meeting him face to face!Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-20443939981711058642010-04-11T18:10:00.005-04:002010-04-11T18:41:23.482-04:00New Porch and Off We Go to the Ice Cream Shop!I am just loving the new apartment! The decorating is coming together so well, and I am having so much fun taking the things that I already had and putting them together in a new way. This weekend I worked on my front porch. <br /><br />There is a mailbox next to the front door, but it was actually not being used since there are mailboxes up front. At one time, a woman in her 90s lived here, and the mailman brought it straight to the door, but no longer. You have got to love small towns and how they will do little favors like this for people! Anyhow, I just had to do something with that plain mailbox, so I went to Joann Fabrics, found some silk posies at 40% off, and turned that mailbox into a pretty planter.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkF5QpvGeZ2blehuQ0Q1bpoAaerdzeLkt4klxnbNi5vwHhCXfRHJpJMLBoUY2QBfRvycRwXhIWGK2DzVUbjJH2z4a9rIq0gz0jEJPv4h5SEShd1LseljeZJ1o1SqO-WpGJCAu7FbH8xN4/s1600/mailbox+planter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkF5QpvGeZ2blehuQ0Q1bpoAaerdzeLkt4klxnbNi5vwHhCXfRHJpJMLBoUY2QBfRvycRwXhIWGK2DzVUbjJH2z4a9rIq0gz0jEJPv4h5SEShd1LseljeZJ1o1SqO-WpGJCAu7FbH8xN4/s400/mailbox+planter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459009247026489954" /></a><br /><br />Next I decided to put my wicker settee out on the porch along with my round wicker table. The settee comes apart so that I could have two separate chairs. I was really craving some pretty red overstuffed lawn cushions for these chairs, but didn't have $50 a piece to spare, so I thought and thought about how I could make this porch pretty. Aha! I took some outdoor chair cushions that I already have, and used some chair covers that I bought a couple years ago and used them as slipcovers. These are from Waverly in the Norfolk Rose pattern. I had originally bought them to use at my house on Bonnie Lane, but we all know how that turned out!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZV706XHCTcyZQD_tTC9VZiAa-r97neYnN1fX21ETbaudJwTtZuetx3sLEp3SVnIslki2loysfjMIC6Q-QrUMn3xURbsymc2sBQbbQS7K9xHY_Wr8Wzzpkt2KpHIifMcTKCKzIViBiB4k/s1600/porch+chairs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZV706XHCTcyZQD_tTC9VZiAa-r97neYnN1fX21ETbaudJwTtZuetx3sLEp3SVnIslki2loysfjMIC6Q-QrUMn3xURbsymc2sBQbbQS7K9xHY_Wr8Wzzpkt2KpHIifMcTKCKzIViBiB4k/s400/porch+chairs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459009251295048930" /></a><br /><br />For a short time, I had my red bench out here, but I couldn't crank my windows open because the bench was in the way. The bronze star was going to move inside too, but when I picked it up, there were cocoons on the back! So it will be hanging from the mailbox for now until it hatches its little moths...or whatever those cocoons may be holding.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv05czwZaj8BHwlBO_fZeBPfoiNDl1hkdEin11DK0ozuxIjsS1cRMbcLnl74WH7TEUzZrBM1wzZvmznEcfVPi4dhLrZP1sQB3HMx7vSRRR-riZhyphenhyphenCwlxn8yU08zzgXjUf_0l4FnFhXJa0/s1600/near+door.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv05czwZaj8BHwlBO_fZeBPfoiNDl1hkdEin11DK0ozuxIjsS1cRMbcLnl74WH7TEUzZrBM1wzZvmznEcfVPi4dhLrZP1sQB3HMx7vSRRR-riZhyphenhyphenCwlxn8yU08zzgXjUf_0l4FnFhXJa0/s400/near+door.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459009256437354978" /></a><br /><br /><br />My red star is also near the door. I found some cool hooks at Meijer that slip in under the siding so that no marks are left, and so that I don't have an angry landlord.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEC1KhtKRRVqD9Q29O_ulY6scOK-peyVoNcOOaxYWLPeYSAfZOSV-20GaXmP7WX1fznEtf8nR9-gvLR_e498YMjpEGEO5ylPrMKEv635v-GXweiAlPKKRrN1YpxzTv_g_D_zakndbjw0/s1600/red+star.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEC1KhtKRRVqD9Q29O_ulY6scOK-peyVoNcOOaxYWLPeYSAfZOSV-20GaXmP7WX1fznEtf8nR9-gvLR_e498YMjpEGEO5ylPrMKEv635v-GXweiAlPKKRrN1YpxzTv_g_D_zakndbjw0/s400/red+star.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459009259381134082" /></a><br /><br />Here is a view of the whole porch. I just can't wait until it gets a little warmer and friends and I can sit out here with a big glass of iced tea and watch the world go by in this sleepy little town.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVg8oX9wNNvW0dYQVPZX-vtJ-LLGBrPPuUOh2IHrWS-uld48j3sIzXm-kYBzyx0iAP9DxLYyhshI8dHyw0q6tc88qe8G8o3OnRWd5_1eRugiq5XbfqYh3rEMopvH87ODSLBWyPPjkknD8/s1600/front+porch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVg8oX9wNNvW0dYQVPZX-vtJ-LLGBrPPuUOh2IHrWS-uld48j3sIzXm-kYBzyx0iAP9DxLYyhshI8dHyw0q6tc88qe8G8o3OnRWd5_1eRugiq5XbfqYh3rEMopvH87ODSLBWyPPjkknD8/s400/front+porch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459009238749471938" /></a><br /><br />One of my favorite things about living here is that I look out my back patio, and here is what I find in my back yard...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaq3aHHB1HjMhIkgDhXeRk0-TRg9GGwYU2NIVPhhIcF7HP4Ij1IfoelfJfs-SKkyLM0KIS7vqOb3k7rDClsGezTK3zFZXrExgwMXlhw9YyoOPCwv1VFEYBDw7vKlr51gpDik19_PDEfY0/s1600/across+the+yard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaq3aHHB1HjMhIkgDhXeRk0-TRg9GGwYU2NIVPhhIcF7HP4Ij1IfoelfJfs-SKkyLM0KIS7vqOb3k7rDClsGezTK3zFZXrExgwMXlhw9YyoOPCwv1VFEYBDw7vKlr51gpDik19_PDEfY0/s400/across+the+yard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459006370090176482" /></a><br /><br />...the local dairy bar! Yippee skippee!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2toN9D76rhs4rWtbMNMGncLxd_GZL2CNdtE35MmBhyphenhyphen_f30kA9gyNSuNDF547lRVqd9yuxiR9AKJAtv74fRipQfLedj7G4npkeXXEKAB26Qou5eoCyS0agGDL1JgzwRwGYZF_RKBi0aqo/s1600/dairy+bar+sign+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2toN9D76rhs4rWtbMNMGncLxd_GZL2CNdtE35MmBhyphenhyphen_f30kA9gyNSuNDF547lRVqd9yuxiR9AKJAtv74fRipQfLedj7G4npkeXXEKAB26Qou5eoCyS0agGDL1JgzwRwGYZF_RKBi0aqo/s400/dairy+bar+sign+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459006373776843618" /></a><br /><br />Just look at the yummy ice cream flavors they sell here, plus the food. Oh boy! This really doesn't do much good for my diet.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoDLBhgUJVh_gQleXRehOgnZvWkvKnb_Y_Rl_CnuD3joWEnXyFjMXAb6VEWx1vB7c2W-hdLbIgZBx3Qw1_Uua3v5Ct2TX8OybWd5dSHbOxd5Q2huyo63ee6IWkmGj-EdUzmlHvCi2ftU/s1600/food+signs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoDLBhgUJVh_gQleXRehOgnZvWkvKnb_Y_Rl_CnuD3joWEnXyFjMXAb6VEWx1vB7c2W-hdLbIgZBx3Qw1_Uua3v5Ct2TX8OybWd5dSHbOxd5Q2huyo63ee6IWkmGj-EdUzmlHvCi2ftU/s400/food+signs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459006376158552946" /></a><br /><br />It's way too easy to just go up to the windows and make your choice...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcBfm-hJCSyGM6btyTAflL0uKqj7hU-tP5VZLEMEwF8jAMyEpuouIrqhxkhB_2vqJjqSVfeY4hFqCVPyOfMvBHEHtWSP2vNqYJXRBiGjP1NnkU8zibDoZ7syzxAcWKTqFQvznzdI6rfs/s1600/small+window.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcBfm-hJCSyGM6btyTAflL0uKqj7hU-tP5VZLEMEwF8jAMyEpuouIrqhxkhB_2vqJjqSVfeY4hFqCVPyOfMvBHEHtWSP2vNqYJXRBiGjP1NnkU8zibDoZ7syzxAcWKTqFQvznzdI6rfs/s400/small+window.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459006688289647346" /></a><br /><br />...just like my son Jared and his friend Nick did. Well, and I confess, so did I!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZVdVv0lTb2-kuWg3xwrMqHZC0S3ua5-pHFtIW70LoahOyFELNqyHPLPLuKsn5e6HGOkd0l4s20UV_0q-aB4GsengfHT3B_VyLiKTyyzsPi7XXGMOtLmddRY7Gr9Vt-iE2GMA5koBo0k/s1600/nick+and+jared.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZVdVv0lTb2-kuWg3xwrMqHZC0S3ua5-pHFtIW70LoahOyFELNqyHPLPLuKsn5e6HGOkd0l4s20UV_0q-aB4GsengfHT3B_VyLiKTyyzsPi7XXGMOtLmddRY7Gr9Vt-iE2GMA5koBo0k/s400/nick+and+jared.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459006382264613698" /></a><br /><br />And look what you can walk away with! This is a Moosetracks hand dipped cone, but it is sugar free, fat free, so that does help. I love that this ice cream has minature Reeses Peanut Butter Cups in it. Yowza!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-L1HSECw0oM-UObwKPrzJkieBPYpynGGnVQUYIZVA3irFeZwroMYfCM_36f0FFsajy-uX1Hntzr3qcxn46KdNxtXE5FJaaXTxK1Rq7SmacLlTd6JeTCvgam6Lbc-48Kdrcyfy6Udk8yY/s1600/ice+cream+cone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-L1HSECw0oM-UObwKPrzJkieBPYpynGGnVQUYIZVA3irFeZwroMYfCM_36f0FFsajy-uX1Hntzr3qcxn46KdNxtXE5FJaaXTxK1Rq7SmacLlTd6JeTCvgam6Lbc-48Kdrcyfy6Udk8yY/s400/ice+cream+cone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459006674492856930" /></a><br /><br />So I have to say, I really enjoyed the ice cream cone, and this pretty scene from my kitchen window --<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRdqPrIl6aeHEWDP0Ff6JSLnMyUZBh2gtvrXrB_HWYwJynrDdhVuj1YhIxWbOJBzvIpEIHefYN3nY5jlO6nFYIVvq5LwjbH686KnfVArycM3FIzTJZyxgsoDHSvLPte1sRmHz-9R3s10/s1600/window+scene+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRdqPrIl6aeHEWDP0Ff6JSLnMyUZBh2gtvrXrB_HWYwJynrDdhVuj1YhIxWbOJBzvIpEIHefYN3nY5jlO6nFYIVvq5LwjbH686KnfVArycM3FIzTJZyxgsoDHSvLPte1sRmHz-9R3s10/s400/window+scene+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459006365901142322" /></a><br /><br />My daughter said that she is going to come visit next Sunday, and we are going to get some ice cream from the dairy bar, then sit out on my pretty new front porch. I think I'll add a couple glasses of iced tea, and that ought to be just about the most perfect thing in the world!<br /><br />Hope everyone else is enjoying their own little corner of peacefulness!Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-73378781003587524052010-04-08T11:52:00.010-04:002010-04-08T12:40:36.913-04:00Tablescape Thursday/Pink Saturday -- Easter 2010My family and I had a wonderful Easter! My daughter and her husband were unable to join us so it was just my sons, my brother and I.<br /><br />I'm a little late on Tablescape Thursday, but still wanted to participate. Here are a couple views of my Easter table setting. I wanted to make it very colorful and whimsical. Most of the things I used for this setting are from Goodwill. The only things I had bought new at some point were the white tablecloth that I also used in my Christmas and Valentine settings; the white Claremont dishes and the chick salt and pepper shakers that I got at a deep discount.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v_vUuuu6gCwJmBGuUzuPMVFlq1RVwrUI4s7ykbJxon_YG-UEotdyWEp7gOs00UvblHjWvHDWK5IZ9PSPYv_7bnSCAHoRNQqQssORhnC_HIpyQmxPkKssi6vhaGVDRkIVBLWZiKbyakw/s1600/easter+table+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v_vUuuu6gCwJmBGuUzuPMVFlq1RVwrUI4s7ykbJxon_YG-UEotdyWEp7gOs00UvblHjWvHDWK5IZ9PSPYv_7bnSCAHoRNQqQssORhnC_HIpyQmxPkKssi6vhaGVDRkIVBLWZiKbyakw/s400/easter+table+1.jpg" border="0n" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457797659943939058" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSdXGsrV-BVLYys_17TPutm-8S6_XhHV-uaat7QOOar7tqjl6w5l2BcYYb-4eZ9tQzBgAoW6Xtf1ORSA7KCT78M-nyXUW4Ixl5660hi4GbDh1sxV9xHL3ykzcJl8ohBC5u75X_C9lAOc/s1600/easter+table+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSdXGsrV-BVLYys_17TPutm-8S6_XhHV-uaat7QOOar7tqjl6w5l2BcYYb-4eZ9tQzBgAoW6Xtf1ORSA7KCT78M-nyXUW4Ixl5660hi4GbDh1sxV9xHL3ykzcJl8ohBC5u75X_C9lAOc/s400/easter+table+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457804876279120834" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here is a close up of the table setting. I actually did buy the paper plates new for just a couple dollars. For you Pink Saturday visitors, look and you'll spot some pink here!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5N3GUp_wqL0dGzFCEfHAXBh8cY-ABHt2zRUYWzqJgFV_qnikkjV6sQD0we_rZAo_J9NRw8i1tDsHZfirehEgfxIQh8EIPqrfQ1q5uSUhcx3mRP1CVCVwvxoc9raRIdJNfD3Gb_vMEiw/s1600/place+setting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5N3GUp_wqL0dGzFCEfHAXBh8cY-ABHt2zRUYWzqJgFV_qnikkjV6sQD0we_rZAo_J9NRw8i1tDsHZfirehEgfxIQh8EIPqrfQ1q5uSUhcx3mRP1CVCVwvxoc9raRIdJNfD3Gb_vMEiw/s400/place+setting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457798671059942722" /></a><br /><br />Here are my salt and peppers. Are they not too cute?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFOMpcDVKx67fD2DLWULtBLov6q9eUajh6PpRJMy9OzwTJ6OkvJ6Snqd8_ddwke9XR-ANn5h7uzb7IoQ2EgBsR6ZHJwPZotCby-rbFM6yjDlEfK27tvQ76cmQhdeCi1WCahMLAgsUaDc/s1600/creamer+and+chick.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFOMpcDVKx67fD2DLWULtBLov6q9eUajh6PpRJMy9OzwTJ6OkvJ6Snqd8_ddwke9XR-ANn5h7uzb7IoQ2EgBsR6ZHJwPZotCby-rbFM6yjDlEfK27tvQ76cmQhdeCi1WCahMLAgsUaDc/s400/creamer+and+chick.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457798449376451378" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnnXl8Y0w-MMR3JX66EmYsU8_SvaTaRe8RcG5KRbHWlyqoIxoyR8uX4asPqc88Jf2cKvCfc2oRT271KhJF46UHQW0rro2E31oKfZDK1bcKdpU-DJh7gGKwqoOmTn4mIouD-VrvyQf_NE/s1600/yellow+chick.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnnXl8Y0w-MMR3JX66EmYsU8_SvaTaRe8RcG5KRbHWlyqoIxoyR8uX4asPqc88Jf2cKvCfc2oRT271KhJF46UHQW0rro2E31oKfZDK1bcKdpU-DJh7gGKwqoOmTn4mIouD-VrvyQf_NE/s400/yellow+chick.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457805317223183074" /></a><br /><br />An Easter tree served as a centerpiece. There is pink in some of the ornaments.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawfkpAFmfPFbrjKKATHDPvbtrvdPU9bNJghyphenhyphenjuqP082DGjhfU2hPMYJDKshyphenhypheneWsDIrnZbh4jDa3j6LHOvTie5XrCONKIsZtXZqzs3pY4OVEJInXM7f4TB8qL1_87rZnmcJ_lGjoMrEls/s1600/easter+tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawfkpAFmfPFbrjKKATHDPvbtrvdPU9bNJghyphenhyphenjuqP082DGjhfU2hPMYJDKshyphenhypheneWsDIrnZbh4jDa3j6LHOvTie5XrCONKIsZtXZqzs3pY4OVEJInXM7f4TB8qL1_87rZnmcJ_lGjoMrEls/s400/easter+tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457797659238742754" /></a><br /><br />I really love this cabbage bowl that I found at Goodwill!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnWExyHyUy8M7au23OrRW2dBuRqQ5WKUURKu8QU7jtRCsuDbRXo5ZOLOUpEmANOhfyn-dlz_3mswfdkd7t643ZZJk4c6rBbs8AYphkkBD5RRqEkjS7_oMoi_ADqVfmsqLGiqszhyKYSc/s1600/cabbage+dish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnWExyHyUy8M7au23OrRW2dBuRqQ5WKUURKu8QU7jtRCsuDbRXo5ZOLOUpEmANOhfyn-dlz_3mswfdkd7t643ZZJk4c6rBbs8AYphkkBD5RRqEkjS7_oMoi_ADqVfmsqLGiqszhyKYSc/s400/cabbage+dish.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457802819599531554" /></a><br /><br />This sweet bunnie dish is by Avon and I found it at a garage sale. Lots of pink here!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjIB5j59SjRAAGwTXUp0TpwALUEwgg4UJhBUnPWh4CtbSrZnmg9pyDDqvVSGWIHJ-ZULo2mQSpSCZmYSt57Wq3BT8sII8tDy8Y91UBXJ7xKuFFHftJCDM0-C3X9YgKoNORBrL-9eVV_U/s1600/bunny+dish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjIB5j59SjRAAGwTXUp0TpwALUEwgg4UJhBUnPWh4CtbSrZnmg9pyDDqvVSGWIHJ-ZULo2mQSpSCZmYSt57Wq3BT8sII8tDy8Y91UBXJ7xKuFFHftJCDM0-C3X9YgKoNORBrL-9eVV_U/s400/bunny+dish.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457798430248560482" /></a><br /><br />I found this egg plate last year. I was going to put deviled eggs in it, but the eggs all fell apart while I was peeling them! I made egg salad instead. Again, you can see some pink in this dish.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KE8tJDgEl-VMDUMcheJU0YBCR1dP9P6U5L4ntwZ1D4aRi0LHAVPsjaxu420pyLkDcoB8V7i7OCvv8GSVxs5j8Gg4kolTfMRPUbT_p91QgnY5Mwkzjm1Ue59nnhw8eqYMOEdxUDMQgJg/s1600/egg+plate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KE8tJDgEl-VMDUMcheJU0YBCR1dP9P6U5L4ntwZ1D4aRi0LHAVPsjaxu420pyLkDcoB8V7i7OCvv8GSVxs5j8Gg4kolTfMRPUbT_p91QgnY5Mwkzjm1Ue59nnhw8eqYMOEdxUDMQgJg/s400/egg+plate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457795391357067874" /></a><br /><br />This pretty pitcher is just too nice to use only at Easter! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO9LsqtSY3E42Ckkxipm2iHIupEfnmMGg16wdloiGdf53etdIlYsz6dlQ5duwzRnQzwlLqTzFb83gGsMWNDK_eCP9VeLduLunDyHaN_TMIwmnFVAUCWPfbz3N57LcqI81jRnf7TcBDdk/s1600/spring+pitcher.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO9LsqtSY3E42Ckkxipm2iHIupEfnmMGg16wdloiGdf53etdIlYsz6dlQ5duwzRnQzwlLqTzFb83gGsMWNDK_eCP9VeLduLunDyHaN_TMIwmnFVAUCWPfbz3N57LcqI81jRnf7TcBDdk/s400/spring+pitcher.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457795374878871330" /></a><br /><br />We sure don't want to forget the reason for the season!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX7B5-YmlQLUy9iQ_cMDuLCgsFQCS45gRv0fN3trE8pITg8TsjKgrWJ4-7NAwBv39KR_NfR2nqIU76XhnQsZBGnw765Mc0Gd9NWX_XGbmxsRNEtUDUGp5E6GDPDNHZp1h_Tu6VKpruN8/s1600/jesus+figurine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX7B5-YmlQLUy9iQ_cMDuLCgsFQCS45gRv0fN3trE8pITg8TsjKgrWJ4-7NAwBv39KR_NfR2nqIU76XhnQsZBGnw765Mc0Gd9NWX_XGbmxsRNEtUDUGp5E6GDPDNHZp1h_Tu6VKpruN8/s400/jesus+figurine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457795381855305506" /></a><br /><br />An adorable bunny teapot found its place on the stove.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9rJ9z3AMfJQz4RKLhUMhV0rQcesGSeI381DCLmO5_69L9JV5Kn8CO9nZ6m27TUqvVN-fdy7dnXPI2Cbk4QO4f1Fvpu_w5rM971ldnH-6gTwfDAn6yF32HJBpKpw2xt33dBETyofCOFo/s1600/bunny+teapot+best.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9rJ9z3AMfJQz4RKLhUMhV0rQcesGSeI381DCLmO5_69L9JV5Kn8CO9nZ6m27TUqvVN-fdy7dnXPI2Cbk4QO4f1Fvpu_w5rM971ldnH-6gTwfDAn6yF32HJBpKpw2xt33dBETyofCOFo/s400/bunny+teapot+best.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457798439210262642" /></a><br /><br />And this sweet bunny was used as a decoration in the living room. See his pink ears and pink eyes?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0vOET23EH9qCBk4ykdHduPsulKxW0NiWQ1M_hVlBF4s5ObueWcq6F6trJfc5IISKRAChvsyAKzDucdpjlhG5hVLy5CuT-5kJsb3sgxN2UmV1CfztfDE0moK6zJ8cvQAUuxnRQ00c77I/s1600/white+rabbit+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0vOET23EH9qCBk4ykdHduPsulKxW0NiWQ1M_hVlBF4s5ObueWcq6F6trJfc5IISKRAChvsyAKzDucdpjlhG5hVLy5CuT-5kJsb3sgxN2UmV1CfztfDE0moK6zJ8cvQAUuxnRQ00c77I/s400/white+rabbit+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457795359277418162" /></a><br /><br />To see more Tablescape Thursday posts, please join Susan at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com">Between Naps on the Porch</a>. For more Pink Saturday posts, please join Beverly on Saturday at <a href="http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/">How Sweet the Sound</a>.<br /><br />Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-51454371259508886452010-04-04T19:55:00.007-04:002010-04-04T20:30:57.581-04:00Sunday Scramble/Easter Ponderings, and New BathroomToday was Easter Sunday, and what a glorious day it was! I attended church where I watched my oldest son Sean in the Easter drama, and what a proud mama I was to hear him play a guitar solo and sing a solo that gave me goosebumps! Afterward, several people came up to tell me how good they thought he did. Later, my brother joined my sons and I for an Easter dinner, but more about that on Thursday! Here is a sneak preview of something on my Easter tablescape.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J883yRsyMXEi13mcfesyrefX0ziBKt4nb9iQSRhGkDjpwOBWswYUUiM9tpX2ycvyCSjXbWwvy2450OeuTDR-WeKIjW75FCD7cou_O3EcbCGNiVA_rLKSBplYL0PFSbsjTeHmWNDx71g/s1600/cabbage+dish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J883yRsyMXEi13mcfesyrefX0ziBKt4nb9iQSRhGkDjpwOBWswYUUiM9tpX2ycvyCSjXbWwvy2450OeuTDR-WeKIjW75FCD7cou_O3EcbCGNiVA_rLKSBplYL0PFSbsjTeHmWNDx71g/s400/cabbage+dish.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456437463278905794" /></a><br /><br />Even though it's Easter, it's still Sunday Scramble, the brainchild of Justine at <a href="http://www.stupidisassisterdoes.com">Stupid is as Sister Does</a>. This is where I can present a mish-mash of a post including different subjects.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST9Y7su4qW1k7VtHdJ4oCKM4NxSr_yXqulPbqIApOhz5mxY-WLBMa-IlI4Cp3yCxRev5L9RjCmt8yLetdVEwjedMkvOd0RPqotqODgfPhCUvUATNr9yIVKfHoqtSho4AVP4bwBsVjl8Y/s1600/pancakes_and_scrambled_eggs_face+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST9Y7su4qW1k7VtHdJ4oCKM4NxSr_yXqulPbqIApOhz5mxY-WLBMa-IlI4Cp3yCxRev5L9RjCmt8yLetdVEwjedMkvOd0RPqotqODgfPhCUvUATNr9yIVKfHoqtSho4AVP4bwBsVjl8Y/s400/pancakes_and_scrambled_eggs_face+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456436291912539538" /></a><br /><br />My first part of this is to show you my new bathroom. I am almost finished decorating my new place, and am happy to say that except for the jumble of boxes and stuff in my garage, the rest of my home does not look like we just moved in, but looks nice and settled in. <br /><br />I've got to say, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE having a bathroom off my bedroom and all to myself! Since I share a home with two sons (even the dog is a boy), I wanted a very feminine and girly place to call my own. Everything I have in my bathroom is something I already had. I love to put things together in a different manner than I had them before! Here is the result:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMn7y8h4DpO88j1GH9NTZ8IHAvX92Xa2Q5KKtSHMNsnBqd4hEmQWDkQkNMzHUDHbYK31Xe6imDbY4znj5mTpZWb1-q2LI5t2dxdRh3Eo9EO2RwCVI0oYlEtDlkHn5kV-kmHNzQw-BpT0M/s1600/new+bath.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMn7y8h4DpO88j1GH9NTZ8IHAvX92Xa2Q5KKtSHMNsnBqd4hEmQWDkQkNMzHUDHbYK31Xe6imDbY4znj5mTpZWb1-q2LI5t2dxdRh3Eo9EO2RwCVI0oYlEtDlkHn5kV-kmHNzQw-BpT0M/s400/new+bath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456436703981113586" /></a><br /><br />Since there are doors on my shower, I didn't need a shower curtain, but the glass doors are so cold looking, so to soften it up, I hung up some lace curtains and strung silk flowers over the top. Now I know that decorators hate fake flowers, but I sure do love those little faux posies!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUaf-scYU9Tyg7fAcI1qVEErLVrSQK0yDEFzVyfhjfaDF_jvEQKDSsgzpshm3Keas6ymEeEXmMx-69itz22Fuc6YDTaW0IKFmJR9dDmP4C5fpbv1O7hMoKXwc4P-aNBoqi29yXkaBSuI/s1600/shower+curtain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUaf-scYU9Tyg7fAcI1qVEErLVrSQK0yDEFzVyfhjfaDF_jvEQKDSsgzpshm3Keas6ymEeEXmMx-69itz22Fuc6YDTaW0IKFmJR9dDmP4C5fpbv1O7hMoKXwc4P-aNBoqi29yXkaBSuI/s400/shower+curtain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456436708981783586" /></a><br /><br />I decided to dress up my little pink Goodwill basket by stringing silk flowers through the handle and adding a lace doily. Seems a lot of fuss for a little basket that holds TP, but I love it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7M_f9IIj-iFtlC8OaImcNty7GzK-SFhCzJ9udywdmSv503pgvw1g_gAIuYfldfiXNGKrmFqb8E-WT1-2WZAuULWMeoOrzArYK9amfU80ghWUotUfExYMqmOd-KtTtgn9uKGfu0uZtvo/s1600/basket.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7M_f9IIj-iFtlC8OaImcNty7GzK-SFhCzJ9udywdmSv503pgvw1g_gAIuYfldfiXNGKrmFqb8E-WT1-2WZAuULWMeoOrzArYK9amfU80ghWUotUfExYMqmOd-KtTtgn9uKGfu0uZtvo/s400/basket.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456436720016599570" /></a><br /><br />To the side of the shower, I have a nice cubby area to hold all my potions and lotions. This bathroom is packed with storage! I am not showing it here, but I also have a linen closet in here.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnOqHuyO6gCWiAIpCnW3yoLulaG746u4wT4KIaWgvZ2YkOWO8PjSQxtLz2RQ0IYQuKeZgEWCrythB8gEoia1Co-89rjHjLHWUjNVvQBNYO0XjOEQw0tGABdZeoRTBukJjL8hXCUrSTww/s1600/cubby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnOqHuyO6gCWiAIpCnW3yoLulaG746u4wT4KIaWgvZ2YkOWO8PjSQxtLz2RQ0IYQuKeZgEWCrythB8gEoia1Co-89rjHjLHWUjNVvQBNYO0XjOEQw0tGABdZeoRTBukJjL8hXCUrSTww/s400/cubby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456436712929464354" /></a><br /><br />Across from the "throne" hangs this picture of a beautiful porch. This is the porch of my dreams, and when I have time to "sit," I just love looking at this and pretending I am on the porch.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkqNiTiwlUS0XIlNIAIvsROGcmSyMl-J137YfDC26yhUmPd6ri5a02LbmhweADR_Djkayz-hg3BRTv7VXW0PRO44IacUGRY-G4RUw9B9M3A9SldTSE_sAXeF0s1c6T0OuZSr96oC9upM/s1600/verandah.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkqNiTiwlUS0XIlNIAIvsROGcmSyMl-J137YfDC26yhUmPd6ri5a02LbmhweADR_Djkayz-hg3BRTv7VXW0PRO44IacUGRY-G4RUw9B9M3A9SldTSE_sAXeF0s1c6T0OuZSr96oC9upM/s400/verandah.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456438227575848226" /></a><br /><br />Below that is a wicker plant stand. I will probably put some different flowers in there eventually.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1xEK69wtM2vX8-iOfoTi4YxN7guzWdT3yT5NTXTCaQuC1RlpvXSka183SZzmvrTLh-mE-zJR8IUCPJTzPBwMNOjoJQIcRREKtTgBBPzU6vsFJzhthgGxevzKLNRB9z49s_s5CVsR0sU/s1600/wicker+plantstand.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1xEK69wtM2vX8-iOfoTi4YxN7guzWdT3yT5NTXTCaQuC1RlpvXSka183SZzmvrTLh-mE-zJR8IUCPJTzPBwMNOjoJQIcRREKtTgBBPzU6vsFJzhthgGxevzKLNRB9z49s_s5CVsR0sU/s400/wicker+plantstand.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456437232587158770" /></a><br /><br />I am so happy to have a decent sized counter top. I placed a cucumber-melon candle in the corner. On top of that is what is actually a night light, but I like it on the candle. A vintage pink glass is there for water. I've had that guest towel forever.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLXCYlPdZhmlmhhWXJ1XWpt6KwXyrrmCrspD6no5e_ormd_LECApRU2B_umtKXWwX-3QIp8ieLtXBvIuTfFaQP2GSh9VRCF8yX-7mdSXM0tNj5DLnz5CwW8v-9STdsI0PIi4gtMZ0bm0/s1600/left+counter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLXCYlPdZhmlmhhWXJ1XWpt6KwXyrrmCrspD6no5e_ormd_LECApRU2B_umtKXWwX-3QIp8ieLtXBvIuTfFaQP2GSh9VRCF8yX-7mdSXM0tNj5DLnz5CwW8v-9STdsI0PIi4gtMZ0bm0/s400/left+counter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456437223518283138" /></a><br /><br />For my hand towel, I finally put this little floral hook that I got at Goodwill a couple years ago into service.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE9PmrScEzPW1nFAkqFYuqjqFKVFIyFNQJ8cw7gSlwU9ybvkVInnGZZT8K2mCza7K-wsPSKiSWkQfj6NiH_1NrZVOjDmx-n3JlqoJOVB2SgkxzcgRlBhBEnnFyae1JF5YGu99ZWn0Pvs/s1600/floral+hook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE9PmrScEzPW1nFAkqFYuqjqFKVFIyFNQJ8cw7gSlwU9ybvkVInnGZZT8K2mCza7K-wsPSKiSWkQfj6NiH_1NrZVOjDmx-n3JlqoJOVB2SgkxzcgRlBhBEnnFyae1JF5YGu99ZWn0Pvs/s400/floral+hook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456436725307563234" /></a><br /><br />On the other side of the counter, I have plenty of room for all my beauty products. See, I really do use all of the <a href="http://www.tahitiannoni.com/KayKerr">Tahitian Noni</a> TePoema facial products!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jwy-8qZsPgKZq8tQfEtubu-5rQaphX5_lQB8bAJczTNm1gsQJqWRsDHO0ihv0jRm-UexN1E7pfT6Fa0w9U_XBeUy5cg_XEUQF3AeEn4glmTjHQW90Htb1LeZ8lYxJ9atoA2_En1y2Gk/s1600/products.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jwy-8qZsPgKZq8tQfEtubu-5rQaphX5_lQB8bAJczTNm1gsQJqWRsDHO0ihv0jRm-UexN1E7pfT6Fa0w9U_XBeUy5cg_XEUQF3AeEn4glmTjHQW90Htb1LeZ8lYxJ9atoA2_En1y2Gk/s400/products.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456437224552611074" /></a><br />That's all that I have to show you of my bathroom.<br /><br />Remember this shell sculpture in my boys' bathroom? My oldest said that he really likes it because it reminds him of pooh coiled in the toilet and it serves as inspiration. Whatever! Boys!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsKM_ZCvclINjF5VWDHsIqstpoiKBo6idmc-4ML2-MimQ5N85hz-EmhqTzP6rmw2ijO7_dLe8-r-OH6cYY5-YJIENjPJnUeVhLy8pcplZIAKKA9yFSBXRQoti7HiTkGlCP2_RcZG12Ww/s1600/shell+sculpture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsKM_ZCvclINjF5VWDHsIqstpoiKBo6idmc-4ML2-MimQ5N85hz-EmhqTzP6rmw2ijO7_dLe8-r-OH6cYY5-YJIENjPJnUeVhLy8pcplZIAKKA9yFSBXRQoti7HiTkGlCP2_RcZG12Ww/s400/shell+sculpture.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456437238235353906" /></a><br /><br />When I first showed pics of my new place, I didn't have a good pick of my patio. I just love this space! My fire pit and chairs and grill all fit with plenty of room left over.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bIE-_O7pNTYXZveaIehQmfEpJbTck2qi10fPeqdV60l1uqAFAv_ob1kGtXPrEartbJBGfSdnyvGW5V-R0D0RfqGAtJJVAhtLDQ-0Hkt6_Bx9BRjMH9A1c5xsOJOBS_2OhNO0wWuXuzo/s1600/patio+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bIE-_O7pNTYXZveaIehQmfEpJbTck2qi10fPeqdV60l1uqAFAv_ob1kGtXPrEartbJBGfSdnyvGW5V-R0D0RfqGAtJJVAhtLDQ-0Hkt6_Bx9BRjMH9A1c5xsOJOBS_2OhNO0wWuXuzo/s400/patio+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456436284813407634" /></a><br /><br />There are a few perennials popping up like these pretty daffodils...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkRNLteiKrY8NQdBZMaMP1UqCvVtAzpV0Zl6MUx3w4QlU7o7liXO5qBJIkfOP0y-DwVazBv_rvCyisZFqqPU3pjSvf1cAbqoXwuz90Ni8aD9XH9mD9xEpUr75JnD2na3IycgZncKD3I0/s1600/daffodills+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkRNLteiKrY8NQdBZMaMP1UqCvVtAzpV0Zl6MUx3w4QlU7o7liXO5qBJIkfOP0y-DwVazBv_rvCyisZFqqPU3pjSvf1cAbqoXwuz90Ni8aD9XH9mD9xEpUr75JnD2na3IycgZncKD3I0/s400/daffodills+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456436283260482770" /></a><br /><br />...and these lovely hyacinth. I can't wait to plant some more flowers and make this beautiful!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISVmx7A-F-W7TP5bTsFCyR5JD261A2vn8CCcwy4sD_dBEJSMQhpmNdB0OgXwRfpXSDN7YOhFQ0fZVYfLLfB5htzBD7AO5dXCQKSN1col6E2dsPfMyy1SBHb2sfGu2On1TVp2zjOru8mo/s1600/pink+hyacinth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISVmx7A-F-W7TP5bTsFCyR5JD261A2vn8CCcwy4sD_dBEJSMQhpmNdB0OgXwRfpXSDN7YOhFQ0fZVYfLLfB5htzBD7AO5dXCQKSN1col6E2dsPfMyy1SBHb2sfGu2On1TVp2zjOru8mo/s400/pink+hyacinth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456436279168678882" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD1Yu_0X0wTUKtKfHY9wdZc9esHNw9uZlNskFNxgCcIQ82TxLzEf-4CoyV3IkjA6Dosy_pzSPdco3fxg_zDXmt5ejKYjCOVMFQu-wK2FcQA-VWiabUW3vMAn-vC73nIz6sUXfmcR4xgg/s1600/blue+hyacinth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD1Yu_0X0wTUKtKfHY9wdZc9esHNw9uZlNskFNxgCcIQ82TxLzEf-4CoyV3IkjA6Dosy_pzSPdco3fxg_zDXmt5ejKYjCOVMFQu-wK2FcQA-VWiabUW3vMAn-vC73nIz6sUXfmcR4xgg/s400/blue+hyacinth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456436273525669042" /></a><br /><br />Come back on Thursday for Tablescape Thursday!<br /><br>Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1057737155718292080.post-5646732999772374722010-03-26T12:34:00.005-04:002010-03-26T12:59:36.099-04:00New apartment!After spending several weeks searching for just the right apartment, I finally found it! My lease at my last place ran out, and even though I had lived there only a year and actually liked the place, I was unhappy that the landlord had never let me use the garage. This would have given me storage, and an extra bedroom or computer/music room for the boys as the garage had been divided up. Also, when my youngest gets a car this summer, there would have been no place for him to park.<br /><br />I was really surprised at what I found out there while searching for the right place. The first place I looked at was my very favorite, and it would have been perfect for us, but they wouldn't let us have our dog. I found another cute duplex which was HUGE, but someone else had first dibs. There were other places I found that were terribly overpriced, and one was so icky, there would have been no way that you could have paid me to live there! Finally I found what I feel is going to be the perfect place. The boys really like it too.<br /><br />Isn't it pretty?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eKRZs7jBLUTWlzIp-rSHz-1mtKXYlO_y4Urq7vv2Oi2EvlN0oWm4TjiaSM8kBEbPtfu_wtN4gaGepZmzim35OSZw6Y3AX2kege7QNU-HtU0Ktp2lm44M2LHdqf_4rwRolrsE5ZYfqNs/s1600/new+apt+front+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eKRZs7jBLUTWlzIp-rSHz-1mtKXYlO_y4Urq7vv2Oi2EvlN0oWm4TjiaSM8kBEbPtfu_wtN4gaGepZmzim35OSZw6Y3AX2kege7QNU-HtU0Ktp2lm44M2LHdqf_4rwRolrsE5ZYfqNs/s400/new+apt+front+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982976184710690" /></a><br /><br />What a cute little entrance. It's effective in keeping any draft from sweeping in when we open the door.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCNU9V4YNg8lUHoZQMzYM2MV1ByYdmvLDNU90UxpjbQDidUXRyqaBxRz_vzHaCOa-3xQz-a2FVBoonHFL9vDE46R1XGuMaRI6qF889BIKLVRr0wyT_yJnBpCvf7knMrdmvLjAo0DKLsE/s1600/entrance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCNU9V4YNg8lUHoZQMzYM2MV1ByYdmvLDNU90UxpjbQDidUXRyqaBxRz_vzHaCOa-3xQz-a2FVBoonHFL9vDE46R1XGuMaRI6qF889BIKLVRr0wyT_yJnBpCvf7knMrdmvLjAo0DKLsE/s400/entrance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982968711596530" /></a><br /><br />Here is the living room part of the great room, which also includes the kitchen. Looks so spacious!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcU9lDw2gq_jQ8g_nFWKw4H9goXMT_PtrpCT3lzFnG9yFIMieBT6kn7ywa6T-VyU8yxfBsYTSNdRLydpovYy3bOmFpQjwm6cq739hyYv3NRXOerlL9-2xV8GdIA7tkEcOPSMP6meUeJM/s1600/living+room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcU9lDw2gq_jQ8g_nFWKw4H9goXMT_PtrpCT3lzFnG9yFIMieBT6kn7ywa6T-VyU8yxfBsYTSNdRLydpovYy3bOmFpQjwm6cq739hyYv3NRXOerlL9-2xV8GdIA7tkEcOPSMP6meUeJM/s400/living+room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982963384541970" /></a><br /><br />I hated the light fixtures in my old place, but I love them here. I'm glad that there is a ceiling fan in this apartment.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_UPrx4hxikiLYRgKri-trKOfFhBFV5byMndgs1JJJX4adrYSk5pMkhU3Eg1IkSuLrBezjz9MY5yy8UzzSBYEkffKspVrb15YarMoCdIWwBytiArgiTFM-WUhfg5w4Om6ttUt-oOgunE/s1600/ceiling+fan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_UPrx4hxikiLYRgKri-trKOfFhBFV5byMndgs1JJJX4adrYSk5pMkhU3Eg1IkSuLrBezjz9MY5yy8UzzSBYEkffKspVrb15YarMoCdIWwBytiArgiTFM-WUhfg5w4Om6ttUt-oOgunE/s400/ceiling+fan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982956498638562" /></a><br /><br />I just love my new kitchen. Just look at all those cupboards! Look at all that counter space! What an awesome stove and microwave! I can even bring my own refrigerator. I had the option of using the landlord's, but wanted to get my fridge out of storage. I love the pot lights too. I have a window over the sink!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEYLyA06144s3tLekcO8L2lWY4U-XP5eZwOuVJ13mZ92mkMOCOvmqfRjSIxTGAmfFZuyllZA__KZXCahe_qgojTStbSEKUjyGu0fIr2G4y0o8xfgCVlWNHQVCH4z6EHb7c6YGVXCoGAM/s1600/kitchen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEYLyA06144s3tLekcO8L2lWY4U-XP5eZwOuVJ13mZ92mkMOCOvmqfRjSIxTGAmfFZuyllZA__KZXCahe_qgojTStbSEKUjyGu0fIr2G4y0o8xfgCVlWNHQVCH4z6EHb7c6YGVXCoGAM/s400/kitchen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982574685176306" /></a><br /><br />I love the light fixture too.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsJk46nLzniKKy8uc6bpGJOg_lZbSKTMH09Yy40py5jpPhhQ9CKP1RIC-ypshuofz0tgOCe8B07b2jn9imcCQVzOn8j3vKrWYH0nit3SUE5CCjLJRV9HrEq2sb_NtUupp3SJrr3AufIU/s1600/kitchen+light.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsJk46nLzniKKy8uc6bpGJOg_lZbSKTMH09Yy40py5jpPhhQ9CKP1RIC-ypshuofz0tgOCe8B07b2jn9imcCQVzOn8j3vKrWYH0nit3SUE5CCjLJRV9HrEq2sb_NtUupp3SJrr3AufIU/s400/kitchen+light.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982566990614946" /></a><br /><br />Somehow, I forgot to take a picture of my bedroom, but I made sure to show my closet. Not sure if it could be considered a walk-in, but it is definitely a step in! I can actually fit all my clothes in here!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwljAxsL7QEWWWbl7NGFgCytJZiqJXg5pmkw98A9nfTZr-e5nfyXAbo3ObQdXulOe7ff2ocHKEYQ4wz0bsiPATiKvKy2_O7O2tnwVnPvPK4XCa93g8IWbvBtZmaLvH8UUT1rK7cBR-Ps/s1600/mom+closet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwljAxsL7QEWWWbl7NGFgCytJZiqJXg5pmkw98A9nfTZr-e5nfyXAbo3ObQdXulOe7ff2ocHKEYQ4wz0bsiPATiKvKy2_O7O2tnwVnPvPK4XCa93g8IWbvBtZmaLvH8UUT1rK7cBR-Ps/s400/mom+closet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982555304521650" /></a><br /><br />I even have my own bathroom! Hoorah! After sharing a bathroom with my sons my whole life, I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this. No more picking my towel up off the floor and putting the seat down all the time. No more whiskers in my sink!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxaLp5-DBVNf0ARzRx0-2mjctuSi9YmNOTKo0JKu1UTbwXVgqWZ3wjusX2CLIHluaWcnA0QNCk3aJN5uhdUp0N59XMldPmSAZ5cNDEn-y0XMbBrWul4YdkD9mH9mxbUaGq0UMczcBDKg/s1600/mom+bathroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxaLp5-DBVNf0ARzRx0-2mjctuSi9YmNOTKo0JKu1UTbwXVgqWZ3wjusX2CLIHluaWcnA0QNCk3aJN5uhdUp0N59XMldPmSAZ5cNDEn-y0XMbBrWul4YdkD9mH9mxbUaGq0UMczcBDKg/s400/mom+bathroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982566265885842" /></a><br /><br />There is even a linen closet in my bathroom. I grew up with a closet this same size and that was just for my clothes.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqwkfuwaZOGo1kd6iRwO_p0_qKLC7hLXd125z3gBDzScwMn0gXff23R6DHPqkQAsiTtw_PhnlZNsO2P4SKYpPb8g3Ewb0xfttSbU4EcD12Qe13yvRwWmyHpxlsjiNE4f-Ml5vdq1FzU8/s1600/mom+linen+closet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqwkfuwaZOGo1kd6iRwO_p0_qKLC7hLXd125z3gBDzScwMn0gXff23R6DHPqkQAsiTtw_PhnlZNsO2P4SKYpPb8g3Ewb0xfttSbU4EcD12Qe13yvRwWmyHpxlsjiNE4f-Ml5vdq1FzU8/s400/mom+linen+closet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982553584656050" /></a><br /><br />The boys have a cool bedroom. There is a patio out back, and they have sliding glass doors leading out to it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhky-NRXTVVHH3E3O6LgFGLnrl6b70iwTKPmF-nhnMOQl1X5OJf-Rm4n8ZcKWvFDYXGXuX34mvqCaRywjl4z_23qlSgcrEx6Va17GHCpVEkXFVhNdeaD9eA5-gA2Wtmv-eVO3hl6saDmh0/s1600/boys+room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhky-NRXTVVHH3E3O6LgFGLnrl6b70iwTKPmF-nhnMOQl1X5OJf-Rm4n8ZcKWvFDYXGXuX34mvqCaRywjl4z_23qlSgcrEx6Va17GHCpVEkXFVhNdeaD9eA5-gA2Wtmv-eVO3hl6saDmh0/s400/boys+room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982231368652402" /></a><br /><br />They have their own bathroom too off the hallway, and it will also be the bathroom for guests, so they have to keep it reasonably clean. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK9Yf7ueXz0CQ9zf3GyaUbEh8_gvpw6AGipVSGepWu2yMaACgWAy1cNFpUsHsizV2Oay5BveqDKWwQM_nQ7pdcPJsSEcuaJ2Mdl6A43yQAJbmBm-SclAZGEnHfdqNHXoXUI_On9T_dbs/s1600/boys+bathroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK9Yf7ueXz0CQ9zf3GyaUbEh8_gvpw6AGipVSGepWu2yMaACgWAy1cNFpUsHsizV2Oay5BveqDKWwQM_nQ7pdcPJsSEcuaJ2Mdl6A43yQAJbmBm-SclAZGEnHfdqNHXoXUI_On9T_dbs/s400/boys+bathroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982224141282306" /></a><br /><br />My oldest boy picked out the shower curtain, but I found the accessories, and the boys really like them. This shell sculpture was from Big Lots for only $10.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkmzJmFhGh-H8agayJkgKgNUw53LNdlpg2iGdVerwGW6trXNsb5pWhcDWs95prKVnn4TETSNDYhN4k4KxnRzdwoUOxQepkXTCbG1fCK2MiNItWOnua2lRmZBB2xPKnLWa_lz6ICORw3k/s1600/shell+sculpture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkmzJmFhGh-H8agayJkgKgNUw53LNdlpg2iGdVerwGW6trXNsb5pWhcDWs95prKVnn4TETSNDYhN4k4KxnRzdwoUOxQepkXTCbG1fCK2MiNItWOnua2lRmZBB2xPKnLWa_lz6ICORw3k/s400/shell+sculpture.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982218168966530" /></a><br /><br />I found this Paris poster at Goodwill for $3, but it will cost me $14 for a frame. Still not a bad bargain at all!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xpP-Wl88VazQR4VFo_DkAd4cImT6zvwSeiqA381xNMbGBvipGrngTC_9H6gJQe36UjSoDE194556i-a7LAihWvvYSHP63f2l5yU6UWaN0mY1oYey7ZTzksvYB9Qs7OEAItoOFhOAGr0/s1600/paris+poster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xpP-Wl88VazQR4VFo_DkAd4cImT6zvwSeiqA381xNMbGBvipGrngTC_9H6gJQe36UjSoDE194556i-a7LAihWvvYSHP63f2l5yU6UWaN0mY1oYey7ZTzksvYB9Qs7OEAItoOFhOAGr0/s400/paris+poster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982223171852226" /></a><br /><br />I was thrilled that there was a beautiful washer and dryer here! After a year of washing clothes in an apartment size w/d, I can't even begin to express how excited I was over this!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KcCko0elUJIRrF8n6eeDE-ojwrphImJtei6wsYlYjbM8G53KJoBn7HTcMoJSVfYvKwDar1BCME-yjq2aPTT7YXKK8fpJo5r2lRusybEdWOv23jPZaJUOuAmM1kbVx-Qp9rucW3mZguc/s1600/washer+dryer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KcCko0elUJIRrF8n6eeDE-ojwrphImJtei6wsYlYjbM8G53KJoBn7HTcMoJSVfYvKwDar1BCME-yjq2aPTT7YXKK8fpJo5r2lRusybEdWOv23jPZaJUOuAmM1kbVx-Qp9rucW3mZguc/s400/washer+dryer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452982209147260930" /></a><br /><br />There were some other great features too, such as windows with blinds on the INSIDE! I also have a one car HEATED garage! I had never heard of such a thing, but I think that when my daughter and her husband come to visit, I am going to get a big air mattress and throw down a rug and a lamp and table and let them use it as their bedroom. She thought that was a great idea.<br /><br />We moved in on Saturday. I am still getting things out of the old place and cleaning there, but will post pics of the new place all decorated. <br /><br />We are loving it here!Life on the Edgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02900293336540009564noreply@blogger.com11