tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62183519275339317272024-03-12T00:51:38.758-04:00Pig Logs and 'tater berries..were the nicknames our boys had for the huge logs which slowed our progress while cutting wood and the taste of unripe lingonberries when we lived in Alaska.
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-16520322406182705642014-11-21T10:44:00.001-05:002014-11-21T10:44:16.164-05:00Life at large<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How quickly the months pass... so much has gone on this year and I know the months and years ahead will be just as full and race by. After my last post I decided to take some much needed down time. I realized that since our move here the posting had become sporadic at best and simply non-existant at times with no explanation. Basically it comes down to my children are young adults now and the time we have with them is fleeting. Some are more reserved so in an effort to respect they requests and focus on my family I simply felt it was best to take some time away. I can honestly say I discovered I miss my time on here but am still not sure what our future holds or for that matter my role in our future. Thankfully I have a loving and supportive husband who encourages me in all and any undertakings... for that matter my whole family is a great source of encouragement.</div>
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I won't go into a great detail at the moment but did want to share just a bit of what has been going on.... it does this momma good to see her children follow their passions and to see their relationships with each other flourishing.</div>
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culinary competitions... his team placed first for appetizer</div>
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graduation... 4 friends starting new chapters of their lives. </div>
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baking... lots of baking trying to perfect new recipes for different projects</div>
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another graduation... this time from Army Basic training</div>
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two of my loves together proudly serving our country</div>
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Home for a visit... brothers being brothers</div>
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gorgeous older buildings in unexpectedly places</div>
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quiet times... just enjoying being together</div>
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unexpected treasures</div>
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who knew there were actually beaches in Indiana? </div>
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not this California born, Army brat turned AF wife and now Army mother.</div>
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loved it!</div>
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another seagull to add to my collection...</div>
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tired out after a day of surf, sun, and fun</div>
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this reminds me of when they were tiny!</div>
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weekends filled with the Farmer's market</div>
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long walks in the woods after dinner while the young one did homework.</div>
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slowly trying to ease into what will all too soon be an empty nest.</div>
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I am so NOT ready! </div>
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Thankfully I still have a little over two years... maybe more if he decides to stay at home for college.</div>
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one last project... hauling "new" old cabinets for the laundry room.</div>
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She served us well for the past 9 years and is now off in the Pacific Northwest with her new owner.</div>
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our eldest bought her from us and is now starting his own new adventures...</div>
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skiing, mountain climbing, and any other daring adventure he and his friends can think up!</div>
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Breaks from studying to enjoy walks through the fields as he continues his education in preparation for a retirement from a long military career.</div>
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we have many new paths before us.... and the timing is still a mystery.</div>
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continue military service?</div>
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possibly retirement in a couple of years?</div>
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deployments in the near future?</div>
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There have been months of changes behind us and even more ahead. The starting of a new business (more on that at a later date), the approach of milestones this coming year with a 50th birthday, a 21st birthday, 16th birthday and a new licensed driver next fall, plus our 25th anniversary. A first time deployment for one boy, a brand new duty station for the other and possible culinary school, and a bit of travel.</div>
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yes its a year of change for us and I can honestly say I am excited to see how it all unfolds. excited about the prospect of getting back to writing! how i've missed these pages and interacting with you all! Thank you for those who have continued to follow along. You have no idea how my life has been graced by some of the friend ships mad through the pages of this blog. I know some have come and some have gone but a few have become friends of the heart. blessings beyond words! Thank you, thank you so very much for being a part of my life! </div>
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may you enjoy this season of thanksgiving and the holidays season we are quickly entering. may you remember to give thanks throughout the year.. day in and day out.. in all seasons... for all reasons.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>In every thing </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>GIVE THANKS</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>concerning you.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I Thessalonians 5:18</span></div>
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<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-34756820737873094632014-03-14T11:55:00.001-04:002014-03-16T23:06:38.507-04:00Experimenting with Annie Sloan chalk paint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh I was going to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's day but that is tomorrow isn't it? The 17th? Wait! Tomorrow is the 15th, isn't it? </div>
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I have to admit I have completely lost track of time as Chris was out of town this week. So that meant I was home... alone. Okay, not alone as I had two lovely teenage boys to keep me company as well as a list of projects that needed completed.</div>
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And do you know what I did? I grabbed out a few cans of Annie Sloan chalk paint, latex paint, and Miss Mustard Seed milk paint. I was feeling like a rebel... I mixed, I poured, remixed until I came up with the perfect colors. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjef-rOD9CK-lT9vMnjuC2zkHz0-LMexmZv1pJa6vhfotBvNAR5n-OPcwrZgdZl4w-d5Wj_9tKrcl9aD_qUt6GBYoZ6vjQt5dHV8OY5n9UJAvJBTb1pOfY57gYmrNelsKQFkWtxODfU1vs/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjef-rOD9CK-lT9vMnjuC2zkHz0-LMexmZv1pJa6vhfotBvNAR5n-OPcwrZgdZl4w-d5Wj_9tKrcl9aD_qUt6GBYoZ6vjQt5dHV8OY5n9UJAvJBTb1pOfY57gYmrNelsKQFkWtxODfU1vs/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" height="542" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know, I showed it to you my lovely Aegean Dreams desk <a href="http://piglogsandtaterberries.blogspot.com/2011/05/aegean-dreams-desk-makeover.html">here</a> many, many moons ago. But she had gone through a number of "makeovers" but none of them ever felt quite right. You see, her lines are those of a more refined age, not the perky young teenager she was trying to come across as. Her dress was a bit too brash, too bold, so she had a bit of wardrobe change if you will.<br />
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When I started she looked like this....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d0TCnMYZ_9U/UyMXWIu5fsI/AAAAAAAAFts/Nz-8cJh1D4c/s1600/IMG_2423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d0TCnMYZ_9U/UyMXWIu5fsI/AAAAAAAAFts/Nz-8cJh1D4c/s1600/IMG_2423.JPG" height="446" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know... a HOT mess! The handles never did age, her lovely legs and underpinnings clashed, and her lovely top was just too white. And then <i>someone </i>had decided along the way that adding a layer of black would be just the ticket to add a bit of age. Yes, hanging head in shame, I did it. As you probably can tell I didn't like it one bit so I stopped with the one drawer and just left it. Thankfully the drawer was hidden behind a chair and no one saw my error but I knew and it bugged me to no end!</div>
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I started by taking off all of the hardware and removing the silver paint exposing the original brass. Over time with use and exposure they will age quite nicely. Then I pulled out my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (ASCP) in Provence, a similar shade but just a tad darker and gave her a once over (or may a twice over.) The top is a lovely shade of Paris Gray with a layer of the CeCe Caldwell's dark aging wax. Yes, I know, I know. I am breaking all the cardinal rules... but I can't use the Annie Sloan finishing waxes in the house as they trigger my asthma. I can honestly say that CeCe Caldwell's waxes are currently the ONLY waxes I can use with NO ill effects. </div>
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I could NOT resist adding a pop of color to these drawers. Yes this is where my experimenting came into play. I started with a mix of ASCP Emperor's Silk and Harley Davidson orange latex paint at a ratio of 1:1 with a pinch or two of Miss Mustard Seed Milk paint in Linen. The result the perfect shade of red to liven things up a bit. </div>
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Do you see the inside of the drawers? </div>
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Sparkly wrapping paper! Okay to be honest this desk has 7 drawers... and currently has 3 different types of paper. A map of Alaska graces the large central drawer, the left stack the lovely sparkly wrapping paper, and the right stack has this lovely paper, Bijou Birds Green from the Bloom & Grow collection of My Mind's Eye sold at Hobby Lobby. I discovered that this paper is not readily available any longer so I think I be going in to pick up a few more pieces. Yes it speaks to that quirky, inner hippie in me... but that is quite alright! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVs7fRB_VVY/UyMlpxsJScI/AAAAAAAAFuU/ERsKItz0SCs/s1600/IMG_2449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVs7fRB_VVY/UyMlpxsJScI/AAAAAAAAFuU/ERsKItz0SCs/s1600/IMG_2449.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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And here she sits with the morning light bathing her. </div>
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I know I need to replace the chair but that is a project for another day.</div>
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Sharing here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/super-saturday-link-party-14/">It All Started With Paint</a><br />
<a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2014/03/flaunt-it-friday-197.html">Chic on a Shoestring</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2014/03/pj-230-upcycled-link-party-survey.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FKCcu+%28Funky+Junk+Interiors%29"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkaBNLN2bUhYweY2cpmuxHoFT-6_u_QncOU1mhPF4kUb0Z0ZQDhESXGzx0FTrJcYkLP3e1PYa2j4iKJ_avLewc1oJDtSMmfplkzNvCSSWPL7FhSqlouBNpfxnN67yOfyEnXDdxyAfpkk/s1600/1-Funky_Junks_Party_Junk_link_party.29-AM.jpg" /></a></div>
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-20563896706685049692014-03-04T12:04:00.001-05:002014-03-05T16:30:10.814-05:00Craving the taste of spring<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
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<div class="MsoNormal">
As I look out the window right now I am amazed by the most
gorgeous blue sky and glorious sunshine that graces my world…. spring is
quickly approaching!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for that I am
greatly relieved!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you live in much of
the lower 48 I am sure you are feeling pretty much the same way, as this has
truly been a doozy of a winter. As the days get longer and the skies brighter I
find myself craving lighter foods as well… gone is the deep-seated desire for
thick hearty soups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead I currently
desire the fresh tastes of spring… salads, citrus, light soups, and yes maybe a
bit of crusty bread to soak up each and every delectable morsel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So today I am going to share a favorite of
mine with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is quick, easy, and
all the ingredients are readily available this time of year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X2TQHlE-Li98zDk1f0A9T3X7Y7FWEYiz5VONR3nvZOmeeJIEb8XgAdL3EkYTJpA5uT3k6GzDP9Vd9S_N7u0Ks08bsfbm1niXRrMCCbdP64Vq7f597eCW_Ue98nQg_vGdCKlqmHgYQNk/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X2TQHlE-Li98zDk1f0A9T3X7Y7FWEYiz5VONR3nvZOmeeJIEb8XgAdL3EkYTJpA5uT3k6GzDP9Vd9S_N7u0Ks08bsfbm1niXRrMCCbdP64Vq7f597eCW_Ue98nQg_vGdCKlqmHgYQNk/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to be honest here… this is more of a formula rather
than a recipe because once the desire for clean eating hits I do not want to
spend long hours in preparation. So a simple spring salad is our answer… one
that varies with what we have on hand.</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaYcG_ZxahqzEDa2ei6CmpSov5bwTkVrD9zdcKT3CLXsgwaEA4ZqDZBMkfAM6Cqjum7dLpZYZ-bWt-_Z3amFLr21xGYTP23NmrDdkpCNOq-tZgM1mZxMzYE_clxwiATsHEjMWjuzVxcU/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaYcG_ZxahqzEDa2ei6CmpSov5bwTkVrD9zdcKT3CLXsgwaEA4ZqDZBMkfAM6Cqjum7dLpZYZ-bWt-_Z3amFLr21xGYTP23NmrDdkpCNOq-tZgM1mZxMzYE_clxwiATsHEjMWjuzVxcU/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Our go to is quite simple…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romaine<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spinach<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sliced cucumber<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thinly sliced carrots (I use the vegetable peeler to make
them paper thin.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honeyed nuts (we switch back and forth between almonds &
pecans currently)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Optionals: pears, oranges, fresh berries such as
blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, or avocado. (but we always have one of
these on the salad)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Vinaigrette:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3:1 ratio<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar/acid (white wine vinegar
or fresh squeezed orange juice)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a dash of salt<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a pinch of pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a pinch of garlic powder (a very small pinch so as not to
overwhelm)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
fresh herbs such as lemon thyme, parsley, tarragon, finely
diced <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honeyed nuts:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ cup roughly chopped nuts of choice<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Tbsp local honey<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Place nuts and honey in a small pan over high heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stir until honey is melted and coats
nuts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take off heat, spread on parchment
paper to cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Break apart and sprinkle
on salad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can be added while still warm
but it does make the salad wilt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roasted chicken can be added to make this more filling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My personal favorite is to make a
vinaigrette and add 1 Tbsp of grapefruit marmalade and serve over a salad of
spinach, romaine, cucumbers, supremed blood oranges/grapefruit, and avocado
with a sprinkling of honeyed almonds. I am also a bit of a pepper and cheese freak so it is not all that uncommon to discover freshly grated pepper and a sprinkling of of parmesan slivers or crumbles of feta on my salad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you enjoy!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-17866432299636265312014-01-06T19:50:00.000-05:002014-01-07T21:53:53.072-05:00Glorious frozen winter bubbles... tutorial included<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_XNY0eWF9KXrqOOkf7KXLsax-KF2f3h6tTrJ0MaVfD9uiGfuFEawM8LtEafHs9yZQgRVMLueGd3dpdrvuwHadOI1mwcB_287_bueSAkWylNJga6t_FUVOqtrxA9-xx48b-XO9eIbb8k/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_XNY0eWF9KXrqOOkf7KXLsax-KF2f3h6tTrJ0MaVfD9uiGfuFEawM8LtEafHs9yZQgRVMLueGd3dpdrvuwHadOI1mwcB_287_bueSAkWylNJga6t_FUVOqtrxA9-xx48b-XO9eIbb8k/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Since we were basically housebound today I decided to recreate something we tried during our time in Alaska.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, I admit it, it was something I tried while the boys were at school... but by the time they got home from school it was too cold and the bubbles froze before they even had a chance to form </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(35F BELOW zero has a tendency to do that!)</div>
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Since it was only a mere 15F BELOW zero today... in Indiana (yes we broke plenty of records)</div>
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I decided it was time to recreate our experiment!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVLa6gS--k0/Uss4maKXw3I/AAAAAAAAFnY/SElAXY9V_KA/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVLa6gS--k0/Uss4maKXw3I/AAAAAAAAFnY/SElAXY9V_KA/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" height="390" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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The wind was blowing to hard so all bubble blowing occurred within the garage... </div>
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with the 4 wheeler acting as our landing platform.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqVrQ88saIZI9EXzv_TEE1-tdRtuONDVCIemH3_UHma18fonRafkNXGVqPGDZFs5QOnnBqSzZQV0IsXMzwDyraJUQZVRWBBVNumY2Unp-tlsiON3cdEkAVTFTlh_5nyLRUDcfj08z-2E/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqVrQ88saIZI9EXzv_TEE1-tdRtuONDVCIemH3_UHma18fonRafkNXGVqPGDZFs5QOnnBqSzZQV0IsXMzwDyraJUQZVRWBBVNumY2Unp-tlsiON3cdEkAVTFTlh_5nyLRUDcfj08z-2E/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM-_wEaZqMReZY7IBDwBnerquKBvQRRr3PvWf2vMxaVkP1OYaFaQu7WDZya1iTyJWD11wu6IuwdahiJlij-A435x3JNyid4nanN9H0eOKuDtPNDD8zLMjOCmvOqMHnWvkxWXjsCOtyb4/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM-_wEaZqMReZY7IBDwBnerquKBvQRRr3PvWf2vMxaVkP1OYaFaQu7WDZya1iTyJWD11wu6IuwdahiJlij-A435x3JNyid4nanN9H0eOKuDtPNDD8zLMjOCmvOqMHnWvkxWXjsCOtyb4/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" height="314" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-We858vhj0tY/Uss5DtfyDhI/AAAAAAAAFnw/vko03qcECdQ/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-We858vhj0tY/Uss5DtfyDhI/AAAAAAAAFnw/vko03qcECdQ/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmZCog2MXSM/Uss57G2uHVI/AAAAAAAAFoA/LPkh4J-bNIc/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmZCog2MXSM/Uss57G2uHVI/AAAAAAAAFoA/LPkh4J-bNIc/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" height="378" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The "recipe" I used to make the bubble solution is a scaled down version of the one I used when I was a pre-school teacher long before the internet. In my experience this solution makes for a strong bubble which can be blown to large proportions during the warmer seasons and allows for bubble blowing when it is quite chilly out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/2 cups water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 + 1 Tbsp dish soap</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(i used 1/4 Dawn Ultra plus a heaping Tbsp of Mrs Meyers.. its what I had on hand)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
plus enough corn syrup to bring the level to just over the 2 cup line.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mix the above mixture.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
use a large straw </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(i used a <a href="http://www.strawesome.com/see-thru-smoothie-straw.html#.UstMn47hwoU">glass see-through smoothie straw from strawsome</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or a bubble wand </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(what i used in Alaska)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to blow the bubbles.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This worked for me and I hope it works for you! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy!!</div>
<br />
Linking up to: <a href="http://cityfarmhouse.com/2014/01/the-inspiration-exchange-linky-party-31.html">City Farmhouse</a><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lovegrowswild.com/" target="_blank" title="Love Grows Wild"><img alt="Love Grows Wild" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/10926612965_ef45a0d45e_o.png" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
</center>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx229/amysb963/Blog%20Photos/New%20Nostalgia%20Buttons%202013/APTuesdays1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-92178558573144162752014-01-06T19:24:00.002-05:002014-01-06T19:24:59.310-05:00Glorious surprises and record breaking snows!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Where do I start?</div>
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This Christmas season has truly been one of surprises... more than I could have imagined. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBmv07UT41GZIyvYs529Tmr_R43F6lRMgRcW0jURJW1A5r32DMI6itoWJta9so8Erk99UEWoLXjoS9usb_3EyeR3VMMTpEfHQ0meeW9yAoUVBFzYNELIGNrfwEdBHG347h8yqASBf7qw/s1600/IMG_1976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBmv07UT41GZIyvYs529Tmr_R43F6lRMgRcW0jURJW1A5r32DMI6itoWJta9so8Erk99UEWoLXjoS9usb_3EyeR3VMMTpEfHQ0meeW9yAoUVBFzYNELIGNrfwEdBHG347h8yqASBf7qw/s1600/IMG_1976.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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(yes this is the best picture we could manage... as they were all cutting up! just seconds before heading back to the airport!)</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First of all our eldest, Ian, surprised me and came home for the holidays!!!! Ian had called Chris at the beginning of November to say he had bought his plane ticket home but he couldn't tell anyone... including me. So It came as quite the shock when I went to pick Chris up from the airport (he was out of town for a few days) to discover he wasn't the only one I was picking up from the airport!! </div>
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The "school house" closed down so his training was suspended for two weeks... and what a glorious two weeks it was. </div>
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Time spent here at home... a trip to visit with family for a belated Christmas... and then time back at home spending time together and with friends.</div>
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At the end of our 2 weeks we started keeping close tabs on the weather as a blizzard was being forecast. Ian made the decision to fly back early and it was good thing he did as we ended up being snowed it. A delay in his returning to class would have meant repeating the grueling 8 week course he was only 9 days shy of completing! As disappointed as I was for him to leave I was even more pleased that he made the mature decision to return early. </div>
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He has grown into be a fine young man! A man of integrity with a sense of responsibility. </div>
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It was truly a pleasure having him home!</div>
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Early Sunday morning the blizzard started in gently....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y9qc_JRozU/Uss4Et7CTII/AAAAAAAAFnI/3ziuSvQmGIg/s1600/IMG_1995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y9qc_JRozU/Uss4Et7CTII/AAAAAAAAFnI/3ziuSvQmGIg/s1600/IMG_1995.jpg" height="640" width="562" /></a></div>
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cloudy, snow filled skies, with little wind</div>
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the temperatures were still in the upper 20's with big fluffy flakes</div>
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and then it started to come down thicker.</div>
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By mid afternoon we already had about 8 inches and the temperatures were beginning to drop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDotEf14x9dC03W_YlqkqVUmYtah3bWfBV3w3rTTuk7caOEy3ZSw24UTIilBE3s45pzi2x8o6txCT4VIq2Qax9-_LnnUkCVhc0h94Rbawddw-VymTWbVY-Q1UuHIj8iBU2TbF6uD4iJWo/s1600/IMG_2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDotEf14x9dC03W_YlqkqVUmYtah3bWfBV3w3rTTuk7caOEy3ZSw24UTIilBE3s45pzi2x8o6txCT4VIq2Qax9-_LnnUkCVhc0h94Rbawddw-VymTWbVY-Q1UuHIj8iBU2TbF6uD4iJWo/s1600/IMG_2009.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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Monday morning brought temperatures of -14 and lower with winds blowing steady at 25 to 35 miles an hour... with windchill ratings of -40 and bright sunshine. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0er-4TlOq3MbkxFtf_2iqn1VSFQzA5yjeo03T1vJvERa-E3UkkhTNfwfg-hVgHnWG_6wmNQqbfbcrRcvta0Ey7DFKQziSI2LkR1iTg5nJj1UYmUGFgvk1G9IkazIuiR_zGu3XyHmgIM/s1600/IMG_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0er-4TlOq3MbkxFtf_2iqn1VSFQzA5yjeo03T1vJvERa-E3UkkhTNfwfg-hVgHnWG_6wmNQqbfbcrRcvta0Ey7DFKQziSI2LkR1iTg5nJj1UYmUGFgvk1G9IkazIuiR_zGu3XyHmgIM/s1600/IMG_2013.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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Since the blizzard has left us housebound I've been playing around with old childhood favorites.... </div>
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ice bubbles!!</div>
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(the simple tutorial to follow in another post!)</div>
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And here we have our sweet Miss Lily loving the snow... (okay she had been frolicking in the snow until she saw me out with the camera and came running...a quick closing of the door allowed me to get one and only one picture before we let her back in the house completely covered in snow... but her undercoat was completely and totally dry even though she had been rolling in the snow.)</div>
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crazy dog! </div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-52037665903754020142013-12-19T10:34:00.002-05:002013-12-19T10:34:53.575-05:00Chalkboard rehabs... Christmas edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEj-Ls099QU8QYU7TqFaxRbL5J9C7Epct0i13EP1BEgq8uv5p-jOeLmt1La1Y6b4SLy2WkVERrKvwizP_kmnELeIIWAJT23VaN6sgHG3pZhUtokwltP9fqeA-EKFmQiifPaQYjX8eXNA/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEj-Ls099QU8QYU7TqFaxRbL5J9C7Epct0i13EP1BEgq8uv5p-jOeLmt1La1Y6b4SLy2WkVERrKvwizP_kmnELeIIWAJT23VaN6sgHG3pZhUtokwltP9fqeA-EKFmQiifPaQYjX8eXNA/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="269" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know if you realize this but I LOVE chalkboards... and chalkboard paint! I've been known to paint a wall or two turning them into gigantic chalkboards. Remember the <a href="http://piglogsandtaterberries.blogspot.com/2012/01/tuscan-kitchen-progress.html">dining room grocery/notes wall</a> or the studio wall. OH, my word, I just discovered I have NEVER shown you all of the changes around here, for that I humbly apologize!! So I'll just have to show you sneak peaks of the studio makeover today because a big part of that room is the chalkboard wall... and I mean one GINORMOUS chalkboard wall!! However first I have to show you something...something I am so incredibly tickled about. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Do you see this bullfighter? Pretty spectacular, right? ha ha! Okay, I am sure it was lovely in someone's living room back in the day but well, let's just say it doesn't exactly match our decor. However it was HUGE and the perfect price.. $1.25. Yes, a whole whopping $1.25! I know my husband was just sure when I had finally lost it when I showed it too him, especially since I was gushing about how great it was. Okay, to be fair he only raised his eyebrows at me and then shrugged his shoulders. He KNEW it was going to be fabulous when I got done with it. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8thvyDieA_g/UrL1LIcrlEI/AAAAAAAAFkM/FDSxxjG0ZY8/s1600/IMG_1391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8thvyDieA_g/UrL1LIcrlEI/AAAAAAAAFkM/FDSxxjG0ZY8/s640/IMG_1391.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Well this charmer came home with me and a few coats of chalkboard paint later...</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and now her she is in all her glory!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEj-Ls099QU8QYU7TqFaxRbL5J9C7Epct0i13EP1BEgq8uv5p-jOeLmt1La1Y6b4SLy2WkVERrKvwizP_kmnELeIIWAJT23VaN6sgHG3pZhUtokwltP9fqeA-EKFmQiifPaQYjX8eXNA/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEj-Ls099QU8QYU7TqFaxRbL5J9C7Epct0i13EP1BEgq8uv5p-jOeLmt1La1Y6b4SLy2WkVERrKvwizP_kmnELeIIWAJT23VaN6sgHG3pZhUtokwltP9fqeA-EKFmQiifPaQYjX8eXNA/s640/DSC_0007.JPG" width="538" /></a></div>
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This beauty is currently gracing the wall, just above the desk right inside the front door in the living room. But she has been known to move about quite a bit... so far she has been found in dining room, propped against the wall and the bookcase in the living room, and has even spent a bit of time in the family room. I just love the ability to change things up and having a chalkboard this size to play with makes me smile! One of these days I will have to show you my collection of chalkboards. They range from small to room size...</div>
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here's a sneak peak of the studio chalkboard</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YnOpoSTyrUWEe2wt9pR20yO6P9iZ9Wo67R3KgzJ89UDhJVxwoLyE7O1otDkVrI6pjtxUYWTe27djkaVIOeEsLNRu00bRT_QqQm0J2C_L68MeT9XXUvCupRKkFUifbQvT2D6RJnOEwxw/s1600/2013-08-23_1377293198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YnOpoSTyrUWEe2wt9pR20yO6P9iZ9Wo67R3KgzJ89UDhJVxwoLyE7O1otDkVrI6pjtxUYWTe27djkaVIOeEsLNRu00bRT_QqQm0J2C_L68MeT9XXUvCupRKkFUifbQvT2D6RJnOEwxw/s320/2013-08-23_1377293198.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and the beginnings of the studio. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg171EXoOFlXWcxwGuY2QBTElAWI5LPqFnut4yHwKL-DZUDoVWjSgCV1XBuxW1JiJHl-XAHp1SzvYPOai7Im5qXJPBLTc7W-PIVb4MVhdklErDq3Vtr4z1J4_wrby7nlMwCbDwq4VAtfVw/s1600/2013-08-17_1376783413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg171EXoOFlXWcxwGuY2QBTElAWI5LPqFnut4yHwKL-DZUDoVWjSgCV1XBuxW1JiJHl-XAHp1SzvYPOai7Im5qXJPBLTc7W-PIVb4MVhdklErDq3Vtr4z1J4_wrby7nlMwCbDwq4VAtfVw/s320/2013-08-17_1376783413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Its come a long way since this picture but is currently unavailable for photography. ;-)</div>
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Have a wonderful day!</div>
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(yes i accidentally deleted my earlier post... we won't discuss how that happened.)</div>
<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-69354864037232591662013-12-19T08:28:00.000-05:002013-12-19T09:38:59.506-05:00The lamp shade rehab... twine to the rescue.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As our nights lengthen and the days become more chilly, we begin to cocoon ourselves in cozy, comfortable surroundings. The blankets and throws make their appearances, sweaters and warm woolen socks begin to make their appearance. However the one thing that we noticed in our home was that come nightfall it was dark. I know you are thinking, well, duh... its dark outside, the sun has gone down. ha ha! I know, I know... but it wasn't the darkness outside but the darkness within the walls of our home. Within our living room to be more specific. A room with ZERO ceiling fixtures. Seriously, it just leaves me scratching my head wondering why in the world this house was built with no ceiling fixtures in the living room. So we use two table lamps and a floor lamp... met my lamp shade.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SgmLpGLnil4/UpTTOpKQMEI/AAAAAAAAFjk/942oiAbxM6Y/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SgmLpGLnil4/UpTTOpKQMEI/AAAAAAAAFjk/942oiAbxM6Y/s400/DSC_0004.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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Nice shape but kinda dated looking... and stained, BADLY! and the trim at the top and bottom were peeling off. And it had begun to smell funny.... and we couldn't figure out why! Added the fact that when the light was turned on, well the shade cast a rather sickly golden glow.... not at all the warm cozy feeling it emitted in a photograph.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSvq8DSXsJjoJQnb8rta1j74l0CW2Er17o-gf_ZZlW0BDkxGYbBpOGr4E_vmmst2vMtY0PWyuAMWFOooE2oSTRwHYHtbRJOVuGB_2Q4xbdmn6EA-A0L-O7F503FC9cLl6LTPhSYuiUrk/s1600/IMG_1799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSvq8DSXsJjoJQnb8rta1j74l0CW2Er17o-gf_ZZlW0BDkxGYbBpOGr4E_vmmst2vMtY0PWyuAMWFOooE2oSTRwHYHtbRJOVuGB_2Q4xbdmn6EA-A0L-O7F503FC9cLl6LTPhSYuiUrk/s400/IMG_1799.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
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So I striped it to bare bones and recovered it... butcher's & baker's twine. Because we know I am all about using what I have on hand. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4EF8RDEfFjTJbx3H7nP6zDdcYfGnCiZOEpfW2zpp6H8T261TgcFa4Cqvcfn-YRKzZsWw0AOEPmfbfzeRp0BjFW10aSY6-1BV6Z87YCCXRMzvww72usvwzxTIHlj1jSz2OAf_vJXGaeA/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4EF8RDEfFjTJbx3H7nP6zDdcYfGnCiZOEpfW2zpp6H8T261TgcFa4Cqvcfn-YRKzZsWw0AOEPmfbfzeRp0BjFW10aSY6-1BV6Z87YCCXRMzvww72usvwzxTIHlj1jSz2OAf_vJXGaeA/s640/DSC_0010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I simply love the texture now. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNmcGw5d5Bw/UpTTWHzbAlI/AAAAAAAAFj0/UnsbubGsc_E/s1600/edison+bulb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNmcGw5d5Bw/UpTTWHzbAlI/AAAAAAAAFj0/UnsbubGsc_E/s400/edison+bulb.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
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We added an Edison bulb. </div>
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It now blends seamlessly with our decor. </div>
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Its just the right amount of understatement and whimsy, are wrapped up together!</div>
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(on a side note... it is best to NOT chose to sand with a palm sander in the middle of one's living room. it might, just might result in a fine layer of dust covering EVERY thing... to include the bookcases. just saying, haha!)</div>
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<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-86235111005152166632013-11-27T12:30:00.000-05:002013-11-27T12:48:42.740-05:00Bits of this and that... projects in the works<br />
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Sneak peaks of what all is going on around here......</div>
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artwork being created</div>
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sweet treats being baked for lunches and after school snacks</div>
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favorites being revisited</div>
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presents for others</div>
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junk being reused and repurposed</div>
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-54876629385715809732013-11-26T12:13:00.002-05:002013-11-26T12:13:35.019-05:00ThanksgivingHappy Thanksgiving!<br />
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(<strike>Okay so it isn't Thanksgiving yet but</strike>) it is definitely a season for giving THANKS! But then in all honesty each day OUGHT to be a season for giving thanks... I know, I'm preaching but trust me its more to myself than anyone else. You see for a time there I was SO caught up in the busyness of our lives that I started to forget about truly living in the moment, enjoying the time we have with our boys, relishing those snippets of time driving the them for one place to another, being grateful for the season we are in... So I disappeared from here. I know, I know, I do this on a regular basis but this time it was due to intent, not neglect. You see I've been working hard to bring balance into my life.... for a time I was too caught up in every thing, unable to allow myself to say "no", and a place where I was feeling so overwhelmed, mentally and physically and spiritually.<br />
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Living a life filled with too much..... yet too little. So changes were made, actually are still being made. Time is being carved out for more meaningful pursuits and priorities evaluated as time is such a precious commodity. When I look around me it is even more evident as Ian is currently in his final bit of training (for the time being), Sean is in the midst of his senior year in high school awaiting graduation and then he too will leave to pursue a career in the culinary arts in the Army, and Evan is a freshman in high school. I want the boys to have fond memories of home... memories of a refuge from the storm, a place to gather with their friends, to laugh, to live knowing they are cherished, creating together, and being lavished with the love of family! Being boys i know that for them food speaks volumes... homemade pizza, fresh baked bread, preservative free jam, whole grain crackers made with love, a hot cup of tea in a cup bought with them in mind. They are simple, yet complex and I love them so much! I am proud of the men they are becoming.<br />
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<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-32836081156711119512013-11-26T12:01:00.000-05:002013-11-26T12:01:57.501-05:00lost update...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_2030424155"></span><span id="goog_2030424156"></span><br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-67618523380308603362013-08-26T11:58:00.001-04:002013-08-26T11:58:34.585-04:00Summer recap & a sneak peak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am sitting here this morning wondering where the past 2 months went. Are you feeling the same way? Can you believe school is back in session already? How did that happen? I mean, wasn't it just June yesterday? Can September truly be just around the corner? ALREADY? </div>
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I don't know about you but I truly feel like the years are speeding by... seriously! I am still reeling over the fact that my BABY started high school 2 weeks ago. SERIOUSLY, folks! He is a freshman and now taller than me. Okay so that part wasn't much of a stretch as I'm only 5'2" but still... add to that the fact that middle boy is now a senior and the eldest left for Army bootcamp back in June. WOW!</div>
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So what have I been up to all summer... well let me see... my sweet hubby was out of town for 5 weeks meaning he was gone the entire month of June. Upon his return home we... well.. what did we do? Oh yes, he went back to work and the boys were heavily involved with fall sport conditioning programs, marching band camp, and cross country camp. So yes I spent a LOT of time in the car... playing chauffeur. Do you know what? I LOVED it! The discussions we had... they ranged from down right silly to thought provoking discussions about the future to just enjoyable chit chat. I would NOT trade all the time we spent driving here, there, hither & yon for anything in the world.</div>
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There were also weekly trips to the local farmer's market... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3AA6kxlLmyE9ZvN2wdVtq77uE9yGM-xnC2njoVHLejZk0HRnsh-9dWuKC3Ry5I9xWTFQXSTFNeTvOl989bra31MQ0e4k9zU1VJ2ROnK3cHTgGlQWhhtu6ASXXOfgbC6kKjnOT5O_QYw/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3AA6kxlLmyE9ZvN2wdVtq77uE9yGM-xnC2njoVHLejZk0HRnsh-9dWuKC3Ry5I9xWTFQXSTFNeTvOl989bra31MQ0e4k9zU1VJ2ROnK3cHTgGlQWhhtu6ASXXOfgbC6kKjnOT5O_QYw/s400/DSC_0022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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a day trip into Chicago (a first for our family) which included the Navy Pier, Ikea (always a family favorite), and the Hard Rock Cafe (another favorite of the boys.)</div>
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One of the other things that has gone on this summer is converting this room...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YjysJ1sJWsuPGyCNWoymuKoQeUfbh-WcdOwbif5wnuue0aerWv8faIAZCmJvJz1W6nMgKXbzGRdAoG5Wg97a-OA5ztzdMkJqcwIXWsv7WqCXv5Fz9KELf3tj58dnqR6GkgidIa9rpfQ/s1600/IMG_0977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YjysJ1sJWsuPGyCNWoymuKoQeUfbh-WcdOwbif5wnuue0aerWv8faIAZCmJvJz1W6nMgKXbzGRdAoG5Wg97a-OA5ztzdMkJqcwIXWsv7WqCXv5Fz9KELf3tj58dnqR6GkgidIa9rpfQ/s400/IMG_0977.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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(this actually looks cleaned up compared to when the bed was still in here...)</div>
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into a studio of sorts.</div>
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Here is a sneak peak of the room:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOBFnJ7hFLw/Ug-iF6jdspI/AAAAAAAAEuY/M7FCWde9dRs/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOBFnJ7hFLw/Ug-iF6jdspI/AAAAAAAAEuY/M7FCWde9dRs/s400/DSC_0053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even though it flew by it was a good summer filled with family, out of town friends, and relaxing days!</div>
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I have to admit I am excited about this school year though... you see Sean is taking culinary courses at the local career center in addition to his regular senior class load (which is remarkably light). Yes we have been having fun in the kitchen already. I love watching him discuss their latest class project or his lab time. His eyes light up and he becomes so passionate! In all honesty I think that is one of the delights of parenting is watching our children discover the passions they will carry over into their adult lives... to see their eyes light up and listen in on the animated discussions! </div>
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<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-58856418009394170292013-06-30T21:51:00.001-04:002013-06-30T21:51:15.459-04:00Google reader... a bygone eraJust wanted to remind everyone that as of 1 July, 2013 Google Reader will be a thing of the past. If you haven't already done it you may look at a couple of options such as Feedly or even BlogLovin' as a means to continue following all of the blogs you were following in Google Reader. I'm not going to lie to you... currently I am using both for my personal blog following. My personal preference... I would have said BlogLovin' until just a day or two ago when I remembered that I had a Feedly account. Imagine my surprise when I really got into it... I LOVE IT!! I love the fact that I can save old posts and can modify the look of how I read the posts.<br />
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I know some of you have already signed up to follow me in Bloglovin' but if you haven't already signed up to follow me through another means I would love it if you signed up to follow me via e-mail subscriber or Bloglovin' or even Feedly.<br />
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Have a wonderful evening! (and yes I have some posts in the works... i have to admit projects have been few and far between as my husband has been out of town and just holding down the fort has taken priority... looking forward to connecting with you all again SOON!)Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-63305804465275597022013-06-03T11:10:00.000-04:002013-06-03T11:10:15.236-04:00A Celebration.... in honor of 4 years, 200 posts, flying the coop, and high school!Let me start this off by saying WOW! 4 years next Monday? How did that happen? Only 200 posts? LOL sorry but that just strikes me as completely humorous! NO one ever said that I wasn't a bit ADDish when it came to my pursuits!! Which is more than evident is my posting or more oftentimes lack of posting... but that is okay by me. :-) It has been a progression, kinda like my life! Trust me I don't regret starting this blog one little bit!! I've made some truly wonderful life long friends... some of which I've had the pleasure of actually meeting in person (yes that would include you <a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/">Jen</a>, <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/">Karianne</a>, and <a href="http://www.mycottagecharm.com/">Missy</a> and some who I am still waiting to meet in real life... huh Mel (just to name one!) Yes lady one of these days we will actually meet. Okay the same goes for<a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/"> Donna</a> and.. another lady who has truly blessed my life... oh the list could go on and on!<br />
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(glorious sunrises)</div>
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And get this... today is THE last day of the school year... how did that happen? Seriously... it just leaves my mind reeling! Yep, a whole lot of change is going on here... sweet hubby is getting back from a trip to Haiti where he helped to build a church/school on the top of a mountain where there was no centralized meeting place of any sort. Then he will be off to Quantico, VA for 5 weeks... FIVE whole weeks! I know it is nothing compared to the deployments he used to go on but still 5 weeks??? I am hoping it will go quickly as the boys have pretty busy schedules this summer. Well, kinda busy... especially in the late afternoons/evenings. Yes we have marching ban practice and tennis pre-conditioning starting tomorrow. And speaking of tomorrow, or rather this afternoon we will officially have a senior in high school as well as a freshman in high school and one just arriving at Ft Benning, GA for Army basic training. Yes my baby will be in high school!! <br />
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(stormy nights)</div>
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Okay now on to one of the things that I've had to sit on for weeks... my first born has actually flown the coop? I dropped him off at the recruiter's yesterday afternoon. Yes, our eldest Ian enlisted in the Army and got the job of his dreams... he has an Army Ranger slot!! He was over the moon happy!! So now he is currently on a plane flying to Ft Benning, GA to start his many, many months of arduous training. We would greatly appreciate ALL and ANY prayers for him as he has chosen a path that few are willing to undertake and even fewer actually achieve. However this has always been the way he has done things! Ian is definitely a man not afraid of hard undertakings!! (ugh I was going to post a recent picture of him but realized the only one I have is one I promised to NEVER publish! its too funny but i won't do it! lets say we were all being silly and its just kinda weird looking! ha ha!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW5ZYyEGYpabOrvE4zJ72qLOw5klcAuiaN7HRo-RDdcgdhv6Ehnh3TeglWpdtGQkZtworzvFG1m8fW2EH-cIcGCEyfDzSQmigdYGSInS9jm_ni37oH3CXgLFuAilA06Mj1XgE41weZFk/s1600/IMG_0374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW5ZYyEGYpabOrvE4zJ72qLOw5klcAuiaN7HRo-RDdcgdhv6Ehnh3TeglWpdtGQkZtworzvFG1m8fW2EH-cIcGCEyfDzSQmigdYGSInS9jm_ni37oH3CXgLFuAilA06Mj1XgE41weZFk/s640/IMG_0374.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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(summer blossoms)</div>
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Keep an eye out because I have more news later on this week! Some surprises concerning the actual 4 year anniversary of this blog... and the ever present ADDishness of my pursuits! There might just be giveaway involved as well (or maybe even two! because if there is something this girl is consistent about it is making things for others!! yep love me some surprise gifting!!)<br />
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On that note I hope you have a wonderful Monday! <br />
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(french sea gull.. the same the world over!)</div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-44440038890744040892013-05-29T09:23:00.000-04:002013-05-29T09:23:16.172-04:00The Journey... to a more fit me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello! And how is everyone today?! Yes I'm feeling rather perky this morning... which is quite an accomplishment for a full fledged night owl!! I have to admit I am feeling great! Why? you ask... well, you see, there is a reason I have disappeared, once again, from the blog world and FB for that matter as well. The story goes like this... back in during the winter I started to prepare for a trip to France with our middle son and the French program at his high school. You know, doing things like trying to add in a little more walking (because our house is smaller and it takes minimal steps to get from one end to the other) and deciding what to wear. I noticed some of my favorite spring outfits had gotten a little tight over the winter... hmm.. yes I did the inevitable! I got on the scales!! And do you know what? I did NOT like what I saw... then I took a good look in the mirror, wearing minimal clothing. THAT did it! I mean seriously how could I have gotten this out of shape!!! We won't discuss how much I weighed (that will be many months done the road... just know it wasn't pretty!!!) So I started to walk a little more... and cut out the late night snacking. Fast forward to France... oh the food was delicious but the serving sizes were smaller. Trust me that wasn't bad at all... in fact they were the perfect size. Yes I kept up with the group but then I got home and saw the pictures of me... that did it! NO more couch potato!! <br />
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Yes that is me... a rather unflattering me... </div>
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The big thing that I took away from that trip was the need for more exercise! Fast forward to the beginning of May when I realized I had slipped back into the old routine... dinner, dishes, hours on the computer, then bed. I did not gain anything but I was stagnant and sluggish feeling again. Things had to change... Fast forward to now, May 28th, 2013... a mere 8 weeks into this new trek. I'm down 13 lbs, have lost several inches, and most importantly have tons more energy! What am I doing? Well first of all I am limiting my computer time... all game apps have been deleted off my FB page, browsing is kept to a bare minimum, and I no longer sit on the couch for any computer work. Yes the couch was my safe place, my comfy place... the place I could spend hours on the computer. Not any longer!! OH this means I am getting to bed earlier as well and getting up earlier. Am I in bed every single night at a reasonable hour? No, not by any stretch of the imagination but it has gotten to the point where more nights than not I am in bed and asleep around 11:00 p.m. The addition of exercise (an arm work-out, a core work-out, and a walk every single day!!) has really been beneficial as well. I do the arm work-out twice a day right now because I really, really want to see results! Yes, jiggly arms be gone!! (I'm looking forward to wearing shorter sleeves this summer!!) Some of my additional exercise has come in the form of taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking at the opposite end of the parking lot from the store entrance, and parking at the very opposite end of the mall when I have to stop in for something. Each extra step really adds up! </div>
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However the biggest change has been in the kitchen and what goes in my mouth. No, there is no non-fat, super low calorie processed foods in this house! There has been the addition of more whole grains (preferably sprouted for ease of digestibility), more vegetables, chicken, fruits, and nuts... and LOTS and LOTS of <b><i><u>WATER</u></i></b>!!! Do I treat myself with food any longer? Not so much. I've discovered my craving for sweets has diminished tremendously and when I do eat something super sweet.. it is just that SUPER sweet! To the point of being too sweet. If I do have a true craving, do I deny myself? NOPE not one bit but moderation is the key. I've found that by eating just a single bite or even two is typically enough to satisfy that craving. In fact that is all I will put on my plate or in my bowl. Then I use either a demitasse spoon or a baby spoon and slowly eat my indulgence. By slowing down and truly savoring each and every tiny bite I've learned that I don't need all that much to satisfy me. </div>
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Do I reward myself with food any longer? NO, No, and no! But I do reward my self... a pack of gum with xylitol, a new bottle of finger nail polish, or repotting cuttings from a friend's succulents. I know the finger nail polish is a crazy one, right?! Well, if you knew me you would realize it is! But do you know what? At 48 I am discovering it can be kinda fun to be a bit girly! Yes, this coming from the "girl" who has lived in a house full of males for the past 19 years!! (and I wasn't all the girly before they came along! ha ha!) OH the third thing for me has been accountability... I have a friend I talk to pretty close to every single time I got for a walk. I am part of an on-line fitness group where I check in once a week with my progress as well as daily (if necessary for encouragement) as well as part of a tiny private group that encourages each other to get to bed on time. </div>
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That being said you will be seeing more of my fitness routine, new recipes, progress updates, and photos from my walks.</div>
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(yes it is super fuzzy... that is what happens when one is laughing while trying to take a self photo while standing on a chair! lol! Oh those jeans were too tight for me to wear while in France!! They are now even a tiny bit loose fresh out of the dryer!)</div>
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So feel free to keep up with the progress being made! If you are wondering what finally propelled me to get in shape after 13 years... well it was the realization that I am not getting any younger and that I finally.. FINALLY wanted to do this.. not because anyone was pressuring me but because this is the body the Lord has given me and I need to take better care of it! I might be 48 with a teenager who is leaving home next week to begin his own journey in life as an adult but that doesn't make me old... there is still life to be lived! So I'm getting off my duff and getting back into the game!!</div>
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Have a wonderful day!!</div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-9491940125970531292013-04-24T21:27:00.003-04:002013-04-25T15:50:41.723-04:00Pointe du hoc, omaha beach, and points in between<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mere words can not express the raw emotions I felt on the day we visited Pointe du Hoc, </div>
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Arromanches-le-Bains, Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery in Normandy, and points between. Somehow the cold blustery day was befitting the solemnity of the visit.</div>
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<u>Pointe du Hoc</u></div>
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<u>Arromanches-les-Bains</u></div>
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<u>Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach</u></div>
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<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-51380638163808421932013-04-15T14:35:00.002-04:002013-08-06T10:07:46.774-04:00Paris at night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Twinkling stars</div>
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paris nights</div>
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magical moments</div>
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shared alone</div>
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looking forward to the time when we go together</div>
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-61296354924213432272013-04-11T15:56:00.000-04:002013-08-08T11:24:32.988-04:00Scenes from FranceHello! or rather Bonjour!... the greeting made to/by EVERY shop owner in France. The past few weeks have been a true whirlwind of activity. End of the term, Easter, preparations for a trip to Washington D.C. with the 8th grade class made by my husband and Evan, and then all the preparations for the trip to France that Sean and I made with the high school French program. A whirlwind hardly describes life for the past few weeks. After 8 days in France with 40 high school students and 10 adult.... well let's just say I am typing literally typing with my eyes closed right now. And sleep, what's that? Yes I am currently in withdrawal mode.... but I'm enjoying it. The weather is fantastic here at home... in the 60's (something we did not see in France at all... in fact it was unseasonably cold... we even saw snow!) but is was simply beautiful! oh i am not enjoying the withdrawal from good coffee though. I kept my beverage of choice consumption to a minimum because I knew once I returned home the withdrawal symptoms would be monumental. No not from the lack of caffeine but rather from the lack of good quality coffee. It has been so long since I've had a truly wonderful cup of coffee. One that was so smooth... so incredibly smooth that no sugar or cream was needed. no trace of bitterness, just pure decadence! Yes I miss my coffee!! So if any of you have ever been to France, currently live in France, or have ever had that sublime coffee of France before please, please offer up some advice. Yes I am willing to pay the price in order to get that kind of coffee once again. With no further adieu I present to you but a few scenes from France. There will be more to come in days to follow... days where I am more wide awake and can actually type with my eyes open. days where the washing machine isn't whirring continually in the background. Days where soft music is playing, bread is rising, and projects are underway once again. <br />
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Just a few shots from our last evening in France.... spent in Montmatre and the Eiffel tower.<br />
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the shops</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxSnNyppnwv_b7-LxodhttIX1ha3RTG4NyqVoXeYFs9C7-azDmnZZsDIESvP9kABSCQ84-gkpsKTVR4adFELoa-FlXSp8OWZvqfhNFxjZhJyT2iIppthggQtjsfuasr6RMpUAqEFA7mE/s1600/DSC_0048-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxSnNyppnwv_b7-LxodhttIX1ha3RTG4NyqVoXeYFs9C7-azDmnZZsDIESvP9kABSCQ84-gkpsKTVR4adFELoa-FlXSp8OWZvqfhNFxjZhJyT2iIppthggQtjsfuasr6RMpUAqEFA7mE/s640/DSC_0048-005.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Montmatre... the classic view of the city</div>
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eiffel tower on our final night</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQwU8ti8WO-Jsoa3_ZGxyGp3OArGOEducv8BIbhyphenhyphenqp7cN8bXrwiTbNGt68cHsf_bnDMICoUABG3vbuabVvmoC38jJM4fJ8Edvj80At77-jmeeZOQybQJyJb7QhBymdUiHKmWfBDHYHd8/s1600/DSC_0118-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQwU8ti8WO-Jsoa3_ZGxyGp3OArGOEducv8BIbhyphenhyphenqp7cN8bXrwiTbNGt68cHsf_bnDMICoUABG3vbuabVvmoC38jJM4fJ8Edvj80At77-jmeeZOQybQJyJb7QhBymdUiHKmWfBDHYHd8/s640/DSC_0118-003.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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the quintessential carousel of France</div>
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-80428732051669615582013-03-25T10:07:00.002-04:002013-03-25T10:07:59.801-04:00Snow day!! <div style="text-align: center;">
Just a few quick photos to share of our spring "storm"</div>
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(not the prettiest as I wasn't willing to venture out in pjs while waiting for the laundry to finish)</div>
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(more to come as the day progresses!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJvswy1pjJFcwP7_rxFomwll4oFt8aaIfQ_Hsb9idykhQzkGfGA5D3xlHhvMoOc604WCP1kVxYPyZ_xV48HSwHLWhBtJxHsZoOZR8TF6TgaVroUW-s-bp5DsQFWQWDQ4JQRdI0vX9FrI/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJvswy1pjJFcwP7_rxFomwll4oFt8aaIfQ_Hsb9idykhQzkGfGA5D3xlHhvMoOc604WCP1kVxYPyZ_xV48HSwHLWhBtJxHsZoOZR8TF6TgaVroUW-s-bp5DsQFWQWDQ4JQRdI0vX9FrI/s640/DSC_0001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Through the front window... our Korean Lilac bush</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHNSqvHt9ZXE5eRr8wcbNg7_9oMyddTSJKEMzyQhyliXeUcXne98TzLqGFFiD-f7gjajQ6o2LC1rL7ZprIMubfAhQXxU64ASDDm8qGw11ad0atWKHWuuMq_VilME2o6dTjUBWJohg7X0/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHNSqvHt9ZXE5eRr8wcbNg7_9oMyddTSJKEMzyQhyliXeUcXne98TzLqGFFiD-f7gjajQ6o2LC1rL7ZprIMubfAhQXxU64ASDDm8qGw11ad0atWKHWuuMq_VilME2o6dTjUBWJohg7X0/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Drifting a little anyone?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie00_fzEfYGoekQiONJu5jbP1WfrBDDkKMg0bqb-FsdQqWizJ_Gbn7C4sRaPASV3ru1OuRC7EN3KJYZ4pOi8kTddoZ4yjbR1y7oEhaWHvvUCKf7jbkX5KlK4qn5md76FD1Jl2kAAziBV8/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie00_fzEfYGoekQiONJu5jbP1WfrBDDkKMg0bqb-FsdQqWizJ_Gbn7C4sRaPASV3ru1OuRC7EN3KJYZ4pOi8kTddoZ4yjbR1y7oEhaWHvvUCKf7jbkX5KlK4qn5md76FD1Jl2kAAziBV8/s640/DSC_0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Where is the step and the dog's bowl?</div>
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Snow anyone?</div>
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12 inches and still coming down!</div>
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As you can see I didn't venture out the doors yet... maybe once the boys are up! </div>
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Have a wonderful day!</div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-22237290810948173372013-03-07T21:40:00.002-05:002013-03-07T21:40:44.820-05:00Mid-West Meet Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QmZS0loOrkVagMyo8NruOz4qIX1nwqGJ3UALALwfVO_BO1D9KH3Qqoh_ht8HTkvB8htMOsnLXbIjbIgd8DkuHnxoTVmLsOM4N0N5UivcE8Mswb7ADtrYBzR031Rr9KS7GnXybfY_X2tf/s1600/Microsoft+Word+-+Document1+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QmZS0loOrkVagMyo8NruOz4qIX1nwqGJ3UALALwfVO_BO1D9KH3Qqoh_ht8HTkvB8htMOsnLXbIjbIgd8DkuHnxoTVmLsOM4N0N5UivcE8Mswb7ADtrYBzR031Rr9KS7GnXybfY_X2tf/s640/Microsoft+Word+-+Document1+2.jpeg" width="513" /></a></div>
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I am so excited! In a little over a week I'll be heading up to the Illinois to spend the day with a group of ladies whose blogs I've admired for some time. This event is being hosted and coordinated by the lovely <a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/">Jennifer Rizzo</a>. Karianne from<a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/"> Thistlewood Farms </a>and Heather from <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/">At the Picket Fence</a> will joining us as well. And if I play my cards right I will even be able to spend a little time with family who don't live all that far away either!! </div>
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If you think you might be interested the cost is $25 (payable in advance, space limited to 25) which includes breakfast, refreshments, and a lovely swag bag followed by a few hours of shopping and just enjoying each others company!</div>
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All in all it will be a nice getaway! </div>
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<a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2013/02/big-news-midwest-meet-up.html"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQdqFDghx7Q0cLosiY0BxjJtdh1NNeRPf30-cunQU0fzveYhx_kBCnGLed5dDzsIfJCWlm1CPQZC67cc16VBqytdpxwAEP7ZhRL0pNDUh6tZWcUzAK2gs0OOgYo6OMZRsd2DUqKPBAo3u/s320/Microsoft+Word+-+Document2+3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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p.s.</div>
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do you think i just might be a little bit giddy? </div>
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-28780856866209595742013-02-27T14:56:00.000-05:002013-02-27T14:56:09.630-05:00A little day to day....Just wanted to pop in to say hello! No I haven't forgotten about you... in fact I think about you all and this blog quite often. I've been taking more to time with my family recently... they grow up too quickly. So between swim practices/meets, getting ready for a trip to France, battling colds and winter crud, taxes and college registration, college visits and more clutter control this is pretty much what has been going on in our home....<div>
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Been listing to a lot of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK_Nk8KNimA&playnext=1&list=PLD0C5C3DEC2D5339B&feature=results_video">this</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0unWJN6zn4">this</a>... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhzbFQwYkUyXalEAdxBIctQ_ikHrM_6_ikEgbpJzOsCBwBfxL3aN7mzlbDHBoWPKCD52cbyFMhvWzNe_AcxPPhyphenhyphenGtQ3OoXnZS-ejmCGQN1KlodVKZyo7Z4GHG7mIe_KYqzTG-vBl7XHs/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhzbFQwYkUyXalEAdxBIctQ_ikHrM_6_ikEgbpJzOsCBwBfxL3aN7mzlbDHBoWPKCD52cbyFMhvWzNe_AcxPPhyphenhyphenGtQ3OoXnZS-ejmCGQN1KlodVKZyo7Z4GHG7mIe_KYqzTG-vBl7XHs/s640/DSC_0001.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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Adding a bit of greenery in the form of this.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxYhC67QHaM/US5dPnx9JhI/AAAAAAAAB2E/2O_7ziC_UP8/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxYhC67QHaM/US5dPnx9JhI/AAAAAAAAB2E/2O_7ziC_UP8/s640/DSC_0009.JPG" width="560" /></a></div>
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new storage! gotta love a good deal at TJ Max! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoDIQfWZ3x5Dn53pXH0ClTgRPtSlZm7nt9kL4SCxWYDEAyQMRQ3ukfbvQgyuEi6rAm79oXZ1ZObtiX1197pFykscSCzz-hpdZFDw2ct90n7YBuJrZQpqtjj0enOUEbM_wAmq4_Y3W6QY/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoDIQfWZ3x5Dn53pXH0ClTgRPtSlZm7nt9kL4SCxWYDEAyQMRQ3ukfbvQgyuEi6rAm79oXZ1ZObtiX1197pFykscSCzz-hpdZFDw2ct90n7YBuJrZQpqtjj0enOUEbM_wAmq4_Y3W6QY/s640/DSC_0007.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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pretty beads from<a href="http://www.noondaycollection.com/"> here</a></div>
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and if we had smell-o-vision you would smell hints of chocolate, homemade pasta sauce, and the underlying hint of acrylic paint. </div>
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Have a wonderful day!!</div>
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-17060576813449707962013-02-10T16:37:00.000-05:002013-02-10T16:37:29.507-05:00Baking....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Recently our days have been filled with a lot of this </div>
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(the makings for homemade French toast)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmXgseJL2EJRz79BNfP3KPc7TtWhlditcw_X26RUM5382V0W6xj2edwH99UwvUfExe0CVxEw6kK6LE3quQi3FhejOjk9xbAUMfwND-WaW9cWc7Q9tZ_H1iIu5VGgtJFuwJ59NM03fEEU/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmXgseJL2EJRz79BNfP3KPc7TtWhlditcw_X26RUM5382V0W6xj2edwH99UwvUfExe0CVxEw6kK6LE3quQi3FhejOjk9xbAUMfwND-WaW9cWc7Q9tZ_H1iIu5VGgtJFuwJ59NM03fEEU/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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and this </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJhPzJnRezWp3owRjSQI7s5DuGNLsrfQ_vO0HcTZrYvkZKLDA2ZbRg8xE75OhXg2Il2oLY4itUiUOUpDcfPmxjZaDF21gKjC-Yh0AwhLvhhODQE6vNMCxVCJUCbSmp0XKHSk640zUvUU/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJhPzJnRezWp3owRjSQI7s5DuGNLsrfQ_vO0HcTZrYvkZKLDA2ZbRg8xE75OhXg2Il2oLY4itUiUOUpDcfPmxjZaDF21gKjC-Yh0AwhLvhhODQE6vNMCxVCJUCbSmp0XKHSk640zUvUU/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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and this</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81rEaMWqZZSpi4D5MNtxg_u-GFxfIwPK80PIx5JYRPEIarL8mWilFHbCU6WYMEaMJvv0uf97Gi48qtCKO0UZjLL8HPtzdXL-0_C6_7o5ZvadEO3cPu7tr6Drudzm5y0P7GvIWlnQPhjM/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81rEaMWqZZSpi4D5MNtxg_u-GFxfIwPK80PIx5JYRPEIarL8mWilFHbCU6WYMEaMJvv0uf97Gi48qtCKO0UZjLL8HPtzdXL-0_C6_7o5ZvadEO3cPu7tr6Drudzm5y0P7GvIWlnQPhjM/s640/DSC_0015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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which means the grain mill has been dusted off, the wheat berries dug out, and there are some very happy young men in our household! </div>
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I forgot how much I enjoy baking our own bread.... its good to take a step back and re-evaluate. </div>
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Have a wonderful weekend!</div>
<br />Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-89404576852045778772013-01-24T18:04:00.001-05:002013-01-24T18:04:53.565-05:00Creative stitching....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I do my wonky quilting I really like to add creative stitching....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbiqCjBTj5E/UQG8UuhpSBI/AAAAAAAABz0/vCDT2bu2J9E/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbiqCjBTj5E/UQG8UuhpSBI/AAAAAAAABz0/vCDT2bu2J9E/s640/DSC_0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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its the creative process that really speaks to me</div>
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each piece an original.... with a specific person in mind!</div>
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sometimes its someone who has inspired me.... a thought.... a passage... but each one unique!</div>
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-74084213014110354592013-01-24T15:24:00.000-05:002013-01-24T15:24:40.846-05:00sewing.... ideas in the making<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Recently my sewing machine was pulled out...</div>
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piles of scraps and fabric sorted.</div>
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Just a few snap shots of some of the ideas mulling around in my head</div>
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vintage findings</div>
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bits of scraps...<br />
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typography</div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-8589211496261625012013-01-13T15:53:00.000-05:002013-01-13T15:53:10.005-05:00A plea for help...Okay... I'm going to be honest to you. This post has been a really hard one for me to write. Right now my heart is heavy for a family I don't know personally, a family who is good friends of friends of ours. A young family that has been struck with the knowledge of knowing that they might soon loss both father and husband.... to stage 4 brain cancer. This is a family whose faith in the Lord is so strong as they have been faced with tragedy not once but twice already in their "young" lives. When Stacey told me about Andy and Cari I asked what I could do.... well friends we have an opportunity here to reach out to this family. January 27th a Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction is being held at the University of Indianapolis. 100% of the proceeds from the dinner and silent auction will go directly into a trust fund that has been set up the Chastain's... so I am asking that we help out this family. I personally am making tote bags, reusable snack bags, and some baskets to auctioned.<br />
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I am sharing with you a portion of Stacey's e-mail...<br />
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"The Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction are being held at the University of Indianapolis on January 27th in honor of Andy and Cari Chastain. We are currently collecting auction items. 100% of the proceeds from the dinner and auction will go directly into a trust fund that has been set up for the Chastains. The trust is overseen by a board of trustees. Anyone is welcome to donate to the trust. Just make your check payable to Andrew D. Chastain Sole Benefit Trust. And send it to:</div>
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Andrew D. Chastain Sole Benefit Trust</div>
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8063 Madison Avenue, Box 352</div>
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Indianapolis, IN 46227</div>
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If someone is interested in giving us an auction item I need it by Thursday, January 24th. </div>
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Andy is currently fighting stage 4 brain cancer. His chance of remission is 25%. They have two young boys (ages 3 and 2). Any financial and prayer support we can give them is very much appreciated. Anyone interested in reading their story can go to <a href="http://www.andyandcari.blogspot.com/">www.andyandcari.blogspot.com</a> </div>
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Even through this difficult trial it is their prayer that God be glorified above all else. He has brought them through tragedy before and they know He will walk with them on this difficult road as well. Just over four years ago they lost their 8 month old baby girl. It was six months after that that Andy had brain surgery to remove a benign tumor. Andy began having terrible headaches again this fall as well as some other symptoms. Thanksgiving weekend he told Cari he needed to go to the hospital and that is when we found out his tumor had returned only this time it was not good. The surgeon told Cari almost immediately it looked cancerous. Since then they have removed as much of the tumor as possible but because they did not want to damage Andy's brain they had to leave a portion of it. It is our hope and prayer that the LORD will choose to heal Andy but we also know God may have different plans that would bring Hm even more glory.</div>
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Thanks so much for your help and interest!</div>
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Stacey"</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please consider helping this young family... a word of encouragement, an item for the auction, or even a donation, no matter how small would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me... I will respond back as quickly as possible. Once again thank you so very much! Your prayers and thoughts are greatly coveted right now!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks, Peggy </span></div>
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Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6218351927533931727.post-56633402869501755822013-01-07T12:20:00.000-05:002013-01-07T12:20:46.596-05:00Monday's musings<div style="text-align: center;">
Monday's musings...</div>
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brief glimpses of the week, a</div>
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way help myself be accountable, remember, and be inspired!</div>
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clearing up</div>
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sunshine after days of gloom</div>
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holiday "party" banners</div>
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to do lists<br />
<a href="http://www.foodinjars.com/">great reading, photography, & recipes</a><br />
sharpened pencils</div>
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<a href="http://www.eatboutique.com/2012/11/15/mulled-apple-cider-jelly/#.UOsCJI79soU">giveaway winnings</a><br />
(nothing like pretty packages in the mail)<br />
day old funnies w/ coffee on the last day of winter break</div>
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<a href="http://www.woodwick-candles.com/">pumpkin butter candles</a><br />
Harry Belafonte on Pandora</div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00082661310058536555noreply@blogger.com2