tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18725379607272881312024-03-13T23:06:25.485-04:00Yay!Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.comBlogger585125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-38371907599258856582012-07-03T22:01:00.001-04:002012-07-03T22:01:57.655-04:00Update on Dad.<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Oh my, things sure have changed on Blogger since February! I can hardly find my way around so will have to do some studying on this new system. I was shocked to see so many comments as I haven't looked at my blog for quite some time. Thank you for all of your prayers and good thoughts for my Dad. He is doing quite well, not 100% yet but getting there. He is back to work mowing all his lawns, I think he has about 15 or so that he does, and we try to go and help him on the long days. He can drive, was cleared for that quite some time ago, finished all of his physical therapy, and has had his bleeds checked out and they are all gone. He still has some dizziness when he gets up from laying back but that seems to go within a few seconds now. They told him that it might take up to a year for that to go away completely. We are very thankful that he came through this, God is good! Life around here is a bit different but we are managing. We don't like to leave my Mom alone much but we work it out.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">I am sorry to say that we had to have Lil' Bud put down about a month ago. We had been dealing with a couple of abscessed teeth that had to be removed, lots of antibiotics, x-rays, meds etc and it turned out to be cancer of the facial bones and jaw. It was a very fast moving cancer, within a three week span it changed immensely so the decision had to be made to have him put down the next morning. My vet said he had about a week and not to wait even that long. It's funny because he never missed a meal, never acted sick other then when the teeth needed to be pulled, never lost any weight, looked fabulous and was so loving right to the end. Funsize rode him up to our horse cemetery bareback and he did fine, would have cantered if she had wanted him to, just a week or ten days before we were trail riding and he took right off at a nice canter without her even asking him. He was a gentle soul and we miss him terribly but couldn't let him suffer in any way, he was 24. Again life is different but we have such wonderful memories. Funsize was 11 when we bought him for her and she is now 29 so really they grew up together. :o) We still have Scooter, Nick and Kipper. I filled Lil Bud's big box stall with extra bales of hay and shavings, I couldn't stand to see it empty. I am riding Scoot about every day and he is doing really well changing from his job as a team penning horse to a nice western pleasure horse. Miss T is riding Kip and buzzing around like mad and Funsize has taken over Nick.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Not sure when I will get back to blogging regularly, maybe not till fall. We are enjoying the lake this summer so much and I have had lots of projects around the yard putting in pretty plants replacing the ones that winter killed last winter due to no snow. I am spending as much time as possible with my grand kids, we have done lots of fun things. They are growing so fast and before you know it they won't think it's cool to hang out with Grammie. They are at the lake this week with Mom and Dad and we are headed down tomorrow for the 4th. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Again thank you for all your kind words and prayers, it DOES make a difference!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">PS I am still Home On the Range but I couldn't get that on the picture so it says my title is YAY. I will try to get that fixed. :0)</span>Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com88tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-31255151127883163702012-02-07T14:16:00.001-05:002012-02-07T14:16:09.391-05:00Saying goodbye for a while<p><font size="4">I must take some time off from blogging.  My father was hurt very seriously last week, he fell off a ten foot ladder and got bleeding in the brain.  Yes, why is an 88 year old man up a ladder you may ask??????  He was fixing the American flag.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We flew down to Florida immediately and went right to the hospital.  He looked like he had been in a fight and lost, a big shiner on one eye and stitches in his head where he hit the ground.  He was in the hospital five days and then we got the clearance to fly him home to Maine.  He did very well on the trip home as did my Mom and Buffy the cat.  :o)</font></p> <p><font size="4">He is getting around with a walker some and gaining a little ground each day.  Not sure how long the recuperation will be.  So in the meantime I am going to concentrate on taking care of things here and will try to check in with you all as much as I can. I will miss hearing from you so if you think of it just stop by and say howdy! :o)</font></p> <p><font size="4">xoxoxoxoxo</font></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-43759210514152355502012-01-27T18:19:00.001-05:002012-01-27T18:19:54.282-05:00Snow Day<p> </p> <p><font size="3">There was no school today due to rain, snow and sleet.  There was a chorus of cheering from the kids in the neighborhood, they forget that they have to make up snow days in the spring if they have too many.  I remember the excitement of waiting to hear if school was cancelled when I was a kid.  We couldn’t wait to get on our snow clothes and get outside to play.  In high school we didn’t get snow days as it was boarding school and classes were held right there.  Our one perk was that we got to wear slacks under our skirts as we had to walk outside to get to the classroom building, otherwise we could only wear slacks in the dorm.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">We always dressed for dinner.  Sport coats and ties for the guys and dresses for the girls.  For church we always wore hats, gloves and hosiery and again the guys wore sport coats and ties. We thought it was extreme at the time and grumbled a bit but I think things have gone way to far the other way these days.  When I see the get ups some kids wear now days it makes me cringe.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Why do some young men wear their jeans down around their knees?  Can someone please explain that to me?  Why do they think we want to see what color boxers they are wearing and how in the world do they keep their pants from falling off?!  Good grief, if I tried that I wouldn’t be able to walk!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">And ladies, please, we really don’t want to see your th*ongs when you bend over for something or sit in the bleachers at a ball game! Gag!  I know I am an old fogey but some things just aren’t meant to be seen by the world. Speaking of, please cover up your boobage while you are at it.  I was in a store recently and the gal at the counter was sitting down leaning forward and everything was hanging out all over.  Don’t they have dress codes any more in the work place or does that violate someone's freedom of speech or some other loophole?</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">So, for all the griping and grumbling I probably did in boarding school I’m glad it was the way it was and we learned how to dress properly.  Okay, enough ranting.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">I love snow days because I stay home and usually a grandchild or two will come over.  Today was no exception and Miss T and her friend K came over this morning and are going to stay until tomorrow morning.  They have played outside, come in and dried their snow clothes in the dryer, gone back out again and started all over again.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">We also like to cook as you all know.  Now Cliff M. cover your eyes as this involves more pictures of food!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">This recipe was given to me by Needled Mom my buddy out in California that I will be seeing next weekend! YAY!  It’s braided bread and it was lots of fun to make and even more fun to eat hot right out of the oven!  I think maybe I could’ve let it rise a bit more so that I could get the egg wash on more evenly but regardless it was to die for!  Thank you Mary, see you soon!!!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C8sGuaJN67s/TyMw0pClsGI/AAAAAAAAO70/heIuS6cgjqc/s1600-h/Braided%252520Bread%252520009%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Braided Bread 009" border="0" alt="Braided Bread 009" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v8h6ZSIMoaI/TyMw47UmyaI/AAAAAAAAO78/Efk5qV9lOoM/Braided%252520Bread%252520009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="351" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">I also got some quilting started.  I got everything cut out and will start putting it together tomorrow.  It’s going to be a beautiful poinsettia Christmas quilt.  The fabrics are really nice and the pattern is soooooooo pretty!   It was on the cover of Keepsake Quilting catalog a couple months ago.  I will keep progression pictures in future posts.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7fYwKgIY5zU/TyMw9WjlZhI/AAAAAAAAO8E/jfJ2N_7yDS0/s1600-h/Braided%252520Bread%252520013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Braided Bread 013" border="0" alt="Braided Bread 013" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rvAJDoNHH30/TyMxAqV5XHI/AAAAAAAAO8M/MIwYGJpgEk4/Braided%252520Bread%252520013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="372" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SdulEwFBCxw/TyMxDgPjTqI/AAAAAAAAO8U/b73ciB2ZTjA/s1600-h/Braided%252520Bread%252520015%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Braided Bread 015" border="0" alt="Braided Bread 015" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QhbWHTqgbiw/TyMxFqhk3wI/AAAAAAAAO8c/U5ytHY2Zdh0/Braided%252520Bread%252520015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="507" height="385" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">So, I must get dinner on the table as the Hubs will be home soon.  Have a wonderful weekend!</font></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-19088615539165993132012-01-23T19:33:00.001-05:002012-01-24T07:53:48.140-05:00This is not about football.<span style="font-size: small;">One way to lose readers of your blog is to talk about football. I have found this to be the case. This post is about football but in a very round about way, stay with me here. :o)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Saturday morning we left to fly to Boston to be in town for the Pats game this weekend. There was work involved but also time for some fun things too. Flying out of here can be challenging at best so we often are on small planes that I refer to as puddle hoppers. I’m used to it now but at first I felt like I was on a kite.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We took off without a problem and we all were doing our crossword puzzles, using Ipads, dozing, you know, all the things you do on a flight. About 45 minutes in the air one of the pilots came back and said there were weather issues in Boston so we would have to land in Providence Rhode Island. Okay, that’s not too bad, about an hours drive back to Boston.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A few minutes later he came back again and said we were going to have to land in Portsmouth New Hampshire as there was a possible problem with the landing gear freezing up. Immediately my overly active imagination was showing the runway being foamed by airport personnel so that we could glide in like a sled!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We landed without a hitch and went into the small terminal to wait for another plane to be readied for the rest of the trip.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XnMc6xPbjpc/Tx6grNypdqI/AAAAAAAAO6c/Vit6JnsXKzU/s1600-h/Tree%252520Stand%252520014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: small;"><img alt="Tree Stand 014" border="0" height="347" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FXpQNOFUdZ0/Tx6grikFZ3I/AAAAAAAAO6k/oyZByDUVMvw/Tree%252520Stand%252520014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Tree Stand 014" width="456" /></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> You can see that the visibility was not good in this picture.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-au0E9c7g2Uo/Tx6gr71-FPI/AAAAAAAAO6s/-5A1DqfRCUc/s1600-h/Tree%252520Stand%252520013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: small;"><img alt="Tree Stand 013" border="0" height="353" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j_9NlIyeIAo/Tx6gsCDYntI/AAAAAAAAO60/n1ccA9CRcbY/Tree%252520Stand%252520013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Tree Stand 013" width="465" /></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> Well we waited and waited and finally one of the pilots came out and said that there was just one guy on to deal with this stuff and that it would be a while. The plows were out cleaning the runway and hopefully putting some sand down.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Waiting is not one of Hubs and Sons strong points so they decided they would rent a car and we would drive the rest of the way to Boston which in good weather would be a couple of hours. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Adding one more thing to the mix was that Miss T and I were going to fly back home the next morning as she had a travel team basketball game that she really didn’t want to miss and the rest were going to stay for the game and meet with some clients.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Well we hashed that over for a while and decided that if the weather was still good in Bangor we would head back home in case we couldn’t get home in time the next day. The pilots assured us things were still fine in Bangor and they were headed back there so we hopped on and went with them. The terminal people looked at us rather strangely as we came in as we had just left that morning! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The next day we went to her game and they won by four points which was nice as they had only won one other game all season.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K6VDFHQeSJQ/Tx6gsyJY7RI/AAAAAAAAO68/V1fw4MjiBPU/s1600-h/Tree%252520Stand%252520025%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: small;"><img alt="Tree Stand 025" border="0" height="328" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O3vJYOegiB8/Tx6gtl4FdlI/AAAAAAAAO7E/4YQKY7y4aXc/Tree%252520Stand%252520025_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Tree Stand 025" width="431" /></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jqyY95D5nLo/Tx6guDizHeI/AAAAAAAAO7M/5JbTzkWaJVc/s1600-h/Tree%252520Stand%252520034%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: small;"><img alt="Tree Stand 034" border="0" height="341" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8fhGX5sFrlo/Tx6guQdnqlI/AAAAAAAAO7U/pzDj_uoAF3U/Tree%252520Stand%252520034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Tree Stand 034" width="448" /></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We came home and did some baking and made homemade ice cream. Peanut butter ice cream with mini peanut butter cups in it. Oh my aching hips!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The Pats won and there was a lot of celebrating down on the field with my family right in the middle of it. Next thing I know I get an e-mail from Son with a picture of Mr. D in it! You’ve got to love technology. A friend of ours in Atlanta was watching the game, saw D in the midst of that huge crowd (he was sitting on Son’s shoulders to keep from being trampled) had his DVR on so stopped it and took a picture of the tv screen with his Blackberry, sent it to Sons Blackberry in Foxboro who in turn sent it to me in Maine! Is that cool or what?!</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_QVV5y7pkgk/Tx6gvEYKmxI/AAAAAAAAO7c/VeMveYMpoyE/s1600-h/gh%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: small;"><img alt="gh" border="0" height="330" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k2EzJxuzUrI/Tx6gvqit1sI/AAAAAAAAO7k/KmBagBLE-v0/gh_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="gh" width="427" /></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Everyone got home safely that night, the weather had cleared so all was well! :o)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hey Dickiebo I can't get onto your site!</span>Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-12025416775309564952012-01-18T14:43:00.001-05:002012-01-18T14:43:48.814-05:00Can I help with the homework?<p><b><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3Wufj7YpSJM/Txcg1YatmiI/AAAAAAAAO4U/y6N5paOVfHE/s1600-h/clip_image0024.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jy-tQE4tXwc/Txcg10AwHII/AAAAAAAAO4c/MoM9ST8UyEw/clip_image002_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="369" /></a> </b></p> <p>Here is Miss T with her kitty Penelope.  They are like two peas in a pod even when it comes to homework time.  She sits there patiently waiting for T to get finished.  She even came to spend the night here last weekend when Miss T spend the night.  Noodles liked the company but Munchkin was in a snit and hid the whole time. </p> <p>Miss T loves all cats.  In fact she loves all animals and has a tender heart towards them.  She was playing with my Ipad the other night and Noodles was a good subject to shoot.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-96pDu4Z7KVc/Txcg2a0NTEI/AAAAAAAAO4k/3Nfh5HsRv_c/s1600-h/rolls0083.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="rolls 008" border="0" alt="rolls 008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o53Hu5IMhyA/Txcg2-D7slI/AAAAAAAAO4s/_6PuFogMPfY/rolls008_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="351" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xIDFsCTkDG8/Txcg3btpu5I/AAAAAAAAO40/BVVCvBtZs7c/s1600-h/rolls0093.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="rolls 009" border="0" alt="rolls 009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4LLPwWcJduM/Txcg3x3_gsI/AAAAAAAAO48/ic2zRIod564/rolls009_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="360" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--fT-ETuLpHI/Txcg4XedPBI/AAAAAAAAO5E/-PONJ2pNFXk/s1600-h/rolls0113.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="rolls 011" border="0" alt="rolls 011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bBEQQolbUgI/Txcg451bLAI/AAAAAAAAO5I/eZz5m-oF0z0/rolls011_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="368" /></a> </p> <p>She also took pictures of her Miss Matched socks.  I guess they are all the rage now with the younger set, mismatched socks on purpose, they even come this way.  We got these at the Miss Matched store at Universal in the fall.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--m3V5lclu_Y/Txcg5fPjLXI/AAAAAAAAO5U/VL7MI5XEsGg/s1600-h/rolls0193.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="rolls 019" border="0" alt="rolls 019" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NRmieeenG4U/Txcg57zfsxI/AAAAAAAAO5c/EhWE9gyg9bQ/rolls019_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="382" /></a> </p> <p>I’ve been continuing to take down my Christmas decorations.  It looks awfully bare without the lights and greenery on the shelf in the sunroom.  I may put up some strands of little white lights all along the shelf if I can do it without them being seen.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VtQh_oQqszk/Txcg6TgE1dI/AAAAAAAAO5k/X8QPIyJ_QV4/s1600-h/rolls0143.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="rolls 014" border="0" alt="rolls 014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I-34xzjdwBw/Txcg6-kJrLI/AAAAAAAAO5s/286o6USPgrM/rolls014_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="521" height="396" /></a> </p> <p>We made little apple tarts and Miss T made her own crust from scratch.  I’m going to put together a little binder with all the different recipes she has made for her.  That girl loves to cook!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e9-P-XG7goI/Txcg7Q8k8XI/AAAAAAAAO50/OPnyD3aJlvA/s1600-h/rolls0213.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="rolls 021" border="0" alt="rolls 021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dyd2og08YFk/Txcg7yr1qkI/AAAAAAAAO58/BUi2NbeT1Qw/rolls021_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="528" height="401" /></a> </p> <p>These rolls came out much better then my hockey puck debacle of Christmas Day!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EXOQ-tgtF2Q/Txcg8vsAXLI/AAAAAAAAO6E/tZa6wcE_xAI/s1600-h/rolls0203.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="rolls 020" border="0" alt="rolls 020" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xo-R6NBs-pg/Txcg9K648MI/AAAAAAAAO6M/w5jD0MiiKCA/rolls020_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="526" height="400" /></a></p> <p>It’s a few days later and I still haven’t gotten this posted yet.  I just came home from having a nice lunch with two horsey friends over town.  It was nice, we sat there for three hours!  When we came out one friend had a ticket on her car………she was not happy.  Then as I was driving home she called and said that it was a courtesy ticket.  I had never heard of that, I thought a ticket was a ticket but guess not.  Maybe it’s like a warning. She was happy!</p> <p> </p> <p>Ever have those days when you just can’t think of anything interesting to write? I’m having one of those days.  The End.</p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-72594395252102257362012-01-11T13:27:00.001-05:002012-01-11T13:27:24.851-05:00Your ham might cook a bit faster if you turned the crockpot on…..<p><font size="3"><strong>I write notes to myself all the time.  Sometimes it helps and sometimes it doesn’t, like yesterday when I left myself a note to put a big ham in the crockpot for dinner that night.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I know sometimes when I get up in the morning I have 50 things to get done so I leave a note on the kitchen bar to remind me to do things.  Sure enough when I got up I didn’t even get downstairs until 9 AM by the time I made the bed, picked up the bathroom and bedroom, sorted laundry, showered, did hair etc etc so when I came down and saw the note I scurried around getting the ham out, washing it, getting it in the Crock pot with some water etc etc</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>About 10:30 I thought to myself, I don’t smell the ham cooking yet.  Guess what?  I didn’t turn the crockpot on, just plugged it in!  Good grief.  Sooooooooo I turned it up on high and hoped for the best.  It did cook nicely the way I like it with the meat falling away from the bones but it would have been very disappointing to have the Hubs come in for dinner and the ham still cold in the crockpot.  Please tell me that you do things like that too!!!!</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LftPzDMk8u4/Tw3Ub0aXSsI/AAAAAAAAO20/2x_6sKP89DA/s1600-h/crockpot%252520and%252520custard%252520001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="crockpot and custard 001" border="0" alt="crockpot and custard 001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IRlKmkGt7mg/Tw3UcRX1HSI/AAAAAAAAO28/QkT0AErDhHQ/crockpot%252520and%252520custard%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="333" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I did make custard and it came out fine.  It’s so easy to make and my family loves it.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Best Baked Custard</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>6 eggs slightly beaten</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>2/3 cup sugar</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Dash of salt</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>2 teaspoons real vanilla</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>5 cups milk scalded (I do this in the microwave)</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Nutmeg</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Heat oven 350*. Blend eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla.  Gradually stir in scalded milk. Pour into 6 oz. custards cups and sprinkle with nutmeg. Place cups in a baking pan and pour very hot water into pan within 1/2 inch of top of cups.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Bake 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in center of custard comes out clean. Remove cups from hot water and serve either hot or cold.  (We like cold.)  You can find this recipe in the old red Betty Crocker cookbook on page 184.  YUMMY!</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-foTuWxq6hfA/Tw3UdOkva8I/AAAAAAAAO3E/lmCmtXdggVM/s1600-h/crockpot%252520and%252520custard%252520002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="crockpot and custard 002" border="0" alt="crockpot and custard 002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jipifBI_87M/Tw3UdvhV4hI/AAAAAAAAO3M/hpk99UwZc88/crockpot%252520and%252520custard%252520002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="320" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>We went to Mr. D’s first basketball game Saturday morning.  That’s him in the green shorts making a shot! </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LnLRgxljT2k/Tw3UePpGXVI/AAAAAAAAO3U/84mh0PqfTQg/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Aa4U2166IAk/Tw3Uei5_KgI/AAAAAAAAO3c/bqnvjClpWn0/clip_image002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="304" /></strong></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>We missed Miss T’s game, that’s her in the middle in the black uniform with her hands in the air.  She made that shot so was very happy.  Son takes pictures for us if we can’t be there which isn’t very often.  They won this game 26 to 10, it was their first win.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nENn1U7bAdg/Tw3UfM66F-I/AAAAAAAAO3k/MlH2fPxAITs/s1600-h/Taylor%252520basketball%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Taylor basketball" border="0" alt="Taylor basketball" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZN_C3_vxzTU/Tw3UfvgXPqI/AAAAAAAAO3s/snkPhFX6NF0/Taylor%252520basketball_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="319" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>We lost a dear friend last week, he passed away at the age of 81.  His name is Lee Lamson and he was one of my most favorite people around.  His sense of humor was incredible and he could have us in tears laughing so hard over a good story or joke.  He was a kind man.  Many years ago when I was still doing hairdressing I got a call from the funeral home that a family had requested me to come in and do the woman’s hair that used to be one of my clients.  I was floored.  I had never done that before and wasn’t sure how I would react to being in the prep room with dead people being prepared for their funerals.  I was a wimp.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I called Lee who worked in the funeral business at times and said I just don’t think I can do this.  He said yes you can, I will go with you!  Get your stuff ready and I will pick you up so that you don’t even have to drive, I guess he could tell my voice was shaky.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>So he did.  And it was fine.  He was cracking jokes with some of the other funeral staff and I began to relax and did the hair without keeling over!  I will never forget his kindness in taking his afternoon to help me through that job.  We joked about it many times through the years since but I sure needed someone that day!</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I’m happy to know that I will see him again someday, it is comforting.  He loved the Lord with all his heart.  He is also Funsize’s Grampa so please keep her and the rest of the family in your thoughts and prayers.  We miss him.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rI8qoV-Pu9o/Tw3UgGGGwLI/AAAAAAAAO30/LBcLdl_c57g/s1600-h/Lee%252520Lamson%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Lee Lamson" border="0" alt="Lee Lamson" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-35mE0O92y5k/Tw3Uggee0SI/AAAAAAAAO38/utAyFHZ_uqE/Lee%252520Lamson_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="431" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Miss T is getting off the bus here after school as Mr. D has a follow up check up at the pediatrician’s office.  He is doing well since his bout with pneumonia.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Quite a few of you asked what a Sound Pipe is.  It is a speaker system that hooks onto your ATV so that while you are out in the woods on the trails you can listen to the music that you have on your Ipod.  The white parts are the speakers.  You can also use it working out in the woods on the trails by running it off the battery as long as you don’t use it that way too long and run the battery down.  It was a fun goofy gift that I knew he wouldn’t be expecting as he is hard to buy for. :o)</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R3MuYTVjIec/Tw3UiYc0tqI/AAAAAAAAO4E/aozeLoTAqYY/s1600-h/DSC00468%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00468" border="0" alt="DSC00468" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FoPs9dOqE7c/Tw3UixMrm0I/AAAAAAAAO4M/m_31fe_aLMU/DSC00468_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="270" /></a></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-15434917344986430042012-01-07T18:52:00.001-05:002012-01-07T18:52:33.693-05:00Christmas 2011<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T90e6Kou56s/TwjaPmFMROI/AAAAAAAAOvM/ZiibeKpoyCs/s1600-h/102_3982%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="102_3982" border="0" alt="102_3982" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KCKJKSQShRI/TwjaQMwj3gI/AAAAAAAAOvU/RVBERsR_6NM/102_3982_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="391" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>We started out Christmas Eve Day having a Patriot’s party here on the ole range.  We all like to watch the game so decided it would be fun to watch it together before the Christmas festivities began.  Even Noodles got into the fun with Miss T.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bCczeW9ihe0/TwjaQt3bXxI/AAAAAAAAOvc/3AIh36uYtbQ/s1600-h/102_3972%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="102_3972" border="0" alt="102_3972" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--2n3UOHf9Aw/TwjaRDFAlhI/AAAAAAAAOvk/3GUQGExun24/102_3972_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="423" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong> There was lots of yummy food.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--dHTrAOSyfs/TwjaR5TAgdI/AAAAAAAAOvs/GWerK7SRZV0/s1600-h/102_3978%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="102_3978" border="0" alt="102_3978" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wFCQvrLYkt0/TwjaSW4ScOI/AAAAAAAAOv0/8LDN4HvYgk4/102_3978_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="258" /></strong></font></a> <p><font size="3"><strong>We decided to make some gingerbread men.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ja7s4JCweGs/TwjaS6X3fRI/AAAAAAAAOv8/57ku3zMYBvo/s1600-h/102_3996%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="102_3996" border="0" alt="102_3996" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8w0jgs2ikQI/TwjaTbOJC1I/AAAAAAAAOwE/DzAeAjtaw6E/102_3996_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="285" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1Bp-cWBsGEQ/TwjaUXqBh2I/AAAAAAAAOwM/ef3MGSLfTlM/s1600-h/102_3999%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="102_3999" border="0" alt="102_3999" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1CX1iLC4iCs/TwjaU7yyLyI/AAAAAAAAOwU/vM6ZCHuZN4U/102_3999_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="310" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EP9cZiGAz60/TwjaVUU0OBI/AAAAAAAAOwc/PAno_K1J1O0/s1600-h/DSC00392%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00392" border="0" alt="DSC00392" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WaT8padHJRQ/TwjaV_UUoFI/AAAAAAAAOwk/bOSPF7of4fM/DSC00392_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="288" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Can we say ‘calories’?  My hips are expanding just looking at this picture!!!</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZLgX2-f9LSE/TwjaWizQQEI/AAAAAAAAOws/mEyTkVroh48/s1600-h/DSC00419%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00419" border="0" alt="DSC00419" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GJMPiXZF3qA/TwjaXczZCBI/AAAAAAAAOw0/UtkPIAIwYcs/DSC00419_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="300" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Lots of presents for good boys and girls.  A signed Patriot’s shirt for Cousin K!</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-znHtV1zlecQ/TwjaX-WWVKI/AAAAAAAAOw8/5qHDr619_7Y/s1600-h/102_4017%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="102_4017" border="0" alt="102_4017" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w5caYOWTFe0/TwjaYlYV9mI/AAAAAAAAOxE/pZnsjTorz20/102_4017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="361" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong> A new rolling pin for Funsize!  Watch out Paul!!!!</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5HGEK0N87rM/TwjaZJenBBI/AAAAAAAAOxM/SyRhl4n4k2s/s1600-h/DSC00430%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00430" border="0" alt="DSC00430" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T1Im4yCuiP4/TwjaZk7WxUI/AAAAAAAAOxU/TD2RDK530tM/DSC00430_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="321" /></strong></font></a> <p><font size="3"><strong> Whoops! Caught me having some Coke.  Hey, it could have been the fudge!</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4wGmiKwnquU/TwjaacT0FSI/AAAAAAAAOxc/CZrCC8nCoMs/s1600-h/DSC00408%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00408" border="0" alt="DSC00408" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gf623VLcNMs/Twjaa_kSsVI/AAAAAAAAOxk/plTn7Y-3HtA/DSC00408_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="319" /></strong></font></a> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Mr. D’s favorite, boxers from Rainforest Cafe.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9n9AVrvsUj0/TwjabXcSiyI/AAAAAAAAOxs/b_amqr88dVY/s1600-h/102_4025%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="102_4025" border="0" alt="102_4025" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3OUr3v51apU/Twjab2b1btI/AAAAAAAAOx0/1H_wL3n_vX8/102_4025_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="372" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>A necklace for DIL.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ep6XmIJ-B_U/TwjacfDkFOI/AAAAAAAAOx8/68iJPleGBrE/s1600-h/DSC00379%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00379" border="0" alt="DSC00379" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Np0OfF6WxDg/Twjac_Y7d0I/AAAAAAAAOyE/BbJDuNvvRFY/DSC00379_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="477" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>All my young people except Funsize who had to leave early for a four hour trip to visit her boyfriends parents up north.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vuGkakc2C8s/Twjadm3-cFI/AAAAAAAAOyM/2xPvrvrPLMA/s1600-h/102_4029%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="102_4029" border="0" alt="102_4029" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cnwNC4qXSzs/TwjaeJuQz_I/AAAAAAAAOyU/juK5GRF8yz4/102_4029_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="337" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Bringing in the new bikes that were hidden in Mom and Dad’s apartment.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h6aoWHBWykk/Twjaeoek7uI/AAAAAAAAOyc/BGN2krKJM74/s1600-h/DSC00436%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00436" border="0" alt="DSC00436" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5qzqPSQ0TA8/TwjafHbInqI/AAAAAAAAOyk/DduxjUuXFCQ/DSC00436_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="496" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pfr2Pd8YuKc/TwjaflZJc5I/AAAAAAAAOys/QUbW8EBF7FY/s1600-h/DSC00433%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00433" border="0" alt="DSC00433" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-po3NEs9kXKA/Twjaf4dKyII/AAAAAAAAOy0/B1UUWyJ0PEE/DSC00433_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="411" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Sons new Sound Pipe!  Thanks </strong></font><a href="http://lifeinasmalltown.blogspot.com"><font size="3"><strong>Hollie</strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> for the suggestion, he really likes it.  Did Colt like his?</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SgQ4m-U8ecY/TwjaglaakRI/AAAAAAAAOy8/JuqJuWbMZFg/s1600-h/DSC00468%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00468" border="0" alt="DSC00468" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c_ztHcvDU5w/TwjahIDemTI/AAAAAAAAOzE/Z1ulQ9sgDhI/DSC00468_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="329" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong> A Pogo stick for Miss T.</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BD5R5QL81lg/TwjahqEEXOI/AAAAAAAAOzM/zXrNLexQScc/s1600-h/DSC00482%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00482" border="0" alt="DSC00482" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OnBgExr3cgg/Twjah4pCkYI/AAAAAAAAOzU/AIASkpxU6wc/DSC00482_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="455" /></strong></font></a> <p><font size="3"><strong>Hunting clothes for Cousin K.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qaDDRr817bs/TwjaiX0DsHI/AAAAAAAAOzc/TJeezMuCFXM/s1600-h/DSC00486%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00486" border="0" alt="DSC00486" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wukhk-V0kCg/Twjai4Sbk8I/AAAAAAAAOzk/IKGoY3__JK0/DSC00486_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="495" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Fun playing a new game.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3Dzh2EQkq4s/Twjajsm0vII/AAAAAAAAOzs/zEMn-Juaqyg/s1600-h/DSC00513%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00513" border="0" alt="DSC00513" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NstCoxms84g/TwjakKLU5UI/AAAAAAAAOz0/3yua9cMr4QQ/DSC00513_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="329" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nPXxzSUsgfQ/TwjakvEMJ1I/AAAAAAAAOz8/_fTwRhaxGXc/s1600-h/DSC00508%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00508" border="0" alt="DSC00508" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6Lhm6VJp8x0/TwjaldV3UvI/AAAAAAAAO0E/QlfbqoLKlKc/DSC00508_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="331" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I received several special gifts this year.  One was a book made for me by my niece Ashley.  I was very touched by the amount of work she put into it and all the lovely pictures she tracked down.  It is such a great idea if you want to do something special for someone.  She used Shutterfly.  She used every letter of the alphabet but I will put in just a few.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3XlMjVO-drE/TwjalyrEyGI/AAAAAAAAO0M/RkXfmDP5tBI/s1600-h/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ABC's of Laughter and Love" border="0" alt="ABC's of Laughter and Love" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y53qBWPzH8U/TwjamUKlpWI/AAAAAAAAO0U/SNOeD3chZg0/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="507" height="381" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8LLKZdRONBw/Twjam5-7fAI/AAAAAAAAO0c/xrumMNRRevs/s1600-h/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ABC's of Laughter and Love1" border="0" alt="ABC's of Laughter and Love1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Er_d5FelSlw/TwjantlVSOI/AAAAAAAAO0k/EXl6ZGCejfE/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="468" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bfQ8-b3LQGA/TwjaoMAwNZI/AAAAAAAAO0s/Aee5wEjJby8/s1600-h/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ABC's of Laughter and Love12" border="0" alt="ABC's of Laughter and Love12" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dmOKe-c9uhk/TwjaozQMjAI/AAAAAAAAO00/9vHtpNqTqLk/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="448" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hnwBt9VgvqA/TwjapZkXODI/AAAAAAAAO08/pZy-klOwWlY/s1600-h/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love123%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ABC's of Laughter and Love123" border="0" alt="ABC's of Laughter and Love123" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IXPLcmBN_IA/TwjaqN58ljI/AAAAAAAAO1E/sZGQgFHqaTk/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love123_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="485" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>This one proves I CAN make good yeast rolls!</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VluquhLZQag/Twjaq4dlUkI/AAAAAAAAO1Q/ZX2QLRU0Jg8/s1600-h/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love1234%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ABC's of Laughter and Love1234" border="0" alt="ABC's of Laughter and Love1234" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H4jYQRcDEFE/TwjaroOenWI/AAAAAAAAO1Y/YlKGeC8ylNk/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love1234_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="470" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-00y2KPxzYus/TwjasHINUTI/AAAAAAAAO1g/ZBd7wAFOw7s/s1600-h/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love12345%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ABC's of Laughter and Love12345" border="0" alt="ABC's of Laughter and Love12345" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9B33xPRmAbg/TwjasyvEeEI/AAAAAAAAO1o/BEIbhgDKpZE/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love12345_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="466" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Funsize had a clock made up for me that I love.  It’s me, Miss T and Funsize on the horses one day last summer.  What a unique gift!!! I LOVE it!</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ayw3aMlzPO8/TwjataKKSOI/AAAAAAAAO1w/QLDk4UYoj2M/s1600-h/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love123456%252520002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ABC's of Laughter and Love123456 002" border="0" alt="ABC's of Laughter and Love123456 002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3wdHITVc7qs/Twjat7EItjI/AAAAAAAAO18/FpDjhPiENUE/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love123456%252520002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="363" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>My niece Ana did a collage for me with old and new pictures.  I’m sure it took a lot of time putting this together.  It even has my favorite picture of me and the Hubs right in the middle.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I5PbyWYQMTc/Twjauk6gwOI/AAAAAAAAO2E/3qgtJ5ahTqU/s1600-h/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love123456%252520003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ABC's of Laughter and Love123456 003" border="0" alt="ABC's of Laughter and Love123456 003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wUFkWMRsAiY/TwjavLGzuaI/AAAAAAAAO2M/lil3lfmYm7E/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love123456%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="366" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-643FNPSU63E/Twjavs_Uu3I/AAAAAAAAO2U/I48mnoaWDXU/s1600-h/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love123456%252520004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ABC's of Laughter and Love123456 004" border="0" alt="ABC's of Laughter and Love123456 004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P2alBf_TcHw/TwjawCYK_KI/AAAAAAAAO2c/6gpIG2YQhk4/ABC%252527s%252520of%252520Laughter%252520and%252520Love123456%252520004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="375" /></strong></font></a><font size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I am very blessed to have such wonderful caring nieces and nephews.  Some live quite a distance away but these three live right here in town and I see them often.  Can’t ask for much more then that!!</strong></font></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-89509594632120702812012-01-02T20:26:00.001-05:002012-01-02T20:26:36.637-05:00Welcome 2012<p><font size="3">How many times do you write the wrong year when it first changes?  I find myself doing that many times until I finally get it through my head.  Someone told me once that they go through their first month of checks and write the year in on all of them. Sounds like it might be a good idea for me.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">We had a nice quiet New Years Eve here at home.  We watched a couple of movies that were on tv.  I had never seen the Jaws movies about the sharks back quite a few years ago so it was interesting although rather gory.  The interesting part was to see the hair styles, clothing styles and the cars that they were driving.  I must Google it and see what year those movies were made.  That was easy, it was 1975.  You’ve got to love Google!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3">The big thing that I noticed was that no one wore a life jacket while boating, water skiing or floating around out on a raft.  Were we really that foolish back then?  I have a hard and fast rule at the camp, NO ONE goes out in the boat without a life vest on.  NO ONE.  I know it’s not ‘cool’ but but that is the way it is.  It doesn’t do you much good if you get thrown into the water and the life vest is under the seat.  I can be such a dictator at times! ha!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p5iZDT-Iiv8/TwJZPSsMb8I/AAAAAAAAOuM/LaDYkVTUWg8/s1600-h/MV5BMTYyMzc0NjAxMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTcxMjMyMQ%252540%252540__V1__SY317_CR1%25252C0%25252C214%25252C317_%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="MV5BMTYyMzc0NjAxMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTcxMjMyMQ@@__V1__SY317_CR1,0,214,317_" border="0" alt="MV5BMTYyMzc0NjAxMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTcxMjMyMQ@@__V1__SY317_CR1,0,214,317_" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KxCMJb0lREY/TwJZPz77eYI/AAAAAAAAOuU/V4lxF2JDFMQ/MV5BMTYyMzc0NjAxMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTcxMjMyMQ%252540%252540__V1__SY317_CR1%25252C0%25252C214%25252C317__thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="393" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Someone sent me a few pictures from long ago that I thought I would share with you.  Yep, that’s me in the middle with the very curly hair, my oldest sister on the right and my next oldest sister on the left.  I think this was taken in from of St. John’s Church here in town.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ioem5lR9jUs/TwJZQRo2WSI/AAAAAAAAOuc/1iqGQfiVnFg/s1600-h/391963_10150553251251093_747491092_11224955_661850431_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="391963_10150553251251093_747491092_11224955_661850431_n" border="0" alt="391963_10150553251251093_747491092_11224955_661850431_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FL_hOGDDafw/TwJZQzHyasI/AAAAAAAAOuk/6J5zi_rqMH4/391963_10150553251251093_747491092_11224955_661850431_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="314" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3"> This one was taken at the beach somewhere, maybe in Canada where some of my cousins live.  Again I am the one with the curly hair, I hated it back then but wish it was still that curly now. My mother was expecting my brother who is the baby of the family.  After four girls I think they were pretty excited to finally have a boy.  We didn’t spoil him or anything……</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rrkLC-g8lvs/TwJZRdjOOlI/AAAAAAAAOus/DHBBooh98Wc/s1600-h/390242_10150553262271093_747491092_11225021_403510381_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="390242_10150553262271093_747491092_11225021_403510381_n" border="0" alt="390242_10150553262271093_747491092_11225021_403510381_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KDibx8KLfi4/TwJZRyfQ8YI/AAAAAAAAOu0/U6EARAOqBDo/390242_10150553262271093_747491092_11225021_403510381_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="313" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"> Here we are all grown up. I was the middle child which explains a lot…….. I would guess this picture was taken about 20 years ago.  Oh to be size 10 again…….waaaaaaaaaaaa!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KJAXDrdgvWY/TwJZSaTD15I/AAAAAAAAOu8/FluK7PIcqGE/s1600-h/siblings%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="siblings" border="0" alt="siblings" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vmKDFtONbCk/TwJZS__HNaI/AAAAAAAAOvE/ecHQYWaH0Ds/siblings_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="384" /></font></a> <p><font size="3">We went to the lake today to check on the cottage.  The weather was so mild that I could have worked in my flower garden if I had wanted to.  Everything looked fine and the alarm was on.  Sometimes when the power goes out I don’t think it resets itself so we check often.</font></p> <p><font size="3">It was so peaceful there.  The Hubs was working on his IPad and I was puttering around, making the beds up with fresh sheets, Swiffering, checking the food in the cupboards and bringing home things that needed to be eaten before next summer, cleaning the toilets as well water leaves a lovely ring and just plain enjoying myself.  It was the opening day of ice fishing and there isn’t a lick of ice yet!  I can assure you there are some fishermen that are pretty bummed about that.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Son brought over the Christmas pictures and downloaded them onto my computer after we got home so you can bet your boots my next post will be about Christmas.  That’s a warning but I promise to only put in a few……….</font></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-77488706822185071322011-12-28T19:20:00.001-05:002011-12-28T19:20:18.227-05:00Winter has arrived.<p><font size="3">It was a short winter.  We actually had a white Christmas despite what the weather people said! Yay!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DOLv_J-26bc/Tvux8XF7oKI/AAAAAAAAOp8/XX20VjhRc1s/s1600-h/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 001" border="0" alt="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HOzUgIvcbz8/Tvux9EbLcAI/AAAAAAAAOqE/t6a9Bs0Gyt8/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="349" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WCb8TAYy4TU/Tvux926dwNI/AAAAAAAAOqM/F5NrQVrzmRs/s1600-h/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 003" border="0" alt="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GCh4VPegluY/Tvux-u_l12I/AAAAAAAAOqU/L64NnArKc3c/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="353" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3">It was soft and fluffy, just the kind of snow to make a good snow angel in.  Also the kind to get the ole’ snowmobile out and drag the grand kids around the fields on their new snow tubes!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Awjn8RvXR2M/Tvux_BrOf2I/AAAAAAAAOqc/_t4_iYRvs8o/s1600-h/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520033%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 033" border="0" alt="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 033" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QzSOkVww0xs/Tvux_gBa68I/AAAAAAAAOqk/fEhgIzLdrQ8/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520033_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="360" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-28oQ2fjmYq8/TvuyAYls4bI/AAAAAAAAOqs/N0T0w-8g9gE/s1600-h/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520036%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 036" border="0" alt="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 036" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bwsSwDvfnHA/TvuyAxmmveI/AAAAAAAAOq0/r1rIDDWbSjo/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="371" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3">DIL and I were in the warmth of my truck following them around to get pictures.  Mr. D had had enough of the snow flying in his face so jumped in the truck with us!  Is that the stink eye or what?!!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4aHbn-VrET4/TvuyBbY8Q5I/AAAAAAAAOq8/io25mLVxmbw/s1600-h/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520044%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 044" border="0" alt="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 044" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VScqOsn9gSc/TvuyBxs1WII/AAAAAAAAOrE/RvgyySbfNyY/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520044_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="376" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3"> Then we did some sledding down FIL’s hill out back of his house.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2-bvAENq-lU/TvuyCtmV89I/AAAAAAAAOrM/5uXyhNMtE2c/s1600-h/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520053%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 053" border="0" alt="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 053" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ihQabyRuK_U/TvuyDKugd6I/AAAAAAAAOrU/W3R4qM_QV90/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520053_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="382" /></font></a> <p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <font size="3"> </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LdTNT_R5DqU/TvuyDzVGcgI/AAAAAAAAOrc/lTv2esWI98k/s1600-h/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520060%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 060" border="0" alt="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 060" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0qqw1Qiwal8/TvuyEkK_aqI/AAAAAAAAOrk/ymR2TI3eydU/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520060_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="508" height="386" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pHDocrqXd-k/TvuyFOGQsMI/AAAAAAAAOrs/TyrFlmnhWes/s1600-h/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520042%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 042" border="0" alt="Snowmobiling and Ssledding Dec 2011 042" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QBB2Aq_sWvg/TvuyFqbSGAI/AAAAAAAAOr0/GbC1xPjtPY0/Snowmobiling%252520and%252520Ssledding%252520Dec%2525202011%252520042_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="395" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Now the rain has come in from the west and there isn’t a flake of snow to be seen anywhere!!!  It’s ALL GONE and the rain continues. WAAAAAAAAA!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"> I went down to visit my sister and just <em>happened</em> to have my camera with me as all good bloggers do.  Her house looked so pretty with all her Christmas decorations so I took some pictures.  My BIL always sets up a train set that he has had since he was a little boy.  This year it took him 13 hours to set it up!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kcERF0bosFM/TvuyGF--wtI/AAAAAAAAOr8/O_-uCiSfTtI/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520033%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 033" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 033" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c4TVpscyzKI/TvuyG5GP3pI/AAAAAAAAOsE/DSjGy2Ts29U/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520033_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="395" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fE9aEtM1kb0/TvuyHpbauoI/AAAAAAAAOsM/Emsp-MEKT_0/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520037%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 037" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 037" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GPeDsTiGgFU/TvuyIEoi5DI/AAAAAAAAOsU/jnxCNwUaNEA/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520037_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="402" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ox_17YgY2OY/TvuyI9TBkNI/AAAAAAAAOsc/wCKhk-PuiNU/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520029%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 029" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fw1NGXD8OTU/TvuyJmEiJnI/AAAAAAAAOsk/AOdp_jnBtjQ/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520029_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="537" height="408" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Her tree looked so pretty.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QutmZ2DpETc/TvuyKK_0cmI/AAAAAAAAOss/I9zU4YsHvZ0/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520015%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 015" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pjVcka-He6U/TvuyKouX8ZI/AAAAAAAAOs0/R6dumyoyKIs/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="375" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3">I asked her who made the mittens that are hanging on the wall behind the tree as I thought they were so cute………..she said “you did”!  As I have said many times before, a mind is a terrible thing to lose!</font></p> <p><font size="3">That’s a pretty good blanket stitch if I do say so myself thank you very much!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P7qvQMVmGXc/TvuyLYRRkGI/AAAAAAAAOs8/e1noECKOkC0/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520028%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 028" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 028" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-REPU9Quju-o/TvuyLymUvLI/AAAAAAAAOtE/SHoEO2M74oE/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520028_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="364" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3"> She collects all things gingerbread men.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Py8cdQr2k48/TvuyMlkn42I/AAAAAAAAOtM/OXjPy53fQPA/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520025%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 025" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 025" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tSSfEQ0cSvM/TvuyNIKCwXI/AAAAAAAAOtU/q3EnSFMCfDU/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520025_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="370" /></font></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kdSExDz_DEw/TvuyNr-aMcI/AAAAAAAAOtc/I8-2AR9D6OQ/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520040%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 040" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 040" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-alXLjEZeN_A/TvuyOAWCqiI/AAAAAAAAOtk/LDPrLrvztb8/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520040_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="378" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3">She got the toy soldier on the right at a Yankee Swap this year.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_WSIk4Ks0TI/TvuyOsFvqUI/AAAAAAAAOts/SL8ckfkAXQs/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520041%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 041" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 041" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vyAPh-fjXrg/TvuyPZJDh_I/AAAAAAAAOt0/aF6XC-WW-rY/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520041_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="395" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-chyusxgJuyo/TvuyP9PRW_I/AAAAAAAAOt8/4dAPskyq4Bg/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520023%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 023" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations45Jill's decorating 023" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5fUvZNXx6GE/TvuyQYp22JI/AAAAAAAAOuE/6jMkoSlzCbo/Christmas%252520decorations45Jill%252527s%252520decorating%252520023_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="536" height="407" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3">We had a wonderful Christmas.  I told the Hubs that I would love to do those few days all over again!  We had a Patriot’s party Christmas Eve afternoon to watch the game and then began the festivities at 5 o’clock.  I don’t have any pictures yet as I had Son and my niece taking them and they need to give me a copy.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Christmas morning we went to church and took up a whole row as we all wanted to set together.  We had two of our young men there that are home from the war and they gave testimony of a few of their experiences there.  One of them was given the job of chaplain in some of camps and he really enjoyed that.  They had opportunities to speak to some of the other soldiers of their trust in God.  As the old saying goes, there aren’t any ath*eists in foxholes.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">We came home and had Christmas dinner, and so that you all don’t think I had the ultimate Norman Rockwell day, my yeast rolls that my family begs for came out like hockey pucks!!!! I have no idea why, I have made these rolls a hundred times, could make them in my sleep but these were AWFUL!  Then the next day when I was cleaning out my refrigerator I found the chopped onions and celery and melted butter that I had made ahead of time to put in my stuffing STILL IN THE REFRIGERATOR!  Sigh………as I said, a mind is……………blah, blah, blah……. now how does that go?</font></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-59848586352444725282011-12-20T20:35:00.001-05:002011-12-20T20:35:37.083-05:00Merry Christmas Everyone!<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pT4R9z5vQ4k/TvE3yzUCM3I/AAAAAAAAOn8/7IUvsD-v9Z0/s1600-h/tree14%25255B3%25255D.gif"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="tree14" border="0" alt="tree14" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i1LLHecvmaU/TvE3zvWQlUI/AAAAAAAAOoE/BIV0NXUunik/tree14_thumb%25255B1%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="336" height="436" /></a> </p> <p>Just a few more days until Christmas.  The shopping is done, the packages wrapped and put under the tree.  Must leave a space for Munchie and Noodles though, they love to lay under the tree.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EiF00pfIjaI/TvE30jQqiuI/AAAAAAAAOoM/AXcqgBYeY84/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorating 2011 003" border="0" alt="Christmas decorating 2011 003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HMN__AJ8p4c/TvE31GBTqgI/AAAAAAAAOoQ/8KrbjH51QTE/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="336" /></a> </p> <p>The Christmas program at church was wonderful with the choir singing in the choir loft, Funsize playing the piano, the kids with their little choir robes on sang too and really sang their hearts out.</p> <p>It’s nice to have the shopping done early so I can enjoy the season and not feel frantic and worn out.  The cooking will begin tomorrow for Christmas Eve Day, evening and Christmas Day. We are doing lots ahead this year for Christmas Day and having a buffet instead of a big formal dinner.  I don’t want to come home from church and then spend the rest of the day in the kitchen even though there are people that help it still takes a long time to clean up when you put on a huge dinner.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hOH57oOOp4M/TvE31rWqO6I/AAAAAAAAOoc/4U6Y222ciuM/s1600-h/143350u3pt66k3cj%25255B4%25255D.gif"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="143350u3pt66k3cj" border="0" alt="143350u3pt66k3cj" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xLlGZSLbC-s/TvE3169N-1I/AAAAAAAAOok/jU7fWFhMWyc/143350u3pt66k3cj_thumb%25255B2%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="237" height="237" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>I’m enjoying the Christmas shows, even the ones that I have seen over and over.  A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of my favorites and I went to YouTube to put one of the songs in this post but couldn’t figure it out.  That’s nothing new for me.</p> <p>It’s fun running into the stores just to look around at all the decorations and listen to the Christmas music.  I am very aware of the stores that do play Christmas hymns and those that don’t. Also the stores that allow their sales staff to say Merry Christmas and the ones that don’t.  LL Be*an staffers were told NOT to ever say Merry Christmas, just Happy Holidays.  Sad. I may not shop there any more. I don’t think that will put them out of business. ha!</p> <p> </p> <p>I even get a kick out of the ads on television that only come out at Christmas time.  Remember the Clapper?  The Chia Pets? </p> <p> </p> <p>I enjoy my Nativity set.  Every time I walk by it it makes me spend some time thinking about the real reason for Christmas. Growing up we had this little Nativity set that had a cardboard stable and plastic people and animals.  I loved that set and could play with it for hours as it didn’t break, thank goodness. I rearranged the people over and over but always had Baby Jesus right in the front.  I don’t know what ever happened to that set, I hope someone in the family has it still.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5ofDpHwde0k/TvE32kv-0ZI/AAAAAAAAOos/mOrUV7omV3w/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations45%252520005%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations45 005" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations45 005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sTSrXGGkvBM/TvE33XRRfkI/AAAAAAAAOo0/K5WrcCosiEw/Christmas%252520decorations45%252520005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="335" /></a> </p> <p>Sunday when we were singing Christmas hymns it took me back again to my childhood and how I loved the Christmas songs.  Away in a Manger was my favorite growing up.  My grand daughter was sitting between me and her Grampie and I loved watching her sing the songs.  We used the hymnals as the screen couldn’t be down as the choir was up in the choir loft and it seemed good to use them.  We didn’t have screens for the first 50 years of my life and I’m still not quite used to them.  I think it makes people lazy, they don’t have to look up the verses that the Pastor is talking about in their Bible as it’s right up there on the screen.  I prefer to look them up, I know, I am old-fashioned.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HXkeqJYwmT8/TvE3351g4PI/AAAAAAAAOo8/0AXl3T1vm30/s1600-h/Joy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Joy" border="0" alt="Joy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uczDsMyirhI/TvE34fGVeiI/AAAAAAAAOpE/JzkQ6bOTIZw/Joy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="243" /></a> </p> <p>We have been enjoying the lights around town too.  It’s been so mild here this winter it hasn’t been hard to get out and put up the lights and decorations.  I remember one year in my last house my sister Linda and I put the lights on the shrubs in a blazing snowstorm!  We had a blast even though we were covered with snow.  We still talk about it and laugh.  Fun memories.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I36BkmJSSqw/TvE344EOk_I/AAAAAAAAOpM/amccfqOtu3A/s1600-h/Hanging%252520Stockings%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Hanging Stockings" border="0" alt="Hanging Stockings" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zwrx7WuyFKU/TvE35p1eqlI/AAAAAAAAOpU/Brb65o1nPCI/Hanging%252520Stockings_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="251" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>When I look at my perfectly shaped fake tree it makes me think back to the trees we had as kids.  I don’t think they had fake trees back then, Dad used to bring one home from the woods and we would decorate it.  It wasn’t perfectly shaped but we loved it.  I loved the bubble lights that my mother used to have for the tree.  You can get them now, they call them ‘vintage’, I guess that makes me vintage……. :o)</p> <p> </p> <p>My grandchildren have been making up bags for the Homeless Shelter in youth group.  I gave them all the little shampoos and bottles of body wash that are in our hotel rooms that we don’t open.  I learned that from Barbara Bush who said in one of her books that she used to save them and donate them to the shelters.  I think it’s a great idea, just the right size to pass out to the folks that stay there, not too big to carry around.  </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-okDMe7o81PU/TvE356CDAeI/AAAAAAAAOpc/lZxKWdvU5RE/s1600-h/christmas11%25255B4%25255D.gif"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="christmas11" border="0" alt="christmas11" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tAPlodjK4Ck/TvE36Bnib6I/AAAAAAAAOpk/72hyrJ6ALKc/christmas11_thumb%25255B2%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="200" height="165" /></a> </p> <p>Doesn’t look like we are going to have any snow for Christmas this year but we are keeping our fingers crossed.  It actually was rather cold today and very windy.  The horses didn’t even go outside as it was so blustery.  They can run around the inside arena for some exercise and still be out of the wind.</p> <p> </p> <p>Merry Christmas everyone!  xoxox</p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-50927780725596333172011-12-19T16:35:00.001-05:002011-12-19T16:35:53.132-05:00It’s quiet on the home front……..<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JqN6Kbp2zxI/Tu-uFV-NLxI/AAAAAAAAOls/lpbwfSiCFXk/s1600-h/Manger3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Manger" border="0" alt="Manger" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oYQeg9AzQEs/Tu-uF2Qr83I/AAAAAAAAOl0/5Y2vq4TVO9A/Manger_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="429" /></a> </p> <p>It’s very quiet here on the Range.  I have had one of my nieces staying here while some work was being done at her house and Miss T has been here as Mr. D has been sick but he is better so she went home and my niece is out for the evening. They thought he had whooping cough on top of the pneumonia but the test results came back negative for the WC.  He’s such a little bitty guy, I hate to see him sick and the cough has been awful.  Hopefully he will be able to go back to school for the three and a half days next week and be able to enjoy Christmas.</p> <p>He and his Dad went with the Patriot’s to Philly a week or so ago and had a great time.  It’s so nice that they can sometimes travel with the team.  He loves it and it’s a nice lad/dad time.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fbRfpl-0oZU/Tu-uGUZNfHI/AAAAAAAAOl8/G8_SaXWMsTk/s1600-h/DSCN52013.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN5201" border="0" alt="DSCN5201" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AccqaoWORig/Tu-uG2XEseI/AAAAAAAAOmE/D_7W_aD27F8/DSCN5201_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="342" /></a> </p> <p>They had a chance to explore Philly a bit, I think I have posted some of those pictures already.  </p> <p>The Liberty Bell.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xpQmz3Da70Y/Tu-uHUQJQlI/AAAAAAAAOmM/-AL7-QRZvfM/s1600-h/DSCN51743.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN5174" border="0" alt="DSCN5174" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BPn6lbr-Se8/Tu-uH5_kHAI/AAAAAAAAOmU/LnnU9DcAGAk/DSCN5174_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="355" /></a> </p> <p>Down on the field before the game.  He always wears his old fashioned helmet to the games.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RV90M2lMvQw/Tu-uI8FfVOI/AAAAAAAAOmc/Kl8xurtkIgs/s1600-h/DSCN52113.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN5211" border="0" alt="DSCN5211" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XBdXN68iqMg/Tu-uJl-EzqI/AAAAAAAAOmk/yyy0uyudvyc/DSCN5211_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="363" /></a> <p>Getting some autographs from the players.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ech_KQpjruc/Tu-uJ5E1dAI/AAAAAAAAOms/2xKFlmYhQiY/s1600-h/DSCN53063.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN5306" border="0" alt="DSCN5306" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WCOnEeT5dkc/Tu-uKUDLmMI/AAAAAAAAOm0/5qXwkD9ezlE/DSCN5306_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="373" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>He teases me about liking Vince Wilfork!  I told him that Vince gives good hugs.  Miss T told Grampie last week that I had a boyfriend…….</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bKwa8DZUQf8/Tu-uK7wOSDI/AAAAAAAAOm8/4oL3P_KcnjA/s1600-h/DSCN53108.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSCN5310" border="0" alt="DSCN5310" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dk_iMlzxsEI/Tu-uLbTzfFI/AAAAAAAAOnE/y3dm7R_8P-0/DSCN5310_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="382" /></a> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pFQefOHzPvk/Tu-uLtTEo4I/AAAAAAAAOnM/B_chWnO64a0/s1600-h/0743.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="074" border="0" alt="074" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N6RmYNg_5F8/Tu-uMCDC0EI/AAAAAAAAOnU/p6juvZS6Ejw/074_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="435" /></a></p> <p>I guess Grampie already knows! ha!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vQv6fhFJi-s/Tu-uMqM2f4I/AAAAAAAAOnc/7cITE1LpwbM/s1600-h/0753.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="075" border="0" alt="075" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W738pcaedmI/Tu-uNPIcaTI/AAAAAAAAOnk/OY1ryTgweTg/075_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="312" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Okay, enough about football.</p> <p>The boys are fat and fuzzy.  Nick had a mishap in the pasture and I had to have the vet come with his portable x-ray machine and check his ankle.  I was very relieved when it turned out to be a wrenched ankle and not a fracture!  It has been so warm that the pastures are muddy and the horses get running and playing in it and it is hard on their joints.  He had to have a shot in his ankle joint and some IV medicine and seems to be much better.  Little Bud had a snotty nose so I had the vet come check him as I worry about pneumonia with him as he is so old but it cleared right up with meds and he seems to be doing great.  Kipper and Scoot are the wooly mammoths with all the hair they have even with this warmer weather that we have had all fall and winter.  I have their blankets ready for when they need them though.</p> <p> </p> <p>I had all my Christmas lights on last night and the rest off as I watched a Christmas story starring Reba McIntire.  I have lights in the living room, kitchen, sunroom and dining room.  It was so pretty and soft.  I like the Hallmark Channel as they have nice shows this time of year.  Yes, I know they are rather predictable but I like a story that ends well.  :o)  Also when you watch Hallmark you know it is family friendly and you aren’t going to be shocked out of your knickers with your grandkids watching with you!!!!</p> <p> </p> <p>I have been thinking about Lori aka Barn Goddess a lot lately.  She was one of my blogging buddies that passed away last year very unexpectedly.  All of you horse people knew her and there is an update on her blog in the comments written by her sister if you want to read it.  Mikael  @ Mikael’s Mania was kind enough to let me know.  All you horse people know Mikael too and that she is having some health problems.  Thank you Mikael for e-mailing me!!!!!! Get well very soon!</p> <p> </p> <p>I guess we aren’t going to have any snow for Christmas this year. Waaaaaaaaaa! I don’t like an open winter like this, hopefully we will get some snow soon.  Hope you all are getting all those last minute Christmas things done, I keep thinking that I am done and then think of something else.  Guess that is normal eh?  Merry Christmas from our home to yours!!!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dMCEuYVxP64/Tu-uNpFpn0I/AAAAAAAAOns/4x5N-tPWt0Y/s1600-h/singers%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="singers" border="0" alt="singers" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WyGj0gQRqps/Tu-uONX7CNI/AAAAAAAAOn0/uNxRf-Yiuug/singers_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="314" /></a></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-80010675520055850882011-12-15T20:15:00.001-05:002011-12-15T20:15:39.394-05:00It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rF8n0C7plX4/TuqbhaJ-JPI/AAAAAAAAOio/XWnu7ni7gZ4/s1600-h/Merry%252520Christmas%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Merry Christmas" border="0" alt="Merry Christmas" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2DBM-M2-0Tk/Tuqbh5EPm2I/AAAAAAAAOiw/Gmvd5u5k1dc/Merry%252520Christmas_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="292" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> I’ve been doing a little more decorating now that my duties as seamstress for the Christmas program are finished.  I use the term ‘seamstress’ loosely as I am more of a quilter then a dressmaker!</p> <p>Here are some of my cookie jars.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--Qe9qD-CzvE/TuqbiX-BvPI/AAAAAAAAOi4/bah6xbKQW3o/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520014%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations4 014" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations4 014" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qvRMkC8HZ6w/Tuqbi2T3AMI/AAAAAAAAOjA/0JqcP7X3Mg8/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520014_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="315" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y-W9PSGgyIo/TuqbjWRzS1I/AAAAAAAAOjI/-idhpauNyRM/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520015%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations4 015" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations4 015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R-mLWo93FhI/Tuqbj4JH2hI/AAAAAAAAOjQ/ixifuOta5Bg/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="322" /></a> </p> <p>I finally got my mantle done.  (without flash)</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_nHj9rKT4lU/TuqbkYtm38I/AAAAAAAAOjY/EnmIFGmPlug/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520018%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations4 018" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations4 018" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JPpeIwosPwg/TuqbkxsWvvI/AAAAAAAAOjg/hk9s4LKoLcI/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520018_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="322" /></a> </p> <p>with flash</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cdkYoqs0s5o/TuqblZFf0EI/AAAAAAAAOjo/EE1sjmjlm6g/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520020%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations4 020" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations4 020" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W46uppJXdlg/Tuqbl_9IloI/AAAAAAAAOjw/u7O4wvFQiXA/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="313" /></a> </p> <p>Miss T is staying here as her brother is sick with pneumonia and has been rearranging my village in the sunroom.  She thought the firemen looked at bit bored so decided to make a fire for them to fight.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ms4aZc-bXb4/TuqbmdlJQwI/AAAAAAAAOj4/hns4pffCTnk/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations4 031" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations4 031" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Im51EsG6qA/Tuqbmz6Vv9I/AAAAAAAAOkA/4PBR5w_TB3w/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="347" /></a> </p> <p>We looked out the window the other night and who should appear but Mom Raccoon and her humungous babies!  The black one is still very black and so pretty!  They munched on some miniature marshmallows and a turkey carcass that I had frozen from Thanksgiving (I threw that out on the ground) and off they went and we haven’t seen them since.  There is one more in the side out of range and they are all as big as momma!</p> <p> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gkdwbDtNv4E/Tuqbnic-h-I/AAAAAAAAOkI/g9Ng8ZnxExM/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520023%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations4 023" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations4 023" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wk4XekIv5Rg/Tuqbn_w7IaI/AAAAAAAAOkQ/xxRhyRwBrHo/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520023_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="308" /></a></p> <p> Miss T decided to move her little table in the sunroom by the tree as that’s where we spend most of our time now.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GaBEmOjJOag/TuqbovhMrnI/AAAAAAAAOkY/FNLuAFEtHmc/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520034%25255B2%25255D.jpg"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GaBEmOjJOag/TuqbovhMrnI/AAAAAAAAOkg/zkq7WStWjJE/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520034%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations4 034" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations4 034" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p-LqXwVQLgk/TuqbqSKSPjI/AAAAAAAAOkk/wsoNxM1sGKY/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="294" /></a></p> <p></p> <p>Can it be that there are only 10 days left before Christmas?  When I was a child it seemed like December went on for-EVER!  We moaned and groaned trying to get Mom to let us open just ONE gift a week ahead of time.  That didn’t work…..  Christmas Eve we could open one and then the rest in the morning.  We would keep waking up earlier and earlier each year but had to stay in bed until 6 o’clock A. M.  Then the paper and ribbon would fly! All those months of Mom getting things ready for us were opened in less then a blink of an eye!  What fun times those were,  I have tried to recreate them for my son and now my grand children.</p> <p>How do you like Miss T’s new earrings?  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-60yi2fCK7Hw/Tuqbq4uiUzI/AAAAAAAAOks/g9UUc42GYcw/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520016%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations4 016" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations4 016" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KNhi9ce-j9Q/Tuqbra-qQUI/AAAAAAAAOk0/IkIWpjz4208/Christmas%252520decorations4%252520016_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="344" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bpfXqFzJm4A/Tuqbr2E7qII/AAAAAAAAOk8/2xe-ymiBzr0/s1600-h/Church%252520Mice%252520Pagent%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Church Mice Pagent" border="0" alt="Church Mice Pagent" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1W_tw-VVTf4/TuqbseVxcMI/AAAAAAAAOlE/2plnITSWk64/Church%252520Mice%252520Pagent_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="443" /></a> </p> <p>I thought I would have some pictures of our Christmas program for this post but of course I forgot my camera that night………of course……</p> <p>It was a beautiful program, well worth all the hours spent preparing for it, rehearsing and decorating.  There is something about a Christmas program that really brings the true meaning back into Christmas.  I get so aggravated when I am out shopping and the clerks in the stores can’t even say Merry Christmas.  I feel like boycotting the stores but we don’t have that many here so I would be up the creek or have to shop online.  I have asked some of them outright if they can’t say Merry Christmas and they say they are supposed to be politically correct……….grrrrrrrrrrr…………One place complained that their Christmas bonus was called that.  They could refuse to accept it if they want as far as I am concerned but don’t force the rest of us to have to say ‘holiday bonus’. Good grief!!!  Okay, rant over……….for now……</p> <p> Last year this is what it looked like at Christmas time! This year the lawn looks green and lush and could use a good mowing!  It’s been amazingly warm.  I’m not complaining mind you but I did get all the snowmobiles registered this week so I hope we get to use them!!!!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JmWH9j5EzRo/TuqbtEb1_6I/AAAAAAAAOlM/7H30sr_8J8o/s1600-h/Storm%252520011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Storm 011" border="0" alt="Storm 011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9iA3r45HB-w/TuqbtkJO6NI/AAAAAAAAOlU/JpJNxerfR50/Storm%252520011_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" height="323" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YRAM8H-LVf8/TuqbuJSJelI/AAAAAAAAOlc/Vk-Cl5Aoa3U/s1600-h/Church%252520Mice%252520Jesus%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Church Mice Jesus" border="0" alt="Church Mice Jesus" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3RIU-MTaBLg/TuqbusDvWLI/AAAAAAAAOlk/bGCyKMWgx8U/Church%252520Mice%252520Jesus_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="516" /></a></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-13953833272200544052011-12-07T09:09:00.001-05:002011-12-07T09:09:41.912-05:00No I didn’t fall off the face of the earth…….<p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong>It’s been weeks since I posted anything.  It has been unbelievably busy here on the Range and I honestly haven’t had the time or energy to do a post.  Being away so much this fall took a lot of time that I usually put into my Christmas preparations so I have been playing catch up.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong>I love to decorate but this year I decided not to try to put out everything Christmas that I have gathered over the years.  I did get my villages put up as I enjoy them so much and can keep them up well after Christmas.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-48yCfiR7IJ8/Tt9zSOuHIsI/AAAAAAAAOd4/raqbLJa0Jcg/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520010%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 2 010" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 2 010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AjDFXrAYQ7I/Tt9zT9VnGGI/AAAAAAAAOeA/-339Lbct8Vw/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="325" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z9E4QlT9igE/Tt9zUidtyPI/AAAAAAAAOeI/-lRvdBV5Ik8/s512/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520011%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorating 2011 011" border="0" alt="Christmas decorating 2011 011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AYQUdvoJeak/Tt9zVdTenYI/AAAAAAAAOeQ/ZLaf6bsb5vg/s512/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="338" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JiwaKJfjezU/Tt9zWM-n9CI/AAAAAAAAOeY/nP6JJm4GG70/s512/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520012%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorating 2011 012" border="0" alt="Christmas decorating 2011 012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cDbclretYKw/Tt9zWtjseAI/AAAAAAAAOeg/IuAqokDKKFA/s512/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="345" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2eVpCNEt99A/Tt9zXWUdsBI/AAAAAAAAOeo/R9LFXYcDWY8/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520011%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 3 011" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 3 011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XIB8E6O_DJU/Tt9zYK5zBuI/AAAAAAAAOew/-LKCoQzNAnU/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="347" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lIPwGbYgC0A/Tt9zYyLRg1I/AAAAAAAAOe4/FoUIvscvolA/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520012%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 3 012" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 3 012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_8pyksNrbPA/Tt9zZTPbNZI/AAAAAAAAOfA/SSP4ADPNBbM/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="350" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5sErS6ktBno/Tt9zaAqou9I/AAAAAAAAOfI/8JHv7VWyZ1g/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520013%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 3 013" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 3 013" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uHKuC4jcZJU/Tt9zauA46YI/AAAAAAAAOfQ/3hBgGNROvYo/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="353" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZRpVN43_NF8/Tt9zbD6X0pI/AAAAAAAAOfY/m0orhhsmSFI/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520001%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 3 001" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 3 001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-esUy1qFcUaE/Tt9zblRKRxI/AAAAAAAAOfg/09v47Jp3shI/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="357" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zP3s8a0mEvg/Tt9zcAuwXVI/AAAAAAAAOfo/P_2dQfwTrL8/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520002%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 3 002" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 3 002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-isJjago_b1w/Tt9zcjDjLAI/AAAAAAAAOfw/iPpDOitnodE/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="363" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f81gS7wrGoE/Tt9zdOHN-4I/AAAAAAAAOf4/qyGO97jexWg/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520007%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 3 007" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 3 007" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nbDB1Cvovjg/Tt9zdo89sCI/AAAAAAAAOgA/BvFQZruOKm0/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525203%252520007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="368" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong>I have the tree put up in the sunroom and Noodles and Munchie have been enjoying sleeping under it.  Munchie is behind Noodles.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lUxdJ84mMLs/Tt9zeZnajVI/AAAAAAAAOgI/P5NE5vbZNE0/s512/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520001%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorating 2011 001" border="0" alt="Christmas decorating 2011 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SSqIChsBXxU/Tt9zfGpi8TI/AAAAAAAAOgQ/YFUF3cULdZA/s512/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="366" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cWQdJYDnDF8/Tt9zfoXlDiI/AAAAAAAAOgY/Cu8Jr5o2n8Y/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520017%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 2 017" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 2 017" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-01nNGl90EC8/Tt9zgXw1rqI/AAAAAAAAOgg/SYgExgOmCAs/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="368" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong>I’m enjoying the wrap around shelf that I had put in the sunroom.  Makes the room look so cozy at night with the lights on.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lHk4EyeH-Mc/Tt9zgyQbUdI/AAAAAAAAOgo/VTvbLcDVPto/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520023%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 2 023" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 2 023" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jmWZbzKsHQY/Tt9zheEDi6I/AAAAAAAAOgw/TJbMOY7sAVc/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520023_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="368" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> Mrs. Squirrel chowing down on peanuts and sunflower seeds out on the deck.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong></strong></font></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Mizzuvy47a0/Tt9ziIaBJ3I/AAAAAAAAOg4/pMAXkV8bCoQ/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520002%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 2 002" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 2 002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-181Ef5rr8SA/Tt9zij5Ft7I/AAAAAAAAOhA/dhZ8PfLoIA8/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="360" /></strong></font></a> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> Love this little wreath that I got at a craft fair last year.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong></strong></font></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qvIwunaBCwA/Tt9zjNcqY-I/AAAAAAAAOhI/QQ9Qij3L4RE/s512/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520013%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorating 2011 013" border="0" alt="Christmas decorating 2011 013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ijSy-FlxC38/Tt9zj_kGVEI/AAAAAAAAOhQ/LbUaMe8KBz0/s512/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="360" /></strong></font></a> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> Sassy snowmen are everywhere!</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong></strong></font></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tBTjfMqyZkk/Tt9zkd1LUBI/AAAAAAAAOhY/4KK8CLr9D00/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520007%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 2 007" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 2 007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I4ruSgHz80g/Tt9zk9KZUiI/AAAAAAAAOhg/OwcC9UXvjFc/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="363" /></strong></font></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EOEuksACcHw/Tt9zlSGnthI/AAAAAAAAOho/H2cJrOx5Qjk/s512/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520006%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorating 2011 006" border="0" alt="Christmas decorating 2011 006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-88jPGoWZn7Q/Tt9zly4S_fI/AAAAAAAAOhw/RM2WX2lXy2s/s512/Christmas%252520decorating%2525202011%252520006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="366" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vCPYYiM-38U/Tt9zmYLziiI/AAAAAAAAOh4/h7KNjyuuEJA/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520026%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 2 026" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 2 026" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jeK8Finxiak/Tt9znB0U_3I/AAAAAAAAOiA/zjKmx57ZQ8M/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520026_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="366" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> Looking in from the deck.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong></strong></font></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s_sWZAiPKsU/Tt9znu-GiFI/AAAAAAAAOiI/KWkgfdD7Meo/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520033%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 2 033" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 2 033" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X9ScsIvHglw/Tt9zoMx53AI/AAAAAAAAOiQ/kPHaDEowLkQ/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520033_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="357" /></strong></font></a> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong>I had to put up a small tree in the living room so that it would show from the street as the one in the sunroom is on the back of the house.  The ornaments on this tree are all the color gold. Lots of them are vintage as a friend gave me a big box of old ornaments that he had in his basement.  I was tickled pink to get them!  Thank you Jerry!</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AnB7MnZip2I/Tt9zo8Kpl1I/AAAAAAAAOiY/d0_E6RbzOlQ/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520035%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Christmas decorations 2 035" border="0" alt="Christmas decorations 2 035" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-El3AYmP3Yds/Tt9zpaMJrzI/AAAAAAAAOig/f-HJ1owQLdI/s512/Christmas%252520decorations%2525202%252520035_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335" /></strong></font></a><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong>I will get some pictures of the outside when it stops raining.  The weather here has been so warm for December! I’m wondering if I am going to put any miles on my snowmobile this year!!!!!</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Tribune"><strong>I have been working on doing the costuming for our Christmas Pageant at church.  I had three shepherds and Joseph costumes, six angel angel costumes and some other things to make. We have the church all decorated inside and out and it looks lovely.  This is such a special time of year to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Love singing the old carols and listening to the special music by the music committee.  A gal sang Silent Night last Sunday and it gave me goose bumps as it was so beautiful. Wish the Christmas season was longer, not the gifts and all the hustle and bustle but time to think about the real reason for the season.  Turn your computer on to a nice Christmas station and sing along with the carols.  I can do that here as the only ones to hear me are Noodles and Munchie and they don’t care if I am in tune or not!! :o)</strong></font></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-58103131879890168902011-11-16T08:24:00.001-05:002011-11-16T08:24:12.117-05:00Blackberry Farm<p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4lA4RUex7VM/TsO41PqEtgI/AAAAAAAAOXI/uws0bR2Zfec/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 001" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c1WmCxgwmlc/TsO41y-7T_I/AAAAAAAAOXQ/udEWYH-7hUU/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="370" /></a> </p> <p>We are home from our wonderful trip to Blackberry Farm in Tennessee.  I could’ve stayed a few more days very easily, it is one of my most favorite places to go.  The Hubs was in classes part of the time but I was free as could be.</p> <p>The horses there are amazing.  This one I wanted to sneak into my suitcase and bring home.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ppx-qtwwpmM/TsO42ppiXRI/AAAAAAAAOXY/GM64Du1h-bk/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520038%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 038" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 038" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vxcaD799hbM/TsO43N-gm1I/AAAAAAAAOXg/49tZdmR2K3U/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="384" /></a> </p> <p>I did a lot of riding while there.  The first day I took a private two hour ride into the mountains.  It was a bit daunting to look down from the small trail that we were on as it was extremely steep!  I knew the horse was used to it so I didn’t try to over ride him but let him chose his way.  He was a quarter horse and very sure footed thankfully.</p> <p>The Hubs and I took a ride the next day and I rode a draft/thoroughbred cross and was HUGE!  He is a fox hunter and I was concerned that he might be ready to run but he was very quiet and fun.  It was a bit chilly, ten degrees cooler then usual for this time of year so we were really bundled up.  I had on FOUR layers!  He doesn’t look it in this picture but he was almost 17 hands tall!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PpkcSq9gLi0/TsO44GRqqRI/AAAAAAAAOXo/dUQ2QO01Sfk/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 019" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 019" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rrUREybFC7c/TsO44o0JLlI/AAAAAAAAOXw/Z02UzMr9zxU/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520019_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="344" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>I liked this horse, of course I have always been partial to appy’s.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7z7qI_kQtP8/TsO45rNWElI/AAAAAAAAOX4/s6-Z5Y4ttv4/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520020%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 020" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 020" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5bIiMEtJHNE/TsO46SaKmYI/AAAAAAAAOYA/ed2Tde-ZWSM/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="344" /></a> </p> <p>They had interesting bridles on.  They are Tucker’s and the bit and cheek pieces unhook and it leaves a halter on the horse.  Very nice for when you go trail riding and want to stop for a picnic and can tie your horse without having to carry a halter with you.  I had never seen them before but I am going to check out the website and see how much they are.</p> <p> </p> <p>The grounds are amazing as well.  They have 4200 acres right in the Smokey Mountains and everything is kept beautifully.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XZIYyWN24sw/TsO47IeQn1I/AAAAAAAAOYI/hFoYF0bHLYc/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 002" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YJbMoXehuIU/TsO471Ot3eI/AAAAAAAAOYQ/gbWOdgDl6WE/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="354" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M-J8qx79DhM/TsO486e3rrI/AAAAAAAAOYY/e4o0KVCh75c/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 003" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GNdwaZEEx_I/TsO49vjdEeI/AAAAAAAAOYg/IoqALYMNvsM/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="361" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IZu2Vh6FDZM/TsO4-RX-ZfI/AAAAAAAAOYo/r3WfHsb16Ec/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 006" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g1m8IQzzRTU/TsO4_NTR1VI/AAAAAAAAOYw/kaH08Fw9oYU/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="370" /></a> </p> <p> This house on the left is the spa and then the barn on the right.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LumUVyoP5u0/TsO5AFa7MpI/AAAAAAAAOY4/mVeFfgYzm9Q/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520009%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 009" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 009" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jQhnJ7QieiA/TsO5A0fmcGI/AAAAAAAAOZA/e_pWJs58IGk/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="376" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--aNHwbFXDp0/TsO5BlrqU2I/AAAAAAAAOZI/4U1pWa1uVas/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 010" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 010" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0S4-7OTjgKA/TsO5CJQZFWI/AAAAAAAAOZQ/kmdNO6sEgUU/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="383" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GyVpCz00bTY/TsO5C0AV7aI/AAAAAAAAOZY/KQh8mdOZk8c/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 012" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HRcZkAmEjsk/TsO5DjE6kcI/AAAAAAAAOZg/vwWgZRW4_Yc/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="389" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lXbpvo0GO-4/TsO5EUEI4JI/AAAAAAAAOZo/GXaWZJmuMno/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 031" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 031" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W7OrhAiftzY/TsO5FLw2O-I/AAAAAAAAOZw/EGUEoCaQn4k/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="526" height="400" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C6YXcmqUhpI/TsO5FymyIkI/AAAAAAAAOZ4/6Xr9brkFA_I/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520035%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 035" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 035" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C-c6yeVX67Q/TsO5Gn4ULSI/AAAAAAAAOaA/M1vKamBBKxc/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520035_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="533" height="405" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hQwj9oh0p5A/TsO5Hzl7qsI/AAAAAAAAOaI/6UezXtnO-FI/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520037%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 037" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 037" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EnXSPBZaUMY/TsO5IuKFF1I/AAAAAAAAOaQ/FEuuAh1-KEI/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520037_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="390" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nGKV1DMmPiA/TsO5JUTaEwI/AAAAAAAAOaY/dwq78xmAfjY/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 008" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s22nebdk_xA/TsO5KHb74dI/AAAAAAAAOag/Om_QPvLgpYk/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="391" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O6RUB1vKUro/TsO5K7aUghI/AAAAAAAAOao/yCkCWQekGwg/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520015%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 015" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vtI5scy_dAc/TsO5LXJy-pI/AAAAAAAAOaw/bfJlLgkf_T8/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="391" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HH3FJf6IT4Q/TsO5MKfgwbI/AAAAAAAAOa4/oeSsD1dUNlM/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 007" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0hNmyH-lm2s/TsO5M4GtRYI/AAAAAAAAObA/NAHO2Lm47ys/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="390" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>One day we ate outside and there was a bluegrass band playing.  I thought of my parents when they sang the Tennessee Waltz as that is one of their favorite songs. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NE6ES72EGMM/TsO5N8EDv2I/AAAAAAAAObI/3GjeT2K3q9U/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520030%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 030" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 030" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iQJ_5hfdsY4/TsO5Okd0lGI/AAAAAAAAObQ/P3VjV9buvjA/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520030_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="521" height="396" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WfffmMjPHxE/TsO5PvIwCAI/AAAAAAAAObY/R4vDmrKfaoY/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520025%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 025" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 025" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I-vSCcn83EM/TsO5QZppYzI/AAAAAAAAObg/r3evUVRvlyg/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520025_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="395" /></a> </p> <p> There was a lady that had beautiful quilts and wall hangings for sale.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6ptVYUFPb8Y/TsO5RQrxgmI/AAAAAAAAObo/tJSKSuYZ04Y/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520024%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 024" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0y16ApFBnYk/TsO5R-zHKeI/AAAAAAAAObw/rQhCKRlj3zI/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="399" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-du4F-d8HIO0/TsO5S0G28dI/AAAAAAAAOb4/-biPzKo1hMI/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 022" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 022" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u77o5-yu8zg/TsO5Ti8biEI/AAAAAAAAOcA/XNZsCpxcFWU/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="403" /></a> </p> <p> Butter beans, I had never seen those before.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qcf1odVkzW0/TsO5Uk9lKFI/AAAAAAAAOcI/8Zk64CgXufM/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520027%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 027" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 027" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EexO2vbslYw/TsO5VJ_BJOI/AAAAAAAAOcQ/zB9korg98k4/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="389" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mCGp78yMrVM/TsO5WBv2b3I/AAAAAAAAOcY/2cgnW_w7PtA/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520026%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 026" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 026" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-usBVgHOHDWY/TsO5WgjxnSI/AAAAAAAAOcg/83cUejrzjOc/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520026_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="363" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9-BabZ2vjqg/TsO5XejvjOI/AAAAAAAAOco/riI4DnAlg1g/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520028%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 028" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 028" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WSBd-sZ94TM/TsO5YC23FDI/AAAAAAAAOcw/OlAE7Fa9T5M/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520028_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="378" /></a></p> <p> The Hubs chatting with a friend.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_OXFzxL39Lk/TsO5Y7QQhxI/AAAAAAAAOc4/nRIo3mG7Lu0/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520029%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 029" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 029" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Thm8F6NuHXM/TsO5ZqAV27I/AAAAAAAAOdA/hW8ZmyU4Gb0/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520029_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="379" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> We had fun playing with the truffle puppies.  Their parents were imported from Italy and their job is to dig up the truffles.  They were about six weeks old and were so playful and snuggly.  Something else to sneak into my suitcase!!!!</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pWN3ulfMrR4/TsO5aYhA2WI/AAAAAAAAOdI/JtSz6g_kzlo/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520045%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 045" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 045" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1Kx9ZsTiuL4/TsO5bDVx6AI/AAAAAAAAOdQ/LGl17Kq8K68/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520045_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="392" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O_2DNJgMZYI/TsO5cNieM6I/AAAAAAAAOdY/2oZcUuGUe2A/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520047%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 047" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 047" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MOtCeqeAGGM/TsO5dJ3iYMI/AAAAAAAAOdg/TZAwxnogBUg/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="394" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zZ06XnO8O7o/TsO5eFZKiPI/AAAAAAAAOdo/HsNBRkX77UE/s1600-h/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520048%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 048" border="0" alt="Blackberry Farm 2011-2 048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Sd1D15woHvc/TsO5e94spkI/AAAAAAAAOdw/_hlLNaO7hu8/Blackberry%252520Farm%2525202011-2%252520048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="387" /></a> </p> <p>Have more pictures but I had to buy one of those toss cameras one day as I FORGOT mine!  Grrrrrr…….. I guess I have to take it to Walmart to get it developed……</p> <p>We never did make it to Dolly World.  We drove in and it seemed very quiet and then we saw the sign where this time of year they don’t open until 2 in the afternoon.  We had a function to go to that night so didn’t have time to wait until 2.</p> <p>Pigeon Forge is a thriving town with lots of theaters with different kinds of shows to go to.  Again, we didn’t have time to go to any but will probably go a few days early next time we go to Blackberry Farm so that we can see all the sights.</p> <p>It was a great time, so much to be thankful for.  A beautiful part of the country, I’m so glad we get to go there even though the Hubs has to work part of the time while there.  Works for me!!! :o)</p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-57393204775884462322011-11-04T18:36:00.001-04:002011-11-04T18:36:24.426-04:00Horses<p>The snow is gone, it lasted about a couple of days.  If there isn’t enough to snowmobile in or ski on forget it!  A couple of the neighbor kids built a snowman, I wish I had taken a progression of pictures afterwards as he slowly got shorter and shorter until there was just his scarf laying on their lawn.</p> <p>The boys went back to the stable the day we left for Florida so have been there a few weeks.  I can’t tell you how many times I look out the windows to check on them in the pasture here and then remember they are up the road a couple of miles.  We miss them terribly but it’s the way it has to be in the wintertime. They did go a few weeks earlier then usual due to our vacation. :o(</p> <p> My sister was here visiting so we went up to see the boys, give them carrots and give them lots of hugs.  This is Jon, he belongs to one of my neighbors who also boards there.  He is about 20 and is a Morgan.  He’s a good ole’ boy and was quite the show horse back in the day.  That is Lil’ Bud in the background.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SiRLPvJa3vY/TrRooVLO0UI/AAAAAAAAOTo/72JxcdF6b7c/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520050%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 050" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 050" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6wTuoq-b2yg/TrRoo_MJHHI/AAAAAAAAOTw/y7gRzcBHcII/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520050_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="285" /></a> <p>Here is Nick coming to get his treats.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UG64fWQZMmM/TrRop7Ad0CI/AAAAAAAAOT4/qd_Fe7W__rs/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520049%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 049" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 049" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1RFqeVJK1dI/TrRoqSadRnI/AAAAAAAAOUA/iUvQSKg9ab0/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520049_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="301" /></a> </p> <p>Kip scratching some itchies, they all are getting so fuzzy!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-67bRmhjB0jU/TrRorMz4T9I/AAAAAAAAOUI/XtAc9ElxQeU/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520052%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 052" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 052" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HHLJRKUN5NI/TrRor8J-qBI/AAAAAAAAOUQ/yygFAQjztII/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520052_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="533" height="309" /></a> </p> <p>I think Scooter walked up behind me and surprised me.  Nick looks like he is snoozing……..  It was very windy that day, the wind comes right off the river which is at the foot of the hill.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qVSSCE9fUsE/TrRosW-y5gI/AAAAAAAAOUY/98EDlad6Wj8/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520060%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 060" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 060" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UrlbQBeMrZ8/TrRos-6TXxI/AAAAAAAAOUg/HAWpbQjVa54/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520060_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="521" height="302" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EnXeEctfs_E/TrRotlZtcEI/AAAAAAAAOUo/gf-0h2jGJVg/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520058%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 058" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 058" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XTzXO4Vsbis/TrRouPn9IHI/AAAAAAAAOUw/S8Pb9-T_-v4/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520058_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="531" height="308" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p> My sister is not a horse person so it was brave of her to get in the pasture with all of them.  Guess Scoot had been rolling in the mud, one of his favorite pastimes.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nPvt4WSjLxk/TrRou8QiRxI/AAAAAAAAOU4/Rr5GPhbtlSc/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520065%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 065" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 065" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m4a7p7XgTNw/TrRovd3h5NI/AAAAAAAAOVA/x1AL0nZ0sc4/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520065_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="533" height="309" /></a> <p> Just seeing all this hair makes me dread shedding season in the spring and this isn’t half of it for Kip.  He gets enough hair for 5 ponies.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vBiSHAs2jL4/TrRowD9k7SI/AAAAAAAAOVI/85-8TJTh2A0/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520068%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 068" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 068" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ewbJ1oyMS20/TrRowoofd4I/AAAAAAAAOVQ/1aPdEMhWrIE/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520068_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="536" height="311" /></a> <p> </p> <p>Isn’t he as cute as a button?!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4m5LPURSdqs/TrRoxcI717I/AAAAAAAAOVY/vtLhHYOBwwA/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520089%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 089" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 089" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-et1b9ZGVw2I/TrRoxwGas8I/AAAAAAAAOVg/M2m4_jm2cDg/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520089_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="562" height="326" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>This picture should have been cropped……ahem……</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Za0rPPmHiBI/TrRoygGBgeI/AAAAAAAAOVo/WXIRhBQE8zg/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520093%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 093" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 093" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g2hkZ1gnZLQ/TrRozQOG-WI/AAAAAAAAOVw/IfKwS-tuB1s/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520093_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="579" height="336" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Their favorite rolling spot…….</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4v5Vn36oM0g/TrRo0GNVBwI/AAAAAAAAOV4/3bj6491bmB8/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520071%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 071" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 071" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0SnSYxXMBpo/TrRo0nwWjyI/AAAAAAAAOWA/_4xUeK7_dPA/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520071_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="563" height="326" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p>Scoot is one big boy!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w-qnAAiPh4o/TrRo1T5nsWI/AAAAAAAAOWI/Oyni-z7Fxis/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520076%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 076" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 076" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--Vlj9_fbUyY/TrRo2DssOfI/AAAAAAAAOWQ/fWpvG45UP4U/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520076_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="543" height="315" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>You can see the river on down behind the trees.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ncE8zgE0Lx0/TrRo2rnIisI/AAAAAAAAOWY/0j48coS8yOM/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520075%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 075" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 075" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7x3okBU15jA/TrRo3nhDd7I/AAAAAAAAOWg/MAQ41GtYm2I/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520075_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="304" /></a> </p> <p>They can go all the way down to the river if they want but not ‘in’ the river, it is fenced off.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7IN63c-9SmY/TrRo4BdpQAI/AAAAAAAAOWo/VgfQJ2iqVY8/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520082%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 082" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 082" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-59Bmqj7f0V8/TrRo4sAieiI/AAAAAAAAOWw/N8-dsEfYgMs/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520082_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="295" /></a> </p> <p> Lil’ Bud is getting a bit of a sway back and saggy belly but at almost 24 I think he looks pretty darn good.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_UceRBlDnaY/TrRo5ZBl68I/AAAAAAAAOW4/c0MsbgHF26U/s1600-h/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520078%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall at Jean's with horses. 078" border="0" alt="Fall at Jean's with horses. 078" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2tywVJdcpNc/TrRo5_m41VI/AAAAAAAAOXA/252jxrO6dPE/Fall%252520at%252520Jean%252527s%252520with%252520horses.%252520078_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="307" /></a> <p>I’m meeting my friend Ann this morning at the stable and we are going for a ride.  I will ride Scoot and she will ride Bud.  We found out last week that Scooter has no intention of going in the river!  All our horses have always walked into the river when we ride to get a drink or to paw the water and get us all wet but he wasn’t having any of that!!  We will ride down there again today and I’ll let him have another looksy.</p> <p> </p> <p>Last night the Hubs and I went to a play at the Opera House.  It was The Marvelous Wonderettes a show about four girls that sang in the 50’s in high school and then went on to their 10th year reunion and how they all had changed.  It was all music from the 50’s and 60’s and they did a fabulous job!! There was a lot of toe tapping going on!  At intermission they served the most delicious oatmeal chocolate chip cookies I have ever had in my life!!  Sure would like to have that recipe!!!!   Wish I could have taken some pictures but that was a no-no.  Don’t they know that we bloggers want pictures?!</p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-19809443504060538392011-10-31T12:11:00.001-04:002011-10-31T12:11:38.597-04:00Our First Nor’easter of the season.<p> </p> <p>Well we managed to get through our first bad storm of the season unscathed.  We didn’t lose any trees unlike my SIL who lost several big ones in her front yard!  The wind was bad so the power kept going out during the night but the generator would kick on so we didn’t lose any heat or water.  We wondered if Mom and Dad would get out on their flight Sunday morning but they were only a half hour late due to deicing and 16 minutes late getting into Clearwater.</p> <p>We only got about three inches of snow which was nice as they were predicting at times up to a foot of the white stuff.  My sisters that live west of here each got a foot, but they live in the snow belt so that wasn’t unusual.  The sun is shining today and melting what snow we have which will make it nice for the little trick or treaters that will be coming around tonight.</p> <p>I took a few pictures of my decorations as I will be taking them down tomorrow and putting up Thanksgiving.  This first picture is the coffee table in the sun room and notice the pillow that I won in Needled Mom’s Halloween give away last year.  I LOVE that pillow with the candy corn on it!  That is Noodles laying on the floor, he is bored as the project is done and there are no workers here all the time to play with him!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-St7qbEwYglQ/Tq7IFjx0akI/AAAAAAAAOLg/eJjbb0WAJs4/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 001" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jq8zubpZN4A/Tq7IGH2YNgI/AAAAAAAAOLo/nXer8NHCCgs/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="313" /></a> </p> <p>I have lots of things sitting on the self I had made in the sun room.  There are outlets all the way around the shelf so that I can plug in things.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oyEP0jHpauk/Tq7IHsvXiWI/AAAAAAAAOLw/hzfZ0HKveFk/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 003" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4cqbUSgQjLU/Tq7IIHHJuRI/AAAAAAAAOL4/-BSzKSNUYjQ/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="328" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oyEP0jHpauk/Tq7IHsvXiWI/AAAAAAAAOLw/hzfZ0HKveFk/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 004" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uzo3BpKBXwQ/Tq7IIb0Xe0I/AAAAAAAAOMA/eWQYfQxTzdE/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520004%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="338" /> </a></p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W8fG9v4krx0/Tq7II8yFpRI/AAAAAAAAOMI/urMEQHLrQsc/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520005%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 005" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O6bur_1rKys/Tq7IJZlkcrI/AAAAAAAAOMQ/o1C8ogWqRos/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="355" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-47m9e0iAA0Q/Tq7IJwUwCAI/AAAAAAAAOMY/WBjiGYMYciI/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520023%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 023" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 023" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S_fwmGdwFDA/Tq7IKLdrOAI/AAAAAAAAOMg/TpROwi_dEoA/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520023_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="355" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p2dB3E7lcRw/Tq7IK8s1zJI/AAAAAAAAOMo/XSQsVeS_l-c/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 022" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 022" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J8_1evzcRaI/Tq7ILG06spI/AAAAAAAAOMw/0XloGBsWw_o/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="347" /></a> </p> <p>This is the dining room table.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oxPccJ2lLGg/Tq7IL4l5ewI/AAAAAAAAOM4/U3JeUK81iz4/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 007" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Rg2iBhmFqCs/Tq7IMXJyb5I/AAAAAAAAONA/lBohMAWaudU/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="344" /></a> </p> <p>This is under the tv on the table.  The little candles are battery operated and flicker when they are on.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sbX1A4agUCM/Tq7INEXcB0I/AAAAAAAAONI/7EyGRDCk1GI/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 006" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 006" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wVHdVPIok0I/Tq7INZh6pvI/AAAAAAAAONQ/yLWA-Y2r8Tk/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="336" /></a> </p> <p> This is the fireplace in the living room.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EQ3V4FIktKE/Tq7IN687SaI/AAAAAAAAONY/5iJjwyoy4No/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 008" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ihvd_9chTI4/Tq7IOeQ2fVI/AAAAAAAAONg/7KC7yhEn2Rs/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="341" /></a> <p> This is on the kitchen counter just some things that I put together.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ud0tvADnQ3g/Tq7IPPM0D-I/AAAAAAAAONo/-CYCIz2nlYs/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 014" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rI1Tn_ZeRaI/Tq7IPh7RdOI/AAAAAAAAONw/Zh1u3umNYfA/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="345" /></a> <p>I got this little cupcake holder at TJ Maxx and love it!  We used it at the HAM Halloween party which I will be telling you about shortly.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PZ-OApAnjyc/Tq7IQIdO3VI/AAAAAAAAON4/LDZXSEm4Ze8/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520015%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 015" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xf90va8puBo/Tq7IQizWZPI/AAAAAAAAOOA/h4IXS6eNi9Y/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="347" /></a> </p> <p> This is the kitchen table.  The pumpkin is a soup tureen again from TJ Maxx.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jTXKQ5Al3vQ/Tq7IRRTdCMI/AAAAAAAAOOI/SpG1GeokDec/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520018%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 018" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0ceScgANyVM/Tq7IR1E4uyI/AAAAAAAAOOQ/Wls9oCJkSFQ/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520018_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335" /></a> <p> Here are the little guys that hold all my trick or treat candy.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NFfBf02hYbk/Tq7ISYeoK2I/AAAAAAAAOOY/6_ioFAXx1Lc/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 009" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 009" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zuHVUad-0_I/Tq7ISynxCvI/AAAAAAAAOOg/5hvx8x2vNyw/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520009_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="344" /></a> <p> This little guy I have had for YEARS. Back in the day when I was still doing hair one of my clients made it for me in her ceramics class.  It lights up and blinks.  I think he is soooooo cute!</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gQ1LplY00Ts/Tq7ITzcXI3I/AAAAAAAAOOo/YV50MYVHnEw/s1600-h/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520024%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween decorations 2011 024" border="0" alt="Halloween decorations 2011 024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SLJQj50pUZg/Tq7IULSD1aI/AAAAAAAAOOw/xFNpEJHlcuM/Halloween%252520decorations%2525202011%252520024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="347" /></a> <p>The weekend after we got home from Florida the kids held a Halloween party fundraiser for HAM which is for the Hemophilia Association of Maine.  This is close to our hearts as one of our dear friends has a little boy with the worst case of hemophilia in the state of Maine.  His name is Devin and he is three years old.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-REO3LwHTZgQ/Tq7IU33c-5I/AAAAAAAAOO4/H86QCKtnS7M/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520824%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 824" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 824" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uow-Fw-jEtw/Tq7IVTJBZ4I/AAAAAAAAOPA/A0Bb6ukC8V0/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520824_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="347" /></a> </p> <p>Tthe kids started working on the decorations before we went on vacation and continued when we got home.  They put a ton of work into this.  Most of the things were made out of cardboard that they painted to look like something else.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jm2uY2CI75A/Tq7IV_ZVfeI/AAAAAAAAOPI/HlMrpU_sHWc/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520832%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 832" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 832" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xhmtgW93SKI/Tq7IWdO7G8I/AAAAAAAAOPQ/X95ja3dg6Hc/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520832_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="336" /></a> </p> <p> They used a pulley to make it look like this Rhino hit the tree.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qy8V5LW-S8Q/Tq7IXPTaGpI/AAAAAAAAOPY/upD6wLe5JvI/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520862%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 862" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 862" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8b9BMZhl6JU/Tq7IX3BrKJI/AAAAAAAAOPg/a8b3k8Pr7SA/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520862_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="342" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8weJi1XQOhg/Tq7IYt37FbI/AAAAAAAAOPo/Dpw8WfA8Ec4/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520123%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 123" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 123" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DYri3fpvz0U/Tq7IZW0y4RI/AAAAAAAAOPw/_mFWyH_K-o4/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520123_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="350" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ie-CMtLcJTA/Tq7IaeF-_zI/AAAAAAAAOP4/qfnoQiquofQ/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520122%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 122" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 122" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fv0pzy73wI4/Tq7Ia2ePuYI/AAAAAAAAOQA/RWHQqViNYkM/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520122_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="342" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gGvSCi5stnI/Tq7IbsqIapI/AAAAAAAAOQI/2h4NO5akp28/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520113%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 113" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 113" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-otY7ES-oITg/Tq7IcXd5GTI/AAAAAAAAOQQ/hvDVLbLWSUY/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520113_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="342" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_g1ZsNXh9Po/Tq7IdLS9yWI/AAAAAAAAOQY/8HIWzvi32rc/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520114%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 114" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 114" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U_sa4PgMEvw/Tq7Id9qioyI/AAAAAAAAOQg/XzVs4eyE73E/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520114_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="352" /></a> </p> <p> This whole thing was made out of cardboard, even the black trees.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NadRg9EUX54/Tq7IegJ5dvI/AAAAAAAAOQo/pn_6wEcQlPA/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520115%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 115" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 115" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H5B6x8dAHTM/Tq7IfBj2ZvI/AAAAAAAAOQw/Gawti4vikS0/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520115_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="360" /></a> <p> </p> <p>This was the mad scientist booth.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pPzFs4B47OA/Tq7If0-y-oI/AAAAAAAAOQ4/5cLM7PkOIl8/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520117%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 117" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 117" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jjss-wJAd8A/Tq7IgSBH9TI/AAAAAAAAORA/ocUJuwkKR-k/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520117_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="363" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tnUlZ8mgtjc/Tq7IhA-0QPI/AAAAAAAAORI/Mvsq7UO6HDM/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520118%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 118" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 118" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-62WMjtzBMQ4/Tq7Ihn_qRuI/AAAAAAAAORQ/MnGP795pLEA/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520118_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="372" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hWv3bTpIXFw/Tq7IiURVtDI/AAAAAAAAORY/4_4zFhKlwCQ/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520124%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 124" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 124" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7y1bvD5bC9U/Tq7IizcHwzI/AAAAAAAAORg/9tlVH6iXUYg/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520124_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="367" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gUaawJK2GkM/Tq7IjtqAutI/AAAAAAAAORo/rHc0LSexNG4/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520127%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 127" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 127" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gEfHBFH1Wwk/Tq7IkD_vGdI/AAAAAAAAORw/xRJyOOE9nrw/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520127_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="357" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X2S2-teIDbM/Tq7Ik9nDK9I/AAAAAAAAOR4/L65OsQmRqSw/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520128%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 128" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 128" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B34DHHXq1XM/Tq7IlotvpsI/AAAAAAAAOSA/0Kn6YyzKQaM/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520128_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="365" /></a> </p> <p> There were different characters at each station.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IPHQmQPW22M/Tq7ImYCKBJI/AAAAAAAAOSI/PujuH6WwnU0/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520119%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 119" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 119" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5vjXFpU_g7g/Tq7Im_igucI/AAAAAAAAOSQ/3Qk5trFMgxU/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520119_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="373" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jmmXd2NMlZo/Tq7In3UjXnI/AAAAAAAAOSY/S-g6Bu6UBWw/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520823%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 823" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 823" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CELY3y7JANQ/Tq7Ioj8J9AI/AAAAAAAAOSg/ArqyqVb2mR4/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520823_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="383" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M1ql6DIp7Q0/Tq7IpoIXUAI/AAAAAAAAOSo/ly55ch5z6-s/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520909%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 909" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 909" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IjWYhKO7ejY/Tq7IqakSJTI/AAAAAAAAOSw/z7L_4e5UA_I/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520909_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="382" /></a> </p> <p> Devin driving the Rhino (with some help)!</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZQviU1WQvBs/Tq7Iq-xvBqI/AAAAAAAAOS4/-mm9JdjyeOk/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520815%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 815" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 815" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AzcAxG7bDTU/Tq7IriWUtfI/AAAAAAAAOTA/cf9iuCOEl8Y/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520815_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="403" /></a> <p> Getting the pool shack ready for all the food we had.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f_kkqQOYTk0/Tq7IsbCUuiI/AAAAAAAAOTI/QibKaI7ZqaA/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520813%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 813" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 813" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BN3g8GMUN8w/Tq7Is6uaeDI/AAAAAAAAOTQ/aKBRwSq-ZpI/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520813_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="537" height="410" /></a></p> <p>Putting up spider webs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3usmUUs8wKI/Tq7It1_CPLI/AAAAAAAAOTY/ttVtIV4Z3os/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520808%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 808" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 808" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vjXAwBquGHk/Tq7Iuc0CcsI/AAAAAAAAOTg/2DnJBYfbGME/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520808_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="382" /></a> </p> <p>All these pictures were taken in the daylight but believe me it was must spookier in the dark with the black lights on and the music and all the people dressed in character.  We had about 150 people attend and we raised $900. for HAM!!!! It’s our dream that they find a cure for hemophilia, SOON! We had a great time and I am proud of the kids for spending so much time on such a worthy cause!!</p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-43835443877360061802011-10-28T19:13:00.001-04:002011-10-28T19:13:11.142-04:00Universal part 2<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BkgyHnAK4uw/Tqs2qsw5X4I/AAAAAAAAOGw/5YekoLuwahU/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520242%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 242" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 242" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-19EzRbui2Eo/Tqs2rMQ2-NI/AAAAAAAAOG4/iTCFq5QVFMg/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520242_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="319" /></a> </p> <p>The Portofino Bay Hotel is designed like an Italian village.  It is very pretty there with numerous yummy restaurants to choose from.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gx1ecyEEgAs/Tqs2rxBD0rI/AAAAAAAAOHA/XbnlUW0-td0/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520246%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 246" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 246" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5897ysUMEas/Tqs2sb3N3iI/AAAAAAAAOHI/bnNEZ7fkpwI/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520246_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="333" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IY5SflCRPEU/Tqs2tAxU8QI/AAAAAAAAOHQ/5n-IihJrUHo/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520253%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 253" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 253" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HgFAQFreAYU/Tqs2tlFNtsI/AAAAAAAAOHY/itB-bl8T8Zs/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520253_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="342" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Here’s Mimi and Bampie will the grands.  We love sharing grandchildren with them.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rya3iYZRRw0/Tqs2uQl3mbI/AAAAAAAAOHg/WPHJYXV6IYU/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520275%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 275" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 275" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0kn_vHD7OO0/Tqs2u0HYjkI/AAAAAAAAOHo/vQjOHWSb4BE/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520275_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="350" /></a> </p> <p> We had lots more to see at Islands Of Adventure.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QOYjuBgoZ6g/Tqs2vi9V-CI/AAAAAAAAOHw/5bVnNHmnMMU/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520020%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 020" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 020" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ghRhoNOLmWo/Tqs2wUOmLDI/AAAAAAAAOH4/NziijxtVlm8/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="348" /></a> <p>The Harry Potter section was amazing.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8TdAy6yK9kw/Tqs2xP9oJmI/AAAAAAAAOIA/mOPwyGC_JDM/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520056%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 056" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 056" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HqmWqIRUzvM/Tqs2xuomLRI/AAAAAAAAOII/wKd7JPQNbDQ/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520056_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="353" /></a> </p> <p>I haven’t read any of the books but it was fun seeing everything.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pI66_BGD1-4/Tqs2yUCIoSI/AAAAAAAAOIQ/apih2EETqp0/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520030%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 030" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 030" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EIQSCPfTk4s/Tqs2zJj3YWI/AAAAAAAAOIY/iNE8mLoLxNo/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520030_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="361" /></a> </p> <p>I didn’t dare go on the ride the first day we went but Son and grands did and it was wild.  I figured I would give it a whirl the last day and it wasn’t open!!  They were having mechanical issues.  :o(</p> <p>These were the talking pictures.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xQO8xwwPw30/Tqs2zi6iQwI/AAAAAAAAOIg/bdjyKfHNbNo/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520049%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 049" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 049" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zwOo13xbIIQ/Tqs20EoRrWI/AAAAAAAAOIo/i5gi6PDJ-qA/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520049_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="350" /></a> </p> <p>Then on to Jurassic Park.  It has a roller coaster that takes you through some water and I did not want to spend the rest of the day walking around in wet clothes so we opted out.  It’s one thing if it is 90* and your clothes dry out in an hour or so but where we had been walking around in the rain for two days we really didn’t want to add to it.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ewSNsHtm2do/Tqs20zttR8I/AAAAAAAAOIw/0oS0sNSIjWQ/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520058%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 058" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 058" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qFU8fnBAZsM/Tqs21V_ATNI/AAAAAAAAOI4/MSyCoDwiyA4/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520058_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="350" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p> The kiddos wanted to rock climb so up they went!  Even their Dad joined in.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hQC-HFYu7u8/Tqs22NfcDDI/AAAAAAAAOJA/uAPxUz0CmCY/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520074%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 074" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 074" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X2Ov7jkBzzo/Tqs22q4PJvI/AAAAAAAAOJI/8wIUUYMxmxY/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520074_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="355" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Flxf0Ar9sNU/Tqs23ojfJaI/AAAAAAAAOJQ/EwX4mz3yws8/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520089%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 089" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 089" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wW3Z2lyM_Lw/Tqs24ES6OLI/AAAAAAAAOJY/2m2gB1yXI0A/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520089_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="363" /></a> </p> <p> Whoops!</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bec-SJ1pbeM/Tqs24787Y_I/AAAAAAAAOJg/DL7NFeLo1J4/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520093%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 093" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 093" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9i821wC2jN0/Tqs25b8G5ZI/AAAAAAAAOJo/8sFZ4I4Wiss/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520093_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="372" /></a> <p> </p> <p>We always try to pick up a couple of new hats while there for Crazy Hat Nite at Awana.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G2BO1gZzEVE/Tqs26FkW1KI/AAAAAAAAOJw/9gaYoxC2P3I/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520094%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 094" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 094" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aQpPPU4pT6M/Tqs26nu_kRI/AAAAAAAAOJ4/n03X-rr0RMo/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520094_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="342" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kIdpyL2u1pU/Tqs27fxv3RI/AAAAAAAAOKA/YjF433ls2aI/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520096%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 096" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 096" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-isSonGPOQNI/Tqs27zlUBeI/AAAAAAAAOKI/lee3pBKTDNA/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520096_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="339" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BDSI4eumA9c/Tqs28pGoePI/AAAAAAAAOKQ/Z6yZDq5HAyU/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520105%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 105" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 105" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ip_idz5QySY/Tqs29fpsEQI/AAAAAAAAOKY/4yOFneiTONM/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520105_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="337" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RbdUhzWcKEA/Tqs2-N4ljZI/AAAAAAAAOKg/H173bWzelG0/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520103%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 103" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 103" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OxqRz6tf4b8/Tqs2-bSl64I/AAAAAAAAOKo/DcMremXv96c/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520103_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="328" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ePY9cefzQyo/Tqs2_NB4STI/AAAAAAAAOKw/aJcC6o2o_-I/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520101%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 101" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 101" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KMSpwqINLEM/Tqs2_ooiCdI/AAAAAAAAOK4/kdVws7kbQMU/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520101_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="328" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gfV82dG_mVU/Tqs3AHabUmI/AAAAAAAAOLA/3QerOvS_4hw/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520106%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 106" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 106" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TQrHRxZtN68/Tqs3Aq-qWaI/AAAAAAAAOLI/cy9yCDoMuuE/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520106_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="317" /></a> </p> <p> We happened to notice this little guy munching on something.  We also saw one at the pool munching on a cherry from someone’s drink! </p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zjsmw6cMxiM/Tqs3BCylPCI/AAAAAAAAOLQ/ABSOO6DqkZU/s1600-h/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween Party 2011 022" border="0" alt="Halloween Party 2011 022" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mpg_ayROkpI/Tqs3BmICWEI/AAAAAAAAOLY/-FCrup1w5M4/Halloween%252520Party%2525202011%252520022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="331" /></a> <p>There was much, much more that we did for the week that we were there.  One day the kids, Son and the Grampies went over to Disney for the day while DIL, Mimi and I shopped for Christmas.  <font size="4">The best part was being together and making memories.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Well guess what?  We are supposed to get up to a foot of snow this weekend!  What’s up with that?!  Mom and Dad are supposed to fly out Sunday morning to go back to Florida so now we are wondering if they will have a flight.  Bangor International has one of the longest runways in New England as it was once an airbase so if the planes can make it in from where they are coming from we can usually get out snow or no snow but we’ll see….</font></p> <p><font size="3">We are headed to Tennessee next month to Blackberry Farm where we went two years ago.  I can’t wait, they have the most gorgeous well bred horses around for us to ride.  The Hubs has classes part of each day but there is plenty for me to do there on my own or with one of the other wives.  Anyone know what the weather will be like in Tenn. in November????</font></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-65893416301218246782011-10-23T19:46:00.001-04:002011-10-23T19:46:03.111-04:00Universal vacation part 1<p> </p> <p>Here we are the first day of our vacation.  Can you tell it was raining cats and dogs and everything else?!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-10vBFzBN3LQ/TqSmYYskCvI/AAAAAAAAN7s/w5InQc2O87c/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520033%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 033" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 033" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dxwOmS-f5mk/TqSmZIGCb6I/AAAAAAAAN70/du6ErZtlLyY/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520033_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="384" /></a> </p> <p>We didn’t let that stop us though, the Hubs got us all ponchos and umbrellas and off we went.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yow6-PPkAvg/TqSmZ2GhFhI/AAAAAAAAN78/bH7oA0wHdaA/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520032%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 032" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 032" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-134NbYaX44E/TqSmasnl9QI/AAAAAAAAN8E/LMM34L-gnsU/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520032_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="521" height="398" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>It was a warm rain but at times came down so hard we had to get in out of it.  The park looked rather ghostly with so many in white ponchos.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z1YJ3aY0eTo/TqSmbTi2EJI/AAAAAAAAN8M/smY4PEuw2b4/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520040%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 040" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 040" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yq1kNVm4nAI/TqSmcHl51II/AAAAAAAAN8U/8dFazHFZpAE/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520040_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="521" height="398" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Here we are waiting for the rest of the group to finish looking around in a gift shop.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XrFsN5azvMU/TqSmczkf2CI/AAAAAAAAN8c/v1VPvfwGklY/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520039%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 039" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z1nOO7lzIHw/TqSmdmKDVYI/AAAAAAAAN8k/WNLMi8XDkHk/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520039_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="527" height="402" /></a></p> <p>The next morning it was still pouring so we decided to hit a mall that we like and hoped it would clear off by the afternoon.  We always go to Shelpler’s for boots, jeans and other horse attire and related things.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fa9UgkYvG-c/TqSmeV-GcrI/AAAAAAAAN8s/5kNllJfooq4/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520044%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 044" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 044" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z1lvMRoh-lU/TqSmfG_MqyI/AAAAAAAAN80/864AhvZVAco/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520044_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="329" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Here is Mr. D and Son.  Don’t tell Mr. D he is in the gal picture!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N20aCwt5U3c/TqSmf8ZySaI/AAAAAAAAN88/jJXgUA_q_Jc/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520048%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 048" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L5R0qZ9s9jY/TqSmgfa5cAI/AAAAAAAAN9E/OyamlSW8kZE/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="332" /></a> </p> <p> Here is Son and DIL.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DgbcDMO0PvI/TqSmhByIF4I/AAAAAAAAN9M/UMk3pgFjLvs/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520056%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 056" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 056" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UpTa-Y555Z8/TqSmhtTBblI/AAAAAAAAN9U/xscj_o0YM9U/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520056_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="341" /></a> <p>Next we went to Ron Jon’s Surf Shop.  I like to get the kids Christmas things there and it’s a fun place.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GrPYjcSKHFM/TqSmib51_GI/AAAAAAAAN9c/zanl_b3B08I/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520066%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 066" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 066" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w6mWOlq5p8g/TqSmiyNFjaI/AAAAAAAAN9k/c7RuEq3bRXY/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520066_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="299" /></a></p> <p>Hey!  How did they get that picture of me????!!!!! Snicker, snort!!!!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U8dmVGJGzCw/TqSmjbvOH7I/AAAAAAAAN9s/Cw85Zx5-eO0/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520065%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 065" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 065" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y8VCO472qog/TqSmj38OpbI/AAAAAAAAN90/8WwnpCvwLqo/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520065_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="316" /></a> </p> <p> I loved the surf board rugs, would be great for a place on the ocean.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W7ez-KohKf0/TqSmk-_wM0I/AAAAAAAAN98/gZ3Yj9cS9xc/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520062%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 062" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 062" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jNIOcqDGcw4/TqSmlVeHwQI/AAAAAAAAN-E/0c_FnH5oNb8/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520062_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="339" /></a> </p> <p>Next we were off to Bass Pro Shop.  We hit it right as they had some fun things to see and do.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-45tDL4eWO74/TqSmmKRC2rI/AAAAAAAAN-M/mlDnnsGhmiY/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520067%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 067" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 067" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GMO8RblHGlo/TqSmm5PigOI/AAAAAAAAN-U/ODvzFAmYSTA/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520067_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="347" /></a></p> <p> How do you suppose one of these little guys would like Maine?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E2L1f3aW3LM/TqSmnqGvWII/AAAAAAAAN-c/P8V29WiUmVY/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520069%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 069" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 069" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XBM0VF8eZUQ/TqSmoWxezxI/AAAAAAAAN-k/_VtkSkO1NBg/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520069_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="341" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qAKMTqJA8Mc/TqSmo6eQrPI/AAAAAAAAN-s/pGdI5gQufJQ/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520072%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 072" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 072" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9qc2ABFJXAQ/TqSmpUElNOI/AAAAAAAAN-0/U4c6bUIvF98/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520072_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="355" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uE9CfkfQHfw/TqSmqKYTK1I/AAAAAAAAN-8/MPij0rwvWW8/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520074%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 074" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 074" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E1I-rpcfRfg/TqSmq12MkxI/AAAAAAAAN_E/sUgES2Z-WSE/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520074_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="360" /></a> </p> <p>Hey, I’d like to have this set up in my back yard although it would be a bit chilly in January.  :o)</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JWjKshGw6vg/TqSmrur-pJI/AAAAAAAAN_M/UWHYJuG_reE/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520082%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 082" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 082" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qc3nnpgPccI/TqSmsAqFLoI/AAAAAAAAN_U/z4DIze_xb0Q/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520082_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="338" /></a> </p> <p>After two days we finally got some wonderful sun.  My grand kids love to feed the ever present ducks and herons.  They especially like popcorn and Fruit Loops.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sHzf4zUP4Q8/TqSmswXQC5I/AAAAAAAAN_c/e9rkwQVIzj8/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520106%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 106" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 106" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E2AuCquyL78/TqSmtfuq8-I/AAAAAAAAN_k/D8MoJWtt3ZE/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520106_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="338" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cnR1tYQu7-Y/TqSmuGvj-8I/AAAAAAAAN_s/9mRfopf4fu0/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520093%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 093" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 093" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fa87L-0IZmY/TqSmuoC9bGI/AAAAAAAAN_0/jBMPiOVTDUM/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520093_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="341" /></a> </p> <p>We grabbed a buggy ride over to Universal Islands of Adventure.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mo7cnmeakGM/TqSmvK5G3UI/AAAAAAAAN_8/Ho8tJz9JhUs/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520110%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 110" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 110" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W1V2lQ-hnig/TqSmvkjy_GI/AAAAAAAAOAE/qZcqXXs7lws/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520110_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="351" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HpIxlM5vk9g/TqSmwrsuO0I/AAAAAAAAOAM/PwUlbfW6Ips/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520115%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 115" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 115" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IQEurvXnChY/TqSmxaJ2GDI/AAAAAAAAOAU/n6SXKSa0kSA/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520115_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="351" /></a> </p> <p> This poor guy had a BIG load with all of us!  </p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7EFioTiZxrs/TqSmyPtfIRI/AAAAAAAAOAc/bmyYDkzbin4/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520116%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 116" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 116" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1rZp-ksyuNU/TqSmyi9SjOI/AAAAAAAAOAk/fdfzXrxYwbQ/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520116_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="364" /></a> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RjQmXygk-IY/TqSmzSJlejI/AAAAAAAAOAs/l7fMI1mbdaY/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520117%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 117" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 117" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fwyU1tTvSSI/TqSm0DAkVGI/AAAAAAAAOA0/JGtBCTdPAQk/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520117_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="376" /></a></p> <p> We decided on the way over to have lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.  The food was good but it was much too loud for this grandmother!  :o(</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Id8SyOnNj00/TqSm0-tBX5I/AAAAAAAAOA8/2p3EI4LX3Yg/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520125%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 125" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 125" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kfq2O5ySLDY/TqSm1coVXeI/AAAAAAAAOBE/uxLh39JYt6o/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520125_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="375" /></a> </p> <p>OF COURSE the first ride they wanted to go on was The Hulk.  I was the camera holder as I don’t do big roller coasters……I thought of you Tina!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9_Wv7hB-P1Y/TqSm2J-7AoI/AAAAAAAAOBM/nufH47VLyzU/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520149%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 149" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 149" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cVUHG83MwWw/TqSm2wbmk2I/AAAAAAAAOBU/gy6gHFlqSZA/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520149_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="382" /></a> </p> <p> How would you like to do this at 65 mph??????</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YN-LHvjyPJQ/TqSm3cVpD4I/AAAAAAAAOBc/w51y3jL71EU/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520150%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 150" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 150" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OnVmoa6AkHE/TqSm3xdAqEI/AAAAAAAAOBk/wyIFzCh6TkI/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520150_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="393" /></a> <p> This isn’t a very good picture but it’s these extremely high towers that you go up in a seat and then it drops you like a rocket back down.  Once again I was the camera holder, do we seem to be getting a theme here?</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RkdIa9sjQsY/TqSm4fsh9NI/AAAAAAAAOBs/slq3uU360Pk/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520171%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 171" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 171" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EoEjYQ-Zs8w/TqSm48RNeSI/AAAAAAAAOB0/UBhljilInbU/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520171_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="335" /></a> <p>I did do the Mummy ride, it was wild but you didn’t go way up in the air and turn upside down.  :o)  Then on to Spiderman, teacups, the Hulk again, and Jaws.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wv8CJutGgeQ/TqSm5k7rYgI/AAAAAAAAOB8/MYiCk2lMzgU/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520272%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 272" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 272" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4iTa6K6yRHE/TqSm6a32GvI/AAAAAAAAOCE/yS7wVglND2A/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520272_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="365" /></a> </p> <p>Jaws was fun and the fake shark was quite realistic looking, for a fake shark that is.  The ride was even supposed to be in Maine!  Yay!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BNnqYbAXHGk/TqSm7E6PuPI/AAAAAAAAOCM/eVSdJADBJz8/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520299%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 299" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 299" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t5Eqor5qiWQ/TqSm7sqEGkI/AAAAAAAAOCU/73Jp8JbMGwE/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520299_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="372" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dP1bZ57BntA/TqSm8epXRgI/AAAAAAAAOCc/OXFZlckC8E0/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520296%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 296" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 296" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W243O-9yar0/TqSm9JVXCYI/AAAAAAAAOCk/ESxDjXXUhRY/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520296_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="383" /></a> </p> <p>Then we went to an animal show and it was adorable!  Now this is more my speed!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PQv5Tm6zrII/TqSm93JTFrI/AAAAAAAAOCs/RaU-7-I-Jh0/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520329%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 329" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 329" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BVI0RC6KzsE/TqSm-hZPOaI/AAAAAAAAOC0/gudTbt2eQkY/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520329_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="387" /></a> </p> <p> There were a bunch of dogs that did some cute things and the music was Who Let The Dogs Out and then the pig came out with this on.  He was the star of the show. </p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-59KfkPsEihU/TqSm_PrDmgI/AAAAAAAAOC8/Xt6RgJ_RIqA/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520341%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 341" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 341" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xQHH0mp2jig/TqSm_2lHqBI/AAAAAAAAODE/fvj1TdvzUEc/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520341_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="528" height="401" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HcT4VVkdCIY/TqSnAU1GvnI/AAAAAAAAODM/vimHuYptG_8/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520339%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 339" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 339" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NwYv5zZydt4/TqSnAysBZzI/AAAAAAAAODU/5gHhnsYIeOY/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520339_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="396" /></a> </p> <p> Look at the size of that skunk!</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nnxKTHm26gU/TqSnBe4olXI/AAAAAAAAODc/AGB2V1bCTBw/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520326%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 326" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 326" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3A_Nv3TEoJk/TqSnB6f4tVI/AAAAAAAAODk/-nksb6h9d9g/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520326_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="532" height="406" /></a> <p> When pigs fly.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Efa70PXD3Q4/TqSnCRJsO5I/AAAAAAAAODs/GS2CLq7Mq5I/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520338%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 338" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 338" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vuvMQ8JbZ8Q/TqSnCxfAIJI/AAAAAAAAOD0/A9grvVZm0Rw/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520338_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="360" /></a> <p>This was one of the 26 labs that played the part of Marley in the movie Marley and Me.  This young man was chosen out of the audience to help with some of the skits.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--MxIy9iFGS4/TqSnDpV4itI/AAAAAAAAOD8/AxMfNelSdDA/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520344%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 344" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 344" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aghBrjdkD3g/TqSnECSJQ7I/AAAAAAAAOEE/crp4wgFBCnc/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520344_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="364" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Mr. D went shopping with Grampie and bought mugs for everyone.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GdgxU2__cZ4/TqSnE4IfLfI/AAAAAAAAOEM/wKFOCFYgvFY/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520351%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 351" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 351" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WdJPUfBMGTc/TqSnFc8kHGI/AAAAAAAAOEU/EBCHkm1aSBo/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520351_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="361" /></a> </p> <p> We always like to eat at Trex restaurant.  Amazing animatronics.  There were dinosaurs everywhere moving around!</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jvdp9XEpUrU/TqSnGWv8_6I/AAAAAAAAOEc/jiE2NWp7fhs/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520211%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 211" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 211" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OYRhQ8s0bOw/TqSnG7sJ19I/AAAAAAAAOEk/wZi7qluwYDE/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520211_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="350" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZXL8VNcYdJo/TqSnHqS3h7I/AAAAAAAAOEs/aSIoA0YR8Hg/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520432%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 432" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 432" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-98OZzZ7OqFE/TqSnIN3HcdI/AAAAAAAAOE0/uoeT2dWQG0s/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520432_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="344" /></a> </p> <p>We love Legos and what they do with them at Downtown Disney.  I can’t imagine how long it took to make these displays. These were all new since the last time we were there.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Lmslf-sTYnU/TqSnI8nLGbI/AAAAAAAAOE8/Rp4zCVBAIUQ/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520176%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 176" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 176" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t-ZSgpsYVm4/TqSnJiEmqpI/AAAAAAAAOFE/MsyfbMtCzD0/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520176_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="342" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0uo224XUw4c/TqSnKSEOjVI/AAAAAAAAOFM/fjTjgoD4umY/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520422%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 422" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 422" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WA3ki9AeQx8/TqSnKw0NlbI/AAAAAAAAOFU/_k8mNZdjCk8/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520422_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="344" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZmK5iVl_vT4/TqSnLmOVAXI/AAAAAAAAOFc/HPF3VyIjilA/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520187%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 187" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 187" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-em6g2nTm0VE/TqSnMNIc_II/AAAAAAAAOFk/TO3Ql73MzTc/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520187_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="356" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Th2ts_f6WiM/TqSnMnkW8yI/AAAAAAAAOFs/8kq4J6lXrQg/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520181%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 181" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 181" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iFQ7gandL2w/TqSnNUSR5wI/AAAAAAAAOF0/QVirZGTUC20/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520181_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="361" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KBX-2uSsvCw/TqSnN9yuSOI/AAAAAAAAOF8/BGEspJZ9Lko/s1600-h/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520423%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="uNIVERSAL 2011 423" border="0" alt="uNIVERSAL 2011 423" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dMUsuYmh08E/TqSnOnyEZOI/AAAAAAAAOGE/B9mk1MIKuDs/uNIVERSAL%2525202011%252520423_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="368" /></a> <p>Continued next time.  :0)</p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-15199791821518776032011-10-10T21:12:00.000-04:002011-10-10T21:12:19.510-04:00To think I brought sunscreen.Here we are in the soggy south! Sorry no pictures yet but I don't have them on my IPad yet. I have been enjoying getting caught up with a lot of you since we've been here at Universal in Orlando. one has to take a break from all the fun and kick back and just veg out a bit. I think we must have walked a dozen miles in the park, IN THE RAIN! Ihave been making plans to build an ark in my spare moments. In the almost 40 years of coming here we have never seen so much rain.<br />
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Come to think of it there was a ton of rain when we were in New York last month also when we were in Dallas last year.......I'm beginning to see a bit of a pattern don't you think? Maybe we should go to Texas again, I hear they need rain badly.<br />
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Can't wait to show you the pictures of all of us in our plastic ponchos and holding our cheap umbrellas. There were so many people with them on it was rather ghostly looking around the parks.To think I brought sunscreen! HahahaHahaha! We don't care though, we're all together and that's the main thing.<br />
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We are at the Portofino Bay Hotel. we stayed here a couple years ago and really liked it plus Miss. T likes to feed the ducks that are swimming around in the lake. We go over to the parks by boat, walking or my transportation of choice which is the little buggies that are powered by someone peddling. The kids love it and it's the fastest way to get there. I admire the men and women that do the peddling, it's not easy and they go rain or shine.<br />
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Monday morning was delightful with lots of blue sky showing through. It only got better as the day wore on. The sun was finally shining and we tossed aside our ponchos. We headed to the park and went on a few rides. My crowd likes roller coasters but I set those out. They are crazy high, fast, turn you upside down and inside out. D and I had fun feeding the little sparrows that are always around those places while we waited. We went on some more rides andthenheaded over to the new Harry Potter section. It is just amazing. I have never seen any of the movies or read the books but have seen exerpts on television and this looks just like that.<br />
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Son and the grand kids stood in line an hour or more to go on the main ride there but the Hubs and I set that one out as it has a lot of motion and makes me woozie. they were disappointed in it and said it was a rough ride. Today there was a two hour wait to get on it!<br />
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We came back to the hotel after lunch and went to the pool. The rest of the crowd came shortly after too as it was quite hot. DIL's parents are here with us so Mimi and I had fun swimming with the grands and coming down the water slides with them.<br />
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Tonight we went over to Downtown Disney for dinner at the T-Rex Restaurant. It is an amazing place that is something out of Jurassic Park. The food was good and the atmosphere fun. <br />
We went to the Disney Store as I had built up quite a few Disney Dollars over the year and wanted to get some Christmas shopping done. The place was mobbed but we found a few things to put under the tree come Christmastime.<br />
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The kiddos fell asleep on the way back. I'm not surprised as they have gone nonstop since leaving Maine on Friday night. Guess I will publish this even though I don't have access to my pictures but I will put them in when we get home. :0)Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-66184543312467222082011-10-03T09:10:00.001-04:002011-10-03T09:10:08.238-04:00Rain, rain, go away!<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-awsjfXvjOuY/Tom0CJxz48I/AAAAAAAAN6k/LCPH8war4C4/s1600-h/Fall19%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Fall19" border="0" alt="Fall19" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GbS_chWEbCo/Tom0Cy1GS0I/AAAAAAAAN6o/qr74W_IMqUk/Fall19_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="446" /></a> </p> <p>We picked the apples from our two trees on Friday and I made a yummy apple pie.  It was gone by morning so I guess I will make another one today.  We didn’t get many apples but more then usual, the deer didn’t seem to need them this year, usually they strip the trees as they aren’t very tall yet.  Nothing smells any better then an apple pie baking in the oven.  I know the Yankee Candles smell good but there is nothing like the real thing!</p> <p> </p> <p>We had our Paws On Parade on Saturday morning.  I didn’t even take my camera as it was raining so hard!!!  Despite the rain over 300 people and their dogs showed up!  This is the back of my shirt, it actually says ‘18th’ Annual.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2fxyREfNK2g/Tom0Di5SyuI/AAAAAAAAN6s/sr_TH7buYBE/s1600-h/Paws%252520On%252520Parade%2525202011%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Paws On Parade 2011" border="0" alt="Paws On Parade 2011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zyw6HUDwv9Q/Tom0D4QxakI/AAAAAAAAN6w/G-YVi3mIhTQ/Paws%252520On%252520Parade%2525202011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="212" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>You can go to  <a href="http://www.bangordailynews.com">www.bangordailynews.com</a> and see how hard it was raining and some of the cute dogs.  We raised $55,500.00! YaY!  It was a lot of hard work but well worth the result.  We raised $15,000.00 more then last year and with the economy the way it is I think that is pretty good!  It will sure feed and take care of lots of homeless animals, providing them with vet care and training if they need it.</p> <p> </p> <h6></h6> <h3>Bangor Waterfront goes to wet, soggy dogs at humane society fundraiser</h3> <p>By <a href="http://bangordailynews.com/author/judy-harrison/">Judy Harrison</a>, BDN Staff</p> <p>Posted Oct. 01, 2011, at 1:15 p.m. <br />Last modified Oct. 02, 2011, at 5:33 p.m. </p> <p><a href="http://bangordailynews.com/2011/10/01/news/bangor/bangor-waterfront-goes-to-wet-soggy-dogs-at-humane-society-fundraiser/print/"><img alt="Print this" src="http://static.bangordailynews.com/wp-content/themes/bdn/images/print.gif" /></a> <a href="http://bangordailynews.com/2011/10/01/news/bangor/bangor-waterfront-goes-to-wet-soggy-dogs-at-humane-society-fundraiser/email/"><img alt="E-mail this" src="http://static.bangordailynews.com/wp-content/themes/bdn/images/mail.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://bdn.to/atoh&t=Bangor Waterfront goes to wet, soggy dogs at humane society fundraiser"><img alt="Facebook this" src="http://static.bangordailynews.com/wp-content/themes/bdn/images/facebook.gif" /></a> <a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Bangor+Waterfront+goes+to+wet,+soggy+dogs+at+humane+society+fundraiser+http://bdn.to/atoh+&via=bangordailynews&related=bangordailynews,bdnbiz,bdnpolitics,rockblogsterbdn,bdnhealth"><img alt="Tweet this" src="http://static.bangordailynews.com/wp-content/themes/bdn/images/twitter.gif" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://static.bangordailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/paws101-600x345.jpg"><img title="Lucas Fowler of Dexter stands in the rain with his children Kelsey, 8, and Caleb, 6, as they were awaiting the start of the 18th annual Paws on Parade at the Bangor Waterfront Saturday." alt="Lucas Fowler of Dexter stands in the rain with his children Kelsey, 8, and Caleb, 6, as they were awaiting the start of the 18th annual Paws on Parade at the Bangor Waterfront Saturday." src="http://static.bangordailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/paws101-250x250.jpg" width="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://bangordailynews.com/author/gabor-degre/">Gabor Degre</a> | BDN</p> <p>Lucas Fowler of Dexter stands in the rain with his children Kelsey, 8, and Caleb, 6, as they were awaiting the start of the 18th annual Paws on Parade at the Bangor Waterfront Saturday. <a href="http://gallery.pictopia.com/bangordn/"><i>Buy Photo</i></a></p> <p>BANGOR, Maine — The Bangor Waterfront went to the dogs Saturday morning for the Bangor Humane Society’s annual fundraiser. </p> <p>Tall dogs, short dogs, skinny dogs, wide dogs, fluffy dogs, smooth dogs, rain-coated dogs and naked dogs participated in <a href="http://bangordailynews.com/2010/10/09/news/bangor/paws-on-parade-makes-tracks-in-bangor/">Paws on Parade</a>. After their jaunt around downtown the dogs all had one thing in common — they were wet. Nearly every tail, however, was wagging.</p> <p>More than 300 pet owners attended the event, according to Suzan Bell, executive director of the <a href="http://www.bangorhumane.org">Bangor Humane Society</a>. The event raised $55,500, about $15,000 more than last year, she said.</p> <p>“This is our biggest year in 18 years despite the rain,” she said. </p> <p>The money raised is essential, but it is only about 7 percent of the shelter’s $800,000 annual budget, Bell said. Over the past two years, the number of pets at the shelter has increased by 20 percent because of the recession.</p> <p>“We have more animals in need of extended stays due to veterinary needs or behavioral issues,” she said of the challenges facing the Bangor Humane Society. “ <a href="http://bangordailynews.com/2011/09/12/news/bangor/adult-cats-hard-to-place-dogs-focus-of-bangor-humane-society-initiatives/">We also have more animals</a> who have had little or no training. We must use resources to train them before they can be adopted.”</p> <p>In addition to staff from <a href="http://bangordailynews.com/2009/10/03/news/bangor/paws-on-parade-lets-pets-owners-strut-their-stuff/">the shelter on Mount Hope Avenue,</a> about 40 volunteers helped set up for the event and register participants. </p> <p>Copied from Bangor Daily News website.</p> <p> </p> <p>The highlight of our weekend was the wedding of our nephew Billy and his new wife Kaylin!!!  Once again the rain interfered and the outside wedding was inside but it didn’t for one minute diminish the joy and fun of the event.  </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lmi3oWII8fg/Tom0E-u4d9I/AAAAAAAAN60/QdojljHCs3U/s1600-h/Billy%252520and%252520Kaylin%252527s%252520wedding%252520035%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Billy and Kaylin's wedding 035" border="0" alt="Billy and Kaylin's wedding 035" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1UMdPaFNVFg/Tom0FGfHJzI/AAAAAAAAN64/n5y2Rn7zSew/Billy%252520and%252520Kaylin%252527s%252520wedding%252520035_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="350" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Three generations, my brother Bill, Dad and Billy.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N6HgaAR5y4o/Tom0F92hGnI/AAAAAAAAN68/T9GJO7TPFEI/s1600-h/Billy%252520and%252520Kaylin%252527s%252520wedding%252520039%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Billy and Kaylin's wedding 039" border="0" alt="Billy and Kaylin's wedding 039" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wok0fyFutk8/Tom0GWWmyPI/AAAAAAAAN7A/_Dk_Pi20ouU/Billy%252520and%252520Kaylin%252527s%252520wedding%252520039_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="368" /></a> </p> <p> The first dance.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7PChZh6w3O0/Tom0HOvqwoI/AAAAAAAAN7E/szRZFd4Pv4A/s1600-h/Billy%252520and%252520Kaylin%252527s%252520wedding%252520006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Billy and Kaylin's wedding 006" border="0" alt="Billy and Kaylin's wedding 006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JiodsYlndKk/Tom0Hi_96JI/AAAAAAAAN7I/CWkrQQkAwdw/Billy%252520and%252520Kaylin%252527s%252520wedding%252520006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="374" /></a> <p> Mom and Dad in the foreground.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kPdx5T5pT4o/Tom0ICTjSNI/AAAAAAAAN7M/C35ccx5hTBo/s1600-h/Billy%252520and%252520Kaylin%252527s%252520wedding%252520024%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Billy and Kaylin's wedding 024" border="0" alt="Billy and Kaylin's wedding 024" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kCTPWe_kStA/Tom0IiuAtWI/AAAAAAAAN7Q/ppeHNdjciEY/Billy%252520and%252520Kaylin%252527s%252520wedding%252520024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="380" /></a> <p> Here’s a better shot of them.  :o)</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6bmuK55XFuQ/Tom0JTLEHXI/AAAAAAAAN7U/oPCPXr6mjKM/s1600-h/Billy%252520and%252520Kaylin%252527s%252520wedding%252520021%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Billy and Kaylin's wedding 021" border="0" alt="Billy and Kaylin's wedding 021" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VL2fGVjWVNo/Tom0J7GWNBI/AAAAAAAAN7Y/z8LZc5w7NuA/Billy%252520and%252520Kaylin%252527s%252520wedding%252520021_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="391" /></a> <p>I hope to have more pictures coming as my sister is going to send me what she took.  It was a lovely wedding with special touches that made it so personal for Billy and Kaylin.   Billy’s Mom made the cake and it was adorable so I hope my sister got a picture of it and more of the decorating.  Best wishes to the happy couple!</p> <p>Hey, how about those Patriot’s?!  After last weeks debacle it was good to see Tom Brady back on his game.  My favorite guy Vince Wilfork made another good catch and run.  This guy is 350 lbs. but still can pick ‘em up and put ‘em down!  :o)  It was nice to have the big new sunroom to watch the game in with friends. There was plenty of room for everyone, including the cats!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1XF_z5fHEoY/Tom0KSykVvI/AAAAAAAAN7c/OZZs1NOKVhw/s1600-h/vince%252520wilfork%252520football%252520004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="vince wilfork football 004" border="0" alt="vince wilfork football 004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u07J_PzL8T0/Tom0K_1M2qI/AAAAAAAAN7g/3NbouN-_6Nc/vince%252520wilfork%252520football%252520004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="316" /></a> </p> <p>Yep, that’s Vince’s autograph.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FtX-vPASU2A/Tom0LY0QYyI/AAAAAAAAN7k/kjlKvD6l2EM/s1600-h/vince%252520wilfork%252520football%252520005%25255B3%25255D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FtX-vPASU2A/Tom0LY0QYyI/AAAAAAAAN7k/kjlKvD6l2EM/s1600-h/vince%252520wilfork%252520football%252520005%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="vince wilfork football 005" border="0" alt="vince wilfork football 005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7pOeUeUzSjM/Tom0L1ujh6I/AAAAAAAAN7o/n3n4DuepTiM/vince%252520wilfork%252520football%252520005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="310" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The boys are going back to the stable on Wednesday.  Waaaaaaaaaaaaaa!  It’s a little earlier then usual as we are going to Florida for a family vacation on Friday.  I HATE it when they go back and miss them terribly.  It’s only 5 or 6 minutes to the stable but it’s not like just looking out in my backyard and seeing them and walking out to the fence with apples and carrots for them any time I want.  Needless to say they will be extra spoiled this week!</p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-8576661611291505302011-09-22T20:19:00.001-04:002011-09-22T20:19:31.218-04:00Finally, back again!<p>I’ve been on a bloggy break since we got home from New York.  The house has been upside down with the construction and I haven’t had a minute to myself without people in and out with questions etc….  Thankfully it is soon to come to an end as they are just finishing up a few things inside and the outside is coming along well.</p> <p>We are very happy with the results and know we will use the new rooms a lot.  We have always loved our little sunroom even without it being winterized but it did get a mite chilly out there with just the gas stove in the wintertime.  That is about my favorite time of year to be out there especially if there is a nice snowstorm blowing around us.  Love watching the snowflakes drift down.  </p> <p>So……the little sunroom is gone and a new bigger one is in it’s place.  Noodles has already claimed his chair and spends lots of time snoozing out there or watching the birds.  Munchie has had a hard summer with the workmen here, she is very afraid of people she doesn’t know and will hide all day until they leave.  So for three months she has spent most of her time under our bed or outside under FIL’s porch next door.</p> <p>The horses have been a constant source of entertainment for the crew.  Scooter is king of the hill and lets everybody know it.  Kipper got his little fat behiney kicked the first day so keeps out of Scoots way now.  Nick still thinks he’s the boss so there are a few confrontations here and there.  The vet was here on Friday and I mentioned that Lil’ Bud seemed a bit off so he gave him a good check up and found out that he has cataracts.  I wasn’t expecting that!  He still can see well enough during the day to get around, be ridden etc…. but can’t see well at dusk or at night.  We will monitor it but he is way too old to be put through a surgery.  If he should start bumping into things we will address the situation but the vet said this is usually a slow progression for which I am very thankful!!!</p> <p>Have any of you watched The Pioneer Woman’s cooking show on the Food Channel?  I caught two of them but was gone the other two Saturdays that it was on.  I guess there are only going to be four for now.  It’s cute but that gal sure loves to cook with butter!  I think I gained a few pounds just watching! Everything looks yummy though I will admit!!!</p> <p>Here’s a few pictures I took tonight of the sunroom, I will get the pictures from upstairs next post.  In this one the girls have moved the coffee table over and are doing homework.  I love how the top lifts up and makes into a table.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P5pD_dZEt_4/TnvQbaQgN6I/AAAAAAAAN58/QG1uqlfjWnM/s1600-h/sunroom%2525202011%252520001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="sunroom 2011 001" border="0" alt="sunroom 2011 001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EW7UKetPWf8/TnvQb6BKDSI/AAAAAAAAN6A/L_Vlzm5vT1E/sunroom%2525202011%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="326" /></a> </p> <p> Looking the other direction.  That white spotted blanket is Noodles’, that’s his chair……..</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AEDZZSlnt1M/TnvQcmijyYI/AAAAAAAAN6E/-0bYSyjSf-s/s1600-h/sunroom%2525202011%252520002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="sunroom 2011 002" border="0" alt="sunroom 2011 002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eiYQ19Myq8c/TnvQhHe2NGI/AAAAAAAAN6I/Pvn25owBAAs/sunroom%2525202011%252520002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="338" /></a> </p> <p>This is looking towards the dining area and the other set of doors goes into the dining room.  There used to be a window there but we took it out so we could have two archways plus it didn’t make much sense to keep the window looking into the sunroom.  Both archways are the same even though the right hand side looks wider.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NURSLC6BI40/TnvQh2M6VUI/AAAAAAAAN6M/Uwc-myqSJR8/s1600-h/sunroom%2525202011%252520004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="sunroom 2011 004" border="0" alt="sunroom 2011 004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A9Ij1JGTJfc/TnvQiEnthNI/AAAAAAAAN6Q/fj7QSSEL8oI/sunroom%2525202011%252520004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="350" /></a> </p> <p>I finally got a place to put my antique sewing machine that belonged to my Aunt Joyce, it has been down in the basement for several years.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rdr9_BameWI/TnvQjGohhII/AAAAAAAAN6U/19XkJ7uEcZY/s1600-h/sunroom%2525202011%252520007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="sunroom 2011 007" border="0" alt="sunroom 2011 007" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PyHuXHhfids/TnvQjuwvGVI/AAAAAAAAN6Y/k4f6CWeI10E/sunroom%2525202011%252520007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="355" /></a> </p> <p>Guess I’d better get the kiddos in bed as this is a school night.  Miss T and one of her friends is spending the night.  Homework is done and baths taken so they are ready to hit the hay!</p> <p>Will try to get back into the swing of things now and get around to visit you all.  Happy Fall!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VVxIVTo3g0Q/TnvQkPKS0uI/AAAAAAAAN6c/C-0cJl0ZnWE/s1600-h/xxxcat6%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="xxxcat6" border="0" alt="xxxcat6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hpDqFDJMtAs/TnvQkofczMI/AAAAAAAAN6g/C70jGRmn5lo/xxxcat6_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="346" /></a></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-11860202879975419402011-09-08T19:21:00.001-04:002011-09-08T19:21:00.629-04:00The Big Apple<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F4RDFszbEkc/TmlNxKCKNtI/AAAAAAAAN5k/7W-WsBB5L1c/s1600-h/ATT000191%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ATT000191" border="0" alt="ATT000191" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UmIK56oP2fQ/TmlNx0RyiiI/AAAAAAAAN5o/E4jjc8leE-M/ATT000191_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="307" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>It’s been quite a while since I last posted.  Not for lack of activities going on around here as the construction crew is still here alive and well.  They told me yesterday that they may be here until Thanksgiving and I promptly fell over in a dead faint.  Well, not really but I felt like it.  Not that they aren’t a good crew, they are all very polite and helpful and try very hard not to fill the rest of my house full of sheetrock dust but it is almost impossible not to have it flying around.  I am very allergic to it so have been spending lots of time outside.</p> <p>This week we have been away so that was a help.  We had to go to NYC on business for a few days and other then the torrential rains it was a lot of fun.  At the last minute before we left to head out I grabbed my rain coat.  Good thinking on my part for once.</p> <p>Tuesday night we were supposed to go to a Yankee’s baseball game so headed over with two other couples.  The cab driver had to take an alternate route as there was flooding and everyone else did too.  The traffic was horrendous!  If we have more then three cars go by our house in a day we think there has been a lot of traffic so NY traffic just overwhelms us.</p> <p>We finally arrived and took a tour of the stadium.  It is an amazing place.  We were planning to eat some dinner there before the game and I was thinking hotdogs, hamburgers, fries and Cokes but there was not a hamburger in sight.  We started out with sushi  (bleck!), crab legs (YUM), duck, tenderloin, fish and lots of other appetizers that the wait staff just kept bringing!</p> <p>Then on to the buffet which had delicious foods of all kinds.  I ate too much as did everyone else but the game was delayed so there was nothing else to do.  :o)  It was just raining cats and dogs!!!</p> <p>Finally about 9:30 we called it a night and headed back to the hotel never dreaming that they would have the game.  They did. At eleven o’clock PM they started the game and it went until 2:30 AM!!!  We were fast asleep and thankful for it.  It was worth going just to have the nice meal and to see the stadium.</p> <p>The next day we went to see Sister Act on Broadway in between meetings.  It was very well done, the costumes were wonderful and the language was fine unlike our experience with another show…….. The singing was amazing, such talent there, and to think there are shows going on all over the place with different people with the same amazing talent.  Some of the others went to see Memphis and said that was good as well.</p> <p> </p> <p>I didn’t take many pictures,  just a couple from our room on the 12th floor and you can see how dreary it was there with all the rain.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1x3shlNKYj0/TmlNzXMZqrI/AAAAAAAAN5s/hcmJd-p99pI/s1600-h/First%252520day%252520of%252520school%2525202011%252520013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="First day of school 2011 013" border="0" alt="First day of school 2011 013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P6qwTzUbHcU/TmlN0WTWUwI/AAAAAAAAN5w/8eHVFHHOuyI/First%252520day%252520of%252520school%2525202011%252520013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="339" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lVQ43YbfLPc/TmlN1zO7CsI/AAAAAAAAN50/bVJOS7eWsSQ/s1600-h/First%252520day%252520of%252520school%2525202011%252520014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="First day of school 2011 014" border="0" alt="First day of school 2011 014" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QX_C2ouvuLo/TmlN203UR8I/AAAAAAAAN54/nBBY5lZPRn0/First%252520day%252520of%252520school%2525202011%252520014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="345" /></a> </p> <p>I can’t imagine being surrounded by big buildings all the time.  The first thing I did after getting home this morning when I finished unpacking was to take Scooter and go for a nice trail ride.  It was beautiful, the air was fresh, everything green from the rain, just a lovely ride.  I guess I will never be a city girl.  :o)</p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-51478924364882932952011-08-30T23:59:00.002-04:002011-08-31T00:02:30.664-04:00This and That<br />
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We are still in a state of construction here on the Range. I think the crew is going to be here until Christmas, well at least Thanksgiving! They are a good bunch though and didn’t even flinch when I asked them not to have a radio blaring while they worked. To have it loud enough to be heard over sawing and hammering it has to be LOUD and seeing as I don’t have real doors right now, only plastic, it doesn’t filter out much of the sound.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ovp__gfqIYs/Tl2xfKVKXdI/AAAAAAAAN4U/hesZAE2nn8c/s1600-h/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520017%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dad's pictures 017" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6JRLjSGKETY/Tl2xf6hv7KI/AAAAAAAAN4Y/ba4W8IIk_IA/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Dad's pictures 017" width="396" /></a> <br />
These are pictures I took off Dad’s camera. The outside of the addition is now all sided and painted and the left hand side deck is torn off. The poor raccoons must have been surprised when they came by on their nightly visit! Sorry this is a little blurry.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kS8q-5FkGS8/Tl2xgq93nKI/AAAAAAAAN4c/LHcMbTq3DZM/s1600-h/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520048%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dad's pictures 048" border="0" height="310" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FhLdM2994Xg/Tl2xhBQ1y3I/AAAAAAAAN4g/qQmDLY6_Cuo/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Dad's pictures 048" width="407" /></a><br />
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The babies on the railing and Mom on the right corner. Notice they have already taken a cushion off the chair.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--BVSW2keBVU/Tl2xhnOhDXI/AAAAAAAAN4k/t1sqWt83_A0/s1600-h/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520009%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dad's pictures 009" border="0" height="319" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OZzPNMx1tPo/Tl2xiUuxNhI/AAAAAAAAN4o/NBGzPHZ21nk/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Dad's pictures 009" width="419" /></a><br />
Peeking in the window. This deck is all gone now and we are waiting for the new one to be built.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mV9YSQjriyw/Tl2xi3SdaZI/AAAAAAAAN4s/JrbS6egCyps/s1600-h/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dad's pictures 010" border="0" height="322" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AHHQnKn90Fw/Tl2xjoeGLLI/AAAAAAAAN4w/tS93nXeZDwE/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Dad's pictures 010" width="424" /></a><br />
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Here is Mom and Dad’s cat Buffy. She is about ten or eleven years old and they rescued her in Florida when she was on deaths door. She has thrived ever since and has been such good company for them.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OIXpjn-qLBg/Tl2xkMX4M9I/AAAAAAAAN40/2PMpYPHV1H4/s1600-h/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dad's pictures 003" border="0" height="315" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EakHdyXiSbc/Tl2xktsS0wI/AAAAAAAAN44/bWNAj3lB8q8/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Dad's pictures 003" width="414" /></a> <br />
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Noodles likes to sneak in and sleep on the bed. It was much to our surprise when he and Buffy were on the bed together. Not that they fight but they keep a safe distance between them most of the time.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LJL5FJJG9e0/Tl2xm_mFkHI/AAAAAAAAN48/i2lT0y1PEqk/s1600-h/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520061%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dad's pictures 061" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--OnAO_zNvow/Tl2xnUkJ9KI/AAAAAAAAN5A/2EoZvh_3lNw/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520061_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Dad's pictures 061" width="421" /></a> <br />
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Here is a shot of Dad in front of the front garden.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PTbaL7kLaVE/Tl2xoXj6OKI/AAAAAAAAN5E/q7VjmDc-CX8/s1600-h/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520058%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dad's pictures 058" border="0" height="310" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--0_hoMwVLIM/Tl2xpHr6McI/AAAAAAAAN5I/3gkfY7BKcE0/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520058_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Dad's pictures 058" width="407" /></a> <br />
And a picture of Mom. The flowers don’t look this good now after Irene blew through.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yAi9EIxp2YQ/Tl2xqZXdXLI/AAAAAAAAN5M/puZfKEFk_vA/s1600-h/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520057%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dad's pictures 057" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4KWNJ9BqmeE/Tl2xrFAgDcI/AAAAAAAAN5Q/Lmpr_o6jVfk/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520057_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Dad's pictures 057" width="425" /></a> <br />
We have been picking up from Irene’s destruction. We just had one hydrangea tree like the one behind Mom to stake up as it had blown over. Son had several trees down at his house that will have to be sawed with the chainsaw. It is blocking the path to their house from ours so I have to make a detour and go under a thorn bush. I think I am going to take my clippers with me next time a trim them back! Other then a few branches and leaves down it wasn’t bad. Lots of rain though but that will soak in fine. Not like Vermont that just got hammered by the storm. I feel so badly for those people!<br />
On a good note Scooter continues to blend in with the family. Actually I think this is Kipper and Nick with their fly masks on.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_bIoNZObpeE/Tl2xsF_6FDI/AAAAAAAAN5U/E8jRXllU5qg/s1600-h/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520016%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dad's pictures 016" border="0" height="319" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Uy8GUHsOLtI/Tl2xs99ziYI/AAAAAAAAN5Y/MZ5Vx_C5quk/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520016_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Dad's pictures 016" width="420" /></a> <br />
Here he is. He’s a Big Boy!<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SfPTQiF5Rxw/Tl2xttGi8CI/AAAAAAAAN5c/s0wtlVWjgNU/s1600-h/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520037%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dad's pictures 037" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y8tzZbAInU4/Tl2xubytYvI/AAAAAAAAN5g/BHRBbUCHcOo/Dad%252527s%252520pictures%252520037_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Dad's pictures 037" width="421" /></a> <br />
Well it’s almost midnight so guess I will hit the hay. I never stay up this late, must have gotten a bottle of Diet Coke <em>with </em>caffeine instead of without!Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-65763735789229903472011-08-29T11:50:00.003-04:002011-08-29T11:54:24.464-04:00Hurricane Irene<span style="color: #004080; font-size: small;">Well we made it through the storm without too much damage. A few branches down, one hydrangea tree tipped over but I think Dad and I can prop it up, most of the apples on my trees are on the ground unfortunately, we lost our power for ten hours but we have a generator so that was okay. No big trees down, no damage to the house, the barn is fine, the boys had fun out in the warm rain so we have a lot to be thankful for.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #004080; font-size: small;">A few places around town got a little more damage but nothing serious. The American Folk Festival was in town and they had to cancel all of Sunday’s performances due to the high winds but managed to squeeze a lot of them into Saturday. Son and DIL were at Gillette Stadium at the Country Music Festival and came home Sunday morning and didn’t hit heavy rain until about a half hour before they got here. Again lots to be thankful for!!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NjwWzKJE6uA/Tlu1OYj_hfI/AAAAAAAAN4E/CTbPwDpXnwU/s1600-h/Hurricane%252520Irene%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #004080; font-size: small;"><img alt="Hurricane Irene" border="0" height="370" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uvkwtk3dM64/Tlu1PBR0d9I/AAAAAAAAN4I/dvoalmqkrlw/Hurricane%252520Irene_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Hurricane Irene" width="522" /></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #004080; font-size: small;">Today is bright and sunny, with that awful humidity gone! Yippee! The day before the storm hit it was like walking into a wet blanket it was so humid. The men are here working and happy for the cooler, drier air. The construction project continues on………..I keep telling myself IT WILL BE WORTH IT…..</span><br />
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<span style="color: #004080; font-size: small;">I didn’t get any pictures as my camera batteries were dead but Saturday morning four of us went trail riding. All four horses in my barn went out together and loved it. No one likes to be left in the barn when we go out but I always give them some hay and treats to keep them busy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #004080; font-size: small;">Miss T was on her pony Kipper, I was on big Scooter, Funsize was on Nick and my nephews wife to be was on Lil’ bud. She had never ridden before but did a great job. She practiced in the ring for a while before we left.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #004080; font-size: small;">Funsize and Miss T did some racing and even though Kip was running as fast as his short little legs could go he couldn’t keep up with Nick who is half Thoroughbred! :o) When we got back Mr. D and a friend did some riding in the ring so the horses got their exercise for the day. They loved being out in the heavy rain yesterday. It was a nice warm rain and warm wind so they were happy as a clam as there were no bugs to bother them and they got a good bath.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #004080; font-size: small;">Hollie over at<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2057698505"> </a></span><span style="color: #ff0080; font-size: small;"><a href="http://hollie-lifeinasmalltown.blogspot.com/">Life In A Small Town</a></span><span style="color: #004080; font-size: small;"> had a good post today that was about what I have been thinking about a lot lately. So many people that I blogged with for a long time are now either on just FB or have stopped all together. I miss them and their comments and keeping up with their lives. I know the reasons for some of them stopping but some I don’t and probably never will and it makes me sad. I am so thankful for all of you that have kept with it and continue on even if it’s not as often as we all once posted. I know when I started four years ago I posted every day! Every day! How did I do that and what did I write about? I’ll have to check back!!!</span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dTus0pNtnlw/Tlu1QHy0UYI/AAAAAAAAN4M/sTeIfEr3P6s/s1600-h/CMP%252520Always%252520in%252520Bloom%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="CMP Always in Bloom" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uUiY4zsI8bw/Tlu1Q_pPxFI/AAAAAAAAN4Q/b7u7mdRXhJI/CMP%252520Always%252520in%252520Bloom_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="CMP Always in Bloom" width="405" /></a>Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872537960727288131.post-2659318174947123222011-08-20T20:43:00.001-04:002011-08-20T20:43:53.191-04:00Horses, horses and more horses.<p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Another weekend, another trip to the coast.  It was a beautiful day, a bit humid here but nice on the coast.  We met up with 12 other members of the family on the Hubs side and had a wonderful time at The Jordan Pond House eating lobster stew and popovers.  FIL went with us and we gabbed all the way down and back.  I forgot my camera which was a bummer but it’s the first time all summer so guess I can’t complain.  :o)</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Have been riding about every day except when it’s too hot or raining.  Scooter is such a sweetheart and learning more every ride how to be a western pleasure horse although he does try to herd Kipper once in a while.  Kip is about the size of the cows he used to herd.  :o)</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n-7AGfmy-Ko/TlBUOovMZgI/AAAAAAAAN00/cjZ8kuFrxHc/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520065%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 065" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 065" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E5gc3BMcUuY/TlBUPeseq4I/AAAAAAAAN04/o31t9xmcR34/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520065_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="336" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Nick heading out into the pasture.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_IPqRGsFDDY/TlBUQEtA55I/AAAAAAAAN08/F9gvdhiUqkk/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520047%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 047" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 047" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9Mh7DGRDasc/TlBUQ4e0OjI/AAAAAAAAN1A/jFjA0IlkrO0/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="342" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Cousin K on Scoot.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DckFruIei-8/TlBURtPWEFI/AAAAAAAAN1E/Pbaggq2XeV4/s1600-h/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520023%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Dylans new helmet 023" border="0" alt="Dylans new helmet 023" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BgKMM9x6OWA/TlBUScppxwI/AAAAAAAAN1I/BPdlI02Zgp8/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520023_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="354" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Funsize loving on Lil’ Bud.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oxFMoMSt46g/TlBUTGm6YHI/AAAAAAAAN1M/dQ6YLUX69oc/s1600-h/Scooter%25252C%252520Lil%252527%252520Bud%252520and%252520Kipper%2525202012%252520011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Scooter, Lil' Bud and Kipper 2012 011" border="0" alt="Scooter, Lil' Bud and Kipper 2012 011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e6XCE6JgIiw/TlBUT07HvAI/AAAAAAAAN1Q/lDcnWKDfKas/Scooter%25252C%252520Lil%252527%252520Bud%252520and%252520Kipper%2525202012%252520011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="371" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Grampie, Kipper, Miss T and Son.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S8QKluyQF9M/TlBUUpS4t0I/AAAAAAAAN1U/PF9C3ScO9F0/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520053%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 053" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 053" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sLrpebstoMs/TlBUVgldJlI/AAAAAAAAN1Y/9-qyRlEof6M/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520053_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="366" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Mr. D giving Daddy a ride in the Gator.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7XVVuDhsvZI/TlBUWIDsuqI/AAAAAAAAN1c/1sp3-pG6Pss/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 022" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 022" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iijPPkyDTFE/TlBUWzu7fLI/AAAAAAAAN1g/hxXINWooX90/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="377" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Scooter and Lil’ Bud look so much alike except Lil’ Bud has a white strip on his face.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q3nPbm_tz-c/TlBUXiBSHVI/AAAAAAAAN1k/qGKRYdikHXU/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520039%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 039" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 039" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HvGEbV8bnn4/TlBUYacXdoI/AAAAAAAAN1o/62U7Vava_hk/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520039_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="390" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Cousin K and Miss T getting ready to go on a trail ride.  Doesn’t seem possible Lil’ Bud is almost 24 years old!</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6g4ngaJdw44/TlBUZOGXS_I/AAAAAAAAN1s/vOX8ha7vKl4/s1600-h/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520045%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Dylans new helmet 045" border="0" alt="Dylans new helmet 045" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eHxRaNPKM6s/TlBUZ5zpVUI/AAAAAAAAN1w/ZuLouyTmAvQ/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520045_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="360" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>One day Mr. D and I went to the tack shop.  He needed a new helmet and some new boots.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C7gkmoN6Ndw/TlBUam3CIEI/AAAAAAAAN10/gHxuVh7Om-Y/s1600-h/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520009%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Dylans new helmet 009" border="0" alt="Dylans new helmet 009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6SU94CNClig/TlBUbSAq3NI/AAAAAAAAN14/wyFoqsciwv8/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="358" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Trying on boots.</strong></font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bGz3Q4lMtnk/TlBUcCRaJEI/AAAAAAAAN18/8nbfWiks2o0/s1600-h/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bGz3Q4lMtnk/TlBUcCRaJEI/AAAAAAAAN2A/53q5gvWRcKw/s1600-h/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Dylans new helmet 011" border="0" alt="Dylans new helmet 011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MEVCDJuWW-o/TlBUdkwIjKI/AAAAAAAAN2E/AIexLXYj5_Y/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520011_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="371" /></strong></font></a></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Trying on helmets.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jIlz5yXnqoA/TlBUeQOUroI/AAAAAAAAN2I/hzI5ydHu6AQ/s1600-h/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Dylans new helmet 003" border="0" alt="Dylans new helmet 003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s3ufwHRDbo4/TlBUe0S7IyI/AAAAAAAAN2M/d9p8hbTGZmY/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520003_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="358" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>This is the one!</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SiOKJzzOQZs/TlBUf6ZXJFI/AAAAAAAAN2Q/tnjMOgCnL4U/s1600-h/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520018%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Dylans new helmet 018" border="0" alt="Dylans new helmet 018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C57FRtb0NWU/TlBUgav4XYI/AAAAAAAAN2U/tUVfhFMo2Go/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520018_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="364" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P5xvpbLfXLk/TlBUhcPPlEI/AAAAAAAAN2Y/yYQghOdBNXM/s1600-h/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520016%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Dylans new helmet 016" border="0" alt="Dylans new helmet 016" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PV2tsqm8DiQ/TlBUiVV9HRI/AAAAAAAAN2c/1LiZerK-Xsk/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520016_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="360" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>He was all ready to ride now with a little help from big sis.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q851MFWPbww/TlBUjEfNDfI/AAAAAAAAN2g/Q5dFj5U5278/s1600-h/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520027%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Dylans new helmet 027" border="0" alt="Dylans new helmet 027" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MMovBKn7F3s/TlBUj3e2sDI/AAAAAAAAN2k/rH51mYPI5LE/Dylans%252520new%252520helmet%252520027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="370" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>There are always chores to do…..</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VzwHaqQXngU/TlBUkz_76YI/AAAAAAAAN2o/E3SKtN_0uW8/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520058%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 058" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 058" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u-PjkErgfTI/TlBUlvvS9SI/AAAAAAAAN2s/PVp2eQtHb44/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520058_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="360" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> The flowers are still blooming but are past their peak.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Cone flowers</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C2F8NIfDXF0/TlBUmfBgpAI/AAAAAAAAN2w/_P_3XPBqB90/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520068%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 068" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 068" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jgJ37gAWzPw/TlBUm4ekIVI/AAAAAAAAN20/s7cewp_g1vw/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520068_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="337" /></strong></font></a> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Cleome</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wxNz5bfF3o4/TlBUn7yHgQI/AAAAAAAAN24/BXxfX9o9_1U/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520070%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 070" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 070" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rYguaP2KNVE/TlBUorvI7aI/AAAAAAAAN28/f7OBoAHfF0E/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520070_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Purple coneflowers.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t83A5r_f6I4/TlBUphs5_KI/AAAAAAAAN3A/Pyw7PBRNDl4/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520071%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 071" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 071" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hEa7pQSEeGc/TlBUqQj1rAI/AAAAAAAAN3E/e5wsrAO_4Rw/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520071_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="339" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Just starting to bloom.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NDXNBsrZpn8/TlBUrbZcXlI/AAAAAAAAN3I/C4GvDPExt1U/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520074%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 074" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 074" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xY1FK9z1Jas/TlBUsbrLmQI/AAAAAAAAN3M/9uINkBmI-S8/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520074_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="345" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>More coneflowers.  I have them in pink, purple, white, yellow and mango.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xXEbPuo566Y/TlBUtQ0GW0I/AAAAAAAAN3Q/I8y3hTvSZy0/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520072%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 072" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 072" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7MOJ0p4V5Fk/TlBUuMD-u9I/AAAAAAAAN3U/NTug_0LRr2k/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520072_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="342" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Brown Eyed Susans.</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8_RqeoJhUEM/TlBUvIIYT0I/AAAAAAAAN3Y/ru0RLz8psKc/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520073%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 073" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 073" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Y0H2wFD0p4/TlBUwLfOxSI/AAAAAAAAN3c/kIz4ODnwVLc/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520073_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="361" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>Son and DIL.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lFP7rT5-49A/TlBUxCYJl-I/AAAAAAAAN3g/W6NspvkbROg/s1600-h/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520062%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 062" border="0" alt="horses, Dylan, Taylor, Grammie 062" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iD7nD5LQ1H4/TlBUxljJN9I/AAAAAAAAN3k/NG9CSj7dEQk/horses%25252C%252520Dylan%25252C%252520Taylor%25252C%252520Grammie%252520062_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="345" /></strong></font></a><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff" size="3"><strong>I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend.  Tomorrow after church we are headed for the lake.  I bought some plants on the way home from the coast today and want to get them into my lake garden.  Summer is fast fleeting so we are trying to enjoy every single minute of it!  :o)</strong></font></p> Midlife Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531655128417397650noreply@blogger.com9