tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46818577234257590202024-02-21T20:29:10.241-06:00 Days Go BySusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-73740825435981719342014-07-04T22:00:00.001-05:002014-08-21T18:19:57.736-05:00Stars and Stripes Forever<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love Independence Day. I'm proud to be a citizen of the USA. I try to stay informed and make good choices. I'm a firm believer that America<i> </i>is exceptional - that we are a free nation based on democratic ideals and liberty. Our Declaration of Independence was (and is, still) an inspired document.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Seeing our flag fly always makes me proud. So does patriotic music. This is only one of my favorites:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/M5bcpjUjLpU?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param>
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<embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/M5bcpjUjLpU?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The colors of our flag - red, white & blue make me happy. Especially at home! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My new mixer is Candy Apple Red. Honestly, how can you not love red? </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fnaliFaedV2zuUGvTFAkJzZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoErUhKC0-0-3g_PNG7pib6LRyA0WO-1xX7KiXHZHXi6XFtiSA4Ji7qLXq9IghPkqFm9DsvvouVanj7RrqqZd132AM4JQ9M-CIOSIzi_WCw-Dp9GcGm4eilgpPucoa3jWJh6rk9KiwvI/s640/photo%25203.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zexxxbu3C2Sq2Cl69UP9yzZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BGk7VNwoKVQ/U5o1MH6WGlI/AAAAAAAAEz8/5-yB0gyKJcA/s640/photo%25201.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Although it came with a glass bowl, it seemed a bit cumbersome to use so I quickly ordered a stainless bowl. It is perfect!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GwUt_cAVF-ynMRPiTjOb2JQG4Am7FQqEbk3W7lvqgNc?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4tT0YA8BGBA/U7YsEt6tSMI/AAAAAAAAE7c/2C1xCNFWcy0/s640/IMG_1990.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've got friends who have Fiesta, but I never thought it was for me. My house isn't a multi-colored place where it would fit (or so I thought). Then I innocently bought a few little fruit bowls on clearance at Dillard's and promptly fell in love with Fiesta. Kinda. Not all colors, but the blues...my favorite is Lapis Blue.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had some Mother's Day gift cards and ended up buying some luncheon size plates in that color. </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sHj7dqhcwQHWCdrbOAazyzZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-F8YsAEC5bg8/U6O71KdlG1I/AAAAAAAAE1w/CdFUoCYVgQM/s640/IMG_1902.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How can you not love blue plates? They're cheerful. And even though they're not exactly the same, they also play nicely with my cobalt blue Le Creuset serving pieces. </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3S7_RHHDNEu1xwQObwMFvzZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wsZx3JznczD4Jv9kFfcd6Madqd-pxzOmRN70v7iCogFsCVPYlUAt1J6ysgdpD9GlPzlORdxIiUG7p2Enuvn27yJYLVF6N0adr_z_q41KlelPO0-mjUxteiTdRqqQbgA-EYHZTfQX0Fs/s640/IMG_1904.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That blue is heavenly.</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_Gj6imyGmACGKWdgs8GKXpQG4Am7FQqEbk3W7lvqgNc?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ajpbXLX5c4k/U7Yt7iXeSlI/AAAAAAAAFAA/uyYpm8c-bhk/s640/IMG_2038.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One morning last week, at 6 am I woke up (this is normal). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I said goodbye to Don before work and immediately hopped out of bed (so<i> not</i> normal) and started setting the table (ditto). </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OLXSnga15_sjTzjPceskCpQG4Am7FQqEbk3W7lvqgNc?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ansgeuediaY/U7YuXyjNpeI/AAAAAAAAFCM/riyUEZqYKDU/s640/IMG_2053.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don wasn't sure what had gotten into me. When I was done I went back to bed, and when I got up later I was kind of surprised at how much I loved it! </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Do0m4AKqmZZr0bCh7INPepQG4Am7FQqEbk3W7lvqgNc?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--5j77h1Cg9Q/U7Yuk-e55_I/AAAAAAAAFCs/z5HuaxOLZCc/s640/IMG_2057.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I used my Lenox Butler's Pantry plates under the Fiesta, with some new red-checked napkins from Pottery Barn (clearance) on top. Oh happy day. </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WPcdX34mBoBa9D2xH0dKZpQG4Am7FQqEbk3W7lvqgNc?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4UKQ4c2udaQ/U7YueZpUewI/AAAAAAAAFCc/nrkzU18ZMc8/s640/IMG_2055.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The water goblets were just $1 each, I bought those long ago at Garden Ridge. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I made a roast last Sunday and it was awesome to eat on the pretty plates. The roast was delicious, too. At least Alex, Jennifer and Don said so.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We didn't use the napkins yet, but we will. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Believe it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eBjlzI7y40ryg3mAEXaRwZQG4Am7FQqEbk3W7lvqgNc?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rr71ASCBe84/U7Yt07NJ_sI/AAAAAAAAE_w/fxsvC0Gqi-8/s640/IMG_2032.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm proud to be an American.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love my family. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love my country.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love our troops and am grateful for them all.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love the flag.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love red, white & blue.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Stars and Stripes. Forever.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2014/07/sunday-showcase-party-251.html">Sunday Showcase Party</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2014/07/please-join-me-for-scoop-126.html">Confessions of a Plate Addict</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2014/07/wow-us-wednesdays-177.html">Wow Us Wednesdays</a></span></div>
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-5200559714007516722014-06-24T19:40:00.001-05:002014-07-01T01:29:37.138-05:00The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (cue the music)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>If you don't know the theme song from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" you should look it up or stop reading now. It's iconic. And so is this story.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"The Making of a Driveway, 2014"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Our old driveway had been slightly curved on one side, to fit around pine trees that are no longer there. It was badly cracked and broken in several places. Repairs were no good, it was clear we needed to start over. After our neighbors volunteered to let us park our 2 trucks and my Pilot over at their house, the project was begun. (I mean, how long could it take? Five or 6 days? 10 tops?)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oUd3Fj3XqvnaGxKPQfOBdjZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-di2MVJIkavQ/U5o1FpeSsDI/AAAAAAAAEz0/pmXYbx5YpKs/s400/IMG_1894.JPG" width="400" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Things started out promising enough. Men came. Equipment made loud noises. After a few days we we realized the team we hired hadn't had the utilities marked - gas, phone, water. Yikes.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Then, too. There was a difference of opinion between how it should be done, and what was getting done. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And that was all before the rain started. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b0fmd5-ZT89Fxd149k3NbjZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUNyA0IiDQbjI3AhBQdhUx47M25o5eVzThFvozo-Dgf64M-77hgsLeo8hoJUL7m-elEgR44lmergS0ZOA5vax2XrD979Eq59Yiul7ePsqV1VM2U2XPEYxVxMwNxTOt8trs335PXGdUQM/s400/IMG_1911.JPG" width="400" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Worry commenced. Options were weighed. (Are you listening to the music here? Because you should be.) </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Don decided the best course of action was to change horses in midstream. I was all in. </i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QtlurV1QwxDCM39rMoex0jZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><img height="216" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Kf-_dgD1i0/U5uzL8rjBXI/AAAAAAAAE00/eClgO2rSjVw/s288/photo%25202-3.jpg" width="288" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>New team, new plan, a new day. They preferred to start over from the beginning. New markings for utilities, new forms, new methods.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>These guys were awesome. They don't do driveways, they build streets in million dollar neighborhoods. (Our next door neighbor tried to hire them and they turned him down flat.)</i></span><br />
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<i style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ApQylfSPyGcN19mb_U_Nhinb65wL3qIO6nIzWftyVQagBuKat9UZF7wgerDo2TN2ySwOYFK0FVmuoir0o3RCw1umAj6dQP6fghghJ_WokvMVUla1qLYvbEWfl0y-NZpLCLu9Or9j5MY/s400/IMG_1942.JPG" width="400" /></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DmT2n-YUnxKdurE0HppO9DZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>But Don knows people. And his people know people. And so the cavalry rode in to save the day, though by this time 19 days had gone by. </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Men came. Equipment made loud noises. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2uj2aMpb8c5okfc7h_RqpjZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d-lkY79c5AM/U6O8NM6wqiI/AAAAAAAAE2o/4zeDLMGFUkY/s400/IMG_1943.JPG" width="400" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>People stopped to admire the process when the concrete was poured. No kidding. But that could have been because they were really tired of us parking in their driveways. </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>In any case...they finished. Still more work to do, though - leveling the grass, trimming, sealing. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oNOl5mSiphg/U6O8RjORsvI/AAAAAAAAE24/Vt9ZUmD79Dg/s1600/IMG_1949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oNOl5mSiphg/U6O8RjORsvI/AAAAAAAAE24/Vt9ZUmD79Dg/s400/IMG_1949.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Oh how happy we were!! When we were allowed to walk on it, it was like magic. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YvX8jzSRmgfv0--FWM7QnTZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ETXlm75U9P8/U6O8v8MLc-I/AAAAAAAAE34/6yzjOY_eJIQ/s640/IMG_1960.JPG" width="640" /></i></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j1mFbTaqeNimxWd5m0qp1zZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3R5NWCeEIHaihrVjzeDGE6kU9tHZDb6dX91t-Y08s8Uche5FzqqmtA32_ANSJvYvIRBX9_BV1s2kb9S_9mEF4KQDjLPiCwnJir0AXl-4YEHfe-0Tm6o-nr_ys43tALiyvsa3FrT0ICgY/s640/IMG_1970.JPG" width="640" /></i></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0ySxYmd40r01UHoUFoBxyzZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-shFZOjaPqNo/U6O88bOq9bI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/RbAsLq8cMFE/s640/IMG_1963.JPG" width="640" /></i></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The forms have been removed. The men have left. The equipment is gone. Goodbye cones and tape.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And today, today... </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Tuesday, June 24th, after 27 days...we finally were given the OK to drive and park here. </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Is2OyJ0VAyjos3X7u7PzYTZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bH6VwLNtqSs/U6O8rzsdAbI/AAAAAAAAE3w/3-R1RhVkjtk/s640/IMG_1959.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Yes, at our own house. Raise</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> the flag!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.bystephanielynn.com%E2%80%9D" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P3z6AKgw2pq7NRru-UkozjZbrb3xN--tZQLsgEXauyI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VxpduazxoOk/U6O9EBk6agI/AAAAAAAAE4s/kE13Q-n1Xng/s640/IMG_1966.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4e3e2b; font-family: 'Old Standard TT'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.savvysouthernstyle.net" target="_blank"><img alt="Savvy Southern Style" src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/buttonone_zps78e61b85.png~original" height="125" width="125" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4e3e2b; font-family: 'Old Standard TT'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.savvysouthernstyle.net" target="_blank"><img span="" /></a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.astrollthrulife.net" target="_blank"><img alt="A Stroll Thru Life" src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/pianoprincessdesigns/IMTbutton_zps110fd80c.png~original" height="125" width="125" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4e3e2b; font-family: 'Old Standard TT'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.savvysouthernstyle.net" target="_blank"><img span="" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px;"></span></span>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-25849870042054811462014-03-26T15:52:00.002-05:002014-04-23T14:10:28.778-05:00Come on down to my boat, baby...<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>If the title of this post doesn't ring a bell, you've missed out on one of the gems of 60's music. It's by Every Mother's Son. (Give it a listen on YouTube)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A couple of months ago, Don & I sailed away from Galveston for a cool trip of our own. I was so tickled to be back on the Carnival Magic, my favorite ship. It's been such a cold and icy winter that the idea of getting out of here for a week was awesome!</span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fDCcwejTV_ud_JBtkE4p9y-hjpgugFMw1_TQToYgaLs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EnK4vfggnUI/Ux5yyixI3LI/AAAAAAAAEPU/VgqH3FOlEfk/s640/P1050562.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Off course, the first thing you do after embarking is EAT. Here's a few gratuitous food pictures. First, the Mongolian Grill. I ordered shrimp, shrimp, shrimp, ha! It was delicious.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wlc823PmBY74FQxHnX3h8v-rVoynz1uUXl3eMmErdDw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m1F4x03GAMs/Ux_IVFPOR8I/AAAAAAAAElQ/VB_9XjxDbUE/s640/IMG_1665.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I'm not sure what was going on in this picture, but I think it had something to do with cookies.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hqjU_gLwmC3zmkAtEfDErC-hjpgugFMw1_TQToYgaLs?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NMMD0tW9oWk/Ux5zl2YEuiI/AAAAAAAAERs/B20yHFj6ErE/s640/P1050586.JPG" width="640" /></a>
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It's so funny how your tastes change over the course of a week-long cruise. I started out the first couple of evenings by ordering two Shrimp Cocktail appetizers. They're tasty and all but I moved on.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cpMKqzpHt7OqKssKo7qudf-rVoynz1uUXl3eMmErdDw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmHgZzL45-Chyr3HddkOjx-X8sJzWJ_OEVHKpE0OJmZF83zzltJps1elPon1epu1M1c4-546KUh-SIDG1gFnOgEGSRzjaRDhaMsfPM1xf8aNdacPW9LwViwnCEp2OOSfOOgddr5CDKwA/s640/IMG_1669.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Then one night I ordered the Fresh Fruit Cocktail as a starter and it was out of this world. I mean, how do they do that, pick the very sweetest fruit for cruise ships? I don't know, but whatever, it was perfect every time. The Cream of Broccoli soup was so good, too. <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ynoTRkqgqn-Uv4E2EepFTNMwy6W5YFU7zGIHmdJj96k?feat=embedwebsite"></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ynoTRkqgqn-Uv4E2EepFTNMwy6W5YFU7zGIHmdJj96k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MoCc3Wplxfw/Ux6NLcpWfFI/AAAAAAAAEfI/J8El1Kpf_DQ/s640/IMG_1675.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another note about food. You can have the most mouthwatering spread of awesome food, but if the service is poor, it kind of spoils it. You know what I mean.<br />
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The first couple of nights we bounced around in a couple of different spots in the dining room, but then - then, we got Glenn as a head waiter. And once we had him, we were not going to sit anywhere else.<br />
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He was efficient, warm, charming...and he could tell if I liked something instantly. No kidding. One night I had ordered Prime Rib, but when it came, it just didn't suit me. Before I could even ask, he whisked it away and brought me the Panko Crusted Jumbo Shrimp instead. Crazy good service!<br />
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OK - we did do things other than just eat. The weather was spectacular! We left Galveston in the sunshine and it stayed sunny and bright all week, except for one cloudy afternoon in Jamaica. <br />
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The Magic is a beautiful ship and you can walk all the way around her on the Promenade deck. Not many cruise ships have decks like that. The Sky Deck has a Serenity area (no one under 21 allowed) and it was wonderful. It was dicey to get a place to lay out during the afternoon, but if you look carefully, you become pretty good at finding a couple just getting up to leave and heading over to their spot. ;)<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pHu_eDzS0-lDJ8bOWjYyAv-rVoynz1uUXl3eMmErdDw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g5WwuuChGkQ/UzJmP37v1KI/AAAAAAAAEns/-gw0niiqQzE/s640/serenity.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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So pretty at night. And the sky is gorgeous. If you wait until you're out to sea (past the drilling platforms) the stars sparkle like diamonds. We sat on our balcony a lot and watched the sea drift by.<br />
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Other things we did:<br />
<ul>
<li> Trivia games. </li>
<li> Line dancing. (ok, just me)</li>
<li> Hot tub. </li>
<li> Napping.</li>
<li> Reading.</li>
<li> Entertainment...stage shows in the Showtime Theatre, comedy acts in Punchliner, and live music all over. </li>
<li> People watching/ people meeting. </li>
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This is the deal - you meet some people you absolutely love, some you can take or leave, and some you are glad to never see again (just like real life!). Most nights at dinner we sat near the same 3 ladies and loved talking to them (they were also taken with Glenn, the waiter, so they made sure to sit in that section). They were sisters, who once a year, meet and cruise together. </div>
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The last night at dinner we sat at a tiny table and on either side of us were couples. One - honeymooners (he was a tennis pro, she was a spa manager) and the other, an old couple from Australia. They had been married more than 50 years, no children. But they had traveled the world, spending months at a time in far away countries. We were so torn, we wanted to talk to both couples, and so we did. That was awesome.</div>
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Our destinations on this cruise: Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel. At Jamaica, we just went to shop a little in the port terminal.</div>
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Grand Cayman. Of all the excursions we've done, this one was #1. Fantastic. Super. Fun. Amazing. And I know this much is true...we will do this again.</div>
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After the short tender ride to GC, we met our group (Marineland Tours) and took a short bus ride to the boat. I was specific in booking this boat and crew (they only can be booked through Carnival).</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SVUwmrbSdWKSlfykCDDhQdMwy6W5YFU7zGIHmdJj96k?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFokx3_g2LmYl8dNlqC0B1j3KU_MF4zxICRL8nsIoFxARHTwmmiAPb-WE1Z_w9CkPoxiWMThXJ4nPVQ0Aa9_zy1gcw8hGfWOOw_SMyEngkP4gEO5SqWtP39nCExG_wGkuHC5x08mJmnC0/s640/article_large.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The boat was so fun to ride. The Cayman Explorer is powered by Cat engines...always a good thing! Smooth ride. Easy steps down the back into the water. We didn't wear the life preservers because the water was only chest deep. (my kind of water)<br />
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Bert and his crew are - yes, there are such people - "Stingray Whisperers". They were friendly, encouraging and gave us very good info. We formed a circle in the water with the crew in the middle and they gave us some guidelines. They told us how Steve Irwin died (Crocodile Hunter) and why that wasn't going to happen to us! Good to know.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wjNYGB38-i945_0_Xb5istMwy6W5YFU7zGIHmdJj96k?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DC5tXcG-eWV-Ivowe-pmfTmcMdAkKOWWhuHIcQXTzPK0ZpGP2jLEiHiVyGLDGxVhtzJWGBgNfWs7z-YkaxN7sBWztnksdFX7NNPSNfknA9uN7BNCHX2SG7j1PQJMyujJ2fJKWLV20HA/s640/P1050648.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Some of the rays were young and little bit antsy. But my guide found a mama who was mature and relatively calm. Don & I both got to hold her...it was exhilarating! We didn't have a waterproof camera so we took turns taking pics from the steps of the boat. I missed getting a shot of Don holding one, dang it. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u3XjsGonRIBuBycIWl8yXv-rVoynz1uUXl3eMmErdDw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LJrBaAFeG7g/Ux_AwrX1gXI/AAAAAAAAEkk/pVakSXOYcKY/s640/P1050643.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Holding that mama was like nothing else. It's hard to describe, but it was almost like a gift. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AYf_l46r9sqQNaYG8dMd2f-rVoynz1uUXl3eMmErdDw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2PRgWs_OEqA_NwOEkDWIKZBwOlg6282L6WW8-f7veenvDp34R1tRO_O0ZxikarRDww_fYT1A4o4RPEe43vMRUgdro-j2HyHxpXSEMulKrUS6_plHSngBNq9vEn42BUjCMWF4xHou1EM/s640/P1050642.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The look on this little girl's face says it all. Joy!!! <br />
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What a trip!! Another time, another day, we'll be back.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ndMTPALbOzFKFW7N0oMfPNMwy6W5YFU7zGIHmdJj96k?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MYKVfKAdKFw/Ux58ZsFWgkI/AAAAAAAAEag/8Dy--z1sEVo/s640/P1050652.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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After we were back at port, it was time to find food and do some Cayman shopping. I love Grand Cayman, it's pretty and peaceful and fun. Don bought me a lovely Larimar necklace. And I was one happy girl!<br />
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All too soon we had to head back to the ship, and the next day it was on to Cozumel. We went to Chankanaab, a wildlife park. There was a sea lion show, and you could do the Dolphin Encounter (for extra $) or just watch. Then we headed back to Puerta Maya for shopping (silver, Del Sol, and the Cozumel pharmacy) and our favorite place for chips, salsa and guacamole, Pancho's Backyard. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/418J9vVrxUm3gvk1xNZUwNMwy6W5YFU7zGIHmdJj96k?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZAsy854BVRtcBYsElqEO6jLalL2V6ynHfDp8kgPDvbDnC_56fgPehwxOcdunHJ9PI3mk8AYfgaZ8E3kWItDiY0oTbTLy9rq3CMywu_M72cw3QJEyPFQqOfEnnetnTKm_WRUQv0ajK48/s640/P1050626.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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OK, if we<b> have</b> to go back to Galveston, at least we have our favorite ship to take us home. French toast and omlettes in the morning and Warm Chocolate Melting Cake at night. It's a good way to go!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MAwVWaR2DOJeaTUvTiDrTtMwy6W5YFU7zGIHmdJj96k?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QaXUCZs-unY/Ux6Ncc6D5uI/AAAAAAAAEfs/i3vahulDjrQ/s640/P1050657.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
One more thing. I bought a hat for the cruise, and I'm not a hat wearin' girl. I love it! It's by San Diego Hat Co., one of those packable ones, so you can fold it all up and then pouf, like magic, it's good again. And it's SPF 50. <br />
<br />
It didn't work in high winds though, so I had to take it off before it blew away. Still, good hat. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Eig98JLt3JR13zrVBVfGMdMwy6W5YFU7zGIHmdJj96k?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIr9YmMsHdG0IwFglq4nHxHxSpihHIsUA0b4TITWJxXAp7TzsYLyjAMUXtRIHhIoUiOH2qEJYc6XIprxmcd0wMussLuDKE8-Iz-VOxttv9fFsl__nlerHu00LREZADsqorFQoMlpRTcs/s640/P1050627.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Good hat. Good trip. Good food. Priceless memories. </span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Come on down to my boat, baby</span></i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Come on down where we can play</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Come on down to my boat, baby</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Come on down, we'll sail away </span></i></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Linking to:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/">Savvy Southern Style</a></i></div>
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<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
</div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-50326190471133571022013-10-16T00:30:00.000-05:002013-10-17T01:07:04.490-05:00Say yes to the glitter...<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Once upon a time there were two princesses. They were sweet and loved everyone. They were going to see their Daddy get married. Of course they wore party dresses.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YajdolDTKwqvwAKhBc5fGpd3Dn6G6lbpolQwOjIXTnQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SaRbAqoJo0s/Ul4c_7HtN1I/AAAAAAAAEGY/G3mPg9QCzCU/s640/P1050513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Their dresses sparkled. Their shoes did, too. Every time the princesses turned this way and that, sparkles of glitter would float from their dresses. </i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> Just like magic. </i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>All day they spread love and laughter (and glitter) all through the land. Of course they sprinkled most of the glitter on the happy couple.</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Jason & Annie Duplantis</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>September 28, 2013</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OgJrlUu0MncCytiFOh545Zd3Dn6G6lbpolQwOjIXTnQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fNq4GRk-UMo/Ul3DCJj0TAI/AAAAAAAAEFs/WnqYmq4hTHM/s640/DSC_0441.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PTgD1_qoT8NlElse_NivdZd3Dn6G6lbpolQwOjIXTnQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fgJuXLSQKsQ/Ulyna7Uqe1I/AAAAAAAAEEg/7YzOGsL93Zo/s640/DSC_0442.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The princess girls spread glitter all over the groom and his friends. </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just because.</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xX-ci_JibktYveOg82W_95d3Dn6G6lbpolQwOjIXTnQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KPnl2Be5lHg/Ul4kBD9v_-I/AAAAAAAAEHI/EADd4Neh16U/s640/DSC_0466.JPG" width="495" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And they sprinkled glitter on the bride and her friends...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>all pretty girls </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>who didn't mind some extra sparkle.</i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ABnJvKfHmxcQ9-OLnN7DH5d3Dn6G6lbpolQwOjIXTnQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="425" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3yo0G_Yg6GI/Ul3EGJHBFZI/AAAAAAAAEGA/TJ8uojzBVSw/s640/DSC_0470.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>They showered their Daddy in kisses and hugs...and glitter.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HfwC3B3PEjAiFOHamZlC1Jd3Dn6G6lbpolQwOjIXTnQ?feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="425" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5NgFUNIzmO0/UlyneMv00RI/AAAAAAAAEE0/jW5DW-AzYSc/s640/DSC_0454.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>They sprinkled glitter all over their Mawmaw & Pawpaw. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>(and their rental car) </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>When the valet at the castle opened the door for the little princess, </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>she said, "Don't worry about the sparkles in the backseat!"</i></span> <br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L1Bl19mVVN1jcD952mVphpd3Dn6G6lbpolQwOjIXTnQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="425" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KmNbN80mQoU/Ul4nRHuJQzI/AAAAAAAAEHk/BxvAwo162Ds/s640/DSC_0488.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Even after the bride and groom dusted off the sparkles, </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>some of the magic still clung to their boots. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And their hearts.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZH1F7co2pOVpKOyEMQ7ykpd3Dn6G6lbpolQwOjIXTnQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx2UYjUUJYrLuNo5Vh09Y-RCYdMMsYfJXj7pw-Nd2rULKli-XtxdKRVpJpZwAG3AT2o-M2pYwjIEDaA0oyhpV9zR15coJvFo3oDMI52XJNxjQn3eXg9Kwplpf2tvU8HGdPN3KjyFaaNc/s640/DSC_0500.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~ And they lived happily ever after ~ </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>--------------------------------------------------------</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>It was a gorgeous day, filled with lots of love. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>We're so happy for Jason & Annie. </i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And for grandgirls who make every day sparkle...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I love you.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">♥♥</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-45919372863521445072013-09-25T13:02:00.001-05:002013-09-25T15:03:13.687-05:00Ribs & Rhythm Tour, 2013 ~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Labor Day weekend we headed west. And so began our 2nd annual Ribs & Rhythm tour. We met at Buc-ees, and it was a sweet homecoming.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u61G-FTZXd6D4HhgU9r2FNdkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wqZ1exHyi4A/UjKHq-8sUGI/AAAAAAAADs4/0r_ESnJ5Ztc/s640/IMG_1158.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Oh, how I love Buc-ees. The land of fudge and jerky and all good things. The one in Luling has dozens and dozens of bathrooms guarded by a Longhorn with a head of marbles. Buc-ees: they are my people. And my people shall be your people....go!!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Luling City Market. Can't beat it. So far, the best in Texas. I wrote about them last year so won't repeat, but it's heaven. Lovely bones. The end.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6YMb9LJpUSe5JBCi5hnt7tdkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aMrfm6Z4UiM/UjKH87d4GdI/AAAAAAAADto/XSiUkGVkVuQ/s640/IMG_1167.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And then on to Fredericksburg, one of the meccas of Hill Country and a lot of fun to boot. A few of our adventures, no particular order:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>OK, who knew Circle E Candles had a showroom in Fredericksburg?? They are the best candles ever...they smell divine. I chose Cr<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">eme Brulee.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VZJi-HiVbcw4pvt3uJSm1ddkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="614" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4i0dvqZkCp4/UjKIJvcsDfI/AAAAAAAAD9o/1yPNEPekkrs/s640/IMG_1172.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 15px;">"Let's go to Luckenbach, Texas</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 15px;">With Waylon and Willie and the boys<br />This successful life we're livin'<br />Got us feuding like the Hatfields and McCoys"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mqx99uBRiNbrm8VHwDfe0NdkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE41bStIRzfeN3YvRLwR5faG_E08jOlXk3a46PMLHSwTlyAARibiWbNZmv6pDNps5LQRFj_ncS-qW5CJBONn6sl3_H1BEhtRpNNBsqLxebJtLjjAyppzmVvlyjMTBfE5m3XiBbvmVGBE/s640/IMG_1176.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/76FAVetOImZnPgtkLp0KRNdkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGUYmiSlZAAS8Cd41firnHRvW6Lx0O7MOvSgpJoa31T-CoXaU-M6poj7XCyiQhWT7q02uVbAS-Xlh9Crm14hqDgjZ9466VCb5QWy7vJm7x7bW6xEcKkGQXSHwP3hgtrokIZQYNH6Hn3Q/s640/IMG_1179.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Let me tell you about Luckenbach. It's hot. It's primitive. And the visitors come from far and wide. That's a small stage but there is a bigger dancehall. God bless Waylon Jennings.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> After Luckenbach we headed for Alamo Springs Cafe, which has the #3 hamburger in the state of Texas. In all it's glory:</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K7nxG2-XoZ1h_sD9-bDTJ9dkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KvUlS9guOX0/Uj_Md6ixnDI/AAAAAAAAEAk/V4izeSLfRXI/s640/August2009_cover_lowres2.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Yes, that's it. Charles was the only one of us who had THE prize winning burger, but everything we ate was delicious. The drive to Alamo Springs was crazy...we saw dozens and dozens of deer. Here, there, everywhere - they were jumping fences and crossing roads and Don loved it!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Huge homemade onion rings. </i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qPVcuJjDIu77R92hToXc-9dkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gNnTslNN23w/UjKI0ON-gYI/AAAAAAAADvw/oHK0krZC4_o/s640/IMG_1191.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QAUxUnFUMBFc3Gvsw4LFytdkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p-FQVIHTvYo/UjKIjEEbnZI/AAAAAAAADvA/YOUPQb47Da0/s640/IMG_1186.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Alamo Springs made us happy, happy, happy! (note, the fridge is red)</span></i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xec-S-V4WFjSjXSUV64yIddkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d9Z8XtMQEU4/UjKIeU7GOlI/AAAAAAAADu0/v5ZNOiFPpvA/s640/IMG_1183.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>One day we set off for the LBJ Ranch. Democrats! </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>What the heck, we were in the neighborhood, we figured we might as well see the Texas White House. It's a National Historical Park and you can drive through for free, just had to stop and get a pass.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IIIQXUHl99LY_85P3x4D2ddkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8kbq45LRv6zLoAaUXrRraj4TG6H20CWSZmSHvj1ZbWFPSjRGPoYBrCqosEBePwDNZmDHdo8aSClsnpEwTO6WNx3sarY-uNdpVdE0GS2qZPWvj1wmmNtY7D5IToa1AFvIlvHdA7LI_hE/s640/IMG_1231.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The cattle are beautiful. They're living the good life. </i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ogOXUu6YrkUsZJana9p1ftdkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CWZiS7M6Swo/UjKLn9ksAyI/AAAAAAAAD04/EHS9ZCSNS0s/s640/IMG_1242.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LMJG2JWUwaY1EPU3viq0vNdkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O3Roveiqt7g/UjKL06RJ8UI/AAAAAAAAD1A/APyoTzQX630/s640/IMG_1243.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>You can only imagine how many world leaders made the trip to the Ranch. I snapped a shot of a photo of these two. Body language tells all, doesn't it? There is LBJ in casual clothes, leaning forward, trying to make his point while Nixon, shirt and tie, sits back, listening. Noncommittal. Body language. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5_vKzK37z2iwQmgCZQxWtddkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="519" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k8V5UoxFhYE/UjKMAE7qBwI/AAAAAAAAD1I/ZS72PwWq4Wo/s640/IMG_1244.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>We toured the first floor of the Ranch, it was only $3 per person. The tours are limited to 12 people each so we got to ask lots of questions. You feel a real connection to history. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>When we were in the kitchen, the Ranger told us that on the day JFK was killed, he and Jackie were expected at the Ranch later that afternoon. He had requested pecan pie, and the cooks had baked 18 of them in preparation for the group. I could just imagine those pies sitting on the counter, waiting for the group that would not arrive. A somber day. </i></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fOu6Dr9c8ti4PRBbC4plJtdkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2ClG3sni7MQkAoyUyLmVa5PyEzuAnI3Vu70Hhi1Ex2t8n0N0QM5Dnfkm-CKzZoTZYhmvwPjAtepmS-MzlQnVLR4_b2vJnUeAwdGWJvrT9V2WaR8UQeoN_Kzqn3XaMtoTZrUAZHZ1x44/s800/TWHnoonsun.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Fredericksburg is just charming. It's small but there's lots of fun around. We hit these:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>WWII Pacific Rim war reenactment (the brothers-in-law)</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Shopping (the sisters)</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Rustling Rob's</i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Cranky Frank's </i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Enchanted Rock State Park</i></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And Clear River Ice Cream & Bakery. This place is darling!!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g53oNeOg8xtTSy2qMBc4CNdkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gSITtRAUiXI/UjKJMGgjdWI/AAAAAAAADwc/aRXPA9Z2lJY/s640/IMG_1200.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Decorated in red retro malt shop style. Elvis is alive and well there. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oOP8OSRcGSve-xYZ87zXc9dkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zl0359SQ30M/UjKJSaQBWYI/AAAAAAAADwo/DBABEW5pESU/s640/IMG_1201.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>So many kinds of ice cream, all homemade. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g9qFrEKR7JPXEzR2hRp-C9dkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e28ZAHABEw8/UjKJi-TG1II/AAAAAAAADxY/8ZeI7Iph56k/s640/IMG_1207.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Frozen hot chocolate...enough said. </span></i><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vttySyGG1W-wjfuKVLv3X9dkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="395" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-45cX6pY97_k/UjKJuXptGeI/AAAAAAAAD_s/C8vTX4HBh6s/s640/IMG_1213.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>You can even have lunch/dinner there too. No wonder Elvis sticks around. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ra2k2FjtuznGa7RL7yCpktdkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FXhwjaeBBlE/UjKJaTSWwdI/AAAAAAAADxA/3bQwlEWXWfc/s640/IMG_1204.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>After we stayed in Fredericksburg for a couple of days, we moved on to San Marcos. Had to check in to see the Drugstore Cowboys (a band) at John T. Floores and eat some tamales. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Before long, it was time to hit the road and go home. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z4T7VJY5HQAFDdvUsLEp3ddkLmPQlGz0KusDWLChffI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CVfwqY0mHiY/UjKJm_VZ2uI/AAAAAAAADxk/ZXGOAmrCgHw/s640/IMG_1209.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Adios, Hill Country. Until next time...</i></span>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-32796660204282745272013-08-01T23:18:00.001-05:002013-08-07T00:06:48.233-05:00Homemade Spaghetti in a Green Bowl ~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I'm not much of a sentimental person when it comes to things. If I don't love it, I really don't want to hold on to it. I love my old green bowl. <br />
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My bowl belonged to my maternal grandmother, who died in 1974. She didn't have nice things. She was poor, having been a sharecropper's wife and then a widow for so many years. She lived in a small, fairly primitive house...but that's a story itself. <br />
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When her children cleared out her things, my mom asked me if there was something I wanted - you bet I did...her green serving bowl. All kinds of good things to eat were served in that bowl. Spaghetti and Chicken Fricassee mostly. <br />
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Yesterday I used my green bowl. I made Spaghetti. I could write a book...I've made all kinds - Sausage Spaghetti, Shrimp Spaghetti, Pork Rib Spaghetti. My favorite is Chicken Spaghetti. Yesterday I made my kids' favorite kind - with ground chuck. (Too bad none of them were here to eat it!)<br />
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</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZX8Qp5SRGEkwnFnmVojoMVznotBpOdOPlJNfe0ennpw?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ud8hf3PLMgA/Ufm6qrpqdNI/AAAAAAAADrQ/ISMXSgzEKYM/s640/IMG_1079.JPG" width="640" /></a> </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I make this like my Mom did. And she made it the way her mom did, on the farm in Bell City, Louisiana. Here's how I do it: </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>As with many dishes, the secret to good spaghetti is good meat. You want to use high quality ground chuck. I use the 90% lean/10% fat mix from Sam's Club. Don't use bargain meat. It's not worth doing. Have a ham sandwich instead. (No, they didn't have Sam's Club for ground beef back in The Great Depression, but they had cows in the pasture, and I assume the meat was good. So there.) </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Season the meat with salt and pepper, brown in a heavy pot over medium heat, breaking up the meat as you go. When the meat is browned, watch it closely. You'll have some liquid in the bottom of the pot but let it cook for a few more minutes and the water will cook out. This is important...if you drain the meat as soon as the pink is gone you're pouring all the flavor out.
A little fat is OK, even good. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Add some chopped garlic (must be fresh, don't use chopped garlic from a jar) and onions and saute for a couple of minutes. I like a generous amount of garlic. If you don't, we can't be friends. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Then add tomato sauce (a can or 2) and tomato paste (1) and stir in well. Add water - how much depends on how much meat you have. I fill my tomato sauce can with about 5 cans of water. Add 1 teaspoon sugar (just trust me, that's enough). </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Lower the heat to medium low and simmer for awhile until done...at least 40 minutes for a normal pot. Stir often, don't let your sauce burn. Add more water if it gets too thick. You cannot rush good spaghetti.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AO_K5G1QWNyGmq8L6efrK1znotBpOdOPlJNfe0ennpw?feat=embedwebsite" style="font-weight: bold;"><img height="479" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0nN3oFQCk20/Ufm2QLL42vI/AAAAAAAADq0/OnpCxn6HSTk/s640/IMG_1078-001.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>
The first meal I made for Don after we got married was Sausage Spaghetti. He loved it. Little did he know how much spaghetti-eating was in his future. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I don't make it nearly as much as I used to when our children were young. In nearly 39 years of marriage I've never made spaghetti with sauce from a jar. And I don't expect I ever will. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Spaghetti is delicious, especially served from an old green bowl. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The end. </i></span><b style="font-weight: bold;"><b><b></b></b></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><img alt="By Stephanie Lynn" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/website/bsl_sundayshowcase_zpsa4163b21.png" /></a> </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-84409127057656626642013-06-30T23:48:00.000-05:002013-07-01T12:58:44.839-05:00The Great Galveston Family Vacation ~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">June 2013! </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We hadn't planned it. Maybe that's a good thing. But flight times and work schedules and the stars and the moon and the planets all aligned so we could ALL be in the<i> same place </i>at the <i>same time</i> for a family vacation. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Destination: Galveston Island.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
This post is long on pictures, short on story, but here you go:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c0tyyarcuJ8h1UdgdHhpc0xVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGs0epcN-kxEbi7vT7SZVk67o3gF7jNMfjjv1HaPtuCzPo8eZryahnQHW9-bjFZ8TKf4e1lDA-oX66-srbP4m2xJkQuhSo0nvrTjL-eQQi9xOYMA_b4k-X9A68PKiFCMLQi5Fs8xs8fY/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-33.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We stayed at a pretty awesome condo at Pointe West, which is on the far west end of the island. I can't say enough good things about this place...3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a large family room, 2 eating areas, and a spacious well-furnished balcony. </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9jI-jKYdHNTIPCC-csg4SExVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iCvmhCoyoi4/UdDEmgcUpEI/AAAAAAAADjU/ZwHDMRy-spE/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-17.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Such a pretty place comes with a price but I talked Papa Bear into it before he knew what hit him. And he loved it! We want to go again.</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ri1Rq5oAAncluijlK6PFYUxVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FObsjSjG8lM/UdDE4PCblNI/AAAAAAAADjU/oE77YsFJvhI/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-22.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had access to the beach and the Beach Club, which was fantastic. Infinity pool, hot tub, baby pool, places to eat, grill and just relax. The wonderful bathrooms sealed the deal! Can we stay forever? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NZSQM8eBWPm-nv1hTWLpJExVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="535" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H1bdL2sXLEI/UdDK09wNY6I/AAAAAAAADjU/aMn5e4F1kQY/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013%2520Details%25202.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our grandgirls swim like fish, so you know they loved it! Speaking of grandgirls...we were so excited to see them! T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hey're adorable. And funny. And smart. </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/71DEROy-ZhTY5O6I7lCt-UxVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QV-edUWr54s/UdDEbZ7hRkI/AAAAAAAADjU/rF_562pImEM/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-19.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So much fun! (I want that sofa, it was super comfortable.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M-My2-4lF7g7dFGOr3pEwkxVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifGhH0Jjzu1Z2TSBkQ8SksT-roI2iXvH8LNwP__ZMsrNcb-ms-ncHL1LOQVqRuYwjarrdAnVkQMBS6zg1zZXu3mX38oQjy22zg1L4aFZX2WYv4e4Lk_1ZeiBYj4fHLiqXXwJcQ_fjLDk/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-14.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I see that beach I hear Glen Campbell singing, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"Galveston oh Galveston, I still hear your sea winds blowing..."</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YZyjFID1HD6AEF1VSm0iv0xVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Cwei7vcCZvw/UdDGpVhAHwI/AAAAAAAADjU/6178U2VfgZ4/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-71.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kirra is 7. This little girl is a ball of fire. She is such a doll.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LtKDm814JPO5MYSJ-gHNQUxVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-smnAY7TER64/UdDFYyzuBkI/AAAAAAAADjU/FDiaNzjSyuQ/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-29.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Alahna is 9, nearly 10. She is sweet and inquisitive, and loves everyone. </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YfU50ESZlYXoPSLu-xG7X0xVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YcwnKBqz6lU/UdDFIdN3yVI/AAAAAAAADjU/iV3zrx8lGXQ/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-47.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Papa Bear and me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TSB7WVyXbku0ovvxLcfvEUxVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T-zPTDWd0l0/UdDEujwypoI/AAAAAAAADjU/ptVXm13kx5o/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-51.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/utVZTqy0BawNYFZvhD7tfExVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6sVxM1i-JcI/UdDLb0fPb4I/AAAAAAAADjU/943qItjtFWY/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-63.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Family pictures were done. Oh happy day!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I nominate Kirra to be the poster-girl for Galveston tourism. Who can resist that face?</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tqlT2sgStBJ3u9nKEvExQUxVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IE9Btx2PIkI/UdDG05D9qCI/AAAAAAAADjU/w-qNEoMrZW8/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-108.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uVVHinXFu-72J2ZjqGZdB0xVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4NOyAKVlq_M/UdDG5jsWNJI/AAAAAAAADjU/8CMxTTEBGO8/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-109.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Breezes were blowing in from the Gulf. </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xLPn5-3BdACOCcjJlkXcAExVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYmHxXgPNKY1It8ASigV0q7_17Il_um1dBW743KZVbxGFGVBrfvOWHfPboqCNp_BpPNOAhxwOhSxCSeM0kLJ06gcmP2bRfTMFVFDpcFrVxpfRHoFtEQKsGINtc3eENjfRwBBom3J_BMQ/s640/Duplantis%2520Group%2520Photo%25202103-4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Duplantis girls. How I love this! Jeans, white tops and bare feet. </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z9OBt8iDRB6JlomRRc0yeExVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XA4twQ-kNU0/UdDfaRbBB8I/AAAAAAAADjU/EwUccREVlFc/s640/Duplantis%2520Group%2520Photo%25202103-20.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Justin had to set up the shots and jump in the picture. Here's one family pic...an out-take. It won't make the yearly Christmas card but that's because we were all waiting for the camera (on a tripod) to go. And when it did, we weren't ready. Some of us were cracking up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZoX_yQJkgSl7hA4PjBHxykxVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="398" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3VXXXUyNKxs/UdDfKRT_BnI/AAAAAAAADjU/UK5bUQHCA8c/s640/Duplantis%2520Group%2520Photo%25202103-14.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My children, they are my heart. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They're good and smart and some kind of wonderful.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Jason, Jennifer, Justin</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gtnZGNRCcNcGOeOnrSIwuUxVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EVE9gUn44hthsIVFsJXz7_iJgnjPaDVnyZxTRjxzbxxrjxoRENJPRiIDEBR5gaFmyakriSchDZrpzfKky_dt6TRbNadE7h4DRvzEcMnixelELRWSG5pzNPO9rQD8bg5Xl31DP6r5el4/s640/Duplantis%2520Group%2520Photo%25202103-23.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don and the boys. I adore this picture. I do. </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RpC49DfOY3X5fCwmHogw0ExVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAQgszNVV91of6n1cuHvgFLSq0Fe53xkzKGkgFi6c3q-TPa80Qg_N7meIKqrE9T0jYbv0WxWAQveLk8RiVF2mtwLo6-VwhmYM7rVEKtlDNZ-CrgC0e8a9ymkX5KFKZdopGpaN4jNy8kk/s640/Duplantis%2520Group%2520Photo%25202103-6.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9K7-osBNv4kwLwHEadTWJ0xVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="403" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eK-uHPZqik4/UdDHTfO-kcI/AAAAAAAADjU/OjZTTwtqZdc/s640/Duplantis%2520Group%2520Photo%25202013-17.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I don't know when we'll all be together again, but those days we spent together were the best.</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n207LWFwBuqzNJoIlJ3erUxVK0wF6gVeDh6MjEoP-Rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vx3N7YlDq7U/UdDF3msmZyI/AAAAAAAADjU/xUn_oCtR9D0/s640/Duplantis%2520Galveston%25202013-55.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Galveston.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Love.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Family.</span></i><br />
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-89915188488220566062013-05-20T00:21:00.008-05:002013-05-28T01:04:19.381-05:00The Blue & The Gray ~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let's start at the very beginning (a very good place to start). Home improvement. Our house is almost 33 years old and had paneling when it was built. It was the style of the day. All of that had been removed except for 2 bedrooms.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By the way, yesterday Don & I went to a movie and saw all the paneling you'll ever want to see...go see"Mud" with Matthew McConaughey!! ;)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Back to my story...let's call one "the boys room" and the other, "Jen's room". Even though they're all grown up. Even though they do not live here anymore. Even though we love them a lot, we don't want them back. For good. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So the boys room looked like this (ignore the tape, it's there to mark studs):</span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-xPihykgqvUvhLoqPBfyhKWAFXAU7mY-z9Fr5fviIrU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q6PQPvSyooo/UZbb_s9TZ3I/AAAAAAAADWw/rPzRNC3mW7U/s400/IMG_0895.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jen's room had been painted, it was yellow. So I brushed a few colors on the paneling to decide. I knew I was going for a blue-gray. (Note...you cannot put blue-gray on top of yellow) </span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CNXX0orwX6rvM2X1phuDPKWAFXAU7mY-z9Fr5fviIrU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTpfCcHC0qE/UZmXRjWPkEI/AAAAAAAADaM/R7y8L44y23A/s400/IMG_0883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Grays have undertones, people. Some are pinkish, some are brown (griege), some are green and some are blue. I wanted a rustic-coastal-cottage-beach-nautical look (got that?) and instead of sheetrock, we had beadboard put in with new trim, crown and base molding. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In process:</span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9nbmfQkq7gDVeszqVIw71KWAFXAU7mY-z9Fr5fviIrU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ep4UlY8r_w8/UZbcHRse_tI/AAAAAAAADXE/Psu-g0VTDVI/s400/IMG_0900.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E88aDPo6n01Wn_vaUbHjGaWAFXAU7mY-z9Fr5fviIrU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YbQtAWl_0Tw/UZbcPJfV2gI/AAAAAAAADXY/udcYkQQ9dvM/s400/IMG_0901.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While I happily brought home paint samples, my time was running out to choose a color. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First off, it was Smoke. Smoke looks good. Everyone says so. No, Smoke looks too green to me. It must be Mr. Rainier Gray, I can't live without Mt. Rainier Gray. That's it. For sure. No. Too purplish. With north facing windows, I needed to go somewhere else. Silver Gray. Good neutral color. OK.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No, no and no. I kept coming back to my favorite....Benjamin Moore's Nimbus Gray. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To quote Candice Olson:</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nimbus Gray: As dense as the cloud for which it's named, this cool mid-tone blue-gray evokes memories of an early walk on a deserted wind-swept beach.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1QFNR8fZr-b0rauEqObgvaWAFXAU7mY-z9Fr5fviIrU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GAxMi8aYJGU/UZmXR2qH19I/AAAAAAAADaQ/G5soWrJpbpk/s640/IMG_0927.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well OK then. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But Nimbus Gray was just a bit too dark. It's not enough that Benjamin Moore has thousands of colors, I have to create one of my own. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I went to the paint store and told the guy that I wanted Nimbus Gray lightened 25% (only 75% of the colorant added). He said, "Ma'am, if you do that you're basically going to have the next color up on the card, Silver Gray."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I knew he was wrong. I had studied the formulas. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Behold:</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5_8zVNV253soOAXrFdrqR2Yf_n1hIdcJPOaV5cYAnzk?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qnhECUbFa74/UZmobv-4--I/AAAAAAAADaw/zNyl3P8CVoU/s640/IMG_0898.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">An excellent color. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I love it.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xJfuhrYlDWwFxaHy0LqrXaWAFXAU7mY-z9Fr5fviIrU?feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yUoRKeqCYtKRxUJCYf3dyqWAFXAU7mY-z9Fr5fviIrU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c9Ls3Hr9Bzs/UZbcei8KlcI/AAAAAAAADYM/5uujxOmiyCY/s640/IMG_0910.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pretty! Darkish in late evening.</span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ArnQnSUTqapF66gBVmmmRqWAFXAU7mY-z9Fr5fviIrU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e8UGRqoYRE4/UZbc26SqOyI/AAAAAAAADZQ/uBSnz18bdq4/s640/IMG_0921.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And dreamy in the morning. </span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g8nWSSNIhRMCGz-FWXDYq6WAFXAU7mY-z9Fr5fviIrU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZI2lg-azUq8TlcgnqrHZLmmgw26u_ZRSNdDYVWaqglx2nhdXugM53cOVw3NxvtpzYHQO8AhARs8pz_waVlGJTLdRpaKEMJpX3dB_KmXBELWwIOwEB1GIfdcEp56DpmcIsZxFuSuG_cMQ/s640/IMG_0918.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now I just need to get the beds fixed and some art on the walls. I might even paint some furniture. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~The End ~</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><img alt="By Stephanie Lynn" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/website/bsl_sundayshowcase_zpsa4163b21.png" /></a></i></span></div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-27188268047213972252013-04-17T15:05:00.002-05:002013-04-18T00:52:47.419-05:00Spring afternoon at Oak Alley ~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a native Louisianian, I admit I haven't done much traveling in my home state. But it's never too late to be a tourist right in your own backyard, right? Right! So, Don & I took off for a bayou backroads trip one weekend. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was a glorious spring day, cool and breezy, and practically perfect. We drove to Lafayette, and then down to Avery Island where Tabasco is made. It was a fun visit. Don used to go there for work many years ago when he was just a young whipper snapper mechanic, and I always wanted to see it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After Avery Island, we headed out through Franklin, Morgan City, Thibodaux and finally got to our destination...River Road and Oak Alley Plantation. I've always wanted to go! So pretty. There are 28 oak trees planted in the front of the house creating a breezeway from the Mississippi River (also 28 oaks in the back). The builder put 28 columns on the veranda of the house, a tribute to the mighty oaks. Oak Alley is a sugarcane plantation. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There's a gift shop and restaurant. If you go, stop in and eat pecan pralines at the gift shop. They're delectable....don't ask me how I know. You can walk around the grounds by yourself but you do need to buy a ticket to tour the house. Of course the house looks bigger in movies. Isn't that always the way it is? Waiting for our tour to begin.</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mt0dgLP9USUpZuKhSttSyab5GTx8IJoIrUVTWxIBWOY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lx7X2AvETfA/UW4Lh6OLmEI/AAAAAAAADQc/coYGkagj1pg/s640/IMG_0800.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our guide showed us some family pictures of the past owners of Oak Alley. </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EGFrGHwXEJoicc6HKtJcZ6b5GTx8IJoIrUVTWxIBWOY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TEQ2NzC8fm8/UW4L2VM1fYI/AAAAAAAADRY/jGGTV9196W0/s640/IMG_0809.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The master bedroom. I didn't bring my camera so these shots are from my phone.</span><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bx1ZxDf9KOvJToGyHCsFV6b5GTx8IJoIrUVTWxIBWOY?feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j97m56NPuejibifJ3Ilxo6b5GTx8IJoIrUVTWxIBWOY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gy3ggLgMB4Q/UW4Lrgql9rI/AAAAAAAADQ8/yF4Tc480jns/s640/IMG_0806.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I fell in love with the cradle. It's the only furniture that's original to the house from when it was built, in the 1830's. Just think of those babies who were rocked and loved there. </span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bx1ZxDf9KOvJToGyHCsFV6b5GTx8IJoIrUVTWxIBWOY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqn2cjimeGZrje-qLmmzGTmi2rVMto8VRZkxgwiqow-gP1hfeiZkgyeWU1d_R6BxoYkjWMcbGl0Ggc5gJ1IAwnqbJWmOkEI6kXUAJ1c3zJfgcqJ4DMIuiD0isKZh9enDV-vKPB0cEphLM/s640/IMG_0805.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The last owner (Josephine Stewart) of Oak Alley died in 1972 but before she died, she set up a foundation so that Oak Alley would survive and remain a gift, to be open to the public.</span> </span><br />
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<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #414042; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="field-item even" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P52_rvjWpRfZq3U-j6EF-ab5GTx8IJoIrUVTWxIBWOY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fGpvKQ4I1wg/UW4LxRgPx1I/AAAAAAAADRM/N0v-onl8V9Q/s640/IMG_0808.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What a gorgeous setting for a wedding (they do those there). Concert (they do a few smaller ones). Craft show (every spring, fun!) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JWbsJdQfic6JLpec2Dr5Gqb5GTx8IJoIrUVTWxIBWOY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrfUyJDjlJDkJT26SCbei1zEbq5tRkrupRxMkuO9V9r5ztt52sPb-cV3Eu4TWvs0Ffr-ckyy5nlPWyWEKFG2e8nerjNK8ip5pvgzxYbf3vum4ShYUtLA4d8SvMZRXEKEk7ukvOpBSsb4/s640/IMG_0814.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/utPDbvLBeCwxz4Gbk9V076b5GTx8IJoIrUVTWxIBWOY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcWf1ubOu2xNNR6CCT_PidQuPGIaIS6jMPSUMFU4A7GVVbhMtmEVBL0yRIhfimgSSDHY0WSkX7YcR6jGVZ8SDk70SyOxannpe38HK_CdSH52f_kLcEAL4TsgU20zQaK8BlAQmT4DtLOs/s640/IMG_0777.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How to get there:</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XZXxUZiaUJ9obAYq8hBr1Kb5GTx8IJoIrUVTWxIBWOY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="399" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-84UiS1FN9-I/UW4OT9YfIMI/AAAAAAAADS0/OdxPvsGVzoM/s640/oak-alley-map-print.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You've probably seen Oak Alley in the movies or on TV. Wheel of Fortune was there, twice I think. Here's some others: </span><b> </b><br />
<div class="field field-name-field-summary field-type-text-long field-label-hidden" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #414042; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="field-item even" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong>
<strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong>
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Midnight Bayou</u></span></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">October 2008 by Lifetime. Starring Faye Dunaway, Jerry O’Connell and Lauren Stamile. </span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Ghost Hunters</u></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>August 2008. Paranormal investigation and interviews with Oak Alley Plantation tour guides</i>.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Bette Davis. Exterior shots only.</i> </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Nightrider</u></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1978, David Selby and Kim Cattrall.</i> </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Dixie: Changing Habits</u></span></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">September 1982. For CBS television, starring Suzanne Pleshette and Cloris Leachman. Filmed entirely on location at Oak Alley Plantation and the French Quarter in New Orleans.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Days of Our Lives</u></span></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">NBC Daytime, filmed at Oak Alley mid 1984 during the World's Fair in New Orleans. One day, dawn to dark, film session of Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) and Kristian Alfonso (Hope Welch). Aired on NBC in August 1984.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>The Long Hot Summer</u></span></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A made-for-TV version of the original. Don Johnson, Cybill Shepherd, Jason Robards.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Interview with the Vampire</u></span></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. Based on the Anne Rice best seller. October 1993.</span></i></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Primary Colors</u></span></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">John Travolta, Emma Thompson, Kathy Bates... based on the novel "Primary Colors" by Joe Klein. A southern governor's campaign to win the Democratic nomination to run for President.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~ Oak Alley Plantation ~</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">(from Google images)</span></div>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-pre5whqYFkPEyxYiKeUsKb5GTx8IJoIrUVTWxIBWOY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="380" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6OXaAOP4wwg/UWi7oFrX-yI/AAAAAAAADMI/oMJzyqvwJ8I/s640/New_Oak_Alley.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-58154833922767445552013-03-27T23:22:00.003-05:002013-03-28T01:50:43.792-05:00Let the Sunshine In ~Fact: We had a gloomy winter around here. Day after day of rain, cloudy and wet. <br />
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I was ready to pack up and head for the hills (which hills, I didn't know). <br />
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Fall and winter have always been my favorite seasons - cool, clear, crisp and mostly dry. No pollen, no steamy days and nights, and no tropical storms. We were robbed!<br />
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But this week we've hit the jackpot. We're in the middle of the most magnificent weather EVER!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1p2uON_4C4rwor9BefQIvCvOxKGgzdWsCLkGmQoi1vU?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YPE8VNJcGNg/UVOJZSMKbuI/AAAAAAAADJs/fT4AwEH-9Bc/s640/IMG_0688.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I went to my park today. I call it "mine" because I claim it. I love the view of the I-210 bridge from here. It's a beautiful bridge but if you don't see it from this spot, you never know that.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1TXf_hWCsOI-lIwuXP7Kk3AdYdmZf8_A5P6zcT5ttkY?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-elyomR2DDJtmhYvH44Rp6PGZN16hezfe5F_tXfk8njhtj2jEXVgketgaFBzQGmA0FERxnymGxWuLEhExej7Ji0lQR5qlkvNcUqNumCE12Wqmu3S61L1ZOGDX5sY_XRGx4iQ6yLeRuT4/s640/IMG_0693.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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As I walked today I tried to soak it all in. I wasn't alone, lots of people out enjoying the park - kids, dogs, people taking pictures. <br />
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This is the Indian Bay Pavilion. It's such a pretty place for family reunions and picnics. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kM2hmtXVfkJOPgrBpA1cUfHcNliXmKhGJy2PVl69ti4?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="473" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ms9zsokwObk/UVOoEAnwKJI/AAAAAAAADKY/-lc8h-ppHgM/s640/IMG_0695.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is what makes a perfect park: walking paths, well mowed grass, playgrounds, restrooms, fountains, boat launch, plenty of benches and a fun splash pad (steamy days...)<span class="Apple-style-span">. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span>And, and - (<i>this is so coincidental</i>) - the park is very close to Target! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You gotta love that.</span><br />
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Well done, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury!!<br />
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Perfect weather in a perfect park...March 27, 2013, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-49808499295932331172013-02-11T23:01:00.001-06:002013-02-12T13:01:24.144-06:00Never trust a pirate ~OK, while I still remember all the fun we had, it's a good time to put a few words down. One week of blue seas and warm winds! I wish I could say sunny skies, but it was overcast most of the week. I can think of a lot of good things to do in cloudy weather - and a cruise is at top of that list.<br />
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On Jan. 19, 2013 we set sail aboard the Crown Princess, leaving from Galveston. Our crew: Don & me, Charles & Lou Ellen, Zack & Andrea, Ernie & Belle. We were headed to Roatan (Honduras), Belize, and Cozumel. <br />
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I didn't take many photos. Some are out of focus. But I wanted to remember the fun so I threw them in anyway. Here's a little video:<br />
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This was our first trip on Princess. Some things were good, some need improving...it was a nice ship. Pretty decor, large dining rooms, clean and quiet staterooms - at least ours was. <br />
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Princess caters to an older demographic and everything is rather sedate. Sometimes sedate can be good. Not always.<br />
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<u>Cabin</u>: Our cabin was on the Caribe deck, which pretty much means we hit the jackpot. We had a large balcony (9x9) with 2 lounge chairs, a nice table, and a couple of foot stools. I had breakfast (room service) every morning on my balcony. Luxury, people!! If I wanted to relax or nap out there though, I ended up using pillows to make my chair comfortable. <br />
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Sadly, the love for our cabin ended with the balcony. The shower was teeny-tiny. In the end though...<i>it's all about the bed</i>, and the bed was no good. Pillows were worse. I'm picky but all of our beds on Carnival cruises have been outstanding. Perfect. And, after our plush towels and thick robes on Carnival, we assumed all cruises have the same. No. No, no and no. Princess has a lot of catching up to do in that area.<br />
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<u>Food</u>: We ate in the Michelangelo Dining Rm. It was kind of pretty and most nights we had our own super-star waiters, Zoran and Paolo. No kidding, they were awesome. Zoran is Serbian and we loved chatting with him. We made reservations each night just so we could get our table in his section. Some of the food was delicious. Many nights I ordered the Fettucini Chicken Alfredo. Yummy! Desserts were average (missed my Warm Melting Chocolate Cake!). The best thing I ate all week at dinner was Goat Cheese Souffle. It was excellent!!<br />
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Most of the time for lunch we ate in the International Cafe, a small place right near the Piazza. Good salads, small sandwiches, desserts. Everything included in the price except gelato, which was $1.50 for 3 scoops. We got some only one day...what were we thinking??? <br />
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Our last night onboard we ate at The Crown Grill (specialty restaurant w/ upcharge). It was so delicious. They had a tray with fabulous cuts of meat available and all we had to do is choose! Don & I both picked the ribeye w/ a side of lobster. It was a grand meal and that's why I included the steak pictures on my video. <br />
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<u>Fun</u>: Laughing and storytelling, on steroids. Each night at dinner we'd have a topic (or two) and go around the table with it. Crazy ancestors, alcoholism, snakes (wait - it gets better!) church, testimony meeting, wills, hunting, kids, football, Lance Armstrong, in-laws, and of course - cruising!! Funny waiters + good storytellers + people who love to laugh = a good time was had by all.<br />
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We went to a couple of shows in the theatre. The highlight of the entertainment was the Princess Pop Star competition. Think of it as cruise ship meets American Idol...lasted several nights and ended with the finale. Some singers were good, a few were outstanding, some were awful and some were odd. Our favorite was a cowboy named Bobby (retired deputy) who sang "For the Good Times". We ended up meeting him, his wife and their friends several times during the week and we had an instant friendship. We sure enjoyed meeting those folks. They were from Cameron, TX. Another person of note in the Pop Star race was Matthew. He was different. His singing wasn't entirely bad. It wasn't entirely good either. He tried to connect with the crowd by weaving in and out of the audience. It looked like he was marching through a war camp, looking for deserters. Matthew had an eye for Diana, a blonde singer, and he set his cap for her. Oh, we watched the pursuit. Crash and burn.<br />
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One night late we played a round of Pirate's Dice. You know what they say...never trust a pirate. Fun!! Speaking of games, we were excited to try our luck at Princess Trivia. Lou Ellen and I had such a good record on our last Carnival Cruise that I was sure we were gonna mop the floor. That would be a no. For one thing, the people on Princess have no clue how to run trivia games. They allow too much time between questions. Please! And who knows what the winners got - there was no ship on a stick while they asked your name and did some jokes. It was sedate, that's what it was. And still...we did not win!!! For the record...Robert Palmer is dead and there are 206 bones in the human body. <br />
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OK, that's it for tonight. When I get to it, I'll do another post - Inauguration Day fun, our ports of call and may add a few photos. Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of...diet coke! ;)Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-89371989554652599152013-01-03T00:40:00.002-06:002013-01-04T12:10:31.539-06:00Paging Michael Bublé... ♪ <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love Christmas music (mostly). The last 15 years or so I've shown a stubborn loyalty to Mannheim Steamroller and didn't want to hear much else. OK, so I'm a hard nut to crack. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This year however, I've been completely enamored of Michael Bublé. His album "Christmas" came out over a year ago but it didn't take for me until this past season. My favorite:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pretty much anyone who rode in the Pilot with me had to make peace with Michael Bublé. And me, singing. Loud. And I'm not sorry. Not one little bit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had a sweet Christmas. We missed Jason & the girls, but seeing them via Skype was a hoot. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jen was off Christmas Eve and that was good but drats, she had to work Christmas Day. Oh well, it was great fun anyway. And how fantastic to have Justin & Barbara here. And of course Victor (their dog-baby). Such pretty pictures! (<a href="http://justinduplantisphotography.com/index2.php#!/HOME">Justin Duplantis Photography</a>) Here's a few...I have no clue why Don was wearing an old white T-shirt, but maybe he was waiting for this:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love, love, loved my tree this year. Last year, it was an all gold theme but I missed my red berry clusters, so this year I brought them back and added the Ballard burlap ribbon for a rustic-traditional look. My berry clusters are old...they were bought at Hobby Lobby many years ago and they don't even carry them anymore. But they still look bright and pretty and I'm keeping them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What a man...Don gave me the Frye bag I was wishing for! Yes, it came with a dust cover. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The object of my affection. It's buttery soft leather and smells like boot-shop heaven.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">BTW, my scarf was crocheted by Barbara (my daughter in law). Pretty cool for someone just beginning to learn!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For Christmas Eve dinner we invited the Coffmans to come eat with us. This shot of their boys in front of my tree brings back memories!! Our boys looked JUST like that at the same age. Love.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We have our traditions and for Christmas Eve dinner, we always have Shrimp Gumbo, added some crabmeat to the pot too. Of course we had ham, rolls and other snacks too. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And then there were the desserts...Fantasy Fudge, Peanut Butter Pie, and Barbara's special cookies: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wishes for 2013:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* No dropping off a cliff (fiscal or other) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* Smooth seas, calm winds and sunny days</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* Do it: (at least) 26 Random Acts of Kindness </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* Hugs and smiles to all</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And Michael Bublé...I'm expecting you next Christmas!</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(if it seems like I've written Michael Bublé's name too much it's b/c I am tickled to be able to make the "e" with an accent mark like this: é)</span></i></div>
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</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-11923685166445242272012-12-18T01:55:00.001-06:002012-12-28T14:28:53.096-06:00The Voice, "Hallelujah"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Love this song. Always have. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>It's a heartfelt tribute for those who died </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>at Sandy Hook School in Connecticut. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Powerful. </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>God bless us all.</i></span><br />
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-72633637131934311402012-12-17T01:19:00.001-06:002013-06-14T13:22:38.442-05:00Bless All the Dear Children<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I've never been to Connecticut but I always wanted to live in a little town like the fictional Stars Hollow (from Gilmore Girls). I loved Lorelai and Rory. I wanted a funny, beautiful town with a town square, a Luke's Diner, a Dragonfly Inn, a friend named Sookie, a neighbor named Babette, and of course Paris and Lane have to come too. The truth is, there is no Stars Hollow. Bad things happen everywhere.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>On Friday, when the first reports of came back of the horror at Sandy Hook School in Connecticut I began to tremble and wanting to talk - I sent texts to family and close friends. Through the day, the full horror was revealed - the principal, the school psychologist, some teachers and staff and 20 little children were killed. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>In the blink of an eye I counted my chickens...where are my children? Where are my grandgirls? And then, a sick feeling knowing that at ages 7 and 9, they're the same age-group as those who were killed.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I'm sad but really furious, too. How dare he - the killer - take away the life of those little ones? They are the innocent, the helpless, and the ones who bring us hope and love.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>It's just too, too terrible. I'm sad for the families of those lost, and for the whole town. T</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>hey must cry and go on and honor those who were lost and rebuild their lives. It's as if the very heart of Christmas has been stolen away from all of us- the love, the joy, the wonder of the season. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>So I cry. And pray. Today while leading music at church, my heart was breaking when I was leading "Away in a Manger" for the closing hymn. I made it through and kept directing but as tears sprang to my eyes, I could not sing. The lyrics to the last verse are:</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>And fit us for heaven to live with thee there. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope I can feel the spirit of Christmas. I want that. And I hope those who lost their own babies feel the presence of angels as they mourn and prepare to bury their little ones. </span></i></span></div>
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-51697462727823922822012-11-27T23:28:00.000-06:002012-12-12T19:18:41.127-06:00Romney/Ryan <div style="text-align: left;">
I haven't posted since the election, 3 weeks ago tonight. But it's been a HUGE part of my life and the month is nearly over so it's time to say a few words. When my children or grandchildren read this blog someday, I want you to know how deeply I cared about the Presidential Election of 2012. Romney/Ryan vs. Obama/Biden. </div>
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I put my heart and soul, my prayers, my unwavering attention, and a large chunk of time and emotional energy watching the debates and news coverage, reading all the op-eds, and pouring over the polls for the last 2 years. I'm not sorry; I learned so much! And though the end result is so disappointing, I'm still enormously proud of all those Americans who supported Mitt Romney for President and stood up for conservative values and freedom. That makes me feel hopeful for the future. </div>
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I love my country. I'm proud to be a citizen. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to vote and make my voice heard. We lost. Not just the Republican ticket and my party....all of America lost that night. I read something that expresses how I feel now. It's been copied and pasted so many times and I'm not sure who first wrote it:<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">This is a thank you note to a good man.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Thank you for turning aside from a life of ease and security to run for the presidency against an incumbent.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Thank you for enduring the slander of you, your family, and your faith perpetrated by a criminally negligent media.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Thank you for calling things such as terrorism by their right name.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Thank for selecting Paul Ryan as vice presidential running mate.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Thank you — and your lovely wife — for demonstrating true love.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Thank you for handling yourself with grace and equanimity in every situation.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Thank you for your patriotism.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Thank you for believing in America. </span></span></span></i><br />
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It was a valiant effort and I'll always be grateful for honest people with pure hearts who want to serve our country and make it a better place. <br />
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-25735878502820601292012-10-12T23:44:00.003-05:002014-10-09T23:38:19.022-05:00Love & a Halloween Banner ~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love fall...Halloween...Thanksgiving...leaves flying through the air...cool weather...football...and politics!!! Whoops, how did that get in there?? It's big. It's important. But more on that in another post.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is about Halloween. There's lots of fun decor in the stores but I wanted to make this after seeing it at <a href="http://www.susieharrisblog.com/2012/09/trick-or-treat-banner-diy.html">Susie Harris</a>. I bought some cute fabric from Hobby Lobby and Hancock. I got 5 different patterns, 1/4 yd each.</span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RXYMAmquufhz6JDAb8sYcaiiKxcqqIb_jOloIAQBQ1A?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pCrIVW8eZ9I54L5o4wp8vNEicFfEr3aoyhNPJXagFHiOiLjDigFq-xfhQ6qaZ8So90zQph9vjxhVMAluBnmSp6BR7sCczZ9GVIty5qeVejPYpQi_-zz6dGfWjIhoxtSUZlTU-FQKv8U/s640/IMG_0367.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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From each pattern I cut two diamond shapes.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YFX1tuBlHgNWjy9hzluu0KiiKxcqqIb_jOloIAQBQ1A?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mJpAzfIrDpk/UHYn0lwe0SI/AAAAAAAAC6c/baMkyDMCgEw/s640/IMG_0373.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then I folded each in half to get the pennant shape. </div>
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I went to Martha Stewart's site to download these cute letters. I printed them out on ivory cardstock. Link: <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226239/banner-template">letters</a><br />
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I cut them out with scissors, I don't have any fancy punches. </div>
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Then it was time to heat up the glue gun. The world of glue-gunning has come SO far in the last 30 years. My first one was from Sears...it was big and black and heavy and could burn like you know what. Dangerous. Completely unacceptable.</div>
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My current one is some little thing from the craft store that uses little sticks of glue, and although it's pretty warm, it is much safer and easier to handle.</div>
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OK. Then I glued each triangle to my ribbon and then glued the letters on each of the pennants.<br />
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I was so proud. Sometimes I am a crafty woman!! </div>
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I didn't get any pictures of it inside but I went and strung it on Big Daddy's trailer and took a picture there. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J5lxeo2_QfjnxQSfchxbJaiiKxcqqIb_jOloIAQBQ1A?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Kirb5rUttZI/UHYoe9LqKII/AAAAAAAAC8g/p9aFjE2mkGU/s640/P1050426.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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All along my plan was to mail the banner off to California to my grandgirls. I wanted to make it for them. And today, they got it. :)<br />
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When I became a mom I decided that Halloween was going to be a big deal. Pumpkins and fun and festivals and costumes and games and all good things. Those kids are grown up, but the feeling never ends...that nesting - want to make it fun - let's celebrate - Halloween-time.<br />
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<i>from Louisiana to California:</i></div>
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<i>Love & a Halloween Banner ~</i><br />
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-84779801539123199822012-09-20T15:48:00.000-05:002013-09-23T00:14:47.783-05:00Ribs & Rhythm Tour, 2012 ~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Baby's just a little bit tired of the city</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Billboards and BS got her down<br />Seem like you need a little Hill Country<br />A little back roads driving, little bit of the old top down</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How long have we talked about a trip to Hill Country? Driving through little country towns, eating barbecue on brown paper, listening to Texas music and dancing in dance halls that are steeped in tradition? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, forever, that's how long. So. We did it. Our self-proclaimed "Ribs & Rhythm Tour" 2012. It was awesome!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our plan (oh, did we have one) was to meet our traveling buddies (Lou Ellen & Charles, my sister and BIL) down the road. First stop, Buc-ees in Luling. OMGosh, I could do an entire post on that! Don and I had never been before...there are NO words!! Monster-sized, clean, cheerful, funny, country style, babies, nice people, and food, food and more food. Just go. Go! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">OK, I got carried away for a minute, but on to the Ribs part of the tour. City Market in Luling, Texas. HEAVEN ON EARTH!! We got there about 4 pm and it's the perfect time...there's usually a long long line for lunch and if you go after 5:30, you have to take out. There's an ATM inside this little hole in the wall, but that's b/c they only take cash. First you go in, then stand in line and wait your turn to go into the smoke room. </span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jJYcs-h-15QZwU2h1ESvIwGU5g6NWqE7UzPy8_36okE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JputlnBle28/UEv-uRw7q8I/AAAAAAAACzE/f7M0TJsAWUo/s400/IMG_0270.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The smoke room...it's about 125 degrees inside and it smells crazy good. These authentic BBQ places only smoke on the pit, no gas. I love this, people. When you go, arrive hungry. Here's some of the wood stacked high. </div>
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When it's your turn, you place your order and they take it RIGHT off the pit and onto the scale and pile in on plain brown butcher paper. You pay right there, gather up your precious meat and head out of the room and to your table. Sides and drinks are for sale by the tables. We were so focused on it all that we ate half the BBQ before I remembered to take a picture. </div>
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City Market only smokes brisket, ribs and sausage. Let me tell you this...they are the BEST RIBS EVER!! Period. Damn straight. :-) The brisket was wonderful too but I think it may dry out if you get the end pieces. I got some good ones. The smoke ring on the brisket is one of their claims to fame.</div>
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Behold:</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j_RvPR0khcV09pVSg4U4wAGU5g6NWqE7UzPy8_36okE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MqkwoS_jwIk/UEv-7jZR5wI/AAAAAAAACz4/QpO2XRbtnO8/s640/IMG_0276.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not kidding...the sausage was just amazing!! It's beef sausage and the juices pop when you take a bite. Fantastic seasoning. Wear old clothes. City Market doesn't glob up their meat with sauce (it's on the table) but the juiciness of the meat and the heavenly smell of smoke will get into your clothes. And hair. And heart, for that matter.</div>
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On to another famous Ribs place. Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Texas. There's two famous BBQ places in Lockhart. One is Kruez, the other is Smitty's. We chose Kruez. It was so good, but next time we're going to Smitty's. ;)</div>
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Kreuz works the same way as City Market in Luling. Smoke room, brown paper, etc. They don't have any sauce though, they use only a dry rub on their meat. And they'll laugh you out of the place if you ask for a fork. So delicious. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uY5tyHlLFmo2mJ24qMlMTOvmB4Dn5Q2XB6ETCYybx98?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DRLRZlJki9A/UEv_2ON5XbI/AAAAAAAAC1o/Mi0a8rD6dpE/s400/IMG_0307.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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Oh there is so much to tell about this little trip, but on to the Rhythm part. </div>
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We had heard so much about Gruene, Texas (Gruene is pronounced "Green") and couldn't wait to go. Gruene is right outside of New Braunfels. It's charming. Lots of little shops, restaurants, music and the oldest dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall.</div>
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Gruene Hall is an open air dance hall. Read: no AC. It's fun but crowded. Their stage has seen everyone from George Strait to the Dixie Chicks to Garth Brooks. It<i> is </i>Texas. The whole complex sits right on the Guadalupe River. </div>
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Another dance hall that we went to was John T Floore Country Store in Helotes, Texas. LOVE that place! Floore's is famous too. Willie Nelson got his start here and he still shows up every now and then. There's an outdoor stage and area where you can pack in a lot of people and an indoor stage too.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wwjeRfDYFh_dgwFNeOipxQGU5g6NWqE7UzPy8_36okE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xXqCg9nRoMg/UFqlDCMva8I/AAAAAAAAC4Q/I9zijtMbKoU/s400/IMG_0348.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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It would have been cool to be there on a Randy Rogers night or Reckless Kelly. Or even Johnny Lee...<i>"Lookin' for love in all the wrong places, lookin' for love in too many faces, searching your eyes, lookin for traces, of what I'm dreamin' of..."</i></div>
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And if you don't know that song, you need more help than I can give you. Stop everything. Go watch "Urban Cowboy" immediately. Classic. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BZf_edgUIeeFkvWBrjD0rQGU5g6NWqE7UzPy8_36okE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc3ROAu7QEtRtp7bOOtRjGSZywFlMHfXTYWKS8hbBdxQKfX3fvch1ekO8g2zwjCL-w0skfMAJvjwV5ixlN7l1FnJG4ADcazhcf2CKLyg8-PTNrZWHHo3Sq9TNa0mmUJa4Fl2q42lzSN8/s400/IMG_0347.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Anyway, we went to John T Floore on Family Dance Night. SO much fun!! And since this was an indoor dance, it was air conditioned, so score on that. I loved it. Fascinating to watch, fun to dance. They had a cover band who played good country music. And, you haven't lived until you watch a 10 yr old girl drag her 7 year old brother around the dance floor. Darling.</div>
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We had some good food here as well. I had homemade hot tamales...the rest of the group ordered burgers and what I think was bacon-wrapped jalapeno cream cheese and chicken on a stick. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Olzwy1P0h5YNJkby4WEsCQGU5g6NWqE7UzPy8_36okE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xPtdrU4DdLA/UFqk-ksPZrI/AAAAAAAAC34/iElsnwG-TXY/s640/IMG_0342.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My favorite sister and brother in law. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8EPr8f2LOI3UrAy3-yOwqevmB4Dn5Q2XB6ETCYybx98?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="451" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4wOazRFK76I/UEwAIcSpLfI/AAAAAAAAC2g/Vzx-T8lgT0o/s640/IMG_0316.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don and me. Don's rockin' the CAT Diesel Power and to that I say, yesss!!!</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6AlsVwNEDJtEu9epmfQ5AOvmB4Dn5Q2XB6ETCYybx98?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiI4qbgz0LNFpJ8OehAF6c5FDY4E1PhL5eTrETllj3ychMZ0isxYywYDZbG1Qmkz_yYlML7tXO38suCooDH4fBpPE2dn1xcT__o2r0T7FOrP8DOu_jrq5LezfhCEzVJK7twQ4Ulg87fE/s640/IMG_0317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God Bless Cowgirls. </span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cowboys. </span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ribs. </span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rhythm. </span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Texas.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YZcW5FP6ULr2XzRnkDi6ruvmB4Dn5Q2XB6ETCYybx98?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUGwjO8phhq9U8JxA-dXMeZSKWNJvf11Qj6-n9Nfav1gQyU7RpWVzWgwDgIn04c2VI7xgX6AXwDEFK84RE2L1KdWfFvI8puOP-ujgNhWMeprZzSRCOkf8fMD5kPHzom_tqRXDWNcQNog/s640/IMG_0293.jpg" width="455" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Amen!!!</span></i></div>
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-78093295375175294002012-08-22T23:33:00.023-05:002014-06-26T23:16:20.981-05:00I'm Not Really a Waitress ~<div style="text-align: left;">
Confession: (wait for it...)</div>
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I had my first pedicure when I was 50. Yes. I know. What was I thinking??</div>
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Pedicures are the bomb!</div>
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It feels good. And my toes are cute, my feet are softer, and I just feel pretty. And it's not a temporary pretty either - I'm happy <i>every single time</i> I glance at my toes...for weeks. That's a lot of bang for my buck. </div>
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So what do you do when girls get together? You find the best salon with the best Asian ladies (no brag, just fact) and get pedicures.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Lq1shCAMnKTks0w9kLfetZ0gCHrif0NSyMhKgSENNXM?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-btc1xKHrXnI/UCx4pI8vaXI/AAAAAAAACvg/xUB3UTdFD44/s400/IMG_0153.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kbUw1eatQCQXhopRAnZB-p0gCHrif0NSyMhKgSENNXM?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xWa7sj6QkkI/UCx4hahs2YI/AAAAAAAACvA/FCWq-DJyGvc/s400/IMG_0146.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I almost always choose OPI. I like the polish and their colors have the best names. Seriously fun. Here's a few of my favorite colors:</div>
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<i>I'm Not Really A Waitress</i></div>
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<i>Barefoot in Barcelona</i></div>
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<i>Cha-Ching Cherry</i></div>
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<i>Cozu-Melted In The Sun</i></div>
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<i>Samoan Sand</i></div>
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<i>Bay Bridge Sunset</i></div>
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<i>Chocolate Shakes-peare</i></div>
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<i>OPI Red</i></div>
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And here we are...pretty toes and all.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UxfxAtPfYJ8K_Qi7HStkGJ0gCHrif0NSyMhKgSENNXM?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsRRJ92EOs4MPqTf_a-z52Jkt_ZrZ-NBxayazY2wPb5aXOUavWCLAQzCcb8KZj392ztDDbwwsC2GWa9nsiEiI_U_goNmAm6Xyn4M8kz3UeVE3txRf48cqjH8x3xSLTZ5QVn6tIOtJ70s/s640/IMG_6258%2520copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do you have a favorite color? Shout it out!</div>
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Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-24910950540120192202012-08-03T21:07:00.017-05:002012-08-04T00:56:40.760-05:00Gator Girls: Season 2!We're not swamp people though we're Cajun right down to our gumbo making, 2-step dancing, crawfish boiling, deer hunting-roots. I don't even like eating alligator all that much...tastes like chicken, but chicken is better. <div><br /></div><div>But I like gators in small doses - books...movies...TV. I don't mind if they swim in the canal while I drive by, safe in my Pilot. </div><div><br /></div><div>There's a renewed interest in alligators the past few years, mostly due to the popularity of "Swamp People" a TV series (<i>on the History Channel, no less</i>) dedicated to hunting gators during the month-long season in Louisiana.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What you are about to witness is real, the participants are not actors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">**************************************</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Our grandgirls went to <a href="http://susan-daysgoby.blogspot.com/2011/01/chateau-des-cocodries.html">Chateau des Cocodries</a> last year:</i></div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CWXrRT32D1gZCQb17ifsCVJ7JhdECtfdZHXEXi8dTa8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rk_6JTcArdw/UBtX5HJ-U7I/AAAAAAAACsk/bcITNE-kF0w/s640/P1030432.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Except for one crazy and unfortunate incident when one of the babies pooped on the floor, it was a rousing success. Audiences raved.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>And so...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>A little older, a bit braver, still blonde, and with a new swagger in their step, the Gator Girls are back for Season 2!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/195NFqSlGAFLN0f1i1CPWlJ7JhdECtfdZHXEXi8dTa8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZofUMuwmroAFI6-3yt-rzOgHaV4z1NeuV6LSkw2A6_ao0efCgmQ-DQls4JZY6pODgIhDG3-aHRJkv7bHF83daPAJ9fjcH7EnsEcwtQ6-4b2wzI646ivlZnt9ST4CiUuyfLxSgCdcFajY/s640/IMG_0162.JPG" height="597" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>If I were an alligator, I'd be on the lookout for these two. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Alahna is almost 9 now, and Kirra will be 7 in a few months. They're a force to be reckoned with.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m47lWYgxDVM1a9tsSINtvlJ7JhdECtfdZHXEXi8dTa8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cSKpIqesD-3ZcnnhY00h5HnYY-L7jPQ8hS50Q6RCu09XZ7l5uKl_e9NlMuteVlaiJe_ytPPvOwqQ84cySPuC81lT0EDL07Xh8yJQnRdBtDk9fEe6ViesZmTyHeW5B564hNMBb7rWKZs/s640/IMG_0167.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Yes, life can be tough in the swamp. But as the Gator Girls always say, "No guts, no gator!"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/anAN87-EIqhRFFR4jEjPW1J7JhdECtfdZHXEXi8dTa8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ETutA8Q_WtI/UBtVENo6JKI/AAAAAAAACpI/WW9537AbhBw/s640/IMG_0181.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>They welcomed Aunt Jennifer back on their team too. She serves as a medic and a calming influence, in case there are injuries. The fact that she's not (currently) blonde is a minor issue, but so far the head honchos love her and her place on the team is secure.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2_GfePAI5Ws/UBtVQxMKSnI/AAAAAAAACpw/a3WPR-MPQ9E/s640/IMG_0191.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><i>There's a storm rolling into the bayou soon and it's going to be a wild one. But no worries. Such is the life of Gator Girls in Cajun country. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TiC9oKn5PzHPvSTS7nLkSFJ7JhdECtfdZHXEXi8dTa8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_lgLdprqlKI/UBtVV-1362I/AAAAAAAACp8/Z8SKSU6E9Bg/s800/IMG_0192.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><i>Gator Girls. The legacy lives on. The tradition continues.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">*********************************</span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">(Remember...don't try this at home.)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></p></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-74523952043179088282012-07-02T21:58:00.010-05:002012-07-10T17:12:47.927-05:00Barefoot Blue Jean Night ~Yeah, I love that song by Jake Owen...it's got that summer feeling. And while I wish I was on the beach somewhere watching fireworks for 4th of July, I can at least pretend, right? Right. <div><br /></div><div>OK, now that we have that settled, here's my project. Taking a clue from online blogs and Pinterest (that site is so fun, but really it's as addictive as chocolate). I started, took apart, changed course, started again, and whoo-hoo, I gave birth to something!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6JRD_xvR8LvVrBiAGbXRvZaszDD9BHT4SzcFmcxzFHc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FHeMQA_5LIo/T_JFcVH0nDI/AAAAAAAAChw/pQhWF9hOQDE/s640/P1050405.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I made a wreath with a coastal, barefoot blue jean night feel. OK maybe that doesn't just roll off the tongue but I think it rocks. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bHcxHaNKc4DFrlosvTRGapaszDD9BHT4SzcFmcxzFHc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5-NkFEpW3fo/T_JF-790JjI/AAAAAAAACi0/H1rp4-4xPXE/s640/P1050410.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I cut up a pair of old jeans, ripped the legs in strips, and wound the strips around a straw wreath from Michael's. I left the cellophane wrap on the wreath, it seemed to make it easier to wrap the denim strips. When I finished each piece (I didn't measure) I just pinned each one in the back with straight pens. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DxxuhfkHa-FfNcaJEi5a2ZaszDD9BHT4SzcFmcxzFHc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fz2oIXM5xwM/T_JGE2NeKsI/AAAAAAAACjA/Gr7UJt4ZytQ/s640/P1050413.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hot glued some starfish and red stars on and then used some clear elastic cord (for making jewelry) to help the starfish hold. I really wanted to get some thick white rope to tie at the top but since it's almost Independence Day, I just put some sisal and ribbon and called it good.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x_nOkuLlUEtvr1gHZt_OrpaszDD9BHT4SzcFmcxzFHc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mb6UKB2peYI/T_JF-9U8JhI/AAAAAAAACiw/SOD43dRX8Do/s640/P1050411.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to hang it by the front door but it didn't show up very well in pictures there so I hung it on my neighbor's fence. Don't worry. It was on my side. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8yOmhaj_i6IPtl5rT5ANYJaszDD9BHT4SzcFmcxzFHc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xd8mMDMssMA/T_JFwGUi1NI/AAAAAAAACic/F2gT0D72tys/s640/P1050408.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope each of you have an awesome 4th of July. And if you're lucky enough to be on the beach, barefoot, wearing jeans and watching fireworks streak across the night sky...you're lucky enough!</div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:100%;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Never gonna grow up<br />Never gonna slow down<br />We were shinin' like lighters in the dark<br />In the middle of a rock show<br /><br />We were doin' it right<br />We were comin' alive<br />Yeah, caught up in a Southern summer, </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">barefoot, blue jean night</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/search/label/Link%20Parties" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="UndertheTableandDreaming" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/party.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Courier 10 Pitch', Courier, monospace;font-size:12px;"><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#777777;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#777777;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Courier 10 Pitch', Courier, monospace;font-size:7;"><br /></span></div><center><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_x908CSKJhI4/TPp5U0929OI/AAAAAAAAU9w/dCqnDBWHD8U/s400/Chair%2Bon%2Bright%2Blike%2Bheader.jpg" /></a></center>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-91392243197611867272012-05-30T21:23:00.020-05:002012-05-31T00:43:15.271-05:00And that's the way it is ~May always brings good times...Mother's Day (<i>awesome, I felt very loved</i>), birthdays (<i>my</i> <i>oldest, Justin</i>), and crawfish time. AND the American Idol finale! Yay for Phillip winning the whole thing. It was a trip having Josh Ledet, a local guy, in the running. He came in 3rd.<br /><div><br /></div><div>This month started with a bang. Literally. </div><div><br /></div><div>In an attempt to answer the phone my Mac slipped off my lap, and the full weight (corner down) fell onto my toe and broke it. I moaned. I groaned. I cried. I took pictures of the damage and sent to Jennifer at the ER to impress her. Then I sent the same pic to the boys and my sister, for sympathy. The phone call that led to the disaster? A telemarketer. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, my toe had to be wrapped and taped and I couldn't put on closed shoes for weeks so I called a time-out in my life and decided the best, most productive use of my time would be to attend the trial of "Thelma & Louise" (<i>see previous post</i>). </div><div><br /></div><div>So I did. Every single day. It was an absolute blast.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd never attended a trial before, much less one of this magnitude. This murder had everything - sex, gambling, cheating, intrigue, greed, a dysfunctional and contentious family, and as many characters and storylines as a John Grisham novel. </div><div><br /></div><div>I became friendly with the news media (<i>local TV and the newspaper</i>) as well as the national media (<i>the producers from CBS News sat by me often</i>), law enforcement detectives, the sheriff (<i>he gave me his seat during closing arguments</i>) the prosecutor, the FBI expert, the mistress, the family of the victim. Just to name a few. The last day of trial, I got there at 8:30 am and didn't leave the courthouse until after the verdict was announced 11 hours later.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">YES...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">this story will be featured on "48 Hours" on CBS, look for it to air this fall!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I will forever be sorry I wasn't on this jury but I have to say, if I had been, I'd have voted the same.<i>..</i>GUILTY<b>.</b><i> </i>A friend and I watched as the two women convicted of the crime were driven away to jail. I felt good about that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What an experience! I learned a lot about the judicial system. And I gained a new appreciation for the work of the prosecutor's office, as well as the men and women who gave 3 weeks of their time to sit on this jury. Long hours. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, I'm just enormously grateful to law enforcement for all they do and mighty proud to be the mother of a police officer (<i>Jason, son #2</i>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>May, 2012. And that's the way it is...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-43116182307797291982012-04-29T23:04:00.001-05:002012-06-27T13:34:09.991-05:00Voir Dire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ax0Pu9TyddwE2CkZ2MX5-VBMPFSe57uph_0KG_kvNcY?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qy969lvCY0k/T5oiZ-UVnDI/AAAAAAAACdY/_vGiAyLcCEo/s200/seal_lal.gif" width="197" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Voir Dire is a French term for "speak the truth". I received a summons for Jury Duty beginning last Monday. Yes!! As long as I'm not on death's door or about to board a ship for foreign ports, I want to serve. I do. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few years ago I was picked as a potential juror on a criminal case. During voir dire (when the attorneys get to question you) I was asked many questions....mostly about my knowledge of DNA. I was not chosen. Fast forward to last Monday. From a jury pool of about 200, they picked 50 names. I was # 47. Only one trial needed a jury (12 jurors and 2 alternates). I watched as the defense attorneys and the prosecutor wrangled with the first panel and then the second. Lots of people were excluded right away. By Wednesday after lunch, I was sworn in. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the Thursday morning and afternoon sessions, my group was questioned. What took so long was that there was a list of at least 50 or so potential witnesses in this trial and they question you to see if you know them. Plenty of people did...not me. Some were related to multiple people on the witness list. Cousins, aunts, ex-husbands, you name it. Some were neighbors, former co-workers.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's just a<i> </i><b>few</b> questions I got: Do you have any law enforcement personnel in your family? (yes...I'm a mother of a police officer, Los Angeles Police Department.) Have you ever been to ____'s Lounge? (no, and I've never heard of it) Did you follow the Casey Anthony case? (yes) How do you feel about serving on this jury? (I'd be pleased to do my duty as a citizen) And so forth.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attorneys for both sides can challenge a juror for "just cause" (if they believe you're biased) or "peremptory" for which they don't have to give a reason. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was released. And disappointed. But that's the way our american judicial system works. And it's the greatest system in the world, flaws and all.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm going to try to catch a few sessions of the trial this week, as a very interested observer. I'd welcome company if anyone wants to come along. :) </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the way, you can read about this trial on this site: (click around and you'll find it, it's the only big trial going on now...defendants are two women, charged with 2nd degree murder) </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kplctv.com/">KPLC - TV</a> </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I was released I can now discuss, read about, research, or even blog about it. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FW1XBIdTAdAQYEtMU7uBNy7QnG3jjRoL2qpWTc5W-og?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="266" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mzU_TXTYWlY/T535TSdhO1I/AAAAAAAACeI/aIvWBKbOv8Q/s400/IMG_3205%2520copy1-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Too bad I wasn't picked. They wouldn't have found a more willing, a more interested and unbiased juror with an attention to detail and a good memory (no note taking allowed in capital murder trials) than me. Seriously. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> voir dire.</span>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-86964631909780848582012-03-21T23:34:00.004-05:002012-03-26T00:35:01.888-05:00Rolling in the Deep ~<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last month we did some rolling in the deep on this baby:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d71SXi0MXkAJDBHtQqjwLa8iYE1R0Bj16EfxDHJSv3M?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMogpioU7gBUvR5EoiKVn58iwVGHozEJToRvSRYYKBCctIs-I7AXVlv9a3x9grM2qR9JbN0a5U8I5rleuNG3gSiA0ds9sMx7B-IZrb4Hom3bOzV16fR1F9ijA5ZpggqM1vvt29v1S9ag/s640/magic_rendering_.jpg" height="395" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Carnival Magic is gorgeous, really!! We did a 7 day cruise, eastern Caribbean. Ports: Key West, Florida...Freeport, Bahamas...Nassau, Bahamas. Since we were onboard for Valentine's Day, we dubbed it the Love Cruise. Think what you will. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She's a new ship. The only other ship I'd sailed before was the Conquest, which was very cool and a big ship too. But, The Magic is a Dream Class, over 1000 ft. long. I loved that!! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's some stock photos of some of what Magic has to offer. Up first is SkyCourse, the first ever ropes course at sea. That must be a thrill, if you're not bothered by heights. I wouldn't know. But it's fun to watch. We talked to one of the guys in charge of this and he says Carnival takes this very seriously. And he said it's a total blast.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hcwVyPd2qgIHNZzSNRZ8lcag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZZH6gAjrrp8/T2gH56nIG_I/AAAAAAAACac/EjHLIrdDkpE/s800/CarnMagicSkyCourse2.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's one shot of Serenity Deck, an adults only area. If the chairs look comfy, just know that they are. One of the crazy good things about The Magic is all the different decks/areas they have for you to relax outside. One of our favorite places was on deck 11 aft, quiet and relaxing with magnificent views.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZoMs3IuNq7OMWjnQZza0R8ag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_-JrR3tZKYw/T2gH-qxMY4I/AAAAAAAACak/BEih4iHb5W8/s800/053-carnivalmagicserenity-copy.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the Atrium (lobby). It goes from deck 3 all the way to the top. It's pretty, and the glass elevators are shiny and sparkly. (I like shiny things) Notice the long sofas? They come in handy if you're a people-watcher, and I am. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Gm59ilaXUWzEteT7y_fKE8ag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KRy-Do1Xr4I/T2jrxWBljAI/AAAAAAAACa0/Mo13jGCNvTY/s800/magic.jpg" height="465" width="700" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This shop is called Cherry on Top. Of course it's just darling, filled with pricey treats of all kinds. Sweet things in shiny containers to put in cute packages with shiny ribbon...well you know where that's going to lead. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OpSTZz_NQcVI0plsPRc2gsag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VyYmuoyLKtc/T2kVY_Io-ZI/AAAAAAAACbo/d8NZj31sLA8/s800/magic3.jpg" height="342" width="665" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Carnival's Waterworks. It was a bit chilly on our cruise but I bet if you're there in warmer weather, you can play the heck out of this (if you're so inclined). They have several giant waterslides and more things than you can count. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oPULEQFVB8TOUmqCev_oQcag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vju7QGGbcDU/T2lcAo9X0VI/AAAAAAAACbw/_Ej1EYEb2Dc/s640/WaterWorks-2534.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This next place is adorable. Like other cruise ships, there are dozens of places on the Magic to eat, most included in the cruise price, some you pay for extra. But unlike others, this ship has it's own family-style Italian restaurant. It's called Cucina del Capitano. You choose your meat or seafood, your pasta, and your sauce and they fix it for you, along with a signature Caesar salad. It was delicious. You can eat free for lunch or have a more elaborate dinner (with desserts) for $12 each. It's charming...love the wall art too. We only ate there once but for sure I want to go again next time. And there will be a next time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KRwW8jOIOKDJ7O68j0k0zMag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--bCr3SBcHF0/T2jxp2fGFPI/AAAAAAAACbE/-9-NVgEi748/s800/6a0120a5d6378c970c015434babffe970c-800wi.jpg" height="342" width="665" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">OK, here we go, here's our pictures. Me and the Bear. Papa Bear. (I call him that sometimes. Breaker breaker Papa Bear.) Nevermind - wrong story. Wrong decade. Wrong century.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zfCE-R4kCmu33vkE3Q4rRcag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mQQPq9Sy2Po/T0q2GIZzx1I/AAAAAAAACNU/8XWP_tLWHbQ/s640/P1040977.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And our favorite cruising compatriots...Charles (brother in law) and Lou Ellen (sister). Better known (on this cruise) as the people who swim with dolphins. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NpaAQex8NdNfgbiK5mrOUcag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gKYONdDhYo1tcXjvcS2DuLvEctZ_S7nKsDkO6YrYWBIbazeaPtEYav4EQvI9b_ujKU0jsBDbEaz8Gh3xTMas1Pd0rzHlTJafUnr9byqYcATwPovMQp-YoD_vYHSc2Jb3ei5dxPKMvcM/s640/P1040976.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We stopped at Atlantis, on Paradise Island in Nassau. It's where the wealthy play. And the cruise passengers walk through and look. I am a bit taken with my own picture of this water thing, so here you go. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I5ODAOchu7AbiK-PC_mY3cag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESu3z_XapoPBrzi79bFVZ9Ij1CFQTUXrzoJCELzifWtJKY1JpIuRoxlp3a1wHu4hjnk_eIFww1BSRNI4dOZ3omVbLDIkHl9iRgje9E3AA4y4x7u15EURBuuxKw5C-Mok0VsUHJAgonv4/s640/P1050056.JPG" height="622" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lots and lots of yachts. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GuYqP4sRdwCrUHIU4nQKlMag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vTfKsjsXi54/T0rKO_1gwpI/AAAAAAAACVo/HjqjVNH3M4g/s640/P1050071.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I believe the dark blue one is my very favorite. Now why didn't we ("we" is my sister and I, the guys really don't care) look up the vital info on this beauty and see who owns her. Maybe it's not too late....google is my friend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zhXro4A19j5tRjgaH63bH8ag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-93dC-llxwd8/T0rKB7CWh4I/AAAAAAAACaA/nJroJPaS1L0/s640/P1050070.JPG" height="406" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Final thoughts...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rolling in the deep is an excellent way to spend a week. And I say that in all seriousness. I'm someone who gets carsick if I have to ride an hour in the back seat of a vehicle and I never, not once, felt queasy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aWBiyv3DiRnEoIBTJzgGgMag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lJ00LGFSOAw/T0rKv79fp6I/AAAAAAAACWI/MmgqA5wqh3I/s640/P1050079.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Carnival Magic was everything I imagined and more. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Really, people...the<i> </i>amenities!!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(amenities are in the eye of the beholder...)</i></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-76670897840200330262012-03-06T23:12:00.011-06:002012-03-08T17:35:55.223-06:00Key West (come as you are)<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eQFvg7y39vgecksC-SzZZBpHxdzhiwcr3aH9NH1zHx4a8rl_f1CzWMxNM6heGRiDwXJmbGDlo4MsVsnNHG30cCHb0toaQi5p7CWsL4mXtdWLvNyA5OH_uWtAqh6nkcyPsI7jwXRjLk4/s1600/P1050021.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Key West, Florida...where the signs say "Come as you are" was our first stop on our cruise last month. It's a small place, only a few square miles but it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">'s interesting and artsy and kind of pretty. The whole island vibe, the we're-cool-and-we-know-it attitude, and the historic areas all add up to a fun place to visit. Be aware though...it's a liberal minded, liberal culture, alternative values kind of town. (No worries, we avoided posing with the naked statues.)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">We rented a 4-person electric car to cruise around the island. It was sort of like riding in a souped-up golf cart. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The infamous Sloppy Joe's saloon.</span><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SqmLwIxJfR-IlVl_bHxchMag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qbbhlw-vN1U/T0q3tiE8OcI/AAAAAAAACPU/wQSNzgwQdM4/s400/P1050004.JPG" height="300" width="330" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We passed by Ernest Hemingway's home but didn't have time to stop. I'm not such a Hemingway fan anyway, but I was sort of interested in the cats on site, most of them still are bred to have six-toes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">However, when in Key West, take a pic with Hemingway....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4tt42bxPo8qtTN7BGWgXncag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YDMnZeQ090s/T0q6UQm_DII/AAAAAAAACU0/O4zQDW17M-0/s640/P1050029.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The sisters. Oh yeah, we're cool. And we know it. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PP3Ua8nFbaRjdNOB_xzaWMag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcWhSL9svah_VeW5_8uzhRMDIRvi5TinVDu3H0lGTaku5QiBkmxE1uJ36XOLffDkYC-Mg7F8QclArOwF0LxbqLlGkIVMUnpqj7GAsZEZG-sZExE8SEhoUuwBvIh-gSZFkL0iTi2atNVw/s640/P1050025.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My brother-in-law Charles, eating the Kermit's (award winning) Frozen Key Lime Pie.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QmzWLklaXtBYCfiuP_pLpMag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lGx6FQG5_DI/T0q6XnP1qqI/AAAAAAAACR8/keW3DpjNww8/s400/P1050028.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had lunch at Pepe's, the oldest restaurant in Key West, known for oysters, steak and key lime pie (like everyone else on the island). Not friendly service...but they don't have to be, they trade on their name and the homemade menu items. I ordered the Oyster Medley. They were good, but small. Once was enough.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M9tLWW61Qh_f-xbQ_Lq1osag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TwwwYPro9so/T0q4XxAgQkI/AAAAAAAACQE/c8zcXt-m0uE/s400/P1050013.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We ate on the patio. Here's the chandelier over our table. I bet it's pretty at night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vqZDIs1ZLiZM5SW_rFS0L8ag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p0b8phZnyVk/T0q5bC4KzjI/AAAAAAAACQs/bIgGY6zAin4/s400/P1050016.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We got a parking ticket while we were there. (we were targeted, I'm sure of it). Big Daddy wasn't such a fan of Pepe's. This is his happy face.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AKPH8W8COBPTQupd38ySn8ag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GDbuld7E8Jo/T0q5cMxeZoI/AAAAAAAACQ8/cQ6HuNDAGTw/s400/P1050018.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What's a nice guy like you doing in a place like this? </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8ztfrEukHpZv-_A3Nj5B_8ag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s5QekPQbdzg/T0q4c9AG2LI/AAAAAAAACY8/FzXPczvnW_Y/s640/P1050014.JPG" height="500" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Key West is eclectic. And they're proud of that. On Duval St. you can see a seafood shack right next door to a Birkenstock store, just across from Fast Buck Freddie's (souvenirs), a museum, an independent art gallery, and a Coach store. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Yes, </i>we stopped at Coach. I took this khaki and red puppy home:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIcCBU5sqnc/T1bon-b2RXI/AAAAAAAACZY/H5mgX_SoaMQ/s400/%2524%2528KGrHqZHJDIE8gPZunK2BPMdL9WJqw%257E%257E60_57.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717012550465766770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div>Pretty scooters, all in a row.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VIFewWk0qykx845H9lG6KMag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-khrmIisWIwM/T0q4GNQIO1I/AAAAAAAACPs/DBT6B2AyXws/s400/P1050007.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Goodbye, Key West.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PX-AeGjWvMbPs-2xdbRvgMag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAOBAL2DV2lC2xI1MRw-JI86aGZgvz8ieMX5ZfCPCOyV_v4HINAzhvmsOqr4AdWT2vsms9h_hPcQ39rPm1ZRv2AMQFBHpEJXjxsNbNxcA3zNZ35zO-Nqy3WLkZjfnPt8ymCcejtmVJPI/s640/P1050005.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681857723425759020.post-23403707905398864532012-02-28T12:47:00.014-06:002012-02-28T13:41:35.412-06:00The Right Stuff ~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Sometimes I read cruising blogs and see that the bloggers (or their families) are winners. Winners of contests...trivia...whatever. My sister and I are smart. We know things. So, why haven't we won something? </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Yeah, why? Because we never did it right. So as we boarded The Carnival Magic on Feb. 12, we vowed to do it right. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">What is right? Right is teaming up. Right is looking over the schedule to see what we want to play. (Bean bag toss, no...hairy chest contest, no....country music trivia, yes!) Right is arriving early enough to get a good seat, an answer form, and to scope out the competition. Right is a sip of diet coke. Husbands are considered good luck, too. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Check, check, check and check. </span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ahref="https: com="" lh="" photo="" feat="embedwebsite""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2w5biOqe6dbFOk3KWOwWGbq1g0Y0lBwZrAVwDqRam37aQ2N7zOxqRKE3pfncA6bO-V5vCoSgxgo5hzlCXRr6jhWW2ceNIp4F8sb72luvds7l9v5tqiKu3-rXuWjZ7OkDSuMh2H117bY/s400/P1040981.JPG" height="310" width="400" /></ahref="https:></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">FYI...the trophy (fondly named Ship-On-A-Stick) may be made of gold plastic, but they are very prized by all. They actually have the name of the ship on them too. Our first win was Famous Faces Mash-Up. (<i>ex, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise</i>). </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AaDYLZMswdKx-4-oNstuucag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PGDd8VRwgK0/T0q22RqaM2I/AAAAAAAACOM/EYNCHS6H6hc/s400/P1040985.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Our second was for Famous Movie Quotes. ("<i>You want answers? You can't handle the truth!"</i>) So we won a total of two each.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ahref="https: com="" lh="" photo="" feat="embedwebsite""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc80l_Rw8_5xVRGbLNWFGKOagjsjCj2phPtnospEjY8zALCzrA82zv3Yq5BFdx4PQBfBYtJjvmKKMLfM8T1pCWyJ3jzk6OP-I3eXu8O_DQfovsIgQN-iyKSovH2RnCI-mYqQJaoUp8poQ/s400/P1050090.JPG" height="360" width="400" /></ahref="https:></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Were we proud? YES!!! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">But still, you always remember the one that got away. We were one point (we had 37 out of 40 possible) away from a win in Country Music Trivia, a category that should have been a cake walk for us! What the heck?? How is this possible?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">OK, so we're not infallible. Now, we will <i>never</i> forget that Dust On The Bottle was a hit for David Lee Murphy. We had the song title, just couldn't come up with the name. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The sisters. We've got it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TXFnu50_D2a7KJZbPN6Fhsag7VPMTBJenXdLZzrXg-U?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-65D2VdTHamk/T0q2gV0yXkI/AAAAAAAACN0/VJ0DoEk093U/s640/P1040982.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">The Right Stuff!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11299507536000107945noreply@blogger.com5