tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74174155997529909032024-03-13T11:32:46.619-05:00Bliss & BlessednessMy attempt at finding them in each dayJamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-81964569812693089352018-11-25T10:20:00.005-06:002020-11-27T13:06:53.862-06:00Doing Afraid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Our long term goal for retirement was to sell the house in Cattlebaron Parc and move to Western North Carolina. November 1, 2015 I took (gleefully so) early retirement from Hunt Oil Company, where I had worked for nearly 30 years. </span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">At that same time it became evident that my father-in-law, who was in his late 90's, needed someone full time to help him live out the remainder of his life. He had all his mental faculties and was rather healthy for 97 years old, but time had taken his hearing and macular degeneration had taken his sight. He wanted to stay in his own home and had no desire to move to an assisted living facility. So, it was a no-brainer that Lovey and I needed to move to Midland, move in with Papa and help him have a comfortable life for however many years the Lord was going to give him.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We sold our home and estate-saled pretty much all we had. Our possessions consist of a 10' x 10' storage unit. Papa's home was a two-story so Lovey and I moved in upstairs. Talk about moving back in with your parent, HA!</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Thus began our "retirement". It was a blessing and an honor to take care of Papa. It meant so much to us to help him pass on to his ever after and eternal home with God. He went home on November 16, 2016 at the age of 98-1/2.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Since that time Lovey and I, at the suggestion of Father Jay, took our time to grieve and began our prayers on what to do with our future. We still very much wanted to move to North Carolina as we loved it so and the lifestyle we would have there was how we wanted to live in our retirement. At the same time it was important to us to do and be where the Lord wanted us to be. My prayer life became constant; just waiting for an answer, a feeling, any little whisper from the Holy Spirit that we were making the right decision.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">My parents are still alive. The majority of my family are in Texas and Oklahoma. Should I move so far away from all of them? So many fears began to creep into my psyche. We were afraid of doing something against the Lord's will; afraid of building our final home; afraid of being alone after one of us died first. Those fears began to paralize both of us.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Here we are two years after Papa's passing. I know I am not going to receive an actual booming voice from God telling me, "Yes, go ahead with the plans you desire for yourselves. It's Okay, I approve". But from my prayers and conversations with God over the past 2-1/2 years, I am coming to realize that it's Okay to be afraid of the unknown that is ahead of us. I can rely on God and know that he is still going to be there to protect me and take care of me even when <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">we</span> make the wrong decisions.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">So...we have decided to go ahead, to move forward and "do afraid". It's a scary move yet this rejuvenated trust I have in Jesus is going to make it an exciting adventure to see how the Lord will take care of us on this new journey. </span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-30298869960791988032017-08-01T15:18:00.001-05:002018-10-31T14:41:01.112-05:00Pine Cone Zinnias<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love pine cones. Since moving back to Midland in April of last year I've been picking them up because they are everywhere. Papa has 3 big Japanese Pines that drop the most beautiful, large pine cones. Most are 6 to 7 inches long with a circumference of about 11 inches at the top. I literally have hundreds of these that I will be making swags <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f</span>or the holidays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are plenty of smaller ones from, what I believe are, Afghan pines. They are smaller and these are the ones I used to make the zinnias.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7goyLvuQJgQ/WPfR0Fmr2RI/AAAAAAAAM9k/GiPp8MaL8XESXpL_nT3gJLd_UdwVmj1pgCPcB/s1600/Pine%2BCone%2BFlowers%2B%25284%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7goyLvuQJgQ/WPfR0Fmr2RI/AAAAAAAAM9k/GiPp8MaL8XESXpL_nT3gJLd_UdwVmj1pgCPcB/s640/Pine%2BCone%2BFlowers%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Zinnias are one of my favorite flowers to grow then bring into the house all summer long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also love pine cones. I ran across a photo of pine cones painted up as zinnias and I loved them. It also seemed an easy enough craft for me to handle.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NrkF4pN8lwE/WPfSgpUQ-nI/AAAAAAAAM9k/jCpa0esF-egB_GFpOT62xNN8b-SffVBvgCPcB/s1600/023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NrkF4pN8lwE/WPfSgpUQ-nI/AAAAAAAAM9k/jCpa0esF-egB_GFpOT62xNN8b-SffVBvgCPcB/s640/023.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The color spectrum is so wide. You can keep the color scheme true to flower colors or create your own color scheme; I like the multi-colored scheme; the same I have in my garden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I chose to prime mine with white acrylic paint from the craft store.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I chose a variety of acrylic colors and gave each "flower" two coats of paint. With a little yellow and orange paint I gave each a little center. A day after I finished painting them I gave them a couple coats of a clear, acrylic spray to shine them up a bit and protect their color.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Once completely dry I used some heavy duty clippers and snipped the pine cones. There are several ways you can snip these. This one above, for example, was left with a 'tail' which would give it some support when stuck in with a bunch of other "flowers" in a bowl. If you want to display them in a tall glass container you might want to snip the cone off flat where your color begins and place them in the jar facing out with the centers into the center.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I stuck mine in a wide mouthed bowl and set them on the coffee table.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And now I have a bowl full of flowers that I don't have to water.</span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-5057717154696482302016-11-10T06:00:00.000-06:002017-03-25T09:49:18.347-05:00I Feel Better When I'm Dancing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Miss Muffet had her first dance recital this past Summer. I wasn't about to miss watching this little girl dance her heart out. And that's what she did. She had so much fun; no stage fright for her! She relished in the moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before the performance comes a lot of practice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And, when big sister is trying to practice, little brother has to join in</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Miss Muffet is the tiniest one on the stage. She is in the middle of the front row of the group that comes out of the flats from house right (or stage left). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Miss Muffet</span> and her friends. By the way, I loved <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">yellow </span>outfit for the Singing in the Rain number; it was so 1960's Gene Kelly meets Nancy Sinatra.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imoEl9KY_cA/V2tpoFDq23I/AAAAAAAAMhs/DbHrUdFu2E49a9xrxVvF-CuhUzSUuYA5gCKgB/s640/Les%2BSaisons%2BRecital%2B-%2B061816%2B%25285%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dancers and their spoils</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Is this not the most beautiful family?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAwt5q8fSO0/V2tpn3FUmbI/AAAAAAAAMhs/L5zu3pPIszAVKf9Dm7lkjg0VBCBu2ef8QCKgB/s640/Les%2BSaisons%2BRecital%2B-%2B061816%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mimi and her</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Miss <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Muffet</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although the recital was the catalyst that got me out of Midland, there were so many other precious moments that I brought home with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting to spend time with grandchildren is the best. So many moments that make you proud, laugh, and so many times you just want to squeeze them to death. I'm so grateful to have had those moments for a short time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Miss Snaggletooth</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You'll be there one day Buddy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Toot Toot!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Vrooooom!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Making the perfect vent holes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Awww, a girl and her dog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Cheese!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is she mimicking Mimi wearing her reading glasses?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Captain America</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Calm down....it's root beer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How do you like my new outfit?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now that I am back home in West Texas I miss them so.</span><br />
<br />Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-30684236254258726742016-11-09T15:20:00.001-06:002017-03-25T09:52:16.318-05:00It's Hard To Say Goodbye<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rLK66WI46xU/VvAHcOeRgHI/AAAAAAAAMaU/O3lmn9p6wXMvD5TuDdysIhwbyliZwLRLQ/s640/120.JPG" width="640" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's hard to let go of things. A drastic change in your life lends to drastic measures. I've had a big lesson in having to make decisions on what to let go of and what to hold on to.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know I shouldn't be so materialistic and admitting to myself that I am was the hardest hurdle to get over.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A year ago, </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lovey and I made the decision to move to Midland and become caregivers to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">my father-in-law.</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Along with that</span> decision <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">came the decision to</span> sell the house </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as well as</span> most of our possessions and just start over once we retired 100%.</span></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why do we love things so much? <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is </span>there <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">really</span> anything wrong with loving <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">our</span> things<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">?</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span>hings were put here for us to enjoy<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, weren't they?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whatever the real answer, this was something we <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wanted to do more than needed to do. So, we did it. Once the house sold we brought in an Estate Sale company to organize, price and sell, sell, sell. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lovey
reiterate<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d</span> that if something <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was</span> sentimental, go ahead and keep it.
Therein lies the problem because I am sentimental about most of my
things.</span> Yet, he<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'s so willing to let go of things that have been such a big part o<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f his life. </span></span>Broke my heart to see Lovey let go of some of his childhood memories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Goodbye house. Hello packing and selling most of my possessions.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I</span>t was hard. We loved this house.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>We
loved the neighborhood. A good friend of ours listed the house and it
was sold within 2 weeks. It absolutely killed me to think this house
was <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">not going to belong to us any more. Especially since we worked <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for <a href="http://kneitherknorr.blogspot.com/2010/10/five-year-search-in-couple-of.html" target="_blank">5 years</a> to find <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://kneitherknorr.blogspot.com/2010/10/our-resting-place.html" target="_blank">just the right location</a> and get it buil<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to k</span></span>now</span> the<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>new owners and realizing they were a family <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that was</span>
passionate about making this their home made the medicine easier to swallow. They really love it and we
also received a sweet letter from one of the daughters about what it
would mean to her and her family if they could live in this house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Saying goodbye to possessions <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was</span> not nearly as sad as saying goodbye to a neighborhood, all of the dear neighbors and friendships that</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> were nurtured. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And oh, my <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">goodness, it was so sad to leave our church home and church family.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So many doors clos<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ed</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and a whole world of unknown <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">opened</span> up befo<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">re us. </span></span></span></span></span></span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0475 Cattlebaron Parc Drive, Parker County, TX, USA32.815844003804756 -97.56202697753906232.802499003804755 -97.582196977539056 32.829189003804757 -97.541856977539069tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-6809664701918398592015-11-11T23:55:00.000-06:002016-10-24T00:07:42.001-05:00A Fork In the Road<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I made my decision my vision became my release......</span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In October of 2015 I retired from Hunt Oil Company. Hired in 1986 it had become my second home as well as many of my co-workers becoming my extended family. As it has done in the past, the oil & gas industry took a turn for the worse and the company offered a very nice early retirement package to a select group of employees. About 90 of us "oldsters" qualified for it and I jumped at the opportunity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although retirement came 5 or 6 years earlier than Lovey and I planned, what do you do? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the midst of deciding how to move forward the future blueprint of our lives quickly unfolded before us; whether we liked it or not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My question of how will Lovey and I handle being in each other's business 24 -7 flew out the window when we realized there was a bigger issue we were going to have to deal with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My father-in-law (who turn<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ed</span> 98 <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">this past April</span>) still lives on his own in his own house but he now needs some help in order to maintain that lifestyle. Macular degeneration is his largest stumbling block. It has forced him to stop playing golf (which he played three days a week) and driving. It has also made it hard for him to cook for himself. He really needed someone 24<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-7 to help him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once in a vision<br />I came on some woods<br />And stood at a fork in the road<br />My choices were clear<br />Yet I froze with the fear<br />Of not knowing which way to go.<br /><br />One road was simple<br />Acceptance of life<br />The other road offered sweet peace<br />When I made my decision<br />My vision became my release.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">road</span> Lovey and I were to take was obvious and a no brainer. It was time for us to leave Fort Worth and return to West Texas and move in with Papa so we could insure he was able to live out what ever time he had left on this earth in his own home and as normal as we could make it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the fork in the road that we chose. And it is our introduction to being caregivers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, here I am trying to figure out this new role in life I have been handed. So far it has not been difficult because I adore Papa so taking care of him has not been an issue; it's simply what needs to be done. The hard part is figuring out how to not lose myself in all of this. To maintain a life of my own while giving all I have to someone else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's one thirty in the morning and it has begun to storm and the rain is coming down very hard. I think it sad that Papa, lying in his bed, can't hear the rain hit the roof.</span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-60763209155647679592015-07-05T19:23:00.002-05:002015-07-05T19:23:25.930-05:00Our 4th of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lovey and I celebrated the 4th by ourselves this year. We still made it festive despite not having a big celebration planned with friends and family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We decorated the front porch with buntings</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Put out our flag</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Made a little flower arrangement</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And brought out the tea towels mother gave us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We prepared food and ate like we were planning for a crowd to come over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We feasted on ribs, North Carolina-style pulled pork with NC vinegar sauce, grilled corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, watermelon, peach ice cream, watermelon, watermelon cocktails, and more watermelon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We watched A Capitol Fourth and the New York City fireworks on TV.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and ended the evening with a lot of fireworks in the neighborhood. A very good day. Happy Birthday America!!</span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-85788888848509886662014-12-10T00:00:00.000-06:002014-12-21T17:51:46.795-06:00Some Christmas Favorites<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each year when I bring all of the bins that hold the family Christmas Treasures down from the room over the garage there are always a few items that I love to re-discover when I come across them. In particular, there are certain items that were from Lovey's childhood; decorations that Faye always displayed in their home when Lovey was a little one. These are some of my favorites:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. and Mrs. Santa add a little spice to the holiday. I love these salt and pepper shakers and we use them on the table when we actually have Christmas dinner at our home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love tea towels and these have held up over the years. They are linen with felt decor on them and the writing is hand stitched.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> This little plastic Frosty is carrying a bag on his back that gets filled each year with mini candy canes. This was Lovey's when he was a wee lad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I, personally love these two cups. They are about 4 inches wide and high. The plastic greenery has been in them since the fifties. I haven't had the nerve to pull it out and change it. Maybe Char and Chris will make them fabulous when they get them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These turtle doves are actually off of a package from the 50's and I guess Faye adored them so much for what they stand for that she always kept them to re-decorate packages. However, she made sure they were packages that stayed in the family so she would not lose them. After Faye passed away I started using them on the Christmas Tree, prominently posing them on the same branch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This sweet angel looked like it came from a package too. It is labeled as 'made in Occupied Japan" which tells me the age</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. The Occupied Japan period was from 1945 (after World War II) through April 25, 1952; it was during this time that the Allies "occupied" Japan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> These NOEL Angels are one of my favorites and remind me so much of Faye. They are so sweet and innocent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Look at that sweet face. See her halo? She is the only one of the four angels whose halo has had the gold rubbed off of the front of it. It's a sign of affection on this sweet item that makes me believe that my mother-in-law rubbed this little angels' halo each time she walked past her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I love our Christmas treasures from the past. Do you have specific decorations or ornaments that are special to you?</span><br />
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<br />Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-34343771906185169482014-11-18T22:10:00.001-06:002014-11-18T22:10:13.885-06:00Is it Officialy Winter? I have a Puzzle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This was a fun puzzle. Let there be Winter!!!!</span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-74921085778762285182014-09-29T22:08:00.001-05:002014-09-30T10:24:53.153-05:00The Fair and Butterflies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We spent a lot of time walking around the Texas Discovery Gardens at the Texas State Fair this weekend. I particularly spent more time in the butterfly house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The only downside to the butterfly house is that I don't think many of these butterflies would naturally show up in my back yard. They live in very tropical climates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But they sure are pretty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I couldn't match this one up with their photos to identify it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pitcher Plants</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Don't have a clue what these are</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tiger Longwing</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now this one was what I spent most of my time running around trying to get it to open its wings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Because on the inside he looked like this. He is the Common Blue Morpho</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sarah's Longwing</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Green Banded Swallowtail - he blended right in with the mossy bench he perched himself on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMJ8qabGwBg/VCgwXCe9N5I/AAAAAAAAIBk/XMzHOyx5weA/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMJ8qabGwBg/VCgwXCe9N5I/AAAAAAAAIBk/XMzHOyx5weA/s1600/071.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think these are pineapple lilies</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hYxPGiBH92g/VCgwXfocMxI/AAAAAAAAIBo/T5TR9ciVPqk/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hYxPGiBH92g/VCgwXfocMxI/AAAAAAAAIBo/T5TR9ciVPqk/s1600/077.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's another Common Blue Morpho</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SddHGoeDL1M/VCgwYdIo6tI/AAAAAAAAIB0/sBWdGZZEnkA/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SddHGoeDL1M/VCgwYdIo6tI/AAAAAAAAIB0/sBWdGZZEnkA/s1600/083.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These two went unidentified</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEm0v6K4xrY/VCgwSuyQ42I/AAAAAAAAIBA/80cJFYvZO6c/s1600/043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEm0v6K4xrY/VCgwSuyQ42I/AAAAAAAAIBA/80cJFYvZO6c/s1600/043.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-20706383685085950442014-01-03T22:09:00.001-06:002014-01-03T22:09:51.057-06:00Scenes from the Holidays<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BB7e5y59BBE/UsdvmSuOE_I/AAAAAAAAGdQ/1TOzKdBXS2Y/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BB7e5y59BBE/UsdvmSuOE_I/AAAAAAAAGdQ/1TOzKdBXS2Y/s640/002.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Twelfth Day of Christmas is rapidly approaching which means the ornaments will soon be taken off the tree, carefully wrapped and packed away for another year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm an ornament person and I can sit and stare at them on the tree for hours</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll miss the sparkle and the sweetness of them</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll miss these too</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Kitchen Witch</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V3YUJh3Fr7Y/Usdvk-IseOI/AAAAAAAAGdE/bH6iQqIWR6A/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V3YUJh3Fr7Y/Usdvk-IseOI/AAAAAAAAGdE/bH6iQqIWR6A/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">the kitchen carolers</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Kindels Bakerkins. This little fellow's name is Batter</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsRUZntWpLU/Usd2Y7TUr2I/AAAAAAAAGdw/2h3GmccXlHU/s1600/161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsRUZntWpLU/Usd2Y7TUr2I/AAAAAAAAGdw/2h3GmccXlHU/s640/161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the house lights. I wouldn't mind keeping lights up all year but my neighbors would label me as the weirdo in the neighborhood (although there is a house that's had a giant Christmas gingerbread house in their front garden for over a year now).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are some things from the Christmas season that I enjoyed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My Jesse Tree - Out of the stump of David's Family will grow a shoot - Isaiah 1:1</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHplo5d1fqg/UsW2zoylgoI/AAAAAAAAGS0/znk0NcIYwhY/s1600/JesseTree+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHplo5d1fqg/UsW2zoylgoI/AAAAAAAAGS0/znk0NcIYwhY/s640/JesseTree+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead of an Advent Wreath this year I had a Jesse Tree</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Jesse Tree is similar to an Advent wreath in that you are celebrating the coming of Jesus. For the 25 days prior to Christmas you will discover and celebrate Jesus' lineage as well as Jesus himself</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hIb-KjmpzQ/UsW2zwHZ9cI/AAAAAAAAGSY/GKe7YH0TOFw/s1600/JesseTree+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hIb-KjmpzQ/UsW2zwHZ9cI/AAAAAAAAGSY/GKe7YH0TOFw/s640/JesseTree+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's all sorts of ways to make your Jesse Tree. I cut down a little scrub juniper in my woods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ell9o7zhdkM/UsW22voC7gI/AAAAAAAAGTs/Wwssu-Gdtts/s1600/JesseTree+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ell9o7zhdkM/UsW22voC7gI/AAAAAAAAGTs/Wwssu-Gdtts/s640/JesseTree+%25289%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I put it in a small vase and set that inside a larger vase with lights around it</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3Hs_cbQcls/UsW20IFZCKI/AAAAAAAAGSg/XZEH_EkAAsw/s1600/JesseTree+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3Hs_cbQcls/UsW20IFZCKI/AAAAAAAAGSg/XZEH_EkAAsw/s640/JesseTree+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ke4nmkZ9pwQ/UsW20WyUKII/AAAAAAAAGSs/RLfSYDauzzE/s1600/JesseTree+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ke4nmkZ9pwQ/UsW20WyUKII/AAAAAAAAGSs/RLfSYDauzzE/s640/JesseTree+%25284%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWYsEbN_HsU/UsW21jnm2xI/AAAAAAAAGTE/5_mEEmRG6qA/s1600/JesseTree+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWYsEbN_HsU/UsW21jnm2xI/AAAAAAAAGTE/5_mEEmRG6qA/s640/JesseTree+%25288%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decorated it with some ornaments I made when I was in Junior High School</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbcTbwzmODo/UsW201EmKDI/AAAAAAAAGSw/-UcTY-xF74Q/s1600/JesseTree+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbcTbwzmODo/UsW201EmKDI/AAAAAAAAGSw/-UcTY-xF74Q/s640/JesseTree+%25285%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each day there was an ornament to add as I had my quiet time. These beautiful ornaments came as a gift with a very special devotional book.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN1JZ2lsnr0/UsW21YPxuFI/AAAAAAAAGTM/MaJl7m7smoc/s1600/JesseTree+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN1JZ2lsnr0/UsW21YPxuFI/AAAAAAAAGTM/MaJl7m7smoc/s640/JesseTree+%25286%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Greatest Gift" by Ann Voskamp was a beautiful book that lead me on a daily journey during the Advent season, the coming of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jim and Amy sent us this sweet wreath</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEdC1Ol9BFU/UsW224NSWXI/AAAAAAAAGTU/WgagaC3Mq_w/s1600/PartridgeBerryWreath+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEdC1Ol9BFU/UsW224NSWXI/AAAAAAAAGTU/WgagaC3Mq_w/s640/PartridgeBerryWreath+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a Partridge Berry Wreath. It's the prettiest little thing and I have never seen one before. You set it in a little water and every few days spritz the leaves with cold water. Mine has lasted since before Thanksgiving and it still looks great.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HePmR52kyY0/UsW23Qu_WwI/AAAAAAAAGTo/qVOfGhBGmmU/s1600/PartridgeBerryWreath+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HePmR52kyY0/UsW23Qu_WwI/AAAAAAAAGTo/qVOfGhBGmmU/s640/PartridgeBerryWreath+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It would be perfect to set a red candle in the middle of it but I thought it looked cute all by itself on this old cake stand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Office Christmas Decorations</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hunt Oil always does a knock-out job on decorating our building during the holiday</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">giant toy soldiers welcome us at the door</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the wreath on the parking garage</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the wreath in the lobby</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">flower arrangements in the Commons (where we eat)</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4I8ZHkGLHU/UsW7PgWQlcI/AAAAAAAAGZE/SvzmbqghZHM/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4I8ZHkGLHU/UsW7PgWQlcI/AAAAAAAAGZE/SvzmbqghZHM/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and these icicle balls, bursts, what ever you choose to call them are all over the building; and they are ginormous</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The first week in December brought us an ice storm</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IrjrzlNu5ug/UsW2xbkfcII/AAAAAAAAGRw/eca8H4HwRvc/s1600/Dec2013IceStorm+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IrjrzlNu5ug/UsW2xbkfcII/AAAAAAAAGRw/eca8H4HwRvc/s640/Dec2013IceStorm+%252814%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">looks like a pretty snow but it was solid ice</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">our driveway was an ice rink</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YH5cz4e6hfY/UsW2yvBHblI/AAAAAAAAGSQ/sQKJFY90-hs/s1600/Dec2013IceStorm+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YH5cz4e6hfY/UsW2yvBHblI/AAAAAAAAGSQ/sQKJFY90-hs/s640/Dec2013IceStorm+%25287%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we were iced in for four days</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved every minute of it.</span><br />
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Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-52990046340209089672013-05-31T22:12:00.000-05:002014-01-03T22:14:37.348-06:00Ice Cream Cone House - Memorial Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wAn0PArBiY/Ua3hvGu-ixI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/6cses9fKVfE/s1600/Memorial+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wAn0PArBiY/Ua3hvGu-ixI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/6cses9fKVfE/s640/Memorial+Day.jpg" width="612" yya="true" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://kneitherknorr.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-ice-cream-cone-house.html" target="_blank">"Mom" Banner</a> has been replaced with a "Remember" banner that reads, 'All gave some ~ Some gave all'. A weapon, like an M76 with a soldier's helmet on it was also added.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">All topped off with an American flag kite.</span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-67479124552249151742013-05-26T12:14:00.002-05:002013-05-26T12:14:17.536-05:00Happy Memorial Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.midnightangel308.com/in_flanders_field.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was a youngster, the last Monday in May was always the day that hailed the beginning of summer break. Memorial Day conjures up memories of the opening of public swimming pools, picnics, parades and going to the cemetery to put flowers and American flags on graves of the brave men and women who lost their lives fighting for our country's freedom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That is the real meaning of Memorial Day. It's the day we give tribute to the fallen.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Flanders Fields</span></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by John McCrae</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Flanders fields the poppies blow<br />Between the crosses, row on row<br />That mark our place; and in the sky<br />The larks, still bravely singing, fly<br />Scarce heard amid the guns below.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are the Dead. Short days ago<br />We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,<br />Loved and were loved, and now we lie<br />In Flanders fields.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take up our quarrel with the foe:<br />To you from failing hands we throw<br />The torch; be yours to hold it high.<br />If ye break faith with us who die.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />We shall not sleep, though poppies grow<br />In Flanders fields. <br />
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Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-77650767571902886402013-05-24T18:00:00.000-05:002013-05-24T18:00:05.727-05:00The Ice Cream Cone House<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a house in Corpus that my friend Karen and I call the Ice Cream Cone House.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is why...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AX0Lc78xeXM/UYANPwoM5VI/AAAAAAAAFTI/lK4ZzFbG9NM/s1600/Anniversary.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AX0Lc78xeXM/UYANPwoM5VI/AAAAAAAAFTI/lK4ZzFbG9NM/s1600/Anniversary.JPG" height="480" width="640" ya="true" /></a>This was the first sighting. My guess is it's decorated for an anniversary or maybe just announcing to the world that Jessica and Clay are a hot item. It looks as if the cone is made out of fiberglass or wood. Who knows...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are other sightings with the cone decorated for different seasons and occasions. It's <em>very interestink</em> (said in my best imitation of Wolfgang the German soldier from Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In). Am curious to know what their neighbors think of this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Celebrating Halloween as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hgh974lU1E/UYANQTsBOoI/AAAAAAAAFTM/SzWuf8sxXus/s1600/St.+Patricks+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hgh974lU1E/UYANQTsBOoI/AAAAAAAAFTM/SzWuf8sxXus/s1600/St.+Patricks+2.JPG" height="640" width="580" ya="true" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a little hard to see but there is a bunny painted in the middle for Easter and around the base of the "soft serve" are Shamrocks, for St. Patrick's Day</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtI-pmOyVMo/UYANPv7cntI/AAAAAAAAFTk/I9EZKHv03_M/s1600/Cinco+de+Mayo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtI-pmOyVMo/UYANPv7cntI/AAAAAAAAFTk/I9EZKHv03_M/s1600/Cinco+de+Mayo.jpg" height="640" width="480" ya="true" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cinco de Mayo. This cracks me up</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFg8EYx-GiE/UZ-utOtgotI/AAAAAAAAFrg/Chk2skFM4Lg/s1600/Mother%2527s+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFg8EYx-GiE/UZ-utOtgotI/AAAAAAAAFrg/Chk2skFM4Lg/s1600/Mother%2527s+Day.jpg" height="600" width="640" ya="true" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mother's Day</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Should be a new one right around the corner, possibly with a patriotic theme??</span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-79913553166901625622013-01-23T19:57:00.003-06:002015-04-22T14:49:19.929-05:00Roadtrip - Washington, D.C. Part IV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TGZb-pI_ws/UOMbWWUrVSI/AAAAAAAAElQ/F8IX3XoH5e8/s1600/dc+trip+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TGZb-pI_ws/UOMbWWUrVSI/AAAAAAAAElQ/F8IX3XoH5e8/s640/dc+trip+113.JPG" height="480" jea="true" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our last full day of our visit Lovey and Char spent a day shopping, exchanging and returning. An after Christmas ritual that I try to avoid at all costs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While they were out I stayed home with the kids and their dad. I cherished the time I was able to spend with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was cold and sleety/snowy outside so we stayed in and played Hungry Hungry Hippos and basketball and all sorts of fun things.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRXZyWlzmQQ/UOMbVLf-Q2I/AAAAAAAAElQ/aQuhGsRqn7s/s1600/dc+trip+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRXZyWlzmQQ/UOMbVLf-Q2I/AAAAAAAAElQ/aQuhGsRqn7s/s640/dc+trip+110.JPG" height="480" jea="true" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did some arts and crafts stuff and finished decorating holiday sugar cookies.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHeNkBj9rus/UOMbVFYj-EI/AAAAAAAAElQ/DpHbmvWjGpc/s1600/dc+trip+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHeNkBj9rus/UOMbVFYj-EI/AAAAAAAAElQ/DpHbmvWjGpc/s640/dc+trip+112.JPG" height="480" jea="true" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miss Muffet creating a masterpiece with her Lite Brite</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After a full day of shopping Char took Lovey to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maine_Avenue_Fish_Market" target="_blank">Maine Avenue Fish Market</a> in D.C. and brought back some really great sea food. Lovey said the fish market was absolutely fabulous; I was a little envious he got to experience it. We had seen it the night before while looking at the monuments at night.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pm0Kg1IwIkE/UOMbWU7xMrI/AAAAAAAAElQ/6CqPbokXm1k/s1600/dc+trip+116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pm0Kg1IwIkE/UOMbWU7xMrI/AAAAAAAAElQ/6CqPbokXm1k/s640/dc+trip+116.JPG" height="480" jea="true" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Miss Muffet was a big help in the kitchen. She was very skeptical about the crabs but slowly warmed up to them and decided they were safe to hold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Especially when she found out they were dead!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Early the next morning Char made us coffee and we loaded up the car and began our journey home. We were sad to leave. Char and James were the best hosts and we loved our time with the grandkids. One thing I am taking away from this trip is the joy in seeing how much love this young family has for each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I can still see Miss Muffet and Sweet Pea at the Air Museum, chasing their mama and squealing with delight as Charlotte turned and chased them in return; catching them and covering them with kisses.</span></div>
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Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-6974807706369481352013-01-14T19:51:00.001-06:002013-01-23T19:58:26.164-06:00Road Trip - Washington, D.C. Part III<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JHVqin3lCY/UOMYND1nnoI/AAAAAAAAEjk/xCw56SFydII/s1600/dc+trip+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JHVqin3lCY/UOMYND1nnoI/AAAAAAAAEjk/xCw56SFydII/s640/dc+trip+086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With kiddos at home with their dad, Char tooled Lovey and I around the city to see the monuments at night. I had never seen them lit up. What a lovely perspective to see them in!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jefferson Memorial</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One memorial that I have never been to is the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial. I would love to see this sometime during the day. Instead of a building it was an outdoor nature walkway with waterfalls and vignettes that reflected different times and philosphies during his presidency.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had Lovey stand here so you could get a perspective of the size of the bronzes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Soup Line. This was very humbling to see. Lovey and I realize that it is only by the grace of God that we are not in that situation. So many still are today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Father and daughter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Washington Monument from the Tidal Basin</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A jaunt across the bridge to get a photo of the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sitting at the top of the hill.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The United States Botanic Gardens all decked out for the Holiday</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As was Union Station. Gorgeous wreaths. Next trip out I want to see the inside of this train station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our nation's capitol is beautiful at night!</span><br />
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Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-90764642404312878772013-01-10T22:06:00.002-06:002021-07-23T22:16:07.974-05:00Road Trip - Washington, D.C. Part II<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g2QaTSLbirA/UOMXdfcXCFI/AAAAAAAAEgo/cGPrBtl48qU/s1600/dc+trip+082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g2QaTSLbirA/UOMXdfcXCFI/AAAAAAAAEgo/cGPrBtl48qU/s640/dc+trip+082.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Char took us to the Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the National Air and Space Museum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Aaaahmazing place. Even if you are not into planes you can't help but be in awe over everything inside.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnfjzcFD7Fk/UOMXayPaXNI/AAAAAAAAEgo/_4EQVrNoY9I/s1600/dc+trip+053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnfjzcFD7Fk/UOMXayPaXNI/AAAAAAAAEgo/_4EQVrNoY9I/s640/dc+trip+053.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span>The Space Shuttle Discovery</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsD-XO6dJO0/UOMXaHgk-zI/AAAAAAAAEgo/DM2vYhYFYz8/s1600/dc+trip+048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsD-XO6dJO0/UOMXaHgk-zI/AAAAAAAAEgo/DM2vYhYFYz8/s640/dc+trip+048.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Enola Gay. The plane was named </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">for Enola Gay Tibbets, the mother of the pilot. I strive to keep this an educational page.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1WwRO3YYps/UOMXZBmyMOI/AAAAAAAAEgo/aI5Xqd5JXLE/s1600/dc+trip+043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1WwRO3YYps/UOMXZBmyMOI/AAAAAAAAEgo/aI5Xqd5JXLE/s640/dc+trip+043.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">An Air France Concorde. Flying on Concorde was on my bucket list until the fleet was retired. The closest I got was watching Concorde take off and land several times. Lovey was fortunate to have flown on it twice. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uD8dDSozxPc/UOMXYBEP5JI/AAAAAAAAEgo/K6jDm-VULWA/s1600/dc+trip+036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uD8dDSozxPc/UOMXYBEP5JI/AAAAAAAAEgo/K6jDm-VULWA/s640/dc+trip+036.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Clipper Flying Cloud - the </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">world's first pressurized commercial airliner. This was one shiny plane.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSpOxioQXnY/UOMXY4L3ZEI/AAAAAAAAEgo/R0Jl9WH27tY/s1600/dc+trip+038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSpOxioQXnY/UOMXY4L3ZEI/AAAAAAAAEgo/R0Jl9WH27tY/s640/dc+trip+038.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Spirit of Texas - <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">the first helicopter</span></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> to complete a round-the-world flight</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Weiz-Bc76PE/UOMXYIswMkI/AAAAAAAAEgo/ZRkwh8tixZs/s1600/dc+trip+037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Weiz-Bc76PE/UOMXYIswMkI/AAAAAAAAEgo/ZRkwh8tixZs/s640/dc+trip+037.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Airphibian - part plane / part car. This is how you avoid those lines at the rental car desk.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07O3IMoiwhE/UOMXZAi3FXI/AAAAAAAAEgo/DdNVIhwY__w/s1600/dc+trip+040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07O3IMoiwhE/UOMXZAi3FXI/AAAAAAAAEgo/DdNVIhwY__w/s640/dc+trip+040.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">A Boeing Stearman - the type of plane my father-in-law soloed in prior to his B-24 training during WWII</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFtqvaF-4AM/UOMXWkR4lbI/AAAAAAAAEgo/CiG1uklMAYI/s1600/dc+trip+028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFtqvaF-4AM/UOMXWkR4lbI/AAAAAAAAEgo/CiG1uklMAYI/s640/dc+trip+028.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Lockheed Blackbird. A side note...during one of Lovey's flights on the Concorde, the pilot notified the passengers that there was no worry about traffic, at their cruising altitude of 60,000 feet, because the only other craft that was up where they were was this </span>impressive reconnaissance aircraft.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is the Rheintochter RI, an experimental antiaircraft missile built for the Luftwaffe in the last years of WWII. What fascinated me was that the "wings" or whatever they are called are made of the most beautiful wood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Restoration Hangar</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Planes, planes, and more planes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Starting to get a little worn out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">A little refreshment and a rest. This momma loves her babies!</span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">We had a wonderfully good time!!!</span></div>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-36729424681730954512013-01-09T12:00:00.001-06:002021-07-23T22:18:19.979-05:00Road Trip - Washington, D.C. Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Some of my friends looked at me funny when I mentioned that Lovey and I drove to the D.C. area the week after Christmas. Drive??? Why not fly?? Well, there are several answers to that question.</span><br />
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<span>If we have the time, we enjoy driving; to see and enjoy this beautiful country of ours. We can stop at different places; discovering new ones and re-visiting familiar ones. We can try new eating establishments that we read about or learn of from the Food Network and Travel channels.</span><br />
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<span>When we head to the Carolina and Virginia area we prefer to go "the northern route" which is Dallas picking up I-40 in Little Rock all the way through Tennessee and either up to Virginia or over to NC from their.</span><br />
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<span>This year our route was altered to "the southern route" due to Winter Storm Euclid running along our northern route. </span><span>The southern route is through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia then we turn north in Atlanta. By the way, can anyone tell me when they started referring to winter storms by name? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We had enough snow in the DFW area to give us a white Christmas. This is what it looked like until we reached Shreveport.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riWNYjqbTaU/UOMV6u7obYI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/b3bKia9d7B0/s1600/dc+trip+003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riWNYjqbTaU/UOMV6u7obYI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/b3bKia9d7B0/s640/dc+trip+003.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is just north of Richmond, VA on I-95 our second day on the road. Wasn't that a quick trip?</span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Several hours later we reached our destination and got to see these sweet things.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jpthOnFM5T8/UOMV8WECJ4I/AAAAAAAAEds/5pEEdCUACSA/s1600/dc+trip+014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jpthOnFM5T8/UOMV8WECJ4I/AAAAAAAAEds/5pEEdCUACSA/s640/dc+trip+014.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">What a blessing it is to be a Mimi and GranDad to these cutie-patooties.</span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-85782433024487707342012-10-18T22:18:00.002-05:002021-07-23T22:18:54.907-05:00A Spicey Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-jrP45qvfI/UHx0JakwtYI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/R3zmSZapPbc/s1600/008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-jrP45qvfI/UHx0JakwtYI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/R3zmSZapPbc/s1600/008.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">One of the delectations in my life is designing cooking and cabinet spaces in a kitchen. I could literally spend all day looking at kitchen plans. I've been fortunate to have been able to design three kitchens for Lovey and myself. This last one I worked on four to five years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldApuieBqDA/UHx0JZeHKII/AAAAAAAAD8Q/PMrSRLVAjME/s1600/010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldApuieBqDA/UHx0JZeHKII/AAAAAAAAD8Q/PMrSRLVAjME/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">See this rectangular panel to the left of the drawers? I've often seen these as fabulous pull-out cabinets holding herbs and spices. I love the idea of utilizing every bit of space, but I didn't particularly want my spices so close to the heat the range-top was going to emit. I decided to house my spices in a drawer that is in the island, directly behind me when I'm standing at the stove. I can simply turn around, open the drawer and grab what I need.</span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></span> <span><a href="http://www.specialtybottle.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" nea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXnArd-OGB0/UH3F6T6MluI/AAAAAAAAD_U/_DBtld63CzM/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><span></span><br />
<span>When we moved in I dumped my existing spice containers in the drawer and it worked fine except it was always messy, the round containers took up lots of space and I never really knew what I had in the drawer.</span><span></span> <span>Now that herbs and spices are available in bulk at several markets I frequent I only need to buy small amounts each time. I can keep my spices fresh by buying smaller quantities.</span><span></span> <span></span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKQU2ekRe7M/UHx0TKPnDOI/AAAAAAAAD8o/TkmyojQ1lBg/s1600/060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKQU2ekRe7M/UHx0TKPnDOI/AAAAAAAAD8o/TkmyojQ1lBg/s640/060.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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I needed to start by finding containers that were consistent, small and space saving. I selected these tins I found at <a href="http://www.specialtybottle.com/" target="_blank">Specialty Bottle</a>. They are 2.5" high and about 1.8" across. Resolving to keep the tiniest amounts possible of each herb and spice, these small containers would be perfect.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEksUwJnc9A/UHx0JRSACYI/AAAAAAAAD8U/vT_qgg9PWgg/s1600/007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" height="480" nea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEksUwJnc9A/UHx0JRSACYI/AAAAAAAAD8U/vT_qgg9PWgg/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I made my labels, transferred everything to their new little homes and officially declared this project done.</span><br />
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<span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldApuieBqDA/UHx0JZeHKII/AAAAAAAAD8Q/PMrSRLVAjME/s1600/010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldApuieBqDA/UHx0JZeHKII/AAAAAAAAD8Q/PMrSRLVAjME/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span>I am still toying around with what to do with these spaces on both sides of the range-top. The empty space back in there is just waiting to be used for something specific One day an idea will pop into my mind. I'll grab my graph paper, draw it up and visit the same cabinet man who built all the cabinets in this kitchen. We'll go through our song and dance of "that won't work", and "you can't do that", but he'll figure it out because he knows what he's doing, we've been through this before with my drawings for this kitchen, and because of that, he gets me. But there's no rush. The space isn't going anywhere. Any ideas?</span></span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-51467531160120158052012-10-10T22:08:00.004-05:002021-07-23T22:20:36.165-05:00One Year and Growing!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv1jqaTKw8s/UG8UfX06_gI/AAAAAAAAD34/z_aoiv92LC0/s1600/005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" mea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv1jqaTKw8s/UG8UfX06_gI/AAAAAAAAD34/z_aoiv92LC0/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">This happy baby is my great nephew. He's also known as my niece's baby and my brother's first grandchild. He has his momma's blue eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">He just celebrated his first birthday .</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14lHrpbGBvw/UHRC5faF1VI/AAAAAAAAD50/643rHu1nycg/s1600/201016_3839313466772_924350200_o%255B1%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="491" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14lHrpbGBvw/UHRC5faF1VI/AAAAAAAAD50/643rHu1nycg/s640/201016_3839313466772_924350200_o%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">"Okay, it's sweet...oh yeah, sugar....Mmmmm".</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77ZQq6m9G8w/UHRC5ZgGZjI/AAAAAAAAD5w/ZIsHEp6-ako/s1600/615785_3839313786780_1415918903_o%255B1%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77ZQq6m9G8w/UHRC5ZgGZjI/AAAAAAAAD5w/ZIsHEp6-ako/s640/615785_3839313786780_1415918903_o%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The birthday outfit comes off for the smash cake. Modern day mothers are so very practical. Happy Birthday Luke!</span></div>
Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-19865785288457057642012-10-05T23:00:00.001-05:002012-10-05T23:00:08.376-05:00A Halloween Treat Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0dP4RnQqvo/UG8UhtemTBI/AAAAAAAAD4g/S-8SFsC26dU/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0dP4RnQqvo/UG8UhtemTBI/AAAAAAAAD4g/S-8SFsC26dU/s640/045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These witch's broom treat bags have been on my 'oh-how-cute-I-want-to-make-these' list ever since I saw them in the October 2007 issue of Martha Stewart Living (page 76). For those of you who do not keep every issue of MSL, you can find them <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/272757/witchs-broom-favors" target="_blank">on her web site</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Tuesday of this week I arrived at work and found this little bucket filled with candy on my chair.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jq_K1pflGLo/UG8STyKSJ1I/AAAAAAAAD3w/iHvaRioeZGI/s1600/20121005115411_00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" mea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jq_K1pflGLo/UG8STyKSJ1I/AAAAAAAAD3w/iHvaRioeZGI/s640/20121005115411_00001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was accompanied by this note letting me know that I had been 'BOO-ed'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Those of you who work in an office environment are probably very familiar with this little game. It appears around Halloween or Christmas (when it might be called 'Secret Santa'). Someone in the holiday spirit starts it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The way it works is that once someone has 'BOO-ed' you by leaving you a Halloween treat and a copy of the note, you do the same to 2 others on your floor, department, or whatever. You do this secretly and within one day. You also display the picture of the ghost somewhere in your cubicle or office to let others know you've already participated, or have been BOO-ed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Required to leave treats for only two people was not a gigantic task. This would be a good opportunity to try out the witch's brooms since I didn't have to make a large number of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's what you will need.....</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZn1iZzrmHc/UG8UfjiBE-I/AAAAAAAAD38/6X4G3HbnSr4/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZn1iZzrmHc/UG8UfjiBE-I/AAAAAAAAD38/6X4G3HbnSr4/s640/030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">scissors, small branches around 7" long (1 for each broom), black twine or ribbon, lunch-size paper bags (2 for each broom) and whatever candy / goodies you want to fill your bags with</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPtlT-3FyNQ/UG8Ufw9ZBxI/AAAAAAAAD4M/vywo62y2CZ4/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPtlT-3FyNQ/UG8Ufw9ZBxI/AAAAAAAAD4M/vywo62y2CZ4/s640/032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You'll be using 2 lunch bags for each broom. Unfold one bag and push out its base while folding in the left and right sides. Using the scissors, cut the bag into thin strips, stopping just short of the base.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut thin strips into the top inch of the second bag.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVb8RdfND14/UG8UgM0NgHI/AAAAAAAAD4U/0b8yXvBBYXU/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVb8RdfND14/UG8UgM0NgHI/AAAAAAAAD4U/0b8yXvBBYXU/s640/038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lay out the first bag</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open up the second bag and set inside the shredded one; fill with candy and/or other treats.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RD7ocSAkAqw/UG8Uhd1krHI/AAAAAAAAD4c/SPvxZ0vbfaY/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RD7ocSAkAqw/UG8Uhd1krHI/AAAAAAAAD4c/SPvxZ0vbfaY/s640/040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gather up the shredded bag around the inside bag and cinch the tops of both bags. Insert a small branch and secure with the black twine or ribbon.</span><br />
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<em><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">My Thoughts</span></u></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">These are <em>really big </em>and they hold <em>a lot</em> of candy. Each one of these held a whole bag of candy corn! You can let your imagination run wild and put other fun, non-edible goodies in them too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can also use the smaller, miniature brown paper bags to make these if you prefer a smaller version (which I think is what I would do).</span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-44523308196923948092012-09-02T17:00:00.000-05:002015-10-26T14:18:52.544-05:00A Walk Around Campus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkYs6RiM14s/UD0f20auq8I/AAAAAAAADjk/UUOR8mqIGXA/s1600/OSU+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkYs6RiM14s/UD0f20auq8I/AAAAAAAADjk/UUOR8mqIGXA/s640/OSU+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I spent a weekend this summer
on the campus of my Alma Mater. I got up early on that Saturday morning and took a
long walk while it was still cool and quiet</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">.</span></span></span></div>
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The Oklahoma State campus is such a beautiful one. It's large yet has a sense of community. Let me take you on a little tour from
my walk.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZB8FxTuH2o/UD0fzgujddI/AAAAAAAADiY/tFXFUZ7aCeo/s1600/OSU+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZB8FxTuH2o/UD0fzgujddI/AAAAAAAADiY/tFXFUZ7aCeo/s640/OSU+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></o:p></span></span></div>
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Edmon Low Library</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As on most University campuses, the Library is a predominant piece of
architecture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With its beautiful
Georgian architecture the library is just that at OSU. When I was at OSU in the 70's, the large fountain out front would become
the object of some student's prank. Several times a year the fountain would be
overflowing with bubbles after the prankster added laundry detergent.</span></span></span></div>
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Seems like
this was a dormitory when I was here in the 70’s but I may be wrong about
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s now the President’s office
and Administration Building</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>College of Human
Environmental Sciences</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(formerly known as The College of Home
Economics) – Here is where my sister and I spent most of our time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She majoring in Clothing, Textiles and
Merchandising (now called Design, Housing & Merchandising) and I majoring
in Family Relations and Child Development (now called Human Development &
Family Science<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You can see they are completely re-doing the street in front of the building.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpo8S--GiiQ/UEL6p31pGaI/AAAAAAAADoI/9xmJo4Az96U/s1600/tartandesign%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpo8S--GiiQ/UEL6p31pGaI/AAAAAAAADoI/9xmJo4Az96U/s640/tartandesign%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I learned </span>there is now an official Oklahoma State Tartan Plaid that is
registered with the Scottish Tartans World Register.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year, students who completed a textiles
class were eligible for the competition to design an original plaid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Student Stephanie Michalko won the competition. </span>I’ll be buying myself a Pendleton stadium
blanket and scarf as soon as they are available!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZcCbv6cBP0/UD0f5JrIFcI/AAAAAAAADkk/yeAgXMNWeJk/s1600/OSU+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PZcCbv6cBP0/UD0f5JrIFcI/AAAAAAAADkk/yeAgXMNWeJk/s640/OSU+%25286%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Life Sciences West</u></b><br />
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I dissected my first fetal pig in this building. It was difficult to get a photo of this building because they had it so fenced off. They are doing some sort of tree preservation work. This tree looked very old. It would be interesting to find out just what the story is here; what sort of preservation they are doing. Oh look, this sign has a number to call with any questions. I tried it. Just a person in a department that had no idea what I was talking about. "You want information about what???"</div>
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I wasn’t smart enough to have any classes in this building.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I've always liked the derrick on the roof.</span>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Noble Research
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This is all new since I was here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Think </span>Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Geo scientists, Botanists and the like emerge
from here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This facility is H-U-G-E. This is the front of the building.<br />
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This is the back.</div>
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Used to be a dormitory (“Give ’em Hell Cordell!").<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now a multi-purpose hall with offices,
classrooms and labs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the architecture
of Cordell Hall and Bennett Hall (that is still a dormatory today). The wings are like the wings on the Massachusetts Hall at Harvard.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Eskimo Joe's</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Awww...Here's Stillwater's jumpin' little juke joint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It opened up in this tiny two story stone building when I was a Sophomore . Downstairs were tables with bowls of nuts on them, the bar and I'm sure darts. Upstairs offered pool and Foosball. That's what we played all night long. My sorority sister and roommate Jamie (yes, we were two Jamie's) was a killer Foosball player. Whenever we played in a competition, she is the reason we advanced. And we got to do it to a rockin' stereo system.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over a decade later I was driving out to my in-law's ranch listening to an NPR story about the country's fastest growning mail order business. They were talking about a little business in Stillwater, OK called "Eskimo Joe's". I'm sure if I had any sort of liquid in my mouth at the time it was spewed all over the wind shield and dashboard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now look at them. They are big time and there's a whole building that's attached to the right; full of merchandise that portrays Eskimo Joe and Buffy on everything.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Art history, painting, drawing, jewelry/metals, all of the visual
arts majors live here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had an
unpleasant drawing class in this building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
It was my one and only class I took at night. And unfortunately, it was on the night of the week that the girls generally went to happy hour. Oh, wait a minute, that was every night. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The teacher was a real prat; always cutting down everyone’s work; hey,
we were taking beginning drawing what did he expect?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so unpleasant that I'd show up on
the designated nights we were given an assignment and then
I’d ditch out at break.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I would join my pals here, across the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I'm sure you're thinking I must be a true scholar to leave an art class and hang out at a book store. That wasn't quite the case. You see, this photo is of the present day building. It used to be......</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Grey Fox, which was a hang out when we weren't around the corner at Eskimo Joe's. Now mind you, I wasn't a complete washout on my art class. I would </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">return to class on the night the
assignment was due, turn it in and receive the next assignment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply couldn’t bear to work on my project in
class and be constantly criticized in such a mean way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anyway, I got B’s and C’s on my work but he flunked me because I was
never in class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I had to take it over. I requested a different teacher and a day time class to alleviate the temptations to slip off to the Grey Fox.</span></span></div>
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English Department – My Freshman English professor was a strange one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a good professor despite that he came to class
loaded every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several times during the
semester he would walk into the classroom, write on the blackboard “there will
be no class today” and then walk out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
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Center for Performing Arts.
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Stillwater Fire
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In my elementary school years when I visited my grandma, who lived in Stillwater, I was always treated to a trip to this Fire Station to see the firetruck and the
Dalmatian that lived here.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Old Central</u></b>
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This is the first permanent building on campus, built in 1894 when the school
was Oklahoma A&M.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been on the
National Register of Historic Places since the early 70’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fully renovated, it is now the home of the
OSU Honors College (which I was never invited to join, but my niece was!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old bell clapper
used to serve as a traveling trophy for the Bedlam football series between OSU
and OU.<br />
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A pretty clock</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>ConocoPhillips OSU
Alumni Center</u></b> <br />
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This is such a wonderful facility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This photo of the back of the building
doesn’t do it justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the
banquets for my sorority reunion was held <a href="http://kneitherknorr.blogspot.com/2012/07/road-trip-reunion.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I just want to add here that when I was doing my spell-check for this post, "ConocoPhillps" came up as "giggaflops". Now, what kind of word is that???????<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Atherton Hotel</u></b>
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A very nice hotel located in the south end of the Student Union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where I was staying. The hotel is the training ground for students majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Administration; similar to how we in Family Relations and Child Development would do our student teaching in public schools.<br />
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The corner of University and Washington; north end of the
Strip.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Theta Pond</u></b>
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Beautiful scenic landmark on campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Originally
dug as a water source back in 1895.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the school built a power plant and no longer needed it as a water
source it was developed into the lovely area it now is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s was named after the Kappa Alpha Theta
house that, at one time, sat across the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I was a freshman the upper classmen loved to tell us that Theta
pond was “rubber” lined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a sense of
humor those oldsters had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t get
it for a long time.<br />
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Old gnarly knees of the Bald Cypress Tress that surround the
pond.<br />
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And my walk takes me back to the Student Union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This is the other building on campus that holds as much stature as the Library.</span><o:p> OSU's Student Union is the largest Student Union in the world.</o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></o:p><br />
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<o:p>I always like to include a garden in my walk. This is the Centennial Garden in front of the Student Union. As I stand here, the Student Union in behind me and the Library is to my right.</o:p><br />
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<o:p>Thanks for walking with me.</o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p>School has now begun and just like that another college football season is upon us.</o:p></span><br />
<b>GO POKES !</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRUbzlUZz9o/UD0fwIL2ngI/AAAAAAAADhc/MfwjuFztP2U/s1600/OSU+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRUbzlUZz9o/UD0fwIL2ngI/AAAAAAAADhc/MfwjuFztP2U/s400/OSU+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-76914268803280734272012-08-27T12:44:00.005-05:002021-07-23T22:22:55.929-05:00Talk About Going Postal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Nearly home on Friday evening after a long week of work I pondered how I was going to begin my weekend. It would probably start like most by kicking my shoes off, replacing the work clothes with an over sized T-shirt, relax a bit with a cocktail and getting dinner started.</span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is what I saw when I pulled up to the driveway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Oh, this is just lovely. Look, even the dog across the street is thinking, "holy crap!". </span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I jumped out of the car and started to look around, resisting the urge to scream "Did anyone see who did this?!?!?!?!?".</span><br />
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<span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWPqhDmDkAE/UDpDk1owlvI/AAAAAAAADe4/fk85z_y1QFU/s1600/002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWPqhDmDkAE/UDpDk1owlvI/AAAAAAAADe4/fk85z_y1QFU/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Our neighbor across the street walked over to Lovey and myself and handed us a business card for the Window/Glass company whose truck had run into the mailbox. I felt much better knowing that whoever did this was being accountable.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5yP9hL2mMA/UDpDnP-6DRI/AAAAAAAADfY/B-zdzrBJyzQ/s1600/006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5yP9hL2mMA/UDpDnP-6DRI/AAAAAAAADfY/B-zdzrBJyzQ/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">It would be interesting to see what the vehicle that plowed into it looks like. The pvc pipe was part of the flagpole holder that was built into the side of the mail box.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Isn't this interesting "filler" that the original stone mason used when the mailbox was first built?</span><br />
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<span>Lovey found chicken bones too.</span></span>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-44500392365263925132012-07-25T20:24:00.001-05:002012-07-25T20:24:51.576-05:00Confetti Eggs<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r45KxA7bCUI/UA2vjRDt7MI/AAAAAAAADX0/OCudAzbzAek/s1600/Confetti+Eggs+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r45KxA7bCUI/UA2vjRDt7MI/AAAAAAAADX0/OCudAzbzAek/s640/Confetti+Eggs+%25288%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This past Spring Char and Miss Muffett were in town and we had a great day at Fort Worth’s annual <a href="http://www.mayfest.org/" target="_blank">Mayfest</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">This was an event the girls always enjoyed when they were little so Char was excited for her own daughter to experience it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the traditions of Mayfest are the confetti eggs, or cascarones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was Miss Muffett's first experience with them and she thought they were a blast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I thought it would be fun to make up a bunch of them and ship them out to MM for her birthday party in July.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here’s how I made them…</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>Supplies I used:</u></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">eggs – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a novel idea..</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">dye (food coloring, liquid Ritz dye, icing gels, etc)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">confetti and/or bird seed </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">funnel </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">teaspoon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">scissors</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">tissue paper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">craft glue (I used Tacky Glue)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">paint brush</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>Prepping the eggs:</u></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I saved egg shells for a couple of months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I normally buy brown eggs but switched to white since I was going to be dying them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing wrong with using brown either because you can decorate them in so many other ways than dying them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your imagination can run wild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">They have to be cracked a certain way so they can hold the confetti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the back of a knife blade or the tip of the knife, gently whack the egg across the top at the pointy end of the egg. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">With your fingers gently peel away the shell until you have an opening about the size of a nickel but no larger than a quarter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t want the opening to be too big, but you need it to be big enough to put your confetti through it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Twist a skewer around the inside to break up the yolk. The contents will come out easier. Rinse out the egg and turn upside down on a paper towel and let them dry overnight.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>Dyeing the eggs:</u></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I worked with three colors for her party theme.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To a wide-mouthed mason jar I added 2 teaspoons of vinegar and 1 cup boiling water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Add your coloring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used icing coloring gels a little at a time until I had a nice rich color. I also used liquid Ritz dye for one of the colors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Submerge your eggs until you have the color you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first egg in each color, I checked every minute until I had the richness of color I wanted the eggs to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that I set a little timer (I kept mine in 3 to 5 minutes for each egg).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I made this little drying wrack with a piece of styrofoam and straight pins. I let them dry on this until they were dry enough to handle then I turned them upside down to drain and dry overnight.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFBBKBmWUFU/UA2vit6mujI/AAAAAAAADXI/LItTmdCBQWU/s1600/Confetti+Eggs+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFBBKBmWUFU/UA2vit6mujI/AAAAAAAADXI/LItTmdCBQWU/s640/Confetti+Eggs+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em><u>Filling the eggs:</u></em></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RnMUwaQi2Tw/UA2vjJEWcEI/AAAAAAAADXY/MNFdI8zToXw/s1600/Confetti+Eggs+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RnMUwaQi2Tw/UA2vjJEWcEI/AAAAAAAADXY/MNFdI8zToXw/s640/Confetti+Eggs+%25285%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I used bird seed since the party was going to be held outdoors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you choose to use confetti you can purchase it by the bag at a party store or make your own by using colored paper and a three whole punch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Select a funnel that will accommodate the bird seed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My seed blend had mostly millet and small shelled sunflower seeds and peanuts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Use a heaping teaspoon of seed for each egg.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em><u>Finishing them off:</u></em></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyfoJP19keU/UA2vi3pHW-I/AAAAAAAADXQ/pLyeDx4XFCY/s1600/Confetti+Eggs+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyfoJP19keU/UA2vi3pHW-I/AAAAAAAADXQ/pLyeDx4XFCY/s640/Confetti+Eggs+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now that you have the eggs filled, you will need to cover the opening. I selected tissue paper that corresponded with the colors I dyed the eggs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cut circles out of the tissue paper that will nicely cover the opening in your egg (you may have to make several sizes). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used a 2-1/2 – inch round cookie cutter and it worked well. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yF65A4v6cU/UA2vjO2z4CI/AAAAAAAADXk/nZRzzJR4Rqs/s1600/Confetti+Eggs+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yF65A4v6cU/UA2vjO2z4CI/AAAAAAAADXk/nZRzzJR4Rqs/s400/Confetti+Eggs+%25286%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">With a small paint brush, apply a small amount of glue around the edges of the tissue paper. I kept a little cup of water on the side in case I needed to dampen my brush.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udJGrf9SBzI/UA2vjdcm9_I/AAAAAAAADYE/leZ4G4hdapM/s1600/Confetti+Eggs+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udJGrf9SBzI/UA2vjdcm9_I/AAAAAAAADYE/leZ4G4hdapM/s400/Confetti+Eggs+%25287%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Place the tissues over hole in the top of the egg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gently mold the tissue around the egg with your cupped hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let dry completely</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then have some fun!! What do you do with a confetti egg you ask???</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vq-i7e43CH0/UBCaUaL_QTI/AAAAAAAADaI/pWLPKjaGHfg/s1600/Evey+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vq-i7e43CH0/UBCaUaL_QTI/AAAAAAAADaI/pWLPKjaGHfg/s640/Evey+009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Why, you smash it over someone's head. Go ahead, they don't hurt!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em><u>Thoughts and Notes….</u></em></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN8MJitwK5c/UA2vjvqyZxI/AAAAAAAADXw/3cnLyTNProE/s1600/Confetti+Eggs+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN8MJitwK5c/UA2vjvqyZxI/AAAAAAAADXw/3cnLyTNProE/s640/Confetti+Eggs+%25289%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you’re able to plan ahead, this is one of those projects that you can do leisurely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prep your eggs over a period of time until you have the number of eggs you want; dye them another (or you can do one color a night); fill them and close them up another day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you choose to empty a dozen eggs at a time, pour the contents of the eggs into a mason jar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can whisk them together then plan on using them in the next day or two for omelets, cake batters, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> T</span>hey keep nicely in the refrigerator.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Paper confetti or bird seed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really a matter of preference and situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your party is outside where it will be hard to clean up the paper confetti, bird seed is the earth friendly way to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The birds and squirrels will love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, there is something about that paper confetti…..</span></div>
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<br /></div>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-71564292627396077592012-07-05T17:30:00.000-05:002012-09-05T22:14:25.975-05:00Road Trip - Reunion!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently traveled to my Alma Mater to attend a reunion in celebration of my sorority's 50th anniversary on the Oklahoma State University campus. This was a celebration for members of the 1st pledge class up to the present.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's been a long time since I've seen most of my sorority sisters and was looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. I'm happy to say that I got to do a little of each.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHZ9UAuluJ0/T-2pWTw0X0I/AAAAAAAADMU/sUIHDY-SGNg/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHZ9UAuluJ0/T-2pWTw0X0I/AAAAAAAADMU/sUIHDY-SGNg/s640/036.JPG" vca="true" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had two banquets; one Friday night and one Saturday night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Friday night dinner was held in the <a href="http://okstateposse.com/oclub.php" target="_blank">O-Club</a> which one can become a member of if you lettered in any Varsity sport, cheerleading, etc.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWTpnrsfm3M/T-4Y2JIn6KI/AAAAAAAADOk/jbw4TWZBLEY/s1600/034+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" sca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWTpnrsfm3M/T-4Y2JIn6KI/AAAAAAAADOk/jbw4TWZBLEY/s640/034+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The club has a very nice view of the new stadium. Several years ago this looked like a high school stadium with the aluminum bleacher seating. Thanks T. Boone Pickens!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_aFn6Lwh8o/T-3-fi5ItxI/AAAAAAAADOQ/Xq2IELDf9XQ/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" sca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_aFn6Lwh8o/T-3-fi5ItxI/AAAAAAAADOQ/Xq2IELDf9XQ/s640/045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is probably the highlight for some of us. The Tri Delta Washboard band was quite infamous 'in the day'. Here, we're just good! Delta Washboard Band re-united and performed. Sacre bleau we were good!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-6Shgo47q4/T-4ZkpHesBI/AAAAAAAADO8/aUvmLIEw1IA/s1600/042+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" sca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-6Shgo47q4/T-4ZkpHesBI/AAAAAAAADO8/aUvmLIEw1IA/s640/042+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facebook has served as a great venue to keep up with some of my sisters, but it just doesn't compare with the pleasure you receive from the hugs and visiting, and just hanging out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We poured over the scrapbooks and photo albums; shared our stories; </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">laughed about past antics and mourned those we have lost.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuMVsql1q2I/T_XKrqnxZqI/AAAAAAAADPk/pYlpYXS5XR4/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" sca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuMVsql1q2I/T_XKrqnxZqI/AAAAAAAADPk/pYlpYXS5XR4/s640/074.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The years dropped away as we re-acquainted ourselves with "The Strip" until the wee hours of the morning. It's been many a moon since I've had my hand stamped.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw53hogesG8/T_XKrlBKrcI/AAAAAAAADPo/diptjEYcbWI/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" sca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw53hogesG8/T_XKrlBKrcI/AAAAAAAADPo/diptjEYcbWI/s640/068.JPG" width="504" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We danced</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-_ot5ibxsw/T_XGeGM0NwI/AAAAAAAADPU/5Sdf1F3Dc2g/s1600/069+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" sca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-_ot5ibxsw/T_XGeGM0NwI/AAAAAAAADPU/5Sdf1F3Dc2g/s640/069+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and sang</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And had a great time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Strip has surely changed since the early to mid-seventies, but the Coney Island is still there. And we confirmed it was still a great place to grab those yummy little dogs after a night of dancing. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a night full of fun and spending time with the girls the way we did in college made me feel young again....until the next morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Saturday was another day for lunch, visiting and touring (not to mention a nice long nap prior to the evening's activities).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Another banquet that evening in the <a href="http://osualumnicenter.com/s/860/alumni-center-start.aspx" target="_blank">ConocoPhillips Alumni Center</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The rest of the evening was spent spending time with each other one last time before heading home the next morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Over the years many of these ladies have remained close and celebrated many of life's events with each other -- weddings, school graduations, the birth of children and grandchildren. They got together for concerts, vacations and any other reason they could dream up to celebrate. I know this is a perk for staying in your hometown or home state; which I didn't do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I regret that I didn't stick around and live in my hometown environs. I moved away to Colorado, Texas and North Carolina. As much as I loved these places I missed out on the people I had been associated with in college. I was by myself and my compadres were enjoying each oher's company.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Time to come home! This is the year of the season ticket!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm so very grateful for having had the opportunity to re-connect with so many. It was great fun ladies!</span></div>
Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417415599752990903.post-37515682606820680132012-06-17T00:00:00.000-05:002012-06-17T00:00:07.797-05:00Happy Fathers' Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Za6kPQkcK7g/T9tCsPX7rEI/AAAAAAAADJs/AdeGmTOvX98/s1600/Daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" pca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Za6kPQkcK7g/T9tCsPX7rEI/AAAAAAAADJs/AdeGmTOvX98/s640/Daddy.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd like to introduce you to my Daddy. Everybody, this is James. Daddy meet everyone out in cyberspace.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Not only is my Dad a father, a grandfather and a great- grandfather, he is, without a doubt, the most intelligent man I've ever known.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">He's smart, witty and has a tendency to talk your head off. I say that in love Daddy (daughter smiling). I received the "talk your head off" gene from him.</span></div>
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Some other things about my Dad....<br />
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His mother died in 1933 when he was only 8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was tough back then for my grandpa to raise 4 young children by himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The youngest, Aunt Wanda, was sent to live with their Aunt Nettie and in 1934 Daddy was sent to Hollis, Oklahoma to live with his cousin George Gould.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of Daddy's and George’s playmates was Darrell Royal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would play ‘WW I in the trenches’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day “Darrell got his teeth loosed [sic] and was eating dirt for 6 days”.</div>
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Grandpa re-married in 1937 and Daddy & Aunt Wanda returned home to be raised by their step-mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daddy was in elementary school during the Great Depression and the Oklahoma Dust Bowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every hour the teacher and all the students would have to wipe their desk tops clean of all of the dirt that would settle on them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each day Daddy would go home from school with red dirt all over his shirt sleeves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His step-mother would say, “Isn’t there any way to keep your shirt clean?” and my daddy would reply, “well, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have </i>to write”. I wonder if that was considered sassing back in those days?</div>
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Daddy served in WW II, graduated from the University of Arkansas, married my mother and here we are! </div>
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I can actually remember looking at photos of him when I was really young and thinking, "my Daddy's so handsome".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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One year he was traveling so missed my birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He typed me a birthday letter on the hotel stationery and brought me a little stuffed figure that was about 6” high. He was a “Prisoner of Love”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I still have him. He's been doing time for almost 50 years now.</div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our 4th of July's were always fun as kids. When we were real young the only fireworks we were allowed to set off by ourselves were sparklers and snakes. During those years Dad would put on a fireworks show for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got a 4’ x 6’ plywood board and covered it by nailing pinwheels all over it and lit them all at once. Another thing he did for us on the 4th was create a chute for us to set off our pop-bottle rockets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took a six foot 3-sided piece of aluminum tubing and buried about a foot of it into the ground, at a 45° angle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would place the pop-bottle rocket in the tube, the long, delicate stem resting on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we’d light the fuse and it would shoot out of that tube like, well… like a rocket!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He taught me how to write cursive. I can remember sitting at the dining room table and he would place a piece of paper in front of me tilted to the left at a 45° angle. He'd then give me a pencil and have me draw ovals, tracing them clockwise over and over; just to demonstrate the correct slant I should have on my cursive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember him chasing me upstairs with the belt because I sassed him. Yes, he eventually caught me and gave me my due.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was probably Dad who made me take Algebra II in my senior year of high school. I did not need to take the course in order to graduate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do recall Dad did not want me to drop the class. Did I mention I did not get my Dad’s ‘smart gene’?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night we sat at the dining room table until 1:00 in the morning; Dad starting at the beginning of the text book explaining it all to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still didn’t get it, but thanks for trying Dad. Oh, and by the way..I dropped that class... wouldn't be good to have an "F" on my transcript....<em>sorry. And</em>, just as I expected...I did not need that class to get through life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My love for cooking and food largely came from my Dad. My allergies and hay fever come from my Dad. And did I mention I got the "talk your head off gene' from him?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Fathers' Day Dad!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love you!!</span></div>
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</div>Jamie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09455977369173869053noreply@blogger.com0