tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290536722024-03-07T16:36:00.677-07:00Jill's World of Research, Reaction and MillineryThoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.comBlogger1694125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-53820725851762650392016-04-11T14:36:00.000-06:002016-04-11T21:05:11.297-06:00A year later....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My last post was</div>
Easter 2015. <br />
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A lot happened during the past 12 months of course. </div>
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My Grandsons grew like weeds, my parents moved up to Salt Lake, and blogging got left behind while I met their needs.</div>
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(Calvin at 10 months)</div>
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I cherish my blog as it holds my memories sometimes better than my own brain does. </div>
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I do not want to completely leave these past 12 months undocumented.</div>
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So here goes some catch up posting!</div>
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Last April included a trip to feed the birds at Tracy Avery.</div>
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Then there was Luke's 3rd birthday...April 12 2015</div>
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His friend Piper has been his pal since church nursery days!</div>
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A play fishing pole was a great gift.</div>
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Probably nothing to catch in the above ground back yard pool but it is a great place to practice casting.</div>
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Luke at 3...still has those piercing eyes!</div>
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In May the tulips were blooming...</div>
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Bernie was itching to go fish so off we went. </div>
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Perfect place for a little outing and a little picnic.</div>
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There was still some snow on the mountains but spring had definitely arrived.</div>
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Last May Calvin was 11 months old...</div>
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From late April until late May 2015 most of my life and my parent's life was centered around a life milestone:</div>
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It was time for my parents to move from the home they had built in 1957, three blocks from the beach where they had met as teen just before WWII.</div>
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Away from the town where they were both born in the 1920s, to join me in Salt Lake.</div>
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Dad was mowing and watering and tending his garden until the very day of the move.</div>
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His memory was beginning to have blank spots and he had lymph node cancer as well. </div>
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Other than those two issues he was fit as a fiddle. Mom was doing well and managing to still drive and care for dad as she always had as a good wife of 68 years. </div>
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Still...we had been told that the the time to move is while everyone is still in pretty good shape.</div>
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The house was rented to a family who had been renting a smaller house just across the street.</div>
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It felt better renting to a family the neighborhood already knew.</div>
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Getting ready to move wasn't easy...but with lots of prayer and determination Mom and I got all the needful details attended to.</div>
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Last day of my childhood bedroom...with blue sticky notes with instructions to the movers.</div>
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The desk and book case are now gone as is the wall paper, per the renter's request.</div>
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Memory: I was sitting in that desk chair when Bernie proposed to me after a Bible study that we had attended while I was home in San Diego during my spring break from college.</div>
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Just kind of happened...a formal proposal...not where he had planned to ask me but the time was right just then.</div>
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The master bath with the cute beachy themed tile from the 1950s remain.</div>
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The last night in La Jolla...</div>
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The neighbors threw a small going away party. There are some of the neighborhood kids that consider my folks to be their neighborhood grandparents.</div>
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(Dad still was bandaged from a cancer operation.)</div>
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My parents standing by the ocean wall where they met so long ago.</div>
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It was a beautiful last night for them.</div>
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The next day the movers (Spanish speakers...not easy to communicate!)</div>
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and lots and lots of other neighbors dropped by, dodging the movers.</div>
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Neighbors came bringing small gifts and saying good bye.</div>
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(Minor remodeling happened in the midst of the chaos as well! It was crazy!)</div>
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Dad continued to tend his garden.</div>
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The Southern California drought meant that the front lawn had been allowed to die.</div>
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Dad used his weed eater to dig out encroaching weeds.</div>
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The neighborhood kids now use the dirt area for ball games.</div>
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Mom fielded calls from friends wishing to say good bye, and also made calls to stop the paper, change billing addresses, switch gas and electric bills...the last minute list was daunting but Mom got it all done.</div>
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I made sure the backyard berries were picked.</div>
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Last lunch in the patio...</div>
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Then the refrigerator was cleared out and food given to the neighbors.</div>
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We hoped we would drive off by noon.</div>
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Actually it was closer to three.</div>
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Mom and I made it without tears until the very end.</div>
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Good bye house!</div>
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Hugs and tears, and another hug then off we went.</div>
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Dad took the back seat with his beloved cat Rufus.</div>
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Rufus was a champ and sat quietly in Dad's lap the entire drive to Salt Lake.</div>
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(Rufus has official "Emotional Support Pet" paperwork from Dad's doctor.</div>
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It is a true service Rufus preforms for Dad. Plus with the paper work, we can have a cat with us in the hotel and apartment without paying $100s of dollars in pet fees.)</div>
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Mom drove us out of Southern California;</div>
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I had been away too long to know all the new roads and freeway connectors.</div>
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(Did I mention mom was two weeks away from turning 89?)</div>
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The drive went well. </div>
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We spent one night in Las Vegas, making each day's drive about five hours.</div>
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The moving van was to arrive in Salt Lake about two weeks later after we arrived..</div>
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While I was driving my folks to Salt Lake, Bernie and Jeff set up my parent's new abode with temporary furnishings, air beds, kitchen supplies, towels, tables, chairs, lamps etc.</div>
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We arrived in Salt Lake June 3rd.</div>
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When the moving van arrived two weeks later it was wonderful!</div>
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(Dad had been flabbergasted at the HUGE van that was half a block long that had arrived to pick up their household goods in La Jolla. We kept explaining that the van held several other households goods but that fact just wouldn't stick. When the van arrived in Salt Lake he was stunned all over again!)</div>
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Their apartment with the bed leaning against their small patio area.</div>
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Mom wanted to be still in an independent living situation instead of an Assisted Living community.</div>
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This apartment was in a Seniors Apartment complex.</div>
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"Senior" meant people 55 and old.</div>
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That fact gave me a pause at 61!</div>
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I had met their neighbor the day I signed lease paper work for my parents a month earlier.</div>
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"Hank" was a guy my age.</div>
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He seemed like a nice guy until he told me he was into playing Death Metal.</div>
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LOUDLY.</div>
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I about died at the news!</div>
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I prayed about asking for my parents to get a different apartment (which wasn't possible) then I prayed God would just handle this situation.</div>
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Boy did He ever.</div>
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Hank turned out to be the best neighbor ever.</div>
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He kept his music down and treated my folks like they were his own parents....what an answer to prayer.</div>
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The moving guys...with the enormous van in the back ground(When Bernie and I moved from Texas to Salt Lake our household goods FILLED up a similar sized van. I sat on the curb and wept when it arrived in Salt Lake as I knew I personally would be unpacking the 300 plus boxes. Mom and Dad just had 87 boxes. I unpacked all their boxes in four days!)</div>
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Their apartment had a duck pond.</div>
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Luke came by and checked it out.</div>
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Later flocks of ducks would learn to drop by my parent's patio for food three times a day.</div>
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And by a flock I mean 40-60 ducks at a time!</div>
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New apartment sized household furnishing were needed so a trip to IKEA was in order.</div>
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Mom and Dad took a shopping break in one of the display areas.</div>
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They had a blast chatting with people who stopped to stare at the life like people in the patio display.</div>
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Back at the apartment Bernie and I quickly assembled chairs, tables, book cases and desks.</div>
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In some cases the assembly went a little too quickly.</div>
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(take another look at the chair...see any problems?)</div>
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Time to re-read the instructions!</div>
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Dad helped when he could. </div>
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Whew it is hot!</div>
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(Dad's memory issues can mean that he feels cold even when it is 103 outside. </div>
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Mom coped with a wet towel. Turning on the A/C was not an option.</div>
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I unpacked with the heater turned up for him...oh boy!)</div>
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On June 13th we partied!</div>
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Mom's 89th birthday...the first birthday she has ever celebrated with her great grandchildren!</div>
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(Mauve oriental poppies were from my own garden.)</div>
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A few days later on June 25 it was Calvin's first birthday.</div>
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They crack each other up...</div>
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Mom got Cal a card that played a song...</div>
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We had a picnic dinner up at a local camp ground.</div>
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Mom and Dad got driven home and the rest of us spent the weekend.</div>
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How long will Jeff be able to carry both his sons?</div>
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Cal loved his talking birthday card.</div>
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It just NEVER got old!</div>
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Luke thought it did...</div>
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Cal: LISTEN TO THIS!!!</div>
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Cal: THIS IS HILARIOUS!</div>
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Luke: ENOUGH WITH THE CARD ALREADY!</div>
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To be continued....July 2015 still to come.</div>
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<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-92049060974564647612015-04-06T21:16:00.001-06:002015-04-06T21:19:33.182-06:00Easter week/Easter Day 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--O6nHQC6kEQ/VSLh7qdkavI/AAAAAAAGHbI/mWdt0A-IQFw/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--O6nHQC6kEQ/VSLh7qdkavI/AAAAAAAGHbI/mWdt0A-IQFw/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Easter was lovely at our house.</div>
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It was a perfect Easter! </div>
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The weather was clear, the spring colors fully out, the grandkids well and every aspect of the Eastertide was delightful.</div>
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My Bunny Salad was a blast from the past: </div>
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A recipe I used to make from my Betty Crocker Boy and Girl cookbook, published in the early 1960s.</div>
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This year I folded napkins into bunny ears and used the china that had belonged to my paternal grandmother,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5stF0A_mMTgsSV3_K126wsEk6lY5GMOj_awlYEcqiZaXFBJyQzEzJ2TazPSOHannXaaCDDMoxz3pr6tmVkg1R-0I42v63qAQaZyKTaKemWOlUEpX0YCy8Z7GSrHrAWHbaviP4/s640/blogger-image--1442604811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5stF0A_mMTgsSV3_K126wsEk6lY5GMOj_awlYEcqiZaXFBJyQzEzJ2TazPSOHannXaaCDDMoxz3pr6tmVkg1R-0I42v63qAQaZyKTaKemWOlUEpX0YCy8Z7GSrHrAWHbaviP4/s400/blogger-image--1442604811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Easter Tide Spring decorating began on Palm Sunday and included flowering garden plants tucked into white pots, then cuffed with Spanish moss and charmed with chicks and ceramic eggs.<br />
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(Bunnies figured into a lot of this Easter for some reason...)</div>
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But before I go on with Easter Day...<br />
Let me back up a bit in the Easter Week:</div>
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A trip to Red Butte in the warm Easter week weather gave Luke a chance to explore the thousands of daffodils in bloom.<br />
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He was shirtless because he peeled off his shirt because it was so warm!<br />
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Calvin was strolled through the garden.
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And he was plopped into every daffodil riot I could find!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lN8DvCPk7Bk/VSLg0bZTdYI/AAAAAAAGHOs/WfPGPPv3xzE/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lN8DvCPk7Bk/VSLg0bZTdYI/AAAAAAAGHOs/WfPGPPv3xzE/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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(<i>Hmmm...I wonder how many pictures of me she will take? I'm kinda </i>done with it <i>myself.)</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f58IHDqUC5A/VSLg3wODVXI/AAAAAAAGHPQ/MN-9uLT7AII/s1600/IMG_1509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f58IHDqUC5A/VSLg3wODVXI/AAAAAAAGHPQ/MN-9uLT7AII/s1600/IMG_1509.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YciTpmYTwOA/VSLg5Z-Z1wI/AAAAAAAGHPg/BeCJodSiOWE/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YciTpmYTwOA/VSLg5Z-Z1wI/AAAAAAAGHPg/BeCJodSiOWE/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfx7TZ05Vtk/VSLg65hTPfI/AAAAAAAGHP0/bFkwmgvhfjg/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfx7TZ05Vtk/VSLg65hTPfI/AAAAAAAGHP0/bFkwmgvhfjg/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJzVDsYT19s/VSLg6JPXZ6I/AAAAAAAGHPo/OF-ObPb588k/s1600/IMG_1512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJzVDsYT19s/VSLg6JPXZ6I/AAAAAAAGHPo/OF-ObPb588k/s1600/IMG_1512.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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It is a beautiful garden isn't it?</div>
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So all that warm spring weather you can guess what happened next, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWfqtu1yUiMsZ4F_UwpLj5mntN5Bs_OO_ph6XvVX9aH9kfH6BjkPTS8z_Muo_JTx3j8dJUoQqcweHEe61b-CFiikjxVnIdKeNgTH4EWyS2OSShw1vtYTJuwCL0Cgak9wuSVZt/s640/blogger-image-1088515847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWfqtu1yUiMsZ4F_UwpLj5mntN5Bs_OO_ph6XvVX9aH9kfH6BjkPTS8z_Muo_JTx3j8dJUoQqcweHEe61b-CFiikjxVnIdKeNgTH4EWyS2OSShw1vtYTJuwCL0Cgak9wuSVZt/s400/blogger-image-1088515847.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A few days later it snowed!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JPCT8jm6Jr4_CAeB4zTBTY2zkg4-lh9Du95zvYyiSb1ir0VmvcnDG9484hV7FZ3tdHoB0Mh0-GfL1yosZj5n9sB6PuuIfeyY4qnQI_PxQgczwNmA9ETmgEfZc3xaX54NGyzU/s640/blogger-image-1457313923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JPCT8jm6Jr4_CAeB4zTBTY2zkg4-lh9Du95zvYyiSb1ir0VmvcnDG9484hV7FZ3tdHoB0Mh0-GfL1yosZj5n9sB6PuuIfeyY4qnQI_PxQgczwNmA9ETmgEfZc3xaX54NGyzU/s400/blogger-image-1457313923.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then...</div>
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The Saturday morning before Easter, April 4th, I got up early, at 5:55 am, while it was dark, to photograph the lunar eclipse. </div>
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It is the third lunar eclipse of a seriesof eclipses that are being called the four blood moons.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzDf07F9Tho/VSLg7vXmYQI/AAAAAAAGHP8/S2vvwu6d4lk/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzDf07F9Tho/VSLg7vXmYQI/AAAAAAAGHP8/S2vvwu6d4lk/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRd9X7o8B5M/VSLg8GjqugI/AAAAAAAGHQE/5hd4H4GKcfk/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRd9X7o8B5M/VSLg8GjqugI/AAAAAAAGHQE/5hd4H4GKcfk/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEjC-tMET0U/VSLg9cN3ohI/AAAAAAAGHQY/BV1VKZA-TJM/s1600/IMG_1538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEjC-tMET0U/VSLg9cN3ohI/AAAAAAAGHQY/BV1VKZA-TJM/s1600/IMG_1538.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OOorARh2joI/VSLhA_DASBI/AAAAAAAGHRI/PiRYjwcysOw/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OOorARh2joI/VSLhA_DASBI/AAAAAAAGHRI/PiRYjwcysOw/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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These photos were taken one block down the street heading west from my house.</div>
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I was in my bathrobe and slippers, my camera slung around my neck, walking alone in the near freezing dark to get my photo.</div>
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It was worth it.</div>
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Hauntingly beautiful.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5_Z04F8aP0/VSLhDXuQGpI/AAAAAAAGHR0/0PliJ-Nl7EE/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5_Z04F8aP0/VSLhDXuQGpI/AAAAAAAGHR0/0PliJ-Nl7EE/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was not using a tripod.</div>
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At one point I left the shutter open and then moved the camera before the shutter closed.</div>
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Kind of an interesting photo was made from that bit of impatience.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtyCK5nwz9M/VSLhEjKr_eI/AAAAAAAGHSE/XyyeYbtcUmU/s1600/IMG_1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QtyCK5nwz9M/VSLhEjKr_eI/AAAAAAAGHSE/XyyeYbtcUmU/s1600/IMG_1532.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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It wasn't possible to get a good shot of the moon in full eclipse without a tripod to steady for an long exposure.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMeqNUZ38Q0/VSLhFBzbvII/AAAAAAAGHSI/NvRsBLQYHnU/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMeqNUZ38Q0/VSLhFBzbvII/AAAAAAAGHSI/NvRsBLQYHnU/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
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Still lovely seeing the orange sliver of the moon as it came out of eclipse.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyUbkb4LJm0/VSLhB7p10jI/AAAAAAAGHRc/OnxwPUrOMwc/s1600/IMG_1547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyUbkb4LJm0/VSLhB7p10jI/AAAAAAAGHRc/OnxwPUrOMwc/s1600/IMG_1547.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKwx8tzVJQY/VSLhCZM7UyI/AAAAAAAGHRk/o6quGmqDzn4/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKwx8tzVJQY/VSLhCZM7UyI/AAAAAAAGHRk/o6quGmqDzn4/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlxJTpwBxelUZSbbfNber51dMbMmOmGntSnc_lG4-gP41fIP5nOHYGvmsvKhIhxC_1EBWUAZroHrs1DDPNzzsaC1zUWZB7hcV_8gwzmFn0urv1gmEfZLTTtBVrAYPbwQtwVZW/s640/blogger-image-179980513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlxJTpwBxelUZSbbfNber51dMbMmOmGntSnc_lG4-gP41fIP5nOHYGvmsvKhIhxC_1EBWUAZroHrs1DDPNzzsaC1zUWZB7hcV_8gwzmFn0urv1gmEfZLTTtBVrAYPbwQtwVZW/s640/blogger-image-179980513.jpg" /></a></div>
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Back to Easter Sunday.</div>
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In the morning we attended church.</div>
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It was Calvin's first Easter and he was adorable in a chick and bunny top and pants with bunny toes.</div>
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His little bottom had a soft bunny tail too.</div>
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We loved that we got to hold him during the worship time.</div>
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Cal explored Papa's face with his tiny hands.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIOvaW2wG4YqEc_veB5ZX3ju9SivaGjtx0XxG6Xn8q_DWX5IP0uYl1xFsOzhRm0KOWpZHve3L4afdsmW7TqBLdHUvIVqMlRPw7aBu60Du9Ca0_KGgo8kP_R_kbv6kSVE7cg3n/s640/blogger-image--2114355286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIOvaW2wG4YqEc_veB5ZX3ju9SivaGjtx0XxG6Xn8q_DWX5IP0uYl1xFsOzhRm0KOWpZHve3L4afdsmW7TqBLdHUvIVqMlRPw7aBu60Du9Ca0_KGgo8kP_R_kbv6kSVE7cg3n/s400/blogger-image--2114355286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You really can't ever trust a baby with exploring fingers on your face. </div>
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Sometimes love hurts!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnamMvnxlHPSpKowfSEYaDFRD3qyrA8UxTPsLKSD9hBU3666eZXf3S8h-YGqjSW03clR4k-F4BlWfj5DUhd53VjvWVSlx_GwrON09wzofqJDtOi1ai_OhuZl3NoyiTWH73jQM/s640/blogger-image-197883412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnamMvnxlHPSpKowfSEYaDFRD3qyrA8UxTPsLKSD9hBU3666eZXf3S8h-YGqjSW03clR4k-F4BlWfj5DUhd53VjvWVSlx_GwrON09wzofqJDtOi1ai_OhuZl3NoyiTWH73jQM/s640/blogger-image-197883412.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bunny toes! </div>
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And our pastor brought his family bunny to the pulpit...for sermon illustration purposes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFuXTT6LyfsGB2vHp5PeXvJuk0DDRVIqmlO4Pl3GIEo_RtvxA9hqd73X2R2VMO2WqZjZEkhn7fout_1LZTy21uHL4m4ZC49LlFp00PGVgGUyjjIZhPlfTtrGqmoiqi0wjJMRU/s640/blogger-image-142701047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFuXTT6LyfsGB2vHp5PeXvJuk0DDRVIqmlO4Pl3GIEo_RtvxA9hqd73X2R2VMO2WqZjZEkhn7fout_1LZTy21uHL4m4ZC49LlFp00PGVgGUyjjIZhPlfTtrGqmoiqi0wjJMRU/s400/blogger-image-142701047.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pastor Troy loves his little bunny (which cracks us up when he says it...how many men would confess to owning such a pet?) </div>
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Troy cares for "Blueberry the Bunny" tenderly, even giving it medicine by mouth for a month once to save its life.</div>
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The bunny often struggles and runs away when Troy is doing what is needed to keep the bunny safe and healthy. </div>
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If only the bunny would know that Troy always has love and the rabbit's best interest in all that he does for the rabbit.</div>
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Troy told us that a struggling bunny can actually kick so hard with its hind legs that it can break its own back.</div>
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One needs to know exactly how to hold a bunny so it won't hurt itself with its own kicks.</div>
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Hmm...</div>
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There was much more to the sermon. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Like how the disciples (and we modern disciples too) sometimes struggle against God as He cares for us. It was a very scholarly examination of the post Resurrection; Troy is very academic yet fully capable of using even a rabbit on Easter to illustrate truth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb1oTnT14RbE5fvy95NVM6QnkQUd-f0U01_VoKJ-qlvvmYHu8gPrVX8_darCwChkXmn4A2-EgXbKjfHJMhgS5iTw54ru97e3gFJtmhWaKptuiW9xgZbuvU0Nt4xljjT6mZWEW/s640/blogger-image-1914842310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb1oTnT14RbE5fvy95NVM6QnkQUd-f0U01_VoKJ-qlvvmYHu8gPrVX8_darCwChkXmn4A2-EgXbKjfHJMhgS5iTw54ru97e3gFJtmhWaKptuiW9xgZbuvU0Nt4xljjT6mZWEW/s640/blogger-image-1914842310.jpg" /></a></div>
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As always, I wore a hat to church.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv4BPa4U24HAsb7_2E_1UWEkZOz3Ri7r6cpqhmX0w9K_hOIcjmx4r4qiWuqT2RayG_gDXCJn8J3FkJaPBovRK5QKKdv13NHH5Y1DARdJCInWFyoukyw-tf1oram2V0Nrl7xCt/s640/blogger-image--906575288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv4BPa4U24HAsb7_2E_1UWEkZOz3Ri7r6cpqhmX0w9K_hOIcjmx4r4qiWuqT2RayG_gDXCJn8J3FkJaPBovRK5QKKdv13NHH5Y1DARdJCInWFyoukyw-tf1oram2V0Nrl7xCt/s640/blogger-image--906575288.jpg" /></a></div>
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The hat body is a vintage synthetic straw from the 1940-50s.</div>
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I trimmed the hat years ago with white goose feathers that I curled and a white silk flower.</div>
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I hadn't worn it in Utah before.</div>
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It was time to enjoy wearing it once again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQdGVY1IMMNBDiMgB6qvbErG1Yd26VEHWAq_aXr_OAYQhja8nYJsp3R6tCRudlbh9vtNKrnWhtYPgnnfTd4xe-mw_cOAsP-2SrWP6IrbuT2q3W9VP-ILE_H8Qqd8AWlIa8xxx/s640/blogger-image-1396563238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQdGVY1IMMNBDiMgB6qvbErG1Yd26VEHWAq_aXr_OAYQhja8nYJsp3R6tCRudlbh9vtNKrnWhtYPgnnfTd4xe-mw_cOAsP-2SrWP6IrbuT2q3W9VP-ILE_H8Qqd8AWlIa8xxx/s640/blogger-image-1396563238.jpg" /></a></div>
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Luke wore a hat too...but not to church.</div>
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Easter Egg hunting happened right after church.</div>
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He learned the ru</div>
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les: You gotta have on bunny ears while you go out to hunt for Easter eggs.</div>
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I was able to buy hand sized plastic eggs with stuffed chicks and bunnies inside for Luke to find for his little brother. </div>
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Luke was so sweet about giving those bigger eggs to his 9 month old brother.</div>
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Luke got to hunt small hen sized eggs for himself.</div>
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Scroll through to join in the egg hunt!</div>
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Our egg hiding Easter Bunny Himself.</div>
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Baby Bunny!</div>
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Nice to get a good picture of my son Jeff too!</div>
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I showed Luke my blooming Bleeding Hearts.</div>
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He thought they were pretty.</div>
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Not sure he got the "hearts and bleeding" part.</div>
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Flowering cherry tree was a birthday gift to me last April.</div>
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It is still young but blooming nicely.</div>
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Calvin was not feeling too good.</div>
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A slight cold, a slight afternoon fever.</div>
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Holding on to Mommy was where he wanted to be.</div>
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His mommy wouldn't have it any other way.</div>
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After the hunt, we had a celebratory post hunt libation:</div>
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Pink sparkling wine and paska, which goes together perfectly.</div>
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Luke had sparkling grape juice which he found he didn't care for.</div>
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(My mom made the Easter duck couple years ago,)</div>
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After the hunt and the bubbly the grandchildren were toted back home for naps.</div>
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I got busy cooking.
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Late in the afternoon the family re-gathered around the table for Easter dinner.</div>
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(The menu, by popular demand, was our traditional St. Patrick's day corned beef. colcannon and soda bread, since this year the feast had to be skipped.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zu7dQH6C0J8/VSLh67QBRKI/AAAAAAAGHbA/bsdg_Y5jdqk/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zu7dQH6C0J8/VSLh67QBRKI/AAAAAAAGHbA/bsdg_Y5jdqk/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny Salad to make the Irish meal Easter-ish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Calvin's first Easter and his first Corned Beef and Soda Bread.</div>
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He liked it!</div>
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After dinner it was sit around the living room and let the little ones play.</div>
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Calvin sat on the floor and played with the toys the Easter Bunny hid for him in the big eggs.<br />
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How ever did the Bunny know a Teething Rubber Duck would be perfect?</div>
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(Fun fact: I was buying cat food at PetSm+rt and all the Easter dog toys were on blow out cheap sale.</div>
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How long those soft plush toys with rubber squeeky things inside would last with a dog I have no idea.</div>
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They seem more perfect for a baby to me.</div>
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(And really, does a dog really understand Easter anyway?</div>
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Calvin got to play with the basket Rachel's grandfather, his great grandfather, made.</div>
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(Wish we had taken a picture of the boys in it when they were new born.)</div>
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As the day drew to a close Bernie helped load Luke into his car seat for the ride home.</div>
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Luke looked at Bernie and softly told him that Papa was his very best friend.</div>
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It was a lump in the throat/tear in the eye moment for Bernie.</div>
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I hope as Luke grows up he will always know that his Papa treasures both his love and his friendship.</div>
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Good times are surely ahead for them both.</div>
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Blessing are ahead for all of us I think, who know and love our Risen Lord.</div>
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Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-83809335747211058692015-03-17T09:49:00.001-06:002015-03-17T09:49:14.174-06:00Happy Irish Saint's Day!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONXBO7rSrj1C49HcpCrRuabQt42xdwxyugbFUeG5ct5ITQJdg3dmFtPwrERSS-a9xWW4aArqJZt7p0DOLJp4ZGj2R3DXJa5rmynUz_Cy2Vrbt_G6FrO7qI_ypK0eATzXiKs6D/s640/blogger-image--1988801432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONXBO7rSrj1C49HcpCrRuabQt42xdwxyugbFUeG5ct5ITQJdg3dmFtPwrERSS-a9xWW4aArqJZt7p0DOLJp4ZGj2R3DXJa5rmynUz_Cy2Vrbt_G6FrO7qI_ypK0eATzXiKs6D/s640/blogger-image--1988801432.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinjRpi-ogevSsTUCKax6ZWH87BJHQADKU6u_DkbRwA3BIM9zD-4i0X39f0LQdAYGGhv__spherlOj1lAoW9aivirNBW8Tv5I3Z9ptTyyifztRHfB5w7pcu2XNlGsUlGDrgy_n/s640/blogger-image--1913918761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinjRpi-ogevSsTUCKax6ZWH87BJHQADKU6u_DkbRwA3BIM9zD-4i0X39f0LQdAYGGhv__spherlOj1lAoW9aivirNBW8Tv5I3Z9ptTyyifztRHfB5w7pcu2XNlGsUlGDrgy_n/s640/blogger-image--1913918761.jpg"></a></div>Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-42231791314117857972015-02-10T13:48:00.001-07:002015-02-10T13:48:25.921-07:00Travel Journal: Puerto Vallarta January 2015: Walk up the river<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Continuing with my out of order/by topic rather than chronological events journaling...</div>
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(And those wishing they could take a tropical vacation may find this post to be the next best thing as I will be taking a walk where you can easily join me in your imagination.)</div>
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Birds and bugs, flowers and scenery will be the subject of this entry.</div>
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Each morning this pretty bird was perching on the palm near our balcony.</div>
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Pretty little thing and I think it was the one making a pretty chirping song for us too.</div>
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I only saw this and one other kind of butterfly fluttering about down there.</div>
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This was the only one who stayed still long enough for a photograph to be taken.</div>
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Each evening our balcony porch lights would be turned on and this gecko would scamper out from somewhere to hunt bugs attracted to light.</div>
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On our second full day in Puerto Vallarta Bernie headed out to play golf.</div>
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I headed out to explore the Nayarit River at the end of the resort property.</div>
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I walked to the river on the beach, stopping to admire the pink rocks that edged the property.</div>
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The rustic stonework walls were made from stones that were naturally colorful.</div>
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Mysterious tracings laced delicate patterns over the undisturbed sand.</div>
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Less mysterious bird tracks recorded the comings and goings of various sized birds.</div>
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Once I passed the edge of the resort property the beach was no longer raked.</div>
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The flotsam and jettsom that washed up with each tide remained to mark the high tide water line.</div>
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Totally non mysterious human tracks can also be observed.</div>
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Pelicans were enjoying the surf; I watched in amazement as sometimes they would line up, turn their faces towards the beach and then ride an incoming wave as a group for a while.</div>
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I didn't know pelicans surfed!</div>
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And darn it, they never did it while I had my camera ready either!</div>
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Puerto Vallarta is in a C shoreline shape, so the surrounding mountains can be seen across the water.</div>
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The air was a bit hazy; later we learned a volcano had erupted elsewhere in Mexico and this was probably the cause of the slight haze in the morning.</div>
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At the river's mouth I left the ocean shoreline and began walking up the river shoreline.</div>
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I did not hike alone...birds likewise were at the river's edge.</div>
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The tidal flow water levels showed on the banks of the river.</div>
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Pelicans and fishermen both worked to get their morning meals.</div>
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Some pelicans rested.</div>
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Some fishermen were on boats out at sea.</div>
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Some shoreline fishermen were taking their morning breaks as well.</div>
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Any boat that reliably floats is good enough to fish from.</div>
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A fisherman's "office" space/break room.</div>
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Some fishermen were using fishing rods; others were net fishing from the shore.</div>
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The edge of the net was trimmed with lead weights that caused the net to unfurl then settle into the water open.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L-gqNylnzWo/VMw-OU1RRYI/AAAAAAAGAOQ/_NKECF1g5K0/s1600/IMG_9718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L-gqNylnzWo/VMw-OU1RRYI/AAAAAAAGAOQ/_NKECF1g5K0/s1600/IMG_9718.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The shorebirds eagerly waited to see what each throw might catch.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrBFG2di6Dg/VMw-OyefatI/AAAAAAAGAOY/w5SXSq2AY1M/s1600/IMG_9720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrBFG2di6Dg/VMw-OyefatI/AAAAAAAGAOY/w5SXSq2AY1M/s1600/IMG_9720.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A few fish caught...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9rxMRtjfnic/VMw-PZbNU4I/AAAAAAAGAOc/GhQ767k1BOQ/s1600/IMG_9721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9rxMRtjfnic/VMw-PZbNU4I/AAAAAAAGAOc/GhQ767k1BOQ/s1600/IMG_9721.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bait or dinner?</div>
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Don't know.</div>
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Pretty things though.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a30FXvK7Gsw/VMw-PuEhjBI/AAAAAAAGAOo/O6rcowtIlpw/s1600/IMG_9722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a30FXvK7Gsw/VMw-PuEhjBI/AAAAAAAGAOo/O6rcowtIlpw/s1600/IMG_9722.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The opposite side the river was pure jungle.</div>
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I wished I had a small kayak to use to explore over there.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jddxLQTMGBo/VMw-QUT0f4I/AAAAAAAGAOw/XPocKboJw8U/s1600/IMG_9723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jddxLQTMGBo/VMw-QUT0f4I/AAAAAAAGAOw/XPocKboJw8U/s1600/IMG_9723.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Done with his morning fishing, the fisherman hopped on his motorcycle and zoomed away up the river.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxROizirs0-4b7g7fmUOdQBtZY4P3II7l9GUDaEuAMNL9f02ApBHjVP6shIvcB2Qlga9CwF1wc6Po83K5vnFp1P-GgLpa-eXXmWCCR5t8ftorpTg_FsMdMDzWDi0dDli7AVegG/s1600/IMG_9724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxROizirs0-4b7g7fmUOdQBtZY4P3II7l9GUDaEuAMNL9f02ApBHjVP6shIvcB2Qlga9CwF1wc6Po83K5vnFp1P-GgLpa-eXXmWCCR5t8ftorpTg_FsMdMDzWDi0dDli7AVegG/s1600/IMG_9724.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Three kinds of birds each intently watching the water.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7GYqLSsEX8/VMw-SOyztwI/AAAAAAAGAPQ/anHVsGI2U5g/s1600/IMG_9727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7GYqLSsEX8/VMw-SOyztwI/AAAAAAAGAPQ/anHVsGI2U5g/s1600/IMG_9727.JPG" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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I zoomed in on each one.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9vQsvu8gAo/VMw-TMJu4CI/AAAAAAAGAPg/eoVHzZfkaIA/s1600/IMG_9729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9vQsvu8gAo/VMw-TMJu4CI/AAAAAAAGAPg/eoVHzZfkaIA/s1600/IMG_9729.JPG" height="317" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dARmUg_yEHo/VMw-TtlWBtI/AAAAAAAGAPo/fq3zG4W9_rw/s1600/IMG_9730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dARmUg_yEHo/VMw-TtlWBtI/AAAAAAAGAPo/fq3zG4W9_rw/s1600/IMG_9730.JPG" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yellow eyes and feet: Nice!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf3ofgWSxwc/VMw-UOLEdOI/AAAAAAAGAPs/kZUYZHFUWK8/s1600/IMG_9731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf3ofgWSxwc/VMw-UOLEdOI/AAAAAAAGAPs/kZUYZHFUWK8/s1600/IMG_9731.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oXZhn3v5QE/VMw-UcU3bJI/AAAAAAAGAP4/IWWPq4bUXgc/s1600/IMG_9733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oXZhn3v5QE/VMw-UcU3bJI/AAAAAAAGAP4/IWWPq4bUXgc/s1600/IMG_9733.JPG" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azPkNNHbx6U/VMw-VB6xTNI/AAAAAAAGAP8/d0VDr4g8iK4/s1600/IMG_9734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azPkNNHbx6U/VMw-VB6xTNI/AAAAAAAGAP8/d0VDr4g8iK4/s1600/IMG_9734.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The blue heron (?) had left very quickly with a very offended sounding "<em>AWKKK</em>!"</div>
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He landed just a few yards down river where he glared at me.</div>
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The white egret had a lot more patience with me, but eventually took wing as well.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giAzHH7RDZM/VMw-VdSe0pI/AAAAAAAGAQI/VGNJjIAgpZY/s1600/IMG_9735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giAzHH7RDZM/VMw-VdSe0pI/AAAAAAAGAQI/VGNJjIAgpZY/s1600/IMG_9735.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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OK...how dreamy is this photo???</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XL2wDwzhR4M/VMw-WF1qAZI/AAAAAAAGAQQ/eMensq2AEWE/s1600/IMG_9736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XL2wDwzhR4M/VMw-WF1qAZI/AAAAAAAGAQQ/eMensq2AEWE/s1600/IMG_9736.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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And this one...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hiIMe8Yleeo/VMw-WY8IopI/AAAAAAAGAQU/TiBXuEgk8kU/s1600/IMG_9737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hiIMe8Yleeo/VMw-WY8IopI/AAAAAAAGAQU/TiBXuEgk8kU/s1600/IMG_9737.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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And this one?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IkAMyi9udtU/VMw-W84uhDI/AAAAAAAGAQc/zL28V2nE72Y/s1600/IMG_9738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IkAMyi9udtU/VMw-W84uhDI/AAAAAAAGAQc/zL28V2nE72Y/s1600/IMG_9738.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think I could have taken several hundred shots of these birds.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOXxUoMnTaQ/VMw-XejtGTI/AAAAAAAGAQo/VNgugNChGgY/s1600/IMG_9739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOXxUoMnTaQ/VMw-XejtGTI/AAAAAAAGAQo/VNgugNChGgY/s1600/IMG_9739.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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They kept moving downstream on me, only willing to pose when I stayed my distance.</div>
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I pushed on up the river, leaving them to their own society.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OF3FLI6bHCA/VMw-Zc6dYcI/AAAAAAAGARE/0K5_9YdFpBM/s1600/IMG_9743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OF3FLI6bHCA/VMw-Zc6dYcI/AAAAAAAGARE/0K5_9YdFpBM/s1600/IMG_9743.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I was focusing on flowers at this point.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkdNphhDD5I/VMw-ajbdKHI/AAAAAAAGARY/cSGI58CZvo8/s1600/IMG_9747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkdNphhDD5I/VMw-ajbdKHI/AAAAAAAGARY/cSGI58CZvo8/s1600/IMG_9747.JPG" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had no guide book to allow me to know the flowers by name.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO96ys8fdVjzrzezNLoaS2JwU6PflbsGWAdJDL-oiOjZoga733ePX-jPLW0KCWBCPqYYcZpLBdbHS43yqRiN_fISuFlSodSCLx5XjlJcFILz4fgrkUd9ubW-Q6QMtkM_Uicpnp/s1600/IMG_9749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO96ys8fdVjzrzezNLoaS2JwU6PflbsGWAdJDL-oiOjZoga733ePX-jPLW0KCWBCPqYYcZpLBdbHS43yqRiN_fISuFlSodSCLx5XjlJcFILz4fgrkUd9ubW-Q6QMtkM_Uicpnp/s1600/IMG_9749.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sometimes flower buds are even more interesting than the blossoms.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTlGBHC_M60/VMw-cItqvyI/AAAAAAAGARs/ZXcaQYVbjqM/s1600/IMG_9751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FTlGBHC_M60/VMw-cItqvyI/AAAAAAAGARs/ZXcaQYVbjqM/s1600/IMG_9751.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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The dirt road had a few muddy spots that I navigated through.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ho2SRHO_C0/VMw-ctkjnPI/AAAAAAAGAR4/BdC3Kj3z9L4/s1600/IMG_9752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ho2SRHO_C0/VMw-ctkjnPI/AAAAAAAGAR4/BdC3Kj3z9L4/s1600/IMG_9752.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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There are condos, part of the resort complex, just above the road.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJzKVg4whKw/VMw-dSRzdiI/AAAAAAAGASA/K1-Aeq8HmtU/s1600/IMG_9754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJzKVg4whKw/VMw-dSRzdiI/AAAAAAAGASA/K1-Aeq8HmtU/s1600/IMG_9754.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And apparently there are the occasional crocodile to watch for.</div>
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I didn't see any myself.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LC_Ac0sd6bU/VMw-eRPgFEI/AAAAAAAGASQ/HKJ9o9rRUv8/s1600/IMG_9756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LC_Ac0sd6bU/VMw-eRPgFEI/AAAAAAAGASQ/HKJ9o9rRUv8/s1600/IMG_9756.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I did see these menace.</div>
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I saw one once in my garden in Houston and learned by a bit of research that they sting (sometimes seriously enough to require medical attention) and eventually become a rather ordinary small black moth.</div>
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They are called Saddleback Caterpillar, or Acharia stimulea</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-InPvwxU2PLo/VMw-emw8acI/AAAAAAAGASY/De-sWMqt9Hc/s1600/IMG_9757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-InPvwxU2PLo/VMw-emw8acI/AAAAAAAGASY/De-sWMqt9Hc/s1600/IMG_9757.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Colorful but a bit creepy too.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap7kpm3NI2A/VMw-fvrdygI/AAAAAAAGASk/cpBlDvzDoxg/s1600/IMG_9762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap7kpm3NI2A/VMw-fvrdygI/AAAAAAAGASk/cpBlDvzDoxg/s1600/IMG_9762.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Flora at various stages...even pods have graceful beauty sometimes.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwfsiPQjc1M/VMw-iFE2nGI/AAAAAAAGATI/A83aHuXRvIs/s1600/IMG_9766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwfsiPQjc1M/VMw-iFE2nGI/AAAAAAAGATI/A83aHuXRvIs/s1600/IMG_9766.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some bushes had thorns that would definitely discourage exploring contact.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnaDIttjrgI/VMw-iqvr7DI/AAAAAAAGATM/FBtnWLS4ixo/s1600/IMG_9767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnaDIttjrgI/VMw-iqvr7DI/AAAAAAAGATM/FBtnWLS4ixo/s1600/IMG_9767.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Pods, buds and flowers all at the same time.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSxF6ff4YeQ/VMw-jNi3_jI/AAAAAAAGATU/Kb4HpADPyEA/s1600/IMG_9768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSxF6ff4YeQ/VMw-jNi3_jI/AAAAAAAGATU/Kb4HpADPyEA/s1600/IMG_9768.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Another hostile looking plant.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwFS-1Pr4LM/VMw-kk3iKEI/AAAAAAAGATg/J8KTleA7KgI/s1600/IMG_9778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwFS-1Pr4LM/VMw-kk3iKEI/AAAAAAAGATg/J8KTleA7KgI/s1600/IMG_9778.JPG" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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The flowers are gently looking though.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynD21TzP9qE/VMw-lpfkkEI/AAAAAAAGATw/j6O78Kh9Ejs/s1600/IMG_9781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynD21TzP9qE/VMw-lpfkkEI/AAAAAAAGATw/j6O78Kh9Ejs/s1600/IMG_9781.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The river took a bend...a very peaceful slow moving river it was.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzK03MU_wdI/VMw-mrnvtOI/AAAAAAAGAUA/rO3_khLp-Vg/s1600/IMG_9783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzK03MU_wdI/VMw-mrnvtOI/AAAAAAAGAUA/rO3_khLp-Vg/s1600/IMG_9783.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was a shocker to me.</div>
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I have seen several varieties of Passion Flowers in life and most are a fairly large sized flower.</div>
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Most have been big enough to cover the palm of my hand.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQZV3Hm-Orw/VMw-nI7vPEI/AAAAAAAGAUI/TK3S8o7V380/s1600/IMG_9785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQZV3Hm-Orw/VMw-nI7vPEI/AAAAAAAGAUI/TK3S8o7V380/s1600/IMG_9785.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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This must have been a dwarf variety!</div>
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So cute!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvJ13piSoL0/VMw-nkWIZhI/AAAAAAAGAUM/OpuEYyuRAsY/s1600/IMG_9786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvJ13piSoL0/VMw-nkWIZhI/AAAAAAAGAUM/OpuEYyuRAsY/s1600/IMG_9786.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had never noticed what a Passion Flower bud looked like before.</div>
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The little one I saw was blooming next to buds that looked like this.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z41ylY8xjpM/VMw-p0zTWzI/AAAAAAAGAUw/VR5ekVOrQOA/s1600/IMG_9795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z41ylY8xjpM/VMw-p0zTWzI/AAAAAAAGAUw/VR5ekVOrQOA/s1600/IMG_9795.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I have travelled through Mexico and this view was so typical of all the unpaved roads I have seen in the country.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPo84fOH9SU/VMw-qWHBF6I/AAAAAAAGAU4/EqePmRxksJY/s1600/IMG_9796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPo84fOH9SU/VMw-qWHBF6I/AAAAAAAGAU4/EqePmRxksJY/s1600/IMG_9796.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have no idea if this is a pod or a fruit or a bud as it was hanging in some thorny bramble.</div>
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Interesting looking isn't it?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb1o9H6WGx4/VMw-rU7O-LI/AAAAAAAGAVI/GfGkosf8r5s/s1600/IMG_9799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb1o9H6WGx4/VMw-rU7O-LI/AAAAAAAGAVI/GfGkosf8r5s/s1600/IMG_9799.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Another shot that I really like.</div>
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The orderly seeds in the long pod are beautiful to me.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xKSc2qeuVb0/VMw-rgJWIaI/AAAAAAAGAVQ/pi646ajrupU/s1600/IMG_9800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xKSc2qeuVb0/VMw-rgJWIaI/AAAAAAAGAVQ/pi646ajrupU/s1600/IMG_9800.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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This flower seemed to have no middle.</div>
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Almost looked like just a random collection of small petals.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lqPWRgiPBXs/VMw-sxP_dOI/AAAAAAAGAVc/U2Z-gQHWMx8/s1600/IMG_9803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lqPWRgiPBXs/VMw-sxP_dOI/AAAAAAAGAVc/U2Z-gQHWMx8/s1600/IMG_9803.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A single bird singing up high against a pretty sky.</div>
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(I find on walks/hikes it pays to look up, look down, look right, look left, look ahead and look behind or else I miss seeing something wonderful!)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYgszI2LCTs/VMw-tgcECmI/AAAAAAAGAVo/qLTzYLtMhfw/s1600/IMG_9804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYgszI2LCTs/VMw-tgcECmI/AAAAAAAGAVo/qLTzYLtMhfw/s1600/IMG_9804.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A net fisherman with a boat...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2G3-hpaJKc/VMw-uJoysdI/AAAAAAAGAVs/hOzVanYC0aQ/s1600/IMG_9808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2G3-hpaJKc/VMw-uJoysdI/AAAAAAAGAVs/hOzVanYC0aQ/s1600/IMG_9808.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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And another net fisherman with presumably less wealth: no boat.</div>
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The orange blur was a passing butterfly.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaKslYhaMGc/VMw-v16iThI/AAAAAAAGAWE/9a_SHBu2X6o/s1600/IMG_9811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaKslYhaMGc/VMw-v16iThI/AAAAAAAGAWE/9a_SHBu2X6o/s1600/IMG_9811.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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The tree commonly known as a Tourist tree due to its bark's tendency to peel like a bad sunburn.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogRaWGER0Co/VMw-wT1IOGI/AAAAAAAGAWQ/G1Qc2df15P4/s1600/IMG_9812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogRaWGER0Co/VMw-wT1IOGI/AAAAAAAGAWQ/G1Qc2df15P4/s1600/IMG_9812.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Sunlight seen though the peels made them look on fire.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omokDyMNHnY/VMw-w44P6BI/AAAAAAAGAWU/Nh4haEbzi78/s1600/IMG_9813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omokDyMNHnY/VMw-w44P6BI/AAAAAAAGAWU/Nh4haEbzi78/s1600/IMG_9813.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Once I got to this wash out I decided to turn back.</div>
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I had walked with my 65mm lens, I switched to my 55-250 mm zoom lens for the walk back.</div>
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(It was getting warmer, I had been walking for about an hour and I regretted not using the zoom first as the heavier lens on my camera slung around my neck now seemed punishingly heavy. I had carried the larger lens in my pocket earlier.)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yTiQLwGCeNk/VMw-xTJA_9I/AAAAAAAGAWc/yFoMn8gvCAM/s1600/IMG_9814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yTiQLwGCeNk/VMw-xTJA_9I/AAAAAAAGAWc/yFoMn8gvCAM/s1600/IMG_9814.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Flame orange blossoms against a blue sky is so pretty.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tyu_cwG-ueA/VMw-yRlsAmI/AAAAAAAGAWw/0J2Q0zD_NpA/s1600/IMG_9816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tyu_cwG-ueA/VMw-yRlsAmI/AAAAAAAGAWw/0J2Q0zD_NpA/s1600/IMG_9816.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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Another Passion Flower bud, this time it is red.</div>
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Hmmm...interesting!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_xkjBPu38Q/VMw-y7itzcI/AAAAAAAGAW0/Vw3eOk2LKHE/s1600/IMG_9817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_xkjBPu38Q/VMw-y7itzcI/AAAAAAAGAW0/Vw3eOk2LKHE/s1600/IMG_9817.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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How painting is done...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i2oi6SFhLnA/VMw-zeZjemI/AAAAAAAGAXA/LqqYXvN0o4I/s1600/IMG_9818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i2oi6SFhLnA/VMw-zeZjemI/AAAAAAAGAXA/LqqYXvN0o4I/s1600/IMG_9818.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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Various pretties...scroll through....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeULG9q1sWo/VMw-0tCTXnI/AAAAAAAGAXM/Kjkod71X2VE/s1600/IMG_9821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeULG9q1sWo/VMw-0tCTXnI/AAAAAAAGAXM/Kjkod71X2VE/s1600/IMG_9821.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejkpjAvZzsA/VMw-2hLkn7I/AAAAAAAGAXw/az_C3ByaMmk/s1600/IMG_9825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejkpjAvZzsA/VMw-2hLkn7I/AAAAAAAGAXw/az_C3ByaMmk/s1600/IMG_9825.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNW5qeLwpxM/VMw-3ooUMwI/AAAAAAAGAX8/6vitl3VPCTw/s1600/IMG_9829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FNW5qeLwpxM/VMw-3ooUMwI/AAAAAAAGAX8/6vitl3VPCTw/s1600/IMG_9829.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bird.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GAVI2UuqqEI/VMw-4O-Yo3I/AAAAAAAGAYE/Xz7GAdGfbgo/s1600/IMG_9831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GAVI2UuqqEI/VMw-4O-Yo3I/AAAAAAAGAYE/Xz7GAdGfbgo/s1600/IMG_9831.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had been passed by a guy on this bike earlier. </div>
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Colorful bike...</div>
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The smell of pot was wafting through the air here.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C01SJB_6R_Y/VMw-4m9vdDI/AAAAAAAGAYQ/bRwVnxAD7t8/s1600/IMG_9832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C01SJB_6R_Y/VMw-4m9vdDI/AAAAAAAGAYQ/bRwVnxAD7t8/s1600/IMG_9832.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pot break time I guess.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdHoEbVRVy0/VMw-5Tj_OAI/AAAAAAAGAYU/4ZV5pdOrD5Q/s1600/IMG_9833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdHoEbVRVy0/VMw-5Tj_OAI/AAAAAAAGAYU/4ZV5pdOrD5Q/s1600/IMG_9833.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sap flowed on this tree and looked like jewels in the sunshine.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajSwuR5Au10/VMw-5p5d8DI/AAAAAAAGAYg/yVZBUQn__7M/s1600/IMG_9834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajSwuR5Au10/VMw-5p5d8DI/AAAAAAAGAYg/yVZBUQn__7M/s1600/IMG_9834.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4PPElGE230/VMw-6wL5lOI/AAAAAAAGAYs/ICmaQNYZTFc/s1600/IMG_9836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4PPElGE230/VMw-6wL5lOI/AAAAAAAGAYs/ICmaQNYZTFc/s1600/IMG_9836.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2FojdGsRFw/VMw-8XcQtqI/AAAAAAAGAZE/Ebtutaa26BM/s1600/IMG_9840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2FojdGsRFw/VMw-8XcQtqI/AAAAAAAGAZE/Ebtutaa26BM/s1600/IMG_9840.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I somehow had missed seeing ALL the weird saddlebacks.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TF8J4jf3bf0/VMw-9M0qsdI/AAAAAAAGAZQ/M6D3HXL0eSE/s1600/IMG_9841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TF8J4jf3bf0/VMw-9M0qsdI/AAAAAAAGAZQ/M6D3HXL0eSE/s1600/IMG_9841.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The little white eyes are actually their posterior.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndI-rgtgxSo/VMw-99HMHeI/AAAAAAAGAZU/JPp0aDFrNZ4/s1600/IMG_9842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndI-rgtgxSo/VMw-99HMHeI/AAAAAAAGAZU/JPp0aDFrNZ4/s1600/IMG_9842.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqyBCC3kqjY/VMw_ALdZ6JI/AAAAAAAGAZ4/uuzzBnJxyNY/s1600/IMG_9846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqyBCC3kqjY/VMw_ALdZ6JI/AAAAAAAGAZ4/uuzzBnJxyNY/s1600/IMG_9846.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Creeped out yet?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rz1Xi_8y00/VMw_AjIBNuI/AAAAAAAGAZ8/HRAcMux0mGE/s1600/IMG_9848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rz1Xi_8y00/VMw_AjIBNuI/AAAAAAAGAZ8/HRAcMux0mGE/s1600/IMG_9848.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyy-YRo-Hii_P7KOEhFMJwQcGYaLCw6ilweoOJvPTTaLu96irr_Tlkp-6I8xDIWRLykguSg1nNT8L7FXip0Gr7cL996MJzhy6YXykWj5a2O0-lElvK3zjTf6cIvLqiCDV6y4bs/s1600/IMG_9849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyy-YRo-Hii_P7KOEhFMJwQcGYaLCw6ilweoOJvPTTaLu96irr_Tlkp-6I8xDIWRLykguSg1nNT8L7FXip0Gr7cL996MJzhy6YXykWj5a2O0-lElvK3zjTf6cIvLqiCDV6y4bs/s1600/IMG_9849.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beautifully creepy.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L39ij_7ShAY/VMw_C-lQL-I/AAAAAAAGAac/C02scGW4zPQ/s1600/IMG_9858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L39ij_7ShAY/VMw_C-lQL-I/AAAAAAAGAac/C02scGW4zPQ/s1600/IMG_9858.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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More net casting....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYUXPvphoSs/VMw_DRy0QcI/AAAAAAAGAao/ognMC17-GjI/s1600/IMG_9859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYUXPvphoSs/VMw_DRy0QcI/AAAAAAAGAao/ognMC17-GjI/s1600/IMG_9859.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAroqwnpHwVhNCHRN4i4Sm1w7mADOVH38oBV_9N_DSy3t4yefBvQhN5AiMLUa3AGvEDK8fgq4G5VAk-lnXfuwTURAPaWuOb9l4wYlmRbxwRzidOuH90FLHQHf8qck6ftD34GP/s1600/IMG_9865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAroqwnpHwVhNCHRN4i4Sm1w7mADOVH38oBV_9N_DSy3t4yefBvQhN5AiMLUa3AGvEDK8fgq4G5VAk-lnXfuwTURAPaWuOb9l4wYlmRbxwRzidOuH90FLHQHf8qck6ftD34GP/s1600/IMG_9865.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Back to where I began.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvgY5AKt4Rw/VMw_Mql696I/AAAAAAAGAcw/FwdYTGhOPbM/s1600/IMG_9878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvgY5AKt4Rw/VMw_Mql696I/AAAAAAAGAcw/FwdYTGhOPbM/s1600/IMG_9878.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>"YOU again???"</em></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u88S56UDs98/VMw_M7WH9iI/AAAAAAAGAc4/gze0YV3DTh8/s1600/IMG_9879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u88S56UDs98/VMw_M7WH9iI/AAAAAAAGAc4/gze0YV3DTh8/s1600/IMG_9879.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>"AKKKK!!!"</em></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inUgokp58Vo/VMw_Naq5pZI/AAAAAAAGAdA/AfzRZhrPznU/s1600/IMG_9880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inUgokp58Vo/VMw_Naq5pZI/AAAAAAAGAdA/AfzRZhrPznU/s1600/IMG_9880.JPG" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>"Go AWAY!"</em></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--CJYe7DmANg/VMw_OR7IgaI/AAAAAAAGAdM/tcq9Bl4b6nE/s1600/IMG_9882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--CJYe7DmANg/VMw_OR7IgaI/AAAAAAAGAdM/tcq9Bl4b6nE/s1600/IMG_9882.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Egret is wary but willing to stay for a bit.</div>
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A black grackle hanging out with the shore bird crowd.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZp2wuOnvwM/VMw_Q5a6gAI/AAAAAAAGAd4/HyAauQdwapM/s1600/IMG_9887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZp2wuOnvwM/VMw_Q5a6gAI/AAAAAAAGAd4/HyAauQdwapM/s1600/IMG_9887.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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This bird was fine with me getting closer.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buy9xyirTgs/VMw_R46mApI/AAAAAAAGAeE/0JkMD8u9Gzw/s1600/IMG_9889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buy9xyirTgs/VMw_R46mApI/AAAAAAAGAeE/0JkMD8u9Gzw/s1600/IMG_9889.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6EW9Onp-AM/VMw_RXdgYfI/AAAAAAAGAd8/4euRxESr0RM/s1600/IMG_9888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6EW9Onp-AM/VMw_RXdgYfI/AAAAAAAGAd8/4euRxESr0RM/s1600/IMG_9888.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Love those yellow legs that match his yellow eyes.</div>
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Egrets are just photogenic all the time.</div>
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<em>"Enough already!"</em></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2JJUoqnf5k/VMw_UrLqo0I/AAAAAAAGAew/Zow5sn2aAj0/s1600/IMG_9896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2JJUoqnf5k/VMw_UrLqo0I/AAAAAAAGAew/Zow5sn2aAj0/s1600/IMG_9896.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<em>"I don't have to put up with you!"</em></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PY8ASBNXswg/VMw_Uxi8ziI/AAAAAAAGAe4/4abCq9XHY8I/s1600/IMG_9897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PY8ASBNXswg/VMw_Uxi8ziI/AAAAAAAGAe4/4abCq9XHY8I/s1600/IMG_9897.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></em></a></div>
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Isn't that bill enormous compared to his head?</div>
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(I wasn't sure if I should say "beak" or "bill".</div>
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Turns out, according to one site, wading birds always have bills, as do hummingbirds, pigeons and wading birds.</div>
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Beaks are on birds of prey.)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60NwLTX1Khk/VNO1qiJbWBI/AAAAAAAGAho/88zyqaFQZqI/s1600/IMG_9900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60NwLTX1Khk/VNO1qiJbWBI/AAAAAAAGAho/88zyqaFQZqI/s1600/IMG_9900.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just doesn't move around much....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsgsJof-aPs/VNO1r1zkBlI/AAAAAAAGAh4/9lBWkq1XH9s/s1600/IMG_9903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsgsJof-aPs/VNO1r1zkBlI/AAAAAAAGAh4/9lBWkq1XH9s/s1600/IMG_9903.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dJMJ-tbjO8/VNO1vO4vc8I/AAAAAAAGAik/mJGr_JxLfTo/s1600/IMG_9909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dJMJ-tbjO8/VNO1vO4vc8I/AAAAAAAGAik/mJGr_JxLfTo/s1600/IMG_9909.JPG" height="400" width="286" /></a></div>
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Oooohhh...love that red eye!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htr_eUHNZ2s/VNO1ybxubFI/AAAAAAAGAjQ/-pu1Xvw92R4/s1600/IMG_9914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htr_eUHNZ2s/VNO1ybxubFI/AAAAAAAGAjQ/-pu1Xvw92R4/s1600/IMG_9914.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_fvapWa998/VNO1zmpr_1I/AAAAAAAGAjg/5KyrTR5lmnI/s1600/IMG_9916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_fvapWa998/VNO1zmpr_1I/AAAAAAAGAjg/5KyrTR5lmnI/s1600/IMG_9916.JPG" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
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Still staring...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44iVowhDJuE/VNO106BwOBI/AAAAAAAGAj4/ryZwGQvyI7Q/s1600/IMG_9920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44iVowhDJuE/VNO106BwOBI/AAAAAAAGAj4/ryZwGQvyI7Q/s1600/IMG_9920.JPG" height="400" width="283" /></a></div>
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Scroll through...I liked all these shots.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xNfBsJHvYk/VNO14UmveII/AAAAAAAGAko/omn_tJ6hc-8/s1600/IMG_9927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xNfBsJHvYk/VNO14UmveII/AAAAAAAGAko/omn_tJ6hc-8/s1600/IMG_9927.JPG" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EIkKap9XPw/VNO15ZEXUyI/AAAAAAAGAk4/2rlIdcvIBVM/s1600/IMG_9933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EIkKap9XPw/VNO15ZEXUyI/AAAAAAAGAk4/2rlIdcvIBVM/s1600/IMG_9933.JPG" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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This little one seemed to only have one leg.</div>
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Then I thought it had just part of a leg.</div>
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Then it finally dropped the other leg and ran.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1R5TCayEHw/VNO17JgiLpI/AAAAAAAGAlM/rv47Cq2lLAo/s1600/IMG_9939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1R5TCayEHw/VNO17JgiLpI/AAAAAAAGAlM/rv47Cq2lLAo/s1600/IMG_9939.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not a lot of shells on the shore but this was nice.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SaJ-KU1MU-U/VNO19s3g8EI/AAAAAAAGAlw/rbX_qxC7n3k/s1600/IMG_9944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SaJ-KU1MU-U/VNO19s3g8EI/AAAAAAAGAlw/rbX_qxC7n3k/s1600/IMG_9944.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another shot I like a lot.</div>
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The red legs in all those neutral colors appeals to me.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kA2A5ZDHFRQ/VNO1-Bp_YjI/AAAAAAAGAl0/lnYvxJqJzWk/s1600/IMG_9945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kA2A5ZDHFRQ/VNO1-Bp_YjI/AAAAAAAGAl0/lnYvxJqJzWk/s1600/IMG_9945.JPG" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZvnIr8qt3Y/VNO1_SVo9sI/AAAAAAAGAmI/Zp0dUBCTcP0/s1600/IMG_9953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZvnIr8qt3Y/VNO1_SVo9sI/AAAAAAAGAmI/Zp0dUBCTcP0/s1600/IMG_9953.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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This really large bird seemed to own this bit of turf.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcztCz14HgI/VNO1_7rkIDI/AAAAAAAGAmM/RrKVcTKFkW0/s1600/IMG_9954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcztCz14HgI/VNO1_7rkIDI/AAAAAAAGAmM/RrKVcTKFkW0/s1600/IMG_9954.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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He stood there for the longest time.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bJnqmyHmK8/VNO2AoNlEuI/AAAAAAAGAmU/xRv3rOHTRyw/s1600/IMG_9955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bJnqmyHmK8/VNO2AoNlEuI/AAAAAAAGAmU/xRv3rOHTRyw/s1600/IMG_9955.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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He almost seemed old or injured or something.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UY-dmFrI1oU/VNO2C3hAFOI/AAAAAAAGAm4/RUEna67s_i4/s1600/IMG_9961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UY-dmFrI1oU/VNO2C3hAFOI/AAAAAAAGAm4/RUEna67s_i4/s1600/IMG_9961.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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After I observed him for about five minutes (a long time for bird observation) he sauntered away, heading away from the water, while keeping an eye on me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0LmnZFKRkXQt8EPjgDK-7BTh-nweqXhVUAOoj_Wlz7gHYDgF2lHxJVxykMfOyMKDaeD1ZTP1K3DyaMOHxYJ3bvVEhAJkhHbAzJVV_EQ8zEXnwUNMZMhKc7jviUWUj0wxCL5Z/s1600/IMG_9957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0LmnZFKRkXQt8EPjgDK-7BTh-nweqXhVUAOoj_Wlz7gHYDgF2lHxJVxykMfOyMKDaeD1ZTP1K3DyaMOHxYJ3bvVEhAJkhHbAzJVV_EQ8zEXnwUNMZMhKc7jviUWUj0wxCL5Z/s1600/IMG_9957.JPG" height="400" width="286" /></a></div>
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Seen from the front I wondered if he was ill or if that was just how these birds look?</div>
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I wonder if he would go into the resort property.</div>
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He stopped just short of the greenery.</div>
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A few days later I would come back to this exact area at low tide when this became a sand island covered with hundreds of birds. </div>
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Another oh so long bill!</div>
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This couple were watching the surfing pelicans.</div>
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I thought it was cute how they were holding hands.</div>
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Seems like all the old couples walking on the beach held hands.</div>
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I know Bernie and I always did too.</div>
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I enjoy textures created by wind and water.</div>
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Heading back on the beach.</div>
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The sand was reddish when wet due to being so close to the river.</div>
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We were staying on the 4th floor of one of these two tone buildings.</div>
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(Must ask Bernie if he can figure out which one was our building.)</div>
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It was past lunch time when I got back to the resort.</div>
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Lizard for lunch didn't appeal to me but I was glad that this bird was enjoying his meal!</div>
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Journal to be continued!</div>
<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-78533966939101473422015-01-30T13:05:00.001-07:002015-01-30T13:07:49.408-07:00Travel Journal: Puerto Vallarta Mexico Jan 2015: Baby Golfinas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXqUKnKH85Q/VMvSawXxrOI/AAAAAAAF_uo/3CTSjLfgMYI/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXqUKnKH85Q/VMvSawXxrOI/AAAAAAAF_uo/3CTSjLfgMYI/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A travel journal should start at the beginning and carry on through to the end of the adventure, right?</div>
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Well, our vacation in Puerto Vallarta was lovely, full of relaxing days where we ate, slept, swam and read.</div>
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Such a journal would be quite dull to read so I decided to put the most interesting part of our vacation first, even though that part actually happened on the very last night of our time away.</div>
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We had checked out of the huge resort where we had stayed for two weeks and had checked into a much smaller property near the Puerto Vallarta airport, in order to take advantage of a direct flight offered the next day.</div>
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The Marriott property was no slouch...in fact we had what was probably our most comfortable day and night there of our entire trip.</div>
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We checked in around 11 am, and Bernie went to play some golf at an old course right next to the property.</div>
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He regretted that I didn't go with him as it turned out the old golf course had lots of interesting wild life, including many rather large crocodiles!</div>
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Oh my!</div>
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I just kicked back at the resort, switching between lounging around the pool and swimming in the ocean until around 6 when I thought Bernie might be returning from his golf game.</div>
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As I swung through the outdoor lobby I noticed this sign.</div>
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Baby turtles being released on the beach at 6:30?</div>
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How cool!</div>
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I figured they maybe had six, seven, maybe a dozen turtles that for some reason had been rescued or something.</div>
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Whatever.</div>
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Sounded like a great photo op to me. </div>
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I hadn't known the Marriott hotel had a turtle egg rescue/protection program.</div>
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I did know that Marriott is a very "green" organization and so I wasn't too surprised that they would be involved in such a project.</div>
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I raced up to our room to change out of my bathing suit, shower up and head back out towards the beach lickity split.</div>
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I ran into Bernie on my way through the lobby. </div>
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I told him about the turtles being released in about 10 minutes.</div>
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He hurried off to drop off his golf bag in our room and caught up with me exactly as the turtles arrived.</div>
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Two huge buckets were being carried down the walkway to the beach.</div>
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I wondered if the older woman was the mother of the younger girls but didn't ask.</div>
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I did manage to sneak a peek into one of the buckets:</div>
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Oh my goodness!</div>
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The women told me that there were about 300 baby Golfina turtles that had hatched just this morning in their hotel's turtle hatchery building.</div>
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I had no idea that they had an entire building dedicated to turtles but they do.</div>
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About ten other guests crowded with us around the buckets.</div>
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The Turtle Wallah (that's what I called her...Wallah being the Indian word for a person in charge of some job) set about drawing two parallel lines in the sand with her heavy stick.</div>
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I have no idea what criteria she used to decide where the lines should be drawn but she explained that we had to stay behind the line farthest away from the water.</div>
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Then she reached in the bucket and pulled out a couple of baby turtles.</div>
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She instructed us to rub a layer of wet sand all over our hands...</div>
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...and then she handed each of us a turtle!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NS6qQNDbGYQ/VMvSgunSv1I/AAAAAAAF_v0/DhJ6aCy7l3I/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NS6qQNDbGYQ/VMvSgunSv1I/AAAAAAAF_v0/DhJ6aCy7l3I/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was pretty excited and nervous so my camera focus left a little to be desired.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cERuQjxQiMU/VMvShK3_ScI/AAAAAAAF_wA/qUsZGjhUPuU/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cERuQjxQiMU/VMvShK3_ScI/AAAAAAAF_wA/qUsZGjhUPuU/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Still....look at that little face!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Jh1SCSOUyMIF7p6tc3yV9UZhYcLM92cpoNpa0m-tPQUNIzUA_SGGiJK7vitT00XV3JxvLoYwwC_aVAuAMG9SgnamrJFOItWhAgiEy4gPZVluQ8ZlVNbCwm9-BN8t2nA5KpDO/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Jh1SCSOUyMIF7p6tc3yV9UZhYcLM92cpoNpa0m-tPQUNIzUA_SGGiJK7vitT00XV3JxvLoYwwC_aVAuAMG9SgnamrJFOItWhAgiEy4gPZVluQ8ZlVNbCwm9-BN8t2nA5KpDO/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The jewel like eyes looked at me with a curious glance, all the while paddling its flippers purposefully.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Zcai5pdniU/VMvSiL775II/AAAAAAAF_wM/mfbC7Re2PJA/s1600/IMG_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Zcai5pdniU/VMvSiL775II/AAAAAAAF_wM/mfbC7Re2PJA/s1600/IMG_0570.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Only about six hours old.</div>
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Perfectly formed and ready to begin its life at sea.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIB-AXHjEiM/VMvSijTbQ_I/AAAAAAAF_wY/j8jhPezEkSM/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIB-AXHjEiM/VMvSijTbQ_I/AAAAAAAF_wY/j8jhPezEkSM/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Love the expression on these two.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cx-eqWxPdJE/VMvSjG9X5bI/AAAAAAAF_wc/J-vpl6Q_DC0/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cx-eqWxPdJE/VMvSjG9X5bI/AAAAAAAF_wc/J-vpl6Q_DC0/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then the rest of the turtles were gently dumped onto the wet sand.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBcTrqGoLlU/VMvSjj5RH2I/AAAAAAAF_wk/F-YfCiyQ7aI/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBcTrqGoLlU/VMvSjj5RH2I/AAAAAAAF_wk/F-YfCiyQ7aI/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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And just like a group of human babies, some were quick to race off while others seemed set on a slower pace.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWex_My87UGr0y1C-bdnMcl2AdzyvMwF6s3JGhsjfcN85IVE4JDxF5eoRgU3UUp3VyPqqe85AIazXBRUglg5Kg6AnPRdO1-_PBGrpSEXG40V7ymzvXykJrjAQDBDYansjBvj5/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWex_My87UGr0y1C-bdnMcl2AdzyvMwF6s3JGhsjfcN85IVE4JDxF5eoRgU3UUp3VyPqqe85AIazXBRUglg5Kg6AnPRdO1-_PBGrpSEXG40V7ymzvXykJrjAQDBDYansjBvj5/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I loved the pattern that was left behind as a record of their journey's start.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRo61rRpDy4/VMvSk7tXB6I/AAAAAAAF_w0/o5S6LXxslA0/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRo61rRpDy4/VMvSk7tXB6I/AAAAAAAF_w0/o5S6LXxslA0/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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They didn't all immediately aim for the water.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPZxgrXMHXQ/VMvSlm1zbgI/AAAAAAAF_w8/V2zXsGXoz4k/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPZxgrXMHXQ/VMvSlm1zbgI/AAAAAAAF_w8/V2zXsGXoz4k/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And those that did aim for the water didn't necessarily head there straight on.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXYWgaDIu1o/VMvSmTlpcjI/AAAAAAAF_xI/ykEdzrWBXZ0/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXYWgaDIu1o/VMvSmTlpcjI/AAAAAAAF_xI/ykEdzrWBXZ0/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Oh it was tempting to help the slow ones.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wz_EZbox2Tc/VMvSm3HbQeI/AAAAAAAF_xM/9Fr3oGmbhPI/s1600/IMG_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wz_EZbox2Tc/VMvSm3HbQeI/AAAAAAAF_xM/9Fr3oGmbhPI/s1600/IMG_0589.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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We all stood back and watched the drama unfold.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1jrZwVJOXM/VMvSnnRFT7I/AAAAAAAF_xU/Ga25No1Xkbk/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1jrZwVJOXM/VMvSnnRFT7I/AAAAAAAF_xU/Ga25No1Xkbk/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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There were those who seemed to like to clump up.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LDLQL-KoniE/VMvSoJS34BI/AAAAAAAF_xg/AbxAwlDsqfM/s1600/IMG_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LDLQL-KoniE/VMvSoJS34BI/AAAAAAAF_xg/AbxAwlDsqfM/s1600/IMG_0594.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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While others forged on alone.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOJAsG7JGf8/VMvSo--tNKI/AAAAAAAF_xk/dE3jX0q9u2Q/s1600/IMG_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOJAsG7JGf8/VMvSo--tNKI/AAAAAAAF_xk/dE3jX0q9u2Q/s1600/IMG_0595.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And when a wave rolled in the forerunners were swiftly washed out to sea.</div>
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When a bigger wave would break I imagined the whirl and swirl that the small thing endured.</div>
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I had plunged through bigger waves just hours earlier and I knew the waves packed a punch and there were plenty of rocks beneath the breakers.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DwP8foGANQg/VMvSrx267ZI/AAAAAAAF_yQ/IOBiyxFiiAE/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DwP8foGANQg/VMvSrx267ZI/AAAAAAAF_yQ/IOBiyxFiiAE/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were told that one reason why hotel guests were invited to witness the turtle releases was because our presences deterred the shore birds from swooping in for a turtle dinner.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Enx9cTw7N8A/VMvSsRbh7iI/AAAAAAAF_yU/9QDgTP-sn7I/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Enx9cTw7N8A/VMvSsRbh7iI/AAAAAAAF_yU/9QDgTP-sn7I/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Just scroll through....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08MPb0mPzHw/VMvSs4n3XOI/AAAAAAAF_yc/1YM1dD6bwU0/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08MPb0mPzHw/VMvSs4n3XOI/AAAAAAAF_yc/1YM1dD6bwU0/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NTOrnA6-IjZgFaG86Zfm8TKLI7nlDXFgtFkEbyVaDU1UND4mneKUzzlc1Uzu3IG6g3w18AcSPVpBf0xfxHXzQCCNaSnpzCYvsuU3MQTGYVNDcwdqxJlwo88_y6Tfk3scxbso/s1600/IMG_0610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NTOrnA6-IjZgFaG86Zfm8TKLI7nlDXFgtFkEbyVaDU1UND4mneKUzzlc1Uzu3IG6g3w18AcSPVpBf0xfxHXzQCCNaSnpzCYvsuU3MQTGYVNDcwdqxJlwo88_y6Tfk3scxbso/s1600/IMG_0610.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1t8j6HkHG0/VMvSucXKxHI/AAAAAAAF_y4/2vaFidXp1m8/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1t8j6HkHG0/VMvSucXKxHI/AAAAAAAF_y4/2vaFidXp1m8/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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I like this shot....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0mbDONMKNU/VMvSvFHpgTI/AAAAAAAF_y8/gbszNxM2gBE/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0mbDONMKNU/VMvSvFHpgTI/AAAAAAAF_y8/gbszNxM2gBE/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The sun was setting rapidly.</div>
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The loss of light meant getting detailed shots would be compromised as we were told not to use flash photography.</div>
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I had first been shooting with my 60mm lens which offers the clearest detail, then I switched to my zoom lens that allowed me to follow the turtles closely while keeping my distance.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Djf3_YjaM88/VMvSvsI113I/AAAAAAAF_zI/bGXGwGPnIEk/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Djf3_YjaM88/VMvSvsI113I/AAAAAAAF_zI/bGXGwGPnIEk/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Turtle Wallah stepped carefully among the babies, occasionally picking one up but generally just watching.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlC7DQ1l1YM/VMvSwwlioMI/AAAAAAAF_zY/PB3vxYdGF1A/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MlC7DQ1l1YM/VMvSwwlioMI/AAAAAAAF_zY/PB3vxYdGF1A/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17y9CyjD-gQ/VMvSxVKC_2I/AAAAAAAF_zc/nKiZsm3dv6k/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17y9CyjD-gQ/VMvSxVKC_2I/AAAAAAAF_zc/nKiZsm3dv6k/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" height="144" width="320" /></a></div>
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Determination.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDoGnIlJjx0/VMvSxrnNeYI/AAAAAAAF_zk/WRtG18zSPKU/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDoGnIlJjx0/VMvSxrnNeYI/AAAAAAAF_zk/WRtG18zSPKU/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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A rude baptism.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dei-SfEBCb8/VMvSy_KVR6I/AAAAAAAF_zs/7J-41z1jxVk/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dei-SfEBCb8/VMvSy_KVR6I/AAAAAAAF_zs/7J-41z1jxVk/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once the sunset colors started reflecting on the wet sand I became quite giddy.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoMONbjjV9s/VMvSzXUcrFI/AAAAAAAF_z0/PKD4eTDqdqY/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoMONbjjV9s/VMvSzXUcrFI/AAAAAAAF_z0/PKD4eTDqdqY/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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(Insert small boy sound effect of dune buggies: <em>brrrruuuummmm</em>....)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWjn4Zen5K0/VMvSz1tvsNI/AAAAAAAF_0A/dTSuVzp_GFs/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWjn4Zen5K0/VMvSz1tvsNI/AAAAAAAF_0A/dTSuVzp_GFs/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Look how closely the turtles match the color of the sand.</div>
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And when their shells are dry when they are on dry sand they match that color sand, and while wet on wet sand they match there too.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQnK0OYVaFw/VMvS0ik02cI/AAAAAAAF_0I/XOPGBbU2FLg/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQnK0OYVaFw/VMvS0ik02cI/AAAAAAAF_0I/XOPGBbU2FLg/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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This shot makes me smile.</div>
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I can just imagine how gentle those foamy bubbles must feel as a first experience in the ocean.</div>
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Sunset colors on turtle shells.</div>
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Nice.</div>
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<em> "Huh?"</em></div>
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<em></em> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50ApKpxzle4/VMvS3MhYikI/AAAAAAAF_0s/YAnjK8-AT4c/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50ApKpxzle4/VMvS3MhYikI/AAAAAAAF_0s/YAnjK8-AT4c/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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"<em>Oh hi."</em></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YuxZtWZuCMU/VMvS3wY1zJI/AAAAAAAF_00/hR-g5Rxzn64/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YuxZtWZuCMU/VMvS3wY1zJI/AAAAAAAF_00/hR-g5Rxzn64/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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"<em>Um, can you tell me if I am heading the right way to get to the ocean?"</em></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-td6kqt8pyko/VMvS4ew3HaI/AAAAAAAF_1A/l1XnZ8u-6eU/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-td6kqt8pyko/VMvS4ew3HaI/AAAAAAAF_1A/l1XnZ8u-6eU/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG" height="320" width="203" /></a></div>
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Bernie did some girl watching...watching me that is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5-ot1d-hp9aV_LJU6NTVyLOn2QGvtAv84V12N9VhKejS1HPIdiiuYQ-yKw_1wH0w8nUySi2WKtOGelENl3djFdktlMFPHdSvjwMZWse3I2N1MgheROPCtcCquaKmdoNsQBCK/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5-ot1d-hp9aV_LJU6NTVyLOn2QGvtAv84V12N9VhKejS1HPIdiiuYQ-yKw_1wH0w8nUySi2WKtOGelENl3djFdktlMFPHdSvjwMZWse3I2N1MgheROPCtcCquaKmdoNsQBCK/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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Another favorite shot....knowing those are baby turtles and not rocks.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDfGWHAXNxA/VMvS7cVrdkI/AAAAAAAF_1k/x1slGhz2S34/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDfGWHAXNxA/VMvS7cVrdkI/AAAAAAAF_1k/x1slGhz2S34/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Helping out a flipped over one.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYnMWF6kBCQ/VMvS7gjv0RI/AAAAAAAF_1w/8Z3i7RRkvbE/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYnMWF6kBCQ/VMvS7gjv0RI/AAAAAAAF_1w/8Z3i7RRkvbE/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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The water surged in from several angles.</div>
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I wondered if what the turtles used to decide where to head.</div>
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Was it the sound of the water, or vibration, the sun or ???</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq9Y0wvTu8M/VMvS8XqKSLI/AAAAAAAF_14/FLcKxcRIZ70/s1600/IMG_0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq9Y0wvTu8M/VMvS8XqKSLI/AAAAAAAF_14/FLcKxcRIZ70/s1600/IMG_0672.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Fewer and fewer turtles remained on the shore as the sun sank into the water.</div>
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(I liked this shot because the circle of the sun is seen on the wet sand.)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvsebWL4c-8/VMvS9YWC2TI/AAAAAAAF_2E/1fn_GQLHrZE/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvsebWL4c-8/VMvS9YWC2TI/AAAAAAAF_2E/1fn_GQLHrZE/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once there were just a few left we could get close to the babies again without fear of stepping on by accident.</div>
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I could finally get good close up shots again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWujOP7yRhdecozQrYvR63m2IGnW0VxnWy254WMGp05FAUgirPg1CmrJBJfLHq9i4pXfSltpKfdTcEnXU6JvTxtJZDNnyfP2vL-9DkxtpA9nYFwU6JrkxPhZkt95egfGyz7Zve/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWujOP7yRhdecozQrYvR63m2IGnW0VxnWy254WMGp05FAUgirPg1CmrJBJfLHq9i4pXfSltpKfdTcEnXU6JvTxtJZDNnyfP2vL-9DkxtpA9nYFwU6JrkxPhZkt95egfGyz7Zve/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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And I did a little boy watching too...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z3McBirsduI/VMvTBTcKb2I/AAAAAAAF_3A/mh0BGRflZjA/s1600/IMG_0692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z3McBirsduI/VMvTBTcKb2I/AAAAAAAF_3A/mh0BGRflZjA/s1600/IMG_0692.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hKAWgfENj8/VMvTCFY_b7I/AAAAAAAF_3I/ObRWUkbBjD4/s1600/IMG_0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hKAWgfENj8/VMvTCFY_b7I/AAAAAAAF_3I/ObRWUkbBjD4/s1600/IMG_0693.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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That pebble is a turtle nearly buried in sand.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGAC6Le6cD0/VMvTDxAgoKI/AAAAAAAF_3o/y-lecZ1kMes/s1600/IMG_0699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGAC6Le6cD0/VMvTDxAgoKI/AAAAAAAF_3o/y-lecZ1kMes/s1600/IMG_0699.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then there was one...</div>
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And then there were none.</div>
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All were swimming somewhere out at sea.</div>
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As we left the beach we wished them well, and said a silent prayer for their future.</div>
<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-86897612386984823442015-01-20T10:53:00.001-07:002015-01-20T10:53:58.378-07:00Wasting away in Puerto Vallarta-ville...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7yhuIqTVE70cbkOyojydxj8w5-QUSCp65I_8JpIZCotjIIztsxCD8GM92gLhP5lJQhG9uFpjBwA82CgQ7Uuuktnf0FdZH6CXG6TfhxjEPgH2sIMqgpU0VBUbA2ey3Lg8rcbd/s640/blogger-image-784282572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7yhuIqTVE70cbkOyojydxj8w5-QUSCp65I_8JpIZCotjIIztsxCD8GM92gLhP5lJQhG9uFpjBwA82CgQ7Uuuktnf0FdZH6CXG6TfhxjEPgH2sIMqgpU0VBUbA2ey3Lg8rcbd/s640/blogger-image-784282572.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Just a shot of the Grand Mayan resort where we are staying, taken from our balcony.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRsQ0Yo-ljf0ijhq_OkO_GuB1nb4rA_ZZSggo2xuIDLm528sqgWaAszYHB8PaWiHlGeBgNF8PO9sTfp2Bc5m3vhKqDWAlSpV9laINRddqPzV6NWsViv7GP31WcWz8GRLSLQjC/s640/blogger-image--650836173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRsQ0Yo-ljf0ijhq_OkO_GuB1nb4rA_ZZSggo2xuIDLm528sqgWaAszYHB8PaWiHlGeBgNF8PO9sTfp2Bc5m3vhKqDWAlSpV9laINRddqPzV6NWsViv7GP31WcWz8GRLSLQjC/s640/blogger-image--650836173.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We alternate between the beach, pool side and our balcony which has its own small private pool. Somedays we dunk in all three water options in between eating, sleeping and reading.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V3UxnHbIS76nfv2l8cUm7UIj4kZ4uipjnvgqTwzl5L2lUcw3Mqzfhgv7rSkeGbHaxNMHqr4KZlRxlGVwzJivAc5-H4CT6smTFbkx1_qCIiHyiBNb6aTxdwNZGXNyiuUsauIl/s640/blogger-image--114429052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V3UxnHbIS76nfv2l8cUm7UIj4kZ4uipjnvgqTwzl5L2lUcw3Mqzfhgv7rSkeGbHaxNMHqr4KZlRxlGVwzJivAc5-H4CT6smTFbkx1_qCIiHyiBNb6aTxdwNZGXNyiuUsauIl/s640/blogger-image--114429052.jpg"></a></div>The weather is perfect, not too hot or cold. I've gotten in a nice walk along the riverside that border the resort and a few saunters around the grounds with my regular camera. The textures and birds have caught my photographic interest more than landscape shots. I'd love to photograph the tykes in the pools but of course refrain from doing so. Happy children playing in sparking water is a source of endless smiles. Makes me miss my own splash making grands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Day nine here...all for now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Feel free to guess what that last photo is.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-2338556184728994082015-01-12T12:46:00.001-07:002015-01-12T12:46:04.168-07:00Flying south for the winterIt is a bit of an exaggeration to say "We flew south for the winter."<div><br></div><div> A truer statement: Exchange "because" for the "for" and mentally recognize "winter" is the mid January bleak time that I have declare unbearable in Utah.</div><div><br></div><div>"We flew south because of Utah's January winter."<br><div><br><div>The winter days of December, Februrary and March don't bother me for some reason. It is just January's winter that steals my joy.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeMq-5LctfRD6I9ZjCjjUd0yp7_xru9iugZOekIGkCo87UmNJ5oOb0FbIUylkNmHKmzfFA9f-gQkAgJLnST4es2VvGBaz7u1klKgUhyphenhyphen0AWYmTvXEe_Los9UX2AxC-ZVsfpprx/s640/blogger-image--1548553451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeMq-5LctfRD6I9ZjCjjUd0yp7_xru9iugZOekIGkCo87UmNJ5oOb0FbIUylkNmHKmzfFA9f-gQkAgJLnST4es2VvGBaz7u1klKgUhyphenhyphen0AWYmTvXEe_Los9UX2AxC-ZVsfpprx/s640/blogger-image--1548553451.jpg"></a></div>We left our house before dawn, mindful of the frozen slick of our frosted driveway.</div><div>The flight to Puerto Vallarta,</div><div>with a connecting flight through LA, meant our flight was "international" and required getting to the airport nearly 3 hours ahead of departure. </div><div><br></div><div>As usual I had bore down hard on cleaning my house the day before and then was "trip proud" all night: I couldn't sleep at all! The extra early alarm was hardly needed.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOM2zRUaz1cTXEr0VlHskOdYj_94pRRZqgqHA3ZGIztQT-jC_66cMCm-V9qF6TYjvEKBbuYPs_H8iMTdaqsu2eJIhP4lKRUqrdN9TBNk1h6AAJ45qFpvOvQz0SZY9z2EjIZvqe/s640/blogger-image--933645406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOM2zRUaz1cTXEr0VlHskOdYj_94pRRZqgqHA3ZGIztQT-jC_66cMCm-V9qF6TYjvEKBbuYPs_H8iMTdaqsu2eJIhP4lKRUqrdN9TBNk1h6AAJ45qFpvOvQz0SZY9z2EjIZvqe/s640/blogger-image--933645406.jpg"></a>The flight out of LA took us over Catalina Island. I have only been there once in my life; I would go there again in a heartbeat!</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoV0u53QHt68GJEVRkVFtcLQ1cNsMtWHZH75V-pjRqAHOwN6C5MizHRshnkFLzh-x2HtGY-IIUX7X4BnBIo9bsu56VYJif6GQ2mh2fnv4wZ7lfaLpXGi4BI2zKNeEhdTYGzp4/s640/blogger-image--232781671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoV0u53QHt68GJEVRkVFtcLQ1cNsMtWHZH75V-pjRqAHOwN6C5MizHRshnkFLzh-x2HtGY-IIUX7X4BnBIo9bsu56VYJif6GQ2mh2fnv4wZ7lfaLpXGi4BI2zKNeEhdTYGzp4/s640/blogger-image--232781671.jpg"></a></div>Thirty years since that visit...and as I looked at the tiny island's bay and shoreline I wanted to ask our pilot to just dip down and land so I could stay there for winter.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrGVNgvJ0Hq6C6iN1oiJo2fSn7iAmVbFYsY6dFUiz2gQyoF5lrptrWrjEdDXrD55oT1Q6osZhvbzKpHGIUxb62TbEXnn4D2e9e7AuNiMO-ygah3zxa6KJbVuFN29z1Ompc0E3/s640/blogger-image--155207275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrGVNgvJ0Hq6C6iN1oiJo2fSn7iAmVbFYsY6dFUiz2gQyoF5lrptrWrjEdDXrD55oT1Q6osZhvbzKpHGIUxb62TbEXnn4D2e9e7AuNiMO-ygah3zxa6KJbVuFN29z1Ompc0E3/s640/blogger-image--155207275.jpg"></a></div>But of course I didn't make such a request; the plane flew on and the scenery outside my window changed...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XBRbxWpKdbxcw-BeYxoNUJsg3VwK-VSHzKBfGU5vJpImuCMH_KOh1SLdnAOoE3e6B4DRRcReEIFeTkNlKvvByhZDGODqw9WAb9yQhh6BkvXGJLdQAGhPKmfkDesPq8668AdD/s640/blogger-image--514689741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XBRbxWpKdbxcw-BeYxoNUJsg3VwK-VSHzKBfGU5vJpImuCMH_KOh1SLdnAOoE3e6B4DRRcReEIFeTkNlKvvByhZDGODqw9WAb9yQhh6BkvXGJLdQAGhPKmfkDesPq8668AdD/s640/blogger-image--514689741.jpg"></a></div>And changed again.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3pg1w6Fb1zvMD6ExEDd5FKBQUEfZ4ottHxVNnLXJqvGNDsAH_BBooiBfcQdq_DBWENUsH6x-Zkyn0qRGqSQJnf9GGlMdENjyH8BYigrAlfuE5MZGyf9iyXQNp5xQVNBokb9P/s640/blogger-image-141152277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3pg1w6Fb1zvMD6ExEDd5FKBQUEfZ4ottHxVNnLXJqvGNDsAH_BBooiBfcQdq_DBWENUsH6x-Zkyn0qRGqSQJnf9GGlMdENjyH8BYigrAlfuE5MZGyf9iyXQNp5xQVNBokb9P/s640/blogger-image-141152277.jpg"></a></div>A ring formed around the sun...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZUmsoczMMckil3i-bNo97tmWLWeflSrA8leqand0N1LypeHVj6YAiUl5lCKCleiytbv08TcQQowKgJq-zxoEM5S9TF-5lIsLLOX-n1KeF8UwPJ8R0djyGuQi3sMNnvTvuCOa/s640/blogger-image--1025198460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZUmsoczMMckil3i-bNo97tmWLWeflSrA8leqand0N1LypeHVj6YAiUl5lCKCleiytbv08TcQQowKgJq-zxoEM5S9TF-5lIsLLOX-n1KeF8UwPJ8R0djyGuQi3sMNnvTvuCOa/s640/blogger-image--1025198460.jpg"></a></div>Then the earth disappeared behind what could either be clouds or a snow bank.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhJGYwpmjrHki2Hxl_khSqFrKrjb1L1SRIBPp7xnotNTnEbiXUTo3ipXPjzAWZHjpagqj1tIKckI2rEOz_NJ2JKEmASAf3dmpnafZ4x5MjHkHRuPQ9zvK_XcP6pRVRM0dXbkv/s640/blogger-image--1162664346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhJGYwpmjrHki2Hxl_khSqFrKrjb1L1SRIBPp7xnotNTnEbiXUTo3ipXPjzAWZHjpagqj1tIKckI2rEOz_NJ2JKEmASAf3dmpnafZ4x5MjHkHRuPQ9zvK_XcP6pRVRM0dXbkv/s640/blogger-image--1162664346.jpg"></a></div>A huge yellow purse appeared below, carved into the shoreline; a ring and handle strap studding the otherwise featureless area.</div><div><br></div><div>(Actually my purse on my lap somehow reflected in the plane window and was caught within the image I was photographing outside the window.</div><div>Odd isn't it?)</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQo-QzgT3tjlsN7QmmRPdUsL-AWO-wZFwW2vsFGoCrmwOShTSTL_mMHc0OfkudGc4ElEqE1rp5SsrJiMAXBv3ldb3Rm2qepUCXHfs2hyDsMXgrjIxoKhMuVfg4tdmvyuLcp2V/s640/blogger-image--1096265034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQo-QzgT3tjlsN7QmmRPdUsL-AWO-wZFwW2vsFGoCrmwOShTSTL_mMHc0OfkudGc4ElEqE1rp5SsrJiMAXBv3ldb3Rm2qepUCXHfs2hyDsMXgrjIxoKhMuVfg4tdmvyuLcp2V/s640/blogger-image--1096265034.jpg"></a></div>Glad that purse moved off...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIl3LX2OLGob6oXa0h2FvhjSa7nbcahSKhOjwKLoCYLyuprYdurIddFg-9Y3G2pYN7T1PlqidNUXAwjxl05GCZ7xcmrl6sM4uHXTHXf58pTprgmEHv6bCxhHeL13s2GGVi9gp/s640/blogger-image-1808997888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIl3LX2OLGob6oXa0h2FvhjSa7nbcahSKhOjwKLoCYLyuprYdurIddFg-9Y3G2pYN7T1PlqidNUXAwjxl05GCZ7xcmrl6sM4uHXTHXf58pTprgmEHv6bCxhHeL13s2GGVi9gp/s640/blogger-image-1808997888.jpg"></a></div>Bernie enjoyed a movie as we flew. We both enjoyed flying first class, an unexpected upgrade that often happens to people who fly so often they make platinum level. Bernie's new position in his company rarely requires him to fly any more; we realized this may be our last time flying first class.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ4f9XHn6-O0C3Ulf1FrsjEZWMzcpzM8VKhmkc94Qt3DLcixXTYIpzr4tR2My0TJt4TlvSCXSNgtZ4waUPjZFbju88EH1QSuV13Ff2-DHbUONaNbEJIqmeQGGdGVqVQ6osI4v/s640/blogger-image-640476852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ4f9XHn6-O0C3Ulf1FrsjEZWMzcpzM8VKhmkc94Qt3DLcixXTYIpzr4tR2My0TJt4TlvSCXSNgtZ4waUPjZFbju88EH1QSuV13Ff2-DHbUONaNbEJIqmeQGGdGVqVQ6osI4v/s640/blogger-image-640476852.jpg"></a> </div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The first class extra leg room is most welcomed. Having a meal begin with a hot towel to wipe one's hand is nice and food served on china is pleasant but such perks are not strictly required for my own flight satisfaction. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just give me a window seat and enough room to sit comfortably and I am good to go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And so our trip to Mexico began...</div></div>Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-3147896915985880592015-01-05T09:15:00.001-07:002015-01-05T09:16:56.568-07:00Feed the birds...<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone sing along now:</div>
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<em>Feed the birds</em></div>
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<em>Two bucks a pail.</em></div>
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<em>Two bucks, two bucks two bucks a pail...</em></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2Na7QNL0Ns/VKqzSSzcrUI/AAAAAAAF_qA/XMFvPl9HDzQ/s1600/IMG_2877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2Na7QNL0Ns/VKqzSSzcrUI/AAAAAAAF_qA/XMFvPl9HDzQ/s1600/IMG_2877.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was one of the days before Christmas, before the snow and the temperatures fell, when I was able to snag Luke and head out to the Tracey Aviary.</div>
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When I told him we were going to go feed the pelicans, he quickly upped the plans to include feeding the tigers too.</div>
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<strong>????</strong></div>
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(He frequents our local zoo and likes seeing the tigers there but I am *pretty sure* he isn't getting to actually feed them.)</div>
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I didn't bother to correct his assumption, assuming that once he got to feeding the pelicans, the tiger feeding idea would be long forgotten.</div>
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The pelicans are fed daily and for three bucks (two with membership to the aviary) one may have an entire bucket of slimy fish to indulge one's desire to feed the birds oneself.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMQQXuof1W0/VKqzTZopGII/AAAAAAAF_qM/rTpMofslAlU/s1600/IMG_2879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eMQQXuof1W0/VKqzTZopGII/AAAAAAAF_qM/rTpMofslAlU/s1600/IMG_2879.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The pelicans are not "fly by" visiting birds.</div>
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They are wild life rescue birds, birds that have been hit by water craft or maimed in other ways that makes their ability to fly to feed very limited.</div>
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They happily now live year around in the aviary where their special needs can be met.</div>
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As soon as the keeper arrived with a huge red bucket the pelicans swam determinedly toward the bridge where they are regularly fed.</div>
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The keeper first fed the birds some vitamin packed fish to address their special needs.</div>
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Then it was time for us to dip into the bucket and start winging dead fish out to the birds.</div>
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Luke didn't even bat an eye about touching the icky fish.</div>
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Good man!</div>
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His throwing arm is not quite up to pitching fish so he settled on poking the fish through the fencing.</div>
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I enjoyed throwing the fish mostly because I liked seeing the pelicans balloon out their throats to net the thrown fish.</div>
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No worries if they missed a few.</div>
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There were other birds that would come along later to feed on the fish that sank.</div>
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After the fish bucket was emptied and the pelicans swam away, we cleaned up with hand wipes then took a short spin through the aviary grounds.</div>
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So many birds to see.</div>
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I really wanted some of the pink flamingo feathers that were blowing around the flamingo enclosure.</div>
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So close and yet so far...</div>
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Maybe I will ask a keeper if I could have a few next time I go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIcTT4JjJ1uvHZVLICVAsCV_urqGiyhhdGLQvX7NKT8io0G-Af3W3PbEsxR94yKNGmL4l3n8QcHq0shmPdDEeWMpKibN5nCZHTFJkkCkhyphenhyphenXyVFkhFBlrRDUaG0Sx_Dq6YfrfH/s1600/IMG_2890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIcTT4JjJ1uvHZVLICVAsCV_urqGiyhhdGLQvX7NKT8io0G-Af3W3PbEsxR94yKNGmL4l3n8QcHq0shmPdDEeWMpKibN5nCZHTFJkkCkhyphenhyphenXyVFkhFBlrRDUaG0Sx_Dq6YfrfH/s1600/IMG_2890.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The thing with going to go see a something with a two years old:</div>
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You may be thinking it will be all about seeing one thing while the two year old finds something else far more fascinating.</div>
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A rare brilliantly feathered bird from an exotic location turns out to not be nearly as enthralling as the ordinary water flowing beneath a small bridge.</div>
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It is moments like that that this grandmother learns once again about the value of going with the flow.</div>
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Happy Grandson, Happy Grandma.</div>
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His smile is all that I really wanted to see there anyway.</div>
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Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-9200511283813434392014-12-31T15:00:00.001-07:002014-12-31T15:09:19.072-07:00Hannukkah, Christmas and such 2014<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh it was the loveliest December!<br />
It was perfect...</div>
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From cutting down our own Christmas tree in the snowy forests, to trips to see the lights in Temple Square, to a Anniversary dinner at a fine French restaurant it was perfect.<br />
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This year...</div>
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It was a time to decorate with new lights,</div>
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It was time to enjoy sunsets whose colors glowed both the west and to the east.<br />
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It was a time to bake, and enjoy eating with loved ones and friends...<br />
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And enjoy sipping hot cocoa with whipping cream and sprinkles!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dg5fH4aXtTfRKnsrCBBnu0MJI2RltH1FCHs6dJ49Wh4f7WUmny_UMs4Zn8ET6Q8WsmYfO-LBIO35DCGVWwdoTELZfxGG8DuVNMkWYyUQr8WdvWEjOlGIcREU6qMGXI2_LcRW/s640/blogger-image--873054558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dg5fH4aXtTfRKnsrCBBnu0MJI2RltH1FCHs6dJ49Wh4f7WUmny_UMs4Zn8ET6Q8WsmYfO-LBIO35DCGVWwdoTELZfxGG8DuVNMkWYyUQr8WdvWEjOlGIcREU6qMGXI2_LcRW/s400/blogger-image--873054558.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It was time to write Christmas cards while listening to Christmas music, and to help a class of two year olds put glitter on wooden Popsicle stars in Sunday school.<br />
(Eye crossing activity that one!)<br />
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The weather was snowy as December began, then it became so warm it looked like this year we'd be having a Green Christmas this year.<br />
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At last...snow did fall, just right, right on Christmas Day. </div>
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(8 inches--whee!)</div>
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One morning I went out and found the plastic sleeve of the newspaper spangled with beautiful frost.</div>
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Then on Christmas morning I spied these marvelous creations out on our deck railing.</div>
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Beauty was to be seen if one only looked!</div>
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This Christmas season...</div>
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I had my lists of things to do and yes they took some focus to accomplish.</div>
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Somehow...dreamily...the lists steadily got done with very little sense of frazzle.</div>
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Somehow...there were many spaces to simply be in the moment, in the season, and to enjoy.</div>
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Hanukkah was celebrated as usual with the cats fully observing the nightly candle lighting ceremonies.</div>
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Bernie was out of town the first night.</div>
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He was pleased this year to be home for the other seven nights.</div>
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I think the quiet of nightly reflection during Hanukkah somehow slows and enriches our Christmas season too.</div>
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This was Luke's third Hanukkah.</div>
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One of his favorite books is one titled "The Eight Nights of Hanukkah". </div>
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It is a story sung to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas.</div>
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I imagine one day he will be rather surprised to learn there is a Christmas version of that tune!</div>
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On the seventh night of Hanukkah we hosted an open house with eight guests arriving to enjoy Latkas with sour cream and apple sauce, freshly baked Hallah bread, Kugel (sweet cinnamon noodle dessert), brisket and chocolate gelt.</div>
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All served and eaten on vintage crystal snack plates.</div>
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I should of taken a picture!</div>
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That night Luke and Bernie talked about the Light of the World, and how we are to be lights to the world.</div>
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Then Luke learned a bit about Jewish gambling.</div>
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He clutched his gelt tightly and watched the dreidel spin.</div>
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Two school age boys filled me in on what their school had taught them about Hanukkah.</div>
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They and their mom were very surprised to learn that the Driedel was used as a cover for forbidden prayer.</div>
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When men gathered to pray and were approached by disapproving authorities, a dreidel was quickly spun and the prayer time was instead reported as gambling...and that activity was completely legal.</div>
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Luke had his winnings...another boy won and won and won again until his mom had to pull away some of his towering piles of chocolate coins.</div>
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The chocolate was made in Israel.</div>
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Delicious.</div>
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A few coins still linger around the house to be finished on New Years Day.</div>
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Well back to Christmas.</div>
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This year...</div>
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I celebrated having TWO grandsons by purchasing these tiny 1950s era Lefton elfs.</div>
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The sitting elf is a dead ringer for Calvin...how could I resist!</div>
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This year...</div>
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I settled on using real garland with white lights draped around our sliding glass doors and more on our mantel, with golden balls, cinnamon scented pine cones and dried flowers mixed in.</div>
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Our tree was decked likewise with gold, crystal and white, with brown scented pine cones and dried flowers.</div>
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A large similarly decorated wreath hung about the likewise decorated mantel.</div>
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(The wreath is silk and I have had it for decades now. It is easy to switch up according to my decorating whims each year.)</div>
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I switched our furniture around and discovered we liked this arrangement more than having the couch face the fire place and the chairs flanking the fireplace.</div>
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The big ottoman is now often topped with a big red wood tray that can balance coffee cups, newspaper and whatever else I want close by while still leaving room for propped up feet.</div>
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I wonder why I never thought to arrange the room this way before?<br />
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On one end table my crystal nativity set shone brightly from the light through the window.<br />
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A crystal tree sat on another, reflecting the Christmas tree lights.</div>
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A Christmas print of two love birds was hung above my kitchen sink.</div>
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The small lighted ceramic tree, a wedding gift, sat behind the elves on my great grandmother's tea cart.</div>
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New Christmas lights bedecked our eaves, and our lighted reindeer glowed next to the garland wound lamp post (with a new lamp atop...Halloween pranksters shot out the lens of our 1950s era lamp so it was time to get something new.)</div>
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A wreath hung by the front door, and a basket of scented pine cones sat beside the door.</div>
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A stuffed croaking frog sat in a childhood rocker and nearby was a red train case full of my childhood gathered themed felt mice. </div>
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A few mice escaped now and then for a romp and to pose beneath flowers or to enjoy a play session with a visiting child.</div>
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That was all the decorating I did.</div>
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It was a greatly scaled down decorating endeavor this year and yet I don't think I have ever enjoyed the over all effect more.</div>
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Christmas eve:</div>
Our tradition is to order several kinds of tamales (the mole tamales were outstanding!) and we enjoy eating a tamale dinner before Church.<br />
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This year...</div>
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the baby boys had been having sleeping issues and at long last took epic naps that stretched passed the time of both our Christmas eve services.</div>
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I think God understands why we missed being there.</div>
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(I am sure Mary would!)</div>
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This year...</div>
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the meal was at my house, served on the Christmas dishes and stemware that were purchased using Christmas money sent to us by Bernie's maternal grandfather, usually $25 a year for the whole family.</div>
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The dishes have been in use for about 35 years now.</div>
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I am so glad I didn't buy the kids toys with the money.</div>
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The memories gained through those dishes used at Christmas are priceless.</div>
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;-)</div>
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(This year I added something new: the tumblers next to the stemware were a totally unexpected find during a "just for the heck of it" drop by our local thrift shop. </div>
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Would you believe I found five tumbles that matched my stemware after all these years? </div>
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And can you believe they were each price at exactly $1.00???</div>
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Of course now I need to find three more...and boy they do not come cheap on ebay!)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqIBpQnzxyk/VKI8eJnP9hI/AAAAAAAF_XE/dVQ9kJqX-5A/s1600/IMG_9266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqIBpQnzxyk/VKI8eJnP9hI/AAAAAAAF_XE/dVQ9kJqX-5A/s1600/IMG_9266.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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So Yum!</div>
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And extra sweetness was that Cal could join us at the table in his high chair.</div>
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Six faces around the table. </div>
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Love seeing my family around our table.</div>
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Hopefully next year my parents and our daughter will also be with us?<br />
That would be my prayer!</div>
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((Oh how I remember when there were 19 of us at my in-law each Christmas eve. Such fun!))</div>
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After dinner/after church one gift is opened.</div>
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Luke was allowed to open a big one.</div>
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A snow/ski suit!</div>
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It won't be long before he will be hoping such suits arrive with a ski pass/lift ticket dangling from the zipper.</div>
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For now he is happy with just the suit.</div>
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In fact he was actually pretty happy with the just the box.</div>
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He tore off the wrapping paper and chortled gleefully "It's a <i>BOX!!!"</i></div>
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That is now a much repeated phrase uttered by all who open gifts in our family.</div>
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We learned that Cal was pretty thrilled with just having a fist full of wrapping paper and a place on his Papa's lap.</div>
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Ahhh...aren't six month old boys easy to please?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOY1mEE-zgk/VKI85NwHcZI/AAAAAAAF_Zc/DdyrLcbHCVw/s1600/IMG_9279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOY1mEE-zgk/VKI85NwHcZI/AAAAAAAF_Zc/DdyrLcbHCVw/s1600/IMG_9279.JPG" height="400" width="318" /></a></div>
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Ohhhh and MITTENS too!!!</div>
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Man how fun is it to clap these babies???</div>
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Calvin's face says it all:</div>
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<i>"My big brother is crazy."
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I insisted Rachel likewise open a big box.</div>
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Inside was a gift from Bernie's mom Barbara...she has been gone for over two years now.</div>
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When Rachel and I first got interested in collecting Pyrex months ago I had asked her what pattern she really wanted most.</div>
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She said the Primary colored mixing bowls, which were first manufactured around 1947.</div>
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I made a mental note to consider getting her a set for Christmas then decided that she might just enjoy trying to collect the set piece by piece "in the wild".</div>
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Then...in November...at the same time that Barbara had passed away, Bernie and I were out visiting his father for a few days and I was rustling up some breakfast from the pantry one morning.</div>
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I have been in that pantry hundreds of times over the 38 years I have been part of that family.</div>
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This time...I glanced down to my right...and there on the second shelf, covered with dust, sat a COMPLETE set of Primary mixing bowls.</div>
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Could have knocked me over with a feather.</div>
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I do not ever recall seeing them used.</div>
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(I almost think Barbara somehow nudged me so I would see them as I was in the pantry to reach up, not look down.)</div>
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I called to Bernie and asked him about them.</div>
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He didn't recall ever seeing them either.</div>
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I asked Hal about them.</div>
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He shrugged and said Barbara sometimes used the big yellow bowl for noodle making.</div>
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I screwed up my courage to ask Bernie to ask his Dad if we could have the obviously rarely used set for our Rachel.</div>
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Hal said yes, take them.</div>
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The bowls flew home with us in Bernie's carry on and I about exploded with keeping the set a secret from Rachel until Christmas.</div>
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Is that not just the coolest gift ever???</div>
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(As the snow fell on Christmas night I took photos outside.</div>
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I think I have a shot to use as a card next year...if I remember!)</div>
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The cute high chair and oh yeah I also added Pimpernel cork backed place mats to our table this year.</div>
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They are so much easier to keep fresh looking throughout the entire Christmas season on our every day kitchen table.</div>
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Christmas morning...it was snowing like crazy.</div>
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We headed to Jeff's house for our traditional waffle breakfast.</div>
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Behind me is Jeff's Lodge Pole pine tree that he cut down himself.</div>
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Last year we got Rachel a waffle iron.</div>
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I was tickled when she posted on a FB question page that getting a waffle iron was her favorite Christmas gift ever!</div>
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This year she had another <i>best gift ever </i>to use with her favorite waffle iron.<br />
That yellow primary colored bowl sure looked great in action!<br />
The waffles were delicious.</div>
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Now Luke got a set of special big boy undies first thing on Christmas morning.</div>
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After putting them on, his regular pants seemed useless since they covered the cool action figures printed on his new underwear.</div>
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So he proceeded to enjoy his Christmas in a flannel shirt and his underwear.</div>
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Let it be noted that our family has a flexible dress code at Christmas.</div>
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The men of my family on one couch.</div>
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Grandcat Cheeto was decorated nicely for Christmas too.</div>
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Fourteen year old first Grandcat Meowsie skipped being festive and settled in on a warm knee.</div>
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He is such a sweet cat.</div>
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Ready for coffee....</div>
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<i>"Do you want to build a snowman?"</i></div>
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Well of course we do!</div>
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When I saw this set of vintage glass snowman ornaments in their original box for $1.00 during the same <i>"what the heck" </i>thrift store visit I snagged them for an extra gift to my tree cutting and decorating son.</div>
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Cal looked so cute in his stripped sweater suit.</div>
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The Drummer Boy in the back ground was made by me my first year of marriage as a gift to my Mother-in-law Barbara, whose second son was a professional drummer.</div>
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Both that second son, Uncle Mark, and Barbara are gone now but after all these years the banner is still bright and a cheery reminder of both of them at Jeff house.</div>
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It was a bit of a hand-me-down Christmas.</div>
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I passed along many of family Christmas decorations to Rachel; it was fun to see them in a new setting enjoyed by children once again.</div>
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And then another special gift:</div>
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Back in the late 1960s I had had a custom sweater knitted for me in Norway.</div>
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Oh how I loved how it looked.</div>
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Oh how not worn it was while I lived for years in always rather warm San Diego.</div>
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It was also not worn in rainy Oregon while I was in college.</div>
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Nor was it useful to wear all those years when we lived in Texas.</div>
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How happy was I to move to Utah where such a sweater would be a joy to wear.</div>
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Except...</div>
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it was now too tight on my (um..matronly?) bosom and worse I realize I am now allergic to wool.</div>
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I wrapped up the almost 40 year old sweater that is in pristine condition and gifted it to Rachel.</div>
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She looks better in it than I ever did!</div>
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Cal enjoyed his first cup of coffee...</div>
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He needed a second cup in fact.<br />
(Just kidding!)<br />
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He was bright eyed a-plenty on this his exactly 6 month old birthday day.</div>
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This year...</div>
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A new family member meant one more stocking hung on the mantle.</div>
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Cal was excited and drooling like mad.</div>
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I discovered a way to use wadded up torn off Christmas wrapping to fill in around the base of house plants..using the pieces Cal wasn't interested in anyway.</div>
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Just call me Martha Stewart.</div>
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An animated plush reindeer from my folks had Cal giggling in no time.</div>
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Grandchildren to snuggle was our favorite gift.<br />
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This year...</div>
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was the Christmas of two healthy and happy grandsons.</div>
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For that we gave thanks and knew we were blessed.</div>
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Christmas afternoon...</div>
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Rachel's parents flew in, one from California and the other from Maryland, and they arrived just twenty minutes apart. </div>
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It was a small reunion for them as Rachel's mom has needed to be out east caring for her mom.</div>
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Rachel's uncle passed away just days before too.</div>
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We gave that part of the family a bit of time alone, then came back at dark to enjoy a prime rib Christmas dinner.</div>
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Eight around the table.</div>
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And there is still room for more.</div>
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The five candle Yule log center piece...another pass along gift...my mom had made it for me many years ago.</div>
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After dinner it was time for a family photo.<br />
Look at how Cal is watching his big brother.<br />
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Might be fun to re-enact this photo when the kids are adults.</div>
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Especially this one!</div>
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So today 2014 comes to a close.</div>
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December was perfect as I said.</div>
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Actually I am here to say that the entire year was a blessing.</div>
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And so we continue, happy together as this skating couple* seem to be, and ready to head into the New Year.</div>
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God bless us everyone one!</div>
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*Hand painted skating couple, painted on a round wooden plaque, found at the same thrift shop.</div>
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Price: $1.00</div>
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That place is seriously addictive!</div>
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Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-68839977363523110592014-12-29T09:18:00.001-07:002014-12-31T10:45:01.199-07:00Walking In A Winter Wonder LandI wonder as he wanders where he plans to go....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TOe492zyIOliASbjWgPe84UUWj5VjuaybVpe4Sk3plSs_T-8WixriS7ZJmnH4Wincr6HslwLb2WJUrXo3ym4bac_k5b-wExXjnVBWgvYpVwNxXzYbXNoFjW2Fs6QFl6UkOwK/s640/blogger-image-546264329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TOe492zyIOliASbjWgPe84UUWj5VjuaybVpe4Sk3plSs_T-8WixriS7ZJmnH4Wincr6HslwLb2WJUrXo3ym4bac_k5b-wExXjnVBWgvYpVwNxXzYbXNoFjW2Fs6QFl6UkOwK/s400/blogger-image-546264329.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-29944298766473744802014-12-19T14:13:00.001-07:002014-12-19T14:17:53.576-07:0038 years...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigPr3kNFTYoFoAwjMZLFSnTOAkwUb_Lrm6o3eXDyTj9PJhWUW0gcr_FVZyd_VQS7GC-5JDmwBIOdiMMy7VYG6KKuJ_AsLSuSe2qhquN8Ie30sa7WQjCOaeHDFt6bzlsVuXKmN/s640/blogger-image-460360093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigPr3kNFTYoFoAwjMZLFSnTOAkwUb_Lrm6o3eXDyTj9PJhWUW0gcr_FVZyd_VQS7GC-5JDmwBIOdiMMy7VYG6KKuJ_AsLSuSe2qhquN8Ie30sa7WQjCOaeHDFt6bzlsVuXKmN/s400/blogger-image-460360093.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another anniversary...this year to The Paris, a quaint neighborhood restaurant inside an old historic building. The food was delicious and the oh so French atmosphere was just right on a cold December night. </div>
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As we waited for our meals to be served we laughed about how on our wedding day we were so busy we didn't eat much more than a slice of cake and a cup of punch all day; we remember after becoming "husband and wife" in our hotel room that evening we realizing we were starving and had to get dressed and go down stairs to a little coffee shop to eat!</div>
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Well this would have been a grand place for a wedding dinner; and I am heavily suggesting it be the setting for our Valentine's dinner in a couple of months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtwONwsF8xhKJ4FMLNmDfGP_zsiDGhpTGFBEzUxBHYpuT10TrZ8g1jtIgvBotbwaMS3iUGUiXuI9i-6ljaNGrrds7KU7L2K9eWuxNDJr8axeyHODTwdXNLX5qDwCbL-mNtXwC/s640/blogger-image--998298544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtwONwsF8xhKJ4FMLNmDfGP_zsiDGhpTGFBEzUxBHYpuT10TrZ8g1jtIgvBotbwaMS3iUGUiXuI9i-6ljaNGrrds7KU7L2K9eWuxNDJr8axeyHODTwdXNLX5qDwCbL-mNtXwC/s400/blogger-image--998298544.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Bernie snapped a lot of pictures of me; I thought he was pretty funny and gave up posing. He liked this picture the best; so do I.</div>
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The hat: I made it about ten years ago and have only worn it once before. People say they don't have fancy clothes to wear with hats. Me...I find a black turtleneck, red chunky sweater, black velveteen jeans and ankle boots perfect for wearing while watching my two grand babies then I just added the hat and was out the door. Easy, comfortable and warm!<br />
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Lol!</div>
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(And I got flowers too!)</div>
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Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-52108297359519491432014-12-17T12:50:00.000-07:002014-12-17T12:52:55.942-07:00Let's go get a Christmas tree!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRB2NLZKVVk/VJHROFUa54I/AAAAAAAF_IY/Yk6b6ewyFhc/s1600/IMG_9098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRB2NLZKVVk/VJHROFUa54I/AAAAAAAF_IY/Yk6b6ewyFhc/s1600/IMG_9098.JPG" height="261" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jeff has taken his wee family out to the forest to cut their year Christmas tree for the last three years.</div>
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This year...Bernie and I were invited to go too!</div>
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November 29th two cars were on their way up through Wyoming and then back to Utah to find the <i><b>perfect </b></i>tree.</div>
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(Two hours of driving it was...)</div>
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Snow on the ground made it just perfect don't you think?</div>
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(I thought so...)</div>
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We pulled into a small lot where a permit was purchased and a "cutting map" was obtained.</div>
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Apparently trees could be cut in a very large forested area.</div>
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I thought I saw several excellent trees in the forest about three minutes away from where we bought the permit.</div>
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<i>Silly me.</i></div>
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We drove on an ice slicked road past a car that had slide off into the wood.</div>
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We drove and drove some more.</div>
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The snow on the road got thicker and thicker until the road became merely a snowy path.</div>
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Bernie and I had Luke in our car's back seat; Jeff and Rachel were ahead of us with Calvin.</div>
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I kept seeing wonderful trees...Jeff was in conquering mode and drove up and up the mountain, passing cars stuck in the snow and skewed in various directions.</div>
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Eventually Bernie backed us down thinking we would get stuck in the deep snow.</div>
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While we waited for Jeff to back down too...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1dHOvjDWGnw/VJHRPWr_y5I/AAAAAAAF_Io/0B_8vj9y8K0/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1dHOvjDWGnw/VJHRPWr_y5I/AAAAAAAF_Io/0B_8vj9y8K0/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bernie decided to hike up the hill to see if Jeff was stuck.</div>
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Luke wanted out of the car after two hours in his car seat.</div>
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I think this was the most snow he had ever seen.</div>
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A powder suit would of been good.</div>
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And something other than my light weight gloves to wear.</div>
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(His snow gear was in Jeff's car.)</div>
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Ooops!</div>
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Getting back up is tricky!</div>
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I waded in and grabbed him, then we carefully navigated our way back to our car.</div>
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While we waited in the car I snapped a few pictures of Luke waiting in the back seat.</div>
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We had sung folk songs most of the trip.</div>
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He was singing to pass the time.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TaOAppSMpJo/VJHRTNVrBTI/AAAAAAAF_Jk/OoVzDqYFwoE/s1600/IMG_9105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TaOAppSMpJo/VJHRTNVrBTI/AAAAAAAF_Jk/OoVzDqYFwoE/s1600/IMG_9105.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bernie eventually came back and said Jeff was actually not stuck and we would continue going up the road.</div>
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We made it!</div>
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Luke got his real snow gear on and the Great Christmas Tree Hunt of 2014 was ON!</div>
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<i>Look! Look! Look!</i></div>
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(as my first reading book in first grade would put it.)</div>
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<i>Hey Calvin! </i></div>
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<i>Wanna go find a Christmas tree?</i></div>
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Bernie and I agreed (after I said <i>I </i>wanted a Sub Alpine tree) that this would be our tree.</div>
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I had hiked around (like for five minutes) and decided this one was just great!</div>
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A guy who was walking around looking for a tree for himself was carrying a small chain saw.</div>
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He offered to do the cutting.</div>
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We accepted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuusKqzLoVKhvv5YvxhdH7EbT5CZ5FGr_gQXw8zodIXs96SzemMAPjMd0m-FMEbXVo1u8HUvKI4NVDm8OMorDnCdPqXJTbavcMG6UFOLvyquRy5tzsyzLdBiB85LKft6YWu_At/s1600/IMG_9120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuusKqzLoVKhvv5YvxhdH7EbT5CZ5FGr_gQXw8zodIXs96SzemMAPjMd0m-FMEbXVo1u8HUvKI4NVDm8OMorDnCdPqXJTbavcMG6UFOLvyquRy5tzsyzLdBiB85LKft6YWu_At/s1600/IMG_9120.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Jeff is a traditionalist.</div>
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He came armed with a hand saw.</div>
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He looked and looked, climbing higher and higher up the mountain until he saw the perfect tree.</div>
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Rachel climbed up and gave the tree her thumbs up.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmuJb4Yiivc/VJHRXY-S5HI/AAAAAAAF_Kc/HGrfhzKsWqY/s1600/IMG_9121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmuJb4Yiivc/VJHRXY-S5HI/AAAAAAAF_Kc/HGrfhzKsWqY/s1600/IMG_9121.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I hiked up the hill with him to document the harvest.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWbZL3_6Jqk/VJHRX-UsArI/AAAAAAAF_Kg/Bm-ZNdtvooQ/s1600/IMG_9123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWbZL3_6Jqk/VJHRX-UsArI/AAAAAAAF_Kg/Bm-ZNdtvooQ/s1600/IMG_9123.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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And down the hill he goes with his trophy tree.</div>
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And down I went too, landing neatly on my fanny.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noBtdmZ3dko/VJHRYjU-TcI/AAAAAAAF_Ko/7OTJw2VLPf8/s1600/IMG_9125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noBtdmZ3dko/VJHRYjU-TcI/AAAAAAAF_Ko/7OTJw2VLPf8/s1600/IMG_9125.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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The view from up high back down to our cars.</div>
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Jeff got a Lodge Pole pine.</div>
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He is 6 ft 2 inches tall.</div>
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Yes, that is a BIG tree!</div>
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The yellow item behind Jeff is a sled that we brought thinking it would be fun for Luke to ride in.</div>
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Luke did not think it was fun at all.</div>
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Oh well.</div>
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Maybe next year he will have fun on that.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRKfq15WJrA/VJHRZID7yiI/AAAAAAAF_K0/N_GKKxwxSKU/s1600/IMG_9127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRKfq15WJrA/VJHRZID7yiI/AAAAAAAF_K0/N_GKKxwxSKU/s1600/IMG_9127.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Jeff actually selected this area because Olaf was already in residence.</div>
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Let's face it: Building a snowman is a LOT of work.</div>
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Adopting a ready made Olaf is just great!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4dxt4_z1Ow/VJHRZkIijpI/AAAAAAAF_K4/eJ0hmYZ91ZM/s1600/IMG_9128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4dxt4_z1Ow/VJHRZkIijpI/AAAAAAAF_K4/eJ0hmYZ91ZM/s1600/IMG_9128.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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This (semi frozen) Olaf had trouble keeping his eyes, nose, arms and other parts attached to himself, somewhat like the Olaf in the Frozen movie.</div>
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Luke was more than happy to fix Olaf up over and over again.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nbpZLIh0Bg/VJHRaSYRxUI/AAAAAAAF_LE/vqljG_gZcPk/s1600/IMG_9129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nbpZLIh0Bg/VJHRaSYRxUI/AAAAAAAF_LE/vqljG_gZcPk/s1600/IMG_9129.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Time for the Christmas card photo!</div>
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(Luke is screaming because taking a Christmas card photo is NOT as much fun as fixing up Olaf.)</div>
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I must remember to ask for the photo of Bernie and me with our tree on their camera...</div>
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The trees are loaded up...</div>
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(I think Calvin slept through most of this adventure.)</div>
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I love this boy's eyelashes.</div>
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They are so long, just like his mother's.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIFO6SGag4o/VJHRcWZAIzI/AAAAAAAF_Lk/117qkJQLSn4/s1600/IMG_9140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIFO6SGag4o/VJHRcWZAIzI/AAAAAAAF_Lk/117qkJQLSn4/s1600/IMG_9140.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Brave Rachel slogging through the slippery snow with a baby on her chest.</div>
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Doesn't she look cute?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELoVnpPq9Ks/VJHRdImkOxI/AAAAAAAF_Ls/iM4QRpPVze0/s1600/IMG_9106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELoVnpPq9Ks/VJHRdImkOxI/AAAAAAAF_Ls/iM4QRpPVze0/s1600/IMG_9106.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Say goodbye to Olaf....</div>
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<i>I don't want to leave Olaf!</i></div>
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Down the mountain we go....</div>
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Past winter beauty...</div>
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Rivers still running for now.</div>
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A clue as to about where we were.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKCzjEdNZtw/VJHRf5evOAI/AAAAAAAF_MU/zFExZJ1OwHE/s1600/IMG_9147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKCzjEdNZtw/VJHRf5evOAI/AAAAAAAF_MU/zFExZJ1OwHE/s1600/IMG_9147.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ahh...back to the highway.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcYaPvHgyVs/VJHRg6_-KuI/AAAAAAAF_Mk/LJTHV9csads/s1600/IMG_9149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcYaPvHgyVs/VJHRg6_-KuI/AAAAAAAF_Mk/LJTHV9csads/s1600/IMG_9149.JPG" height="457" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mountains and volcanoes in the distance.</div>
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Farmlands with cattle.</div>
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Farmlands with farmers with a sense of humor!</div>
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<i>Hi there hay bail!</i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpKV1TkAqPE/VJHRjM6XviI/AAAAAAAF_NA/KpVakhxAcyk/s1600/IMG_9242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpKV1TkAqPE/VJHRjM6XviI/AAAAAAAF_NA/KpVakhxAcyk/s1600/IMG_9242.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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The tree now stands gilted in our living room, in all its wild imperfect glory.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOVvFJR2FxGFuZwj-BttRI8uptO9Q82A4j-QKE5V7zpYagrxSE4F9nql9uu9pxfnFGk9UdaHZzS55NNwLQfNEp6qU0_oBVeBKqRSJba1W6nytXz2MIRkuqi7qYpAOOloYUT01/s640/blogger-image-369649433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOVvFJR2FxGFuZwj-BttRI8uptO9Q82A4j-QKE5V7zpYagrxSE4F9nql9uu9pxfnFGk9UdaHZzS55NNwLQfNEp6qU0_oBVeBKqRSJba1W6nytXz2MIRkuqi7qYpAOOloYUT01/s400/blogger-image-369649433.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So special, more special because of the family fun we had getting it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyItymVJpVCVMtM5NiKhsRlNjYe8J8Q_n1Y0AoV9LucnCb5eyOq3qUd1LpaHnzEwT-Mvgwlw43Qf5vjsRXW_SiJoDDU7ZPJqk3Ko5mK7zGzA033J3M6MKeX9cSaaT8F7ZdAGKb/s640/blogger-image--2065225391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyItymVJpVCVMtM5NiKhsRlNjYe8J8Q_n1Y0AoV9LucnCb5eyOq3qUd1LpaHnzEwT-Mvgwlw43Qf5vjsRXW_SiJoDDU7ZPJqk3Ko5mK7zGzA033J3M6MKeX9cSaaT8F7ZdAGKb/s640/blogger-image--2065225391.jpg" /></a></div>
Can't wait to go find a wild tree again next year!<br />
<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-6229991106689917412014-12-11T09:22:00.001-07:002014-12-31T10:46:47.373-07:00Another generation<div>
For years and years I received a mouse in my Christmas stocking. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aA0qAavqppid0QegC9DaQgzTXRQ8yTAqoT5gxPcvDJvXysA5c1HFDKfLSK1Jq995NecBZ6Pb0crfGDspYHMFUuZCn3PDLIIej6Q503c0wWJycDobnvCbgFZ2Mix5zBN6hBql/s640/blogger-image--160179823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aA0qAavqppid0QegC9DaQgzTXRQ8yTAqoT5gxPcvDJvXysA5c1HFDKfLSK1Jq995NecBZ6Pb0crfGDspYHMFUuZCn3PDLIIej6Q503c0wWJycDobnvCbgFZ2Mix5zBN6hBql/s400/blogger-image--160179823.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My children enjoyed playing with them each Christmas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnT0IOhfvLdOUlIbvtXMj7ax-ZT5koh3BVUdEkHAMAGwBgC8vqgcgmksDPWKP1pvpabiSvzsj2YJmPbpxPFygr_-kpRC98l_y4JxDcrpR-IlOSUtShdOdZIQASKj-ONmWbQ1a/s640/blogger-image-1449869431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnT0IOhfvLdOUlIbvtXMj7ax-ZT5koh3BVUdEkHAMAGwBgC8vqgcgmksDPWKP1pvpabiSvzsj2YJmPbpxPFygr_-kpRC98l_y4JxDcrpR-IlOSUtShdOdZIQASKj-ONmWbQ1a/s400/blogger-image-1449869431.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This year...another generation is playing with them and hearing the stories that go with them. The mouse with the red bandana and striped hat is a Rail Road signal man. Luke's great grandfather worked on the railway tracks in Idaho...that little mouse is to remember him.<br />
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The rocking chair that I rocked in as a preschooler eventually was enjoyed by my kids. I have a picture of our son in that tiny rocker; now I have a picture of his son playing in it too.<br />
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Froggie joined our Christmas fun about 15 years ago. If one presses his paw he croaks out Jingle Bells and other tunes. For some reason I have always found those croaky versions to be quite funny.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzbl4Oxq8C40VsFB5Ad9F1gxXTnaHqm0N579YkS0hDxHcbsyNP6yw46UOVEYOXnyVXfqV6Qn5s3o2zEwptws4L4yRNwprWsPhcuAZZ_h8-8366e_4UwpfWoTyEuZ1aj_1goFe/s640/blogger-image-1702108143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzbl4Oxq8C40VsFB5Ad9F1gxXTnaHqm0N579YkS0hDxHcbsyNP6yw46UOVEYOXnyVXfqV6Qn5s3o2zEwptws4L4yRNwprWsPhcuAZZ_h8-8366e_4UwpfWoTyEuZ1aj_1goFe/s640/blogger-image-1702108143.jpg" /></a></div>
Luke gave Froggie quite a fast ride.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3jeWlzEHc3jXOmXzqs0fJULhOWDvn7i2QU2Gjkv95TBVxxq_9aNaxcvMLGXGMWiiNiHfCkqbGm-k1YK7kJztloMhFu9aySBUfXX7_i1gmrfJv0MHANiv03D4BkrFUwOEZY4w/s640/blogger-image--1723547667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3jeWlzEHc3jXOmXzqs0fJULhOWDvn7i2QU2Gjkv95TBVxxq_9aNaxcvMLGXGMWiiNiHfCkqbGm-k1YK7kJztloMhFu9aySBUfXX7_i1gmrfJv0MHANiv03D4BkrFUwOEZY4w/s640/blogger-image--1723547667.jpg" /></a></div>
"Feeling queasy Froggie?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazRodxQBQby6fiOceb7Y3lAnNmKNObYFZRIblC8tQ50BLz3Y9lpgx5R-7dhM6QphwDTa1_bLOTH1kVJIkH43DXPFaypYYVIY9Xc9QXNpLmu-cQhD7vqWN0LdwRuZE2jOWoepL/s640/blogger-image-165018479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazRodxQBQby6fiOceb7Y3lAnNmKNObYFZRIblC8tQ50BLz3Y9lpgx5R-7dhM6QphwDTa1_bLOTH1kVJIkH43DXPFaypYYVIY9Xc9QXNpLmu-cQhD7vqWN0LdwRuZE2jOWoepL/s640/blogger-image-165018479.jpg" /></a></div>
"Wheee!"<br />
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"My chair Froggie!"</div>
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Little boys. Playing rough comes naturally. Glad the Froggie can take it!</div>
Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-54055305974333489432014-12-09T11:14:00.004-07:002014-12-09T11:22:44.480-07:00Park City: A blissful get away week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hipGgWX9TA/VHlRLIllakI/AAAAAAAF-4k/15b_OhsKlkA/s1600/IMG_8920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hipGgWX9TA/VHlRLIllakI/AAAAAAAF-4k/15b_OhsKlkA/s1600/IMG_8920.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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So behind in blogging!</div>
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Dear me!</div>
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(Or should I say deer me...)</div>
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Early one morning in November our son Jeff dropped by and spotted these two hanging out across the street from our house.</div>
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That is one nice rack on the buck.</div>
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I should be used to seeing deer in our neighborhood but when I am outside and a couple of them go trotting by (or leaping as the case may be) I get completely startled.</div>
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Those things are pretty big and I am always glad that they always seem to have a pressing engagement elsewhere and are swiftly departing my area.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b37_AK9G0fs/VHlRLrScrPI/AAAAAAAF-4s/VdSykvKlb-g/s1600/IMG_8925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b37_AK9G0fs/VHlRLrScrPI/AAAAAAAF-4s/VdSykvKlb-g/s1600/IMG_8925.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bernie realized that we still had two weeks of time share to use before the end of the year so he booked us into the Park City Westgate property for a week in early November.</div>
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(Bernie does get vacation time, it is just his job tends to roll with irregular demands so he usually takes time when there are lulls in the action. And still winds up working remotely during his vacation.)</div>
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The first evening draped the local hills with a beautiful purple and apricot sunset.</div>
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We watched it from the balcony of our time share balcony.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAp4e_H-Ljk/VHlRMGwS0MI/AAAAAAAF-4w/yT3S60TPgwo/s1600/IMG_8926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAp4e_H-Ljk/VHlRMGwS0MI/AAAAAAAF-4w/yT3S60TPgwo/s1600/IMG_8926.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sunset was reflected in the snow bearing clouds to the east.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wjz194-tYY/VHlRMet5CwI/AAAAAAAF-44/DRTYOircr3c/s1600/IMG_8927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wjz194-tYY/VHlRMet5CwI/AAAAAAAF-44/DRTYOircr3c/s1600/IMG_8927.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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We watched until the last glow upon the mountains died away.</div>
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Such a glorious show, free to all to see if they cared to look.</div>
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I was glad we did look and stayed watching to the end of colorful event.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxbdrxZlRV0/VHlRNG23eFI/AAAAAAAF-5E/axr3WgJNUKk/s1600/IMG_8928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxbdrxZlRV0/VHlRNG23eFI/AAAAAAAF-5E/axr3WgJNUKk/s1600/IMG_8928.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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The Westgate has a very warm Family/kids welcomed pool on the property, a pool which is both an inside and outside pool, with hot tubs and steam rooms and saunas.</div>
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I loved to use it and watch snow fall on the glass ceiling and glass walls while I lounged in the inside area.</div>
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I would then go and get splatted by cold snow as I soaked in the outdoor Jacuzzi.</div>
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There was also an elegant adult only indoor pool with a steam room, sauna and hot tub.</div>
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I spent a lot of time loafing around in there too.</div>
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Our suite came with a two man hot tub in the bedroom room and a steam shower in the bathroom.</div>
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The visiting oldest grandson enjoyed a long play time in the family pool and then went for another round of water romps in our private Jacuzzi tub.</div>
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He thinks we own this place.</div>
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When do you think we should tell him actually we don't?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlhFzYA9V4Y/VHlRNnEexkI/AAAAAAAF-5M/iouickknvWA/s1600/IMG_8930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlhFzYA9V4Y/VHlRNnEexkI/AAAAAAAF-5M/iouickknvWA/s1600/IMG_8930.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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Grandson #2 was satisfied with cuddles.</div>
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His pool days will come soon enough.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0r3DC2OVuM/VHlROwB9XYI/AAAAAAAF-5Y/2E9yijOCWfc/s1600/IMG_8932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0r3DC2OVuM/VHlROwB9XYI/AAAAAAAF-5Y/2E9yijOCWfc/s1600/IMG_8932.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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There had been freezing weather just before we came up to Park City and there were several small snow storms during our week's stay.</div>
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One day I walked around the Westgate property to see what snow scenes I could find.</div>
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I liked the blazing reds and oranges mixed with snow.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzOveZtwiEQ/VHlRPSBMC2I/AAAAAAAF-5k/igHRAbex6Ec/s1600/IMG_8933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzOveZtwiEQ/VHlRPSBMC2I/AAAAAAAF-5k/igHRAbex6Ec/s1600/IMG_8933.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The blue metal chairs were pretty.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ykR1_jpAU4/VIc2xzzO_2I/AAAAAAAF_EY/tbq2-LX_Fdo/s1600/IMG_8934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ykR1_jpAU4/VIc2xzzO_2I/AAAAAAAF_EY/tbq2-LX_Fdo/s1600/IMG_8934.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Might be chilly to sit in...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-alh7-vViyws/VIc2yvIWRlI/AAAAAAAF_Eg/z-Z7hyB3xKI/s1600/IMG_8935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-alh7-vViyws/VIc2yvIWRlI/AAAAAAAF_Eg/z-Z7hyB3xKI/s1600/IMG_8935.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Beautiful design though.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bKSephWqCLKF65mybmXeBZW_pY9j_3YyFSLbgl1iFtKVZ-ZSBVA_e91uRYtEh-oUwe7JV-2BGXTf-5a_wlrO8OFo-Bh78Zth71rZ678GtM98HnNoxWui5P51kYi_QiU7wW8k/s640/blogger-image-549690873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bKSephWqCLKF65mybmXeBZW_pY9j_3YyFSLbgl1iFtKVZ-ZSBVA_e91uRYtEh-oUwe7JV-2BGXTf-5a_wlrO8OFo-Bh78Zth71rZ678GtM98HnNoxWui5P51kYi_QiU7wW8k/s400/blogger-image-549690873.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Snow was being made around the clock in an attempt to open the ski areas by Thanksgiving.</div>
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The snow being shot out of the snowmakers looked like fog, or maybe a snowfall in reverse!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jh7mWICsVFU/VHlRQDz_w-I/AAAAAAAF-5s/OcpMQnYnbMU/s1600/IMG_8936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jh7mWICsVFU/VHlRQDz_w-I/AAAAAAAF-5s/OcpMQnYnbMU/s1600/IMG_8936.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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An interesting fact: Man made snow flakes does not form in the beautiful crystal patterns of God made snow flakes.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh4og_ciUuM/VHlRQWWecMI/AAAAAAAF-50/DXny1MVXPOs/s1600/IMG_8937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh4og_ciUuM/VHlRQWWecMI/AAAAAAAF-50/DXny1MVXPOs/s1600/IMG_8937.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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There was just enough snow on our deck for a first snowman making attempt.</div>
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(note the bare feet....)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJl6Ptpy-MI/VHlRQ9F_QlI/AAAAAAAF-58/VNx3lovukLk/s1600/IMG_8940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJl6Ptpy-MI/VHlRQ9F_QlI/AAAAAAAF-58/VNx3lovukLk/s1600/IMG_8940.JPG" height="400" width="286" /></a></div>
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Pretty darn cute if you ask me!</div>
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Bring the snowman inside next to the fire?</div>
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Well, if it was good enough for Olaf why not!</div>
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Warm hugs anyone?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwfT83pbKS4/VHlRRqPPG8I/AAAAAAAF-6A/cQWw_wuv-9M/s1600/IMG_8942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwfT83pbKS4/VHlRRqPPG8I/AAAAAAAF-6A/cQWw_wuv-9M/s1600/IMG_8942.JPG" height="457" width="640" /></a></div>
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The view out our bedroom window.</div>
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The aspen leaves thinned more each day.</div>
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(I am posting some of my pictures in an extra large size. Will you please so kind to let me know if the extra large format is problematic for your viewing on your computer? The earlier shots were just "large".)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVDOXsyNB5k/VHlRSBDXD7I/AAAAAAAF-6M/b7fyiL7PyLw/s1600/IMG_8945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVDOXsyNB5k/VHlRSBDXD7I/AAAAAAAF-6M/b7fyiL7PyLw/s1600/IMG_8945.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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By mid week Bernie was ready to drive over to the nearby river to wet a line.</div>
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As usual, he fished, I photographed the scenery.</div>
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Over the years I have blogged many small hike that I have taken in various places in various times of year.</div>
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Those posts are some of my favorite posts.</div>
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As always, I invite you to come along to see what there was to see.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ns7SyRGgWZ0/VHlRSy6u1CI/AAAAAAAF-6Q/1052Mdy96Kw/s1600/IMG_8946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ns7SyRGgWZ0/VHlRSy6u1CI/AAAAAAAF-6Q/1052Mdy96Kw/s1600/IMG_8946.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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A good stand of autumn color against a blue mountain.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bUe_IkcqZco/VHlRTQRxQcI/AAAAAAAF-6Y/V-p_arpMPp0/s1600/IMG_8947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bUe_IkcqZco/VHlRTQRxQcI/AAAAAAAF-6Y/V-p_arpMPp0/s1600/IMG_8947.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Other areas had lost all leaves and were beautiful in browns and greys.</div>
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I wish I could share with you how beautiful the air smelled here.</div>
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A mix of cold water, snow, leaf mulch, wood, grass, and mud.</div>
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A very invigorating blend of scents.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtZObGqB8RA/VHlRUW_xxRI/AAAAAAAF-6k/O82tSMV2dx8/s1600/IMG_8949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtZObGqB8RA/VHlRUW_xxRI/AAAAAAAF-6k/O82tSMV2dx8/s1600/IMG_8949.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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The cold being chased by sunlight had created a fog in the distance.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCw8AKuHJL8/VHlRU6ttUXI/AAAAAAAF-6o/NyABkpDEhq8/s1600/IMG_8954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCw8AKuHJL8/VHlRU6ttUXI/AAAAAAAF-6o/NyABkpDEhq8/s1600/IMG_8954.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Snow was melting into crystal droplets on the fuzzy leafed ground plants.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQRwvMmG6jrTQSJSdsgKqrFMJHWIX4T4avG4w5vfTddH6L4rI0Js-Y8GsHk9Tgs5gXv423X-uqdM4yrIyV8JJBobWR5e4ZwkLtT_F2ycs-RWwTBG_ZzlOW3fg9FFrIg7svOG-/s1600/IMG_8956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQRwvMmG6jrTQSJSdsgKqrFMJHWIX4T4avG4w5vfTddH6L4rI0Js-Y8GsHk9Tgs5gXv423X-uqdM4yrIyV8JJBobWR5e4ZwkLtT_F2ycs-RWwTBG_ZzlOW3fg9FFrIg7svOG-/s1600/IMG_8956.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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The yellowed grasses heaped on the ground, amazingly bright.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbtPseWmXNg/VHlRWnQA6BI/AAAAAAAF-64/efbP15jgu70/s1600/IMG_8957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbtPseWmXNg/VHlRWnQA6BI/AAAAAAAF-64/efbP15jgu70/s1600/IMG_8957.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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Broken fences are so picturesque.</div>
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Especially since I am not obligated to keep them fixed.</div>
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I wonder if the fence owner sees the beauty of them or just sees work to be done.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbWoLyGlpzg/VHlRXVOJRwI/AAAAAAAF-7E/tffkQIY1DMQ/s1600/IMG_8958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbWoLyGlpzg/VHlRXVOJRwI/AAAAAAAF-7E/tffkQIY1DMQ/s1600/IMG_8958.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Same view shot in landscape orientation.</div>
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Which layout suited the scene the best?</div>
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You tell me!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKzE9e15PpA/VHlRYI5CelI/AAAAAAAF-7I/qO-bSj2NSTk/s1600/IMG_8959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKzE9e15PpA/VHlRYI5CelI/AAAAAAAF-7I/qO-bSj2NSTk/s1600/IMG_8959.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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Here's the path we are walking by the way.</div>
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Interesting how the snow has stuck to the small pathway isn't it?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ys8md_WqLAY/VHlRZHEq6-I/AAAAAAAF-7Q/_qgmTPXwsyY/s1600/IMG_8960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ys8md_WqLAY/VHlRZHEq6-I/AAAAAAAF-7Q/_qgmTPXwsyY/s1600/IMG_8960.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the shade beneath trees the snow has settled/melted down around leaves and rocks.</div>
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Each such area has a slightly different color scheme.</div>
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This one mostly golden tan and sage colors....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81uL4ZacWeo/VHlRZpoZmsI/AAAAAAAF-7c/M1OqhSMKmmg/s1600/IMG_8961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81uL4ZacWeo/VHlRZpoZmsI/AAAAAAAF-7c/M1OqhSMKmmg/s1600/IMG_8961.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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While this one is made up of soft apricot, grey and bright green.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCz9p6AjeuM/VHlRaUBSH1I/AAAAAAAF-7g/ALcWKR42F4w/s1600/IMG_8962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCz9p6AjeuM/VHlRaUBSH1I/AAAAAAAF-7g/ALcWKR42F4w/s1600/IMG_8962.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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The snow on the bark of a fallen mossy log.</div>
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I treasure such short lived art, and photograph it knowing it will never be seen in nature </div>
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<em>just so</em></div>
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<em>ever again.</em></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVz8op9KC8Q/VHlRa1t1REI/AAAAAAAF-7s/Ww9xpsJSygU/s1600/IMG_8963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVz8op9KC8Q/VHlRa1t1REI/AAAAAAAF-7s/Ww9xpsJSygU/s1600/IMG_8963.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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A view back to the roadway, and the entrance to the parking area.</div>
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The snow had highlighted the small undulations of the hills around the area.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFry_d-x1xs/VHlRcNNa2sI/AAAAAAAF-74/D3VkLB-IQug/s1600/IMG_8967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFry_d-x1xs/VHlRcNNa2sI/AAAAAAAF-74/D3VkLB-IQug/s1600/IMG_8967.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Walking across the parking lot I spotted these tracks.</div>
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They looked just like our cats paw print in the snow.</div>
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I wondered and guessed what kind of animal made them while the snow was fresh, perhaps early that morning.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWHBprV-pSM/VHlRcqHYUrI/AAAAAAAF-8A/lMk_TzQHIYc/s1600/IMG_8968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWHBprV-pSM/VHlRcqHYUrI/AAAAAAAF-8A/lMk_TzQHIYc/s1600/IMG_8968.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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A ponded area in the meadow still had ice on it.</div>
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The ice blanked out the pond's reflection of the surrounding trees.</div>
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It would have been fun to have taken a series of photos at the same spot over several hours to watch the ice retreat and scenery be revealed reflected on the pond's surface.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UgILo2sffQ/VHlRdvn4gfI/AAAAAAAF-8M/ceAmknImb0A/s1600/IMG_8969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UgILo2sffQ/VHlRdvn4gfI/AAAAAAAF-8M/ceAmknImb0A/s1600/IMG_8969.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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The little stream had joined a larger stream now.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1t52L4mseLk/VHlReJwuT2I/AAAAAAAF-8Q/eQ-xtpOGn9U/s1600/IMG_8971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1t52L4mseLk/VHlReJwuT2I/AAAAAAAF-8Q/eQ-xtpOGn9U/s1600/IMG_8971.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had not found Bernie after I swung by the parking lot so I thought I would try to track him.</div>
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I wasn't sure what his boot print might look like as there were several boot prints in on the snowy trail but I decided I would follow the biggest print, figuring his size 12s probably would be the biggest boots on the trail.</div>
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If I was wrong I hoped the big guy I would track down would be a nice guy. </div>
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:-)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTimCTQBQDQ/VHlRe3gPVAI/AAAAAAAF-8Y/wSpwHy0J7SU/s1600/IMG_8972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTimCTQBQDQ/VHlRe3gPVAI/AAAAAAAF-8Y/wSpwHy0J7SU/s1600/IMG_8972.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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Fall colors don't always hang from trees!</div>
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I love the white brush behind the bare red shrubs branches.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99_ZvhsMDew/VHlRfdZO3OI/AAAAAAAF-8g/GbwrnpWDbfs/s1600/IMG_8974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99_ZvhsMDew/VHlRfdZO3OI/AAAAAAAF-8g/GbwrnpWDbfs/s1600/IMG_8974.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tiny, tiny flowers spangle dried upon a fragile bush.</div>
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Another snowfall and I suspect these will crumble into mulch.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZxleWLYt24/VHlRgB4b-4I/AAAAAAAF-8o/xeqGllT2wQI/s1600/IMG_8975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZxleWLYt24/VHlRgB4b-4I/AAAAAAAF-8o/xeqGllT2wQI/s1600/IMG_8975.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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The snowy path continues beside the river.</div>
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As I walk I see what I hope is Bernie's "spore" and the animal paw prints as well.</div>
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I spotted a couple that had stepped off the path.</div>
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They were peering into a thicket and raising their cameras to photograph something.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gofeHOZPmf0/VHlRhMyhHNI/AAAAAAAF-8w/nJ21wNpaJf0/s1600/IMG_8976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gofeHOZPmf0/VHlRhMyhHNI/AAAAAAAF-8w/nJ21wNpaJf0/s1600/IMG_8976.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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The paw prints DID belong to a house cat!</div>
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Oh my goodness!</div>
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He mewed at me...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cE9VkzkWhnI/VHlRh6G0FYI/AAAAAAAF-84/WOwZBD_bv0w/s1600/IMG_8981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cE9VkzkWhnI/VHlRh6G0FYI/AAAAAAAF-84/WOwZBD_bv0w/s1600/IMG_8981.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then strolled over to see me, talking the whole way.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C0tBoQQj2mU/VHlRicGMXzI/AAAAAAAF-9A/XIw61vBU_P0/s1600/IMG_8982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C0tBoQQj2mU/VHlRicGMXzI/AAAAAAAF-9A/XIw61vBU_P0/s1600/IMG_8982.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Totally calm and happy to have me pet him, but did not wished to be held.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCrrVo793YA/VHlRjJPUJXI/AAAAAAAF-9M/yLWW6hUsJTc/s1600/IMG_8983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCrrVo793YA/VHlRjJPUJXI/AAAAAAAF-9M/yLWW6hUsJTc/s1600/IMG_8983.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were farms and houses in the area, some a quarter mile away or so.</div>
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I decided I would continue my walk and hope the cat would continue his, hopefully back to his house.</div>
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The cat...preferred to walk along beside me!</div>
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He leapt up on fallen logs but stayed steadily upon the path the rest of the time, purring away happily.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvz3wQGfOvkJlgVqqjBK8C3TpucMgD6c7WR0wBtLqpQDstRQuXF_Ip-bjT_o8IQidIwkfkW-3gGSDNCHfGIL1dbhnnemhK5zRbPFJQPckZ8ihiodVuN6sr8tPdv0o12eVy54qk/s1600/IMG_8984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvz3wQGfOvkJlgVqqjBK8C3TpucMgD6c7WR0wBtLqpQDstRQuXF_Ip-bjT_o8IQidIwkfkW-3gGSDNCHfGIL1dbhnnemhK5zRbPFJQPckZ8ihiodVuN6sr8tPdv0o12eVy54qk/s1600/IMG_8984.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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The big prints did lead to Bernie.</div>
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After he came out of the river I checked his boot print.</div>
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Circles and crosses.</div>
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Good to know and remember in the future.</div>
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He caught and released several fish.</div>
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(I was miffed, I wanted poached trout for breakfast!)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7itVAOLQBs/VHlRkXez5wI/AAAAAAAF-9c/Ma8NdVCwCSw/s1600/IMG_8986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7itVAOLQBs/VHlRkXez5wI/AAAAAAAF-9c/Ma8NdVCwCSw/s1600/IMG_8986.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The cat sat on a log with me while I waited aside the stream for Bernie to finish fishing.</div>
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To say Bernie was surprised to see me sitting next to a cat on a log is an understatement!</div>
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The cat enjoyed rolling on the warming damp path on the walk back.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhHwdjlFalM/VHlRlE8pYcI/AAAAAAAF-9k/N9AfpArpROo/s1600/IMG_8987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhHwdjlFalM/VHlRlE8pYcI/AAAAAAAF-9k/N9AfpArpROo/s1600/IMG_8987.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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He was in excellent condition with thick healthy glowing fur and young teeth.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sp1US7L5YFQ/VHlRlnVzx8I/AAAAAAAF-9o/ikEkLepBasc/s1600/IMG_8988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sp1US7L5YFQ/VHlRlnVzx8I/AAAAAAAF-9o/ikEkLepBasc/s1600/IMG_8988.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I guessed he was probably a very young cat based on his smallish teeth.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjKSs1ibCxo/VHlRmWBXP6I/AAAAAAAF-9w/Ck-Q-2Vii68/s1600/IMG_8993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjKSs1ibCxo/VHlRmWBXP6I/AAAAAAAF-9w/Ck-Q-2Vii68/s1600/IMG_8993.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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He seemed to enjoy posing for me and selected his back drops carefully.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWfqGp1GunQ/VHlRnCyAMRI/AAAAAAAF-94/jj-G9XLIXLY/s1600/IMG_8994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWfqGp1GunQ/VHlRnCyAMRI/AAAAAAAF-94/jj-G9XLIXLY/s1600/IMG_8994.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sometimes it took him a bit to figure out how to dismount from some of the fallen trees.</div>
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So there we were...just strolling along in the warming sunshine.</div>
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Other fishermen came along and asked about my cat.</div>
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I told them it wasn't my cat.</div>
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The cat marched up and eyeballed each person on the path with a relaxed glaze.</div>
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I was of course arguing with myself about what to do about this sweet kitty.</div>
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I was pretty sure he hadn't been abandoned here as he seemed quite sure of himself.</div>
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I hoped he did belong to one of the nearby farms.</div>
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He didn't like to be picked up so it would not be possible for me to carry him door to door to ask about him.</div>
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I didn't have a cat carrier with me, and I wasn't sure about what kind of animal shelters Park City offered.</div>
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I was very sure that a coyote would enjoy the cat as a snack if the cat stayed out in the wild.</div>
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The highways nearby...another danger.</div>
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Such a sweet cat...agggghhhh!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sR43ZSt8vLI/VHlRpUwVbnI/AAAAAAAF--U/OzqEurNymyg/s1600/IMG_8997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sR43ZSt8vLI/VHlRpUwVbnI/AAAAAAAF--U/OzqEurNymyg/s1600/IMG_8997.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had first spotted him not far from this spot.</div>
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We had walked together about a quarter of mile up the path and a quarter mile back down the path.</div>
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Once we came to this log across the path he stopped and would come no farther, even though the path eventually lead to the parking lot where I had first seen his prints.</div>
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What you can't see in this photo is the fisherman mid stream that the cat is watching with a laser focus.</div>
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Well.</div>
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I prayed for the cat and left him to the care of God and any feline assigned guardian angels who might be about.</div>
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And tried not to think about the circle of life.</div>
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Back in the car I nibbled on a snack and awaited Bernie.</div>
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Got a few photos of my guy as he filled me in on his fishing.</div>
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He fit right in with the bare November scenery.</div>
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I am so blessed that he likes to be outdoors as much as I do.</div>
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I would hesitate to go out in the wild without knowing he was nearby.</div>
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Our hobbies---his fishing/my photography are a match made in heaven.</div>
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The rest of the week in Park City was spent reading Outlander books, knitting on a hat for Bernie, enjoying the fire and the view out the window.</div>
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We came home for two days to watch Cal, missing one night of our week.</div>
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Bernie nipped into work for a bit.</div>
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The kids came up twice, once for the day and once for an evening.</div>
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Sometimes vacationing twenty minutes from home does not let one get completely unplugged from usual life.</div>
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And yet...</div>
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for some reason that I just can't quite pin down...</div>
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this was one of the most relaxing weeks I have ever had.</div>
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Realizing that, I asked Bernie if we could stay another week.</div>
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Well, the Westgate didn't have an opening for that but there was another place we could go in two week.</div>
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I will post about that second getaway soon!</div>
<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-36522417369061374562014-11-28T23:49:00.001-07:002014-11-28T23:50:17.969-07:00Thanksgiving 2014<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeAtsEIVvq_9zs7MmnPb1yGh5n3mCfQ1zJCrLIbC0oiTI7rXQe2LcmNSa0rwVsCxIcy1wZPl4KG30TOgTnKJUTICTMa7vXlv9PrWUN_nhyLyBw-bDtiQe079VZVQsGcuqYmnk/s640/blogger-image-2130335660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeAtsEIVvq_9zs7MmnPb1yGh5n3mCfQ1zJCrLIbC0oiTI7rXQe2LcmNSa0rwVsCxIcy1wZPl4KG30TOgTnKJUTICTMa7vXlv9PrWUN_nhyLyBw-bDtiQe079VZVQsGcuqYmnk/s400/blogger-image-2130335660.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wednesday before Thanksgiving...a sunny bright day, a bit warmer than usual and the fall colors were still glowing around the grocery store parking garage.</div>
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Bernie came home from work early; I was watching Cal for the day so we three headed to the store to shop for the Thanksgiving dinner.</div>
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Cal gave all the shoppers his gummy baby grin; Bernie and I enjoyed breezing through the shopping with our little grandson.</div>
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We did laugh at one point when an Asian woman checker was chatting Calvin up and was clearly falling in love with the little guy.</div>
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She finally looked up and looked at me then floored us by declaring Calvin looks exactly like me.</div>
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(I have heard white folks all look alike to Asian folks but really...I think this was a stretch!)</div>
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(Rachel table before the meal crowded out the center piece. She used my mom's ultra mid century modern looking china, a Franciscan pattern called<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/121570114/franciscan-whitestone-ware-merry-go"> Merry-go-round.</a> I am so glad that Rachel likes retro china patterns and was thrilled when my mom offered the set to her.)</div>
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Our son and daughter-in-law love to cook and try new thing, so Thanksgiving dinner rarely has a "traditional" feel about it any more.</div>
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That is fine with me...</div>
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They pour over recipes, and then offer a few to me to select from.</div>
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Plus I am always to make the one traditional dish that is served each year:</div>
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Pumpkin pie.</div>
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With Cool Whip.</div>
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This year it was to be just the Salt Lake family; four adults, one two year old and one five month old.</div>
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Bernie worked on a Andouille sausage corn bread stuffing (Cajun style) while I put together a sweet potato whip with a pecan/brown sugar/butter/ corn flake topping.</div>
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I wasn't too sure if I was going to regret not having the typical sweet potato dish with marshmallows on top. I like the sour cream zing of that recipe, but the new one has totally won me over!</div>
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Bernie and I cooked Wednesday afternoon.</div>
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We also planted about 150 tulip bulbs in the garden.</div>
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(I thought I had lost my window for planting when our temperatures dipped in to the low teens a week ago. Whew...thank goodness it was almost 60 degrees and the soil was workable again.)</div>
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We do have an auger that attaches to our drill to dig the holes other wise I suppose I would be hospitalized after trying to dig in that many tulips by hand.</div>
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We finished the job the next day.</div>
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Whew...next spring we are going to have a LOT of tulips and it will be fun to remember that we planted them on Thanksgiving!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGDDhV8CTD0/VHlaZpxhcqI/AAAAAAAF-_M/r9b-5dRUncM/s1600/IMG_9086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGDDhV8CTD0/VHlaZpxhcqI/AAAAAAAF-_M/r9b-5dRUncM/s1600/IMG_9086.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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We arrived with our dishes to Jeff and Rachel's around 2.</div>
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Rachel and Jeff were still pulling their dishes together.</div>
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Their kitchen has a huge granite top breakfast bar area that allowed for a lot of prepping to be happening all at once.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z9hgLQ5S_8/VHlaaZqm-gI/AAAAAAAF-_U/MF2CRCKB3pQ/s1600/IMG_9087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z9hgLQ5S_8/VHlaaZqm-gI/AAAAAAAF-_U/MF2CRCKB3pQ/s1600/IMG_9087.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Jeff and Rachel are a great team in the kitchen.</div>
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(Jeff is sporting a mustache as part of the November mustache thing that I really don't get...it is to bring awareness to something...oops...)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWnKavDf_AI/VHlabCPBqgI/AAAAAAAF-_g/7J7hSUdJg3s/s1600/IMG_9089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWnKavDf_AI/VHlabCPBqgI/AAAAAAAF-_g/7J7hSUdJg3s/s1600/IMG_9089.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cal kicked back on the floor.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYaU3Rfve6c/VHlabvyQiYI/AAAAAAAF-_k/pk9pE0rWfdg/s1600/IMG_9096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYaU3Rfve6c/VHlabvyQiYI/AAAAAAAF-_k/pk9pE0rWfdg/s1600/IMG_9096.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Luke had some trains that needed shuttling...</div>
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Taking a break before serving up.</div>
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Jeff tried a new turkey recipe: It was stuffed with apple and lemon, had herbs under the skin and sat in apple cider to cook.</div>
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It was very juice and tasty; I have to admit I still rather like the sage/onion/butter flavor of a more traditional roasting recipe.</div>
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Carving up the bird...</div>
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The menfolk in the kitchen.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxHIy-2U6vo/VHlahYDLc4I/AAAAAAAF_AM/aNEHtI4TRGs/s1600/IMG_9095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxHIy-2U6vo/VHlahYDLc4I/AAAAAAAF_AM/aNEHtI4TRGs/s1600/IMG_9095.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Waaaaayyyy too much food for our little family but boy howdy do we have some yummy left overs!</div>
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The blue cheese pomegranate spinach salad was the only dish that was completely devoured.</div>
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You might note the cute little bowl with the green flowers with the yellow grits in the center front.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkxjaBZQyHp0QWoD3N-DK8DTmPv5tspZR_-OzZpKcSUp4uKqBMgafYEHzronFQgOloWy4GGibrfi8whvSNbYFJN5s5cl0yWoj22WrgLOHpCQvbmln1cyRc3OIH5KbDwD_3SoD/s640/blogger-image-95087684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkxjaBZQyHp0QWoD3N-DK8DTmPv5tspZR_-OzZpKcSUp4uKqBMgafYEHzronFQgOloWy4GGibrfi8whvSNbYFJN5s5cl0yWoj22WrgLOHpCQvbmln1cyRc3OIH5KbDwD_3SoD/s400/blogger-image-95087684.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That is vintage Pyrex from 1967,</div>
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It is a pattern named Square Flowers/Verde.</div>
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Pyrex released a new pattern almost every year and then discontinued the pattern after awhile.</div>
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Rachel got me into the Pyrex hunting group (<i>The Pyrex Pirates </i>they are called) here in SLC (<i>who knew there even was such a thing?)</i> and I found that bowl in the thrift shop. </div>
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Later she acquired the same dish in two other sizes from fellow Pyrex hunters.</div>
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Along with glass lids for each bowl size.</div>
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The same day I found Rachel's Square Flowers/Verde at a Goodwill thrift shop, (the very first time I had ever gone out looking for Pyrex "in the wild" as it is called when one finds Pyrex in thrift shops or garage sales) I also found a pattern called Old Orchard, from 1974 in a different thrift shop. </div>
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The bowl cost me $2. </div>
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Whee!!!</div>
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I also found the smallest<a href="http://www.corellecorner.com/pyrex-pattern-profiles/79-butterfly-gold-compatibles-1972.html"> Butterfly Gold "Cindie"</a> mixing bowl, the 1972 version.</div>
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(That later kicked off a search to acquire the entire Butterfly Gold Cinderella mixing bowl set.)</div>
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Neither Rachel or I had originally identified any pattern that we were interested in collecting but just like that...we both fell in love with a pattern that day. </div>
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I knew the Old Orchard would look super cute on my counter top holding fruit, and would look just grand at Thanksgiving with the harvest gold and brown pattern.</div>
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I have since collected a larger oval casserole and a round one too.</div>
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Some day I will have to do a full blog post on the Utah Pyrex Pirates. </div>
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I never would have guessed I would enjoy the thrill of the chase for vintage Pyrex! </div>
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Just for fun <a href="http://www.pyrexlove.com/vintage-pyrex-pattern-guide/">HERE</a> is link to a page that has all the Pyrex patterns by name and photo. </div>
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Most folks around my age recognize Butterfly Gold, but there are lots more patterns, some very rare and some very common, out there. </div>
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It is so funny how "the Pirates" hunt, acquire, trade, sell, party with and ohh and ahh over how they have displayed Pyrex in their homes.</div>
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Mostly women in the late twenties, early thirties.</div>
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With a few middle age folks like me who remember getting some Pyrex patterns as a wedding present back when the patterns were new.</div>
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So...do you have a Pyrex pattern?</div>
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Do tell!</div>
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And I hope you and your family had a WONDERFUL day of Thanksgiving!</div>
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Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-15342155979711319452014-11-24T14:01:00.004-07:002014-11-24T14:14:26.655-07:00October Memories part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RneNO_Z2-rg/VFg8Ny41McI/AAAAAAAF-vw/shj1wi4b0tc/s1600/IMG_8605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RneNO_Z2-rg/VFg8Ny41McI/AAAAAAAF-vw/shj1wi4b0tc/s1600/IMG_8605.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Would I like to go for a ride on an old train in the back country on a beautiful autumn day?</div>
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Yes please!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HecSjpMx2rE/VFg8OwDpYGI/AAAAAAAF-wA/XN1Td3yWdy4/s1600/IMG_8615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HecSjpMx2rE/VFg8OwDpYGI/AAAAAAAF-wA/XN1Td3yWdy4/s1600/IMG_8615.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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Old trains have a way of making me smile in a way that modern trains just can't manage to do.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qNKYSw9RXY/VFg8PWs16XI/AAAAAAAF-wE/N3xHCDCkk5U/s1600/IMG_8609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qNKYSw9RXY/VFg8PWs16XI/AAAAAAAF-wE/N3xHCDCkk5U/s1600/IMG_8609.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Heber Valley, a place about a 45 minute drive from our house has a wonderful old train called the Heber Creeper.</div>
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I have taken a ride on the Creeper in Summer a few years back with my in-laws.</div>
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Once I realized my grandson was over the moon about trains I had been wanting to take him on a ride too.</div>
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The grandsons maternal grandparents were in town for a few day and we caught wind of a special Creeper ride designed for Halloween.</div>
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It would be a shorter ride than the typical hour long chug along the Provo river; this would be a twenty minute run out and back.</div>
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Just about the right amount of time to hold a two year old's interest.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxyDSEixQ7Y/VFg8Tyak5oI/AAAAAAAF-wQ/PSqI4kK7yXw/s1600/IMG_8466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxyDSEixQ7Y/VFg8Tyak5oI/AAAAAAAF-wQ/PSqI4kK7yXw/s1600/IMG_8466.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Luke waited patiently for the train to arrive, wearing (as usual) one of his Thomas and Friends train tee shirts.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfrRW0Z8jKg/VFg8UqprqgI/AAAAAAAF-wY/sRBc-jqFSl4/s1600/IMG_8464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GfrRW0Z8jKg/VFg8UqprqgI/AAAAAAAF-wY/sRBc-jqFSl4/s1600/IMG_8464.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Three month old baby Cal wore a hat knitted by his uncle's girlfriend.</div>
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The train motif made it his perfect topper for the ride.</div>
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(Each ticket holder was allowed to select a pumpkin after the ride...there were huge boxes and piles of pumpkins everywhere!)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bmoCdBw7jo/VFg8VE9f0EI/AAAAAAAF-wc/kQOqdDeAGLA/s1600/IMG_8467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bmoCdBw7jo/VFg8VE9f0EI/AAAAAAAF-wc/kQOqdDeAGLA/s1600/IMG_8467.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Train's a' comin'!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9-ZdN9CmYk/VFg8Voc0hgI/AAAAAAAF-wo/Ahxo0MkGoz4/s1600/IMG_8471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9-ZdN9CmYk/VFg8Voc0hgI/AAAAAAAF-wo/Ahxo0MkGoz4/s1600/IMG_8471.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Pick a window seat...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSu6wvdAxqI/VFg8XY64MXI/AAAAAAAF-w8/S3voJ676hks/s1600/IMG_8474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSu6wvdAxqI/VFg8XY64MXI/AAAAAAAF-w8/S3voJ676hks/s1600/IMG_8474.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Seems like outside is moving somehow.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDyhBnwtadI/VFg8YgM0G_I/AAAAAAAF-xM/9Ae4cDXssMg/s1600/IMG_8481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDyhBnwtadI/VFg8YgM0G_I/AAAAAAAF-xM/9Ae4cDXssMg/s1600/IMG_8481.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once the train picked up speed, so did Luke and his little girl friend!</div>
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(Notice that he holds his favorite Thomas train in his hand.)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Hnmei6kuxQ/VFg8aNv9fWI/AAAAAAAF-xg/mgRvBARaKik/s1600/IMG_8485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Hnmei6kuxQ/VFg8aNv9fWI/AAAAAAAF-xg/mgRvBARaKik/s1600/IMG_8485.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Cal got a super seat of his own with his girlfriend/grandmother Gigi.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jt7zkktWsE/VFg8as7ZR-I/AAAAAAAF-xo/S-WqwoGiQV4/s1600/IMG_8489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jt7zkktWsE/VFg8as7ZR-I/AAAAAAAF-xo/S-WqwoGiQV4/s1600/IMG_8489.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mouth fallen open in awe...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFxkdnIxSRM/VFg8bjxJQ_I/AAAAAAAF-x4/AcqlMOqGkqQ/s1600/IMG_8498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFxkdnIxSRM/VFg8bjxJQ_I/AAAAAAAF-x4/AcqlMOqGkqQ/s1600/IMG_8498.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Calvin got handed off to his Granddad while Luke and Gigi watched the scenes pass by their window.</div>
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Little finger pointing in wonder...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_0IM2peEZTU/VFg8cO8DiYI/AAAAAAAF-yA/GW1_P3ZXDoI/s1600/IMG_8499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_0IM2peEZTU/VFg8cO8DiYI/AAAAAAAF-yA/GW1_P3ZXDoI/s1600/IMG_8499.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Both of them were mesmerized...)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N23VzQLEgTg/VFg8cidv5FI/AAAAAAAF-yI/1cKs0mzADMs/s1600/IMG_8501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N23VzQLEgTg/VFg8cidv5FI/AAAAAAAF-yI/1cKs0mzADMs/s1600/IMG_8501.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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And why not?</div>
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Yellow aspen groves glowed from the mountain tops.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDUzPJrja1o/VFg8dLGt12I/AAAAAAAF-yQ/aj6f0c6OThk/s1600/IMG_8502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDUzPJrja1o/VFg8dLGt12I/AAAAAAAF-yQ/aj6f0c6OThk/s1600/IMG_8502.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Farmland...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYHQGAafjj0/VFg8dhX0QCI/AAAAAAAF-yY/5XRQK5MkMUA/s1600/IMG_8503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYHQGAafjj0/VFg8dhX0QCI/AAAAAAAF-yY/5XRQK5MkMUA/s1600/IMG_8503.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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and farms nestled against autumn leaf confetti like dappled hillsides.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0AjoMOgFxM/VFg8eAb8F5I/AAAAAAAF-yg/4hqZ3YenPE8/s1600/IMG_8504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0AjoMOgFxM/VFg8eAb8F5I/AAAAAAAF-yg/4hqZ3YenPE8/s1600/IMG_8504.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Bernie and I really love the rural scenic Heber Valley and sometimes talk about moving there.)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IR6s5sEIpGI/VFg8enZN9yI/AAAAAAAF-yo/7UCFWBIz74M/s1600/IMG_8505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IR6s5sEIpGI/VFg8enZN9yI/AAAAAAAF-yo/7UCFWBIz74M/s1600/IMG_8505.JPG" height="336" width="640" /></a></div>
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The farms/ranches seem almost a tad too perfect.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89JTKyPBPtU/VFg8fGhBDHI/AAAAAAAF-yw/vICGDt1OFdE/s1600/IMG_8506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89JTKyPBPtU/VFg8fGhBDHI/AAAAAAAF-yw/vICGDt1OFdE/s1600/IMG_8506.JPG" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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(I suspect some California yuppies have decided they want to play rancher and build a ranch more for looks than actual ranching.)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GFygy8yP5o/VFg8fnD5qXI/AAAAAAAF-y0/AbIyu1WBBAI/s1600/IMG_8507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GFygy8yP5o/VFg8fnD5qXI/AAAAAAAF-y0/AbIyu1WBBAI/s1600/IMG_8507.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two horses...didn't see any other kinds of animals on the grounds.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85l9Rm86_l8/VFg8gGg-s3I/AAAAAAAF-zA/EfejrujPEK0/s1600/IMG_8508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85l9Rm86_l8/VFg8gGg-s3I/AAAAAAAF-zA/EfejrujPEK0/s1600/IMG_8508.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Provo river is a huge attraction there.</div>
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When notable fishing rivers of America are listed, the Provo is always near the top of the list.</div>
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Even if one doesn't catch a fish, one is sure to see a lot of beauty anyway.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zJTLVKxrtY/VFg8ivYkUVI/AAAAAAAF-zg/1y_oCIwKVrQ/s1600/IMG_8513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zJTLVKxrtY/VFg8ivYkUVI/AAAAAAAF-zg/1y_oCIwKVrQ/s1600/IMG_8513.JPG" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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Train ride...ten minutes in.</div>
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Snack time.</div>
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Pumpkin muffins baked by Gigi.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnx4k87ELk0/VFg8j9YC3lI/AAAAAAAF-zw/7lFz8kVTqms/s1600/IMG_8518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnx4k87ELk0/VFg8j9YC3lI/AAAAAAAF-zw/7lFz8kVTqms/s1600/IMG_8518.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Then there was music and the kids were encouraged to get up and DANCE!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyL2JvB10gs/VFg8lciyEfI/AAAAAAAF-z0/7Tl3_GK--UQ/s1600/IMG_8519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyL2JvB10gs/VFg8lciyEfI/AAAAAAAF-z0/7Tl3_GK--UQ/s1600/IMG_8519.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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And dance they did!</div>
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They did The Monster Mash.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bc5ZfxN_YtI/VFg8l900UvI/AAAAAAAF-0A/XPJ9d4ZmPU8/s1600/IMG_8520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bc5ZfxN_YtI/VFg8l900UvI/AAAAAAAF-0A/XPJ9d4ZmPU8/s1600/IMG_8520.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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And the Chicken Dance..</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aj691iWL2pw/VFg8mlGKqSI/AAAAAAAF-0E/-AsUwjavMrA/s1600/IMG_8521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aj691iWL2pw/VFg8mlGKqSI/AAAAAAAF-0E/-AsUwjavMrA/s1600/IMG_8521.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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They let it go to "Let It Go"</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adfvMBMGR7M/VFg8nz62LBI/AAAAAAAF-0U/eDa8KHGQnuU/s1600/IMG_8523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adfvMBMGR7M/VFg8nz62LBI/AAAAAAAF-0U/eDa8KHGQnuU/s1600/IMG_8523.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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Luke's paternal great grandparents were professional dancers.</div>
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I think this little apple has not fallen far from the tree!</div>
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The boy could bust some fly dance moves.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w70DCAYXcIo/VFg8rnSxV-I/AAAAAAAF-1E/vX3YPEhy83s/s1600/IMG_8547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w70DCAYXcIo/VFg8rnSxV-I/AAAAAAAF-1E/vX3YPEhy83s/s1600/IMG_8547.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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After all that the train conductor gave everyone a pumpkin cookie.</div>
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TWO snacks in twenty minutes!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dspMXZ3-i7I/VFg8s5_USmI/AAAAAAAF-1U/A-hWldmzw_c/s1600/IMG_8549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dspMXZ3-i7I/VFg8s5_USmI/AAAAAAAF-1U/A-hWldmzw_c/s1600/IMG_8549.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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This is just amazing!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iRtb48hgvY4/VFg8tVdp14I/AAAAAAAF-1c/d14X-Bqq6TY/s1600/IMG_8556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iRtb48hgvY4/VFg8tVdp14I/AAAAAAAF-1c/d14X-Bqq6TY/s1600/IMG_8556.JPG" height="400" width="318" /></a></div>
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No snacks for baby Cal.</div>
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He looks a tad worried doesn't he? </div>
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Well, there was a lot of singing and dancing and bouncing about with all the big kids around him.</div>
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MaMa Rachel held him close.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KCi1xhKeVyg/VFg8vLXZ6KI/AAAAAAAF-14/xejbYNQ6Nso/s1600/IMG_8565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KCi1xhKeVyg/VFg8vLXZ6KI/AAAAAAAF-14/xejbYNQ6Nso/s1600/IMG_8565.JPG" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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I promise you Calvin...I will make sure you get to take a ride on the train again when you are older.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uz3lUJJbyqo/VFg8wnlJj_I/AAAAAAAF-2M/7-eZzZSLZb8/s1600/IMG_8582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uz3lUJJbyqo/VFg8wnlJj_I/AAAAAAAF-2M/7-eZzZSLZb8/s1600/IMG_8582.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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What did he see now?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5KQmvPz3Gw/VFg8xS3WxSI/AAAAAAAF-2Y/1KTiWoFoFyc/s1600/IMG_8585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5KQmvPz3Gw/VFg8xS3WxSI/AAAAAAAF-2Y/1KTiWoFoFyc/s1600/IMG_8585.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Views...horses...rivers...other trains...fall colors...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0OgQBYrzfg/VFg8xxGZaCI/AAAAAAAF-2g/WSyqlZ5Hgwk/s1600/IMG_8593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0OgQBYrzfg/VFg8xxGZaCI/AAAAAAAF-2g/WSyqlZ5Hgwk/s1600/IMG_8593.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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As our train pulled into the station Luke and his friend leaned out the window to watch.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEs1JJSoG98/VFg8ygC8nsI/AAAAAAAF-2o/N7l64wL3UVE/s1600/IMG_8595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEs1JJSoG98/VFg8ygC8nsI/AAAAAAAF-2o/N7l64wL3UVE/s1600/IMG_8595.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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Look at those happy faces!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6pte4eQFgU/VFg8zq-rlDI/AAAAAAAF-20/kgwT6PwnrEc/s1600/IMG_8604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6pte4eQFgU/VFg8zq-rlDI/AAAAAAAF-20/kgwT6PwnrEc/s1600/IMG_8604.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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When Luke is older we will come again and explore some of the other trains parked in the museum area.</div>
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They are all so photogenic.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60jeYEh90go/VFg81DW35PI/AAAAAAAF-3E/o_03qGy3jy0/s1600/IMG_8635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60jeYEh90go/VFg81DW35PI/AAAAAAAF-3E/o_03qGy3jy0/s1600/IMG_8635.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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A fun location to take a family photo...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmGq84iFif4/VFg9xhJT6ZI/AAAAAAAF-3k/VqC6GVbow58/s1600/IMG_8632-SMILE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmGq84iFif4/VFg9xhJT6ZI/AAAAAAAF-3k/VqC6GVbow58/s1600/IMG_8632-SMILE.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or two...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8MLXtyvYYk/VFg8115xThI/AAAAAAAF-3M/bKJuvh5SQKc/s1600/IMG_8637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8MLXtyvYYk/VFg8115xThI/AAAAAAAF-3M/bKJuvh5SQKc/s1600/IMG_8637.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or three...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQR1fs6TKYY/VFg82YG0rBI/AAAAAAAF-3Y/L4Z-YORR4ts/s1600/IMG_8638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQR1fs6TKYY/VFg82YG0rBI/AAAAAAAF-3Y/L4Z-YORR4ts/s1600/IMG_8638.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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My co-grandmother:</div>
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We will see her, and our co-grandfather again at Christmas.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IsLLmh2TYXc/VFg83CEaRLI/AAAAAAAF-3c/GyVigzE3Xm8/s1600/IMG_8641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IsLLmh2TYXc/VFg83CEaRLI/AAAAAAAF-3c/GyVigzE3Xm8/s1600/IMG_8641.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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And maybe we will even take the train ride again.</div>
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The Polar Express...through a snowy night, with Santa along for the journey?</div>
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It is an option.</div>
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Sounds kind of fun and kinda of crazy too doesn't it?</div>
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Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-54958334922413975432014-11-03T14:49:00.003-07:002014-11-03T14:49:26.594-07:00A few October moments, part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEF90Isujms/VFfrtQ3zQbI/AAAAAAAF-ps/QwZvc3EKbvI/s1600/IMG_8692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEF90Isujms/VFfrtQ3zQbI/AAAAAAAF-ps/QwZvc3EKbvI/s1600/IMG_8692.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was, of course, a beautiful month, like October so often is.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56zlzp4V3Qo/VFfrsuQDhqI/AAAAAAAF-pk/BiX2CtM_gsE/s1600/IMG_8684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56zlzp4V3Qo/VFfrsuQDhqI/AAAAAAAF-pk/BiX2CtM_gsE/s1600/IMG_8684.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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A few highlights:</div>
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My parents came and visited for a couple of days.</div>
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Calvin fell asleep on Mom's lap.</div>
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Luke learned to say Great Grandma Dustin and Great Grandpa Dustin, greeting them both with glee.</div>
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The weather was unusually warm, in the 80s which was quite a nice temperature for a visit.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icX7tsO91ns/VFfrt_fbjdI/AAAAAAAF-p0/pKsotbbtBcA/s1600/IMG_8695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icX7tsO91ns/VFfrt_fbjdI/AAAAAAAF-p0/pKsotbbtBcA/s1600/IMG_8695.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Calvin is now 4 months old.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AErg3DlJRaI/VFfruY34FoI/AAAAAAAF-p4/dZciN0FUNe8/s1600/IMG_8703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AErg3DlJRaI/VFfruY34FoI/AAAAAAAF-p4/dZciN0FUNe8/s1600/IMG_8703.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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His smiles are sweet.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVhUAaP6xfc/VFfru6_N9xI/AAAAAAAF-qA/-I4iCL4NyLg/s1600/IMG_8747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVhUAaP6xfc/VFfru6_N9xI/AAAAAAAF-qA/-I4iCL4NyLg/s1600/IMG_8747.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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He got his first pumpkin patch photo taken by me.</div>
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Actually I took pictures of him in several pumpkin patches trying to get just the right look.</div>
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This one was probably one of the best ones.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIChkPDMP1M/VFfrvpQgJoI/AAAAAAAF-qM/Q5WHD4CxMRQ/s1600/IMG_8767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIChkPDMP1M/VFfrvpQgJoI/AAAAAAAF-qM/Q5WHD4CxMRQ/s1600/IMG_8767.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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I took him out in a stroller with a pumpkin hat on.</div>
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(Doesn't he look like he is humoring me?)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdgEawL3lg4/VFfrwD5t6BI/AAAAAAAF-qU/HVnp-x00VUg/s1600/IMG_8779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdgEawL3lg4/VFfrwD5t6BI/AAAAAAAF-qU/HVnp-x00VUg/s1600/IMG_8779.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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His expressions cracked me up.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8OzW5axd9ak/VFfrwqpFS_I/AAAAAAAF-qc/ZwH0s3DX31Q/s1600/IMG_8782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8OzW5axd9ak/VFfrwqpFS_I/AAAAAAAF-qc/ZwH0s3DX31Q/s1600/IMG_8782.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Inside the grocery store a bag of salad amused him greatly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEvVwgAYk7HkKCnjHL1aC_ZPpemEngHB-QvAX2hCK3lnzYUsxDMKwGp6As51FeOoiEi3zZyPJFGTWGrR7rN8_YxQwZrzJNBEzBDvFIRfHUN18pvfKzxjiYiqe41rxpAAaUVEw/s1600/IMG_8781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEvVwgAYk7HkKCnjHL1aC_ZPpemEngHB-QvAX2hCK3lnzYUsxDMKwGp6As51FeOoiEi3zZyPJFGTWGrR7rN8_YxQwZrzJNBEzBDvFIRfHUN18pvfKzxjiYiqe41rxpAAaUVEw/s1600/IMG_8781.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shoppers were amused by seeing him.</div>
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Sweet simple times together.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4VAZTfqPKQ/VFfrxxw65VI/AAAAAAAF-qo/PETej6dJ2Wk/s1600/IMG_8789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4VAZTfqPKQ/VFfrxxw65VI/AAAAAAAF-qo/PETej6dJ2Wk/s1600/IMG_8789.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Trick or Treat time: The boys were dragon brothers this year.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5b3PaDcTuQM/VFfrybSjUyI/AAAAAAAF-q0/QFNjfpB_6-g/s1600/IMG_8790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5b3PaDcTuQM/VFfrybSjUyI/AAAAAAAF-q0/QFNjfpB_6-g/s1600/IMG_8790.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Their house has a yellow orange front door that looks especially great this time of year.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhTe-hvcf9k/VFfrzORyYLI/AAAAAAAF-q8/cxSBr3v_0lk/s1600/IMG_8792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhTe-hvcf9k/VFfrzORyYLI/AAAAAAAF-q8/cxSBr3v_0lk/s1600/IMG_8792.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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What do dragons say?</div>
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"<em>Roarrrrrh!"</em></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcazLoOzlsU/VFfrzqfpbQI/AAAAAAAF-rA/g1C3OCH5zBc/s1600/IMG_8796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcazLoOzlsU/VFfrzqfpbQI/AAAAAAAF-rA/g1C3OCH5zBc/s1600/IMG_8796.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Other dragons don't say much at all.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Op-hYW-PDrA/VFfr0AybOmI/AAAAAAAF-rI/n0z54l_r5Cs/s1600/IMG_8812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Op-hYW-PDrA/VFfr0AybOmI/AAAAAAAF-rI/n0z54l_r5Cs/s1600/IMG_8812.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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What a cute little dragon.</div>
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Or maybe he is actually a garden lizard?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFTgSv_WCFU/VFfr0-pefSI/AAAAAAAF-rU/F2-4bWNsBcg/s1600/IMG_8821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFTgSv_WCFU/VFfr0-pefSI/AAAAAAAF-rU/F2-4bWNsBcg/s1600/IMG_8821.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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He laughed at that thought.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Db9DIQdd-gU/VFfr1nzUi3I/AAAAAAAF-rc/Z4WfWR1jsBI/s1600/IMG_8826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Db9DIQdd-gU/VFfr1nzUi3I/AAAAAAAF-rc/Z4WfWR1jsBI/s1600/IMG_8826.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Bernie and I were able to join in on this evening, Luke's first real Trick or Treat adventure.</div>
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For a two and a half year old he seemed pretty confident as he marched over to the neighbor's house with all of us trailing behind.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BoKfmdrqyYo/VFfr1_yEEAI/AAAAAAAF-rk/q2Cei-4P2xw/s1600/IMG_8836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BoKfmdrqyYo/VFfr1_yEEAI/AAAAAAAF-rk/q2Cei-4P2xw/s1600/IMG_8836.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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He knocked, spouted out "Trick or Treat" and remembered to say thank you.</div>
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Atta boy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmWtG-zo6oKMfQJL71jdVGZl5DhkOOlK1XZdvK3uJJybeaVi3oSTlTUm8Jdbqunm0YWzqxZKmUwDBl3Qu1owwu7SaRKS7UJalbO4gXU8f441oB2GGgOjewj8jLYNQwh3BVZAV/s1600/IMG_8837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmWtG-zo6oKMfQJL71jdVGZl5DhkOOlK1XZdvK3uJJybeaVi3oSTlTUm8Jdbqunm0YWzqxZKmUwDBl3Qu1owwu7SaRKS7UJalbO4gXU8f441oB2GGgOjewj8jLYNQwh3BVZAV/s1600/IMG_8837.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Cal...well, he had a good thing going with his mom.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mUh_gp3rZFU/VFfr3AYH6AI/AAAAAAAF-rw/PsNX6amiIb0/s1600/IMG_8843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mUh_gp3rZFU/VFfr3AYH6AI/AAAAAAAF-rw/PsNX6amiIb0/s1600/IMG_8843.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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That little face under the dragon's face.</div>
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This year's picture as a dragon is being added to the ones of him as a Tiger and Puppy to create a collage.</div>
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His annual pumpkin patch photos will also be made into a collage.</div>
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I wonder how many years such photo ops will be permitted?</div>
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Eight?</div>
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Nine?</div>
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Ten?</div>
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I have a feeling the years are going to rush by.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSaHF30OLhk/VFfr3mogObI/AAAAAAAF-r8/7VVRqnk6oqI/s1600/IMG_8849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSaHF30OLhk/VFfr3mogObI/AAAAAAAF-r8/7VVRqnk6oqI/s1600/IMG_8849.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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A cuddly dragon baby.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_SkmITJWMdg/VFfr4BCZDsI/AAAAAAAF-sA/6ritklqL7iA/s1600/IMG_8851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_SkmITJWMdg/VFfr4BCZDsI/AAAAAAAF-sA/6ritklqL7iA/s1600/IMG_8851.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wonder if the boys will be costumed in matching outfits ever again.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbjn-MzMHRo/VFfr476ZSTI/AAAAAAAF-sI/Np8hdhUWQQk/s1600/IMG_8856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbjn-MzMHRo/VFfr476ZSTI/AAAAAAAF-sI/Np8hdhUWQQk/s1600/IMG_8856.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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As we walked the warm neighborhood (with shorts and flip flops on parents!) the sky darkened behind the glowing fall colored trees.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4NLICKCeTE/VFfr5v0CYOI/AAAAAAAF-sU/t988twYdVV4/s1600/IMG_8857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4NLICKCeTE/VFfr5v0CYOI/AAAAAAAF-sU/t988twYdVV4/s1600/IMG_8857.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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As a child I dreamed of autumn colored trees like this one.</div>
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Trick or Treating beneath palm trees near the beach lacked certain traditional elements like scurrying leaves and smoky scents.</div>
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Now I look around and smile that everything is traditional picture perfect.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L97L304qYW8/VFfr6aTuBHI/AAAAAAAF-sc/pMSZ1TL7FpY/s1600/IMG_8861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L97L304qYW8/VFfr6aTuBHI/AAAAAAAF-sc/pMSZ1TL7FpY/s1600/IMG_8861.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Luke smiles at each house.</div>
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He knocks confidently and when the door is opened he just blows right past the person and into the house to check things out.</div>
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The neighbors know him and we are right there too.</div>
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His bold entry is greeted with laughter.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttfv6u_s_xw/VFfr64-FF2I/AAAAAAAF-sk/pGXJSeS2LPo/s1600/IMG_8866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttfv6u_s_xw/VFfr64-FF2I/AAAAAAAF-sk/pGXJSeS2LPo/s1600/IMG_8866.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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One neighbor's house.</div>
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The spooky trimming did not bother Luke a bit.</div>
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At the corner of the lawn there was a patch of marigolds guarded by a friendly looking scarecrow.</div>
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I was told that during one neighborhood walk Luke had busily checked out the flowers then froze when he looked up and saw the scarecrow.</div>
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Funny what may or may not frighten a two year old!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dw08AJNCfz8/VFfr78RvRhI/AAAAAAAF-s0/s_r2paHaTFI/s1600/IMG_8872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dw08AJNCfz8/VFfr78RvRhI/AAAAAAAF-s0/s_r2paHaTFI/s1600/IMG_8872.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each stop took a bit as neighbors spent a few minutes visiting and catching up with each other.</div>
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I stepped back and caught the sunset lighting up the clouds.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I43jLPVnlE0/VFfr8a9u9eI/AAAAAAAF-s8/Aif6mIcGe3Y/s1600/IMG_8869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I43jLPVnlE0/VFfr8a9u9eI/AAAAAAAF-s8/Aif6mIcGe3Y/s1600/IMG_8869.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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And noted the half moon rising in a misty cloud cover.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdPvyUjDkhg/VFfr88B9cXI/AAAAAAAF-tE/jMJEd8QwvK8/s1600/IMG_8874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdPvyUjDkhg/VFfr88B9cXI/AAAAAAAF-tE/jMJEd8QwvK8/s1600/IMG_8874.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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One house had a cereal killer...</div>
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(ha!)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EgD_t2v8SXA/VFfr9cfEwWI/AAAAAAAF-tI/u7vLcWOVt0I/s1600/IMG_8878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EgD_t2v8SXA/VFfr9cfEwWI/AAAAAAAF-tI/u7vLcWOVt0I/s1600/IMG_8878.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sky colored beautifully, and glimpses of the rosy hues peeked between trees as we walked.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA2maFqcXtzJhrVLOYnOeLbARY_xkCM_vwLDdC9U9kVCEPSniElWDrxYY09Q6I4SvwRkSAkFh-EDeQhAK4fgZP6_rw8kjI1smDiagExV7otHhBxliUcC8CtQuzX8uHfyLeTa8/s1600/IMG_8879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA2maFqcXtzJhrVLOYnOeLbARY_xkCM_vwLDdC9U9kVCEPSniElWDrxYY09Q6I4SvwRkSAkFh-EDeQhAK4fgZP6_rw8kjI1smDiagExV7otHhBxliUcC8CtQuzX8uHfyLeTa8/s1600/IMG_8879.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beneath our feet fall leaves crunched.</div>
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It was almost a pity to step on the piled up beauty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQldVB41FjJWL1Ke1OKDfEiqeeqKNnSbv_w8UHc6Z0SbdUVF1w-g1Iy42Lx5votb5JWtxgH2jqhdNp37-Y1OXNWL4ZtPinIppfP-jZunb9aG_To1UeUrde1eBDTKL2QTAKmcH/s1600/IMG_8881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQldVB41FjJWL1Ke1OKDfEiqeeqKNnSbv_w8UHc6Z0SbdUVF1w-g1Iy42Lx5votb5JWtxgH2jqhdNp37-Y1OXNWL4ZtPinIppfP-jZunb9aG_To1UeUrde1eBDTKL2QTAKmcH/s1600/IMG_8881.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some trees still were fully leaved while others had shed their colors and become ink sketches against the sky.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2eOOn-bHJ0/VFfr_eUlPOI/AAAAAAAF-tk/w4_agsFy1Ak/s1600/IMG_8882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I2eOOn-bHJ0/VFfr_eUlPOI/AAAAAAAF-tk/w4_agsFy1Ak/s1600/IMG_8882.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheV9PuKSdXBQs-SRKBmLjBrn2Z-aFWVUJWjk_qGLWgaGN4-hXw_RQlVbESMhGGoxu7r2SaAl6cv-J0hDFtJBpGXk17OfTejYc-17R1vnwQvLBUD_giBJI8kM1oXagblDMfzvyC/s1600/IMG_8891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheV9PuKSdXBQs-SRKBmLjBrn2Z-aFWVUJWjk_qGLWgaGN4-hXw_RQlVbESMhGGoxu7r2SaAl6cv-J0hDFtJBpGXk17OfTejYc-17R1vnwQvLBUD_giBJI8kM1oXagblDMfzvyC/s1600/IMG_8891.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Moon glowing through the bare branches...just like a Hallmark card scene.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze8qhIb7diU/VFfsAhh2NzI/AAAAAAAF-tw/82TAyp1uJrM/s1600/IMG_8896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze8qhIb7diU/VFfsAhh2NzI/AAAAAAAF-tw/82TAyp1uJrM/s1600/IMG_8896.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Yes, he was allowed to have candy.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zhWzGWQ37AU/VFfsBMCu-QI/AAAAAAAF-t8/wbZEQhpuEHI/s1600/IMG_8898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zhWzGWQ37AU/VFfsBMCu-QI/AAAAAAAF-t8/wbZEQhpuEHI/s1600/IMG_8898.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And allowed his Daddy to carry him when his little legs got a bit tired of walking.</div>
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Around the corner from their house was the house known as "The Spooky House".</div>
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The title was well earned!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWLk9IsHTZQ/VFfsCYnEjZI/AAAAAAAF-uI/HSQhS7YTle0/s1600/IMG_8901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWLk9IsHTZQ/VFfsCYnEjZI/AAAAAAAF-uI/HSQhS7YTle0/s1600/IMG_8901.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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In the driveway a life sized witch mounted on a Roomba was swirling around.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsBmJDraHYs/VFfsDFsg-3I/AAAAAAAF-uU/zsWNbrhE-Is/s1600/IMG_8903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsBmJDraHYs/VFfsDFsg-3I/AAAAAAAF-uU/zsWNbrhE-Is/s1600/IMG_8903.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Almost everything had lights, motion and sound.</div>
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Pretty impressive.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eiAi_8YX1k/VFfsDkuAojI/AAAAAAAF-uY/ck0lic4Kh9M/s1600/IMG_8904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eiAi_8YX1k/VFfsDkuAojI/AAAAAAAF-uY/ck0lic4Kh9M/s1600/IMG_8904.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The biggest surprise?</div>
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After the children had received their treats, all grown ups were presented with a tray full of Jello shots.</div>
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Various cocktail flavors were offered: Lime green margaritas, strawberry margaritas and some yellow drink.</div>
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The shots were <em><strong>powerful.</strong></em></div>
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Who would have ever guessed this was the way Trick or Treat was served up in Utah?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv8sZyn2EtA/VFfsFPWANiI/AAAAAAAF-uk/4QKW8sKQjzU/s1600/IMG_8905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv8sZyn2EtA/VFfsFPWANiI/AAAAAAAF-uk/4QKW8sKQjzU/s1600/IMG_8905.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Yes there was something creepy inside the casket...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkYv7-x3HhU/VFfsFuaKwqI/AAAAAAAF-us/Zr1nVHpP63M/s1600/IMG_8906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkYv7-x3HhU/VFfsFuaKwqI/AAAAAAAF-us/Zr1nVHpP63M/s1600/IMG_8906.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I am guessing that was the family's name?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uP_ei3a2Y0/VFfsGDBX84I/AAAAAAAF-u0/se15oiyRCeU/s1600/IMG_8907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uP_ei3a2Y0/VFfsGDBX84I/AAAAAAAF-u0/se15oiyRCeU/s1600/IMG_8907.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ever seen a bubble fogger?</div>
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Bubbles float out from the machine, then pop releasing a wispy fog.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbT3cfzx8c36lZkGB-t07B98XhmVTZi55z5XCiqGGi64FM7NfcnQGxPpXyPPuEY4gQ3qTk19OJrdk-qrJrDfDtvKdQodJHrQ8jsO68G1XxKKvxpUtxdeBAC0VjpH9LLjZZotf/s1600/IMG_8911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbT3cfzx8c36lZkGB-t07B98XhmVTZi55z5XCiqGGi64FM7NfcnQGxPpXyPPuEY4gQ3qTk19OJrdk-qrJrDfDtvKdQodJHrQ8jsO68G1XxKKvxpUtxdeBAC0VjpH9LLjZZotf/s1600/IMG_8911.JPG" height="202" width="400" /></a></div>
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Was any of this scary to the tykes?</div>
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Check out that grin.</div>
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Apparently not!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBe94c70B-4/VFfsHIvYYAI/AAAAAAAF-vE/s8HipHwnB9I/s1600/IMG_8914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBe94c70B-4/VFfsHIvYYAI/AAAAAAAF-vE/s8HipHwnB9I/s1600/IMG_8914.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The men folk carried and pushed the boys home.</div>
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One last picture of our big dragon before bedtime.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjASoy6JXmE/VFfsIEGjRmI/AAAAAAAF-vU/Bki3z69UKek/s1600/IMG_8918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjASoy6JXmE/VFfsIEGjRmI/AAAAAAAF-vU/Bki3z69UKek/s1600/IMG_8918.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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We had been "booked" to watch the dragons and to put them to bed after the Trick or Treating.</div>
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The dragon's parents were scooting off to an adult party.</div>
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Jeff dressed as "The Great White Hunter". </div>
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Thank heaven it was so warm that wearing white Bermuda shorts was still quite comfortable.</div>
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Costume was completed with rifle...</div>
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His prey?</div>
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A lion...Rachel's costume, which I some how missed getting a picture of.</div>
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She was adorable.</div>
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And she returned home later unscathed by the mighty hunter.</div>
<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-13579344284055409702014-10-20T16:03:00.002-06:002014-10-20T16:03:39.968-06:00Ahoy Ye Pumpkins!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtZGo4ibi5Q/VEWAA86WH7I/AAAAAAAF-n8/4K1zN6lKgss/s1600/IMG_8659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtZGo4ibi5Q/VEWAA86WH7I/AAAAAAAF-n8/4K1zN6lKgss/s1600/IMG_8659.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Saturday's newspaper had a notice of the 4th Annual Pumpkin Regatta that was to be held in our nearby Sugar House Park.</div>
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I imagined pumpkins would be floated in the park's duck pond, with some kind of contest related to the floating pumpkins. </div>
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I had NO idea that people were going to racing in pumpkin boats!</div>
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The Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers apparently bring some of their monster sized pumpkins to the pond each year. The pumpkins are hollowed out and folks paddle them through a race course track between buoys. </div>
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After the race (which I missed...) folks were welcomed to take a turn at paddling around the pond inside the various pumpkins.</div>
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There were folks in waders at the ready to assist with any capsized squash.</div>
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Next year I think I will go to the event in my own waders and take my own turn at pumpkin boating.</div>
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Full sized adults were paddling around the pond with ease.</div>
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I would love to see our grands taking a turn in a year or so.</div>
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A beautiful setting...a fun annual event that was held last year in a downpour.</div>
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(The orange buoy was part of the waterway course.)</div>
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Gosh the pumpkins were beautiful and huge!</div>
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A prize was given to the largest pumpkin grown and brought to the event.</div>
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My jaws dropped when the winning grower explained that the pumpkin seed germinated and the pumpkin was harvested in a 45 day span, and it weighed 1,744 pounds.</div>
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How is that sort of growth even possible?</div>
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I would think if you stared at the pumpkin you would have been able to see it actually grow at that rate.</div>
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Fun costumes...and good (if not especially clean) fun for all.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fIW34TeECAM/VEWAFgEL4gI/AAAAAAAF-o4/jki-BpM2rdM/s1600/IMG_8682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fIW34TeECAM/VEWAFgEL4gI/AAAAAAAF-o4/jki-BpM2rdM/s1600/IMG_8682.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was just one of three events hosted by the UGPG.</div>
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Next weekend there will be a giant pumpkin drop.</div>
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Apparently the giant pumpkins are dropped cars, pianos, and other objects for March of Dimes.</div>
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If only the two grandsons were a little older...what boy (or girl, at age 60 for instance) could resist wanting to see that sort of gory and mayhem happen?</div>
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Then later in November on Thanksgiving Day any pumpkin that was grown weighing over 200 pounds can be donated to the local Hogle Zoo for the elephants to have for their Thanksgiving Day meal.</div>
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Check out a video of the Feast:</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1pJe9auvnQ&feature=player_embedded">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1pJe9auvnQ&feature=player_embedded</a></div>
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Pretty neat pumpkin fun options around here, huh?</div>
<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-8149058519451499332014-10-17T08:46:00.001-06:002014-10-17T08:46:11.140-06:00Bits of autumn life lithos past week...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkejpZOrhlqWGR002nmdOGLAtcLiTzzPdMJxmYkPGVsFCSVzDvf83xWyiOUznZd2J7C8O4M3xfkJF_zK_DIDTGn36YnKOmbGSF29aIC-dOtAE-hhOrcvXiq-3S5-fR_PeFc4Tr/s640/blogger-image--225249101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkejpZOrhlqWGR002nmdOGLAtcLiTzzPdMJxmYkPGVsFCSVzDvf83xWyiOUznZd2J7C8O4M3xfkJF_zK_DIDTGn36YnKOmbGSF29aIC-dOtAE-hhOrcvXiq-3S5-fR_PeFc4Tr/s640/blogger-image--225249101.jpg"></a></div>While the temperatures stay mild the colors continue to ramp up. Each morning I look out my windows and marvel that another tree has seemingly gone from green to yellow or orange or red over night.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m7vDxOs9LRjJ5XlpZ7R7j5wlOyIuJUo5x7idkCMLsx9MmGSZFxvKw6ELqpD5f85ZPYJa8_fJz1AxwHKakZfDMA09uA-DOZLELLyZHEKaVyx4RDhgrPPHtzn7wCTz5Ys6-AZb/s640/blogger-image-434878623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m7vDxOs9LRjJ5XlpZ7R7j5wlOyIuJUo5x7idkCMLsx9MmGSZFxvKw6ELqpD5f85ZPYJa8_fJz1AxwHKakZfDMA09uA-DOZLELLyZHEKaVyx4RDhgrPPHtzn7wCTz5Ys6-AZb/s640/blogger-image-434878623.jpg"></a></div>One morning I indulged in a bit of latte art. The cup and saucer was recently bought at a thrift shop for $1.50 just because it is a Pyrex matching pattern called Butterfly Gold. I really need to post about the great Pyrex "thrill of the chase" thing going on here in SLC as well as across America. <div>You will laugh...too fun and funny!</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNWITq7vc63yot2FGjRhcZFUy9dAskbXaQtsQaKUFgCTQHYh9RyzKCgOVXDi3uV0SfS9G_wslq5IK1FJWU13Ju3SJYUC9GG5d_GSr748w16x-7LoITKIcMYHrE4WKsSSY7Xi1/s640/blogger-image-1322454576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNWITq7vc63yot2FGjRhcZFUy9dAskbXaQtsQaKUFgCTQHYh9RyzKCgOVXDi3uV0SfS9G_wslq5IK1FJWU13Ju3SJYUC9GG5d_GSr748w16x-7LoITKIcMYHrE4WKsSSY7Xi1/s640/blogger-image-1322454576.jpg"></a></div>I can not resist picking up brightly colored leaves as I walk. Finally figured out how to enjoy them at home. I also am using mason jars to display Indian corn: I just slip the colorful ears into various sized jars and line them up on the mantel. After decades of trying to figure out how to put Indian corn out in a manner that shows off the pretty corn patten this mason jar idea/ vase idea totally works!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRa9SZoyaTcM0W-GjYgUAzUzeE43OCDRtCwgGMdvQ3MIA-o3C3i1BhOrBFHOBBkISBSCsPYu24NP1EcOoi8FqrvQ56nyydHQCLaRiAwEXj4ajI6lzrlZrirJ-egfWeKp7SqKL/s640/blogger-image-1079091037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRa9SZoyaTcM0W-GjYgUAzUzeE43OCDRtCwgGMdvQ3MIA-o3C3i1BhOrBFHOBBkISBSCsPYu24NP1EcOoi8FqrvQ56nyydHQCLaRiAwEXj4ajI6lzrlZrirJ-egfWeKp7SqKL/s640/blogger-image-1079091037.jpg"></a></div>Last Saturday Bernie and I *finally* did something we had talked about doing for years: We got up, made coffee, grabbed the morning news paper and a couple of camp chairs and drove four miles over to Millcreek Canyon to read the paper next to the creek. We stopped and got amazing egg Benedict waffles and fruit and yogurt topped waffles from a food truck that makes custom waffles (check them out here: http://saturdayswaffle.com)</div><div><br></div><div>Isn't one of the best parts of camping having coffee outdoors in the morning? </div><div>Next time we may build a fire and stay there all day.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSPU2hSaLD6pLWLFXACPgLdwn5bV1JB4DRT4uxNdYVSb4sLo4eyFblPrADYjWfy5_EJZkCxCwn55eaZRAGN_fay49sYLxnhpNUjtTS20ZovFTx47byw1znDyGFU-ugBmVoDxo/s640/blogger-image-597028018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSPU2hSaLD6pLWLFXACPgLdwn5bV1JB4DRT4uxNdYVSb4sLo4eyFblPrADYjWfy5_EJZkCxCwn55eaZRAGN_fay49sYLxnhpNUjtTS20ZovFTx47byw1znDyGFU-ugBmVoDxo/s640/blogger-image-597028018.jpg"></a></div>We were joined be a cute bird that dove into the stream for his breakfast.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAyiPBLO8Bl1Q-FSyLTdoA2VH8IzxChyphenhyphenWQE4NI-5L-0z8he-o_OmLD3rmRgSzwKQxNTx9Jt5zohkFkicLxDHaIJEM9rJS60wUwRWoYsdbI39FFZe6-sb484ue3kQSPzYRbpb7/s640/blogger-image--1707845782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAyiPBLO8Bl1Q-FSyLTdoA2VH8IzxChyphenhyphenWQE4NI-5L-0z8he-o_OmLD3rmRgSzwKQxNTx9Jt5zohkFkicLxDHaIJEM9rJS60wUwRWoYsdbI39FFZe6-sb484ue3kQSPzYRbpb7/s640/blogger-image--1707845782.jpg"></a></div>The view across the stream from my camp chair! A leaf rainbow of colors!</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hwl9etsIIO1HFbRWl3WiVrEV7MAwR4AaNxSrD9KRFPuHyYN9wO98gin8hbdaSMYSlJvHIrK1kDCHQCcgtDluIekQb67aMlBjwfEGq8W6nxsBym1RraivU6h-yTMhpJ2OwmA-/s640/blogger-image-2125554165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hwl9etsIIO1HFbRWl3WiVrEV7MAwR4AaNxSrD9KRFPuHyYN9wO98gin8hbdaSMYSlJvHIrK1kDCHQCcgtDluIekQb67aMlBjwfEGq8W6nxsBym1RraivU6h-yTMhpJ2OwmA-/s640/blogger-image-2125554165.jpg"></a></div>Sunday Calvin was dedicated at church. I am posting this post from my cell phone using cell phone photos; dedication photos are still in my regular camera. </div><div>But since I am documenting on the fly here, I thought I should mention it in context.</div><div><br></div><div>Monday I joined Rachel's Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group for a trip to a pumpkin patch and farm market.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyPeza4QkelYzKzlPb8-L1Ra7gxQOMN1n-hLUvuqNCAqpjffni4zUigpMkQoaRBSdd2o6S9CAC9hCbQsXgH4oN7ZjRkiLDh3vnH-tCjmA4t936XiTiFEcgjcUGFEX74XA5JbP/s640/blogger-image--679582351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyPeza4QkelYzKzlPb8-L1Ra7gxQOMN1n-hLUvuqNCAqpjffni4zUigpMkQoaRBSdd2o6S9CAC9hCbQsXgH4oN7ZjRkiLDh3vnH-tCjmA4t936XiTiFEcgjcUGFEX74XA5JbP/s640/blogger-image--679582351.jpg"></a></div>A corn pit there was great fun.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTcq2nekxv7bu8UJx-eEAyc705bGE7_-j0Eo4mNltKbTIR5y9_F14lVqA-RlgmtruIjt5If1i0kgAdpcJQ2U20XZUo5cgHCXvyZEUUz2VKGCfsasebVtwMxu_Mu_SXzpwjMcp/s640/blogger-image--498362073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTcq2nekxv7bu8UJx-eEAyc705bGE7_-j0Eo4mNltKbTIR5y9_F14lVqA-RlgmtruIjt5If1i0kgAdpcJQ2U20XZUo5cgHCXvyZEUUz2VKGCfsasebVtwMxu_Mu_SXzpwjMcp/s640/blogger-image--498362073.jpg"></a></div>Making corn angels: Autumn's answer to Winter's snow angels.</div><div><br></div><div>I couldn't resist climbing in to the pit myself. So fun, so comfortable! </div><div>Wouldn't mind owning a corn pit myself!</div><div>Less messy than a sand box actually!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu_rqe9DeBbddjnKSoNZHm9M2aXNhCglZLuL8G6oLKnLjgQCFNT3xSr7y-Kjrc59f6M6UT1mNqen1tgDwLDLiWGzRYXIt9dc5250RHjGCF3SvO0kr8ipejT4SpzdEc2Sgx9gL/s640/blogger-image-1805585031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu_rqe9DeBbddjnKSoNZHm9M2aXNhCglZLuL8G6oLKnLjgQCFNT3xSr7y-Kjrc59f6M6UT1mNqen1tgDwLDLiWGzRYXIt9dc5250RHjGCF3SvO0kr8ipejT4SpzdEc2Sgx9gL/s640/blogger-image-1805585031.jpg"></a></div></div>Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-39822873284997983462014-10-09T18:09:00.000-06:002014-10-09T18:09:52.018-06:00Dance like no one is watching...or even in your way.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-14017667504651146232014-10-09T10:19:00.001-06:002014-10-09T10:19:43.328-06:00Lamb's and Neff's Canyon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qinrVdYjQug/VDCbNj81KZI/AAAAAAAF-MM/eUAiMXlDLEs/s1600/IMG_7592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qinrVdYjQug/VDCbNj81KZI/AAAAAAAF-MM/eUAiMXlDLEs/s1600/IMG_7592.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Rain had come and gone and now it was time to check out the local canyons for fall colors.</div>
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Rain drops still bejeweled branches...</div>
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The rain had intensified the smell of autumn leaves in the air.</div>
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I still claim it is impossible to take a bad picture of aspen.</div>
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A close up photo of a single leaf sporting all the colors of autumn, with a tip silvered with rainy droplet remains.</div>
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Lamb's Canyon was not at its peak...another visit will be had soon.</div>
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Last year I saw a moose there.</div>
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Wonder what I might find this year?</div>
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A bob cat has been sighted and removed from a school in my neighborhood and a cougar from Jeff's neighborhood.</div>
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This is unusual for our area.</div>
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I wonder why our wild cats are prowling in civilization rather than sticking to their usual wilderness?</div>
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Two miles up the road from my house: Neff's Canyon is colored up nicely.</div>
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With the low hanging clouds I have a mind that is both here in Utah and also in the Scottish highlands.</div>
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Blame the mixed mental geography on the television series "Outlander" with its richly filmed out doors scenes and lush costuming from both the 1940s and 1740s.</div>
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Jamie and Claire...tartans and horses.</div>
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Claire and Frank....fedoras and vintage cars.</div>
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The fall colors provided a splendid backdrop to both fictional stories.</div>
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I take picture after picture while my mind provides background music:</div>
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<em></em> </div>
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<em>"Sing me a song of a lass that is gone.</em></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/YrusSXEEv1M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<em>Say could that lass be I...."</em></div>
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Years ago I had read the Outlander books along with my daughter and mother-in-law.</div>
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In 2005 we three went to Scotland and visited Culloden where the Outlander series story line eventually lead.</div>
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We picked a restaurant there by chance, and were delighted to discover we were eating in the town which clan Fraser's (the main character's name) called home.</div>
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One of those memorable moments that will always be treasured.</div>
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Funny how one's mind actually can be in two places at once; Neff's Canyon, and Scotland as I remember it.</div>
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Or three settings, if I count the book/series setting too.</div>
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Clouds veiling fall colors is such a delight.</div>
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(Can't you just picture Highlanders coming over that ridge?)</div>
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The snow dusted mountains in the distance and birds alighting on the bare trees.</div>
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Bliss.</div>
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Just sharing my world with you.</div>
<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-37669770188171714892014-10-07T20:31:00.000-06:002014-10-07T20:31:56.733-06:00Splish Splash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First bath time at Mim's house!</div>
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Now why did I not figure out that the baby tub that I used in our bathtub (on my knees, reaching over the side of the tub) when Luke was an infant actually fits perfectly in my kitchen sink?</div>
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It is so much easier to bath an infant while I am standing up!</div>
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The high gooseneck spray faucet head is just the thing for giving a shower bath to a three month old.</div>
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Using a fast shutter speed the shower droplets look like falling jewels on our little gem.</div>
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He certainly was fascinated.</div>
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<em>"Hey, do ya mind? I could use little privacy here please!"</em></div>
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He nearly zoned out.</div>
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So relaxed.</div>
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After the bath, in a clean pair of jammies Calvin holds hands with his Mim.</div>
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My brown eyed baby boy.</div>
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It is so good to have a <em>baby-baby</em> to hold and snuggle once again.</div>
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I treasure my Tuesdays and Wednesday with Cal.</div>
<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-7003942135414420942014-10-06T12:58:00.002-06:002014-10-06T14:25:34.716-06:00Silver Lake, near Tribble Lake....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A month has past since I last blogged.</div>
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Life has been mellow and hardly blog worthy; not a bad thing at all.</div>
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But now....</div>
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Autumn has intensified its colors while leaving the temperatures in short sleeve wearing range.</div>
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The colors and the perfect weather: Time to go on a hike!</div>
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Luke, Jeff, Bernie and I drove down south to an area in view of Mt. Timpanogas.</div>
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We let Luke scamper around a bit before he was loaded into a back pack for a hike up into the mountains.</div>
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He selected a leaf and rock to hold.</div>
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I selected a perch where the sunlight and shadows would fall just right on his face.</div>
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"<em>Show me your rock".</em></div>
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<em>"Show me your leaf".</em></div>
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(Note his new fun lego themed fur lined ready for winter crocs...)</div>
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We were hiking through aspen groves, some of which had turned beyond the traditional gold to a rich orange and even red.</div>
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About collecting rocks: A big one would be better, right?</div>
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He was quite disappointed that we felt that particular rock was a tad heavy for carrying along on a hike.</div>
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Especially since both he and the rock would have to be carried on his father's back and shoulders!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uZiSB3roOC38UUHS8t5EpfXXuoC2PsnYNw-SbZ0P_ZSlHy6-APwWY8SEUrnWHKZmKNg2aG6q0YZguX_W10Tq3NCmZjyhzqlaK3Ar6Qqi7GTOY8THWzI4zRzytX6rP522ZddF/s1600/IMG_7741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uZiSB3roOC38UUHS8t5EpfXXuoC2PsnYNw-SbZ0P_ZSlHy6-APwWY8SEUrnWHKZmKNg2aG6q0YZguX_W10Tq3NCmZjyhzqlaK3Ar6Qqi7GTOY8THWzI4zRzytX6rP522ZddF/s1600/IMG_7741.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The easy part of the trail.</div>
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My menfolk all in a row.</div>
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There is something nearly holy about every aspen grove in autumn.</div>
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The aspen ranged from still quite green to nearly finished.</div>
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I was not the least bit reluctant to take breaks as needed.</div>
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Sitting and looking, </div>
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looking, </div>
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looking...</div>
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I take in the scenery deeply.</div>
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Later Bernie and Jeff discussed how often they hike in conquer mode and really just see their feet on the trail, forgetting to look up and around them.</div>
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I reminded them that that was why I enjoy hiking with others who are doing photography.</div>
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We take our time and enjoy the view on the way more than arriving at the trail's end.</div>
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Playing in water with many small waterfalls was enjoyed in the pleasantly warm sunshine.</div>
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Jeff reminded Luke to be careful.</div>
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I reminded Jeff to be careful.</div>
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The endless role of a parent is to look after their child's safety.</div>
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Did Luke slip and get his bottom wet?</div>
Of course.<br />
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In fact Jeff almost did too.</div>
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<em>Smile.</em></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k0LCTUO9R-4/VDCvCTf5dyI/AAAAAAAF-dY/nrXQC872nQM/s1600/IMG_7835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k0LCTUO9R-4/VDCvCTf5dyI/AAAAAAAF-dY/nrXQC872nQM/s1600/IMG_7835.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Breathtaking views.</div>
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We kept saying <em>wow....wow...wow.</em></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80kqb0etY_0/VDCvCwOE0nI/AAAAAAAF-dg/ExY6TwXRpQQ/s1600/IMG_7867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80kqb0etY_0/VDCvCwOE0nI/AAAAAAAF-dg/ExY6TwXRpQQ/s1600/IMG_7867.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Back down the trail we came and it was time for a lakeside lunch.</div>
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I would argue that there was not a restaurant any where in the world with a better view on this particular day.</div>
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Trees blushing red at their crowns.</div>
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Still photography does not do justice to the shimmering lake and shivering leaves about us.</div>
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Jeff brought his small propane fired grill, brats, sauerkraut and all the fixings for making a perfect autumn picnic.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ODFp7a-XqI/VDCvGt9BFAI/AAAAAAAF-eQ/fiElDNruPoE/s1600/IMG_7891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ODFp7a-XqI/VDCvGt9BFAI/AAAAAAAF-eQ/fiElDNruPoE/s1600/IMG_7891.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We sat and ate and watched the occasional hiker come around the bend of the path.</div>
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We wondered at this view: Usually aspen begin their color change up high and the colors ease from green to yellow down to the valley floor.</div>
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Here the aspen green was up high and the yellow down below.</div>
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Patchwork colors with the red oaks nearly spent, muted due to rain and some snow the previous weekend.</div>
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No complaints from us.</div>
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In fact we just marveled at the beauty around us and agreed that living here was simply amazing right now.</div>
<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-2436294992633189092014-09-07T14:26:00.000-06:002014-09-07T14:53:49.067-06:00Somewhere near Butterfly Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7E7ygBcBjc/U_EPK5RdehI/AAAAAAAF6nw/BZ4HJr_O4z8/s1600/IMG_7312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7E7ygBcBjc/U_EPK5RdehI/AAAAAAAF6nw/BZ4HJr_O4z8/s1600/IMG_7312.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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A couple of weekends ago Bernie had an itch to go spend the day out on a lake.</div>
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I likewise had an itch to go take pictures somewhere near a lake.</div>
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Our itches complimented each others very well!</div>
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I packed a lunch and off we went.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBmEpZETm0I/U_EQACx8kTI/AAAAAAAF6vw/pK_NFXZDNec/s1600/IMG_7496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBmEpZETm0I/U_EQACx8kTI/AAAAAAAF6vw/pK_NFXZDNec/s1600/IMG_7496.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bernie had a lake in mind, or actually two lakes in mind.</div>
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Both lakes apparently were on a lot of people's minds as well.</div>
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We could not find parking!</div>
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We drove on up into the mountains and spotted this lake instead.</div>
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We hiked in from above, parking our car on the road side.</div>
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(The hike was about a five minute hike, rather steep for the first few yards then it was just a plain old walk.)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXJHgxHmYWI/U_EPL-Y0w2I/AAAAAAAF6n4/RHLUeypZJu4/s1600/IMG_7316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXJHgxHmYWI/U_EPL-Y0w2I/AAAAAAAF6n4/RHLUeypZJu4/s1600/IMG_7316.JPG" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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We had the lake entirely to ourselves!</div>
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I got busy trying to photograph the blooming blue gentian flowers.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDNyVlwMNWY/U_EPNcCK_hI/AAAAAAAF6oI/NLxV9HE8Sng/s1600/IMG_7318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDNyVlwMNWY/U_EPNcCK_hI/AAAAAAAF6oI/NLxV9HE8Sng/s1600/IMG_7318.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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If I had brought my waders I would have been wading out on the lake to get closer to the water lilies too.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uZ9GwSSWGM/U_EPPCGJQJI/AAAAAAAF6oY/-Is-WHi0OBU/s1600/IMG_7320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uZ9GwSSWGM/U_EPPCGJQJI/AAAAAAAF6oY/-Is-WHi0OBU/s1600/IMG_7320.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can see the rings on the water where some trout had risen moments before.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kR9Gq9faSjw/U_EPP0TKpwI/AAAAAAAF6og/ZaOltDH-Ta4/s1600/IMG_7321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kR9Gq9faSjw/U_EPP0TKpwI/AAAAAAAF6og/ZaOltDH-Ta4/s1600/IMG_7321.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Awfully pretty for a no-name lake.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6HfToculVA/U_EPQ6vEOXI/AAAAAAAF6o0/tdvQFRPOngY/s1600/IMG_7323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6HfToculVA/U_EPQ6vEOXI/AAAAAAAF6o0/tdvQFRPOngY/s1600/IMG_7323.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Bernie had hiked in with his inflated Fishcat.</div>
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He was getting his fishing gear all hooked up while I was walking around the lake.</div>
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I love the stripes deep in the Gentian's throat.</div>
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There were a few water lilies blooming close enough to shore that I could get a reasonably good close-up without wading into the water.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuYwL0NMMfrCUgX2388FmoXU70E7CUwva2Dkn6Ms-T8QnKKioAUr0hSzxNC7YP3n7JdO3EpaH4k-iO0ktN6_Gp4PP6X-UxaH5iKq1TWdclPeeiY-OuNE-CB_it3ZrEO2jD0hI/s1600/IMG_7336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuYwL0NMMfrCUgX2388FmoXU70E7CUwva2Dkn6Ms-T8QnKKioAUr0hSzxNC7YP3n7JdO3EpaH4k-iO0ktN6_Gp4PP6X-UxaH5iKq1TWdclPeeiY-OuNE-CB_it3ZrEO2jD0hI/s1600/IMG_7336.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Monet's "Among the Lilies" comes to mind.</div>
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I didn't have a Victorian dress and white parasol though.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAljQPvWZ-6N9SNVSXf1B6Eciau9SEF2VC0xOpACPa_HQRCHXUNCKZEYnuPev3pRtjIDFfCUssDtN9CY6rzDvdC2wWgCVUfVAwIhW6EwPrcN8gfw67763fyMt1nTs35eO8t6vl/s1600/IMG_7325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAljQPvWZ-6N9SNVSXf1B6Eciau9SEF2VC0xOpACPa_HQRCHXUNCKZEYnuPev3pRtjIDFfCUssDtN9CY6rzDvdC2wWgCVUfVAwIhW6EwPrcN8gfw67763fyMt1nTs35eO8t6vl/s1600/IMG_7325.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The gentians are about the size of a nickle.</div>
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OK...just scroll on down to come along with me on a walk around the lake.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uxbey15AL4Y/U_EPV3_DcnI/AAAAAAAF6pg/3risPnggaPM/s1600/IMG_7337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uxbey15AL4Y/U_EPV3_DcnI/AAAAAAAF6pg/3risPnggaPM/s1600/IMG_7337.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R6MfXZCaFlE/U_EPaSX1r4I/AAAAAAAF6qM/T0kqAgRC3nc/s1600/IMG_7345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R6MfXZCaFlE/U_EPaSX1r4I/AAAAAAAF6qM/T0kqAgRC3nc/s1600/IMG_7345.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I thought the sun sparkle on the water and the water pools on the leaves were beautiful.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wal-WHBqZgc/U_EPbBKMx7I/AAAAAAAF6qQ/ztLLjEvb0aA/s1600/IMG_7350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wal-WHBqZgc/U_EPbBKMx7I/AAAAAAAF6qQ/ztLLjEvb0aA/s1600/IMG_7350.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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Three Gentians here...one in tight bud, one ready to open and one already open.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jla2A3hfx8/U_EPcL9cVaI/AAAAAAAF6qY/5DTprw0s1YM/s1600/IMG_7352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jla2A3hfx8/U_EPcL9cVaI/AAAAAAAF6qY/5DTprw0s1YM/s1600/IMG_7352.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some gentians had almost black stripes inside.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnmu__7qsnk/U_EPdnLpgjI/AAAAAAAF6qo/Uo6rJXhYBXU/s1600/IMG_7359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnmu__7qsnk/U_EPdnLpgjI/AAAAAAAF6qo/Uo6rJXhYBXU/s1600/IMG_7359.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Others had yellow and green stripes.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NV0A7bBTxM/U_EPfEvJX5I/AAAAAAAF6q4/LFPacaP8BdY/s1600/IMG_7361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NV0A7bBTxM/U_EPfEvJX5I/AAAAAAAF6q4/LFPacaP8BdY/s1600/IMG_7361.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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By now Bernie was afloat.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9EuKAlw-yA/U_EPf0MB3lI/AAAAAAAF6rA/3eA1rumvw7w/s1600/IMG_7362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9EuKAlw-yA/U_EPf0MB3lI/AAAAAAAF6rA/3eA1rumvw7w/s1600/IMG_7362.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I thought this heap of a mountain was kind of interesting.</div>
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It was quite bare.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ijO2zMqpYI/U_EPg8R6rlI/AAAAAAAF6rI/gRLyjHeK-cc/s1600/IMG_7363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ijO2zMqpYI/U_EPg8R6rlI/AAAAAAAF6rI/gRLyjHeK-cc/s1600/IMG_7363.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fern like moss...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sg_CND6YFQI/U_EPh1GDfOI/AAAAAAAF6rU/oVRBjkVXYbs/s1600/IMG_7364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sg_CND6YFQI/U_EPh1GDfOI/AAAAAAAF6rU/oVRBjkVXYbs/s1600/IMG_7364.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grew in the shape of a heart.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-s5phX71Uc/U_EPilNN3MI/AAAAAAAF6rY/IwoOWqFYgjI/s1600/IMG_7365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-s5phX71Uc/U_EPilNN3MI/AAAAAAAF6rY/IwoOWqFYgjI/s1600/IMG_7365.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I climbed up just a bit so as to look down on the lake.</div>
It was surprising how many campfire had been enjoyed around this lake.<br />
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I suspect a Scout troop may have camped as the fires were not too far apart and looked to be equally old.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6K7eJGs_4M/U_EPjdFmn0I/AAAAAAAF6rg/sBnkG0Rvu08/s1600/IMG_7367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6K7eJGs_4M/U_EPjdFmn0I/AAAAAAAF6rg/sBnkG0Rvu08/s1600/IMG_7367.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The water was so clear.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USGMgBVIaaA/U_EPkfkqxZI/AAAAAAAF6ro/FcAw27Qbvm4/s1600/IMG_7369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USGMgBVIaaA/U_EPkfkqxZI/AAAAAAAF6ro/FcAw27Qbvm4/s1600/IMG_7369.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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The water lily flower looked tough, like it was made in ceramic.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nSE6HBECVWo/U_EPlVzcqWI/AAAAAAAF6r0/rZYhsAVOyRE/s1600/IMG_7370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nSE6HBECVWo/U_EPlVzcqWI/AAAAAAAF6r0/rZYhsAVOyRE/s1600/IMG_7370.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The water lily pod that formed after the petals had fallen was pretty interesting too.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwDMc0hw3Uk/U_EPmHro4pI/AAAAAAAF6r8/nUePyzeqDDA/s1600/IMG_7371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwDMc0hw3Uk/U_EPmHro4pI/AAAAAAAF6r8/nUePyzeqDDA/s1600/IMG_7371.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgmiEHdyGTg/U_EPm6fdFoI/AAAAAAAF6sA/6I4hvfufgmg/s1600/IMG_7373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CgmiEHdyGTg/U_EPm6fdFoI/AAAAAAAF6sA/6I4hvfufgmg/s1600/IMG_7373.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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When ever a breeze blew across the lake the water lily leaves would ruffle and the edges would rise.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ug0MMLbpr1A/U_EPnr2voMI/AAAAAAAF6sM/SM7rP6-UgXg/s1600/IMG_7374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ug0MMLbpr1A/U_EPnr2voMI/AAAAAAAF6sM/SM7rP6-UgXg/s1600/IMG_7374.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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As soon as the breeze stopped the leaves (or pads) would go flat again.</div>
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I had no idea that they were so responsive to wind.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxgHTOvKaN0bBzJ8C_ItWDf-cp6inddGxhILg7vTDxf1H8rncZr2Ujp2FpS8IJWYYC8ZgQTNyDtCEmDtjHhBiui-KdnDF1XjNdChVF7dgcf63pH76ukMKuiwMfjXYOCfoxtlm/s1600/IMG_7382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxgHTOvKaN0bBzJ8C_ItWDf-cp6inddGxhILg7vTDxf1H8rncZr2Ujp2FpS8IJWYYC8ZgQTNyDtCEmDtjHhBiui-KdnDF1XjNdChVF7dgcf63pH76ukMKuiwMfjXYOCfoxtlm/s1600/IMG_7382.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Many interesting kinds of grasses grew along the edge of the lake.</div>
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(I wonder if I should actually call it a pond...not sure how big a pond has to be to be called a lake or how tiny a lake must be to be designated a pond...)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWAFq2YvIG0/U_EPpgr3fkI/AAAAAAAF6sg/3GI_kx8kPVM/s1600/IMG_7384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWAFq2YvIG0/U_EPpgr3fkI/AAAAAAAF6sg/3GI_kx8kPVM/s1600/IMG_7384.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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A close up of the water lily pods.</div>
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Aren't they cool with their even brown stripes?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OzDPbdsLklc/U_EPrhA64gI/AAAAAAAF6so/y6IGDJRgPec/s1600/IMG_7387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OzDPbdsLklc/U_EPrhA64gI/AAAAAAAF6so/y6IGDJRgPec/s1600/IMG_7387.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gLmuALz6Ks/U_EPscrDHII/AAAAAAAF6sw/6PaIkIin5VE/s1600/IMG_7388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gLmuALz6Ks/U_EPscrDHII/AAAAAAAF6sw/6PaIkIin5VE/s1600/IMG_7388.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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See the damsel fly?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2sp06npLUOU/U_EPuCsvM9I/AAAAAAAF6tA/J-wY4sGrhv4/s1600/IMG_7390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2sp06npLUOU/U_EPuCsvM9I/AAAAAAAF6tA/J-wY4sGrhv4/s1600/IMG_7390.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a closer look.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AuwK6mBm2K0/U_EPuz9ysnI/AAAAAAAF6tI/ZabPKCMSnoY/s1600/IMG_7392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AuwK6mBm2K0/U_EPuz9ysnI/AAAAAAAF6tI/ZabPKCMSnoY/s1600/IMG_7392.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7IzEZj6L9PQ/U_EPv9YCuhI/AAAAAAAF6tQ/oEAUsuEvJNI/s1600/IMG_7393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7IzEZj6L9PQ/U_EPv9YCuhI/AAAAAAAF6tQ/oEAUsuEvJNI/s1600/IMG_7393.JPG" height="257" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akpGeAsUl60/U_EPwrZeJXI/AAAAAAAF6tY/nLr95CL9Q_Y/s1600/IMG_7394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akpGeAsUl60/U_EPwrZeJXI/AAAAAAAF6tY/nLr95CL9Q_Y/s1600/IMG_7394.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The log almost didn't look real.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBQ_EFkxWLg/U_EPxX3KgSI/AAAAAAAF6tk/DrcU392BB1I/s1600/IMG_7395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBQ_EFkxWLg/U_EPxX3KgSI/AAAAAAAF6tk/DrcU392BB1I/s1600/IMG_7395.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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There were lots of dragon flies stitching through the air above the water lilies.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QmU5QIRYvw/U_EPyGmne9I/AAAAAAAF6ts/J_sOYShS0VU/s1600/IMG_7403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QmU5QIRYvw/U_EPyGmne9I/AAAAAAAF6ts/J_sOYShS0VU/s1600/IMG_7403.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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They tended to fly along the grassy lake edges then dart out to the lilies.</div>
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I was determined to photograph them...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdb8-5bw1P8/U_EPzq6_K1I/AAAAAAAF6t4/BOQceUu0b84/s1600/IMG_7411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdb8-5bw1P8/U_EPzq6_K1I/AAAAAAAF6t4/BOQceUu0b84/s1600/IMG_7411.JPG" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
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About fifty shots later...Ta DAH!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHHJZon1ruE/U_EP1VRxdXI/AAAAAAAF6uA/eKtJF98RDE0/s1600/IMG_7414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHHJZon1ruE/U_EP1VRxdXI/AAAAAAAF6uA/eKtJF98RDE0/s1600/IMG_7414.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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I took a break from doing dragonfly shooting and did a close up of this flower which all together was about the size of a silver dollar.</div>
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Each individual flower was a perfect little daisy shape all by itself.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-BMqEAfnD8/U_EP3Hb6jjI/AAAAAAAF6uQ/mRgknlVjsIM/s1600/IMG_7421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-BMqEAfnD8/U_EP3Hb6jjI/AAAAAAAF6uQ/mRgknlVjsIM/s1600/IMG_7421.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then back to shooting dragon flies.</div>
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Holding the camera steady and burst shooting at an area where the dragon fly frequented eventually caught one mid flight.</div>
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Oh it is hard not to follow them with one's camera!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUMFasw24VY/U_EP37iEABI/AAAAAAAF6uY/0onNF2LGlAM/s1600/IMG_7434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUMFasw24VY/U_EP37iEABI/AAAAAAAF6uY/0onNF2LGlAM/s1600/IMG_7434.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I like this shot because it has the sun diamonds just beneath the leaf.</div>
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A bit magical...perhaps fairies store their lanterns under the lily pads during the day?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgKYIHcChCM/U_EP4m4FRII/AAAAAAAF6ug/5gUDs8xeWDk/s1600/IMG_7455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgKYIHcChCM/U_EP4m4FRII/AAAAAAAF6ug/5gUDs8xeWDk/s1600/IMG_7455.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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I like this shot too as the dragonfly's shadow can be seen.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGv6Jq8o4Ks/U_EP5vhNCtI/AAAAAAAF6us/cEpVBhKVu4w/s1600/IMG_7465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGv6Jq8o4Ks/U_EP5vhNCtI/AAAAAAAF6us/cEpVBhKVu4w/s1600/IMG_7465.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Soft yellow green moss makes a perfect backdrop for blue gentian.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1kkh8osM7Q/U_EP6uNkVbI/AAAAAAAF6uw/EuCZn13V37s/s1600/IMG_7471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1kkh8osM7Q/U_EP6uNkVbI/AAAAAAAF6uw/EuCZn13V37s/s1600/IMG_7471.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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More dragonfly hunting...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A61HbKbmc7M/U_EP7GZ-IuI/AAAAAAAF6u8/eynKFpU80Bk/s1600/IMG_7474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A61HbKbmc7M/U_EP7GZ-IuI/AAAAAAAF6u8/eynKFpU80Bk/s1600/IMG_7474.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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A good clear shot but not particularly colorful.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JopteFa2KLQ/U_EP75pMRMI/AAAAAAAF6vA/0U3Nq3XJypA/s1600/IMG_7485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JopteFa2KLQ/U_EP75pMRMI/AAAAAAAF6vA/0U3Nq3XJypA/s1600/IMG_7485.JPG" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
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Caught the sunlight on the wings in this shot.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hajnk1taJR4/U_EP8d8f5BI/AAAAAAAF6vI/M7yNVEKrnw0/s1600/IMG_7488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hajnk1taJR4/U_EP8d8f5BI/AAAAAAAF6vI/M7yNVEKrnw0/s1600/IMG_7488.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I admit I have a thing for shadows.</div>
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Bernie enjoyed himself although the lake had no reasonably sized trout to catch.</div>
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Sometimes it is more about getting out on the lake than it is about actually catching fish.</div>
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We hiked back out and drove on a bit looking for a place to picnic.</div>
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We found a dirt road that wound beneath the aspen and a river ran just below it.</div>
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A lunch of potato salad, fresh peaches, sandwiches and Gatorade was enjoyed as we marveled that we could eat in such a place all alone.</div>
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Our Southern California roots have shaped us to always expect other people passing through even out in the great outdoors.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHk97iecDDc/U_EQA4w2caI/AAAAAAAF6v4/wyHkB1Eatl0/s1600/IMG_7497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHk97iecDDc/U_EQA4w2caI/AAAAAAAF6v4/wyHkB1Eatl0/s1600/IMG_7497.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Back on the road...a sign that was ambiguous.</div>
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Were we to slow down because sheep were crossing nearby?</div>
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Or were slow sheep in the area and they were likely to be crossing the road?</div>
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Or was it a commentary on the intellectual capacity of the local sheep that are cross near by?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uovx257Ot7w/U_EQBluvK-I/AAAAAAAF6wA/ivLtLtX4k0A/s1600/IMG_7499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uovx257Ot7w/U_EQBluvK-I/AAAAAAAF6wA/ivLtLtX4k0A/s1600/IMG_7499.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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A few yards down the road we saw some sheep that made us think all three interpretations were likely to be true.</div>
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A nearly full grown sheep was nursing on its patient mom right next to the road.</div>
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I felt like yelling at her that that lamb needed to be weaned already!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVGjsPFTF1A/U_EQCUYKSSI/AAAAAAAF6wI/BkgD8El2Ufw/s1600/IMG_7500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVGjsPFTF1A/U_EQCUYKSSI/AAAAAAAF6wI/BkgD8El2Ufw/s1600/IMG_7500.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then there was one very slow sheep who plodded across the road as if taking all the time in the world was his goal.</div>
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Good thing we were not in the slightest hurry either.</div>
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A day outdoors is just the thing to end the desire for any hurrying at all.</div>
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<br />Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29053672.post-7144816085504888462014-09-05T15:35:00.001-06:002014-09-07T13:41:01.376-06:00When rainbows come...<div style="text-align: center;">
I have learned that if I hear rain and see sunlight at the same time in the afternoon I should grab my camera and step outside immediately.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMdWEEG4khGDN0Kg6iuqetG-RB8mo1benYL6oj5lJCzcdo649vQ6b9MANMQk51Gr59SeYBhbOTWTCGFm3N-OdvSV_wc-B3tvfPQLx-hzkRbM9u_W_lOguS3hGeT_-RhutOXhs/s640/blogger-image--1392046755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMdWEEG4khGDN0Kg6iuqetG-RB8mo1benYL6oj5lJCzcdo649vQ6b9MANMQk51Gr59SeYBhbOTWTCGFm3N-OdvSV_wc-B3tvfPQLx-hzkRbM9u_W_lOguS3hGeT_-RhutOXhs/s400/blogger-image--1392046755.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I look to the east and the later it is in the day the lower the rainbow will be.<br />
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A double rainbow, with the darker sky between the bows is an extra, extra special treat!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBna78WF34jfrLLacS1xLzbURYulBa4oLSU3HRF4276z9BLSz1Bm7l-ZE4rfS-goa0MSrY5lLt1ZWUcOfpmK6G96ll7_hxR_0iz2WMx2Qg3CeRNhd1ru3L6oRVQmFjS4HLE11/s640/blogger-image-1139724063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBna78WF34jfrLLacS1xLzbURYulBa4oLSU3HRF4276z9BLSz1Bm7l-ZE4rfS-goa0MSrY5lLt1ZWUcOfpmK6G96ll7_hxR_0iz2WMx2Qg3CeRNhd1ru3L6oRVQmFjS4HLE11/s400/blogger-image-1139724063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh826DJzV5NiMsMkkfqGPpODmw3subrZUNyk28KcjvPIXm2gDWCAPWayLvsVJSw8HFft2PMp6mYOlYYKQMp9gEqDl3UybzRon7j7bjt5E_n7QM7Zj2MlMfY-so4_jBRHEamyKqe/s640/blogger-image--171686441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh826DJzV5NiMsMkkfqGPpODmw3subrZUNyk28KcjvPIXm2gDWCAPWayLvsVJSw8HFft2PMp6mYOlYYKQMp9gEqDl3UybzRon7j7bjt5E_n7QM7Zj2MlMfY-so4_jBRHEamyKqe/s400/blogger-image--171686441.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I stood in the middle of the street for this shot; I'd say it was the "best" shot as both bows are complete AND one can see the hillside behind the rainbow end.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivym76GiLVoAqCuy6spRIs2CD1RtGtnHQrh7rUtBlNpfFiZF107k3xuL9IS3XjybskNlXVJ_QIK6WDo4poYv0CjmccwzejgM_DP91IKzgVpkB20k7IjAcaTiG6Fg_YBR4baJSn/s640/blogger-image--1924836487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivym76GiLVoAqCuy6spRIs2CD1RtGtnHQrh7rUtBlNpfFiZF107k3xuL9IS3XjybskNlXVJ_QIK6WDo4poYv0CjmccwzejgM_DP91IKzgVpkB20k7IjAcaTiG6Fg_YBR4baJSn/s400/blogger-image--1924836487.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I shot these using my cell phone as it could capture the entire bow. <br />
My regular camera couldn't frame it fully without me running way far away.<br />
I shot with both my cell phone and my regular camera to capture the rainbow in different ways without changing lenses in the rain on my big camera.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAivAdZL-grkZCPyg1vhIe3iWre3pjG0Ht3HSIjVNDEwJE7DumTw5ZJ4S5d-uI0gdX-tHqdt7zp9u2Ox1Kl5Qr2GZ1UfRljjs7WQ3I01mBB9MguzhGAAsr16oOVuM94hLf6WH/s640/blogger-image-896408109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAivAdZL-grkZCPyg1vhIe3iWre3pjG0Ht3HSIjVNDEwJE7DumTw5ZJ4S5d-uI0gdX-tHqdt7zp9u2Ox1Kl5Qr2GZ1UfRljjs7WQ3I01mBB9MguzhGAAsr16oOVuM94hLf6WH/s400/blogger-image-896408109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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How many rainbow pictures are enough?</div>
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I tend to keep clicking until the bow fades away completely.</div>
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Maybe this shot was the best one after all?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PM9lx2idSoQ/VAovRLqgE_I/AAAAAAAF9pw/lnqJjKvP8tc/s1600/IMG_7503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PM9lx2idSoQ/VAovRLqgE_I/AAAAAAAF9pw/lnqJjKvP8tc/s1600/IMG_7503.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the photos taken with my regular camera. </div>
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Yes there is a difference.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU85xhH9rU6Twh-Iv9fXlzISK8okOmdyhTKVcXlHIWP6n1ESpCWPq2O_4j6X73kYzdEMn7hzO07SfWpDHi5J8JYouEzc88Df7tt3cvALBxkiR-8u8iHoqE-qizyqjR_aKHP8k1/s1600/IMG_7504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU85xhH9rU6Twh-Iv9fXlzISK8okOmdyhTKVcXlHIWP6n1ESpCWPq2O_4j6X73kYzdEMn7hzO07SfWpDHi5J8JYouEzc88Df7tt3cvALBxkiR-8u8iHoqE-qizyqjR_aKHP8k1/s1600/IMG_7504.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I could capture the rainbow's end exploding in the neighbor's trees.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImAgXGXMXiQ/VAovSklRWDI/AAAAAAAF9qA/ufapwApOd1U/s1600/IMG_7505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImAgXGXMXiQ/VAovSklRWDI/AAAAAAAF9qA/ufapwApOd1U/s1600/IMG_7505.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Each color band stands out.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1QED1rtb7I/VAovTTT_ySI/AAAAAAAF9qM/xnxU96KKiG0/s1600/IMG_7506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1QED1rtb7I/VAovTTT_ySI/AAAAAAAF9qM/xnxU96KKiG0/s1600/IMG_7506.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bow brushed the mountain top.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCVwFZgT3Co/VAovT1gJJAI/AAAAAAAF9qQ/ybxZ3Rtiv2U/s1600/IMG_7507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCVwFZgT3Co/VAovT1gJJAI/AAAAAAAF9qQ/ybxZ3Rtiv2U/s1600/IMG_7507.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCEMrhOryH4/VAovUQYWWvI/AAAAAAAF9qc/zgXieyNCOQk/s1600/IMG_7508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCEMrhOryH4/VAovUQYWWvI/AAAAAAAF9qc/zgXieyNCOQk/s1600/IMG_7508.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtbBqeC_Irjd7md0XNE4llDEeQUn7UXN2GejWMdzoHM2-HylOeZvr0-oKbb1fpduTprpxkFtbXZKcgpR17eKp2HyW3o9u3akq2xFlmRBStqsWYyu9EEpNFXATZxDLxQPNLE9I/s1600/IMG_7509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtbBqeC_Irjd7md0XNE4llDEeQUn7UXN2GejWMdzoHM2-HylOeZvr0-oKbb1fpduTprpxkFtbXZKcgpR17eKp2HyW3o9u3akq2xFlmRBStqsWYyu9EEpNFXATZxDLxQPNLE9I/s1600/IMG_7509.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSpLQ83jxpASfO0Erq1rrt-23XTDtRogKgfleH49BUeQwtq3K_aMl4k8uYwCT8gK9dWARzaHKkfdyVifgZOq2Jga1QnNoQlmhAjC0YrWfB9IaONdvK80Krco1DIewWXJQyxZj/s1600/IMG_7510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSpLQ83jxpASfO0Erq1rrt-23XTDtRogKgfleH49BUeQwtq3K_aMl4k8uYwCT8gK9dWARzaHKkfdyVifgZOq2Jga1QnNoQlmhAjC0YrWfB9IaONdvK80Krco1DIewWXJQyxZj/s1600/IMG_7510.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuhkYiVB0wo/VAovWM7EkUI/AAAAAAAF9q0/H63Y4QnfZTI/s1600/IMG_7512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuhkYiVB0wo/VAovWM7EkUI/AAAAAAAF9q0/H63Y4QnfZTI/s1600/IMG_7512.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
No I didn't add color but I did darken the shot slightly.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NW46iDJ3iY/VAovWe-j7XI/AAAAAAAF9q4/jhUxc2q_P-s/s1600/IMG_7513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NW46iDJ3iY/VAovWe-j7XI/AAAAAAAF9q4/jhUxc2q_P-s/s1600/IMG_7513.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ituyI1XKi0Q/VAovXDDJp-I/AAAAAAAF9rA/wVO5hc68bys/s1600/IMG_7515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ituyI1XKi0Q/VAovXDDJp-I/AAAAAAAF9rA/wVO5hc68bys/s1600/IMG_7515.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-289zef-JGcc/VAovXyClYmI/AAAAAAAF9rM/5LTjRaeQPtg/s1600/IMG_7520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-289zef-JGcc/VAovXyClYmI/AAAAAAAF9rM/5LTjRaeQPtg/s1600/IMG_7520.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have never seen a bow so low to the ground before.</div>
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The bow was almost flat; I was shooting at 6:40ish pm.</div>
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The lower the sun is in the sky, the lower the rainbow sits too.</div>
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I wonder just how low a rainbow can go?</div>
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Someday I hope to see a rainbow created at the last moments of a sunset.</div>
Thoughts on Life and Millinery.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15826496514403918108noreply@blogger.com6