tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79750883538424497372024-03-14T07:31:40.700-05:00For the love of This blog is about beads, people who make beads, my life, my dog, my friends.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2930125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-64290484172536361922017-01-09T05:00:00.000-06:002017-01-09T05:00:01.428-06:00The Garbage Wars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1Zlyb_YBtp1jGA7NRDqmM1lHoe9I8f3brFCimxQOx3noAI63J2YIwAAcOLKE1OzT1Qp2bfq9LmTyKBdkO9IftheIO5hc_00NyFUF58S25kdtbbdvc2dgJQR4m8uYDudA542T79ALrJU/s1600/garbage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1Zlyb_YBtp1jGA7NRDqmM1lHoe9I8f3brFCimxQOx3noAI63J2YIwAAcOLKE1OzT1Qp2bfq9LmTyKBdkO9IftheIO5hc_00NyFUF58S25kdtbbdvc2dgJQR4m8uYDudA542T79ALrJU/s400/garbage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In our house we have</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ONE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
UNWRITTEN</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
RULE.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The rule is that whomever tops off the garbage in the can</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
EMPTIES</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each of us has done things to make sure it was the next person who needed to empty the garbage.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I admit,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this time,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was a challenge,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my favorite daughter won.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Remember, I only have one daughter.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I couldn't take it any more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I emptied the garbage!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She won the battle, but not the war! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-77667304847065698712017-01-05T05:00:00.000-06:002017-01-05T05:00:16.696-06:00I think the Hospital Switched Babies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETFFWp4yQqNlFmCwXsq___4kPUm_eTH2e8UAcPUNjzy3L9-KtudU0Y_W5MWVMSyVQpG0OKEwTfBCvVM4gFh1qTTPNacVXFp1HIcMfYm80aIz1o9JWODYlMnWhwRRkAnje_8nIjaZ-onI/s1600/IMG_0524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETFFWp4yQqNlFmCwXsq___4kPUm_eTH2e8UAcPUNjzy3L9-KtudU0Y_W5MWVMSyVQpG0OKEwTfBCvVM4gFh1qTTPNacVXFp1HIcMfYm80aIz1o9JWODYlMnWhwRRkAnje_8nIjaZ-onI/s400/IMG_0524.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the way I fold </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FITTED SHEETS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I never have been able to do anything else.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1eS_zdvUxDTTEH8l6Ixv_zEbtDmzeVHGKeVqDkcUYXZKThMSSetCSTXXtTkUuLcXIn_8O3BmVeAWWy2IxTJP2esgRV83sXShMNeXhSGA5k4eQvJAeFLWi9Arbc6CRPOK4KswjB7oBWo/s1600/IMG_0525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1eS_zdvUxDTTEH8l6Ixv_zEbtDmzeVHGKeVqDkcUYXZKThMSSetCSTXXtTkUuLcXIn_8O3BmVeAWWy2IxTJP2esgRV83sXShMNeXhSGA5k4eQvJAeFLWi9Arbc6CRPOK4KswjB7oBWo/s400/IMG_0525.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the way </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my daughter folds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FITTED SHEETS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The only conclusion is that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hospital Switched Babies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yikes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-16927778235843727642017-01-04T05:00:00.000-06:002017-01-04T05:00:20.226-06:00Worth Repeating: Looking Forward to 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeI6stag90lOurNtI1yGnPhcC98V4GHBboNgq4PpoB4QLggPpLfemVPJbE_wfmkGvneAnHrF8KHDgYfsPNwZuNajlLtExGllJoKLXvjMvYDsR8yI8chHqnZ-mxmshFaXOCKnNhDpER9s/s1600/2104+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeI6stag90lOurNtI1yGnPhcC98V4GHBboNgq4PpoB4QLggPpLfemVPJbE_wfmkGvneAnHrF8KHDgYfsPNwZuNajlLtExGllJoKLXvjMvYDsR8yI8chHqnZ-mxmshFaXOCKnNhDpER9s/s400/2104+3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2014 Here I Come!</b><br />Since there are rarely any chances for “do-overs” I will try to use every skill I have to overcome the challenges of 2014.<br /><br />I plan to treat myself kindly and gently.<br /><br />I’ll never give up.<br /><br />I’m going to take more naps and read more books<br /><br />I’m going to reach out to more people, with Pixie, through our hospice work. <br /><br />I’m going to do my best not to fall and break bones.<br /><br />I’m going to write more.<br /><br />Once my ankle heals, I’m going to walk 10,000 steps every day.<br /><br />As I merge my muse back into glass, I’m going to work more with sculpture than in the past.<br /><br />When I work with polymer clay, I’m going to make pieces that are bigger and might require some assemblage.<br /><br />I’m going to be really careful so that I don’t fall in 2014. I hope!<br /><br />I’m going to be more open in 2014.<br /><br />If colors were words, I will be more red and orange with my ideas, but blue and green with people.<br /><br />I will balance my heart with my head. I will balance my work with my rest. I will find harmony.<br /><br />I will try to be a source joy to everyone I meet.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-37416334702573430752017-01-03T05:00:00.000-06:002017-01-03T05:00:18.007-06:00Pixie's Gruel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7B4oznQhA8Sabmc86CRns5TPzaPbo17QJvJVyPy3aaj-llLqhA5WcwSSstkEaihML3LthkEY_zQ0s5NN9ZTDCDOs4gBfZIlPLP9SjVdqZAvvezyJnT72piOczp0LlEr4CyBEGZ4Cu7fo/s1600/Gruel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7B4oznQhA8Sabmc86CRns5TPzaPbo17QJvJVyPy3aaj-llLqhA5WcwSSstkEaihML3LthkEY_zQ0s5NN9ZTDCDOs4gBfZIlPLP9SjVdqZAvvezyJnT72piOczp0LlEr4CyBEGZ4Cu7fo/s400/Gruel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pixie is a fussy eater.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most greyhounds are not, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The Girl" is a diva.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to buy her food from the vet because she has the doggy form of</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
IBS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, she gets tired of the food, and refuses to eat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have let food sit for two days, and she won't eat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A little bit of reading, though, taught me that it's okay to give her people foods, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This has helped with her eating habits.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daily, now, I give her a bowl of</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gruel,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
using people food and a little bit of dog food.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Surprisingly, she loves it!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I usually use what I have on hand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I make her oatmeal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I heat up a bowl of water.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I can't give you exact measurements because I don't measure.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I add about 1/4c - 1/2c uncooked oatmeal. Let the oatmeal sit until it gets a little thick, then add the rest of your ingredients.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(If you use instant oatmeal, be sure to read the labels. Xylitol can kill a dog, even in small amounts.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I make her an egg. I cut that up and add to the cooked oatmeal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I add some olive oil, maybe about 1 Tablespoon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I add about 1/2 cup of her regular food.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've tried mushing up peas and carrots in her food, but she sure knows how to pick around those!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's not fond of veggies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I have a little left over rice, I'll add that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I have yogurt, I add a little of that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Not all dogs can handle this, so use caution with your dog.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been known to add applesauce and/or mushed up bananas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I add peanut butter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She loves peanut butter, but, again, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
READ THAT LABEL.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Many peanut butter manufacturers are starting to add Xylitol to the peanut butter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's not good for animals.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can only assume it's not good for us, then.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think you get the idea.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pixie gets one bowl of this a day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her coat glows, and she thinks she's eating people food.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right now, Pixie is sound asleep.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She just finished her gruel for the day, and she gets very sleepy after eating her gruel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kitties want some gruel, too, but their tummies can't handle people food like dogs' tummies can.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a site that will give you guidance on what people foods dogs are safe eating.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets">ANIMAL POISON CONTROL </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are many more sites out there. Just google "Foods that dogs can eat."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All right, now it's up to you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have fun with your pet and be careful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-25535699580058717932017-01-02T05:00:00.000-06:002017-01-02T05:00:08.916-06:00Looks Like It Might Snow Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmXjpaHfcE0VDD_TZyMVwfevvOAjiR0v58SWiGWG2bgdaqoPimw4u_g7-vN0FUHBQJuolCcp8kDc88L4NUQLu9AOPoPdq2U3YMItl3eku9jo-XMOfhoradv1eq763-gZXGWMBTgGVthU/s1600/IMG_0671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmXjpaHfcE0VDD_TZyMVwfevvOAjiR0v58SWiGWG2bgdaqoPimw4u_g7-vN0FUHBQJuolCcp8kDc88L4NUQLu9AOPoPdq2U3YMItl3eku9jo-XMOfhoradv1eq763-gZXGWMBTgGVthU/s400/IMG_0671.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>January 1, 2017</b></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The forecast is for light snow tomorrow afternoon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well. it's January.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's Minnesota.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd be concerned if there were no snow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Where I grew up in</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
New Mexico,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
January was cold and "snowy."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most of the time, if you wanted to play in the snow, you had to drive to the nearby mountains </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to find snow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes, we'd wake up to what we Minnesotans would call a</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"light dusting"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the city.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That was great!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Roads were closed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even better,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SCHOOLS were closed and we had a free day! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone was urged to stay home and NOT go out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our parents would make us put on our light weight boots.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We didn't own snow boots.,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and they would watch, anxiously, as we ever so slowly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
crossed the street to join our friends on the playground.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They didn't want us to fall.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If anyone had a sled,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we'd try to make it slide across the mixture of sand, rocks, and snow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was early morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most days, most of the snow would be melted by afternoon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next day, we'd be back at school remembering our day off school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Many years later, I married and moved away to North Dakota.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That was a terrible experience.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I insult any of you from that state, <br />I'm not sorry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My experience there was awful!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was so glad when we moved.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The winters were long.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The snow was terrible </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The people were naive, closed minded, and unkind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was brutal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Things were a bit better in the "cities," rather than the small towns. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have no illusions about the "romance" of small towns.zin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We lived in Grand Forks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've never been back to that state.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nor, will I ever go back.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't understand how anyone can call that place home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, by choice, I live in a relatively "small" town in Minnesota,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about 80,000 residents, I think.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At least, the residents here are more opened minded than the people I had to deal with back then.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've come to call this place</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Home."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hadn't thought about this in years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isn't it amazing what can be buried in the sands of time?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess, in this case, we should say the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
snows of time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, enough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The new year has begun.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It IS going to snow tomorrow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm glad I'm here. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-49077901952882545302017-01-01T10:04:00.001-06:002017-01-01T10:04:33.810-06:00New Year. New Day. New Beginnings.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHa9_FdleVGL6h9NmvRm895m7MiSlBh6UHdhsUTdW72QUtsMjjmT5z84fuFIV2sgx8RHY1YkiHduuh8qjOzcTDd76ldJ_bULUTt5MeXNy9SWFkswofdFOorX9FoxBj2su5ptRoFBEPmp4/s1600/IMG_2066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHa9_FdleVGL6h9NmvRm895m7MiSlBh6UHdhsUTdW72QUtsMjjmT5z84fuFIV2sgx8RHY1YkiHduuh8qjOzcTDd76ldJ_bULUTt5MeXNy9SWFkswofdFOorX9FoxBj2su5ptRoFBEPmp4/s640/IMG_2066.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-34028689176981803112016-12-31T08:00:00.001-06:002016-12-31T08:00:46.853-06:00Starting the Year with Clean Sheets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43SFLZ63DUEG-ZYrBWYH-dW2g7z9HdhCKYQqhI9UEfWJcqM87g6z9MzXXYxhIUv55e8ryGwL3jJYcIWEs4palSldfMqGbyQef2csVyyX0pkFeDt34v5p9sU6kPpygWaIKyX2SLW9tLHI/s1600/bed+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43SFLZ63DUEG-ZYrBWYH-dW2g7z9HdhCKYQqhI9UEfWJcqM87g6z9MzXXYxhIUv55e8ryGwL3jJYcIWEs4palSldfMqGbyQef2csVyyX0pkFeDt34v5p9sU6kPpygWaIKyX2SLW9tLHI/s400/bed+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonight, I'll put fresh sheets on the bed. As the year grows old and morphs into the a different year, the new sheets will take me back to an easier time, a simpler time, when clean sheets were all I needed to feel safe and loved. As I sleep and wake in the new year, the discomfort of change that a new year, a new president brings is over shadowed by the joy of clean sheets. <br /><br />When I was a child, and this was when we didn't have fabric softeners or if we did, my mother didn't believe in them, the sheets were very crisp and sharp when they came off the clothes line. I remember jumping into bed and feeling their sharpness pressing into my nightgown, but as I moved and scrunched the sheets, they softened and became smooth. As they smoothed, I was comforted in knowing that this was what would happen, and I would sleep in peace. <br /><br />Clean sheets. The new year. Comfort. Joy. This will be good. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Goodbye 2016.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome 2017.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-5518877151686602082016-11-11T05:00:00.000-06:002016-11-11T05:00:26.542-06:00Three Beautiful Things This Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ5byPodgFVIXJyBDHOaJKiWZBo1S_XWp8tJpMhSw5HejSartOHpBB2c8u8ihFa58l6m7ijDYhYmymoXFAjKoqcu6bjXcbbqkPUZY_BCi5NuqtaWtflva0TksQJqMpy1uvFPs5MiL1ok/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ5byPodgFVIXJyBDHOaJKiWZBo1S_XWp8tJpMhSw5HejSartOHpBB2c8u8ihFa58l6m7ijDYhYmymoXFAjKoqcu6bjXcbbqkPUZY_BCi5NuqtaWtflva0TksQJqMpy1uvFPs5MiL1ok/s400/bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Clare writes called <a href="http://threebeautifulthings.blogspot.com/">Three Beautiful Things. </a>Everyday,
Clare writes about 3 Beautiful
Things that
happen each day
in her life. It's a wonderful
blog! I can
only hope to
imitate her in a very small
way.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
1) The election is over! We have a new president. Now, I wish the hate would stop.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2) Getting ready for knee surgery on Monday. I'll be glad for that to be over.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3) Walks at Minneopa Falls were nice. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-52227323998612064682016-11-10T05:00:00.000-06:002016-11-10T05:00:07.757-06:00A Blog Post Can Be A Statement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Yg32GIUIBU9jRT24d8N8tfjq58t5vZS-o1PbIQJBU9LNwa_kSLoSZ51NL1_rKqfYVmt4dzSVdzGkfUGjRE54CvdRXmohOJhkCsJxd1NkmhvddhI-SSRzXU9i6hnK2eXYuRow204W3w/s1600/fred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Yg32GIUIBU9jRT24d8N8tfjq58t5vZS-o1PbIQJBU9LNwa_kSLoSZ51NL1_rKqfYVmt4dzSVdzGkfUGjRE54CvdRXmohOJhkCsJxd1NkmhvddhI-SSRzXU9i6hnK2eXYuRow204W3w/s400/fred.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be kind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forgive.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We're all in this together.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-83441889131410642302016-11-09T12:13:00.001-06:002016-11-09T12:17:31.129-06:00God Bless America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJLCCsnJ9Uv20bLik41Fy-OHBDqK6UuQGizGTINqTWSJ6TBuF3zacKu7denZ3xzZ-qiGbzLeNKQ6v-_Q0G5iUA7pMjQvvPiRcy4JYnEQ9jXYfikxbT8p-qLNrk0sw6gt79kYYT4yvr6I/s1600/usa+flag+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJLCCsnJ9Uv20bLik41Fy-OHBDqK6UuQGizGTINqTWSJ6TBuF3zacKu7denZ3xzZ-qiGbzLeNKQ6v-_Q0G5iUA7pMjQvvPiRcy4JYnEQ9jXYfikxbT8p-qLNrk0sw6gt79kYYT4yvr6I/s400/usa+flag+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether you supported </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hilary </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
President Elect Trump,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the time has come</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to for us to gather together</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
forgive,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
offer peace,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
move on with our lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God Bless America</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because if we don't trust in Him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are going to screw it up again </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
again</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
again</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
again. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-51902844147355760062016-11-08T05:00:00.000-06:002016-11-08T05:00:26.964-06:00A Blog Post Can be a Plea for Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR-J_baGyzNTLb0gZBuxZfM_WtNw7JiFD1BGs31UswkIrNnEziHhHSvp4zAcMZfxlTstGprqrgMdWLeHVGKGAaZC8u9mmr6aAgwECmfPHlLSmrbHICDcJNRhU7grpbV5dt-7GBcc29nQ/s1600/life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR-J_baGyzNTLb0gZBuxZfM_WtNw7JiFD1BGs31UswkIrNnEziHhHSvp4zAcMZfxlTstGprqrgMdWLeHVGKGAaZC8u9mmr6aAgwECmfPHlLSmrbHICDcJNRhU7grpbV5dt-7GBcc29nQ/s640/life.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-91441875410011714842016-11-07T05:00:00.001-06:002016-11-07T05:00:25.066-06:00A blog post can be a thought or a Meme with reflections by You and Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYujq3busltQQ3sqW0RzV4_bO8X2wU88UWf_E8oIl_Y4XVN3ALug9t7vU03JlFD13daIOFeNPaBNnH1scCf3E4pAXU5yI4gHR0APRg2xi44uv4N_DV800F59ksfm62FG7hCLViTGgdJU/s1600/psalm+42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYujq3busltQQ3sqW0RzV4_bO8X2wU88UWf_E8oIl_Y4XVN3ALug9t7vU03JlFD13daIOFeNPaBNnH1scCf3E4pAXU5yI4gHR0APRg2xi44uv4N_DV800F59ksfm62FG7hCLViTGgdJU/s400/psalm+42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thoughts on the Psalm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are made with a soul and body.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In order to live and grow, the body must have water.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our souls must also be fed to grow closer to God. A plant which grows in the soil must be watered or it will wither and die.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We all long for something greater than ourselves.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In our secular world, we find ourselves longing for the things of the world, especially money and all that money can buy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our souls cannot be nourished by worldly things.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our souls can only be nourished, fed, and watered by God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The psalmist speaks of the longing for God. Do I long for God? How do I satisfy this longing?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The obvious answers are that we put God first in our lives and that we live for God and God alone?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do I do that? Do I put God first in my life?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forgive me, Lord, I do not. I long for you, but I feel that longing with the wrong things. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I stand aside, and I let the world and all of its temptations take me down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lord, I ask for your forgiveness for this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let my daily prayer be:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Help me, Lord, God, to make me and my home Christ Centered. Help us to put You first above all else. Help us to live for You and with You in our very troubled world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Teach us to love You above all else.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What are your thoughts on these two psalm verses?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd love to hear them.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-26025022076829521392016-11-07T05:00:00.000-06:002016-11-07T05:00:15.341-06:00A Blog Post Can Be: I Made Saurkraut this Weekend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KhyphenhyphentR8mfSwgwIqEtLD_FJomtvtpu6ibfQRLkKtbtrAmtrCRUkQ2-nD529atZQxU2-eW-778fVKDry0pqQSnF7ehuLVQASE-paiBVzWx8FKAONIiPxfgCtsGq3HQvVDPS_X_zWYUJozM/s1600/kraut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KhyphenhyphentR8mfSwgwIqEtLD_FJomtvtpu6ibfQRLkKtbtrAmtrCRUkQ2-nD529atZQxU2-eW-778fVKDry0pqQSnF7ehuLVQASE-paiBVzWx8FKAONIiPxfgCtsGq3HQvVDPS_X_zWYUJozM/s400/kraut.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It should be ready by Wednesday or Thursday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The cabbage needs to ferment, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then it will be ready.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Homemade saurkraut is full or probiotics that help your gut.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By helping your gut, you also help your immune system.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No matter, I love saurkraut!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Store bought is okay.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Homemade is </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THE BEST.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can make large or, like mine, small amounts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All you need is some fresh cabbage and salt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, that's it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Very little can go wrong.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The most important element of making the kraut is cleanliness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everything must be sterilized.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After that, the rest is easy peasy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You simply chop up your cabbage, add salt (about 1 tablespoon per head of cabbage), let the cabbage sit until you begin to see a bit of liquid forming. That takes about 10-15 minutes. Then stir with your hands until you see more liquid, put in a jar. Tamp is down as you add the cabbage. Cover</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and wait.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some great sites that will give you the best information about fermenting veggies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-homemade-sauerkraut-in-a-mason-jar-193124">How to make Homemade Saurkraut in a mason jar</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wellnessmama.com/663/homemade-sauerkraut/">How to Make Homemade Saurkraut</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2015/02/how-to-make-sauerkraut.html">How to Make Saurkraut-the Prairie Homestead</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, do you see the blue lid on the jar? That's called a pickle pipe. It allows the gases to escape from the jar, but it does not let mold into your jar. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found those on Amazon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Inside the jar is what is called a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
glass pebble.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's much larger than a pebble.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also found those on Amazon. They keep the cabbage weighted down so that the liquids can rise and ferment the cabbage. Love them!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also found those on Amazon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, if you're interested, make some kraut!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If not, that's okay, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whatever you do, have fun! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-54211571984526917722016-11-06T07:38:00.002-06:002016-11-06T07:38:44.077-06:00A Blog Can Be a Question: I don't know If You'll be Watching the Election Results or not...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiQFOUlxRz-OVz9jQCI_0nTwJJ1Ql0VqodtsxsIZCkTYBBQpjDpLkI4MMRM0kaCSBv_yr6UA8FbynBKiKCd6DF2saFgDFxkcF4OcoMupnTO0_u-K1gAEuysgYcVy_Ke8kLMAsrmotw7Y/s1600/IMG_1610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiQFOUlxRz-OVz9jQCI_0nTwJJ1Ql0VqodtsxsIZCkTYBBQpjDpLkI4MMRM0kaCSBv_yr6UA8FbynBKiKCd6DF2saFgDFxkcF4OcoMupnTO0_u-K1gAEuysgYcVy_Ke8kLMAsrmotw7Y/s400/IMG_1610.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but if you are,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and you feel like coloring,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
here's a face</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that you can complete </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and color.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just right click,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hit save,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's yours,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you relax and enjoy your </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunday.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-81363973861476616972016-11-05T05:00:00.000-05:002016-11-05T05:00:23.907-05:00A Blog Can be A Reminder that A Group Did Something Amazing for You!<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b_0cHTHzvW0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the group that brought Pixie into my life, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and for that,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am forever grateful!!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please help if you can.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They need your help to take care of the hounds!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-85755678255897214622016-11-04T05:00:00.000-05:002016-11-04T05:00:15.373-05:00A Blog Post Can Be: Three Beautiful Things This Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaya7VQgpRmSIQAAfH223xwDbZSA1IDCrm5Zp4pOCVeJae2uQnZtriT-hkqov2jf-SqMOFfRkIPYQ20DNRhi5YssN5fvSxqP8EBB0nfvGCWwNNjHkN5W5qEc5mf-J7_5SB9Aosgmi05xY/s1600/minneopa+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaya7VQgpRmSIQAAfH223xwDbZSA1IDCrm5Zp4pOCVeJae2uQnZtriT-hkqov2jf-SqMOFfRkIPYQ20DNRhi5YssN5fvSxqP8EBB0nfvGCWwNNjHkN5W5qEc5mf-J7_5SB9Aosgmi05xY/s400/minneopa+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Clare writes called <a href="http://threebeautifulthings.blogspot.com/">Three Beautiful Things. </a>Everyday,
Clare writes about 3 Beautiful
Things that
happen each day
in her life. It's a wonderful
blog! I can
only hope to
imitate her in a very small
way.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
1) Jenny and I drove out to The Falls today. It's a state park about </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
20 minutes from here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a great time!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2) I am amazed at the weather this November. Our highs are still in the 50's - 60's - 70's!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, a few days that warm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe I won't close up the woman cave yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3) The election is almost over!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-10907469945405935062016-11-02T09:19:00.001-05:002016-11-02T09:19:28.053-05:00A Blog Post Can Be Worth Repeating: Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOAAzngawA8iDnNawU9slZRkhJwI1vbQ10Pyb2rnf9ry3va0RdOYBlyfxvQvFRTNdSeJQHbUb_HfcBPd0W4KGJJ4MHzgmxBF5sHpJjnDjXK1wFj1j957d4gJMCd3oBJNecOuVi6gmaDE/s1600/Roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOAAzngawA8iDnNawU9slZRkhJwI1vbQ10Pyb2rnf9ry3va0RdOYBlyfxvQvFRTNdSeJQHbUb_HfcBPd0W4KGJJ4MHzgmxBF5sHpJjnDjXK1wFj1j957d4gJMCd3oBJNecOuVi6gmaDE/s640/Roses.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I stopped when I opened the small, corked jar,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for one, brief second,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I stopped breathing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More memories,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
certainly </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unexpected.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who would have thought that someone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at one time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
placed these roses in that jar.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fragrance was still there,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not strong, just a whisp of scent to remind me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that Mother's Day,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that anniversary,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that birthday,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not sure when, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but the memories flooded back.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm just not sure which one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Surprise!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Memories in a jar.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-90428663175881641812016-11-02T05:00:00.000-05:002016-11-02T17:08:32.282-05:00A Blog Post Can Be and Idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfsiUAgIvMIwwqPFKLzXTXhMnkYyZsSUw6xdBsOgdUTAZ4JNj2yIYVEpgGUW7QecirL2mxChm2Ml-mywxpab2O9-DxtcbEFCeITCIBGOSjZgPpP46qmgqp57yCjpcO-85u5m5GMKX090/s1600/IMG_1577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfsiUAgIvMIwwqPFKLzXTXhMnkYyZsSUw6xdBsOgdUTAZ4JNj2yIYVEpgGUW7QecirL2mxChm2Ml-mywxpab2O9-DxtcbEFCeITCIBGOSjZgPpP46qmgqp57yCjpcO-85u5m5GMKX090/s400/IMG_1577.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I read a short article the other day, and I don't remember where, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but the article suggested </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that a person would remember their </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To-Do List</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by d</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
drawing the list</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rather than writing it out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought I'd give it a try.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was part of my to do list</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the other day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to admit I remembered it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
without looking.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the items is completed. I haven't forgotten, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just haven't had the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you figure out what I have left to do? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's #1.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Close up the Woman Cave.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever tried something like this?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How do you remember things more easily?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-64867836081640660652016-11-01T05:00:00.000-05:002016-11-01T05:00:21.356-05:00A Blog Post Can be a Letter: Dear November,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAcbTTN3s16DTxnR5AGyL63zz_CgUyPnjfrl6PfT2bkXfTfq3nIAmL3x3EVyA41n3jATWOrSecF9AWIen5-Xq3OD0-9V4PoNFcbbOPemls4_GhxHLHclrWRAPz-caHoKvpHGDnnrYq-U/s1600/+November+calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAcbTTN3s16DTxnR5AGyL63zz_CgUyPnjfrl6PfT2bkXfTfq3nIAmL3x3EVyA41n3jATWOrSecF9AWIen5-Xq3OD0-9V4PoNFcbbOPemls4_GhxHLHclrWRAPz-caHoKvpHGDnnrYq-U/s400/+November+calendar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear November,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The months have flown by this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Somehow, I missed the advent of fall, and next month, winter will officially be here. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is cloudy and cold.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's typical weather for you, November.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life has changed so much, again, but there are some steadying influences this month.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last year, on Thanksgiving,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought I was going to loose Pixie.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I never dreamed she'd still be with us this November.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For that, I am grateful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pixie turned 12 this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know how much longer I have with her, but she has been a great gift from God to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As far as Thanksgiving goes, I'm not sure that I'll be able to get together with our "extended family."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Knee surgery is the week before Thanksgiving. Well the kids can go and bring me some food back.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's ok.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pixie, kitties and I can celebrate until everyone comes back.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We'll see our first snowfall this month. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brrrrrrrrrrrr.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To me the first snowfall is the most beautiful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After that, I'd rather see rain, not freezing rain, just rain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, November, there's really not much more to say.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not fond of your weather, so, other than that, I hope you don't fly by.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas comes way too soon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm hungry for turkey and dressing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nummy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, I have to clean my house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's time for me to go.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Good-bye.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mallory </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-34381997963726719962016-10-31T05:00:00.000-05:002016-10-31T05:00:18.748-05:00A Blog Post Can be What I Need the Most Anymore: A Nap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasstXhv_raIg9ldQLk1GRv-pD5HNvmE9Y5bgE42540LOpdxcGwzVeYHotQZzQNjU3-G_LifTnvZrrKpaqrARJMOWC_q0XdyQrLeLLKV7TsGLXpwRj8B8XGS47uOtsTkt2uofc642yyvI/s1600/fred+nap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasstXhv_raIg9ldQLk1GRv-pD5HNvmE9Y5bgE42540LOpdxcGwzVeYHotQZzQNjU3-G_LifTnvZrrKpaqrARJMOWC_q0XdyQrLeLLKV7TsGLXpwRj8B8XGS47uOtsTkt2uofc642yyvI/s400/fred+nap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A year ago, naps were infrequent for me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but now,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need a nap every morning, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if I don't get one,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I get cranky and very tired.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fred likes to sleep in his paper nest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like to sleep on the couch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's almost time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to take a nap now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-89376561558784270052016-10-30T10:51:00.000-05:002016-10-30T10:51:01.573-05:00A Blog Post Can Be a Declarative Statement: I was Chosen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfmrPBGktsCTz1jXLqeJaSHHUTsZDu5kf9S8w4bGtY5NEa1VmBQhzzoimlcZazXRdc74rDZHhtJW-4V4JdTTTF4mvWGsBTBwgIZKRCGnRL59Wo961bcW7feiI4Knj9i_-ZjZawwLIeSs/s1600/fred+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfmrPBGktsCTz1jXLqeJaSHHUTsZDu5kf9S8w4bGtY5NEa1VmBQhzzoimlcZazXRdc74rDZHhtJW-4V4JdTTTF4mvWGsBTBwgIZKRCGnRL59Wo961bcW7feiI4Knj9i_-ZjZawwLIeSs/s400/fred+photo.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's what my daughter tells me:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was chosen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When the kids were small,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I rarely had any peace and quiet </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in.the.bathroom,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unless they were watching TV,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
playing with friends, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eating a snack,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you get the picture.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, they got older, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at last,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had time to myself in the bathroom!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that Marvin and Fred have moved in with us,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been chosen,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fred has decided that my bathroom time, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or as I now tell him,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my litter box time,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is our </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
QUALITY TIME.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have no choice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A closed door does not stop him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pixie cannot stop him,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
although she has tried,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but Fred gives her that look,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the one in the photo,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pixie retreats to her bed to play dead.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fred has chosen me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in this time,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in this place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is our quality time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am blessed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been chosen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Things could be worse.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's ok.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm used to it now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been chosen. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-70040858285677318672016-10-29T09:46:00.001-05:002016-10-29T09:46:27.723-05:00A Blog Post Can Be a Thought...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavSFddLCJKM7IPHnMyXOnT4HKf9LfBnJhKb8iTsD7zZYQ1RkejPB25qoqo6nFRoj_n7E6-FmzcaPoI-66N5g9ADU_r4xFnq0smd4fC2KkYW2yBdOhUpjy9phv5OlgdH9rgfOSKCeH4bo/s1600/weird+gals+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavSFddLCJKM7IPHnMyXOnT4HKf9LfBnJhKb8iTsD7zZYQ1RkejPB25qoqo6nFRoj_n7E6-FmzcaPoI-66N5g9ADU_r4xFnq0smd4fC2KkYW2yBdOhUpjy9phv5OlgdH9rgfOSKCeH4bo/s640/weird+gals+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because someone is different does not mean they are bad, it only means they are different.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Gals:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maya, Bayaline, Jazzmun</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-12206386499200337962016-10-28T05:00:00.000-05:002016-10-28T05:00:09.330-05:00A Blog Can Be Thankful: Three Beautiful Things This Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lvMmtHtNXjsz9tRGWSih0Vd_vzN6Kg9DNbnU0MsC_WGhEBj1pqKKmWahqmFdLTQHx9yA485qoHAdWcJLSFh5Ha07BWlvcuiIfUhUnKfcWOo25mAquFiTaNgm1XKmWRNv90oHlka2R9s/s1600/Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lvMmtHtNXjsz9tRGWSih0Vd_vzN6Kg9DNbnU0MsC_WGhEBj1pqKKmWahqmFdLTQHx9yA485qoHAdWcJLSFh5Ha07BWlvcuiIfUhUnKfcWOo25mAquFiTaNgm1XKmWRNv90oHlka2R9s/s400/Door.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Three Beautiful Things This Week was inspired by a wonderful blog that Clare writes called <a href="http://threebeautifulthings.blogspot.com/">Three Beautiful Things. </a>Everyday,
Clare writes about 3 Beautiful
Things that
happen each day
in her life. It's a wonderful
blog! I can
only hope to
imitate her in a very small
way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1) It looks like Fred is starting to tolerate, not like, Pixie. Fred is now willing to walk past Pixie without</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hissing at her. Pixie stays in place and doesn't run and hide.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2) Hit the thrift store today, and I found a wonderful sweater/poncho for the fall. It's in perfect shape!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3) Found the perfect yarn on sale for my lighted rug. Check Pinterest for this idea.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a good week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-22158415491171597402016-10-27T05:00:00.000-05:002016-10-27T05:00:15.468-05:00A Blog Post Can Be Something You Show: Mushroom Heads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV_cZuZb_qigoooNjsCkvecP1z8RZBFJT2bORbPpZjDSaVJ3C9Rex9x4QpIB_SH2E3IGz2EYSPsnAGibWCVEYpqB63LE5tli8OZ4CMk9cNJDAjU-x7NYZk7fUXi1lkl0AR_PzhKk5Jh4/s1600/IMG_8379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV_cZuZb_qigoooNjsCkvecP1z8RZBFJT2bORbPpZjDSaVJ3C9Rex9x4QpIB_SH2E3IGz2EYSPsnAGibWCVEYpqB63LE5tli8OZ4CMk9cNJDAjU-x7NYZk7fUXi1lkl0AR_PzhKk5Jh4/s400/IMG_8379.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I firmly believe that I am being drawn to a different type of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"art"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rather than the bead and component aspect of polymer clay.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Things have happened,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I won't go into details,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that have encouraged me to look at sculptural art</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as a means of expression.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I prefer </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sculpture.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, let me introduce you to the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mushroom Heads.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are pieces, formerly </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
jewelry components,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that are now attached to make them</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mushroom Heads.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I cleaned out my other beads,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found some I had saved, rather than thrown away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Suddenly, I knew.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mushroom Heads in a bed of roses.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLR7Zxwa9B-ir3QgjG3obkfNObjyhr0caCCvi3jygfoGC0k6pX6chJeMk1HQYMmhQjSSSGIJpV_cg6uV29hZjZtzgAD1hXxGCOjkYIeQsZOqX6aSumnCZUmyOqIXh0rHnqcP-nsYZGH4/s1600/IMG_8380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLR7Zxwa9B-ir3QgjG3obkfNObjyhr0caCCvi3jygfoGC0k6pX6chJeMk1HQYMmhQjSSSGIJpV_cg6uV29hZjZtzgAD1hXxGCOjkYIeQsZOqX6aSumnCZUmyOqIXh0rHnqcP-nsYZGH4/s400/IMG_8380.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, I have to figure out a base for them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm sure something will turn up for the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mushroom Heads.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Any suggestions?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975088353842449737.post-65082405761067630812016-10-26T09:08:00.002-05:002016-10-26T09:08:53.061-05:00Sometimes a Blog is Worth Repeating: It's December 27, 2007<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFfsOQS9GlUk0Ijr3vnhvUNRfQOnN91iJO6uGIkMx9UuHzh7D_O5V1S3aaVByas6hNCJXlAbUxKJ1BRUJ606YOZ7h_uzYQBs7cdnffg62D7vp9MLWAE18Hy9AJ9rdHGqhpi375MTcDqk/s1600/Xmas+snow+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFfsOQS9GlUk0Ijr3vnhvUNRfQOnN91iJO6uGIkMx9UuHzh7D_O5V1S3aaVByas6hNCJXlAbUxKJ1BRUJ606YOZ7h_uzYQBs7cdnffg62D7vp9MLWAE18Hy9AJ9rdHGqhpi375MTcDqk/s400/Xmas+snow+1.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do I look forward or back?<br />Do I dream of the future<br />or<br />Remember the past?<br />The<br />New Year,<br />2010,<br />will bring changes,<br />as did<br />2009.<br />So, what do I do<br />for the rest of the year,<br />Do I look forward<br />or<br />do I search my mind<br />for the past?<br />What should I do?
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0