tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81626063466706958322024-02-20T04:33:33.961-05:00FIVE ALARM FIRESometimes you just need to get it out in the open!Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-22601256642999220252014-11-19T02:11:00.002-05:002014-11-19T02:12:07.479-05:00What am I doing up at this hour?For whatever reason sleep is eluding me! There are probably many reasons - BIG issues at work, BIG family health concerns, Smaller holiday concerns and my constant companion - time concerns! Do I sound like a broken record??<br />
I just commented on another blog about how sometimes God subtly tries to get us to heed His message and when we refuse to listen, He does something to get our attention. Why do we let it go that far? <br />
Why haven't I spoken up at work sooner? Why haven't I been more involved in the health concerns throughout my family? Will I ever get my time isses under control?<br />
What is He trying to tell me?<br />
Any ideas?Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-16058759525014682922014-10-12T17:22:00.000-04:002014-10-12T17:22:24.814-04:00Fall is here!I'm sure I'm not telling you something you don't already know if you live in the northern part of the United States. This morning we had our first frost. I had to scrape my windshield before I went to church. On the way home from church I was in awe of the beautiful colors that were spread across the land ahead of me. I stopped periodically and took several photos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnf__ru82NiAa0KqxIe38dDdCylLiL7WiTjpXQg76F7vaWwHExyMQEumEVYkZL0VEms3Cb4ImAw5st-nik8JrlDMWn0ORTKEDcByLHUw-Cxq7TRGVIaQWIEUzynPSLwii_M-CUOsVLm_MD/s1600/038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnf__ru82NiAa0KqxIe38dDdCylLiL7WiTjpXQg76F7vaWwHExyMQEumEVYkZL0VEms3Cb4ImAw5st-nik8JrlDMWn0ORTKEDcByLHUw-Cxq7TRGVIaQWIEUzynPSLwii_M-CUOsVLm_MD/s1600/038.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQCgFbY0CklYnjjlLUiy9jWCQWa_AVfoutL1X6-Jci3KOSQDb070m81JV1Bchig4HwaauF5oSorQhzfum8o7Qek8U5ngNygfFpp8SrESQxaeU-D72OsQeiTHM76lpn-HMQvQOc6fg5hWm/s1600/040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQCgFbY0CklYnjjlLUiy9jWCQWa_AVfoutL1X6-Jci3KOSQDb070m81JV1Bchig4HwaauF5oSorQhzfum8o7Qek8U5ngNygfFpp8SrESQxaeU-D72OsQeiTHM76lpn-HMQvQOc6fg5hWm/s1600/040.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The frost was receding as the roof was warmed by the sun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBI6Eu208L6RkOsqFURhCnby_lcuNhDRsiwUT4v8156fDXO1AzD85QrwrDbNsKf0TOHwkuc3iGTyG2D24JJeEJ2ov5qDvCfa_5cE0t9Cf19VOLphSllT1QvfMk5WHi3jwwzOQ4sw-LUe__/s1600/041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBI6Eu208L6RkOsqFURhCnby_lcuNhDRsiwUT4v8156fDXO1AzD85QrwrDbNsKf0TOHwkuc3iGTyG2D24JJeEJ2ov5qDvCfa_5cE0t9Cf19VOLphSllT1QvfMk5WHi3jwwzOQ4sw-LUe__/s1600/041.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqAguFxnwGr7hC2Th_d_wcwntMO2vloOdAb1JFBOInuKw8mjbgNd4rc6hqSHl_kAismm8uVA6KwHHEMBhqX76OmbJ1_qLrUIOp38qNQkn9FiYmyUUCYsEY-THlBUEU34VodLB52p4Mg7D/s1600/046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqAguFxnwGr7hC2Th_d_wcwntMO2vloOdAb1JFBOInuKw8mjbgNd4rc6hqSHl_kAismm8uVA6KwHHEMBhqX76OmbJ1_qLrUIOp38qNQkn9FiYmyUUCYsEY-THlBUEU34VodLB52p4Mg7D/s1600/046.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister is a quilter. I want her to help me put together some fabric that matches these colors. I love this palette.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrDALLRo9GFtdg7f9I7DA6V5fWMkBhqDOskEmmEQZmjBwE2SVwHqisPKXL_nz0YrEdpLbmA1M-Rvk1EJSG5Fk_QWT24OKLaUEPJyZkEd5sdSrOtqkH7jU4sOn-85rE21pOONV-UAR36RB/s1600/037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrDALLRo9GFtdg7f9I7DA6V5fWMkBhqDOskEmmEQZmjBwE2SVwHqisPKXL_nz0YrEdpLbmA1M-Rvk1EJSG5Fk_QWT24OKLaUEPJyZkEd5sdSrOtqkH7jU4sOn-85rE21pOONV-UAR36RB/s1600/037.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-27981056008673637192014-04-24T23:33:00.001-04:002014-04-24T23:33:37.454-04:00It's mostly fun ....I love to help. I love to say yes. I love to be involved. I love to think I'm appreciated. On the other hand, I need to say no. I need to love no. I need to stay home; where I am appreciated!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is no easy answer. Prioritize is a great word but not an easy action. Can't wait for the current project to be done but already thinking about what's next. No wonder 24 hours isn't enough.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I vow to not say yes for 30 days. Can I do it ....yyyy........ooops.........no! Well, maybe. Not likely. Let's start small. I will not commit to another project for the next hour.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That made me smile. No one is home but Vivianne and I, perhaps I can do it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-35146577664047116092014-04-14T10:24:00.000-04:002014-04-14T10:24:23.126-04:00Spring Yarn SwapI love swaps, especially the swaps set up by Emily at <a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/blog/" rel="nofollow">Yarn Miracle</a>! Received my swap box all the way from Montana on Saturday, 4/12, while I was away having fun with my sisters. My dear husband hinted I had a package. Finally sat down last night about 10 pm and opened it...WOW!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOQvcTbE7WZXfjt_OIat7bzJghzKwjNqwkOnx1_rO2MGY9JQnZsN5YFMv4FIMnSzYFzjln2WJ8ZDbUZHd5PksW0xahUKb40Mh_SBURfTbewnV6TaSvMjAvWVKzEMRR5aYKJtFcFrj_rX_/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOQvcTbE7WZXfjt_OIat7bzJghzKwjNqwkOnx1_rO2MGY9JQnZsN5YFMv4FIMnSzYFzjln2WJ8ZDbUZHd5PksW0xahUKb40Mh_SBURfTbewnV6TaSvMjAvWVKzEMRR5aYKJtFcFrj_rX_/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Great pattern and purple (do I have to repeat, my fave) yarn and Becky thoughtfully included a cute little wind chime, highlighted with a purple dragonfly. She also sent a grow strawberry, a needle case with 2 needles, Wrapture no rinse delicate wash w/jasmine oil (it smells great!), and some caramels and tea that are local from her area in Montana! The postcard contains a nice message from Becky and I'm going to steal that idea for my next swap :) The only thing you don't see is a mini lint roller which is already in my purse. Becky and I both have cats and understand the value of lint rollers :) All this carefully enclosed in pretty turquoise polka dot tissue paper. Thanks Becky and Emily!!Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-69615109833485523442014-04-14T08:56:00.001-04:002014-04-14T09:07:16.690-04:00Sisters WeekendLast night (4/12) was sister night for April. My two sisters and I spent the morning and early afternoon at a local quilt show, then headed to the casino for an overnight adventure. We aren't dedicated gamblers though we have spent a 20 or 2 on a occasion but not this time. We agreed to take our 'fat clothes'(translate elastic waist pants and baggy T) and a portable project, for our afternoon entertainment. Jan brought cross stitch, Melia brought sewing and I knit. We spent the time prior to dinner solving world affairs, both public and private. Then gussied up a bit, enjoyed a wonderful buffet dinner then off to the entertainment for the evening, <a href="http://kevincostnermodernwest.com/" rel="nofollow">Kevin Costner and Modern West</a> . Candidly, we were more interested in seeing Kevin Costner than we were listening to his music, but guess what, he/they put on a great show!! We really enjoyed it and the evening was a lot of fun.<br />
Went to the all night cafe for dessert and a beverage and met some nice folks standing in the line. Because we're members, we were seated before them; "Hey that's not fair" they joked. We noticed where they were seated later and decide to buy them dessert too. We stopped at their table as we were leaving and spent a few more minutes chatting. Turns out they were celebrating a 75th birthday and a coming 50th anniversary :) It was one of those special moments of genuine human connection. We parted with hugs and smiles and walked away feeling all was right with the world. <br />
Back to our room, fat clothes, projects and talk for several more hours. Bleary eyed at 7:30 AM Sunday morning, we got up, ordered in room breakfast, which is a luxury that has become a special treat that we all enjoy and talked some more. Beautiful day for the trip home and life returns to 'normal'. But normal feels better today, I'm closer to my sisters, we each have thoughts to contemplate and it felt good to pay it forward.<br />
For your viewing pleasure --<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-fXVf4U3BTPbYx_GM21r6mWwidWmxLwHXSO4S7IAzPfEni0J78dYwsheACRMtGw6apOcDxrKxsjWMeihHxjcoEEKNc1BM684lSoalKaQdmwHg94oN_Dk1JFXSxAHtBhrdlph_EkE9dsk/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-fXVf4U3BTPbYx_GM21r6mWwidWmxLwHXSO4S7IAzPfEni0J78dYwsheACRMtGw6apOcDxrKxsjWMeihHxjcoEEKNc1BM684lSoalKaQdmwHg94oN_Dk1JFXSxAHtBhrdlph_EkE9dsk/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our room! The 10th floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAoR0puYiLNA9VMZPvhbdXFNRGZwG9glVjAYlE30GLpj_hH_-vQ6RkOlc78g6cTImyF13sURX7H5u8eObuKOhtY79-SZm2nmTQQU4cARwKbOlVa2XnaKKfnTuZo-5dn75qJDGFhACy0tj/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAoR0puYiLNA9VMZPvhbdXFNRGZwG9glVjAYlE30GLpj_hH_-vQ6RkOlc78g6cTImyF13sURX7H5u8eObuKOhtY79-SZm2nmTQQU4cARwKbOlVa2XnaKKfnTuZo-5dn75qJDGFhACy0tj/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beds were very comfortable but the pillows not so much.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitORkxef-PYiOR3aoV-1ngvYvCZmeKIL1vKcy-BLU8jxJPSuU8Mj8j5SrRlHwS3BzhSWCAR4ScnwCs6f-JAeLEyDxnRLNh-9dHur3cnXHs2kd2i5QGT0am-IaC54H3fZI8tXN2ZxqpJlfj/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitORkxef-PYiOR3aoV-1ngvYvCZmeKIL1vKcy-BLU8jxJPSuU8Mj8j5SrRlHwS3BzhSWCAR4ScnwCs6f-JAeLEyDxnRLNh-9dHur3cnXHs2kd2i5QGT0am-IaC54H3fZI8tXN2ZxqpJlfj/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were in the next to the last row in our section :( He provided some of the audience members a real thrill. He came to the stage from the back of the facility, walking down the aisle between two sections. Some of those lucky souls were an arms length away from Kevin Costner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-20903885588315266312014-04-05T15:53:00.001-04:002014-04-05T15:53:04.582-04:00Pictures speak to meI was reading an article about <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/04/ap-photographer-anja-niedringhaus-killed-kathy-gannon-shot_n_5089336.html" rel="nofollow">Anja Niedringhaus</a> yesterday, the photographer that was killed in Afghanistan this week. I am a visual person, I need to see it. I'm not good at imagining how things are going to look, what will fit where or how big is that space. I believe this to be the reason why my walls are bare, but that's another story! The comments I read about what a wonderful person she was, both professionally and personally, made me wonder why she chose to do that type of work, in that part of the world.<div>
I stopped and scanned through some of the pictures in my files and I discovered that nearly all of my photos were taken during happy times. Occasionally there were stressful times, like our recent water well issues or building our home or a landscaping project that was not cooperating. But all these things turned out OK in the end, which is why I took photos! Tears welled up in my eyes seeing pictures of Parker. I am sad because he is gone but, at the time of the photo I was smiling. Tears came again seeing photos of Marty and his Mom, who has been gone 3 years, but, at that moment it was a fun family time. </div>
<div>
The thought of purposely taking photographs of war, it's aftermath and the horrible pain humans cause each other is so far beyond my comfort zone, I can't imagine doing it. If I try to think about it with perspective, rationalize it, I can, see the need but I guess what stumps me the most, how she found the strength to detach.........or did she? Just looking at old photos of our beloved Parker, caused me the loss of emotional control for a time this morning. HOW did Anja maintain her composure under such difficult circumstances?</div>
<div>
Photographs speak to my eyes, my mind, my heart in ways I cannot express in words. If I'm thinking of a familiar photograph, say my wedding photos, I don't have to physically see the photographs to know what's in them. In this instance, I can conjure the picture, the location, the colors, the people, even as tears well in my eyes or as a smile spreads across my face. I can look at a photo album filled with people I don't know and enjoy every picture on every page. What I said earlier about being a visual person, probably a more accurate statement is, I am an emotional person. When I'm remembering that familiar picture, what I'm really remembering is the emotion attached to the subject, not the simple color photograph. This must be the gift of a great photographer like Anja, she can see beyond the lens, beyond the point and shoot of my little camera, to capture the emotion of the moment, to save it for another day.</div>
<div>
Prayers for her family and friends during this difficult time. Many thanks to Anja and her cohorts for being brave enough to capture other worlds through the lens of their cameras to document that moment in time. </div>
Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-9560164666834005212014-04-04T09:44:00.000-04:002014-04-04T09:44:21.906-04:00Pleasant reminderMy friend Kathy has a way with words, her style of writing paints a beautiful picture, no matter the subject. She recently wrote about <a href="http://www.coffeewithkathy.blogspot.com/2014/04/listening-is-love_4.html" rel="nofollow">listening</a> and reminded me that my ears are not the only component involved with being a good listener. I was reminded to listen with my eyes. My intent is never to marginalize the person who is speaking but I fear that I do so, without thinking. And honestly, in the scramble of daily life, I may do many more things than I realize, without thinking.<br />
I appreciated the pleasant reminder and I will start this day, ready to really listen.Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-44659908730791698332014-03-25T23:28:00.001-04:002014-03-25T23:28:35.573-04:00Shock and SadnessYou never know when you're going to get that 3 AM call that changes your life or the life of someone you love or both. You hear the phone ringing, you look at the clock, you grab the phone and say Hello. The caller, if not an officer, is usually crying or on the verge of it. You may not be able to understand a word that's being said but you are suddenly awake and alert. Once the information is repeated in a calmer more settled voice, you process, react and act. You throw on whatever you can find laying next to the bed, talk with your husband who is barely awake but knows something is wrong and then off you go. The drive is long whether it be 1 mile or 50 miles and it's lonely. So much is running through your mind. How could this have happened? Why did it happen? What are you going to do? How can you make it better? Can you make it better?<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You reach your destination, not really knowing what route you took to get there. You walk through the doors, ask questions, find your loved ones and gather them into your arms. Tears flow, calls are being made, questions are being asked, people you don't even know are telling you "I'm sorry for your loss". How many times do you return to the room to say goodbye? How can you leave him there? Why isn't he coming home with us? What are we going to do without him? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As you open that familiar door and step inside, everything suddenly feels different. Things are where you left them but one of the important parts is missing. He will never sit in his chair again. You will never hear him say, "Sit down, have a beer." or "Don't stay away so long next time." There isn't going to be a next time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So many decisions to make. So many calls to make. So many things to arrange. So many, so many, so many. The phone starts to ring and doesn't seem to quit. What happened? Can she talk? How is she doing? What are the arrangements? What can we do? Tell her I called. The story is repeated at least a thousand times and unfortunately it always ends the same way; he didn't make it, he's not coming home.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am going to miss my brother-in-law; I've loved him for over 42 years. I sure did get mad at him sometimes but I guess that's part of being family. We are here for each other, my sister and I, her children and their families and our extended families; support, that's part of being a family too. We are suffering through a horrible loss. I have faith and I know we will recover but right now it hurts a lot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You never know when you're going to get that 3 AM call that changes your life or the life of someone you love or both. Are you ready; when was the last time you talked or said I'm sorry, or said I love you?</div>
Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-3048485037434892582014-01-21T20:18:00.001-05:002014-04-05T16:46:44.272-04:00Yarn Miracle's The Swap of DiscontentJust over one year since I posted last-- WOW -- I wonder where the time went. I hope I enjoyed at least some of it!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Participated in a fun knitters swap with the <a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/blog/">Yarn Miracle</a> gang and I received my box of goodies today.</div>
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSGm5u9GRvsr9Shn2c_7CddvPIcRC2Q5UE7yLnvH_owAn7LLQL-ciziWyxiuFWR8dZmaoGVXUYhAjMu9NRKaP2BDO3rgNdcHpgcDlVP3s-IstCZYMH5jYos48zopVxMjnXvg4ee01J8wU/s1600/IMG_0737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSGm5u9GRvsr9Shn2c_7CddvPIcRC2Q5UE7yLnvH_owAn7LLQL-ciziWyxiuFWR8dZmaoGVXUYhAjMu9NRKaP2BDO3rgNdcHpgcDlVP3s-IstCZYMH5jYos48zopVxMjnXvg4ee01J8wU/s1600/IMG_0737.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pleasant surprise after a long day working on quarterly tax returns. I'm excited, wouldn't you be !?! <br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-IUaLFyqzO8U1tzMcno1TPBA4W4TbeuLEWeC9l0rJnXdiCOLFaZ07VeFKhY2d2nGOytcSvCHYQlOtA9bnGLwMt1WjpUZb9FfX0YIyNOkfRtqdzgJvgsJcK75tw1UNfsxLN3Dev14v40P/s1600/IMG_0738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-IUaLFyqzO8U1tzMcno1TPBA4W4TbeuLEWeC9l0rJnXdiCOLFaZ07VeFKhY2d2nGOytcSvCHYQlOtA9bnGLwMt1WjpUZb9FfX0YIyNOkfRtqdzgJvgsJcK75tw1UNfsxLN3Dev14v40P/s1600/IMG_0738.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I commented over at Yarn Miracle that my swap partner must have been lurking in the corners at my home; if she wasn't how did she know exactly what to send me?? Quick rundown -- a variety of tea and cocoa, cider and cappuccino packets, skinny cow chocolate snacks, Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup recipe, knit bookmark, Chicken Run movie, pattern for a cowl - Quilted by <a href="http://kiwiyarns.wordpress.com/">Kiwiyarn Knits</a> and <a href="http://www.sunrisefiberco.com/">Sunrise Fiber Co.</a> Cloud DK in Amethyst and a lovely stitch marker.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I'm not a coffee drinker. I drink hot cocoa but tea is my warm drink of choice. Purple is my FAVORITE color. I love to read and said to someone just last week--"You can never have too many bookmarks." I went to see Chicken Run at least twice at the theater; I laughed more each time, loved it. I have three crock pots and use one at least once a week, especially this time of year. I've been trying to get in better shape, treadmill walking only, at this time--skinny cow is certainly appropriate :) The pattern reads nice, I may start this weekend as we are planning a trip to Pittsburgh. The yarn is 40% baby alpaca, 40% wool and 20% silk and did I mention I love purple!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The excitement of the evening has me totally worn out, I need a cup of tea and the book beside my chair.</div>
<div>
Thanks swap partner, I'm totally overwhelmed <3</div>
Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-78577940712538392972013-01-12T10:40:00.001-05:002013-01-12T10:40:43.762-05:00Company Christmas Party DELAYEDFinally came to post something in the New Year and saw my last post....didn't. So now it did :)<br />
<br />
Just got home from and really enjoyed this year's party. Seemed so much more fun than past years. Sitting here wondering why? Several reasons I think.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>I finished the tasks assigned to me sooner than 5 minutes before I had to be there.</li>
<li>I actually talked to the people at my table. Not that I haven't talked at past parties but it's usually just idle chit chat. Tonight we all talked, laughed and shared opinions. Laughed with each other about the dumb things we watch on TV.</li>
<li>Welcomed new employees and their spouses. Spent time talking and getting to know them, especially the female side. I am the only female employee, the other 26 are men. I'm happily married and try to show that right up front. </li>
</ol>
It was a really nice party, I ended up with a present I liked and I think I'll go again next year :)Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-60066921429696396102012-12-05T01:01:00.000-05:002012-12-05T01:01:43.155-05:00Decorating Agreement<br />
<div style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We moved into a new home almost 12 years ago (WOW) after living in a single wide trailer for over 15 years. Nearly every wall in the trailer was covered with testaments to the hunting prowess of my beloved husband Marty. I grew up with hunters, so this decorating theme seemed normal but I did pine for at least a corner to call my own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had big plans for the new house! We agreed that Marty could do whatever he wanted on the walls in the basement and I could do whatever I wanted on the walls upstairs. This agreement has worked very well. One small problem, Marty's walls are covered with many interesting things</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOrqG-5DwZR5C4oO69pYPF6inX7YUw-bsfhS2eArMieEITT6BsTyZnZCmy1YhNrXIh1a1gTWksupgJs2Pwyy1lIQrMDzWRUuVhyphenhyphenCXtgtWRIRvuUB4YygZhOMdpqLTXds1Su3XagzvUti9/s1600/20121201-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOrqG-5DwZR5C4oO69pYPF6inX7YUw-bsfhS2eArMieEITT6BsTyZnZCmy1YhNrXIh1a1gTWksupgJs2Pwyy1lIQrMDzWRUuVhyphenhyphenCXtgtWRIRvuUB4YygZhOMdpqLTXds1Su3XagzvUti9/s320/20121201-3.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QpRCPaRgwfn0gAcxchUWdQ91jfqlirI_MiwVXwrTi6Ji_VCEx-wQXUB52gL1ffB_FrcKsYOsUTnkD8JA32n898XfoEyRAnKVj_ThoxMe7w4Nwc5wXfxl1S5xSSPB2j-LN2b-I4YJfbSL/s1600/20121201-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QpRCPaRgwfn0gAcxchUWdQ91jfqlirI_MiwVXwrTi6Ji_VCEx-wQXUB52gL1ffB_FrcKsYOsUTnkD8JA32n898XfoEyRAnKVj_ThoxMe7w4Nwc5wXfxl1S5xSSPB2j-LN2b-I4YJfbSL/s320/20121201-4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> and my walls are basically bare!! Turns out a corner is about all I can handle :)</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIViBjQmXckVwsno1CO0tzPujQIS-Df1Pduu0jAaYh79gOtSyNIzUTac7PlvDx8JArLOdoFWKWc0YZT9Nh0iSryDV3i7VUb_4_vkT_e9sAeiv4x9179Ww_6dvGMlxlyWECXJqUX87AJTt1/s1600/20121201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIViBjQmXckVwsno1CO0tzPujQIS-Df1Pduu0jAaYh79gOtSyNIzUTac7PlvDx8JArLOdoFWKWc0YZT9Nh0iSryDV3i7VUb_4_vkT_e9sAeiv4x9179Ww_6dvGMlxlyWECXJqUX87AJTt1/s320/20121201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had the walls painted in Fall 2011. Prior to that, there were some pictures on the walls and I was adding things I liked as I found them. I had big plans again, even posted a few pictures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtosgLoIto2lg9sCcrB3v3knkVcOB0x0UBodH6WksE2UIysjZsbPEibUbEIR92CdrbU7miR3CfjSnDBvOJPmfMhDBNfxao89YBlCoobe11IQla4NeTDoJau2Ev7DqhW1s4y62AmZJxUlT/s1600/20121201-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtosgLoIto2lg9sCcrB3v3knkVcOB0x0UBodH6WksE2UIysjZsbPEibUbEIR92CdrbU7miR3CfjSnDBvOJPmfMhDBNfxao89YBlCoobe11IQla4NeTDoJau2Ev7DqhW1s4y62AmZJxUlT/s200/20121201-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqvhowXlICK82K-DOljCJhXxvd0jnSrzRWgs90oyagUkLymwEfrjFfKlg8w_97YP2tRGmxn9gSofVf7YGfna2shOXn5vc56xAyS0iyCa_OjuHvbNJ7NJtZiVJk7K8E1gGx8wX2JifHUr3/s1600/20121201-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqvhowXlICK82K-DOljCJhXxvd0jnSrzRWgs90oyagUkLymwEfrjFfKlg8w_97YP2tRGmxn9gSofVf7YGfna2shOXn5vc56xAyS0iyCa_OjuHvbNJ7NJtZiVJk7K8E1gGx8wX2JifHUr3/s200/20121201-2.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here I am a year later, again trying to decorate. It's a difficult process for me. I don't feel gifted or comfortable in the decorating arena. My sisters have offered suggestions and free labor but it's hard to organize an event when you don't know the expected outcome. However, something has happened, I have a theme!! So, I have some ideas brewing and some plans for the winter months. I am hoping, well, praying actually, that spring with bring a better look to the upstairs! </span></div>
Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-45590452725808859432012-12-01T10:26:00.001-05:002012-12-01T10:26:33.759-05:00Jack Reacher<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just read this quote from Lee Child in the Post Gazette about Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher -- "Cruise, at his core, is a character actor in the most literal sense. He really gets into a role. He understood Jack Reacher. He projected his vibe. But the only real answer to that is, go see the movie. I guarantee you will come out thinking, 'What was I worried about?'" </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you're right Mr. Child!! I really enjoy the Jack Reacher series of books and Tom Cruise is not who I would have picked but I have appreciated his talent in other movies so I'll hope for the best.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Premiere in Pittsburgh 12/15, opens nationwide 12/21. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would love to win a pair of tickets to the premiere...imagine me on the red carpet with Tom Cruise!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know, BIG imagination! More likely me <b>rolling up</b> the red carpet after Tom Cruise walked it :)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I enjoy movies in general, recently saw Skyfall and Flight -- highly recommend both! I have quite a long 'want to see' list right now.--</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lincoln - a different view of a man we all know</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Argo - a time in history I lived</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Silver Linings Playbook -- Bradley Cooper when he's not hungover in Vegas or wherever</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anna Karenina-- like period pieces</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jack Reacher </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life of Pi -- special effects are critically acclaimed. One of the reasons, I loved Avatar.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sessions -- will make me cry and laugh</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taken 2 -- kind of iffy on #2 but like Liam Neeson</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Killing Them Softly -- enjoy Brad Pitt, wish he wasn't always so ornery :) Ray Liotta is a fave too</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any Day Now -- this will make me mad, I'm sure</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playing For Keeps -- I know but I love these kind of funny/sincere movies Love Rules!</span></span>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-7520807875781565182012-11-29T23:37:00.001-05:002012-11-29T23:38:06.564-05:00VivianneIt has been a bit over 3 months since we lost our Parker. There are days when it seems like yesterday but overall we are doing OK. Part of the reason we're surviving is Vivianne; "Cat" as Marty calls her now. She has helped in ways we never expected. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIDZYycyT6m0FQ-HLoi6yqwMPtFwy0uYc6zSFUspC4P40ZdPELDvt0DKuUfyvy8Z3yBIg1uMq3PS3UfXnXDDiotUZF02TNxKORbK96X15DdKXJvkFCbXhp0vDHE7pAfPXekWVuYlYzLeT/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIDZYycyT6m0FQ-HLoi6yqwMPtFwy0uYc6zSFUspC4P40ZdPELDvt0DKuUfyvy8Z3yBIg1uMq3PS3UfXnXDDiotUZF02TNxKORbK96X15DdKXJvkFCbXhp0vDHE7pAfPXekWVuYlYzLeT/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Parker was here first so he ruled. They learned to tolerate each other and I believe had a special bond as Parker began to fail. Vivianne was never far from his side. I think she knew what was coming. We believe she missed him too. It was very obvious that she was looking for him those first couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
Vivianne has blossomed since she became the Queen of her home. She talks to us a lot, she's much more playful and her antics helped us laugh, if only for a moment, during those first dark days. Obviously she has become the center of our world and she knows it. Don't get me wrong, she can still be as ornery and as solitary as she was before Parker's passing but her personality has definitely changed for the better.<br />
<br />
I never thought I'd see Marty 'love' a cat but it's happened and it's been good a good thing for both of them. He plays with her, talks to her, pets her and pesters her. They too have developed a special bond. It's different than the one she and I have. I hold her (just for a minute) and hug her, brush her, talk to her, let her jump up on my desk (like right now) so she can walk around and see what my fingers are doing. She sits on my lap when she wants to and occasionally when I want her there! She's my girl :)<br />
<br />
The three of us have weathered a tragedy and survived. We are starting to come out of the dark. It's been a rough road and I'm thankful I had Marty and Vivianne to travel that road with me. We are still family, it's just a slightly different configuration now. Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-20791166122048416412012-11-27T22:49:00.000-05:002012-11-27T22:49:42.690-05:00It's that seasonTime to get humidifiers ready; cleaned out (just in case you didn't do it before you put it away) filters changed, positioned in the room, filled with water and turned on. I LOVE my wood burning furnace! Not always crazy about throwing in wood when it's 10 below, but in my opinion, no warmer heat can be found. Unfortunately, it also really dries out the air. Every thing I touch shocks me, even the loving lips of my sweet husband Marty! He says he never feels it but I sure do, OUCH! My fat pants stick to my legs, static makes my hair flatter than normal and my already dry skin begins to flake all over everything. I'm sure I help keep Bath & Body works in business. I love the soft lingering fragrance of Warm Vanilla Sugar or Sandalwood Rose or Japanese Cherry Blossom body lotion. Those subtle smells are good aroma therapy for me in the middle of a hectic day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxErLRCNbmJk-PTFwpU14OFU7_J7Piv-T5ldM08PSM5axaipJc8r9zTJzXUs9K1HwUS-abx94OHpGfGK-fmqfTv3-6JHpvRE3ZoqiHf7_I5Jt0k_qHTAtSARasX9rlWfJNbL1ZNk2tB1C/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxErLRCNbmJk-PTFwpU14OFU7_J7Piv-T5ldM08PSM5axaipJc8r9zTJzXUs9K1HwUS-abx94OHpGfGK-fmqfTv3-6JHpvRE3ZoqiHf7_I5Jt0k_qHTAtSARasX9rlWfJNbL1ZNk2tB1C/s320/IMG_0146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I fill this old Wagner cast iron tea kettle and enjoy the nice curl of steam, the slowly simmering water pushes out the spout into the kitchen. When I know I'll have a few minutes to enjoy it, I put a flavored tea bag in the pot. That curl of steam does double duty then, adds a sweet aroma to the air along with the much needed moisture.<br />
Can't over come winter and it's dry air, so I may as well enjoy it, however I can.<br />
<br />Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-92179817360388282842012-11-24T09:57:00.000-05:002012-11-24T09:57:22.269-05:00A Grand Night for SingingMy mom and I are in Pittsburgh for our annual mother - daughter weekend. We're late this year, normally we try to do something when the weather is still nice. SNOWING in Pgh this morning!!<br />
We went to the CLO Cabaret Theater to see <a href="http://pittsburghclo.culturaldistrict.org/production/34902/a-grand-night-for-singing">A Grand Night of Singing</a> -it was a wonderful show. We had a front row table! We went out for a nice dinner before the show. We played a good game of Scrabble before we turned in for the night....my mom kicked my butt :( <br />
During the night I could feel the temperature dropping in our room. Got up several times to elevate the thermostat without any warmer results. Maintenance man just came in to say, "your computer board is fried, no heat for you this morning"---- Wonderful news on this snowy morning :) <br />
Memories from another time....almost like being a kid again. We had very minimal heat upstairs; we'd run downstairs on cold mornings, stand over the big floor register in the kitchen, letting the heat fill our flannel nightgowns as we waited our turn in the bathroom. Catch another blast of heat, run back upstairs, get dressed under the covers and head off to school. It was always a circus on school mornings, 7 girls, 4 boys in our blended family.<br />
Planning to have lunch with my niece who lives here and then head home. If the snow keeps coming down, we might have to share the road with some 'snow crazed' drivers and that could be scary, so we'll head home early!<br />
<br />Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-55913875027717241672012-11-22T08:18:00.000-05:002012-11-22T08:18:27.001-05:00Last night I didRun the vacuum throughout the house<br />
Bake the birthday cake<br />
Arrange and set the table<br />
Remove the Cool Whip from the freezer<br />
Cut up celery and onions for the stuffing<br />
Figure out something to wear<br />
Find some colored plastic glasses that look nice on the table<br />
Leave work before midnight<br />
Cook the turkey giblets<br />
Thank my husband for all his help<br />
Get to sleep longer than I thought I would<br />
Remind myself that I am very blessed<br />
Thank my Lord and Saviour for the gifts He has given to me<br />
<br />Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-64171384758906929202012-11-21T01:48:00.000-05:002012-11-29T23:43:55.776-05:00Why can't IManage my time better<br />
Get more done<br />
Not wait till the last minute to finish something I've known about for months<br />
Lose weight<br />
Stay focused on one task at a time<br />
Figure out how to extend 24 hours<br />
Get up and go to church every Sunday<br />
Win the lottery<br />
Find a purse that I really, really like<br />
Remember what this sticky note means<br />
Find pants, bras, underwear that fit<br />
Get a good nights sleep every night<br />
Eat more healthy things<br />
Resist that Peanut Butter Cookie from Tim Horton's<br />
Remember where I left my "fill in the blank"<br />
Keep in touch with my family & friends<br />
Write on my blog more often<br />
Post to Facebook more often<br />
Be rich instead of dependable<br />
Ride my bike back and forth to work<br />
Make time to read the Bible every day<br />
Write letters instead of emails<br />
Learn to use the word NO effectively<br />
Keep up with my online accounting class<br />
Find the bottom of my sewing/mending basket<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-1624750155504946362012-11-03T20:01:00.003-04:002012-11-21T01:53:25.324-05:00Marty's tabletop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDP72IUVEKwbNJwl-jKJDKMyASVE67fahcgmzJLyXKLtvW_SDZlX5jXahgwb7tDW9gMHDpwhe_JFj_T5ZG4p4x-_5T8jYCb-dbMB_8dyeqlFY0T1LZbUxJOx_7t64AzX_xGSC81B5ou-n/s1600/20121028-01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDP72IUVEKwbNJwl-jKJDKMyASVE67fahcgmzJLyXKLtvW_SDZlX5jXahgwb7tDW9gMHDpwhe_JFj_T5ZG4p4x-_5T8jYCb-dbMB_8dyeqlFY0T1LZbUxJOx_7t64AzX_xGSC81B5ou-n/s320/20121028-01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">My very talented husband finished the table top for his bar in the Steelers room. It looks great! It was a tedious process; it took him about a month overall. Sanding, base coat, placing and attaching decals, first coat (not perfect in his mind) second coat, cleaning up edges and reattaching to base. We haven't cleaned the top yet (sanding dust, etc) he wants to be sure it's very dry and the glaze is set. I can't wait till we can sit there to eat and watch the game.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">He is so meticulous about things, which, overall, is good, but for projects like this, that trait causes him pain and agony. This doesn't look right, that doesn't look right, the corner isn't square, the logo is crooked and on and on. Some of the things he points out are valid but really??? Bottom line, he's not going to take the chainsaw to it because the logo has bubbled! He's going to enjoy the accolades he'll receive on Thanksgiving (always at our house) and be proud of his handiwork. I'm proud of it and him. I'm blessed with a husband who cares about the little things:)</span>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-72218886108663886662012-10-28T16:13:00.002-04:002014-01-21T20:20:38.623-05:00Kip Winger<span class="userContent" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I attended a Kip Winger (solo) show with my brother Russell on Friday night at the Soft Rock Cafe, Centerville, OH, near Dayton. We collectively traveled 670 miles to be there, my brother from IL and myself from PA. It was an acoustic show and we were fortunate to have a table close to the stage. Kip talked and interacted with the crowd all night. The highlight of the evening, my brother (who is jumping up & down, shouting "I'll do it!!") is randomly picked from the crowd to go up on stage and sing with Kip!</span></span><br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg70csbRHD_pF4l91NkniAYnWyOoe5hoNFexel7diWN7-dkp1EqyxSIqdW7qFWKMdWrg6vyc6vmc9vXBpQvs2nnDnNIBhIZn_EJusoHmfD08JXAvaE4ccpROKGtQ4DaXm_VXWWr34MDA53/s1600/Russell+&+Kip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg70csbRHD_pF4l91NkniAYnWyOoe5hoNFexel7diWN7-dkp1EqyxSIqdW7qFWKMdWrg6vyc6vmc9vXBpQvs2nnDnNIBhIZn_EJusoHmfD08JXAvaE4ccpROKGtQ4DaXm_VXWWr34MDA53/s320/Russell+&+Kip.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally a picture for this post!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" style="line-height: 18px;">My brother is a natural entertainer. He told jokes while Kip tuned his guitar and then he and Kip practiced some 'hairband' moves, with the crowd laughing and clapping in appreciation. When they finally got around to singing, they sang Miles Away and my brother rocked it! I</span><span class="userContent" style="line-height: 18px;">t was totally cool watching my brother be a rock star :)</span><span class="userContentSecondary fcg" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Unfortunately, Russell didn't give me any notice of his intentions, I did not have a camera to take even one picture! Very disappointed about that but he (who is social media savvy) is checking to see if any one else who attended Friday night might have photos to share. Keeping my fingers crossed!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">We sure enjoyed the night and we definitely created a great memory.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-14471862298512001972012-10-16T22:09:00.000-04:002012-10-16T22:09:48.602-04:00What a guy!<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">There are days and sometimes weeks when nothing goes right, your truck breaks down not once but twice in one week, you can't find the bill payment check that you just wrote, you gain instead of lose, reverse stops working on your sewing mac</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
hine and your chin has a zit as big as a quarter. You're going to be away from home for several days. When you finally get to your motel room, open your laptop and get ready to work into the wee hours, you find this and the dam breaks, you can't hold back the tears anymore and at the moment you don't want to because you're so thankful for your wonderful husband -- the tears transition from frustration to joy and the world seems right again. At least for a few minutes :) I'm blessed.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDuEwxngrsI9McnnA0K1H31Y947Q6Zfxw3qXR0N7fj-eCa-R1PD8cdE75oiWkr2njeu6ytzrOcvaR4bk1J0UJkoMzu0DfJq4DcBdyCVFMb5BivCMWOGGugCdvgBFpKIUuOflC4T7uqEKs/s1600/20121015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDuEwxngrsI9McnnA0K1H31Y947Q6Zfxw3qXR0N7fj-eCa-R1PD8cdE75oiWkr2njeu6ytzrOcvaR4bk1J0UJkoMzu0DfJq4DcBdyCVFMb5BivCMWOGGugCdvgBFpKIUuOflC4T7uqEKs/s320/20121015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-38223559356988727592012-10-13T17:30:00.000-04:002012-10-13T17:30:17.612-04:00I won!!Emily, everyone's favorite Dish Rag Tag inventor, over at Yarn Miracle has been educating the knitting community about some amazing yarns and related Eco-friendly practices. Each month with her Mindful Fiber post, she graciously offers a give away to a lucky follower, randomly chosen from those who leave her a comment. Yours truly won in September!!<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmKVVrj8rEQ1AlYhhVblxUP5TZIyCHO14QkWJqZmM6Dm5plpLWJiEBTGKeu2_48AwAjWSB6tPPl4ttkngqT8j0YoxMfPthtH_D7UCjmNGk1cGeBd6RaEZSEq-MWvW1kNcCMQBMRMuupj4/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmKVVrj8rEQ1AlYhhVblxUP5TZIyCHO14QkWJqZmM6Dm5plpLWJiEBTGKeu2_48AwAjWSB6tPPl4ttkngqT8j0YoxMfPthtH_D7UCjmNGk1cGeBd6RaEZSEq-MWvW1kNcCMQBMRMuupj4/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo does not do the color justice. I would describe it as a softly muted teal. Morehouse Farm describes it as Silver Birch. Either way it's beautiful and I was thrilled to win, Thank You again Emily!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you don't already follow Emily at Yarn Miracle, please take some time to read her Mindful Fiber posts. You won't be disappointed. I've gathered all the Mindful Fiber posts here for your pleasure. Who knows, if you comment in October, you might be the lucky winner !! Good Luck.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/2012/01/09/yarn-miracles-12-months-of-mindful-fiber-begins-tomorrow/">Mindful Fiber - Begins</a><br />
<a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/2012/01/10/12-months-of-mindful-fiber-january-with-farm-genevieve/">January</a><br />
<a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/2012/02/14/12-months-of-mindful-fiber-february-with-shadyside-farm-studio/">February</a><br />
<a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/2012/03/06/12-months-of-mindful-fiber-march-with-bloomindale-farm/">March</a><br />
<a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/2012/04/18/12-months-of-mindful-fiber-april-with-quo-vadis-handspun-and-bamboo/">April</a><br />
<a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/2012/05/18/12-months-of-mindful-fiber-may-with-o-wool/">May</a><br />
<a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/2012/06/19/12-months-of-mindful-fiber-june-at-green-sheep-shop/">June</a><br />
<a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/2012/07/10/12-months-of-mindful-fiber-july-with-linen-from-quinceco/">July</a><br />
<a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/2012/08/14/mindful-fiber-august-is-cotton/">August</a><br />
<a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/2012/09/19/mindful-fiber-september-shear-and-morehouse-farm/">September</a><br />
<br />Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-63233484930420912932012-10-13T15:39:00.001-04:002012-10-13T15:40:18.630-04:00One down, ??? to go I think back in February I mentioned that I had not finished one of Marty's Christmas presents for 2011 :(<br />
I was looking through pictures today and found a photo of him with the finished gift. He really likes it and it felt good to finish it and see him enjoy it. I did actually finish this back in March, it's not an early Christmas present for 2012 ;-p <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9WKZwGuFycFRoSNRUKMiacTN_l9wLeU8RYYw44k_AEoeQ8WR-1prj_FQDog-YqhINaQsopUfTfC4SUUcnk7HHH6sLQpgr0KC_5SYqD-c0wM2NlBOP9ya7Yh0iCYf-jEw3UTHdsb6cQ1c/s1600/20120307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9WKZwGuFycFRoSNRUKMiacTN_l9wLeU8RYYw44k_AEoeQ8WR-1prj_FQDog-YqhINaQsopUfTfC4SUUcnk7HHH6sLQpgr0KC_5SYqD-c0wM2NlBOP9ya7Yh0iCYf-jEw3UTHdsb6cQ1c/s640/20120307.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I made this blanket about 7 ft in length to make sure Marty is entirely covered when he's stretched out on the couch, plus has a little to snuggle around his neck.<br />
This time of year, before we start our wood burner, our basement room is a bit chilly; this is the best keep you toasty blanket we have. That double layer of fleece really holds in the heat!<br />
<br />Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-12151186497310406672012-09-18T12:18:00.000-04:002012-09-18T12:18:07.087-04:00An end to vacation<span id="goog_1276804925"></span><span id="goog_1276804926"></span>I got side tracked with posting vacation photos because we lost our beloved Parker. It seems rather like old news now but it's dreary and raining in NW PA this morning so warm sunny vacation photos seem like a good idea! A few of my faves and that's that until the next vacation...<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5gt9oE-zegmA3Zs5mKsRSZoaayKqS6XXY-vHNkWR_0ZQEp3HjH1BgMvmG4W9x7bxv6Rv2TEqtyOf93ePXza0Yhrkfk09jupy1IF3la9lK5zaxraSZmT7_dYjLvjjvu_LCw980fHh-jff/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5gt9oE-zegmA3Zs5mKsRSZoaayKqS6XXY-vHNkWR_0ZQEp3HjH1BgMvmG4W9x7bxv6Rv2TEqtyOf93ePXza0Yhrkfk09jupy1IF3la9lK5zaxraSZmT7_dYjLvjjvu_LCw980fHh-jff/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acadia National Park. The people were following a trail up the mountainside!! You would never find me in a picture like this! I am not afraid of heights but the only thing that appeals to me about this type of hike is, the view from the top :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyMVSarG5uEVUB6nlABRKX1Tcvee5TtEPC9iF4I8aZk3OQhly70r9Std_yEVY65PmaTAnizsTqcl6HmNLr20D9UMik-pP4HzS6S_JzTkWKmtR4pAq4rGlK2d_xd8EoMlOyArZ4clDb7zu/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyMVSarG5uEVUB6nlABRKX1Tcvee5TtEPC9iF4I8aZk3OQhly70r9Std_yEVY65PmaTAnizsTqcl6HmNLr20D9UMik-pP4HzS6S_JzTkWKmtR4pAq4rGlK2d_xd8EoMlOyArZ4clDb7zu/s320/IMG_0152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We watched this loon for about an hour looking for 'her' supper. She was swimming against the current, diving and coming up further inland each time. It was fun to try and guess where she was going to come up. We saw her one time with something in her mouth but the photo wasn't good enough to keep. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPDlYJ9iWu18Wsk6zaxk1mx-WLdqfUTAqzcXcJe9g-1BiJDoVewu1a0aw2HfC-ST9Ep0lquyP2xKyk5IU1655USBL85hCUgarO2Q3dA-OZedGOZh7FOJKUtRlrl1i8aGsB4NCEaH5_GYq/s1600/MT1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPDlYJ9iWu18Wsk6zaxk1mx-WLdqfUTAqzcXcJe9g-1BiJDoVewu1a0aw2HfC-ST9Ep0lquyP2xKyk5IU1655USBL85hCUgarO2Q3dA-OZedGOZh7FOJKUtRlrl1i8aGsB4NCEaH5_GYq/s320/MT1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every day except one, this is the view we had from the deck on the backside of our room. I know I mentioned this in a previous post but this spot was really our favorite. It was quiet, we watched harbor activity and it was a fabulous way to start every day. We started the day in a positive, relaxed mood and ended each day exhausted but glad to be back on our deck to enjoy the evening sky.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIqQas48b_zJ720xd7Cb-SZTwA_H9HjZ_PyruA8dXPwvdmJAkdQpczUcmZ5Q9zn9SY63OUzxKmPK3J-PSKUM1eer0Zr8AUN5TWqQKJytVvoIbSQfNw2lmWxxlpJuAMhdcB6QIUziNIfx_/s1600/MT18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIqQas48b_zJ720xd7Cb-SZTwA_H9HjZ_PyruA8dXPwvdmJAkdQpczUcmZ5Q9zn9SY63OUzxKmPK3J-PSKUM1eer0Zr8AUN5TWqQKJytVvoIbSQfNw2lmWxxlpJuAMhdcB6QIUziNIfx_/s320/MT18.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cliff view in Acadia. Marty took the picture and I just enjoyed the sound of the waves slapping, splashing against the rocks. Most of that day was filled with brilliant sun and blue sky even though the temp was only in the high 50's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y6xOlGDsDTrQMlBAL25YtSB0xVvwORZTjPdyOKfZ3qhE2OKVSGoQmH5UhwuyWhPbt2OD4JNT7CwKvL8dGm0kbJsmycWFHfVGx8I5edc-Sas0NY8ubkEeTFMK_V6MEZ2bHw_N4WD3sg6t/s1600/MT45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y6xOlGDsDTrQMlBAL25YtSB0xVvwORZTjPdyOKfZ3qhE2OKVSGoQmH5UhwuyWhPbt2OD4JNT7CwKvL8dGm0kbJsmycWFHfVGx8I5edc-Sas0NY8ubkEeTFMK_V6MEZ2bHw_N4WD3sg6t/s320/MT45.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was about the 'depth' of our ventures into the water. IT WAS COLD! But, after you walked away from it and went back in again it wasn't as bad as the initial splash :) There were some young adventurers actually in the water challenging the surf as it hit the beach. Their older and smarter parents were in hoodies, sitting in lawn chairs with blankets over their bare legs :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYb2rrd_Lvq8__3X-YGB7tN_SMqslGZhXeITxKXtghm88Y6WcG2lJXzdld1gGcDd_Iv8JWC7Kyd36tdJrU2kelRUDfwpk8AWQ_VK5Xx0K4CSFpOR8oH9hfkwtc8cSylMoOLZTcvTt0REG/s1600/MT48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYb2rrd_Lvq8__3X-YGB7tN_SMqslGZhXeITxKXtghm88Y6WcG2lJXzdld1gGcDd_Iv8JWC7Kyd36tdJrU2kelRUDfwpk8AWQ_VK5Xx0K4CSFpOR8oH9hfkwtc8cSylMoOLZTcvTt0REG/s320/MT48.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are a number of these stone crossings throughout the park. I particularly liked this one because of the walk-thru either side. The talent and patience used to create these works of art amazed both of us, especially Marty because he creates a lot of stone walkways around our place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQCrwnxwcFpIbzEAcOFHIh58my3m3At0ZccciO2Eozav3cCMIItiDZwWSJqA5gei3FSUg1YThyORhiWoNMy86IlqgM4MLzSMz3RdS0-xqDS2Hhyky6z_qD_b2DbY06D5-gnUbng9cP9n8/s1600/MT6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQCrwnxwcFpIbzEAcOFHIh58my3m3At0ZccciO2Eozav3cCMIItiDZwWSJqA5gei3FSUg1YThyORhiWoNMy86IlqgM4MLzSMz3RdS0-xqDS2Hhyky6z_qD_b2DbY06D5-gnUbng9cP9n8/s320/MT6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure this picture does this amazing bridge justice but it was definitely amazing. We crossed it on our way to Acadia. The peak of the other pillar is actually a watch tower for Fort Knox (Maine), see much better pictures<br /> here <a href="http://www.maine.gov/mdot/pnbo/">Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory</a>. We thought we would have time to go up in the watch tower but the day's activities didn't go as we planned. Next time! There will definitely be a next time, we loved this area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbl8BhkVj2kRZ-gPuOyBO78dulsaaY1geMBIIoV6_csezA59S3RwvJNcAMYKvpLtEHvLLQDlb0G7_s1StT-nZboA0X-M3sHx5liI0avoHYQyJBwPm2pGxL2AhGN7j5eakWa2lL4rBcQw2/s1600/MT7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbl8BhkVj2kRZ-gPuOyBO78dulsaaY1geMBIIoV6_csezA59S3RwvJNcAMYKvpLtEHvLLQDlb0G7_s1StT-nZboA0X-M3sHx5liI0avoHYQyJBwPm2pGxL2AhGN7j5eakWa2lL4rBcQw2/s320/MT7.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we started across the bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict_h8T-L_cyH8ayDkT1NGBFVXxxFHvb_T5ESCXslLOkJJXimoKCLnb_CvKpq4z9QVvweLsqHDcdyBFwtsvmq_jS7RmQrjaW24Xps-1_ijAFFWv6q_NG1cj9LczVW4vYoxgjerJ15-s4S4/s1600/MT62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict_h8T-L_cyH8ayDkT1NGBFVXxxFHvb_T5ESCXslLOkJJXimoKCLnb_CvKpq4z9QVvweLsqHDcdyBFwtsvmq_jS7RmQrjaW24Xps-1_ijAFFWv6q_NG1cj9LczVW4vYoxgjerJ15-s4S4/s320/MT62.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our one bad day! The sky reflecting off the water gave the entire area a very eerie feeling. It made you feel like something bad was going to happen any moment. Thank goodness that wasn't the case but it sure gave you pause.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-12451458162182873102012-09-13T09:50:00.001-04:002012-09-13T09:50:54.297-04:00A firstRecently I experienced a first, meeting and speaking with a Congressman!<br />
<img alt="File:Seal of the United States House of Representatives.svg" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Seal_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives.svg/600px-Seal_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives.svg.png" width="200" />
<br />
Back in the day, we were taught to respect our elders and our government and at that time, WAY back when, I did. I have always respected both categories but held the government in a little higher esteem. As I've aged and learned that not all those running the government are worthy of my respect, my opinions have changed. I've admired and been thankful for those who feel the calling to govern on any level but for the most part, have never had any one on one with them or a reason to reach out for assistance.<br />
That changed 3 weeks ago because a civic group I'm involved with was experiencing some trouble. We've been seeking funding and have been rejected numerous times for the same reason, the location of our project. I attended a local round-table with the Congressman and voiced my disappointment. He said, "Call me." I did. My group was given 45 minutes with the Congressman a week ago.<br />
Unfortunately, we weren't able to resolve the funding issue, though he did recommend some other options that we are pursuing. As a respectful 'boomer' I was a bit awe struck. I was amazed how 'normal' he acted and amazed at myself for being confident enough to speak my mind. I found the whole experience to be refreshing. But, I'm not so awestruck that I believe his genuine interest and interaction in a quiet, group setting is anything more than him doing his job or being a politician. For now, I give him the benefit of a doubt. I will keep this first experience on the positive side in my memory banks.<br />
I encourage everyone to reach out to your local, state and federal legislators, attend public meetings when offered in your area and most of all, don't be afraid to speak up!<br />
<br />Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8162606346670695832.post-54665319548957266302012-09-09T21:54:00.000-04:002012-09-09T21:54:24.786-04:00Old project, done<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvG1f2jAatIhI7kDodOgYFW4tBSrOI4BlMqtN16f-VNW6CE7CbQ-l6q86rrTncpdwCtj3cJS8bRSZp1ebMMlwfCNGlfSqLoRFcmwSy2DnDZvNPudpJjIv1A84VOIiL1FL1IBGmWgGl6L_/s1600/20120904-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvG1f2jAatIhI7kDodOgYFW4tBSrOI4BlMqtN16f-VNW6CE7CbQ-l6q86rrTncpdwCtj3cJS8bRSZp1ebMMlwfCNGlfSqLoRFcmwSy2DnDZvNPudpJjIv1A84VOIiL1FL1IBGmWgGl6L_/s320/20120904-3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought 5 sections of old wrought iron fence 3 or 4 or 5 years ago. At the time there was a plan for what to do with it after I got it painted. It took me a couple of years to get it painted and by that time the original plan was scrapped. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61JHdm7x4x2oR6fleN8Fsl1Fx2FFndma-T7VWXjFhXIQ4arGj8PxOZGhW0UTCZP9-AT8EUzhweAET4SVliz4XDTItEAqUaOSN1AZwpXPn63EdoEJsIguXFV9Uo9WFISusE3n5z-XOAGG0/s1600/20120904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61JHdm7x4x2oR6fleN8Fsl1Fx2FFndma-T7VWXjFhXIQ4arGj8PxOZGhW0UTCZP9-AT8EUzhweAET4SVliz4XDTItEAqUaOSN1AZwpXPn63EdoEJsIguXFV9Uo9WFISusE3n5z-XOAGG0/s320/20120904.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In 2010 my dream of a potting shed was realized. About 2 weeks ago this idea sprang into my head. I think a little serendipity came in to play here because we had to work around trees, roots, stumps and rocks to set the sections in place. The pieces of fence are random in size so my intention was never to hook them up like 'real' wrought iron fence.<br />
So the floating, if you will, aspect of the varied sections was perfect !! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc06JERgjzJJ5GZT4U-dMGQHiNxk6pMAM6QD0ZavJhtU_4mWRgaCH55mVAZzoTfpnMyXy8S6W3mSpRAqLIzT7_y7W0IUjigE-VQvU0qi9fCfbU2BTEvRlVATaAVlfOnf-aZMOQXbBPGxvg/s1600/20120904-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc06JERgjzJJ5GZT4U-dMGQHiNxk6pMAM6QD0ZavJhtU_4mWRgaCH55mVAZzoTfpnMyXy8S6W3mSpRAqLIzT7_y7W0IUjigE-VQvU0qi9fCfbU2BTEvRlVATaAVlfOnf-aZMOQXbBPGxvg/s320/20120904-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The area just in front of the fence on the right is a small flower bed in the making. We put down some weed barrier, in a semicircle shape, covered it with some left over mulch and I have been slowly puttering away with getting the bed dug up and amending the soil in preparation for spring flower planting. I have some hyacinths, daffodils and crocus that I'm going to plant on the sunny side of the bed (lots of trees as you can see) and the rest with packaged wildflowers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-LCRymbUPep-nVe0-6LnbxGIKuJQ2GmSeyUSHaYkb6hOguNL_UFCNJ2b-EwNncIB8YOunk3nOCv3Ay5wLttUpFcfbTSRFUAkQrqlrfdMJgwQlecyZW7qHIri36ZjBO2g-iElMen0JHRJ/s1600/20120904-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-LCRymbUPep-nVe0-6LnbxGIKuJQ2GmSeyUSHaYkb6hOguNL_UFCNJ2b-EwNncIB8YOunk3nOCv3Ay5wLttUpFcfbTSRFUAkQrqlrfdMJgwQlecyZW7qHIri36ZjBO2g-iElMen0JHRJ/s320/20120904-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a belated birthday gift from my husband. It's the greatest thing, I love it! All four sides of the wagon fold down so I can haul just about anything around with me. When I have things like water buckets that I don't want to bounce off, I pull the sides up. The mesh bottom isn't always full of dirt like a solid bottom and when the water splashes all over, that's no worry either! One of my favorite birthday gifts, I have a wonderful husband.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Coraleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07159825656377700192noreply@blogger.com0