tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16352205771441745112024-03-13T06:35:58.964-05:00The Adventures of Garrett Squaredlabbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-27954391697262932512015-05-25T07:30:00.000-05:002015-05-25T07:30:01.178-05:00Memorial Day 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I was reading at <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/life/a5445/history-of-memorial-day/">Country Living online</a> and came across an article on Memorial Day and it's history. Today, I want to recount the article here. I found it to be so interesting!</div>
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Amid the barbecuing, beach-going, blockbuster movie releases, and other unofficial-start-of-summer hoopla, it can be easy to forget what Memorial Day is actually all about. Observed on the last Monday of May, you're probably aware that the holiday honors the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. But how much do you actually know about the holiday and its origins?<br /><br />Here, we've rounded up a few Memorial Day facts that you might not have known:<br /><br />1. The observance, which began in the years following the Civil War, was originally known as Decoration Day. By the late 1860s, many Americans had begun hosting tributes to the war's fallen soldiers by decorating their graves and with flowers and flags. It gradually came to be known as Memorial Day over the years.<br /><br />2. It was Union General <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Logan">John A. Logan</a> who called for an official nationwide day of remembrance on May 30, 1868, a date chosen because it wasn't the anniversary of a particular battle. Meant to honor those lost in the Civil War, the southern states originally observed a different day to honor the Confederate soldiers who died. In the aftermath of World War I, the holiday evolved to commemorate fallen military personnel in all wars. Currently, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_Memorial_Day">11 states still set an official day to honor those who lost their lives fighting for the Confederacy</a>—Virginia is the only one that observes Confederate Memorial Day on the same day as Memorial Day.<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y-2BL2T7AE/VVt6YJwJetI/AAAAAAAAEh0/Hu46KVpLnTk/s1600/memorial%2Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y-2BL2T7AE/VVt6YJwJetI/AAAAAAAAEh0/Hu46KVpLnTk/s640/memorial%2Bday.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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3. In 1950, Congress passed a resolution requesting that the President issue a proclamation calling on Americans to observe Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. But Memorial Day didn't actually become an official federal holiday until 1971.<br /><br />4. President Bill Clinton signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act in 2000, which asks Americans to pause and observe a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_moment_of_remembrance">National Moment of Remembrance</a> at 3:00 p.m. local time. A number of organizations throughout the country observe this moment, including Amtrak (whose trains blast their whistles), Major League Baseball, and NASCAR.<br /><br />5. Cities across the country host Memorial Day parades, but some of the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York, and, of course, Washington D.C., where the <a href="http://washington.org/article/10-ways-celebrate-memorial-day-weekend-washington-dc">National Memorial Day Parade</a> hosts an audience exceeding 250,000, who watches as marching bands, active duty and retired military units, youth groups, veterans, and floats head down Constitution Avenue.<br /><br />6. The President requests that all governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico direct the flag to be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels, and that U.S. citizens display the flag at half-staff from their homes before noon, as well.<div>
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At our home, we always fly flags on Memorial Day. This year I will at that at 3:00 PM we will be stopping to remember in a time of silence--or a horn blast. Or both! </div>
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Happy Memorial Day Y'all! We Remember!</div>
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labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-78587127350743414582014-11-27T08:00:00.000-06:002014-11-27T08:00:10.042-06:00Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From my grandmother's postcard collection:<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9w2cxeGQ3YA/VHaTOPWQavI/AAAAAAAAEgk/Y-JuRJ7rshU/s1600/greetings%2Bof%2Bthanksgiving%2Blanding%2Bof%2Bpuritans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9w2cxeGQ3YA/VHaTOPWQavI/AAAAAAAAEgk/Y-JuRJ7rshU/s1600/greetings%2Bof%2Bthanksgiving%2Blanding%2Bof%2Bpuritans.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I wish a wonderful Thanksgiving to all of you! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I hope you have a moment to count your blessings and be thankful. </span></div>
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<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-20217307806350570982014-11-10T10:00:00.000-06:002014-11-10T10:03:45.941-06:00A Little Update...Wow! I have really been neglecting my blog! You might be thinking, well, they just aren't having adventures...ehhhhh...<br />
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Nope!<br />
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Adventures have been happening! I just haven't been telling you...because I've been a bit busy...<br />
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I will be catching you up but while I am working on the catch up, enjoy this little thing that I saw while on our adventures:<br />
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I am sitting by McDonald's and look over at the drive thru window and see this:<br />
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Why did I take a picture? Check out the sign on the door of the vehicle...<br />
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Hehe!!!!<br />
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Going to 80 degrees today, but then the Polar Vortex is blowing down and in the 40's tomorrow, so I have to get everything ready for the freezing night time weather in the 30's before tomorrow...<br />
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Until then...<br />
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Be well, be happy...<br />
<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-75502070930948491542014-09-08T19:19:00.000-05:002014-09-08T19:19:17.197-05:00What I Am Reading Now...I have been on a reading kick. Yeah, I know...sometimes I just want to veg in front of the TV thinking of nothing but sometimes I just love to read--vociferously! <br />
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Since coming up DFW, we have been using our<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Portable Satellite TV" height="317" src="http://www.winegard.com/images/CarryoutAutoWeb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.winegard.com/carryout/gm-1518.php" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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Carryout Satellite Dish which only gets SD stations--not a problem for most programming we watch actually. The problem comes in with the fact that our Carryout has only two feeds into the camper, so we are limited on how many shows we can tape.<br />
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We have our own<a href="http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/new-directv-hd-receiver/50462" target="_blank"> receiver box</a> and so are limited to setting up 50 shows to tape. I know that sounds like a lot, but we really like to keep ALL of the shows we want to tape for the whole year in our list so as not to miss any episodes (and NASCAR takes up about 6 or 7 of those spaces for taping since it it shown on several different channels throughout the season!) so we now keep a list of our shows and make sure that as soon as the final episode of a show tapes, we delete that one from the recording list so we can replace it with an upcoming show.<br />
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In the meantime, our internet access is also limited here. The campground has Tengonet wireless internet for the entire campground and it has a great signal. The problem with Tengonet is that it is really designed to download and check e-mail and perhaps a few rudimentary other things. It is not made for streaming or surfing at all! So, we are using our wireless hotspot, but that has it's limitations in that it does eat up your data quickly when doing some things on the net unless you want to spend a LOT of $$$$$ for a LOT of mb of data, so my computer life has been a bit curtailed.<br />
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Enter my books on Kindle. <br />
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After taking off in the camper 5 years ago we found that books took up a lot of space and are heavy on the frame and axles of the camper so we opted for kindle books. They work for us and we can read them on our phones, Kindles, tablet and PC's. It was love at first Whisper! :)<br />
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So, with limited internet and limited shows (we only record the ones that we both watch and then watch those together generally) I have been reading...a LOT.<br />
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I went through the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_14?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=david%20baldacci&sprefix=david+baldacci%2Caps%2C225" target="_blank">David Baldacci</a> King and Maxwell Series of books because the series King and Maxwell was on TV for a season and I really liked the show.<br />
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I went on to his Will Robie Series and then Flew through the Camel Club series and on to the John Puller series. I truly enjoyed these books. I think if you like Tom Clancy books, you will like David Baldacci.<br />
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In there somewhere I finished out the last 3 or 4<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_10?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=diane%20mott%20davidson&sprefix=diane+mott%2Caps%2C307" target="_blank"> Diane Mott Davidson</a> books in the Goldie (Bear) Schulz culinary series and then decided <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />to get to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=A%20Hannah%20Swensen%20Mystery%20Book">Hannah Swensen Mystery Book series</a> which I had downloaded a couple years ago but haven't read yet. Where Goldy Bear Schulz was a caterer and cooked many types of foods--and giving me some really good recipes in the process--Hannah Swensen has a shop called the Cookie Jar that sells--uh--cookies. So far, I have found some recipes for cookies that sound really good and a few candy recipes to boot and I am only on book #2!<br /><br />In Book #1, Hannah comes to work as usual and then notices that her milk delivery is very late. The milk man is always on time so she heads out to the alley and sees that his truck is there. Upon investigation, she finds he has been shot and is dead and thus begins a murder mystery that she strives to unravel with the help of her brother-in-law Bill, a local police officer who is in line to make detective if he can solve this case. All the while Hannah's mother is trying to hook her up with every and any available man and ends up with not only one but TWO beaus. It is a light and fun book with a nice twist at the end and some very interesting recipes! Very good book for a first out of the gate for sure!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Cookie-Murder-Swensen-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00DRLXE5W/ref=pd_bxgy_kstore_img_z" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dg-0zJe7L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Cookie-Murder-Swensen-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00DRLXE5W/ref=pd_bxgy_kstore_img_z" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Source</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, on to the second...I just started this one today. When the president of Hartland Flour chooses cozy Lake Eden, Minnesota, as the spot for their first annual Dessert Bake-Off, Hannah is thrilled to serve as the head judge. But when a fellow judge, Coach Boyd Watson, is found stone-cold dead, facedown in Hannah's celebrated strawberry shortcake, Lake Eden's sweet ride to fame turns very sour indeed.<br /><br />Between perfecting her Cheddar Cheese Apple Pie and Chocolate Crunchies, Hannah's snooping into the coach's private life and not coming up short on suspects. And could Watson's harsh criticism during the judging have given one of the contestants a license to kill? The stakes are rising faster than dough, and Hannah will have to be very careful, because somebody is cooking up a recipe for murder. . .with Hannah landing on the "necessary ingredients" list.</span><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="http://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Shortcake-Murder-Swensen-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00DB790SM/ref=sr_1_10?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1410212358&sr=1-10&keywords=A+Hannah+Swensen+Mystery+Book" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zoDQsSXOL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Shortcake-Murder-Swensen-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00DB790SM/ref=sr_1_10?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1410212358&sr=1-10&keywords=A+Hannah+Swensen+Mystery+Book" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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I'm hoping for a few really good recipes again in this one and a good story to go with them. I'll let you know if it is any good. :)<div>
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Until later, back to the Kindle...</div>
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labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-92199968083017447222014-07-30T14:48:00.001-05:002014-07-30T14:48:08.169-05:00Stone Hill Winery Tour...I am catching up a bit here and in looking through my photos I found the ones from Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, MO.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">"<span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">It is commonly believed that the Hermann area’s resemblance to the Rhine Valley prompted scouts from the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia to choose the site for a colony on the American frontier. - <a href="http://visithermann.com/about-hermann/#sthash.bv0J9I09.dpuf" target="_blank">See more</a>"</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Hermann is well known in the area along the Missouri River wine country. It has many wineries in and around the town as well as breweries. I LOVE going to Hermann. The views are breathtaking and so beautiful.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">In July of 2012, we got together with our friends Marshell and Janet and headed to wine country. We weren't really sure what we would do once there, but in Hermann, you can always find something. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">It was a hot hot HOT day, so what do you do on a hot day in wine country? </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCzNi7L_554/U9lA517Z-nI/AAAAAAAAEUo/kq5Wp2hhF0s/s1600/winery+tour+begins+here.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCzNi7L_554/U9lA517Z-nI/AAAAAAAAEUo/kq5Wp2hhF0s/s1600/winery+tour+begins+here.png" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Head to the winery and take a tour of the wine caves of course! Ahhhhh...so cool and refreshing!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gman and Me<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshell and Janet--Yeah--Marshell doesn't do photos! LOL<br /></td></tr>
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At the outset, we met our tour guide who gave us a mini lecture on the valley, it's origins and the winery itself. According to him, this is the oldest winery in the valley. Another winery also claims that distinction. Let's just say they have both been there for a long time. :)<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Tour guide. Look at the beautiful rolling hills behind him...<br /></td></tr>
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So, down into the caves we go...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshell (front) and Gman (behind) in the cask room.</td></tr>
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The first area you enter is this room. It is so cool--a nice constant 70 degrees-ish throughout the year. According to the guide, back in the 1800's and early 1900's the workers and families would actually sleep in the cellars in the hot summer. Wouldn't that have been super???? Nature's a/c.<div>
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See the arches in the walls behind the barrels? Those used to be where the fronts of the huge barrels would be in the earlier times before prohibition. The barrels were as large as those arches and according to the guide the fronts of the barrels were intricately carved with saints.</div>
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During prohibition, the winery was allowed to continue to produce wines for use by the Catholic Church in their services for many years.</div>
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Alas, along the way, even the Catholic Church couldn't keep the government from demolishing the barrels and the wine.</div>
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According to the guide, the fronts of the huge barrels disappeared one night--thought to have spirited away by the priests or parishioners to preserve the carvings of the saints--but they have never been found again, so they were hidden quite well it would seem.</div>
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Here are a couple of the barrels. The first from 2011 and the second from 2012. You can see they are from different manufacturers and according to the guide, they are chosen for the specific year to enhance the flavors for that year's crop.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gruQKmg9wbo/U9lCYIJl4hI/AAAAAAAAEVo/Zydr6kzMeG0/s1600/Red+wine+stave.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gruQKmg9wbo/U9lCYIJl4hI/AAAAAAAAEVo/Zydr6kzMeG0/s1600/Red+wine+stave.png" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud5eXD0IG50/U9lCbAjWeHI/AAAAAAAAEWs/GRMpAyMs7Tk/s1600/red+wine+raddoux.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud5eXD0IG50/U9lCbAjWeHI/AAAAAAAAEWs/GRMpAyMs7Tk/s1600/red+wine+raddoux.png" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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Next we headed to the white wine room. White wine is kept in these tall stainless steel tanks which are so cold there is ice on the outsides...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-PgA4p5l0Q/U9lCXOt9JlI/AAAAAAAAEVU/N0aeElnW8Ec/s1600/Frozen+white+wine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-PgA4p5l0Q/U9lCXOt9JlI/AAAAAAAAEVU/N0aeElnW8Ec/s1600/Frozen+white+wine.png" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice on the outsides of the tanks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWCL-9qRbUI/U9lCafGRgNI/AAAAAAAAEWY/97VnI9CUaio/s1600/frozen+wine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWCL-9qRbUI/U9lCafGRgNI/AAAAAAAAEWY/97VnI9CUaio/s1600/frozen+wine.png" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">32.1 degrees. Yep, pretty cold. :)</td></tr>
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<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXVxfcVrpx4/U9lCZsadsDI/AAAAAAAAEWM/h4dloAdr2dY/s1600/frozen+pipe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UXVxfcVrpx4/U9lCZsadsDI/AAAAAAAAEWM/h4dloAdr2dY/s1600/frozen+pipe.png" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When it is triple digits outside, it is sure interesting to see a frozen bubble at the end of a pipe. <br /></td></tr>
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The next area is the area where there are a lot of barrels of wine aging deeper into the cellar...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5FDEnH7H6s/U9lCYIthkJI/AAAAAAAAEVw/8GEdxIE44OY/s1600/Red+Wine+casks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5FDEnH7H6s/U9lCYIthkJI/AAAAAAAAEVw/8GEdxIE44OY/s1600/Red+Wine+casks.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine barrels--the ones in the rear are so big a man looks dwarfed standing next to them!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EbYGhSGWIrg/U9lCY_U_MEI/AAAAAAAAEV8/-bMhbMAifho/s1600/Wine+casks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EbYGhSGWIrg/U9lCY_U_MEI/AAAAAAAAEV8/-bMhbMAifho/s1600/Wine+casks.png" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Okay, I confess...</div>
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Somewhere during the white wine ice tanks and this area I met a couple who were on their honeymoon. They were SO CUTE! I mean REALLY! </div>
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I offered to take their pictures in the cellar and they readily agreed, handing me their Iphone. We laughed and snapped photos and had a grand time--even losing the tour at times. </div>
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This is why I have no pix of me or gman or our friends in front of those huge barrels. </div>
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But the honeymooners have some great shots, let me tell you! And we had a wonderful time! Ahhhhh...young love...</div>
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Go figure! LOL</div>
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Now, back to the tour...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yk9KM0RRzg/U9lCda6j3qI/AAAAAAAAEXc/hchOljVcRy4/s1600/wine+casks+wine+room1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yk9KM0RRzg/U9lCda6j3qI/AAAAAAAAEXc/hchOljVcRy4/s1600/wine+casks+wine+room1.png" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
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More wine aging as we climbed up into the finishing room that you can see through that door at the end....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zlk_xrPwyoo/U9lCeLrmvXI/AAAAAAAAEXs/ygHsMekz8vU/s1600/wine+room+rack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zlk_xrPwyoo/U9lCeLrmvXI/AAAAAAAAEXs/ygHsMekz8vU/s1600/wine+room+rack.png" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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This is our guide showing us how they rack the wine. He said this is sparkling wine at the moment.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u50fsaDkaWA/U9lCeSwrmiI/AAAAAAAAEXw/GMAsnsqtXAw/s1600/wine+room.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u50fsaDkaWA/U9lCeSwrmiI/AAAAAAAAEXw/GMAsnsqtXAw/s1600/wine+room.png" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janet, Gman and Marshell listening to the guide</td></tr>
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So, that cute couple and I caught up to the tour in the finishing room just before we headed up to the tasting room conveniently located just through the wooden doors that you can see behind the ladies in pink shirts.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhIl6D7_n2g/U9lCY2dsmpI/AAAAAAAAEV4/_tbZpYXdL5s/s1600/bar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhIl6D7_n2g/U9lCY2dsmpI/AAAAAAAAEV4/_tbZpYXdL5s/s1600/bar.png" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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This is a beautiful bar upstairs. I have not seen it in use but look at how rich and beautiful it is!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrZ45NoNhAA/U9lCZlUEaiI/AAAAAAAAEWI/Wj5ppMPQm6M/s1600/barrel+staves1.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrZ45NoNhAA/U9lCZlUEaiI/AAAAAAAAEWI/Wj5ppMPQm6M/s1600/barrel+staves1.png" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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Here is a barrel as it looks when the staves are attached at the bottom but have not yet been brought in to the top.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYMdyPPzNHQ/U9lCZS4ocEI/AAAAAAAAEWE/RDguQbD-aPE/s1600/barrel+staves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYMdyPPzNHQ/U9lCZS4ocEI/AAAAAAAAEWE/RDguQbD-aPE/s1600/barrel+staves.png" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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And here is a finished barrel ready to receive and protect it's delicious nectar...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4E5TYNbyQH8/U9lJe_H6YGI/AAAAAAAAEYw/WcuoacsvKtY/s1600/winery+photo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4E5TYNbyQH8/U9lJe_H6YGI/AAAAAAAAEYw/WcuoacsvKtY/s1600/winery+photo.png" height="206" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this is a panoramic shot of the valley and winery from around 1900. You can see the rows of grapes in the foreground of the picture with the town in the rear...<br />
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I have the cutest picture of all of us posing in cutouts by the wine tasting room but haven't found the shot yet. Hmmmm...<br />
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Oh well, another time for that.<br />
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Hope you liked the tour. We ended up sharing a bottle of wine, some cheese and crackers and a great view with friends. <br />
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Great day! Great day indeed! :)<br />
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labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-167129308083740592014-07-29T11:22:00.001-05:002014-07-29T11:22:09.514-05:00Mother Gets A New Fridge...The Mother Ship came with a pretty side by side refrigerator with wooden panels that match the cabinets. We loved the fact that it was side by side and had an ice maker. <br />
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As time went by, we found that we never used the ice maker because most of the campgrounds that we stayed at were on well water or water that we didn't want to drink--even using a whole camper filter so the ice maker turned out to be a waste of space for us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poxGYy_GFTg/U9e7FuAs7FI/AAAAAAAAETI/xNs2eBTwTww/s1600/fridge+before.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poxGYy_GFTg/U9e7FuAs7FI/AAAAAAAAETI/xNs2eBTwTww/s1600/fridge+before.png" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original RV fridge</td></tr>
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We were sitting in the camper one day when my eyes began to burn. <br />
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Just as I began to ask Gman if his eyes were burning, the propane detector began blaring!<br />
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We vacated the camper and then opened everything that could be opened to air it out.<br />
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As it turns out, according to the internet, RV propane/electric fridges use Ammonia, hydrogen and an anti-corrosive agent. No wonder my eyes were burning when that leaked out! <br />
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We checked around and found that to replace that 12 cu ft side by side would cost somewhere north of $4,000. Yep! For that, we could get a Sub Zero! Are you kidding???!!!<br />
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We needed to get the fridge replaced as it was JUNE! Yes JUNE! <br />
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Thankfully we were staying not far from my parent's home and were able to tote everything to the extra fridge in their garage and our little chest freezer that we had in their garage.<br />
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We did some noodling and measuring and found that in a camper of the size of ours, we didn't really use it unless it was parked in a campground so we didn't need the option of running on propane.<br />
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Out came the fridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQvHQwBbrvY/U9e9IkLBaKI/AAAAAAAAETU/Rqq9Li1l5g0/s1600/old+fridge+out.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQvHQwBbrvY/U9e9IkLBaKI/AAAAAAAAETU/Rqq9Li1l5g0/s1600/old+fridge+out.png" height="540" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fridge and shelf that the fridge sat on removed from the camper.</td></tr>
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We could not believe how BIG that thing looked once it was out! And HEAVY!!!! Wowzers!<br />
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Next, we sawed out the supports and took out the drawer that was underneath the old fridge which left us with a nice opening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GbasJQjcXCc/U9e9uNZZVRI/AAAAAAAAETc/8FQCm3wNH3A/s1600/empty+space+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GbasJQjcXCc/U9e9uNZZVRI/AAAAAAAAETc/8FQCm3wNH3A/s1600/empty+space+1.png" height="640" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Space after removal of drawer and old fridge.</td></tr>
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The gas line was crimped and soldered and cut off and the hard wiring was capped off. I was totally surprised that there was an electrical plug in there already! Nice!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrqOkQye1q4/U9e-YWXs9sI/AAAAAAAAETk/NOzLgltK3N4/s1600/covered+insulated+vent.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrqOkQye1q4/U9e-YWXs9sI/AAAAAAAAETk/NOzLgltK3N4/s1600/covered+insulated+vent.png" height="640" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrow points to old vent which is now insulated and covered.</td></tr>
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Next we insulated the fridge vent as we would no longer be needing it since we would not be using a propane fridge. We covered the insulation (which used to be around the old fridge) with a panel of 1/4" steel--a leftover that our friend had from one of his projects. It was caulked and voila! Done!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0P6h7wHGrG0/U9e_LBt8KNI/AAAAAAAAETs/dVqp8iQVXR0/s1600/top+vents.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0P6h7wHGrG0/U9e_LBt8KNI/AAAAAAAAETs/dVqp8iQVXR0/s1600/top+vents.png" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grooves in new ceiling of opening to let out heat from new fridge.</td></tr>
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The area above the fridge was covered with another piece of that 1/4" steel plate into which a couple of vents were cut so that the heat from the new fridge could go up and out of the camper. You can see the two little grooves toward the back if you look closely in the picture.<br />
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It was now time to do some shopping.<br />
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The final opening was measured again and then I checked all around on the internet. We could pretty much get any size household fridge--even the cute french door fridges (which totally make me weak in the knees! I LOVE those!) <br />
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There was one big consideration though. We had to be sure it would fit through the doorway into the camper.<br />
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After looking around for quite a while, I decided on a regular black 18 cu ft fridge. No ice maker, thanks! <br />
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We headed to Sears Outlet and bought the new fridge. According to the internet, the 18 cu ft model we were getting actually weighed 50 lbs less than the 12 cu ft model that was originally there because it didn't need the extra propane part of the fridge. The new fridge was more efficient as well.<br />
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SCORE!<br />
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We had to wait 6 long days for the new fridge to be delivered, but the day finally arrived! <br />
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The guys had never delivered to an RV before. This was a first!<br />
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They were not sure they could get it into the camper. Yep, you can. Measured. Double Measured and visited the store to measure in person. It will fit guys. <br />
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And it did--without removing the doors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5j770wlJm0/U9fC1kqIzWI/AAAAAAAAET4/_8ZNmiezzc0/s1600/Installing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5j770wlJm0/U9fC1kqIzWI/AAAAAAAAET4/_8ZNmiezzc0/s1600/Installing.png" height="640" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the new fridge!</td></tr>
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The guys got it into the camper and slid it right into place. <div>
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It looked like the opening was made for that puppy! Perfect!</div>
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I could have gotten a cabinet depth model but this one just sticks out about the same amount that the doors are thick which allows the fridge doors to fully open but doesn't stick out so much that it gets in the way at all.</div>
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They leveled, left and carted the old fridge off. Their first RV fridge cart off. :)</div>
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And now, we have a nice residential fridge that weighs less than the original fridge but has 50% more space and is much more energy efficient. We love it!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg2dNr-e_ZQ/U9fD4t7WqDI/AAAAAAAAEUA/UX7OSTU48rE/s1600/new+fridge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg2dNr-e_ZQ/U9fD4t7WqDI/AAAAAAAAEUA/UX7OSTU48rE/s1600/new+fridge.png" height="640" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Fridge. Perfect!</td></tr>
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When we move the camper, I just put some duct tape on the doors to secure them and off we go! No big deal and the food stays cold a LOT longer than with the old fridge!<div>
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You know what else I love about the new fridge?</div>
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With the addition of some fluorescent dry erase markers, it is also a great dry erase board!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVgSLdS55Ho/U9fHSdn8lkI/AAAAAAAAEUM/tcidBf7U7G8/s1600/Dry+Erase+Board.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVgSLdS55Ho/U9fHSdn8lkI/AAAAAAAAEUM/tcidBf7U7G8/s1600/Dry+Erase+Board.png" height="474" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluorescent dry erase markers make the fridge a GREAT dry erase board!</td></tr>
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I use it all the time to keep my grocery list and mark down appointments or recipes that I don't want to forget! (I use the front of my microwave for that too and it works great!)</div>
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Funny. I was so worried about putting a residential fridge into our camper and lately Gman and I have been touring the new campers. The big ones all come with the residential fridges now! </div>
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We were ahead of the game.</div>
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Go figure! :)<br /><div>
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labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-22983960832310125752014-07-28T19:41:00.001-05:002014-07-28T19:41:17.919-05:00Mother Gets A Bath...I was telling you about getting ready to move from Missouri in<a href="http://garrettsquared.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-road-to.html" target="_blank"> this post</a>. <br />
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Part of what I mentioned was that the Mother Ship (our 5th wheel) was all cleaned, closed up and ready to go. Today I am going to tell you about how I cleaned our 5th wheel--the easier way...<br />
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A gentleman in Missouri and I were talking about my poor camper one day while he was working on her refrigerator which had failed. That's another story. Oye!<br />
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This gentleman used to work for a camper dealer doing the detailing and was kind enough to share one of his tricks with me.<br />
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So, here we go!<br />
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First, get your supplies together...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpdUHUUWmEQ/U9bmydEm8NI/AAAAAAAAER0/-Zd9fpT3nrM/s1600/supplies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpdUHUUWmEQ/U9bmydEm8NI/AAAAAAAAER0/-Zd9fpT3nrM/s1600/supplies.png" height="400" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies you will need...<br /></td></tr>
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A Power Washer<div>
Hose<br /><div>
Ladder (you can just see mine in the background)</div>
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Clorox Bleach (he was very specific that you use Clorox and don't get the generic brands)</div>
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Bug Sprayer</div>
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Original Blue Dawn Dish Soap</div>
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Now, in the bug sprayer mix the Clorox 1:1 with water.</div>
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Add a couple of nice squeezes of Dawn.</div>
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Put the top on, tighten and pump it up.</div>
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Hook up the Power washer to the hose and be sure that the water is turned on and it is ready.</div>
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Get your ladder in place and ready to go.</div>
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NOW...and this is the IMPORTANT THING THAT HE STRESSED...Once you begin, do NOT stop. You MUST always work with a wet edge. Do NOT let it dry before you are finished!</div>
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This would be most easily accomplished with two people--one to use the power washer and one to spray the cleaner. I did it alone and it worked okay though.</div>
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I decided that as long as I did a whole side, I would be okay--just don't stop in the middle of a flat surface until you get to the corner.</div>
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Here is Mother...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uB297P_ZGFg/U9bopcpvPuI/AAAAAAAAESM/HEwcfiMjwso/s1600/dirty+left.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uB297P_ZGFg/U9bopcpvPuI/AAAAAAAAESM/HEwcfiMjwso/s1600/dirty+left.png" height="584" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother Ship is very dirty!</td></tr>
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<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70w7S4J5tig/U9bop0lglkI/AAAAAAAAESQ/_c3pAr59lfI/s1600/Dirty+straight.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70w7S4J5tig/U9bop0lglkI/AAAAAAAAESQ/_c3pAr59lfI/s1600/Dirty+straight.png" height="529" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor girl!</td></tr>
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As you can see, the Mother Ship is very dirty from sitting under the trees for a few years while parked in Missouri and was in desperate need of attention!</div>
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So, spray with the power washer to wet the surface.</div>
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Work on small spaces, working from the bottom to the top, never allowing it to dry until you are completely finished. </div>
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Using the bug sprayer, spray a small area with cleaner, then spray off with power washer, never letting the cleaning solution dry before spraying off with power washer. Always keep a wet edge.</div>
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<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WD6omroBqa8/U9bqO5ymkhI/AAAAAAAAESg/XdzKD043zjA/s1600/cleaner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WD6omroBqa8/U9bqO5ymkhI/AAAAAAAAESg/XdzKD043zjA/s1600/cleaner.png" height="640" width="510" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to see here, but I have sprayed the cleaning solution on the bottom of the camper here.</td></tr>
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Now, repeat in the next section, working your way from top to bottom.</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdUljFj-5X4/U9bqTbAdWRI/AAAAAAAAESw/2orgp1pWzSk/s1600/cleaning+right.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdUljFj-5X4/U9bqTbAdWRI/AAAAAAAAESw/2orgp1pWzSk/s1600/cleaning+right.png" height="502" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the difference where it is washed and where it has not been cleaned yet! <br />See the bottom is washed and the top is not...</td></tr>
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Can you believe the difference???? </div>
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No scrubbing...just wet, spray cleaner, power wash!</div>
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Our camper is 40 ft long and has two large slides. </div>
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It took me about 5-6 hours working alone. And be prepared to climb up and down the ladder--a LOT!</div>
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I actually forgot to take a picture of the fully cleaned camper because, well, I was tired, hot and covered with cleaner (bleach and dawn) and just wanted to hit the shower! Sorry!</div>
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Suffice it to say if I can do the whole thing by myself in one day and have a nice clean camper, YOU can too!</div>
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I LOVE the no scrubbing part too! :)</div>
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Happy camping!</div>
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labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-6805541356839912592014-01-01T11:05:00.000-06:002014-01-01T11:05:02.399-06:00Happy 2014!Happy New Year to All!<br /><br />January 1 is the day to look forward with excitement for the wonderful days to come! I am sure many of you have had a hard year past and really are looking forward to something better this year. Gman and I are looking forward to some great events in our lives this year. Come on along and let's see how it works out! :)<br /><br />May everyone have a wonderful year full of health and happiness!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuPmx_SathE/UsRKVD-1XyI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/IGhzqgItXVE/s1600/Happy+new+year+irish+lass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuPmx_SathE/UsRKVD-1XyI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/IGhzqgItXVE/s640/Happy+new+year+irish+lass.jpg" width="408" /></a><br />
Here is a postcard from my grandmother's collection.labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-46410486402956458862013-12-09T08:30:00.000-06:002013-12-09T08:30:02.226-06:00O Christmas Tree 2013...<b>Hey everyone! I put up the Christmas decorations last week and wanted to share the 2013 goodies with you!<br /><br />Each year we purchase an ornament that celebrates the current year in some way. <br /><br />You can read about previous years <a href="http://garrettsquared.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-at-our-place.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</b><div>
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<b>This year we chose...</b></div>
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<b>Drumroll please.....</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpBElLCu7vg/UqU9NrWnrpI/AAAAAAAAEOc/C3AJP_qCeEg/s1600/IMG_0565a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="393" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpBElLCu7vg/UqU9NrWnrpI/AAAAAAAAEOc/C3AJP_qCeEg/s400/IMG_0565a1.png" width="400" /></b></a></div>
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<b>TEXAS!!!!<br /></b></div>
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<b>I found this at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RicochetRounds" target="_blank">Ricochet Rounds</a> where it was for sale as a necklace but at 3 inches high it just seemed like the perfect size for our Christmas tree. It has bullet primers and swarovski crystals that bling it out. I can't get a really good shot of it because the glitter of the crystals in the light just don't come through, but let me just say--it is BLING!!!! Courtney even included a red ribbon when I told her that we would be using it as an ornament. How nice was that????</b></div>
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<b>Last year we didn't get the tree up because my mom had a stroke and we were busy but we did get the ornament. And here is the ornament for 2012:<br /></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DN1WuY82m3M/UqU9ND__vUI/AAAAAAAAEOg/yhae62U_J4s/s1600/IMG_0567a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DN1WuY82m3M/UqU9ND__vUI/AAAAAAAAEOg/yhae62U_J4s/s400/IMG_0567a1.png" width="392" /></b></a></div>
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<b>We purchased our Dodge Ram pickup with a Hemi engine in 2012 to pull our larger "small" camper (Rocky) which you can see <a href="http://garrettsquared.blogspot.com/2012/09/meet-rocky.html" target="_blank">here</a>--in case you missed him...</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Osp7SpLYPwg/UqU9VQr46vI/AAAAAAAAEPE/P-rGspj1ZPE/s1600/IMG_0570a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Osp7SpLYPwg/UqU9VQr46vI/AAAAAAAAEPE/P-rGspj1ZPE/s400/IMG_0570a1.png" width="400" /></b></a></div>
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<b>We also have a small RV Park at the base of our tree. This year we found the cutest old fashioned canned ham camper pulled by a vintage woody and I just had to have it! We found it at the USI RV Park in Wichita where we were staying while visiting our son. It joins our little Missouri Airstream.</b></div>
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<b>Now for a little tour of our decor this year:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGrpzEbn1-4/UqU9gl3_UMI/AAAAAAAAEPU/glznHKy6TZc/s1600/IMG_0576a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGrpzEbn1-4/UqU9gl3_UMI/AAAAAAAAEPU/glznHKy6TZc/s400/IMG_0576a1.png" width="400" /></a><br /></b></div>
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<b><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zR7uqbXA3k/UqU9VRB5MkI/AAAAAAAAEO8/m4ALs-TyU8A/s1600/IMG_0571a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zR7uqbXA3k/UqU9VRB5MkI/AAAAAAAAEO8/m4ALs-TyU8A/s400/IMG_0571a1.png" width="400" /></a></b></div>
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<b>It was hard to get a good shot of the whole slide but this year I used my Silhouette to cut out Merry Christmas and use Elmer's reposition glue stick to adhere it to the wall. It's fun and easy to peel off after Christmas and is flat! Easy to put away! Very important in a 5th wheel where space is at a premium!</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUjeRhrwTRM/UqU9bFMb6kI/AAAAAAAAEPM/E1N6BDtqZt8/s1600/IMG_0572a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUjeRhrwTRM/UqU9bFMb6kI/AAAAAAAAEPM/E1N6BDtqZt8/s400/IMG_0572a1.png" width="400" /></b></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZp2WvUKvVI/UqU-P6YwVNI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/drHN-jRGeQ8/s1600/IMG_0574a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZp2WvUKvVI/UqU-P6YwVNI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/drHN-jRGeQ8/s400/IMG_0574a.png" width="400" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Now for the Tree:<br /></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUXnM49zURo/UqU9N1DSNWI/AAAAAAAAEOs/faiENnls1_Q/s1600/IMG_0564a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUXnM49zURo/UqU9N1DSNWI/AAAAAAAAEOs/faiENnls1_Q/s400/IMG_0564a1.png" width="217" /></b></a></div>
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<b>You may have noticed that this year we have TWO trees...</b></div>
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<b>Check out the little one that is on top of the window box:</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyuNp85L7qQ/UqVAafWn0wI/AAAAAAAAEQo/QfRXx_6KxSM/s1600/IMG_0374a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyuNp85L7qQ/UqVAafWn0wI/AAAAAAAAEQo/QfRXx_6KxSM/s400/IMG_0374a1.png" width="177" /></b></a></div>
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<b>I found it in Bastrop at the Veterans celebration where there were many booths with crafts and this little guy just spoke to me. Can you tell what it is made of?</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7QZQBSEgnU/UqVAJmIZV2I/AAAAAAAAEQg/Kfnkp8Pr4t8/s1600/IMG_0375a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7QZQBSEgnU/UqVAJmIZV2I/AAAAAAAAEQg/Kfnkp8Pr4t8/s320/IMG_0375a1.png" width="254" /></b></a></div>
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<b>It is a bedspring on an outside faucet handle! Is that too cute or what?????</b></div>
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<b>So, I hope you enjoyed the indoor decorations. Later this week I will be showing you some of the lights around the park. Decorating your camper and space are okay and indeed encouraged and there are some GREAT sites! I decorated, but mine are pretty basic compared to some of the campers! It is just great to go around and enjoy the lights. I LOVE driving through the park to just enjoy the lights! :)</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28anlj9Cu20/UqU9jRkyqCI/AAAAAAAAEPc/59Qin3ImhNw/s1600/IMG_0577a1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28anlj9Cu20/UqU9jRkyqCI/AAAAAAAAEPc/59Qin3ImhNw/s400/IMG_0577a1.png" width="155" /></b></a></div>
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<b>So, I hope you and yours are having a lovely holiday season and I will leave you with this little saying that I saw recently:<br />X belongs in TeXas and Christ belongs in Christmas.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Merry</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">Chirstmas!</span></b></h3>
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labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-20190592419917402912013-10-30T08:30:00.000-05:002013-10-30T08:30:01.977-05:00Halloween With My Silhouette...<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">First, let me tell you that I am not being compensated in any way for this!!!! It's one of the happy things that I just really like so I have to share! Really! But, if Silhouette wanted to make me a very happy person, I wouldn't say NO if they offered! ;)</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">I told you a few weeks ago that I got a<a href="http://garrettsquared.blogspot.com/2013/10/happy-hump-day-10my-new-toy.html" target="_blank"> Silhouette Cameo vinyl cutter</a>. Well, I had no idea how much fun I was going to be having with this baby!</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">I received a card for $10 worth of templates from the Silhouette store so I went there right away to check out what kinds of templates they had and stumbled across these:</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dnqnok8Bfyo/UnBDs2bEdWI/AAAAAAAAELI/zGXmINOyeT8/s1600/nails.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dnqnok8Bfyo/UnBDs2bEdWI/AAAAAAAAELI/zGXmINOyeT8/s640/nails.png" width="640" /></span></b></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Can you tell what they are? They are templates to cut out designs for your fingernails! Can't you believe it????</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Now, we all know how much I like to decorate my nails. Yep, there's a template for that! :)</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">I have tried several things for adding interest to my nails from stickers to drawing</span></b><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"> with a pen to trying to use the stencils (which never have worked for me!!!!!)</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Knowing that Halloween was coming up, I used some of my credits to download a couple of the nail templates.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">I found out that I could cut contact paper with the cutter when I cut out the design to customize my Silhouette:</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x32BlV7NImw/UkTGSuyFgwI/AAAAAAAAECA/ARZGC9jF6dM/s400/door3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x32BlV7NImw/UkTGSuyFgwI/AAAAAAAAECA/ARZGC9jF6dM/s400/door3.png" width="400" /></span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">So, I bought some clear contact paper at Wal-Mart and some black nail polish. The contact paper would allow me to place it where I wanted it since I could see through it and had just the right amount of tack to stick well but not pull off the polish underneath.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcusS2VGgBc/UnBFONL8FWI/AAAAAAAAELY/2cUyA90TZ78/s1600/IMG_0179sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcusS2VGgBc/UnBFONL8FWI/AAAAAAAAELY/2cUyA90TZ78/s400/IMG_0179sm.png" width="400" /></span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">All I had to do was choose a <strike>victim</strike> nail and peel off the cut out sticker.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCHyIX8348s/UnBFPQizMWI/AAAAAAAAELs/i-IL4rMM-nY/s1600/IMG_0184sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCHyIX8348s/UnBFPQizMWI/AAAAAAAAELs/i-IL4rMM-nY/s320/IMG_0184sm.png" width="320" /></span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Then, I placed the sticker on my nail...</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQU7bsrk12c/UnBFPg1ePcI/AAAAAAAAEL0/2zM2Lgh7RWs/s1600/IMG_0185sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQU7bsrk12c/UnBFPg1ePcI/AAAAAAAAEL0/2zM2Lgh7RWs/s400/IMG_0185sm.png" width="318" /></span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Then glopped the black polish on over the top...</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-itAed_fY9u4/UnBFRUfjicI/AAAAAAAAEMI/60whK_wbcf8/s1600/IMG_0188sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-itAed_fY9u4/UnBFRUfjicI/AAAAAAAAEMI/60whK_wbcf8/s320/IMG_0188sm.png" width="320" /></span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Then peeled the sticker off...</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkrOeWp5rCU/UnBFRfk37zI/AAAAAAAAEME/0YluhmdhAZo/s1600/IMG_0192sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkrOeWp5rCU/UnBFRfk37zI/AAAAAAAAEME/0YluhmdhAZo/s320/IMG_0192sm.png" width="320" /></span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">And Voila!</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xvkfkKMSWw/UnBFScFUvKI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/_f-GrtMRdYk/s1600/IMG_0193sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xvkfkKMSWw/UnBFScFUvKI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/_f-GrtMRdYk/s320/IMG_0193sm.png" width="320" /></span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">A newly painted spider web! How fun is this????</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">(just ignore the bit of black polish I glopped onto the side of my finger--it'll come off!)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">So, here are my nails all spiffed up for Halloween thanks to my Silhouette! </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUyklalfOm0/UnBFTepjgVI/AAAAAAAAEMc/Bq9iElsdR7M/s1600/IMG_0195sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUyklalfOm0/UnBFTepjgVI/AAAAAAAAEMc/Bq9iElsdR7M/s400/IMG_0195sm.png" width="390" /></span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">There are a BUNCH of different designs available and I plan to use most of them! Oh yeah...You BET I DO!!!!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Okay, so this is definitely a happy hump day item!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Are you ready for Halloween?</span></b></div>
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<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-83383290150373263782013-10-29T11:10:00.000-05:002013-10-29T11:10:40.746-05:00Halloween is Here! A Little Treat...<b>I found this idea on <a href="http://queenscardcastle.blogspot.com/2012/10/hello-my-friends-hope-your-monday-is.html" target="_blank">The Queen's Card Castle</a> via Pinterest and just HAD to give it a try! :)</b><br />
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<a href="http://queenscardcastle.blogspot.com/2012/10/hello-my-friends-hope-your-monday-is.html" target="_blank"><b><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGH52C1Qwvs/UHxG287lO-I/AAAAAAAAA3M/dYSZJXnKLxQ/s320/DSCN3797.JPG" /></b></a></div>
<b><br />There are a bunch of kids living in the RV Campground here and Trick or Treating is definitely on the calendar. Yay! <br /><br />The kids are allowed to Trick or Treat at campers that have the porch light lit. Our porch light just blew out as well as the security lights so I spent a day changing the 3 bulbs--but that's another story. ;)</b><br />
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<b>The office says that there are about 25 kids in the park so I decided to give this a go and it turned out so cute! </b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7hXMmUoGX4/Um_aLlSFBbI/AAAAAAAAEKo/fhm5x-BcLCU/s1600/IMG_0160sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7hXMmUoGX4/Um_aLlSFBbI/AAAAAAAAEKo/fhm5x-BcLCU/s640/IMG_0160sm.png" width="310" /></b></a><b>I started by getting a huge bag of smarties--those are the fingers--and a package of non powdered gloves from the pharmacy. Grabbed some rolls of ribbon in Halloween type colors, some spider rings and a BUNCH of candy--the little mini stuff. That works best when filling the palm of the glove.</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQQaMY6VZrM/Um_bOQmZG7I/AAAAAAAAEK4/oK6yk5cH-Ys/s1600/IMG_0169sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="293" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQQaMY6VZrM/Um_bOQmZG7I/AAAAAAAAEK4/oK6yk5cH-Ys/s400/IMG_0169sm.png" width="400" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Oh! And check out these cool eyeball gum balls! Are they too cute or WHAT??? I found those at Dollar General!</b></div>
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<b>As I began to make them, I found that TWO smarties in the thumb looked more thumb like--don't you think? See in this picture? The one smartie in the thumb just seems a little thin.</b></div>
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<b><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsFDup8-5Cg/Um_bOmbaq8I/AAAAAAAAEK0/Vauw5eOf2C0/s1600/IMG_0167sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsFDup8-5Cg/Um_bOmbaq8I/AAAAAAAAEK0/Vauw5eOf2C0/s400/IMG_0167sm.png" width="400" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Start with the smarties in the fingers, put a ring on it, stuff the palm with all of the mini candies and cute eyeball gum and tie it all up with a bow! How fun is this????</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGdrzt_aiME/Um_aMKNKnHI/AAAAAAAAEKk/tP3bkCRAKl8/s1600/IMG_0162sm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGdrzt_aiME/Um_aMKNKnHI/AAAAAAAAEKk/tP3bkCRAKl8/s400/IMG_0162sm.png" width="400" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Bring on the Trick or Treaters!</b></div>
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<b>PS--Uh yeah, I'm dressing up again this year. I just can't let a good fun opportunity go by! :)</b></div>
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<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-24285816372197598692013-10-02T08:00:00.000-05:002013-10-02T08:00:11.344-05:00Happy Hump Day #10...My New Toy...Today I get to introduce you to my new toy...<br />
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First, let me say that I am in no way being compensated for this post by anyone! I didn't receive any merchandise or anything, but if Silhouette wanted to send me some cool SWAG, I would be fine with that! ;-)<br />
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After months of saving my "blow money" (see <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/?s_kwcid=TC|6886|financial%20peace%20university||S|p|24478283546&gclid=CKfB_aKa6rkCFctr7AodSzIAhg" target="_blank">Financial Peace University</a> if that term is unknown) and money from doing surveys, I had the money to buy this little beauty!<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_aj-uOzXdU/UkTCAw_9fZI/AAAAAAAAEB0/pnNODasPJGU/s1600/silhouette-cameo-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_aj-uOzXdU/UkTCAw_9fZI/AAAAAAAAEB0/pnNODasPJGU/s400/silhouette-cameo-2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what it looks like straight out of the box...</td></tr>
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I was thinking of how it could cut vinyl and had a little something in mind--particularly an 88 for the back window of my truck along with possibly a 15 and a 5? Hmmm...<br />
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After I received the package which included the Cameo, some sketch pens and the Rhinestone starter kit that I found here.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=httpgarretsqu-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00A8NF004" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>
In anticipation of the Silhouette Cameo Arriving, I ordered some vinyl that had really good reviews found here:<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=httpgarretsqu-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00AV8V3RK" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
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I then began to watch several tutorials that I found online and I could not believe all that this puppy could do! Wow! Stencils, cutting fabric, vinyl, cardstock and those cool tags? Just cut them on the Silhouette! <br />
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I also found out that I can cut out contact paper. So, I headed out to find some in the local area and at Home Depot found some that looks like black leather. Fun!<br />
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The first thing to be decorated was my actual Silhouette! Here it is!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x32BlV7NImw/UkTGSuyFgwI/AAAAAAAAECA/ARZGC9jF6dM/s1600/door3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x32BlV7NImw/UkTGSuyFgwI/AAAAAAAAECA/ARZGC9jF6dM/s400/door3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Just having a bit of fun! :-)<br />
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Then, I printed out the phrase that Gman and I chose for the camper door. I had found a few, but this is the one that we chose together...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yeu275SVSBA/UkTGtzzeJ4I/AAAAAAAAECU/nn8mnBvR7kc/s1600/door2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yeu275SVSBA/UkTGtzzeJ4I/AAAAAAAAECU/nn8mnBvR7kc/s320/door2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Notice that there is a charge card right under Having. I am using that as a burnisher. It is by far the best way to use a credit card! :-)</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">So, here is the <strike>victim</strike> door to our camper before...</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D51Ni2srwUQ/UkTGtOE3FwI/AAAAAAAAECI/Y9KTmUqfqAQ/s1600/door.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D51Ni2srwUQ/UkTGtOE3FwI/AAAAAAAAECI/Y9KTmUqfqAQ/s400/door.png" width="223" /></a></div>
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And after...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTMZ6LMG4Eg/UkTGtnrx7LI/AAAAAAAAECQ/9XCE73v5w4Q/s1600/door+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTMZ6LMG4Eg/UkTGtnrx7LI/AAAAAAAAECQ/9XCE73v5w4Q/s400/door+1.png" width="256" /></a></div>
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How fun is that???? Wait until you see what else I have been doing with it! So fun!<br />
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Thanks for dropping by! labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-28994204690474901312013-09-27T08:00:00.000-05:002013-09-27T08:00:04.065-05:00Out to Eat...Pizza Hut, Bastrop, TX...Last Sunday after church we decided to have some lunch. With a bit of time before the NASCAR race, we thought we would eat in.<br />
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As we drove around town, we came across the Pizza Hut in Bastrop, TX.<br />
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We entered the building and were told to just take a seat and they would come and take our order soon. We chose a seat by the TV that was playing the NASCAR pre-race and sat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRXFLSZ3Hqw/UkTLmvXa-oI/AAAAAAAAECk/9-AyLNHP1m8/s1600/pizza+hut+roach1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRXFLSZ3Hqw/UkTLmvXa-oI/AAAAAAAAECk/9-AyLNHP1m8/s400/pizza+hut+roach1.png" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the TV up there right above the Customer Parking Only sign?</td></tr>
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After about 15 minutes with no waitress in sight and watching people who had arrived before us still waiting, we headed for the cashier station and decided to order a pizza to go as we actually did want to eat sometime that day. While standing there waiting to order, a few couples left--apparently they were done waiting to order as well.<br />
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So, pizza to go ordered, we sat back at the table we had chosen before to watch the NASCAR pre-race.<br />
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As we were sitting there, I noticed that there was more racing happening in the Pizza Hut than on TV.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gda4Psv38gI/UkTLnyRmSWI/AAAAAAAAEC4/USC4ghBJFzA/s1600/pizza+hut+roach2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gda4Psv38gI/UkTLnyRmSWI/AAAAAAAAEC4/USC4ghBJFzA/s400/pizza+hut+roach2.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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Can you see it?</div>
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Here, let me get a closer view...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSuHvRfsgW8/UkTLnJnYuCI/AAAAAAAAECw/2wj_phShJWQ/s1600/pizza+hut+roach.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSuHvRfsgW8/UkTLnJnYuCI/AAAAAAAAECw/2wj_phShJWQ/s400/pizza+hut+roach.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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EWWWWWWW...This is actually after he died. He was alive and going across the floor in the first and second pictures and feet down.</div>
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At any rate, with the lack of service and the, um, protein source, I think the Pizza Hut in Bastrop, TX is off of our list of places to eat!</div>
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Excuse me while I go and take a breath...<gulp></gulp></div>
<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-31078863245748538122013-09-13T11:38:00.000-05:002013-09-13T11:38:27.855-05:00Friday Fun #10...Davy Crockett<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALu74zS6hlU/UjM-j1FbB7I/AAAAAAAAD98/jsQr8ep0qSo/s1600/Davy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALu74zS6hlU/UjM-j1FbB7I/AAAAAAAAD98/jsQr8ep0qSo/s400/Davy.png" width="400" /></a></div>
We see this all over down here. Not sure if Davy Crockett actually said that, but what the heck! We went to Texas too! ;-)<br />
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Texas: Where there are 4 seasons:<br />
1) Almost Summer<br />
2) Summer<br />
3) Still Summer<br />
4) Deer Season<br />
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We are in Still Summer--the temps are in the high 90's now, but with humidity they still feel like 100's. Swimming pools are definitely appreciated! <br />
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Have a great weekend and stay cool--or warm--depending on where you are living! labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-2002348092283272902013-09-11T09:00:00.000-05:002013-09-11T09:00:04.213-05:00We Remember...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2lHIwfI2hAQ/UivEtBqSZZI/AAAAAAAAD6c/HfZKU5rFpDI/s1600/911+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2lHIwfI2hAQ/UivEtBqSZZI/AAAAAAAAD6c/HfZKU5rFpDI/s320/911+flag.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
Today is usually Happy Hump Day, but today I want to take some time to remember a day that I will never forget. Even though it has been 12 years, I remember exactly where I was when the first news reports came through that a terrible accident happened in NYC.<br />
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And I remember a short time later when I watched in horror with millions of others around the world and a second plane hit the second tower.<br />
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And then when the plane hit the pentagon.<br />
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And when the plane went down in the field in Shanksville, PA.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--UXTa1-yC7Q/UivEs8fDWFI/AAAAAAAAD6U/FrLYH6_7bzc/s1600/9-11-01candlesimplelarge1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--UXTa1-yC7Q/UivEs8fDWFI/AAAAAAAAD6U/FrLYH6_7bzc/s320/9-11-01candlesimplelarge1.gif" width="267" /></a></div>
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And when the air space was closed down and we watched as the planes on the FAA site cleared off of the radar until there were none.<br />
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I remember where each member of my family was at the time and so glad that I knew where they were.<br />
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I remember silently going into my storage room and carrying every flag that I owned and flying them outside of my house, along the curb, hung on the fence and everywhere that I had space because I had to do something besides praying for all of those people who were lost and who had lost loved ones.<br />
And I wasn't the only one...<br />
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In the next few weeks, many structures sported the red white and blue--houses, barn roofs, fences--you name it...because we stood up and became not Republican or Democrat, not from this state or that state, but we stood up and said "We are Americans!"<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WkzUCLZ4l4/UivEuJugA0I/AAAAAAAAD64/0VAOH7HgGf8/s1600/911HouseKentCTCarley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WkzUCLZ4l4/UivEuJugA0I/AAAAAAAAD64/0VAOH7HgGf8/s400/911HouseKentCTCarley.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I remember talking to a man who does the same work as my husband who happened to be working right up the street from the towers with a straight view to the towers and where my husband would later be working. He told me how they were terrified. They had no idea what to do except pray and watch. <br />
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And then the fighter planes arriving. The terror of feeling that we were being attacked and then the immense relief when they realized that the fighters were ours. They're ours they repeated over and over. Thank God! And they fell to their knees in relief even as they watched the carnage right outside of their windows.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gziRL3rIhro/UivEtg8saHI/AAAAAAAAD6g/lwkBW3uE93A/s1600/911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gziRL3rIhro/UivEtg8saHI/AAAAAAAAD6g/lwkBW3uE93A/s320/911.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
One place that Gman and I made sure to visit when we were in NYC was the area of the towers and this memorial.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxbvn0TecOs/UivGR81kabI/AAAAAAAAD7A/5SqqJbAEnkU/s1600/911+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxbvn0TecOs/UivGR81kabI/AAAAAAAAD7A/5SqqJbAEnkU/s320/911+cross.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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because when we were there, the new memorial was just under construction.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IO7Pqh5DGao/UivGWwvtOqI/AAAAAAAAD7I/Gf_uDI7vS3s/s1600/911+rebuild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IO7Pqh5DGao/UivGWwvtOqI/AAAAAAAAD7I/Gf_uDI7vS3s/s400/911+rebuild.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And across the street at St. Paul's Cathedral which survived the onslaught and where many found a quiet place of solace at a devastating time.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyFTYxnOJQM/UivGzFjw0eI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/EJS47yTduOA/s1600/911+stp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyFTYxnOJQM/UivGzFjw0eI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/EJS47yTduOA/s400/911+stp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ADMqiRFzhU/UivG2rFpBQI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/rllOeZoiFWE/s1600/911+st+pauls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ADMqiRFzhU/UivG2rFpBQI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/rllOeZoiFWE/s640/911+st+pauls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I want to take this time to thank everyone who keeps us safe and runs into the danger, even while we run away from it. <br />
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Thank you to our military, first responders, medical personnel and all who work to keep us free and safe!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_b0hINOIYM/UivEuJZjmaI/AAAAAAAAD60/qNCA-70O0vA/s1600/911a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_b0hINOIYM/UivEuJZjmaI/AAAAAAAAD60/qNCA-70O0vA/s400/911a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And my flags are flying today because we remember...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aUF5tYTFYI/UivEteliBpI/AAAAAAAAD6k/fJK_RI3LWxU/s1600/9-11NeverForget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aUF5tYTFYI/UivEteliBpI/AAAAAAAAD6k/fJK_RI3LWxU/s400/9-11NeverForget.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-42297446331518049662013-09-09T08:30:00.000-05:002013-09-09T08:30:01.270-05:00Happy Birthday! Love To My Wonderful Son...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Birthday!</h3>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypKGAISgbPc/Uiu_ESew3oI/AAAAAAAAD50/sV9F_l7N2Io/s1600/DSCN0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypKGAISgbPc/Uiu_ESew3oI/AAAAAAAAD50/sV9F_l7N2Io/s640/DSCN0728.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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On this day a few decades ago, (okay, that just made me feel old...) I gave birth to a little bundle of joy that grew up to become this wonderful man.</div>
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Just for grins and giggles, let's have a look at his birthdate...</div>
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Bread: .53/loaf</div>
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Milk: $1.79/gal</div>
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Eggs: $1.11/doz</div>
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Car: $9,890</div>
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Gas: $1.28/ga</div>
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House: $83,900</div>
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Postage Stamp: .20/ea</div>
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Ave Income: $27,391/yr</div>
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Min Wage: $3.35/hr</div>
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Dow Avg: 1,047 (can you imagine if we had put a bunch of money in the stock market on his birthday????)</div>
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The President was Ronald Reagan and the VP was George Bush</div>
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What were we watching on TV?</div>
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Magnum P.I., Knight Rider, Remington Steele, WKRP in Cincinnati, CHiPs, Laverne & Shirley, M*A*S*H, Three's Company, Happy Days, Cagney and Lacey and last but not least, Dallas (from which Gman Jr's nickname from Grandma G came--JR--she was a big fan of Dallas!)</div>
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And Trivial Pursuit came out that year...and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Tron and Mattel Electronics Football II, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls and Magna doodle...</div>
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And songs?</div>
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Jack and Diane by John Cougar </div>
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Maneater by Daryl Hall & John Oates</div>
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Ebony and Ivory by Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder</div>
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I Love Rock AEn' Roll by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts</div>
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Don't you want me by Human League</div>
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Eye of the Tiger by Survivor</div>
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Up Where We Belong by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes</div>
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Abracadabra by Steve Miller Band</div>
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Hard to Say I'm Sorry by Chicago</div>
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Happy Birthday Son! You make your parents proud!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3dHA1r3HwM/Uiu_H1bGX_I/AAAAAAAAD58/GF0Tvmo56b8/s1600/P1010254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3dHA1r3HwM/Uiu_H1bGX_I/AAAAAAAAD58/GF0Tvmo56b8/s640/P1010254.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We love you and will see you soon! </div>
<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-28868268514201332322013-09-07T15:31:00.000-05:002013-09-07T15:31:58.126-05:00National Preparedness Month...<h4 style="text-align: center;">
September is National Preparedness Month.</h4>
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<a href="http://www.ready.gov/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eipqcZp8OnI/UiuLcNMeERI/AAAAAAAAD4U/08abSWhvKm4/s400/Banner_NPM2013_square_250x250.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are you prepared if there is a disaster in your area? </div>
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What would you do in a tornado? Hurricane? Earthquake? Flood? Power outage? Boil Water alert?</div>
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Where would you go?<br />What would you take?</div>
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What would you eat?</div>
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How would you stay warm?</div>
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What about your pets?</div>
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Take a stroll on over to the FEMA page and get started on your emergency kit.</div>
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And while you are at it, winter is on the way, so what about a car kit with blankets, flashlights, food, kitty litter, shovel, jumper cables?</div>
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Where is your paperwork? Your birth certificate? Your insurance paperwork? Your pet's papers? Your children's medical papers? A utility bill to show residence? Do you know what else you might need?</div>
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Okay, now, get over there and get to work to be ready for the next disaster...</div>
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<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-39923863579432079852013-09-06T11:30:00.000-05:002013-09-06T11:30:53.836-05:00Friday Fun #9...Crazy....This was by the cashier at one of our fav restaurants, Maxine's in Bastrop, TX. <br /><br />Gman offered me up as a teacher! LOL<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OXZ60ko42Ls/UioCxSuf8nI/AAAAAAAAD4E/2ukaOLJo2iY/s1600/crazysm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OXZ60ko42Ls/UioCxSuf8nI/AAAAAAAAD4E/2ukaOLJo2iY/s640/crazysm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have a great weekend!labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-4902918869106007292013-08-30T08:30:00.000-05:002013-08-30T08:30:00.843-05:00Friday Fun #8...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GeSV0mdszIY/Uh_1_LPupfI/AAAAAAAAD30/HHzV3_8kULQ/s1600/1337873911750_2637358.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GeSV0mdszIY/Uh_1_LPupfI/AAAAAAAAD30/HHzV3_8kULQ/s400/1337873911750_2637358.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have a great weekend!</div>
<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-36384175178626178942013-08-09T08:30:00.000-05:002013-08-09T08:30:02.488-05:00Friday Fun #7...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nY4O6ULNZv0/UgRAseOCHUI/AAAAAAAAD3c/JlkXvmMtmW0/s1600/164280_366223646837007_2091417295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nY4O6ULNZv0/UgRAseOCHUI/AAAAAAAAD3c/JlkXvmMtmW0/s400/164280_366223646837007_2091417295_n.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
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Everyone who has a pug KNOWS this is true!</div>
<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-12478130512115545632013-08-07T11:54:00.002-05:002013-08-07T11:54:35.175-05:00Happy Hump Day #9...Anniversary...Last Saturday night we went to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hasler-Brothers-Steak-House/112876568729096" target="_blank">Hasler Brother's Steakhouse</a> located at 703 Chestnut in Bastrop, TX for our anniversary.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrE-WYSonzg/UgJywA8ADeI/AAAAAAAAD10/P0MwZwnxZME/s1600/Hasler+Bro+Restaurant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrE-WYSonzg/UgJywA8ADeI/AAAAAAAAD10/P0MwZwnxZME/s400/Hasler+Bro+Restaurant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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We began to plan on this one day back in May when we were walking around in Bastrop and noticed the menu on the wall. See it? Look at this picture under the arrow:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--d8lb0yZHJA/UgJyv96CWOI/AAAAAAAAD2M/__plcZL4GJU/s1600/Hasler+Bro+arrow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--d8lb0yZHJA/UgJyv96CWOI/AAAAAAAAD2M/__plcZL4GJU/s400/Hasler+Bro+arrow.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Reminds me of some of the places we have been like Las Vegas and Reno where all of the restaurants post their menus so that you can make a decision to come in or move on. I like it!</div>
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Anywho, we were standing there reading the menu one day when the restaurant was closed and the owner just happened to be walking along the sidewalk to another location. He stopped to speak with us a bit and told us that the steaks here were served without a steak knife because you only need a fork to cut them. Hmmmm...Got my attention! :)<br /></div>
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So, with great excitement, we headed to town and to the entrance.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mqLzAG0s4jY/UgJzC84sAjI/AAAAAAAAD2U/6tXLP3Xthg4/s1600/Hasler+Bro+entrance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mqLzAG0s4jY/UgJzC84sAjI/AAAAAAAAD2U/6tXLP3Xthg4/s400/Hasler+Bro+entrance.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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I love the entrance--the way that the building curves around and into the opening. So interesting. I decided that if the steaks were as good as the neat old building, it was gonna be a great night!</div>
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As we entered, the bar was to the left. So pretty!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpvt_s8G7_Y/UgJyx9C7vSI/AAAAAAAAD2A/jCbgygiuTIY/s1600/hasler+bro+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpvt_s8G7_Y/UgJyx9C7vSI/AAAAAAAAD2A/jCbgygiuTIY/s400/hasler+bro+bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then they took us back to the dining room.<br />The waiters were in white shirts, black pants and black vests and black ties. They looked so great and the service was excellent!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWDWrqGQTAI/UgJyuHzwOmI/AAAAAAAAD1o/lTnhel7QHMI/s1600/Hasler+Bro+dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWDWrqGQTAI/UgJyuHzwOmI/AAAAAAAAD1o/lTnhel7QHMI/s400/Hasler+Bro+dining+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's cozy and very romantic.</div>
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Unfortunately, with temp outside has been over 100 degrees each day and it was quite warm in the dining room for some reason. Poor Gman was wiping his face with his napkin! I was fortunate that I was wearing a thin tank top, but I was still warm as well.</div>
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Gman ordered a New York Strip and I ordered the Bacon Wrapped Filet. They both came with the long uncut green beans which were very good and really good homemade mashed potatoes. Interestingly, they did NOT come with a salad--which was fine with me, but I was surprised nontheless...</div>
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As Gman said, he was gonna give them a test on that fork tender steak thing. He orders his steaks medium well--err on the side of well over medium. Oye! I am a medium rare type of girl--err on the side of rare rather than medium and I am fine. :-)</div>
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They brought the steaks and we did have our butter knives which cut the steaks easily. Not sure that a fork would have cut them easily, but the butter knife did. They were done properly and nice and juicy--even Gman's! Wow!</div>
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I was stuffed to the gills after eating half of my meal, but Gman and I managed to polish off a lovely chocolate valcano topped with vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with milk and white chocolate with two spoons. It wasn't until we got to the car that we realized that they didn't include the whipped cream! REALLY??? How could we not notice????</div>
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Oh, I know. It was the stars in our eyes as we enjoyed each other's company. ;-)</div>
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Or maybe it was the heat.</div>
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The meal was very good and all in all, we really enjoyed our evening out. We won't go there on a regular basis because it is really expensive but it was nice for a special occasion.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VWPYgrxZA0/UgJyr0zdHGI/AAAAAAAAD1s/ASoUNzW52ww/s1600/Anniversary+2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VWPYgrxZA0/UgJyr0zdHGI/AAAAAAAAD1s/ASoUNzW52ww/s400/Anniversary+2013.png" width="360" /></a></div>
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Sorry! Our waiter took the picture and my cell phone camera doesn't seem to do too well in the darkness.</div>
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labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-42504648978059073142013-08-05T08:00:00.000-05:002013-08-05T08:00:02.823-05:00Tex-Mex Ravioli {Recipe}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>TEX-MEX RAVIOLI</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We just had this on Thursday and boy was it great! I, of course, made it with Thrive Foods, but I will put both recipes here just for you! :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z53CGqJ9FaE/Ufrof3jMZPI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/YgEGvCePlj8/s1600/Mexican+Ravioli1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z53CGqJ9FaE/Ufrof3jMZPI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/YgEGvCePlj8/s400/Mexican+Ravioli1.png" width="273" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">16 oz jar Mild Salsa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 oz can Tomato Sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tsp Ground Cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">25 oz bag Frozen Cheese Ravioli, unthawed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 (15 oz) cans Black Beans, rinsed and drained</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 c chopped Fresh Cilantro</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 c chopped Green Onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 oz package shredded Fiesta Blend Cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees; spray an 11 x 7 inch baking dish with cooking spray.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Combine salsa, tomato sauce and cumin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spread 1/2 cup sauce in bottom of prepared pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Top with ravioli.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Top with beans, cilantro, green onion and remaining sauce mixture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cover with cheese.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bake, covered, for 45 minutes or until bubbly; uncover, bake 5 more minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Now for the Thrive version:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>TEX-MEX RAVIOLI (Thrive Version)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">16 oz jar Mild Salsa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 oz water; add Thrive Tomato Powder until it reaches Tomato Sauce Consistency</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tsp Ground Cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">25 oz bag Frozen Cheese Ravioli, unthawed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 3/4 c Thrive Instant Black Beans, in 1 c warm water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 c Thrive Cilantro</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 c Thrive Green Onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 oz package shredded Fiesta Blend Cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees; spray an 11 x 7 inch baking dish with cooking spray.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Combine salsa, tomato sauce and cumin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spread 1/2 cup sauce in bottom of prepared pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Top with ravioli.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Top with beans, cilantro, green onion and remaining sauce mixture.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cover with cheese.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bake, covered, for 45 minutes or until bubbly; uncover, bake 5 more minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">YUM!!!!</span><br />
<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-57043860479231587242013-08-03T10:03:00.001-05:002013-08-03T10:03:12.326-05:00Friday Fun #6...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> This one was a quick click. Sorry for the blur...</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQsCieMckJY/UfrWVW_a5dI/AAAAAAAAD0w/MYRXfBPWYdQ/s1600/IMG_20130720_111840_289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQsCieMckJY/UfrWVW_a5dI/AAAAAAAAD0w/MYRXfBPWYdQ/s400/IMG_20130720_111840_289.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It just made me giggle. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today is the day that in 1980 I was happy to become the wife of the handsome guy that made my heart beat faster and happier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I didn't know at the time how much he would complete me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Anniversary Gman!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7YvpHsg4VY/UfrXyDf4a9I/AAAAAAAAD1A/A2HI74Fq1Ko/s1600/Yvonne+&+Jim+receiving+Line2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7YvpHsg4VY/UfrXyDf4a9I/AAAAAAAAD1A/A2HI74Fq1Ko/s400/Yvonne+&+Jim+receiving+Line2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-15212470758038736812013-07-31T08:30:00.000-05:002013-07-31T08:30:02.986-05:00Happy Hump Day #8...SNOW!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is our dog, Frank The Pug running through the snow on Valentine's Day when we were in the Hudson Valley in New York. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He just looks so cute hopping through the snow with his ears flapping...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think that with the triple digit heat, this looks pretty doggone good! :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3ogue_HNk4/UfhoUS6iSwI/AAAAAAAADyg/5euTiCn6GbE/s1600/frank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3ogue_HNk4/UfhoUS6iSwI/AAAAAAAADyg/5euTiCn6GbE/s640/frank.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Stay Cool!</i></b></span></div>
<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635220577144174511.post-29719234851022519052013-07-30T11:07:00.001-05:002013-07-30T11:07:08.441-05:00Nails...Strawberry Lemonade...Good morning!<br />
With the temps here being around 100 degrees plus right now (we are told that winter will be like 60 degrees which will make up for this! I hope they are right!) I thought something hot but cool would be in order on the nails...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hnD1KQmcL0/Uffhi2LD3QI/AAAAAAAADyA/q68Iv1DLq78/s1600/left+hand.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hnD1KQmcL0/Uffhi2LD3QI/AAAAAAAADyA/q68Iv1DLq78/s400/left+hand.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOLUrR2U5Xc/UffhdoZDtrI/AAAAAAAADx4/AgwMIwsINWM/s1600/Right+Hand.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOLUrR2U5Xc/UffhdoZDtrI/AAAAAAAADx4/AgwMIwsINWM/s400/Right+Hand.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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Sorry they are a little messy. I did them a few days ago and didn't get the pictures until this morning...</div>
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I call this Strawberry Lemonade. </div>
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I started with white and then went over it with Sinful Colors Neon Melon. I then topped that with a strawberry slice and two leaves and a little red jewel on each strawberry--just for some sparkle...</div>
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Now for the toes...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N01kGJ_7D4s/UffhO3OPWwI/AAAAAAAADxw/WSXlAnGH-jo/s1600/toes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N01kGJ_7D4s/UffhO3OPWwI/AAAAAAAADxw/WSXlAnGH-jo/s400/toes.png" width="332" /></a></div>
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I call these Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade with Ice Cubes...</div>
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Just ignore the pug tail down there...I started with white (which really makes any bright colors pop!) and then the Sinful Neon Melon. I then added a slice of strawberry and a couple of slices of Kiwi. To top it off, I added square clear jewels to look like ice cubes. Here is a closer view...Again sorry for the sloppy look up close--been a few days...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLZMOuVYog/Uffj3n16TBI/AAAAAAAADyQ/yTBZo21F_6g/s1600/toes1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLLZMOuVYog/Uffj3n16TBI/AAAAAAAADyQ/yTBZo21F_6g/s400/toes1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hot time in the summer...for sure!</div>
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Hope you are staying cool!</div>
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<br />labbie1http://www.blogger.com/profile/03300554678932160244noreply@blogger.com4