tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-279395882024-03-05T00:32:03.871-05:00Dandelion KnollA blog from The Hill, about The Hill and beyond.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-33237393722348238342013-09-09T11:47:00.000-04:002013-09-09T11:47:50.968-04:00Cleaning out the Kitchen<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weekend my siblings and I continued our efforts to clean out Mom's house. Before she passed Mom told us we would have a time once she was gone and sure enough we are having a time. Some good, some sad, some funny but it's alright</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and we are making progress. Saturday we worked on the kitchen pots and pans. Each time a pan was brought out it reminded us of the food she cooked in it. Biscuits, potatoes, chicken casserole and carrots, etc. We may not have her food anymore but we sure do treasure the memories - and the pans.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-44758546498633979372012-08-12T18:43:00.001-04:002012-08-12T18:43:07.703-04:00Clever Parking Meter LampGreetings from The (inspired) Hill,<br />
<br />
While exploring on Facebook I ran across this photo by a friend. When the old parking meters were taking down in the town of Jasper his Dad got one and made this lamp. Very clever I think. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMW_NiNDj3TlOI8bkf1z3hQWAkJYRB1w42VZsnYf1AfvqNwuit31SkBH5nQcuONR99gUhp7OpJUTC-_TjRG2kGKb-4WZjFmTSuGW69Kaq7PvRLw2n6_FSeYKtZikFH7330vkP9g/s1600/Parking+Meter+in+Jasper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMW_NiNDj3TlOI8bkf1z3hQWAkJYRB1w42VZsnYf1AfvqNwuit31SkBH5nQcuONR99gUhp7OpJUTC-_TjRG2kGKb-4WZjFmTSuGW69Kaq7PvRLw2n6_FSeYKtZikFH7330vkP9g/s320/Parking+Meter+in+Jasper.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parking Meter Lamp</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My small dose of OCD kicked in as soon as I saw that shade. Drives me nuts!!<br />
<br />
Later...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-3142553146341669202012-05-09T05:40:00.001-04:002012-05-09T05:40:28.522-04:00Back from Vaca Greetings from The (post-vaca) Hill,<br />
<br />
From the last post to now I was planning for vaca, on vaca and then recovering from vaca. DH and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary by taking a trip to Kauai, HI for a week. I can show you some pictures but the reality was too beautiful for words.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pT6iU0WoVsKG3iI62NB2QoDwcBxSUDqa5SRCRn_-D4YUKHzC9-8WVFxTvGCneTCKA58ZqooxVATDeQiotkvITFZX-fe4w-m9xXp3bR8q01VLsWcFpJFY82wpqxJ8pdKHVHuR7A/s1600/DSCN2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pT6iU0WoVsKG3iI62NB2QoDwcBxSUDqa5SRCRn_-D4YUKHzC9-8WVFxTvGCneTCKA58ZqooxVATDeQiotkvITFZX-fe4w-m9xXp3bR8q01VLsWcFpJFY82wpqxJ8pdKHVHuR7A/s320/DSCN2505.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret Beach</td></tr>
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Day 1 - Road across the north end of the island. Fav spot was Secret Beach. Could have stayed there longer but didn't have swimsuit on and jumped into the ocean with my cell phone in my pocket. Goodbye good mood, hello dead phone.<br />
<br />
" Secret Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches on Kauai. Walking on the lava rocks to the left of secret beach is only
safe on the calmest summer days when the surf report calls for waves
less than 2 ft high. The rocky coastline leads to a beautiful waterfall.
A reasonably steep path leads down to the beach."<br />
<br />
I laugh as I read "reasonably steep path" it was actually a VERY steep path. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJYkrYPhAph5mWNHbtq2x0e616TSC2tmp3BKRP7eFVC4YgSy_3i5U5s8uNF8ANIqP-GpP6Ugt5gOmZkefpJ-NOyjEEbrOhUrjvzIKuRjs2baMrfIpjMhOGeKSD-vsHjXkLyp1Ng/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJYkrYPhAph5mWNHbtq2x0e616TSC2tmp3BKRP7eFVC4YgSy_3i5U5s8uNF8ANIqP-GpP6Ugt5gOmZkefpJ-NOyjEEbrOhUrjvzIKuRjs2baMrfIpjMhOGeKSD-vsHjXkLyp1Ng/s320/IMG_0285.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lydgate Park</td></tr>
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Day 2 we visited Lydgate Park which got smacked really badly from the floods last month. There were huge trees and branches all up and down the beach. The encircled swimming area while taped off with yellow crime scene tape was open to the public. This is where we did our first (and probably only ever) snorkeling. <br />
<br />
"Lydgate beach park is a popular beach, picnic and playground area that
includes a 2 mile bike path. The boulder enclosed swimming area offers
some of the safest swimming on Kauai and has a lifeguard. Lydgate beach
park is the best place to learn how to snorkel, and also suitable for
small children and those who don't know how to swim."<br />
<br />
In other words it is a park for the less adventuresome.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyv2ZTq2xkidzvuYtVUOf_Ia2QgG2e48vz1iPKSv65LGfhThW6DEAGNk3MjTtYdBlF7Nv1CVBb9bAti7QZlWlJAUhihp4zfvu9yXb2i09eEm2TxXClF7fpFDID8Mpgr8sSVI0dA/s1600/day3-52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyv2ZTq2xkidzvuYtVUOf_Ia2QgG2e48vz1iPKSv65LGfhThW6DEAGNk3MjTtYdBlF7Nv1CVBb9bAti7QZlWlJAUhihp4zfvu9yXb2i09eEm2TxXClF7fpFDID8Mpgr8sSVI0dA/s320/day3-52.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancakes and Hula</td></tr>
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Day 3 - We listened to the local radio station, watched the news and learned about the Lions Club annual fundraiser "Pancakes and Hula" in Hanalei. It was a wonderful local even to attend. Pancakes were excellent and the entertainment was exactly what I had hoped to see while there.<br />
<br />
By the way, it is pronounced Hana-lay (not Hana-lee as in Puff the Magic Dragon.) <br />
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Later that morning we drove up to Waimea Canyon. This picture does not even do it justice. It was so spectacularly beautiful. I just stood in awe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI8mTwcHuLF_2nVGjP3O-ktCB3P6eWTgWJM2mnd_7D2Sr04Bj8VSamfk3rLMMf6IIQoe-fiTg5-rvKR0-evXRbN2LAI3hARF8sW0T0vQihenHZSLoW4l5BfyUMzJdu5qeNqDZTg/s1600/DSCN2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI8mTwcHuLF_2nVGjP3O-ktCB3P6eWTgWJM2mnd_7D2Sr04Bj8VSamfk3rLMMf6IIQoe-fiTg5-rvKR0-evXRbN2LAI3hARF8sW0T0vQihenHZSLoW4l5BfyUMzJdu5qeNqDZTg/s320/DSCN2593.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waimea Canyon</td></tr>
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"Waimea Canyon, on Kauai's <a href="http://www.gohawaii.com/kauai/regions-neighborhoods/west-side">West Side</a>,
is described as "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Although not as big
or as old as its Arizona cousin, you won’t encounter anything like this <a href="http://www.gohawaii.com/kauai/guidebook/topics/natural-wonders-of-kauai">geological wonder</a>
in Hawaii. Stretching 14 miles long, one mile wide and more than 3,600
feet deep, the Waimea Canyon Lookout provides panoramic views of crested
buttes, rugged crags and deep valley gorges. The grand inland vistas go
on for miles."<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ3IoFzQeMmEzjK9A9UxgNuNTDUfBIHlbTaQCNjt8xJU8D-wmf0WeH9OaXpqsI_6xJAKdGDd526JiPDe42CQxdFsst_WflvtmjV3t6eoN7-sj9Qv5N2g8VA-5ikmXyJB7sswPzw/s1600/DSCN2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ3IoFzQeMmEzjK9A9UxgNuNTDUfBIHlbTaQCNjt8xJU8D-wmf0WeH9OaXpqsI_6xJAKdGDd526JiPDe42CQxdFsst_WflvtmjV3t6eoN7-sj9Qv5N2g8VA-5ikmXyJB7sswPzw/s320/DSCN2576.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jo-Jo's Shave Ice</td></tr>
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On the way up to the canyon we stopped at Jo-Jo's to have our first shave ice. The difference between a snow cone and shave ice is the way the ice is treated. For snow cones the ice is crushed. Shave ice is just that, a big block of ice shaved off using a very sharp knife. Instead of ice pieces you actually get something more akin to a snowlike consistency. Mine was flavored with red raspberry, pistachio and Jo-Jo's punch syrup. So good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3kPXxKJIGtinGFPYpbw4_Ifxh5_CA6UDW8vMP9XR-HnGABUhWFFGeRTSdyDt61Sf8KhxOREjllXveznjBpcYr8zUvlvzyoZTOyE_9GRZ7rKP47VXXZINzJWDDfEc0GLKdTc75g/s1600/DSCN2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3kPXxKJIGtinGFPYpbw4_Ifxh5_CA6UDW8vMP9XR-HnGABUhWFFGeRTSdyDt61Sf8KhxOREjllXveznjBpcYr8zUvlvzyoZTOyE_9GRZ7rKP47VXXZINzJWDDfEc0GLKdTc75g/s320/DSCN2628.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rambutan</td></tr>
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At the entrance of the canyon as we started to leave was a van selling locally grown items. One of those was this little beauty. It has soft spiky things on the outside and the inside is the consistency of grape flesh but it doesn't taste like grape and there is a good sized pit in there. I fell in love with this fruit and ate a ton of it before we left the island.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mZ_ExSj8K-4fRxLMvAGT-iHbSU4I5r0pzfvPr-IvUzzWwoTME-MgefcRPUhPK7Ag_2pXEd6zSlV1_gzDuUMOmTnjfncysKfEXYPAtZsmkuIYVpNms4lID8-alHUQb8JqeiLCLw/s1600/DSCN2738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mZ_ExSj8K-4fRxLMvAGT-iHbSU4I5r0pzfvPr-IvUzzWwoTME-MgefcRPUhPK7Ag_2pXEd6zSlV1_gzDuUMOmTnjfncysKfEXYPAtZsmkuIYVpNms4lID8-alHUQb8JqeiLCLw/s320/DSCN2738.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kipu Ranch ATV Tour</td></tr>
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Day 4 - This is the day I had been waiting for and it did not disappoint, our 3 hour ATV tour of Kipu Ranch. The scenery was beyond description. Our guide, Lumbo, told us about the history of the land and explained that today it is still a working ranch raising herds of cows. He picked plants to show us and told us the stories behind them. If you go to Kauai this tour is a must.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzMkQHxWeIzq9utQ8K1d8TSRWbgYEb4dWQW9-U5ze59UJ1zqkEEsy2VzOxZ7Sn-CU4WWQFH9SCn9nUicayy84P0YfNPr4WpVq_h7BaEdrn-02qeu7nQUOqEB-49L3xYf87j12Dw/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzMkQHxWeIzq9utQ8K1d8TSRWbgYEb4dWQW9-U5ze59UJ1zqkEEsy2VzOxZ7Sn-CU4WWQFH9SCn9nUicayy84P0YfNPr4WpVq_h7BaEdrn-02qeu7nQUOqEB-49L3xYf87j12Dw/s320/IMG_0335.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with a Pearl Harbor survivor</td></tr>
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Day 5 was our trip over to Oahu to visit Pearl Harbor. This was a day filled with unexpected revelations. We arrived at Honolulu around 9:00am and rented a car for the day until our outgoing flight at 8:00pm. The highlight of my day was getting to meet Mr. Dick Girocco. He was working in the next building over from where stood when the bombs came down December 7, 1941. I talked to him the whole time Randy toured the Pacific Aviation museum. We didn't talk of that day. Instead we got on the subject of our family heritage. His mother was from Austria. When she was 5 or 8 her parents planned to immigrate. They traveled to London to catch a ship - the Titanic. Turns out they didn't have enough money for even the cheapest fare and had to sail on the ship behind her. Lucky day for his family. <br />
<br />
As we did on Kauai, we drove the circumference of the island to see what it had to offer. Our rental car company offered a GPS that provided a guided tour of all the important sights on the island. We had fun when every few miles or so our "tour guide's" recorded voice told us about what we were seeing out our car window. It was lots of fun. While the island of Oahu is beautiful, we were struck with how populated it is. Much more so than Kauai. By the end of the day we were ready to get back to our less populated island paradise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49qrIFMhroq5_ko-AFjnpKcDIO8rrza5n04aSjHiCLfieegXDJT-OQ_lMar71Mw9DvZRNMOOtonhUlZ85l2xmOeZwcuy9eJA3oILvXJt2ujjNCj6xkkn6szzw4zont6wFPLrU_g/s1600/hilo+hattie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49qrIFMhroq5_ko-AFjnpKcDIO8rrza5n04aSjHiCLfieegXDJT-OQ_lMar71Mw9DvZRNMOOtonhUlZ85l2xmOeZwcuy9eJA3oILvXJt2ujjNCj6xkkn6szzw4zont6wFPLrU_g/s320/hilo+hattie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Chocolate Pineapple Macadamia Nut Crunch</td></tr>
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Day 6 -We really didn't plan anything for this day. So it was a free day to do as we pleased. Since it was at the back end of our trip we decided to do a little souvenir shopping. We went to a few local markets, the ABC store and finally the premiere destination for island takaways - Hilo Hatties. Here they opened an oyster for me and inside was not one but two pink pearls. Below is what the area looked like. Some call this a rip off because once you have the pearls they try to sell you an expensive piece of jewelry to house them. You can say "No" though as I did and keep the little treasures. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_MM0GJVbWvPq_-mutjRntLMOAuJBVrZWn64rb5az8Kuz7Hogo0jhOFGyXzJVY-Qbg1wHQScRqL66b2xEVGRA-9OHA7YikKhnnanAEEC0RO466md2HM1ETq5wQMQ1jOgW719hBQ/s1600/Pearl+ripoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_MM0GJVbWvPq_-mutjRntLMOAuJBVrZWn64rb5az8Kuz7Hogo0jhOFGyXzJVY-Qbg1wHQScRqL66b2xEVGRA-9OHA7YikKhnnanAEEC0RO466md2HM1ETq5wQMQ1jOgW719hBQ/s1600/Pearl+ripoff.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from blog "Travels with Seven and Mad, 2008"</td></tr>
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<br />
This is the day we had a great visit with our new friend Tina. She was also staying on the property and we had touched base throughout the week but we finally got to spend a large block of time with her and enjoyed it so much!! She is from the left coast and we are from the right so we had a great time sharing the stories of our life. Now that we are back home we are keeping in touch. I believe folks you connect with cross you path for a reason. Don't' know what ours is yet but is special to have a new found friend.<br />
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Day 7 - Our last day on the island. We spent the morning packing and putting the rental back the way we found it. We checked out at 11:00am but our flight didn't leave until 10:00pm so we spent our last time on the island visiting places on the south shore. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visited Spouting Horn. Have a vid but it wouldn't load.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbncCCUeBswddi-907wr1sS2QkG25KMo4u-lQJeauaZOp6eS2gUvDylGXRFM07Ywa_9a3g0TPd9hInMvVoqCKDmuw_wMDm6PN6v46Eyxd0Dl4eqyxaTC_3jww5sBPpba2EduKpw/s1600/DSCN2879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbncCCUeBswddi-907wr1sS2QkG25KMo4u-lQJeauaZOp6eS2gUvDylGXRFM07Ywa_9a3g0TPd9hInMvVoqCKDmuw_wMDm6PN6v46Eyxd0Dl4eqyxaTC_3jww5sBPpba2EduKpw/s320/DSCN2879.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Randy went. I didn't. It was over water and SWINGING.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUtgFzuqUeZORHamwAofInPPgHoY3u1PuuC6rohlvGZrk6dJOBIy2KIBGiDTZYYwMz81HmxGKJeIIGPHpWASsrFcDySGbEaDHciQKlr5DAwIixIifdYlzLDD_0JSoqTtjfkOriw/s1600/DSCN2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUtgFzuqUeZORHamwAofInPPgHoY3u1PuuC6rohlvGZrk6dJOBIy2KIBGiDTZYYwMz81HmxGKJeIIGPHpWASsrFcDySGbEaDHciQKlr5DAwIixIifdYlzLDD_0JSoqTtjfkOriw/s320/DSCN2883.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the river from the bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF4Lepf4vuZqVAYStcqq8zJ-2wLZejwnGPqt5OzWH89_jIA5e5P7IGTNiTvhDtuo2_VULK636riefNVdveaFNlzhpu_xrWg72ke-bFB9es1ckGC_sVWMrpzzYsB1RuTgLF9LY4Q/s1600/DSCN2912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF4Lepf4vuZqVAYStcqq8zJ-2wLZejwnGPqt5OzWH89_jIA5e5P7IGTNiTvhDtuo2_VULK636riefNVdveaFNlzhpu_xrWg72ke-bFB9es1ckGC_sVWMrpzzYsB1RuTgLF9LY4Q/s320/DSCN2912.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spent our last hours on the island here. Turned into one of my fav spots.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my last chance to beachcomb</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wHFByBsvB5hCzoQDvizNZ_cPrEy4XHzugALDOUkg4nsQ59ojj3IQCWy4eHTxDKkGKNlepm0XLmSyn6_5FHNgOm6DVLD6XhEavlg5B-ge45pIWfVTWOZL1OyGA5OI424NNpet_Q/s1600/DSCN2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wHFByBsvB5hCzoQDvizNZ_cPrEy4XHzugALDOUkg4nsQ59ojj3IQCWy4eHTxDKkGKNlepm0XLmSyn6_5FHNgOm6DVLD6XhEavlg5B-ge45pIWfVTWOZL1OyGA5OI424NNpet_Q/s320/DSCN2897.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a newly washed up piece of coral. The purple beauties were still soft and alive when I took this pic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XR9Okt3JUN_14oi8TpnVXPzA4ymzlE-ihc6yAbVDMvq0PaAYVGVvGoeTIW0uhkNq9KTsdCD_CkH2Gj4v5uetRRB5z8LGPq0vma9Z8g2JCirOGpHTsnFU5SPQCJcGqipqr-bxFg/s1600/DSCN2909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XR9Okt3JUN_14oi8TpnVXPzA4ymzlE-ihc6yAbVDMvq0PaAYVGVvGoeTIW0uhkNq9KTsdCD_CkH2Gj4v5uetRRB5z8LGPq0vma9Z8g2JCirOGpHTsnFU5SPQCJcGqipqr-bxFg/s320/DSCN2909.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found a little "antique" while there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMlZfi8oGsCf_Gd1ydu38z4L2Ii2fxbS5LqT_BxkQ-hQGACCGOQdMnfU-BO7AdTpG4zMP9e5pS_X_MYewpNXeRXtXjNKOBnwNvnI-K92UrDpMMyJcUTt4C8UAIsvBjv-oo5H1DQ/s1600/DSCN2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMlZfi8oGsCf_Gd1ydu38z4L2Ii2fxbS5LqT_BxkQ-hQGACCGOQdMnfU-BO7AdTpG4zMP9e5pS_X_MYewpNXeRXtXjNKOBnwNvnI-K92UrDpMMyJcUTt4C8UAIsvBjv-oo5H1DQ/s320/DSCN2911.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the several types of pine trees on the island.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jy3bdcrgSw/T6ajdAcftzI/AAAAAAAABEE/MDMN_B0rnc4/s1600/DSCN2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jy3bdcrgSw/T6ajdAcftzI/AAAAAAAABEE/MDMN_B0rnc4/s320/DSCN2914.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it was here I had to say Aloha to the iconic roosters that roam the island.</td></tr>
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Randy and I could not have asked for a more perfect visit to paradise. Now we want to go back because after all the places we saw and all the things we did there is still so much more to experience here.<br />
<br />
Later...<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-11582365033012869982012-03-18T06:48:00.002-04:002012-03-18T06:48:18.388-04:00Spring on The HillGreetings from The (green and yellow) Hill,<br />
<br />
New life is all around the Hill and so it's time to change the look of the blog for the season. All the trees have leafed up nice and green and the forsythia are a flaming yellow. <br />
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Happy Spring 2012!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-2130604663608748812012-03-14T06:02:00.000-04:002012-03-14T06:04:10.480-04:00High / Low DecoratingGreetings from The (Thrifty) Hill, <br />
<br />
Have you seen that show where the host shows a couple their dream room decorated using thousands of dollars then she recreates the room using very low cost items that mimic the high priced ones? That is what I've been doing as I decorate the guest room. <br />
<br />
I put an inspiration board on Pinterest and started searching the web for pictures of how I wanted the room to look and items I wanted to have in there. It's been a great experience so far. There have been surprises along the way. The paint that looked like a blue/gray turned out more blue than gray. So I had to rethink the focus of my color palette.<br />
<br />
I've been accessory shopping this week. The color palette is gray, blue and white with pops of persimmon/pomegranate. Here is what I found.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJagGK37Zxc/T2BqQs9PUwI/AAAAAAAAA50/MMV8b9f-b2g/s1600/P-HA24DL521AC20OB-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wJagGK37Zxc/T2BqQs9PUwI/AAAAAAAAA50/MMV8b9f-b2g/s320/P-HA24DL521AC20OB-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration: $115.50</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgjnEC5Bgus/T2BqSFTdu0I/AAAAAAAAA58/dSeKmfwNGFE/s1600/IMAG0733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgjnEC5Bgus/T2BqSFTdu0I/AAAAAAAAA58/dSeKmfwNGFE/s320/IMAG0733.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found a skirt at the thrift store for $3.00</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30WMbe8xnwU/T2BqWtj1tXI/AAAAAAAAA6E/ovmGDelQbaI/s1600/IMAG0745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30WMbe8xnwU/T2BqWtj1tXI/AAAAAAAAA6E/ovmGDelQbaI/s320/IMAG0745.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut it apart and when sewn together over a $1.00 thrift store pillow makes the total cost $4.00</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQ8vgqE2fd1O4lp1NzG_vrWAiKJp3aUboaavQxjWUJKlrDjY_tQ9op6X38WUCaHKoH_2z4IZjMFTXunc5secCsw91gv8ngMo1aVQ_Meaqhs4WDaxAqlexjOzaRPCdeyPhQVvplw/s1600/13361819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQ8vgqE2fd1O4lp1NzG_vrWAiKJp3aUboaavQxjWUJKlrDjY_tQ9op6X38WUCaHKoH_2z4IZjMFTXunc5secCsw91gv8ngMo1aVQ_Meaqhs4WDaxAqlexjOzaRPCdeyPhQVvplw/s320/13361819.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration lamp: $55.99</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjTYTBBevh9IqYclrf6hNuQHkTKCToN5ue0T_Gkeny6kESpFSr67Cv27IAIhWj3d0gF3PsimwjkW0mfPJjpOf3TLKi_vn66Vv5_CKcG7YefD1s3GKvyM1eKW4_ChCViBaYnrioA/s1600/IMAG0752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjTYTBBevh9IqYclrf6hNuQHkTKCToN5ue0T_Gkeny6kESpFSr67Cv27IAIhWj3d0gF3PsimwjkW0mfPJjpOf3TLKi_vn66Vv5_CKcG7YefD1s3GKvyM1eKW4_ChCViBaYnrioA/s320/IMAG0752.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found this smaller version for $18.99</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LLKARKsn6QYKF-JYOhz8BrqJWSbdXvYHSRXfRWxR1tALItG3GZCAlxiaYc1XkayV77qhYczG0fHeH-lkr8VPyH7V8pz6OMGJZJ9OS1D1oOFUQa90pZnFiIBbmlvKMuZRcvOc4g/s1600/Bassett-Mirror-Abstract-Silver-Leaf-Sunburst-Wall-Mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LLKARKsn6QYKF-JYOhz8BrqJWSbdXvYHSRXfRWxR1tALItG3GZCAlxiaYc1XkayV77qhYczG0fHeH-lkr8VPyH7V8pz6OMGJZJ9OS1D1oOFUQa90pZnFiIBbmlvKMuZRcvOc4g/s320/Bassett-Mirror-Abstract-Silver-Leaf-Sunburst-Wall-Mirror.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration piece: $282.99</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found these three smaller ones I can use as a group for $15.99</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I will also be using a white chenille bedspread that belonged to my Grandma (free). Bookcase I already had (free).<br />
<br />
I will post more as I find them. Once I find the bed frame the work should go pretty fast. Still looking for a rug.<br />
<br />
Later...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-32307894753394967972012-03-09T17:39:00.000-05:002012-03-09T17:39:08.635-05:00Greetings from The (Dreaming of Spring) Hill,<br />
<br />
Spring means long warm days, redecorating and of course dandelions. I'm looking forward to it. I've already taken a new dandelion picture.<br />
<br />
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This will soon be on my Dandefind Facebook page. Take a look when you get a minute.<br />
<br />
I'll be posting some Dandefinds there but i wanted to preview my newest project here. When DD moved out she left so much "stuff" in her old room. I have decided that it needs to be turned into a guest room. First order of business is painting the room from her high school design to a nice warm gray.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqsXUK0-OhD7pkaWZDMVtV-bwQTmVlm2WpsCL4nxE5k5tF4nPew0-7lDcyLGtFgpf7JVHXIhjr-Kh1-B0RGaPqv6miifFrlDgQ2oior-HM6Mdby1MHOpGrEGLOK8IKwW7HQ8G8w/s1600/IMAG0722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqsXUK0-OhD7pkaWZDMVtV-bwQTmVlm2WpsCL4nxE5k5tF4nPew0-7lDcyLGtFgpf7JVHXIhjr-Kh1-B0RGaPqv6miifFrlDgQ2oior-HM6Mdby1MHOpGrEGLOK8IKwW7HQ8G8w/s320/IMAG0722.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From this</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0j0w0P3BdMoN-t9sM12UxaY4Btv7O9PQFGi9rniRAJ7vmG5rF1iJ0IevY7sbxCVcaqvyFzhlehdtFrOfElaASxPv6DXXm6EmHoVDqw7kbn-5kaxI2OFI4Iqlr3qbEROH4xdV-A/s1600/6a01156e5d7bde970c011570e01858970c-450wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0j0w0P3BdMoN-t9sM12UxaY4Btv7O9PQFGi9rniRAJ7vmG5rF1iJ0IevY7sbxCVcaqvyFzhlehdtFrOfElaASxPv6DXXm6EmHoVDqw7kbn-5kaxI2OFI4Iqlr3qbEROH4xdV-A/s320/6a01156e5d7bde970c011570e01858970c-450wi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To something like this.</td></tr>
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The total color scheme will be gray, white, blue and persimmon. I can hardly wait to get started. I'll keep you posted on the progress.<br />
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Later!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-36514918493581757252012-02-18T13:26:00.002-05:002012-02-18T17:11:42.367-05:00Spring 2012 PreviewGreetings from The (wintery) Hill, <br />
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Spring is on it's way. How do I know???? Because I'm thinking about new colors to use in the house.<br />
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I always refresh my kitchen in the spring. Last year I chose red and yellow and have enjoyed it all winter. Looking to this spring I have already picked my new color - blue. This is what I've found thrifting so far.<br />
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I scored two valences in blue toile with white lace. They are handmade from two sets of curtains and I love that.<br />
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4ChDJts2ZlmNsgLvofRbCcNnbaQ4RKmjgEd4SvpJZ8mDm2I7LIU_5YiHqnCv_mDDJ-hgMxe6Ty_DfImo6WbZ4DLj2RJpwJQQ2Us2wCnwKZQu9L0mPcrwc22rRe6KxVBaW_ylmA/s1600/IMAG0685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4ChDJts2ZlmNsgLvofRbCcNnbaQ4RKmjgEd4SvpJZ8mDm2I7LIU_5YiHqnCv_mDDJ-hgMxe6Ty_DfImo6WbZ4DLj2RJpwJQQ2Us2wCnwKZQu9L0mPcrwc22rRe6KxVBaW_ylmA/s320/IMAG0685.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$1.50 for the pair</td></tr>
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I found some placemats and mispatched white plates with pail blue center designs. </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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVa5WYtByYCTEgDnGincm3CnlMSmC8n9DBBeE3xdhGkD4I0wuQFSpcrilFE2ZaKH87y6k7J2VbC-XzB_kE8ekrZEzJsz0o-UAWMYYvkm1PAMTt8JXxPRd8FRe1LEP4prL14byFQ/s1600/IMAG0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVa5WYtByYCTEgDnGincm3CnlMSmC8n9DBBeE3xdhGkD4I0wuQFSpcrilFE2ZaKH87y6k7J2VbC-XzB_kE8ekrZEzJsz0o-UAWMYYvkm1PAMTt8JXxPRd8FRe1LEP4prL14byFQ/s320/IMAG0681.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placemats $2.00 for 4, Plates $1.00 each</td></tr>
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A table runner with sweet bangle trim.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOfXloLfC-Z5NyUsJA6A2yP7aPNb_Af27qEUxGDqQncxilzgJjMCSB7xkML3oXe5GM_fJTUVJPdWG_-9hxi7W2VEC078H4kNoT6epQ2tiWbpFJJX3bJlCkTCgl57qP1sCIkM9kw/s1600/IMAG0688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOfXloLfC-Z5NyUsJA6A2yP7aPNb_Af27qEUxGDqQncxilzgJjMCSB7xkML3oXe5GM_fJTUVJPdWG_-9hxi7W2VEC078H4kNoT6epQ2tiWbpFJJX3bJlCkTCgl57qP1sCIkM9kw/s320/IMAG0688.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$1.50</td></tr>
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The best thing I found was a vintage tablecloth. I seldom pass up a vintage tablecloth even if they have holes or stains. I just cover the bad areas with plates, placemats or a centerpiece. These are great finds because sometimes you can pick them up for a song and the mid-century patterns just make me happy.<br />
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD6LrTZ7gtmnc6gmN2xh8VEumLzYvmH4Scttl05_Vomyyf2m04jD5-iM7E8gf16HFLR2oW7cfwdIjcjA6__MnwLT4PYF9-JusbXD68KWeTUpp_jiCsldmrahbfXG2O7a4k2wnKA/s1600/IMAG0683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD6LrTZ7gtmnc6gmN2xh8VEumLzYvmH4Scttl05_Vomyyf2m04jD5-iM7E8gf16HFLR2oW7cfwdIjcjA6__MnwLT4PYF9-JusbXD68KWeTUpp_jiCsldmrahbfXG2O7a4k2wnKA/s320/IMAG0683.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't recall what this one cost but it wasn't over $3.00</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Until next time....<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-29931746531774350372012-01-07T20:42:00.000-05:002012-01-07T20:42:08.316-05:00Thrifting at Bethany BoutiqueOk, so the story begins when Aunt Cindy contacted me recently to tell me of a new place to thrift. Bethany Place is a ministry that provides housing, education and tons of support to mothers who need a bridge experience to springboard them into better circumstances. All proceeds from the Bethany Boutique thrift store go directly to support Bethany Place. It is a great ministry, a worthy cause and a Dandy place to thrift. The first Saturday of each month everything (except the new t-shirts) is 1/2 off. Yes that's right, EVERYTHING. And the things you find. Appliances, art, furniture, clothes of course and today they had loads of Christmas items. I was Christmased out so I went for other things. Below are samples of what my sister and I found.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXknuozqoLPC3-1poc0UHhSkvwGm9mGJJwuSiQ_vfK9js76s9-jGHGSkSAhAuaU4nbfpcU1X6umXV-L6Hj73_5jr8Qqfba7ouMN7ZiMhb9HxkpyUUJQRV4_tA7DAxBPP9_Esn73A/s1600/IMAG0597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXknuozqoLPC3-1poc0UHhSkvwGm9mGJJwuSiQ_vfK9js76s9-jGHGSkSAhAuaU4nbfpcU1X6umXV-L6Hj73_5jr8Qqfba7ouMN7ZiMhb9HxkpyUUJQRV4_tA7DAxBPP9_Esn73A/s400/IMAG0597.jpg" width="237" /></a></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ovl6P3qstT421rRkhp5eyW-JuE-eAM1M8O5Tc8sUgkLRurWeIRzgqk6KkJcK3lHSzn3M82RCdyFR3Y5RU_2AIZg5vHroIgZa0SeLxmb2QAxoiUsprw__yWxEQiPs67IqbH3vHg/s1600/IMAG0598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ovl6P3qstT421rRkhp5eyW-JuE-eAM1M8O5Tc8sUgkLRurWeIRzgqk6KkJcK3lHSzn3M82RCdyFR3Y5RU_2AIZg5vHroIgZa0SeLxmb2QAxoiUsprw__yWxEQiPs67IqbH3vHg/s400/IMAG0598.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large selection of desk organizers - good stuff.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_84rKxcOoqXAiZSEk-xBUUPhU2ff1nOOKW8OLhv2p2oEuWpjyywaIv_IE9ao7IoLK-uHDAUz074qoQvR0QmyG6W0t_mpIhZkslu29F8DeQ6OKNiqqDhaCgEf2-NheyOH1IaYKA/s1600/IMAG0599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_84rKxcOoqXAiZSEk-xBUUPhU2ff1nOOKW8OLhv2p2oEuWpjyywaIv_IE9ao7IoLK-uHDAUz074qoQvR0QmyG6W0t_mpIhZkslu29F8DeQ6OKNiqqDhaCgEf2-NheyOH1IaYKA/s400/IMAG0599.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One small sample and remember today this was $1.50</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVwAHgnz76awE0loquYeBs5T18Jl11tD6iFR3pVSpTlhuyMdcLhvflo1oBI9QEgZXRYRBqtB1t2AwVPm8xlMK7kmBHj_6jHiEBOIMi6b2JHpd5_c-SO_RXzkqLNLJftUpfn640g/s1600/IMAG0601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVwAHgnz76awE0loquYeBs5T18Jl11tD6iFR3pVSpTlhuyMdcLhvflo1oBI9QEgZXRYRBqtB1t2AwVPm8xlMK7kmBHj_6jHiEBOIMi6b2JHpd5_c-SO_RXzkqLNLJftUpfn640g/s400/IMAG0601.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art set in a wooden box - was $35, today 17.50. They had several. Nice buy for your artist.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LKY0YVm7vOPEjx8jf2zh3Kv4JhQr1pRY6g-oCBeplgSTLvGgr38zXppiFg-XBiETl8Tt-hlKo86FQDBg9vwHfCKZazsekEEL0ijmCXA9PqMBFOQo5RrCywIFgrt-7kThbqRZcA/s1600/IMAG0605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LKY0YVm7vOPEjx8jf2zh3Kv4JhQr1pRY6g-oCBeplgSTLvGgr38zXppiFg-XBiETl8Tt-hlKo86FQDBg9vwHfCKZazsekEEL0ijmCXA9PqMBFOQo5RrCywIFgrt-7kThbqRZcA/s400/IMAG0605.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This contemporary dining set was beautiful. Great art design underneath the glass tabletop.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQj-5rGtTzInxuShohukdlPUTfNPDOTG2aj98ODXbgQp8Hn6tnEKVv93t6u6mtxRqcjdO5qGUS3mxEqdRP-vwGCHpTtUsNFVDqWTei-NDVq1G_T8MbL0gwjyDcCoX9a_faoM7Ng/s1600/IMAG0606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQj-5rGtTzInxuShohukdlPUTfNPDOTG2aj98ODXbgQp8Hn6tnEKVv93t6u6mtxRqcjdO5qGUS3mxEqdRP-vwGCHpTtUsNFVDqWTei-NDVq1G_T8MbL0gwjyDcCoX9a_faoM7Ng/s320/IMAG0606.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And just look at these chairs. Not my style but a great find. Even the chair cushions we in the deal. $75 today.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2i81KD4uz0ViZLVobNqufGvCYZWrveINIfSRwbOD658Btr-oOJ-hRHiZr9NsjOoekDcwmgO6pxVkjHlIYY977tXilHVMCGphMityvd59NNirqIju3RLHQRgE3Gh2sUO4xEW-bRA/s1600/IMAG0607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2i81KD4uz0ViZLVobNqufGvCYZWrveINIfSRwbOD658Btr-oOJ-hRHiZr9NsjOoekDcwmgO6pxVkjHlIYY977tXilHVMCGphMityvd59NNirqIju3RLHQRgE3Gh2sUO4xEW-bRA/s400/IMAG0607.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so tempted to buy this beautiful set of dishes. $10 today.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwlDB7rxi924EiHY28DF8aY2sr9MuniLYLh8g3B8oBg3NpVHicPYWLVVX62YgcdyLZyXoFOchsHI5w3gk6GuOA2yiZzRFqa_XGoepcK7IARHRuu6thOcelmsWXod__kKLFYXeyQ/s1600/IMAG0609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwlDB7rxi924EiHY28DF8aY2sr9MuniLYLh8g3B8oBg3NpVHicPYWLVVX62YgcdyLZyXoFOchsHI5w3gk6GuOA2yiZzRFqa_XGoepcK7IARHRuu6thOcelmsWXod__kKLFYXeyQ/s400/IMAG0609.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a two piece set. The bottom is a platter and the top has a pedestal. $6.00 today. </td></tr>
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Sis and I spent about 2 hours roaming around this wonderful store. We also found exercise equipment, toys and even cat and dog food and kitty litter. Who knew???? What we do know is that we will make this trip again one first Saturday of the month. Hope you can join us.<br />
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Bethany Boutique<br />
"Blessed To Be A Blessing!!"<br />
8024 East Cherokee<br />
Canton, GA<br />
770-479-9462<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-53603083525364287502011-12-18T17:08:00.006-05:002011-12-18T18:59:04.730-05:00Burnt Mountain Trading CompanyMy Dandefind today is at the Burnt Mountain Trading Company in downtown just behind Jasper Drugs. "<span class="smtext2">From Antique to New, Something for Home, Garden, and You!" and that certainly applies, especially during the holidays. </span><br />
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<span class="smtext2">When guests come to visit it is nice to have small gifts on hand so they can remember their time with you. Burnt Mountain Trading offers the perfect solution - tree ornaments. They have at least 2 trees full of delightful ornaments to choose from. Most are less than even discount (read Walmart, Target) stores.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my fav. A little more expensive than the others but so beautiful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know this isn't an ornament but it was so creative and happy I had to include it.</td></tr>
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<span class="smtext2"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-58062482690853629872011-12-13T06:03:00.001-05:002011-12-13T06:24:05.123-05:004 Reasons to Thrift During the Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Holidays are the best time to visit local thrift stores. Folks are cleaning out old holiday items to make room for new ones. Most of these items are gently used and are wonderful finds. Today I visited Pickens Animal Rescue(PAR) thrift store and I hit the holiday thrifting jackpot. They have displayed all the Christmas offerings so beautifully that you feel like you are walking through a wonderland. Below are a few reasons you should visit PAR, or your local thrift store, this week if possible.<br />
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1-Decorations: Why go to the big box stores when there are so many decorations at the thrift stores this time of year. Ornaments, wall hangings, table runners, baskets and on and on. Most items are under $1.50. <br />
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Today I found some wonderful items. First are these two very cute snowpeople. There wasn't a price but you can bet it wasn't much.<br />
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I also found some vintage looking ornaments for .50 cents per box.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.50 Cents</td></tr>
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<br />My purchase today came from a basket of white, silver and blue balls priced at 4 for .50 cents. I bought over a dozen. Some will go on the tree and some will hang from ribbon in the window. Believe me there were many more decorations than I have pictures of.<br />
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2-Trees: Whether you are looking for a large tree for the living room or a small one for you desk, thrift stores are great places to find all kinds of trees. I saw 3 artificial trees today. Here are some tips when choosing a large tree from a thrift:<br />
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A. Check the size. Sometimes it is written on the box or ask a sales person if they know. <br />
B. If you are allowed, make sure all the branches are there. Nothing worse than getting home only to find you have a gap in your tree.<br />
C. Make sure the stand is with the tree. Tree stands are like socks in a dryer. They have a way of disappearing.<br />
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PAR had an excellent selection of small tabletop trees. Here are a few. The tree on the right is $2.00 and needs a little work on the cord. Might be able to ask for less. The tree on the left is $10.00. It is beautifully decorated and sits in a peck basket. In the center is a plastic bin with several tabletop trees for $3.00 each.<br />
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3. Wrap/Boxes/Bags: From time to time I pick up gift bags while thrifting. Today PAR had a wealth of packaging for the holidays and prices way less than the cheapest Dollar Store. I found 3 rolls of paper. One had been opened so I paid .25 cents for that one. The other two were unopened, extra big rolls at $1.00 each. I love the blue and white because it blends with my color theme this year. I also needed the brown shipping paper to add a natural touch under the tree AND I also bought rolls of ribbons to go decorate the brown paper for .10 to .25 cents per roll.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jFCBYqK5jhM/Tua7kKrKM5I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/TP94ID-Rqoo/s1600/IMAG0427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jFCBYqK5jhM/Tua7kKrKM5I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/TP94ID-Rqoo/s200/IMAG0427.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_Hk6ZVOP1Txx0pTsMOmaHNGgkiwp3Cc6yo0X8sezcg7yhVmAT1NlUPw2OutTXqPBen0D-hGXsBRT6eexiyXVD-g6tsNDo26NaRdSQw6mbxb1vAqlSgthHtulD4LZVFWlB9E5EQ/s1600/IMAG0426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_Hk6ZVOP1Txx0pTsMOmaHNGgkiwp3Cc6yo0X8sezcg7yhVmAT1NlUPw2OutTXqPBen0D-hGXsBRT6eexiyXVD-g6tsNDo26NaRdSQw6mbxb1vAqlSgthHtulD4LZVFWlB9E5EQ/s200/IMAG0426.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMymNgiQPbjX3SuLtLZgZBV6Q_NgVoZ61Lhj1c7SJApmmogpaZ1El8BMjMx8p8D2fJnHNMeLpZ-24P-c1t29nbWRKuJzaEk3qMkN1hxwxwEeLnHehcDPzWixrgYGm3_e24F9BFg/s1600/IMAG0433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMymNgiQPbjX3SuLtLZgZBV6Q_NgVoZ61Lhj1c7SJApmmogpaZ1El8BMjMx8p8D2fJnHNMeLpZ-24P-c1t29nbWRKuJzaEk3qMkN1hxwxwEeLnHehcDPzWixrgYGm3_e24F9BFg/s200/IMAG0433.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-VZ_4BTp74/Tua8MtK8MMI/AAAAAAAAA2s/37cFBrMm7VA/s1600/IMAG0434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-VZ_4BTp74/Tua8MtK8MMI/AAAAAAAAA2s/37cFBrMm7VA/s200/IMAG0434.jpg" width="200" /></a>4. Gifts: The economy is less that favorable this year and many are looking for ways to cut costs. You can shop at the big discount stores OR try finding something wonderful at a thrift store. Stocking stuffers are in abundance. I found these cute little kaleidoscopes and John Deere coasters for the tractor guy in your life. The coasters could also be used as ornaments on the tree. <br /><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95vtmvFoUQ4HwE1UeYWgmPtaFgnBrJH9FhJgGuQpO1EDJFADSDxAVeeBhLDp3Sh2yD3ITm2cQ3OuaGpnHlLzU0a5_s9mK6mUrdWdPWWPxt4fknO2mpI-ItEoSjeSV2dYhlLP5Vg/s1600/IMAG0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95vtmvFoUQ4HwE1UeYWgmPtaFgnBrJH9FhJgGuQpO1EDJFADSDxAVeeBhLDp3Sh2yD3ITm2cQ3OuaGpnHlLzU0a5_s9mK6mUrdWdPWWPxt4fknO2mpI-ItEoSjeSV2dYhlLP5Vg/s200/IMAG0432.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5mCoyg7bV4/Tua7ai4JUfI/AAAAAAAAA2I/ldE1-Io2NGQ/s1600/IMAG0425.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5mCoyg7bV4/Tua7ai4JUfI/AAAAAAAAA2I/ldE1-Io2NGQ/s320/IMAG0425.jpg" width="191" /></a>There are folks who can't volunteer at thrift stores but who want to contribute. These generous folks use their talents to make new items to donate to the store. I found gifts for many of my co-workers that way. (Can't tell you what they are - might spoil the surprise for a reader). Today I found these cute caps for 3.00 each. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
The Dandefind of the day was this 3 level playhouse on casters for $150. Expensive for a thrift store??? Try and find one made from solid wood with a shingled roof and totally furnished for that price in a big box or discount store. If I were a little girl again I would absolutely LOVE to find this under the tree Christmas morning.<br />
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These are things I found in an hour at one thrift store. And there is so much more out there. If you want me to pick up any of these finds for you I'd be happy to. Just contact me by posting here or leaving a message at Dandefinds on Facebook.<br />
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Happy Hunting.<br />
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<a href="http://pickensanimalrescue.org/">Pickens Animal Rescue Thrift Store </a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-74625636716119771792011-11-26T06:49:00.001-05:002011-11-26T06:49:35.975-05:00Testing mobile posting<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5izj7jPpe3X0z3McD8-orBEEaSLHAUOsMhpP_8Np5QImcD6jxJZBGuCVVbNRrpaeFqn3xdGPIPUlFyRHKj0daZ3I0T38iCIvE0cRsgU0tBTStQ1UwCBWqteWGUldDvOlo4JBVA/s1600/IMAG0338-775975.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5izj7jPpe3X0z3McD8-orBEEaSLHAUOsMhpP_8Np5QImcD6jxJZBGuCVVbNRrpaeFqn3xdGPIPUlFyRHKj0daZ3I0T38iCIvE0cRsgU0tBTStQ1UwCBWqteWGUldDvOlo4JBVA/s320/IMAG0338-775975.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679270373446744866" /></a></p><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td valign="top" style="font: inherit;"><p>I use my phone more than my computer lately. So I am learning how to post via mobile. This is my first attempt. </p> <p>I walked outside the other day and was greeted by a most beautiful site.</p> <p>Fog on The Hill.<br></p> <p>Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android</p> </td></tr></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-43516164524424377202011-07-21T06:06:00.000-04:002011-07-21T06:06:57.330-04:00My Favorite Yard Sale FindDH and I absolutely love yard sales. One day I will tell you the story of our yard sale adventures but today I want to share the one thing I found that has become my favorite of all time. I love a Tuscan feeling in our home. I have touches everywhere. That love began with this find.<br />
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I was coming home from work one day and spotted a Yard Sale sign. Of course couldn't resist. The site was a little hard to find and wound up to be in an old chicken house complete with sawdust on the floor. There was a (slightly creepy) man there and I was only going to give things a brief look around then leave. <br />
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Then I spotted this painting leaning against a table filled with random dishes. The bottom was covered in sawdust and the painting itself was dusty. There was a price tag of $10 on it. I offered $7 and he took it.<br />
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</tbody></table> I brought it home and very carefully used my lint brush to clean it up. The more I looked at it the better I liked it. I wanted to frame it. So I left it leaning against the wall for a while till I could find just the right frame. I searched, I search and I searched and nothing felt right. One day, several months later, I just said "Forget it. I'll hang it without a frame." And so it found it's home over the entertainment center. <br />
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Every day when I look at it it gives me a feeling of calm. Like I could walk right up to the arches and stroll down the path. The muted golds and shadows transport me to Tuscany. And so, my love for all things Tuscan was born. Even now as I look at it I get the same feeling. <br />
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Best $7 I ever spent. <br />
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Later...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-31898603570303256262011-06-20T06:15:00.002-04:002011-06-20T16:17:08.432-04:00Saying GoodbyeGreetings from The (sad) Hill,<br />
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Today we say a final goodbye to a giant of a man, my Uncle Darwin. Uncle Darwin was the most faithful man I ever met. Not only in a religious way though he was certainly a Godly man. The kind of faithful I'm talking about is caring for others. Before his Mom passed away, Uncle Darwin visited her every single morning. After she passed he made it his job to visit my Grandmother every day until she passed. He had a friend who is disabled and then he began visiting him on a regular basis. Every day of Uncle Darwin's life was spent checking on others to make sure their needs were met.<br />
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The other awesome thing about Uncle Darwin was how much he loved to garden. Even when his health wasn't so good he had the usual big garden, with help from my Aunt Wanda and his children. While he and Aunt Wanda put away pounds and pounds of vegetables every year it wasn't as if they really needed them. Matter of fact they gave away as much as they put up. No, Uncle Darwin just loved to plant and watch things grow.<br />
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When I was little Uncle Darwin and Aunt Wanda and my three cousins lived in Marietta, GA. Sometimes I'd go stay with them. One vivid memory from when I was about four years old was eating cereal at the table and Uncle Darwin sitting beside me. I only ate the cereal out of the milk and left the milk in the bowl. He taught me that I should always drink the milk or my breakfast wasn't done. Isn't it funny how little things like that stay with you.<br />
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Uncle Darwin was a gruff teddy bear. He'd greet us with a bear hug and a kiss and leave the same way. You always knew he loved you. And of course we all loved him. I'm glad I told him every time I saw him. Because we never know what will happen minute to minute.<br />
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Who knew that one morning while he was burning trash he would throw gasoline on it like he's probably done a hundred times. Who knew that this time he would catch on fire and suffer severe burns. Who knew that after three skin graphs, a feeding tube, tracheotomy, respirator, and three months of being unconscious he would have to leave us.<br />
<br />
Lives change in a breath. It was no ones fault. Uncle Darwin fought hard to stay here but his body just wasn't strong enough in the end.<br />
<br />
When my Daddy died it took me so long to make sense of it. I was angry, lost and felt like the person on this earth who loved me the most left me. I know, silly emotions for an adult but you can't help grief. It is a strange bedfellow.<br />
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After a while I realized that it was just Daddy's time to go. The work he had to do on this earth was done. If it wasn't he'd still be here. I believe that with my whole heart. This is what gives me comfort when I lose someone. Especially someone as special as Uncle Darwin. Whatever he was sent to to, he did, did it well and finished it.<br />
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The Hill won't be the same without him. I'll drive by expecting to see him out in the garden. Just like I expect to see Grandmother on her front porch or Daddy on his tractor. Those spots are empty now. But you know, that's ok. They lived a long wonderful life. And the best that can be said about them is that whoever they touched knew they were loved.<br />
<br />
I loved Uncle Darwin and I know he loved me. That will be my comfort today as I say my final goodbye.<br />
<br />
Rest in wonderful peace Uncle Darwin - November 17, 1930 - June 18, 2011<br />
<br />
Later ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-88582861815577516152011-06-16T06:20:00.000-04:002011-06-16T06:20:19.731-04:00Tuscan Wall Grouping - $5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Greetings from The (touch of Tuscany) Hill,<br />
<br />
I must have lived a former life in Tuscany because I absolutely love anything Tuscan. I found this shelf at a thrift store recently for $5. It is a plate and cup holder normally used in dining rooms but I saw a different use.<br />
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wSc0vjcb9VEkaH7o_VcH74qOs4qyFtmsjHs0hY6XF0TvKMlJd57qDGK5RiL0ubkd13e629NBkmxqALVgtO_iysgTVngGplP0rwpkHYpUh688valv6XbvSYtP7v5V2FGmzIqf1A/s1600/DSCN2219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wSc0vjcb9VEkaH7o_VcH74qOs4qyFtmsjHs0hY6XF0TvKMlJd57qDGK5RiL0ubkd13e629NBkmxqALVgtO_iysgTVngGplP0rwpkHYpUh688valv6XbvSYtP7v5V2FGmzIqf1A/s320/DSCN2219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice stained wood</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CQdFQxs2b0/TflYWSgkZVI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/fYfoiHd4a9M/s1600/DSCN2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CQdFQxs2b0/TflYWSgkZVI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/fYfoiHd4a9M/s320/DSCN2220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nql9nVWS-A/TflYZKxaFDI/AAAAAAAAAuU/EoG_cnMbtz0/s1600/DSCN2221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nql9nVWS-A/TflYZKxaFDI/AAAAAAAAAuU/EoG_cnMbtz0/s320/DSCN2221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I liked that it was solid stained wood and had just a touch of detail on the ends. This is what it looked like before.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZSkakXIlhkD9YFVowbC5GVS3VhiRKbJhGrLM5X6b4kRn4BYEOAPAql-Pil0k1IOyn_59BoN66iLm1p0u7Q8Rege8yzMmhI_bkgceieopAGIaqgT083kIjvLiAtyGsPkhsktEhg/s1600/DSCN2232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZSkakXIlhkD9YFVowbC5GVS3VhiRKbJhGrLM5X6b4kRn4BYEOAPAql-Pil0k1IOyn_59BoN66iLm1p0u7Q8Rege8yzMmhI_bkgceieopAGIaqgT083kIjvLiAtyGsPkhsktEhg/s320/DSCN2232.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished grouping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The touch of metal and the chalk cherub give it a touch of Tuscany. And because I already had these no money was involved. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfd1FgwPpYhZ1oMBBV7F82b6tTMFfScXcLMOqABxCTKu-tT35D__3h43qnsL4tvn58O83chpAsY1_z33V8RGe4D6NhErF5zFJIAz51Dij3sZ2lHj6T1TuIj9MiuUVYMmdfk0B0A/s1600/DSCN2227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfd1FgwPpYhZ1oMBBV7F82b6tTMFfScXcLMOqABxCTKu-tT35D__3h43qnsL4tvn58O83chpAsY1_z33V8RGe4D6NhErF5zFJIAz51Dij3sZ2lHj6T1TuIj9MiuUVYMmdfk0B0A/s320/DSCN2227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Five dollars to fabulous!!!!!<br />
<br />
Later...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-20460661650378124982011-06-15T05:53:00.004-04:002011-06-15T06:15:19.654-04:006 Tips for Picking Blackberries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Greetings from The (surprisingly ripe) Hill<br />
<br />
Nothing heralds Summer in more than walking to the berry patch and finding plump ripe blackberries. The berries I pick grow wild (and I mean wild) along the woods line behind our house. They normally ripen the first week in July however my berries are already black and juicy. Blackberry picking is about 2 things - 1. Getting the biggest, sweetest berries while receiving a minimum of scratches and 2. Fighting chiggers. That's it, real simple. In order to accomplish these two things country girls go through a lot of trouble year after year. It is a tough and sometimes dangerous job but well worth the reward. These are my blackberry picking tips to make the job easier.<br />
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1. Clothes: Daddy taught me how to dress for berry picking. Even in the Southern July heat we wore long sleeve shirts, blue jeans, socks and thick boots. Each element was for a purpose. Long sleeves so the chiggers could only go so far. Somethings we even put rubber bands around our wrists. Wearing blue jeans was an attempt to repel the briars. It gave them something to hang onto besides your skin. Wearing socks is the same principle as the shirt, cover as much skin as possible. And thick boots in case you accidentally walk near a snake and upset it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcUc2c486HMUWtkAvctgSMEv09F1Gu_D2v2P6PbXsTkWGNcWmTq8wagrrkEVDfsbA-ydZyL7FwH4Roc89mPrqbrwoEHf3vChL3xlTMiqJm0-07VhNht2bJPZHBcwvcz_fij3Smw/s1600/kama.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcUc2c486HMUWtkAvctgSMEv09F1Gu_D2v2P6PbXsTkWGNcWmTq8wagrrkEVDfsbA-ydZyL7FwH4Roc89mPrqbrwoEHf3vChL3xlTMiqJm0-07VhNht2bJPZHBcwvcz_fij3Smw/s320/kama.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
2. Tools: Daddy and I cut a hole in a gallon milk jug and looped our belt through the handle. Instant berry holder that left both hands free. And believe me you need both while picking berries. We also took a hoe. These days I take an old sickle to knock down briars and brush, pound on the ground to scare the snakes away and pull the limb with the fattest berries to me then I drop them into a plastic bowl sitting on the ground.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLXpwBn3u5axTMlFU4fPceXDaeQQ0aWjAg83uPfNqCPlb4QxULsEPfp0BVRasM9IzdGuah2hR5_8AMPJNKz3QPvp231r4CaF1WSWqZQ1zx7DUagoodBT75vXLPtULp9ewh5KorQ/s1600/DSCN2211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLXpwBn3u5axTMlFU4fPceXDaeQQ0aWjAg83uPfNqCPlb4QxULsEPfp0BVRasM9IzdGuah2hR5_8AMPJNKz3QPvp231r4CaF1WSWqZQ1zx7DUagoodBT75vXLPtULp9ewh5KorQ/s320/DSCN2211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
3. Freeze the berries: When you are finished picking, pour the berries either on a plate or cookie sheet depending on how many you picked and pop them in the freezer unwashed. If you are not going to use them immediately you want to freeze them as soon as possible. Let them sit in the freezer while you follow the next steps.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ax5iOhgyzYM/Tfh7B3nh98I/AAAAAAAAAtY/MuGKxLTy7ZA/s1600/DSCN2218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ax5iOhgyzYM/Tfh7B3nh98I/AAAAAAAAAtY/MuGKxLTy7ZA/s320/DSCN2218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
4. Vinegar: As soon as the berries are in the fridge or freezer pour a good amount of vinegar into a bowl (about 2 cups or more depending on your size). Hop into the shower without water running and with a wash clothe wash all over with the straight vinegar. Remember to get all those crevices chiggers like to hide in. Be cautious around your face. It's OK to get around the neck, the ears and carefully on the cheeks but please do not get straight vinegar near your eyes. Voice of wisdom speaking, vinegar stings. It will also sting every little briar scratch so get ready. Once you have soaked yourself really well with the vinegar wash it off with luke warm water then turn to cool for a final rinse. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYSkicJ0Eh0/Tfh6-bd685I/AAAAAAAAAtU/29XzoRrJmkI/s1600/DSCN2214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYSkicJ0Eh0/Tfh6-bd685I/AAAAAAAAAtU/29XzoRrJmkI/s320/DSCN2214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
5. Calamine Lotion: Now that you are clean get a bottle of calamine lotion, shake well and apply to any and all places chiggers might have already bitten. For example, underarms, wrists, between the toes, all crevices etc. I know you are getting dirty just after you got clean but trust me it will keep you from itching. Anytime you think you feel a chigger tickle, reach for the bottle and add more. Don't wash off until in the morning then bathe as usual.<br />
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6. Bag the berries: Once you are covered with the calamine sit down and rest a few minutes then get the berries out of the freezer, put them in a freezer bag and then back into the freezer. When you get ready to use them you can easily pour out as much as you need, wash to help them thaw and put them in whatever wonderful dish you have decided to make.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObH3xbT7CutTY-Ty-ja65teEy3WLowzJ-Y5SMCobVd5bODvQwovi1dhSlT3ILiKyKs-td5_g3JqcJE_a6l3ryFQK3JXCMQrbAoZAIcKZdaTJBoOXOP5CVcMoHehankb_47rRcLQ/s1600/DSCN2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObH3xbT7CutTY-Ty-ja65teEy3WLowzJ-Y5SMCobVd5bODvQwovi1dhSlT3ILiKyKs-td5_g3JqcJE_a6l3ryFQK3JXCMQrbAoZAIcKZdaTJBoOXOP5CVcMoHehankb_47rRcLQ/s320/DSCN2213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I hope you can find some blackberries near you. When you do, tell me all about it.<br />
<br />
Later...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-86768552460583631092011-06-12T18:46:00.000-04:002011-06-12T18:46:25.837-04:00Dragonfly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This little guy visited our yard so I snapped a pic.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bYOZJazvDqiW3djbMVbGyhzCVhgdj9TMqdwhpLLsAXGp5-cQvypkoMRv2olzZdAsqB-LHLLkId1GrpUej42Dblke9Hz1UPVprWJDwqmLKCxVhQg8PWlgMh3Ltepp-mi1zVxU2w/s1600/DSCN2191-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bYOZJazvDqiW3djbMVbGyhzCVhgdj9TMqdwhpLLsAXGp5-cQvypkoMRv2olzZdAsqB-LHLLkId1GrpUej42Dblke9Hz1UPVprWJDwqmLKCxVhQg8PWlgMh3Ltepp-mi1zVxU2w/s320/DSCN2191-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm a big fan of Dragonflys.<br />
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Later...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-45740566111831069572011-06-11T10:07:00.000-04:002011-06-11T10:07:58.435-04:00Yard Sale FindsGreetings from The Hill,<br />
<br />
After a very hectic Friday I'm ready for a relaxing Saturday. And what better way to start a "do as I want to" day than visit a few yard sales. <br />
<br />
After stopping at one roadside sale where I didn't find anything I moved on to the charity sale at our <a href="http://www.marblevalleyfriends.com/">local historic gym</a>. Proceeds are put right back into their remodel/upkeep fund. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumpOQbbcbXWwMIYgMh63TdbbVKfrj98eZpcEKBwj0WSL226ABybwMyu8JUz5hZmCRQUMxW2gYf3rBiIUslQr_ya8-a9eNfQM04ePGYeJsLHGK6E56RPt2-0bsieQmRotg1iOR6Q/s1600/DSC05483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumpOQbbcbXWwMIYgMh63TdbbVKfrj98eZpcEKBwj0WSL226ABybwMyu8JUz5hZmCRQUMxW2gYf3rBiIUslQr_ya8-a9eNfQM04ePGYeJsLHGK6E56RPt2-0bsieQmRotg1iOR6Q/s320/DSC05483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tate Gym, Tate, GA</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomMV3YNiiy8sjV4oay6yVa0eHruI5-1pXMHxythDYcC9ZKsg9LkcPEBOs9hv0dId6ztwbTTOJYtjJSbWj5iLlbAsHjNqJ9AIROqOSFUDF_JGKJK_biiMifANdY3uu9G6yIciVBw/s1600/DSC05434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomMV3YNiiy8sjV4oay6yVa0eHruI5-1pXMHxythDYcC9ZKsg9LkcPEBOs9hv0dId6ztwbTTOJYtjJSbWj5iLlbAsHjNqJ9AIROqOSFUDF_JGKJK_biiMifANdY3uu9G6yIciVBw/s320/DSC05434.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Inside the gym</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Believe it or not I had P.E. in this very gym when I was in 7th grade. This is where I learned to hate leg lifts. Anyway today I found a sectioned condiment holder that will be just right for our "Do". I also found 2 large coasters. <br />
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAT35Hn-4aP1K94Sb4DVCGt1_mFgCOclUvO9BrGrxjB9gArJTuFpxAOw1CHJ4lJUGe8Wa52mkoVnAzjyo4yORqTQAoP9JWj7r-AFgxvkrhUYpRRVY1ALgr4RXX2txSEWN3bwq6w/s1600/DSCN2163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAT35Hn-4aP1K94Sb4DVCGt1_mFgCOclUvO9BrGrxjB9gArJTuFpxAOw1CHJ4lJUGe8Wa52mkoVnAzjyo4yORqTQAoP9JWj7r-AFgxvkrhUYpRRVY1ALgr4RXX2txSEWN3bwq6w/s320/DSCN2163.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finds today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then I stopped by another sale on the way home. It was in the location where Sauter's store was when I was kid. Mrs. Sauter's granddaughter kept the building and was there today holding the sale. It was so great to run into her. We chatted for a long time about old times then I found a silicone cake pan and muffin pan. I'd been wanting a new muffin pan and for $2.00 this one was a steal.<br />
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If you are yard sale shopping today let me know what you find.<br />
<br />
Later....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-84250684852606987392011-06-10T05:41:00.000-04:002011-06-10T05:41:58.417-04:00My Favorite Things FridayGreetings from The (TGIF) Hill,<br />
<br />
I am joining my friend at <a href="http://milkandcuddles.com/2011/06/my-favorite-things-friday/comment-page-1/#comment-11652">Milk and Cuddles </a>in posting My Favorite Things Friday.<br />
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I have started a new collection - Perfume bottles. I absolutely love the colors and sometimes the stoppers are the best part. I get them at a little antique store up the road from where I work. I sneak over at lunchtime and browse. Here is the beginning of my collection which is currently My Favorite Thing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Wtkmf6pn28/TfHkK-CnXHI/AAAAAAAAAqg/nBF30GJJk1I/s1600/DSCN2154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Wtkmf6pn28/TfHkK-CnXHI/AAAAAAAAAqg/nBF30GJJk1I/s320/DSCN2154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6zdDd4Jz3HFhWM0tEPHg4VyPVQbafoJ4jTZ3UkID8Mi4qKnJ1KmjWH48np3zDcN0SwnhN9RxLJliMrQSCtHGP6SOE6MunKATLWMUEhpT7NdARVV5ReCCgI8DnBYQoi669SoMoQ/s1600/DSCN2158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6zdDd4Jz3HFhWM0tEPHg4VyPVQbafoJ4jTZ3UkID8Mi4qKnJ1KmjWH48np3zDcN0SwnhN9RxLJliMrQSCtHGP6SOE6MunKATLWMUEhpT7NdARVV5ReCCgI8DnBYQoi669SoMoQ/s320/DSCN2158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VR8_FwsyqM/TfHkrIFatRI/AAAAAAAAAq0/hER1AgyKh74/s1600/DSCN2159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VR8_FwsyqM/TfHkrIFatRI/AAAAAAAAAq0/hER1AgyKh74/s320/DSCN2159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xurAkf9F6Ss/TfHkyM4jlCI/AAAAAAAAAq4/0vTnsbDV39Q/s1600/DSCN2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xurAkf9F6Ss/TfHkyM4jlCI/AAAAAAAAAq4/0vTnsbDV39Q/s320/DSCN2160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Later ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-56795000866669539812011-06-08T22:24:00.000-04:002011-06-09T06:26:05.989-04:00July 4th Party Planning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmx90rzBYleTUy05-anQZsOpABrHgbmFdeQkiYXf931UoukDKsLa-LnzJ6EiyHIuJFggBp3_n2hjsnSEqQftN_Kreza9J-G3y_6sgNiAgP2zaJjWPaBU609s8HcB0zuWmWQiPSg/s1600/invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmx90rzBYleTUy05-anQZsOpABrHgbmFdeQkiYXf931UoukDKsLa-LnzJ6EiyHIuJFggBp3_n2hjsnSEqQftN_Kreza9J-G3y_6sgNiAgP2zaJjWPaBU609s8HcB0zuWmWQiPSg/s1600/invite.jpg" /></a></div>Greetings from The (planning) Hill,<br />
<br />
We are having a "Do" at our house for the July 4th weekend. New to a Do? At our house it begins by getting the word out. Save the date's are gone and I'm beginning to hear back. Then I plan like crazy. The day before I spend cooking, cleaning, decorating,etc. The day of begins early with a calming cup of coffee, last minute cooking then the guests begin to arrive around 11:00am. From that moment on the house is open all day into the evening. Because it is Independence Day we will have fireworks (legal in our county) to end the evening.<br />
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<br />
So what do you do at a Lindsey Do? Spend time with folks you haven't seen in a while, eat, sit outside under the canopy and eat, get the gang together and go do something somewhere else then come back and eat, play with the kids and eat. See the pattern here?<br />
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Most of the time I do a pot luck but this Do will be different. I will make pulled pork for sandwiches instead of burgers. Then we will grill brats and dogs and have a Hot Dog and Salad Bar. I'll get different kinds of buns and a huge bowl of mixed greens and let guests select from the following toppings:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dill pickles<br />
Dill pickle relish<br />
Chopped Onions<br />
Onion rings<br />
Corn & potatoes cooked in Old Bay<br />
Shredded cheddar<br />
Salsa<br />
Diced tomatoes<br />
Cold slaw<br />
Sauerkraut<br />
Scallions<br />
Cilantro<br />
Bacon<br />
Cucumbers<br />
Onion cooked in vege oil, ketchup & wine<br />
Cherry tomatoes<br />
Dried cranberries<br />
Diced apples</div><div style="text-align: center;">Crumbled Gorgonzola<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">In addition to the above there will be appetizers, sides, dessert and massive quantities of stuff to drink.<br />
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While planning the menu I've also been scouring the Dollar Stores and thrift stores for items I can use to decorate with. I already have a red, white and blue bunting for the porch. Here are the additional items I've found so far: </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYlWwrbUi-NQyakpQp3izLYgZJcL10sdn1mUrp-5GccCPs_jCLV9SiQYLM8WGrdC9e0rHWMF69p9xFQruLpn1H8ib_GI0KAqNiWGv1l-GW6xRqvyUOwBhFElw-6ZU2UMNmr7mkw/s1600/plates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYlWwrbUi-NQyakpQp3izLYgZJcL10sdn1mUrp-5GccCPs_jCLV9SiQYLM8WGrdC9e0rHWMF69p9xFQruLpn1H8ib_GI0KAqNiWGv1l-GW6xRqvyUOwBhFElw-6ZU2UMNmr7mkw/s1600/plates.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Believe it or not I found these plates and napkins discount priced at my local grocery store. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5ql9HVtOOk/TfAX2pOvQWI/AAAAAAAAAhc/gG0KSS8NMZg/s1600/DSCN2143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5ql9HVtOOk/TfAX2pOvQWI/AAAAAAAAAhc/gG0KSS8NMZg/s320/DSCN2143.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watermelon S&P Shakers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have a pretty good collection of salt & pepper shakers. This is one of my summertime sets. I bought this little Aloe plant because it's great for cuts, bug bites and burns. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPU0nE6aH0A/TfAX7txyBeI/AAAAAAAAAho/U_J59dGbejk/s1600/DSCN2132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPU0nE6aH0A/TfAX7txyBeI/AAAAAAAAAho/U_J59dGbejk/s320/DSCN2132.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thrift store flower vases</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">I found these containers at the thrift store for 25 cents each. I'll take the tops off the cookie containers and plant white petunias. I will put red ones in the clay pots. I am still looking for a blue container or two.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPQkk048-oRisuqVxQ153hTIa3SGE7W9Rn65e-FWPtTuprB8q461BGV3IJ8Q1gIFi0OsQLLg-ey6DjhwSL-lIOVbGnhHqHfGDL-miazD_4LJyfgkWRy8JekHM5LcL-KW8YuMFmg/s1600/DSCN2135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPQkk048-oRisuqVxQ153hTIa3SGE7W9Rn65e-FWPtTuprB8q461BGV3IJ8Q1gIFi0OsQLLg-ey6DjhwSL-lIOVbGnhHqHfGDL-miazD_4LJyfgkWRy8JekHM5LcL-KW8YuMFmg/s320/DSCN2135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thrift store bowls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In addition to red, white and blue flower vases I am also looking for small red, white and blue containers to put all the many toppings in. Above are the ones I found today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9oyIlSG9FAXw6c2BcwgR69nskSpqxisBdmOtZNpJlaCih21gL5r7ZUTucJ4VpwnnXTP0OvCcdMpc8e35SkIBe46WfOl7zcjr4ElKu0DsivCLMLKyt28QQKeev9vir9Fu8FMdqQ/s1600/DSCN2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9oyIlSG9FAXw6c2BcwgR69nskSpqxisBdmOtZNpJlaCih21gL5r7ZUTucJ4VpwnnXTP0OvCcdMpc8e35SkIBe46WfOl7zcjr4ElKu0DsivCLMLKyt28QQKeev9vir9Fu8FMdqQ/s320/DSCN2139.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dollar Store finds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I bought 2 holiday tablecloths and 2 of these really great rag rug mats. The mat is twice the size you see in the picture. We have a church pew on our front porch that will get one of the mats and a wicker love seat that will get the other one to cover up the pad it has now.<br />
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I'm getting really excited about our Do. If I can pause in my hostess duties I'm take a few pictures to post.<br />
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Hope you are having fun planning whatever you plan to do over the holiday weekend.<br />
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Later...<span id="goog_517274341"></span><span id="goog_517274342"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-60942382420516865402011-06-05T17:05:00.000-04:002011-06-05T20:43:56.024-04:005 Dollar Store Decorating Ideas for Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRuBHQT40HRsyOiWzj0DKxN4w8PvS4zjBRtzGYGuG6JstyvEc4X0v5Zs7B6qJ89nKSEtD7akpy2XsxOwXp0IM2uCCFEtwAodIGvESaTFucKkaR4HqV1RfKZS2P8VzfrtRM0yWJQ/s1600/DSCN2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRuBHQT40HRsyOiWzj0DKxN4w8PvS4zjBRtzGYGuG6JstyvEc4X0v5Zs7B6qJ89nKSEtD7akpy2XsxOwXp0IM2uCCFEtwAodIGvESaTFucKkaR4HqV1RfKZS2P8VzfrtRM0yWJQ/s320/DSCN2117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Greetings from The (spruced up) Hill,<br />
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When the seasons change I love to add a few things around the house to welcome the warm of Spring/Summer. Because these are seasonal items I don’t want to spend a lot of money so I visit the Dollar Stores. They put seasonal items out early so I can get a jump start. Dollar store items are inexpensive so I can make several changes for not a lot of money and it is just plain fun to poke around and find items that fit in with my house décor. Below are my favorite ways to spruce up a kitchen or screened porch.<br />
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<b>1. Front Door Mat:</b> Because dollar store rugs and mats are so inexpensive you can treat them like disposable items. I recently paid $5.00 for a mat that will get me through the whole year if I want. That is less than 50 cents a month.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGgGHiZEwP3tnclFYmWuraktt_5a3HWShHVJNkjoNRIOhkj4GeMrWUkVTj-_8X64WO1EOAC36sroIJQ7KhSL6D92ESysJnPZyUplQ-ft51MCPSXFmPP96mbyh4dum52ox_9sBpA/s1600/DSCN2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGgGHiZEwP3tnclFYmWuraktt_5a3HWShHVJNkjoNRIOhkj4GeMrWUkVTj-_8X64WO1EOAC36sroIJQ7KhSL6D92ESysJnPZyUplQ-ft51MCPSXFmPP96mbyh4dum52ox_9sBpA/s320/DSCN2126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsMCWOfE7uU/TeuOBOYBp9I/AAAAAAAAAfE/til4MC8E5T0/s1600/DSCN2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></b></div><b>2. Kitchen Rugs:</b> Buy 2 slice kitchen rugs, one for in front of the sink and one for in front of the dishwasher. Ever notice how much water gets on the floor in front of the dishwasher? If you are tired of constantly cleaning it up, let the rug absorb it for you. Pick a rug you like and use the colors in the rug to set a new spring color theme for your kitchen. When the season is over these rugs can get packed away and brought out another time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6w3xxwgGUEmD6Fvnc_-oqi-9rQYSawI24dmJRd83vAbJCYV6zNCrdAjRzR6jNywiD-72RC80QRajeB25xZL2ATQlrpOQN_8nV52_ZD4FoHJfU9LbQEywdt3KN3w5WkhPlP8ZVw/s1600/DSCN2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6w3xxwgGUEmD6Fvnc_-oqi-9rQYSawI24dmJRd83vAbJCYV6zNCrdAjRzR6jNywiD-72RC80QRajeB25xZL2ATQlrpOQN_8nV52_ZD4FoHJfU9LbQEywdt3KN3w5WkhPlP8ZVw/s320/DSCN2103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />
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<b>3. Cafe Curtains:</b> There is always a wide selection in the curtain aisle of a dollar store. You can separate the set and use the valance over the sink and the bottom set on a door using small inexpensive tension rods. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRuBHQT40HRsyOiWzj0DKxN4w8PvS4zjBRtzGYGuG6JstyvEc4X0v5Zs7B6qJ89nKSEtD7akpy2XsxOwXp0IM2uCCFEtwAodIGvESaTFucKkaR4HqV1RfKZS2P8VzfrtRM0yWJQ/s1600/DSCN2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRuBHQT40HRsyOiWzj0DKxN4w8PvS4zjBRtzGYGuG6JstyvEc4X0v5Zs7B6qJ89nKSEtD7akpy2XsxOwXp0IM2uCCFEtwAodIGvESaTFucKkaR4HqV1RfKZS2P8VzfrtRM0yWJQ/s320/DSCN2117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQUrbfNtkXw/TevRPYiDJGI/AAAAAAAAAgU/oUl5-VzJ_r8/s1600/DSCN2115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iQUrbfNtkXw/TevRPYiDJGI/AAAAAAAAAgU/oUl5-VzJ_r8/s320/DSCN2115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />
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<b>4. Tablecloth:</b> Dollar stores often sell tablecloths that match or coordinate with other kitchen items. I used this vinyl, felt backed tablecloth on the porch. Because this area gets a lot of use in warm weather the tablecloth will be a disposable item when fall comes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12QOymlQ_JiKKTFn3-vkBj08M-2wU-a8LAqh0CW_q8OjK3YEfasWzk2rFc4LR-DV45XbEscoDaoYEdgVeLNpa0Jl4E82swFVO7mwlyMe9bTPpt6UhOeqkqXSgnr_-gDQ63YdPgQ/s1600/DSCN2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12QOymlQ_JiKKTFn3-vkBj08M-2wU-a8LAqh0CW_q8OjK3YEfasWzk2rFc4LR-DV45XbEscoDaoYEdgVeLNpa0Jl4E82swFVO7mwlyMe9bTPpt6UhOeqkqXSgnr_-gDQ63YdPgQ/s320/DSCN2113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>5. Sheers: </b> You can create the feel of an outside room on a screened porch . Buy sheer panels in a complementing color and hang them in a corner using tension rods. At end of season they can be packed away for later use.<br />
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Do you have any low cost dollar store decorating experiences to share?<br />
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Later….Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-27676422066965899522011-06-03T21:04:00.000-04:002011-06-03T21:04:50.542-04:00Friday Night Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS7SEJNDBaIFKcEQGuLKP1-nMPsDUVfZIln6A4pxJQQnmf0h0yudwE5I6Q_IgSmkp8kKvcO_UEEu5rbpb0KGN6ZKuW37KykBAwIc6j106EXmAPyLHI0GSOmvrj10kcpi8bEBXyA/s1600/stream+of+consciousness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS7SEJNDBaIFKcEQGuLKP1-nMPsDUVfZIln6A4pxJQQnmf0h0yudwE5I6Q_IgSmkp8kKvcO_UEEu5rbpb0KGN6ZKuW37KykBAwIc6j106EXmAPyLHI0GSOmvrj10kcpi8bEBXyA/s320/stream+of+consciousness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Have you ever sat down to write and just jotted down everything that came to mind, letting one thought lead into another. I have. So tonight that will be my blog post. Here goes.<br />
<br />
Like "Coffee Talk" from Saturday Night Live we must begin with a topic to get the ball rolling. Let's begin with my daughter. She very rarely sings in front of people. Tonight she is up in her room just singing away. I'm eavesdropping I know but I love to hear her. And of course when I start writing about her she stops. Leo the cat is having a wild night. Running to and fro in front of me chasing some imagined pray. Then he stops quickly and jumps up into the air, spinning around to run the other way. Silly cat. DH started watching this show called Whale Wars. While I believe in stopping folks from killing whales these guys take it a step further and do stuff like shoot red paint at the illegal poacher's ship. Last night they rammed into a ship causing damage to their hull. Crazy people. I gotta watch something else. Oh yeah, reruns of The Next Food Network Star. Do you remember <a href="http://hansrue.blogspot.com/">Hans Rueffert</a> from Season 1? The reason he didn't win is that they could not nail down his point of view and that is critical for this show. His restaurant is up the road from where I work. He's a great guy who is one of the strongest people I know. It is because of his talent in the kitchen that I fell in love with Bavarian Red Cabbage. This rerun is of last season. Remember Aarti of Aarti Party? While she won the competition it was Tom Pizzica who made a big splash on Food Network. DD is going to the grocery store. Wonder who she will see? Can't go without running into someone. I had a really uncomfortable experience recently. Ran into an old acquaintance who has been diagnosed with a fatal disease. How do you respond when someone you barely know stands in front of you and says the Dr. told him he was dying? He had such a hard time this winter that his brother had to buy his groceries and help with other things. I heard that song I love today on the radio on the way to work, Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Are Dying". So all day I've been thinking about that. How would my life be different if I knew my time was limited? I think little things wouldn't worry me so. I'd be happy for every minute of every day. I'd be sure to tell the special people in my life how much they have meant to me. And I would quickly do the things I could from my Bucket List. Enough of that. Truth is every day could be my last so I just need to live like I was dying each day. <br />
<br />
I switched over to a taped episode of Extreme Makeover. This show makes me cry almost every time. I've changed my focus in trying to find a footstool. Because they are so hard to find I'm beginning to think outside the box. My Twitter friends have given me a couple of really good ideas. One idea is to find a small table the right wood, scale and shape. Cut down the legs, pad the top and there ya go, footstool. Another idea is to find a chair that would do, cut the back off and mount the back two legs like the front two. The other idea I'm brewing is to ask one of the guys at work to build one using found wood. I can probably go to the local upholstery store and get scraps of foam and fabric. I sure could use a footstool right about now. Just went to take my PM meds and remembered it is Friday night. Saturday is going to be busy. Our family reunion is Sunday so there is lots of prep. Roll Mom's hair, help her make a chicken casserole to take, do the banking and pay bills. Clean house (especially the bedroom), get ingredients for my dish and make it because it gets better the longer it sits in the fridge. I'm making a broccoli salad with raisins, sunflower seeds and a delicious dressing made with sugar, mayo and apple cider vinegar. It's almost summer, time for cookouts and company. I love when the house is full of folks but stress over what to fix. Last night I pulled out the recipes of some of my favorite things, appetizers, main dishes, sides and desserts. Then I grouped them together into meals. That way when we expect company all I have to do is pull out the prepared menu, buy the ingredients and put it all together. You don't have to cook a lot of items, just cook a lot of what you plan.<br />
<br />
I have lots more to say but think I'm gonna call it quits. Be bedtime soon. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.<br />
<br />
Later...<br />
<br />
P.S. I'm looking for a simplified version of this footstool. I'll be sure to post a picture of what I wind up with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp9e9uDOJcs_sBmYiqiGD_2ChLvlY_O3CBbwDWY7YQKDKKxE1_IcfAlaxWR5QzQD0IdakDzcaMKcGdlaDfJM5pmJjJOsI5oCKKaNiRf-UdSzo5SZCQVWR9TTuDGn637YwbqJE5g/s1600/Late+18th+Century+Style+Neo+Classical+-+20+Inch+Foot+Stool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp9e9uDOJcs_sBmYiqiGD_2ChLvlY_O3CBbwDWY7YQKDKKxE1_IcfAlaxWR5QzQD0IdakDzcaMKcGdlaDfJM5pmJjJOsI5oCKKaNiRf-UdSzo5SZCQVWR9TTuDGn637YwbqJE5g/s320/Late+18th+Century+Style+Neo+Classical+-+20+Inch+Foot+Stool.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-32933517700262132282011-05-30T09:03:00.000-04:002011-05-30T09:03:52.800-04:00Lazy WeekendGreetings from The (Holiday Weekend) Hill,<br />
<br />
I have not missed the purpose of this weekend. My Daddy was a Navy vet and remembering those who are gone, in the line of service or not, is why we have this holiday.<br />
<br />
The weekend began spending time with my Mom. I love hanging out with her. I took her to the beauty shop to get a perm. While there I happened to meet the daughter of a friend of mine. She and I had never met before and it was a delight getting to know her. She talked about her "Poppy" tattoo and told me all about him and how special he was to her. She told me how awesome her Mom and Daddy are. Turns out her Mom and I have some things in common. She is a thrift store shopper.<br />
<br />
Saturday evening the photographer brought over the proofs of our photo shoot. There was not a bad pic in the bunch. Here are a few of my favs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCCJ2w_NoDHoJtJei2dt21nhfhAxvfJ5qeGFpLCUhAlQKIU-4899nbXD1w3X48DYC6kmAD6kC20Qqcb8_wB1WPhC7JafsPp5Jujj2OR2jQNoA5LKEvH6TtZOg2d9lRx1O_y-FmA/s1600/DSC_2616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCCJ2w_NoDHoJtJei2dt21nhfhAxvfJ5qeGFpLCUhAlQKIU-4899nbXD1w3X48DYC6kmAD6kC20Qqcb8_wB1WPhC7JafsPp5Jujj2OR2jQNoA5LKEvH6TtZOg2d9lRx1O_y-FmA/s320/DSC_2616.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beloved better half.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CG2CdsbnzYw/TeLVa1rmgEI/AAAAAAAAAds/jfMXeQrwwqY/s1600/DSC_2649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CG2CdsbnzYw/TeLVa1rmgEI/AAAAAAAAAds/jfMXeQrwwqY/s320/DSC_2649.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DD and I</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeAkaAJ3RH2IiCW6q-Yt82TshuJ0kiMREVCqmj-9VLqXoHECl8XOBH0OHF2vOxFCnuKSnOSbrh1_R0IaNr4Yp4VN_JKbchAdupqYRbRm5JEtK6ubHzyrZFboOC_VTSdEKZupwxg/s1600/DSC_2669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeAkaAJ3RH2IiCW6q-Yt82TshuJ0kiMREVCqmj-9VLqXoHECl8XOBH0OHF2vOxFCnuKSnOSbrh1_R0IaNr4Yp4VN_JKbchAdupqYRbRm5JEtK6ubHzyrZFboOC_VTSdEKZupwxg/s320/DSC_2669.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DS and Ran behind the home place chicken coop</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G87iL23Ll1k/TeLVSDDlLhI/AAAAAAAAAdg/wsMcBcg-YWc/s1600/DSC_2609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G87iL23Ll1k/TeLVSDDlLhI/AAAAAAAAAdg/wsMcBcg-YWc/s320/DSC_2609.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two of us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sunday after church I was so lazy. All I did was take a nap and visit with DS who came over to do laundry.<br />
<br />
Today Ran and I plan to go thrift store shopping (if they are open). Once the living room began to take shape I realized I need a foot stool. I want one that is fabric so the cat can't harm it. It would be nice if it had dark wooden legs. I don't care about the shape but it needs to be fairly small. And so the adventure begins.<br />
<br />
Hope you have a wonderful holiday. Be safe and if you know and love a vet tell them you love them and you are glad they are here and say Thank you for all they went through.<br />
<br />
Later...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-9750543293249421792011-05-25T22:27:00.000-04:002011-05-25T22:27:04.961-04:00Thrift Store TreasureGreetings from The (thrifty) Hill,<br />
<br />
The day we brought our new living room set home I knew the table in the kitchen (behind the love seat) had to go. Suddenly it took up too much room and was the place everything was dropped on so it was always cluttered. The solution was to get rid of the table and find a sideboard. And so, the search began.<br />
<br />
First stop was to search Google images to find out what my preference was. Found out I wanted simple lines with a touch of architectural detail, light wood and plenty of storage. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3wLEP7Zmp4/Td2vqXS0pPI/AAAAAAAAAc0/c2ZAuGlGbuY/s1600/Thrift+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3wLEP7Zmp4/Td2vqXS0pPI/AAAAAAAAAc0/c2ZAuGlGbuY/s400/Thrift+store.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So with this information in hand the foot (and finger) work began. Craig's list and EBay were first. There was some sweet stuff out there but not at a price I was willing to pay. Then I began my search at every local store in Jasper. Antique stores, flea markets, thrift stores, and yard sales. Jasper is blessed with several thrift stores and I began visiting literally every day. I knew that one day the right piece would be just around a corner. I had also opened the search to include bedroom dressers that might fill the bill.</div><br />
Yesterday I was back at the thrift store looking once again. Stuff arrives daily and the right piece could show up at any time. And then, there it was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6wNLsygBiL0zYrkQtH8qmDL11NUpRreD0vajCBzhKqFiUlzAk1Bfhgvp4ZLolSoIw_YvA-PhvGfe4rYDAz0Vcxbk20XQYh5wyTGBglv1rjgCsI7WrSJiL17ntmbJcyywtQrSPw/s1600/DSCN2059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6wNLsygBiL0zYrkQtH8qmDL11NUpRreD0vajCBzhKqFiUlzAk1Bfhgvp4ZLolSoIw_YvA-PhvGfe4rYDAz0Vcxbk20XQYh5wyTGBglv1rjgCsI7WrSJiL17ntmbJcyywtQrSPw/s320/DSCN2059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> It met my criteria perfectly. It was indeed a dresser that was the exact size and shape I needed. The best part???? Only $25.00. Don't we love thrift stores???<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xH8WdGAJHog/Td2qL_l2EOI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/iSUOmPri6jc/s1600/DSCN2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xH8WdGAJHog/Td2qL_l2EOI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/iSUOmPri6jc/s320/DSCN2057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yep, dresser turned sideboard. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The table was moved to the back porch. I will show you that project later. The table that WAS on the porch is getting taken to the thrift store and the cycle continues.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to reading about your thrift store, yard sale finds.<br />
<br />
Later...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-42361502958760788012011-05-25T06:17:00.000-04:002011-05-25T06:19:06.845-04:00Unwelcome visitor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Greetings from The (bear infested) Hill,<br />
<br />
Every Spring and Fall we are visited by the local bears who are either waking up and hungry or getting ready to bed down and hungry. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSNvDe-vFgw/TdzVfrtxyAI/AAAAAAAAAb8/xU824Zx8gFQ/s1600/DSCN2054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSNvDe-vFgw/TdzVfrtxyAI/AAAAAAAAAb8/xU824Zx8gFQ/s320/DSCN2054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Our poor screens can't stand up to a curious visitor. Looks like we need to put metal grid all around, not just on the bottom of the door.<br />
<br />
Later.....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27939588.post-68400338776649604592011-05-23T06:17:00.000-04:002011-05-23T06:17:24.215-04:00Family Photo Shoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Greetings from The (photogenic) Hill,<br />
<br />
We celebrated my sister's birthday yesterday. I gave her a photo shoot and included the whole family. We had a party at Mom's then the photographer arrived and the fun began. Kyle, the photographer, had to sing Amazing Grace to get folks to laugh. It was a hoot. Mom did great but got tired of smiling after being in group photos with all of us. <br />
<br />
Randy followed Kyle and took pics on his own. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkAnEnQZmznr1yZ1xg5MziIG26vvnlbz5_S39XCPx06heTBtae3reu31usohSVAoxX_tJoDpGChOpw21uixKcGmGERu7CHxwdeAZeey85sa30DAyzBp5HOJhb2SL4rIlEE2pvmA/s1600/IMG_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkAnEnQZmznr1yZ1xg5MziIG26vvnlbz5_S39XCPx06heTBtae3reu31usohSVAoxX_tJoDpGChOpw21uixKcGmGERu7CHxwdeAZeey85sa30DAyzBp5HOJhb2SL4rIlEE2pvmA/s320/IMG_0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is a shot of our kids. Kyle actually shot them doing some fake ninja moves. Ben hung upside down from a tree and "fought" Birdie. It was great. Those two took some great shots together. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCH5QBwqRBFd1pd78vGzOcL9D_YfPc9ASmkoaMZjGwZgBo-nKIY4dfEu0k8S-qqcDxORruwL6CZrZP9OC8KeE3xKXxc3x1sSz4dNb1NuDjSijDWLbnszfZtTxEpYr5InG_iA2nYg/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCH5QBwqRBFd1pd78vGzOcL9D_YfPc9ASmkoaMZjGwZgBo-nKIY4dfEu0k8S-qqcDxORruwL6CZrZP9OC8KeE3xKXxc3x1sSz4dNb1NuDjSijDWLbnszfZtTxEpYr5InG_iA2nYg/s320/IMG_0208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is a shot of Ran shooting Kyle shooting Ben. We took our family pics at Grandmother's & Grandad's old homeplace. It had so much character and was a great place to shoot. The building you see here was Grandad's wood working shop. <br />
<br />
It was a fun day for everyone and Sis said it was a great present for her. <br />
<br />
Later...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15453031385914218841noreply@blogger.com0