tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17050231102366088822024-03-12T19:02:00.544-04:00Window on WentworthOur life with family and friends in CincinnatiDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-38460452160232315792016-09-25T11:25:00.001-04:002016-09-26T10:07:01.804-04:00Third Maine EventOur two coastal visits to Maine prompted us to explore a bit more of the most northeastern state and so this time we have ventured into the interior. After just over 1100 miles and 18 hours of driving with a stopover in Syracuse,we arrived at our destination in Maine. We rented a cabin on Sebec Lake which is about in the center of the state. It's not the biggest lake by far, but it is over 11 miles long and two miles wide at its widest. We had a great cabin that sits right on the lake with great views from a covered outside deck and an enclosed glassed in room just behind the deck. Even better, the enclosed area has a big couch and two recliners positioned to look out onto the water.<br />
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On our first morning we arose to a fog hanging over the lake and obscuring the hillside across the lake. <br />
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But by early afternoon the clouds had burned off and moved away so we drove to Peaks Kenny State Park which is located on the other side of the lake. On the way we stopped at the local town, Dover-Foxcroft, population just over 4,000, so Max could buy a new hat since she had forgotten to pack one. The best choice she found was this "woman's" hunting cap. Note that it was pre-distressed with material worn off the bill and camouflage on all but the front which was light pink (I suppose to indicate its gender aspects).<br />
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The afternoon wind had started and there were whitecaps on the water. We decided on a short easy hike along the water and then up through the forest and around a hill back to the parking area. It turned out to be more of hike than we anticipated at around 2.5 miles but with lots of hills up and down and the trail was very rocky with lots of tree roots exposed on the trail. We stopped at one spot along the trail by the lake for some pictures.<br />
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That evening back at our cabin we had a nice sunset across the lake.<br />
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On our second day we decided to go hiking to a waterfall that is the highest in the state of Maine. It's called Moxie Falls and descends from a lake into Moxie River. It was only a one mile hike over an easy trail to the top of the falls where the water first cascaded down a number of small falls.<br />
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Next it cascades over a 90 foot drop into a pool at the bottom. Keep in mind this picture was taken in mid-September after a dry August in Maine. I understand that in the spring the falling water covers all of the exposed stone in this picture below.<br />
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Once back at the cabin in the late afternoon we enjoyed the view from our deck.<br />
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And the sunset was interesting with the contrails of the airplanes dissipated while the setting sun turned them red and reflected on the surface of the lake.<br />
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Our next hike took us to another waterfall called Little Wilson Falls, not because it is little, but because it is on Little Wilson Stream. The hiking book indicated it was an easy 2.6 mile hike on a trail with some rocks and tree roots. The stream cuts through a black slate gorge and the stream bed is covered with box shaped boulders that reflect the structure of slate.<br />
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And as for tree roots, that was an understatement. The forest was mostly hemlock and mixed deciduous trees including lots of birch.<br />
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The trees growing on a bed of slate, caused the roots spread across the surface as they sought pathways into the soil. Below are some pictures of the rootier part of the trail.<br />
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Needless to say, this slowed the hike significantly. Slate is an interesting stone, originally used for tablets and shingles, and more recently for pathways, decks and even interior floors. Slate is a sedimentary stone, but it is formed at 90 degrees to the direction of the compression. Consequently in nature it seems to be standing on its edges.<br />
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The fact of the slate standing on edge provided the beauty of Little Wilson Falls. The stream cascades over the black slate and tumbles 75 feet down into a gorge that is lined with hemlocks and cedars. The gorge is so deep that getting a picture of the whole falls is almost impossible.<br />
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Max sat on the edge of the gorge, but even from this angle above her, the bottom of the gorge is barely visible on the left.<br />
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Interestingly, the falls are located on the Appalachian trail and we met a number of through hikers who were on their way to Mt. Katahdin and the trail's north end. Most of them walked right by the falls without stopping given that they had begun their "hike" on March 15 over 2000 miles away in Georgia and still had another 120 miles to go. It seemed their focus was toward the end and to get there without delay.<br />
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<i>(I was struck a bit about how focused the hikers became on "the goal" that they didn't even notice this beautiful waterfall not 10 feet from the trail. I thought how like "life" that is for all of us as we can become so consumed with "accomplishing something", "finishing the job", "reaching the top" that we miss all of the life that is screaming so close all the time. It made me a bit sad- for them- and for all of us as we "forget" to pay attention as life just races by... Max)</i><br />
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On Wednesday, after 3 days of hiking, it rained and we rested. Great timing.<br />
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Thursday took us north to Baxter State Park, over 200,000 acres of wilderness, only two roads going into the park, one on the west side and one on the east side neither of which are paved and the east side road dead ends after only 7 miles. There is no electricity, no cell phone towers and no potable water in the park. It is truly a wilderness. The focus of the park is Mt. Katahdin, a 5200 foot high mountain at whose peak is the north end of the Appalachian Trail. As we drove in we got the first view of the mountain.<br />
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Keeping to our program of hiking to waterfalls, we drove up the west road stopping first at Stump Pond (obviously named)<br />
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and then onto the Nesowadnehunk Stream and hiked along the stream to the Big Niagara Falls. The trail was part of the Appalachian Trail and we met a number of hikers who were on the last day of their hike before setting off to the top of Mt. Katahdin the next day. The trail went through hemlock and birch forest next to the stream<br />
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Hemlocks show their ability to grow almost anywhere as seen by this one example, a tree that probably started from a seed in a depression on the top of this boulder.<br />
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The trail also incorporated some Maine sidewalks put in place to protect the forest floor from damage in wet weather. Max got good use of her walking stick and balance beams technique.<br />
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<i>(I had been considering a "walking stick" for hiking on uneven surfaces now that my right knee can be less than cooperative. I'd tried a "sample" back on a "walk around the block" in our neighborhood but found it just in the way. And then this "gift" of a stick was leaning against a tree in Maine right when I needed it on our second- and most difficult hike. And what a difference it make. I used it the whole trip and we brought it back to Ohio and Don's going to "clean it up a bit" and I now have my "stick"!</i><br />
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The falls are not quite the same Niagara seen in New York, but the stream and the falls were beautiful.<br />
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Next we drove back to the park entrance and then up the east side to the dead end and the trail to Sand Pond so we could get a view of the east side of Mt. Katahdin.<br />
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Our last day of hiking was to the Gulf Hagus, a narrow granite gorge through which flows the West Branch of the Pleasant River.<br />
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On the way in we passed by the Katahdin Iron Works. A stone furnace where they mixed iron ore from a local mountain, lime and charcoal which when ignited and pumped with air created intense heat and made molten iron. The furnace was active during the last half of the 1800's and when production was high in the 1880's as much as 20 tons of iron was produced per day. Below are pictures of the furnace, the inside of the chimney from the bottom and the one remaining of the original 16 charcoal ovens.<br />
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The two mile hike through the woods was one of the most delightful we had. It was so quiet that the only sound we could hear was our muffled foot steps on the forest floor.<br />
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Just above the gorge we found a beaver dam with a pond.<br />
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And then the river fell into the gorge where it flowed over boulders creating waterfalls for the next 3 miles.<br />
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Our last evening was very still and provided a hint of the beauty to come in a few weeks on the hillside that was our view the past week. I expect it will become a blaze of color as fall begins in Maine.<br />
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<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-71918155799565669842016-09-25T11:25:00.000-04:002016-09-26T10:05:39.262-04:00Third Maine EventOur two coastal visits to Maine prompted us to explore a bit more of the most northeastern state and so this time we have ventured into the interior. After just over 1100 miles and 18 hours of driving with a stopover in Syracuse,we arrived at our destination in Maine. We rented a cabin on Sebec Lake which is about in the center of the state. It's not the biggest lake by far, but it is over 11 miles long and two miles wide at its widest. We had a great cabin that sits right on the lake with great views from a covered outside deck and an enclosed glassed in room just behind the deck. Even better, the enclosed area has a big couch and two recliners positioned to look out onto the water.<br />
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On our first morning we arose to a fog hanging over the lake and obscuring the hillside across the lake. <br />
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But by early afternoon the clouds had burned off and moved away so we drove to Peaks Kenny State Park which is located on the other side of the lake. On the way we stopped at the local town, Dover-Foxcroft, population just over 4,000, so Max could buy a new hat since she had forgotten to pack one. The best choice she found was this "woman's" hunting cap. Note that it was pre-distressed with material worn off the bill and camouflage on all but the front which was light pink (I suppose to indicate its gender aspects).<br />
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The afternoon wind had started and there were whitecaps on the water. We decided on a short easy hike along the water and then up through the forest and around a hill back to the parking area. It turned out to be more of hike than we anticipated at around 2.5 miles but with lots of hills up and down and the trail was very rocky with lots of tree roots exposed on the trail. We stopped at one spot along the trail by the lake for some pictures.<br />
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That evening back at our cabin we had a nice sunset across the lake.<br />
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On our second day we decided to go hiking to a waterfall that is the highest in the state of Maine. It's called Moxie Falls and descends from a lake into Moxie River. It was only a one mile hike over an easy trail to the top of the falls where the water first cascaded down a number of small falls.<br />
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Next it cascades over a 90 foot drop into a pool at the bottom. Keep in mind this picture was taken in mid-September after a dry August in Maine. I understand that in the spring the falling water covers all of the exposed stone in this picture below.<br />
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Once back at the cabin in the late afternoon we enjoyed the view from our deck.<br />
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And the sunset was interesting with the contrails of the airplanes dissipated while the setting sun turned them red and reflected on the surface of the lake.<br />
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Our next hike took us to another waterfall called Little Wilson Falls, not because it is little, but because it is on Little Wilson Stream. The hiking book indicated it was an easy 2.6 mile hike on a trail with some rocks and tree roots. The stream cuts through a black slate gorge and the stream bed is covered with box shaped boulders that reflect the structure of slate.<br />
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And as for tree roots, that was an understatement. The forest was mostly hemlock and mixed deciduous trees including lots of birch.<br />
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The trees growing on a bed of slate, caused the roots spread across the surface as they sought pathways into the soil. Below are some pictures of the rootier part of the trail.<br />
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Needless to say, this slowed the hike significantly. Slate is an interesting stone, originally used for tablets and shingles, and more recently for pathways, decks and even interior floors. Slate is a sedimentary stone, but it is formed at 90 degrees to the direction of the compression. Consequently in nature it seems to be standing on its edges.<br />
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The fact of the slate standing on edge provided the beauty of Little Wilson Falls. The stream cascades over the black slate and tumbles 75 feet down into a gorge that is lined with hemlocks and cedars. The gorge is so deep that getting a picture of the whole falls is almost impossible.<br />
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Max sat on the edge of the gorge, but even from this angle above her, the bottom of the gorge is barely visible on the left.<br />
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Interestingly, the falls are located on the Appalachian trail and we met a number of through hikers who were on their way to Mt. Katahdin and the trail's north end. Most of them walked right by the falls without stopping given that they had begun their "hike" on March 15 over 2000 miles away in Georgia and still had another 120 miles to go. It seemed their focus was toward the end and to get there without delay.<br />
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<i>(I was struck a bit about how focused the hikers became on "the goal" that they didn't even notice this beautiful waterfall not 10 feet from the trail. I thought how like "life" that is for all of us as we can become so consumed with "accomplishing something", "finishing the job", "reaching the top" that we miss all of the life that is screaming so close all the time. It made me a bit sad- for them- and for all of us as we "forget" to pay attention as life just races by... Max)</i><br />
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On Wednesday, after 3 days of hiking, it rained and we rested. Great timing.<br />
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Thursday took us north to Baxter State Park, over 200,000 acres of wilderness, only two roads going into the park, one on the west side and one on the east side neither of which are paved and the east side road dead ends after only 7 miles. There is no electricity, no cell phone towers and no potable water in the park. It is truly a wilderness. The focus of the park is Mt. Katahdin, a 5200 foot high mountain at whose peak is the north end of the Appalachian Trail. As we drove in we got the first view of the mountain.<br />
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Keeping to our program of hiking to waterfalls, we drove up the west road stopping first at Stump Pond (obviously named)<br />
<a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Sep 15, 2016, 12:04:37 PM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMXHGm8zRkjim0m2hVX5WVlQVV4HefeuGGzyeZt" jsaction=" click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"></a><br />
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and then onto the Nesowadnehunk Stream and hiked along the stream to the Big Niagara Falls. The trail was part of the Appalachian Trail and we met a number of hikers who were on the last day of their hike before setting off to the top of Mt. Katahdin the next day. The trail went through hemlock and birch forest next to the stream<br />
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Hemlocks show their ability to grow almost anywhere as seen by this one example, a tree that probably started from a seed in a depression on the top of this boulder.<br />
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The trail also incorporated some Maine sidewalks put in place to protect the forest floor from damage in wet weather. Max got good use of her walking stick and balance beams technique.<br />
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<i>(I had been considering a "walking stick" for hiking on uneven surfaces now that my right knee can be less than cooperative. I'd tried a "sample" back on a "walk around the block" in our neighborhood but found it just in the way. And then this "gift" of a stick was leaning against a tree in Maine right when I needed it on our second- and most difficult hike. And what a difference it make. I used it the whole trip and we brought it back to Ohio and Don's going to "clean it up a bit" and I now have my "stick"!</i><br />
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The falls are not quite the same Niagara seen in New York, but the stream and the falls were beautiful.<br />
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Next we drove back to the park entrance and then up the east side to the dead end and the trail to Sand Pond so we could get a view of the east side of Mt. Katahdin.<br />
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Our last day of hiking was to the Gulf Hagus, a narrow granite gorge through which flows the West Branch of the Pleasant River.<br />
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On the way in we passed by the Katahdin Iron Works. A stone furnace where they mixed iron ore from a local mountain, lime and charcoal which when ignited and pumped with air created intense heat and made molten iron. The furnace was active during the last half of the 1800's and when production was high in the 1880's as much as 20 tons of iron was produced per day. Below are pictures of the furnace, the inside of the chimney from the bottom and the one remaining of the original 16 charcoal ovens.<br />
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The two mile hike through the woods was one of the most delightful we had. It was so quiet that the only sound we could hear was our muffled foot steps on the forest floor.<br />
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Just above the gorge we found a beaver dam with a pond.<br />
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And then the river fell into the gorge where it flowed over boulders creating waterfalls for the next 3 miles.<br />
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Our last evening was very still and provided a hint of the beauty to come in a few weeks on the hillside that was our view the past week. I expect it will become a blaze of color as fall begins in Maine.<br />
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<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-4799120704049203712016-08-11T16:53:00.000-04:002016-08-11T16:53:43.838-04:00Our Second Maine EventOur Second Maine Event<br />
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Our trip to Maine last November whetted our appetite for more of this state, and so shortly after we returned to Ohio, Max got busy and made two more reservations for us this year, one in June and one in September. Our June trip promised to give us significantly more time in Acadia National Park since we were staying in Bass Harbor, which is adjacent to the south edge of the park instead of the 90 minute drive we had last November, and also because the sun sets late in June instead of the 4:15 sunsets we experienced in November. This trip also gave Max and I the opportunity to visit our 45th state, Rhode Island. For more on this see: <a href="https://maxsmusingsblog.wordpress.com/2016/07/18/rhode-island-%20the-45th-state/"> Rhode Island: our 45th State</a>. Max found a beautiful old Victorian Air BnB for our night’s stay in Providence.<br />
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<a aria-label="Photo - Landscape - Jun 10, 2016, 4:55:49 PM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/search/_tra_/photo/AF1QipNVB8fPYDJFP7hZ-KePj875XHQFHOhlnp3-gL78" jsaction=" click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"></a><br />
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After a delightful breakfast we left for Maine. Max had been looking forward to this trip since we planned it and had been working hard to build up her endurance and strength for our planned hiking in the park. She was exercising daily and had started some serious yoga classes. Then tragedy happened just before Memorial Day and after a challenging yoga class. Max’s knees revolted and the resulting osteoarthritis of two knee surgeries from 4 decades earlier hobbled her. Walking in our house was difficult and we knew that hiking on the trails of the mountains of Acadia was out of the question. We considered just not going and defaulting on our paid for trip that was not refundable. After much discussion we decided to ask Matthew and Sarah to join us. See Max's Musings: <a href="https://maxsmusingsblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/03/maine-not-quite-the-trip-id-dreamed/">Not quite the trip I'd dreamed</a> for her account. In her post Max did mention a quiet stream by which she sat and read but given her limited ability to walk she couldn't get down to a place to take a good picture. Here is a picture of that stream.<br />
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The four of us were all together for breakfast and dinner every day, but Matthew, Sarah and I hiked the vistas of Acadia and Max religiously did her physical therapy and found her own new adventures that didn't require the difficult hiking Acadia provided. The following is a photo record of the three of us hiking the trails of Acadia and the evening sunsets we all shared together.<br />
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On our first hike we took the Gorham Mountain trail to the top using the spur route along the Cadillac Cliffs. The picture below shows how rocky this route is as it skirts along the cliffs. <br />
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The view from the top at an elevation of 525 feet gives a great panorama of the Atlantic and the Cranberry Islands.<br />
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We came down the mountain to the park loop road and walked along the rugged shore line on Ocean Path back to our car.<br />
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Our second day we hiked up Acadia Mountain at 681 feet and then dropped down the other side to Somes Sound which is Acadia's version of a fjord and then back up to the top of San Sauveur Mountain at 679 feet. Parts of this trail were more climbing than hiking, but the views from the top made the effort well worth it.<br />
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The third day we took an easier route and hiked the Great Head. This is a hike that Max and I took on our earlier trip and had a much more reasonable hiking trail, but still too difficult for Max's knees. Right off the side of the trail we heard some noise and saw this Pileated Woodpecker tearing up a rotting birch tree.<br />
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The Great Head trail circles out and around a short peninsula with views of the rocky cliffs that go down to the Atlantic.<br />
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And the return trail gave us great views of the ridge line of Gorham Mountain that we hiked on our first day.<br />
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On our last day we hiked up to the Beech Mountain fire watch tower, then took a long loop down to the Valley trail and back up to the Beech Cliff trail. The views and the flora were spectacular. <br />
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The next three are from the fire tower.<br />
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These pics were taken during our walk back up the valley trail<br />
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I never did find the name of these flowers, but they were all along this valley trail.<br />
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The ferns were thick and lush and in some places were clinging to and hanging over the large boulders that lined the valley.<br />
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On the Beech Cliffs trail we had a wonderful view of Echo Lake. <br />
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And on our way back to our cabin, we stopped at a field of Lupines. There were fields of these flowers all through the park<br />
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But we didn't just hike during our stay. We drove up to the top of Cadillac Mountain to watch the sun set one night.<br />
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And we caught another glorious sunset after dinner one night at Bass Harbor<br />
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And of course, a visit to the Maine coast is not complete without at least one picture of a lighthouse. This one is the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.<br />
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And on our last day we did get a group photo with Bass Harbor in the background.<br />
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Our next trip will be in September and will take us to the interior of Maine to a cabin on Sebec Lake. Max is recovering and we are hoping that we will be able to do some less mountainous hiking in the woods of Maine.Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-7672030586174325972015-12-02T16:40:00.001-05:002015-12-06T12:49:26.647-05:00The Maine EventMax and I have been discussing a car trip across the northern states to Seattle, down the coast through Oregon and back through northern California to eventually cross the plains and arrive back home. This has been a proposed plan beginning with our 5th wedding anniversary. At first it was a train trip, but with the desire to ramble and explore, it was obvious this needed to be done by car. We think it will take about 3 weeks, so our current estimate is maybe in 3 years when I might not be working. Some of our children believe this will never happen, but we have faith that it will. While discussing this long trip we also began discussing the possibility of a shorter one week trip, just by ourselves to the coast of Maine. We could certainly do that and suggested maybe 2016 would work. But given that we will begin our 68th year on this rock in February, we also thought, why not now? And so we did what some think is unthinkable, a road trip to Maine the first week in November.<br />
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Max went online and found an AirBnB near Danbury in Connecticut, a state which Max had not visited, and which would be our first destination and after a long leg of 750 miles crossing Ohio, Pennsylvania and southern New York. It was an amazing place with a delightful host. The house was off the road almost a quarter of a mile in a wooded area near a small lake.<br />
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We had a very private room and bath with a library that took up most of one side of the house. Our host also indicated we were free to fix breakfast in her kitchen while she ran some morning errands and provided fresh eggs from the hens in her back yard.<br />
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The next morning we headed east to I-95 and then north across Massachusetts and the southeast edge of New Hampshire and then into Maine. New Hampshire provided some interest in that the only rest stop on the turnpike is a New Hampshire State Liquor store which is well advertised. We didn't stop.<br />
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One of the aspects of our trip that we had not considered is that when you are this far north and east in November, the sun sets at about 4:15. Consequently, we found our way to our rental house at night and parked in the driveway.<br />
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The house was in Thomaston, MA on Spruce Head Island, an actual island, but only a short bridge away from the mainland. One thing I have to say about Maine is that it is very rocky. What looks like our driveway in the picture above is really just rock that is the surface of the island. In fact the "patio" in the back is also made of granite.<br />
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This all became very much apparent when I tried to back out of our "driveway" the next morning and found that the street was actually about 15 inches below our "driveway". I was lucky to be able to get our new all wheel drive car off the rock and into the street with a little help from a neighbor. The actual driveway I realized was off to the side.<br />
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Our first day was a bit windy, but temps were nicely in the 50's, so we decided to explore our island. Here is the view from the front of our house. <br />
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These pictures were taken down by the water where the lobster boats were moored.<br />
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We next drove south to the Pamaquid Point lighthouse which was about an hours drive away. Once again the rocky terrain of Maine was very visible with these alternating layers of sedimentary and igneous rock that has been turned on its side over the eons of time and then eroded by the sea.<br />
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The picture below offers more perspective given that you can see Max at the bottom of the picture. The tides along this coast are between 9 and 11 feet and these pictures were taken a low tide.<br />
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Next we drove north to the village of Camden where we had a dinner of seafood chowder. On the drive home as we crossed the bridge to our island, the tide was low and the sun was sitting, producing another photo op. <br />
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The next two days were forecast to be sunny, low winds and temps in the 50's so we headed north to Acadia National Park. One nice aspect of being at Acadia in November is that the park is almost empty of humans. I understand that in July and August, the park is packed with people. We wanted to do some hiking and found the Gohram Mountain trail that was listed as moderate and about 3.5 miles round trip. I think I mentioned that Maine is rocky, and Acadia emphasized that fact. The trail up the mountain rose just over 500 feet in 1.8 miles, but the trail was essentially made of rock.<br />
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We did make it to the top and found a few more rocks to sit on.<br />
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We finished the day driving the road around the rest of the island and checking out hikes for the next day. We made plans for another hike and then a gentle walk.<br />
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The next day's hike took us around and over a small peninsula called Guest Head, another 3.5 hike, but a climb of only 350 feet. From the top of the hill we had spectacular views of the coast and some of the islands further out in the Atlantic. It was another rocky climb but the views were worth it. The sun was so bright that my pictures got rather washed out. I think I'll ask Santa for a polarizing lens for my camera this year.<br />
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The picture below is Gorham Mountain that we hiked up the day before.<br />
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One of the surprises about Maine is the prolific Winter Berry bushes that grow wild all along the roads. I planted three of these bushes in my back yard last year and I hope they provide our yard with some winter color.<br />
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Our next hike was the gentile walk around Jordan Pond which is a 3.3 mile hike. This pond is 145 feet deep with crystal clear water and the reflections were beautiful. This valley and the spaces between the mountains were carved out by the glaciers that covered this area 13,000 years ago<br />
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We started out counter clockwise and thus didn't see the sign that indicated the trail was under construction. After some difficult rocky sections we finished the last 3/4 mile on planks that were raised above the soft shoreline.<br />
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Finally after our walk around the Pond, it was getting close to 4:00 so we decided to head to the top of Cadillac Mount which has a real road instead of a trail made of rocks. We made it to the top just as the sun was setting and got amazing views of the coast of Maine as the sun set.<br />
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Wednesday was forecast to be a rainy day, so we decided to search out two more lighthouses that were nearby. The first one was Marshall Point lighthouse which achieved some fame as being the lighthouse to which Forrest Gump ran to reach the Atlantic coast.<br />
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We also decided we needed to experience one other Maine event during this trip, lobster. We bought a live one and followed the instruction for fixing it.<br />
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I have to say it was not a fun experience and one we will not do again. Putting a live animal into boiling water just isn't something we enjoyed regardless of the claims that lobsters do not feel pain.<br />
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On our last day we went north again to Camden Hills State Park and hiked up Bald Rock Mountain. It was another 3.6 mile hike, but the elevation was 1100 feet. Once again we climbed up rock steps or over or around rocks to get up the mountain. The trail climbed through a mixed hardwood forest that eventually got us to the top of the mountain. <br />
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But once again the view was spectacular.<br />
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With my telephoto lens we could see Acadia National Park which was about 40 miles away<br />
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And the coast line with the islands were spread out in front of us.<br />
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We even found a natural tripod to use to do a selfie with my camera.<br />
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And to end this, here is the final sunset we saw from our bridge to the mainland on our last drive to our home for the week.<br />
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We enjoyed the trip so much that Max has already made reservations for week long trips next June and October (both with out-of-season cheap rates). All I have to say is that Maine Rocks.<br />
<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-29882330948941100312015-01-19T13:49:00.000-05:002015-01-19T13:49:46.852-05:00December 2014I must say it took a bit of time to recover from our very busy November, but our lives calmed significantly for the first two weeks of December. Our only event during that time was Anthony's 7th birthday. Fine dining for Anthony almost always means a cheese burger with fries, so we moved upscale from McDonalds and took him, Sarah and Deseree to BJ's where he got his burger with a slightly better than usual ambiance. We did return to our house for the birthday cake and candles. Fortunately Max had her phone handy, as I realized too late that my camera batteries were dead.<br />
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Having a birthday just before Christmas provides a double gifting season, but this year the young man seriously need some new snow boots, warm sweaters and a few other essential items that don't really deserve a photo shoot.<br />
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We did celebrate Christmas this year, although it did take us about 16 days to get through it all. We started in Michigan with the Broadbents. Mikayla's dance school was doing their own performance of <i>The Nutcracker </i>and Mikayla had two roles, bubblegum and peeps, in this unique adaptation of the Christmas favorite. We arrived on the 18th, attended the dress rehearsal on the 19th (the only performance in which photography was allowed) and I stayed home with Elise while the rest of the family attended the actual performance on the 20th.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing before the show started</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In her role as bubblegum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Peeps in a box</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing Peeps</td></tr>
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And then on Sunday, Max, Mikayla and Brandy went into Detroit to see the Moscow Ballet perform the traditional <i>Nutcracker. </i>As you can see, it was a dress-up affair for the three generations of <i>Nutcracker attendees.</i><br />
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Will, Elise and I were left at home, since I think one Nutcracker a year is enough for either Will or me. Elise got some good daddy time as well as some time playing with Mikayla's stuff while she was away.<br />
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She does do some jumping on the trampoline, and will get good at it if she keeps watching her big sister.<br />
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Our Christmas did arrive in Michigan before we left and the girls opened their gifts from us. Mikayla is into hair bands and got a "design your own" hairband which she quickly put to use. Elise is still working on this unwrapping custom but nonetheless enjoyed her new toys too.<br />
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Our Christmas with the Broadbents was a huge success for this the first of our four Christmas Celebrations. We finished the celebration with a night out on the town of Rochester Hills. We started by going to the Royal Park Hotel where they constructed a giant gingerbread house.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandy and Elise in front of the gingerbread house.</td></tr>
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And if you want to make one of these yourself, they even provided the recipe.<br />
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And after dinner we did a walking tour of downtown Rochester Hills where they light up the streets every Christmas.<br />
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We did get back home to Cincinnati before the official Christmas Day and spent two quiet days enjoying our Christmas tree, music and good food. Our Christmas tree is really two different trees in one. We put it in our sun room and during the day it displays our collection of ornaments that we have been gathering over the past 21 years.<br />
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But at night it becomes a different tree with the LED strings of lights that project circles of light out from the bulbs to the walls and floor of the room.<br />
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This second Christmas Celebration was quiet, very quiet.<br />
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Matthew arrived in Cincinnati on the 26th for a short stay that began our third Christmas Celebration. Sarah (Matthew's Sarah) was in Lebanon for the holidays and Matthew stopped by Cincinnati on his way to Nashville to visit friends. So on the 27th we celebrated our third Christmas with Matthew, Michael and Liz, as well as Sarah, Deseree and Anthony. It was of course another day of cooking, this time a brisket with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.<br />
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I use a recipe from our dear friend Kathy Milby who lives in Norman, Oklahoma and it is a favorite menu item for our festive meals. Without a doubt it is our most popular request. And now that we have our new kitchen for this Christmas, everyone gathers around for the dinner preparation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deseree enjoying some appetizers before dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah just enjoying our kitchen with the group</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew and Michael</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liz enjoying a glass of wine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the group photo<br />
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Our fourth Christmas Celebration took place in Chicago with Amber, Evan and Marshall and as an extra bonus, it was also New Years, a double celebration for sure. That we ever celebrate New Years is a bit out of the ordinary for us.<br />
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Marshall is growing fast and seems to be the smiliest baby we have ever been around. You might think we only take pictures when he is smiling, but it's hard to find a time when he isn't giving you a big grin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing his backward scooting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on standing up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And giving Bo some love</td></tr>
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And as you might be aware, Chicago can get cold in the winter, but Marshall is outfitted well with winter gear so that he bearly notices the weather.<br />
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And this being his first Christmas, he really wasn't sure what all the pretty boxes were doing in his living room.<br />
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But he caught on fairly quickly and what can be more fun than some rattling red paper?<br />
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It may take him a day or so to understand that the paper wasn't the real fun about this process, but what the paper covered up. So now Marshall will begin his musical career from home, maybe. But where did the pretty paper go?<br />
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And I do understand that I am not an easy person to shop for since I really don't need anything. But Amber and Evan did find something that I didn't have and really do like. Some of you may need to review algebra to appreciate this, but Max is the one that needs to get to work so this plate can be valid.<br />
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Marshall did get his first bath in the big tub while we were there. Yes that is actually a jacuzzi style tub, but I think Marshall was safe with all of the life guards we had stationed near by.<br />
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And finally we celebrated New Years with a dinner of beef short ribs, and we toasted out the old and in the new with a wonderful bottle of champagne that Michael and Liz brought us for <span style="text-align: center;">Christmas.</span><br />
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Now we have what we expect will be two months without any travel and some time at home back in our "normal" routine.<br />
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<br />Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-43360879246916821352014-12-15T21:36:00.000-05:002014-12-15T21:36:15.732-05:00November from beginning to endNovember provided Max and me with a touch of family in the beginning and a tsunami at the end.<br />
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We began with a trip to Chicago so we could baby sit for one night with Marshall. Amber and Evan were scheduled for a surprise birthday party for Amber's BF Jen, and Marshall couldn't be left with just any baby sitter. Since Evan's parents live in Las Vegas, we got the nod.<br />
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It was a tough job. Marshall is about the best natured 6 month old we've ever been around. That boy seems to have constant big smile unless he is hungry or sleepy.<br />
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We also did an annual photo shoot of the family at Lincoln Park. It was a windy, cold, but bright sunny day in Chicago which made pictures a little difficult. But we were lucky to have a cloud that blocked the sun for a few minutes and hurriedly took some pictures. <br />
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As you can see, Marshall continued his smiles even though it was a bit cold. Max just shivered.<br />
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Our next big event was Thanksgiving, but before we get to the feast, some background needs to be added. On one of out trips to Arlington, VA, we went to the American Indian Museum which is part of the Smithsonian and located on the Mall in D.C. They have a great food court there with selections from foods that were eaten by the tribes from various parts of the country. One dish we tied and really liked was roasted vegetables that include roasted Sun Chokes, also called Jerusalem Artichokes. Max decided we needed to try to grow these sun chokes at our house and so ordered a package of them on the internet. My job was to find a place to plant them in our yard. There were 24 small thumb sized bulbs in the package, so I planted them in two rows of 12 each in late March. They all sprouted and grew into a sunflower looking plant, each of which got about 12 feet tall. Here are some pictures of the flowers.<br />
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We had a hard frost in early November and so I cut down the brown stalks leaving about 2 feet of stem above the ground so I could find and dig the chokes.<br />
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I then bought Max a Christmas present at the local hardware store and dug up the chokes.<br />
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That's a 5 gallon bucket full of sun chokes that look more like ginger roots than anything else. Once cleaned up they looked very much like ginger.<br />
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The sun chokes were put away in the basement to await our Thanksgiving dinner.</div>
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As I said earlier, a tsunami of family came at the end of November. Our usually empty house swelled to capacity with the addition of 8 more adults, 7 more children ages 6 months to nearly 9 years, and 3 more dogs, all around 11 years old. This old house was made for big groups and it handled it quite well with Matthew and Sarah occupying the couch hide-a-bed in our sun room at night with Gigi, their dog, who would have had trouble with the stairs to the upper floors. The rest of the crowd spread out on beds, couch hide-a-beds, inflatable beds and cribs on the upper two floors.</div>
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In anticipation of all of the grandchildren, Max prepared the food that the grandchildren were mostly interested in, cookies. Max made 5 varieties of cookies: Chocolate Crinkles with powdered sugar, Pumpkin cinnamon , Chocolate chip, Toffee chip, and Ginger cookies with candied ginger chips that were then all put in jars in the dining room as well as our primary cookie jar in the kitchen. The chocolate crinkles were the first to go followed by the chocolate chip. The demand for cookies was pretty intense, so Max made a rule that each child could have one cookie every hour beginning at noon until an hour before dinner. It's amazing how slowly a clock can take to go from one hour to the next and how many times the younger kids can ask if it's been an hour yet.</div>
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Weiler was the most interested, had just turned four years old the week before, and definitely suffered the most from the slow passing of minutes. The crinkles were his favorite and the first to disappear.<br />
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Max also made some adult sweet snacks, mostly for me. The pecan bars were wonderful.<br />
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But the occasion wasn't all eating. Seven children need lots to do during the day and our toy/game closet was awaiting them. Battleship was a big favorite.</div>
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And Uno games involving from two to four was almost always on going.<br />
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And there was lots of just getting together with family between cousins, uncles and aunts. Uncle Matthew and Aunt Sarah got a warm welcome from a pile of kids who found tickling a great source of entertainment!</div>
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Marshall got his first opportunity to meet cousins.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D65zUsq-qLs/VI37kO_O7zI/AAAAAAAAMUE/q0-tzFUM7HE/s1600/DSC_0394_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D65zUsq-qLs/VI37kO_O7zI/AAAAAAAAMUE/q0-tzFUM7HE/s1600/DSC_0394_edited-1.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayes with Marshall and Grandma Max</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Amber and Mikayla</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68j1kva3ZQw/VI37sB2kpcI/AAAAAAAAMVo/-xlgJMHklqA/s1600/DSC_5113_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68j1kva3ZQw/VI37sB2kpcI/AAAAAAAAMVo/-xlgJMHklqA/s1600/DSC_5113_edited-1.jpg" height="388" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Clint with Elise</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Elise had a cold and her favorite place was in her Daddy's lap.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7GiTIFv19U/VI37qOm3UqI/AAAAAAAAMVA/1O2AeuNzAE0/s1600/DSC_0419_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7GiTIFv19U/VI37qOm3UqI/AAAAAAAAMVA/1O2AeuNzAE0/s1600/DSC_0419_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshall checking out the whole room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlYVbtwQ-4o/VI37ugTigDI/AAAAAAAAMWc/vUYwixwFumU/s1600/DSC_5137_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlYVbtwQ-4o/VI37ugTigDI/AAAAAAAAMWc/vUYwixwFumU/s1600/DSC_5137_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshall with Aunt Brandy and Mikayla</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elise with Reeder and Mikayla</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, Hayes and Amelia obviously know their Mom, but this was such a good picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QconN0cilmo/VI37somELVI/AAAAAAAAMVw/I23pEGDA5Cw/s1600/DSC_5117_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QconN0cilmo/VI37somELVI/AAAAAAAAMVw/I23pEGDA5Cw/s1600/DSC_5117_edited-1.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mikayla's best buddy, Reeder</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybE8znjr-nU/VI37og6EwvI/AAAAAAAAMU0/iGH5Z79Vqis/s1600/DSC_0416_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybE8znjr-nU/VI37og6EwvI/AAAAAAAAMU0/iGH5Z79Vqis/s1600/DSC_0416_edited-1.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, one lap just wasn't enough</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aibZPu8-jjc/VI37mAgRTVI/AAAAAAAAMUU/5po3CLBPtYA/s1600/DSC_0396_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aibZPu8-jjc/VI37mAgRTVI/AAAAAAAAMUU/5po3CLBPtYA/s1600/DSC_0396_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Matthew decided Marshall needed to experience the world from a different vantage point. Marshall kept smiling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Brandy with Elise and Marshall (still smiling)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkco0BUe8KI/VI37Zdbqj1I/AAAAAAAAMSQ/FeFpexA29ps/s1600/DSC_0335_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkco0BUe8KI/VI37Zdbqj1I/AAAAAAAAMSQ/FeFpexA29ps/s1600/DSC_0335_edited-1.jpg" height="326" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayes, always in the middle of everyone's attention, found new ways to amuse us with his Lady Gaga outfit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHC-qIxsRQs/VI37ucMu6-I/AAAAAAAAMWQ/Xdndc0ik0ww/s1600/DSC_5130_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHC-qIxsRQs/VI37ucMu6-I/AAAAAAAAMWQ/Xdndc0ik0ww/s1600/DSC_5130_edited-1.jpg" height="242" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family room Battle Ship, crafts, Legos,books, and toys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ledbb5QZaNA/VI37wiFETrI/AAAAAAAAMXI/TGoLG9JRgKo/s1600/DSC_5175_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ledbb5QZaNA/VI37wiFETrI/AAAAAAAAMXI/TGoLG9JRgKo/s1600/DSC_5175_edited-1.jpg" height="165" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayes holding court with the computer and the "young" ones</td></tr>
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Marianne arrived with a wonderful surprise. She got supplies and her crew made name places for our Thanksgiving dinner.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amelia showing us all of their handy work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For Max and Me</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Matthew's preferred name now he has graduated.</td></tr>
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And then Marianne organized the kid troop to set up the table for dinner. We made it a real family setting using my Mom's good china and Max's mother's and my mom's silver. My mom used the dishes and the silver only on the most important occasions, which were very few as far as I can remember, and Max doesn't believe her mother's silver was ever used. We even used my mother's cloth napkins. Marianne told the kids to set it all up how ever they wished and they did a great job.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxubp79tDN0/VI37fQbQwWI/AAAAAAAAMTI/ep-tOwc2gks/s1600/DSC_0364_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxubp79tDN0/VI37fQbQwWI/AAAAAAAAMTI/ep-tOwc2gks/s1600/DSC_0364_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="391" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding all the correct silver for each place</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqw4QNQGwfc/VI37fz31a_I/AAAAAAAAMTQ/QiocYix1VyQ/s1600/DSC_0367_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqw4QNQGwfc/VI37fz31a_I/AAAAAAAAMTQ/QiocYix1VyQ/s1600/DSC_0367_edited-1.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a group effort</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished project, done beautifully with flowers and candles.</td></tr>
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And we did have a turkey. It was a 30 pounder and seems to have passed the taste test by several of the attendees.</div>
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And we did roast the sun chokes along with other root vegetables. They were rather good and tasted a bit like artichokes, which may explain their name.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N89hFN08LKc/VI37vjl1RRI/AAAAAAAAMW0/Z8VzV2ATdKg/s1600/DSC_5150_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N89hFN08LKc/VI37vjl1RRI/AAAAAAAAMW0/Z8VzV2ATdKg/s1600/DSC_5150_edited-1.jpg" height="347" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elise wasn't the only one picking at that spot where the skin had been cut a little.</td></tr>
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And if Thanksgiving were not enough to celebrate, We also added in two birthdays boys who had just turned 4 and 37 respectively.<br />
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They blew out their respective candles on Max's chocolate cake- (well actually Grandma Lucas' Chocolate Cake) and then we all had the Thanksgiving dessert of our choice. Max also made the traditional pumpkin pie, a cherry pie, a chocolate pudding pie (a specialty for Will) and of course, cookies were also available.<br />
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Weiler's birthday gift from us was a "Backyard Explorer outfit with a hat, jacket, binoculars, and an insect observation jar that had a magnifying glass lid. I believe he wore this outfit the rest of the time he was here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y3OgirIjTM/VI37o7ghvrI/AAAAAAAAMU4/ip3uneHoxUY/s1600/DSC_0417_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y3OgirIjTM/VI37o7ghvrI/AAAAAAAAMU4/ip3uneHoxUY/s1600/DSC_0417_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DCc6QFzZ534/VI9JCzGZ7oI/AAAAAAAAMY8/HUd5CWx87X8/s1600/DSC_5189_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DCc6QFzZ534/VI9JCzGZ7oI/AAAAAAAAMY8/HUd5CWx87X8/s1600/DSC_5189_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clint accepted significant responsibility for eggs for breakfast, especially for his two youngest.</td></tr>
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But there were still more achievements to be made. Amelia was in the process of perfecting potty training. To encourage her, she got 2 jelly beans for each time she peed in the potty and 3 jelly beans for each time she pooped. That girl likes jelly beans and found that she could meter her peeing to about a table spoon per try and extend the process to get multiple jelly bean rations about every five minutes. We all appreciated her effort and gave her ample rewards. The best laugh was when she came out of the bathroom crying because her pants were wet. She had done everything right, except she forgot to pull her pants down. Mistakes do happen.</div>
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Elise was interested in what her cousin Amelia was doing and why she was getting all of those jelly beans. I'm certain Brandy would have loved her to really understand.<br />
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Another favorite of the children was Max's Latte maker. Amelia preferred a steamer, just milk heated up and frothy so she got a milkstash which she loved to display.<br />
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Max and I did have to get one picture with our 7 house guest grandchildren. We got most of them smiling, but that is a challenge.</div>
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But Thanksgiving day was dinner with our 15 house guests. Other local family members had Thanksgiving with local relatives and then joined us on Friday for another big dinner. This time we had 27 for dinner that included our best long time friends Fouad and Mary Ezra. Fouad came in spectacular fashion this year wearing a beard that looked as old as Moses, but bringing a holiday cheer.</div>
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Sarah, Anthony and Deseree came and had a rousing game of Battle Ship during the after dinner conversation.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGgrMhWKkK4/VI9JDAS9m_I/AAAAAAAAMY4/kADVyxjFy8U/s1600/DSC_5215_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGgrMhWKkK4/VI9JDAS9m_I/AAAAAAAAMY4/kADVyxjFy8U/s1600/DSC_5215_edited-1.jpg" height="193" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">The five non-Toddlers had a great time eating at their own table</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NL-_D2e8oB4/VI9JDxwWKMI/AAAAAAAAMZM/ab_nq3jX5o4/s1600/DSC_5219_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NL-_D2e8oB4/VI9JDxwWKMI/AAAAAAAAMZM/ab_nq3jX5o4/s1600/DSC_5219_edited-1.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew and Sarah and Sarah</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DU31qoC8dts/VI9JEYgmk_I/AAAAAAAAMZY/jg8BBkceJGA/s1600/DSC_5224_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DU31qoC8dts/VI9JEYgmk_I/AAAAAAAAMZY/jg8BBkceJGA/s1600/DSC_5224_edited-1.jpg" height="201" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Broadbents and Dushmans</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z15H6CYgNbs/VI9JEd5TuhI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/C_Azzghb0sk/s1600/DSC_5226_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z15H6CYgNbs/VI9JEd5TuhI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/C_Azzghb0sk/s1600/DSC_5226_edited-1.jpg" height="227" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael can't believe Matthew is still trying to convince him that he is all knowing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvJZOn620Fs/VI37st_Y4NI/AAAAAAAAMV0/YIf7cPFDznA/s1600/DSC_0450_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvJZOn620Fs/VI37st_Y4NI/AAAAAAAAMV0/YIf7cPFDznA/s1600/DSC_0450_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshall once again giving us his big grin.</td></tr>
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And finally, if you are as tired of reading this as I am of writing it, you can appreciate Anthony with Mathew's faithful companion Gigi toward the end of the last evening this crowd was together.</div>
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Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-38400481231867893902014-11-08T20:47:00.000-05:002014-11-08T20:47:09.776-05:00October 2014<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">October was a month in which we spent 11 days on the road, a
5 day trip to Oklahoma and a 6 day trip to Arlington, VA. The trips put another 3000 miles on our
faithful Town & Country Minivan and bracketed the birthdays of 4
generations. In Oklahoma we met with
Max’s family to celebrate her father’s 90<sup>th</sup> birthday and Fay’s 80<sup>th</sup>
birthday, both on October 2. Mary, Max’s
sister came in from Sanibel, FL and Max’s brother Frank, his wife Nancy and
their daughter Piper her husband Cory and Fay's son Steve were all there. The main celebration took place with a
celebratory dinner that included the family and many of Frank and Fay’s close
friends.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The whole group</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd_emf4zycw/VFf_8qJeBEI/AAAAAAAAMLc/NAHLuADNM3w/s1600/DSC_0024_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd_emf4zycw/VFf_8qJeBEI/AAAAAAAAMLc/NAHLuADNM3w/s1600/DSC_0024_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Left to right: Steve, Frank, Max, Frank Sr, Mary and Fay</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGV0LQ1q2Fc/VFgAAE0WyyI/AAAAAAAAMMM/nap7ux4zzWA/s1600/DSC_0094_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGV0LQ1q2Fc/VFgAAE0WyyI/AAAAAAAAMMM/nap7ux4zzWA/s1600/DSC_0094_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">170 Years Young</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpijVHl4Wj8/VFf__IjU6yI/AAAAAAAAML0/6J_XtR-rKf8/s1600/DSC_0086_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpijVHl4Wj8/VFf__IjU6yI/AAAAAAAAML0/6J_XtR-rKf8/s1600/DSC_0086_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Our second trip to Virginia was to catch up with Clint,
Marianne and our four growing grandchildren.
We were about a week late for Amelia’s 2</span><sup style="color: blue;">nd</sup><span style="color: blue;"> birthday, but a
two year old is always ready to open packages and her siblings (mostly Weiler)
are all too happy to help her play with her new stuff. Amelia, who most often prefers to be known as
Mimi, a name provided to her early in life by her siblings, is particularly attracted to armadillos at
this time in her life. This birthday
provided two stuffed armadillos and several books about armadillos. Unfortunately, no armadillo pictures, but we did get a preview of Weiler's and Mimi's Halloween costumes: the Blue Ninja and the Pirate.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSB36iSgVS4/VFf_6tePE-I/AAAAAAAAMK8/VQcEox2b-Eo/s1600/20141018_171630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSB36iSgVS4/VFf_6tePE-I/AAAAAAAAMK8/VQcEox2b-Eo/s1600/20141018_171630.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">Whenever we are with Marianne we are always busy. This family stays on the move taking
advantage of all that the Washington D.C. area has to offer. This week was no exception. We arrived on Wednesday late afternoon and
since Clint had class that night, we had dinner at a local Lebanese restaurant. Who knew these kids would like Hummus and
Shawarma? </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXFa2Wkwsm8/VFf_2OsJc8I/AAAAAAAAMKY/zgAJHqB3UDQ/s1600/20141015_175728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXFa2Wkwsm8/VFf_2OsJc8I/AAAAAAAAMKY/zgAJHqB3UDQ/s1600/20141015_175728.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><span style="color: blue;">On Thursday I was conscripted
to participate in one of Reeder’s school programs that has monthly morning
meetings called “Planet Partners”. That
week the focus was” habitats” and the activity was to learn what makes a good
habitat and then identify those qualities for something living in the school
yard. I got a group of 2<sup>nd</sup>
graders and we ventured out. It seemed
the focus was on animals, but my group first was interested in mushrooms and
then settled on a pine tree. Couldn’t
have been a better choice as far as I was concerned. We left the school and picked up Max, Mimi
and Hayes (Hayes had run a fever the day before and had to stay out of school)
and all left for the American History Museum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">We always seem to visit the remains of the battered Flag
that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key to write what would
become our National Anthem. Yes, that's us under the metal representation of the flag just outside the room where the flag resides. Pictures not allowed inside.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--v412uJIOwI/VFgACmCC05I/AAAAAAAAMMc/Sbz-kq6serI/s1600/DSC_0114_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--v412uJIOwI/VFgACmCC05I/AAAAAAAAMMc/Sbz-kq6serI/s1600/DSC_0114_edited-1.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">We had lunch at the museum's cafeteria and the only reason to discuss this is to have a reason to put in this picture of Mimi working through an ear of corn.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-ub2DCrfXw/VFgAAXIIjOI/AAAAAAAAMMQ/qDb1JpFJK94/s1600/DSC_0107_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-ub2DCrfXw/VFgAAXIIjOI/AAAAAAAAMMQ/qDb1JpFJK94/s1600/DSC_0107_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">The American History Museum has lots of interesting stuff, but it also has simulators. Hayes and Weiler needed to do a simulator, but they also needed someone to go with them because they were younger than the museum allowed without an adult. Marianne quickly declined and Max wasn't about to get inside a simulator, so there was only one other person of sufficient age. And who could say no to these two?</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVxu9XX-Afs/VFgAAq6o-VI/AAAAAAAAMMI/oBlOhW3J_7s/s1600/DSC_0108_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVxu9XX-Afs/VFgAAq6o-VI/AAAAAAAAMMI/oBlOhW3J_7s/s1600/DSC_0108_edited-1.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">So, yes we did the simulator that is called "Robots of Mars" and involves taking you on something like a virtual roller coaster as you fly over, under, around and through an array of objects including into the mouth of a giant robot and then eventually out of its "bottom" opening. And yes, it was not only motions simulated but also in 3D.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ5rTB4lKLw/VFgABVZUhHI/AAAAAAAAMMU/JAOX0MlTopk/s1600/DSC_0111_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ5rTB4lKLw/VFgABVZUhHI/AAAAAAAAMMU/JAOX0MlTopk/s1600/DSC_0111_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="311" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><span style="color: blue;">When in Virginia, Max and I always
stay at a hotel. The military allowance
Clint gets for housing in the D.C area doesn't provide for any more space than
is absolutely necessary. These are the
Marines after all, and if you haven’t noticed, the Marine bases are always
camps, not forts (Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton etc.) and although they don’t live in
a tent, rental homes in the D.C. cost a lot and provide little. Consequently, when we visit we stay in hotels
rather than bunking up with the kids or sleeping on the couches. One advantage our hotel stay provides is hotel rooms with two bed so that
each night we take one of the Kappel kids to the hotel with us and also to dinner
at a local diner where they serve a wide variety of kid dining (the Silver
Diner in Tysons Corner: <a href="http://www.silverdiner.com/restaurants/tysons">http://www.silverdiner.com/restaurants/tysons</a>)
. To our surprise, Weiler was brave
enough to join us this year for his first sleep over, and he was amazing given
that just last July he didn’t think he would stay with us until he was much,
much older. Below, Weiler getting ready for his first hotel sleep over.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN9yHz8in30/VFf_2Fmc5iI/AAAAAAAAMKM/BorAXRVgugM/s1600/2014-10-16%2B17.40.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN9yHz8in30/VFf_2Fmc5iI/AAAAAAAAMKM/BorAXRVgugM/s1600/2014-10-16%2B17.40.10.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Weiler enjoyed Macaroni and
Cheese with a hot dog for dinner and then watched a number of Disney shows in
the hotel room until bedtime. As you can see, bedtime can be whenever you get tired.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRyHJnD4H_Q/VFf_4qKnP0I/AAAAAAAAMKs/JYWSAyt-rWs/s1600/20141016_204107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRyHJnD4H_Q/VFf_4qKnP0I/AAAAAAAAMKs/JYWSAyt-rWs/s1600/20141016_204107.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">On Friday it was
decided to visit a pumpkin patch, walk a corn maize, and sample the fall
cuisine of pumpkin donuts. After a drive
to a farm in Maryland we arrived to find that the maize would not open until
5:00 that evening and that most of the things to do were not available. After consultation and considering the drive
time to get there, we decided to stay and do what we could. </span><span style="color: blue;"> T</span><span style="color: blue;">here were a couple of thing to do, even though they were pretty disappointing and certainly not worth the entrance fee. </span><span style="color: blue;">The hay ride tractor wasn't running so this had to be good enough</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeO337hoOnw/VFgADEzl6RI/AAAAAAAAMMs/DvSWAIh83H0/s1600/DSC_0134_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeO337hoOnw/VFgADEzl6RI/AAAAAAAAMMs/DvSWAIh83H0/s1600/DSC_0134_edited-1.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">There weren't any animals we could get close to, but we did have this bale of hay with plastic horns attached and a lasso to practice roping skills. And that was about as good as it got.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccxYxl6Uf88/VFgADoi5lvI/AAAAAAAAMM4/Qv_QNUSaH94/s1600/DSC_0148_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccxYxl6Uf88/VFgADoi5lvI/AAAAAAAAMM4/Qv_QNUSaH94/s1600/DSC_0148_edited-1.jpg" height="373" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">It was pretty much of a bust and on our way
out Max complained to the owner and the entrance fee was refunded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">But I do have to put in this picture of Mimi, just because it really shows who Mimi is becoming: a laid back, mind of her own little girl who is just enjoying this ride.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYsbI08BNAs/VFgADvP14GI/AAAAAAAAMMw/ctG9N7vhyvE/s1600/DSC_0152_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYsbI08BNAs/VFgADvP14GI/AAAAAAAAMMw/ctG9N7vhyvE/s1600/DSC_0152_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Hayes stayed with us the second
night and decided on breakfast for dinner at the diner. He had pancakes, eggs and sausage and then
watched </span><i style="color: blue;">James and the Giant Peach</i><span style="color: blue;"> in
the hotel on Max’s laptop.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVmDv_jkDfQ/VFf_6SJbTcI/AAAAAAAAMLA/T6vX_UDCKUw/s1600/20141017_191501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVmDv_jkDfQ/VFf_6SJbTcI/AAAAAAAAMLA/T6vX_UDCKUw/s1600/20141017_191501.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">He still wasn't feeling great and was still having bouts of low level fevers, but its always nice to have our undivided attention and get a book read to him by Grama Max at bed time.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9rhhOAmTsQ/VFgAFUu_roI/AAAAAAAAMNM/zKKAkfAg8oU/s1600/DSC_0154_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9rhhOAmTsQ/VFgAFUu_roI/AAAAAAAAMNM/zKKAkfAg8oU/s1600/DSC_0154_edited-1.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Saturday started with Reeder’s morning soccer game. Arlington has some amazing soccer fields with
state of art artificial grass and lighted fields. One nice thing about having a 300 mm zoom
lens is that I can sit on the sidelines and get good action shots of the
game. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVNyVDeGZ6E/VFgAGJ3fiNI/AAAAAAAAMNU/I4X0UkpFL-Y/s1600/DSC_0173_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVNyVDeGZ6E/VFgAGJ3fiNI/AAAAAAAAMNU/I4X0UkpFL-Y/s1600/DSC_0173_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAEMGJq8TIU/VFgAFi9LxEI/AAAAAAAAMNQ/q7LFv0h3klI/s1600/DSC_0157_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAEMGJq8TIU/VFgAFi9LxEI/AAAAAAAAMNQ/q7LFv0h3klI/s1600/DSC_0157_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Saturday afternoon the adults settled in to watch Oklahoma’s loss to Kansas State on the football field. It wasn't pretty because in this game they didn't get beat, but rather beat themselves.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">On Reeder’s night with us </span><span style="color: blue;">she settled
for a hamburger (meat, bun and ketchup) with a side of fries and a Chunky
Monkey milk shake to go and enjoy while watching </span><i style="color: blue;">Mary Poppins </i><span style="color: blue;">with Max.
Nothing like a spoon full of sugar to make the night go well. Along with their movie, Max and Reeder worked on their knitting projects.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trpoK2GIOA8/VFf_2PMMkII/AAAAAAAAMKQ/A9eb3MO4GfE/s1600/2014-10-18%2B19.08.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trpoK2GIOA8/VFf_2PMMkII/AAAAAAAAMKQ/A9eb3MO4GfE/s1600/2014-10-18%2B19.08.13.jpg" height="400" width="387" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Sunday was picture day in an attempt to get some good images
of the whole Kappel clan for their Christmas card this year. It’s always a challenge to get four kids and
two adults to all look pretty at the same time my shutter clicks,
especially when two of those kids are
ages 2 and 4 and don’t really want to be
involved in this process. I can’t reveal anything about the setting
other than the site and props used in the setting well describe the routine of
their life while in the D.C. area this past year. You will all just have to wait to see how it
is represented assuming any of these pictures are ultimately utilized.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">It was nice to get home and settle back into our
routine. The one last event of the month
was Halloween. We were out of town the
last two years on Halloween. We do get a
lot of kids from the neighborhood as well as surrounding neighborhoods. Our favorite “trick or treaters” were Sarah, Deseree and Anthony. They might have gotten a little more candy
than some of the others.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-majp5dcrzGo/VFgzFZ_eURI/AAAAAAAAMOU/D3TwpH4LNZU/s1600/halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-majp5dcrzGo/VFgzFZ_eURI/AAAAAAAAMOU/D3TwpH4LNZU/s1600/halloween.jpg" height="400" width="252" /></a></div>
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28</div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-10191487549024947402014-08-03T21:51:00.001-04:002014-08-03T21:51:58.617-04:00Lake Erie<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">Last January the Kappel Kids, i.e., those three children
born by Max, expressed a desire to spend time together this summer away from
holidays, and in a location that was neutral.
By neutral I mean not at on Wentworth since it’s the only one that could
hold that crew, and also so that the burden of shopping, cooking and planning
could be shared among the group. A
location more central to everyone was also desired, so that required a place
somewhere in between Arlington, VA and Chicago.
A 5 bedroom rental on Lake Erie in Madison, OH was chosen and plans were
made. Unfortunately, Amber and Evan were
not able to attend because the date chosen was too soon after Marshall’s birth and
Will, in his normal mode, had too much work to be able to leave for 6
days. But Brandy with Elise and Mikayal, Marianne, Clint and
their respective 4 children all arrived for the week. One question posed to Max from each of the Kappel Kids after the trip was "Did Don have a good time?" I think that my good time was spent behind the lens of my camera capturing this vacation that seemed to be enjoyed by all.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I do believe that the week was pretty much a success except both Reeder and Mikayla had a day with some health problems, but those were temporary and didn't darken the week's fun. With that setting in place most of the rest of this blog
will focus on pictures rather than words.
I’ll attempt to put them in chronological order with brief descriptions, but I'm not certain I can match them all to days.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Brandy arrived on Saturday shortly after we got there. The Kappels arrived on Sunday. This gave Mikayla time to discover the toy box before all the competition arrived.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8KMwFYAB6c/U9AWhRpVJ_I/AAAAAAAAL5E/fdmerNP-T8I/s1600/DSC_0086_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8KMwFYAB6c/U9AWhRpVJ_I/AAAAAAAAL5E/fdmerNP-T8I/s1600/DSC_0086_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I don't believe Elise had any idea what was going to happen that week in this strange house, but she appeared ready.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZRrG9NFFXw/U9AWlaghq5I/AAAAAAAAL5k/aIFX3hBiFX0/s1600/DSC_0092_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZRrG9NFFXw/U9AWlaghq5I/AAAAAAAAL5k/aIFX3hBiFX0/s1600/DSC_0092_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Once the Kappels arrived Brandy and Clint spent some time with the little ones catching up on their respective busy lives.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0QqqXpjzPU/U9AWrOisgKI/AAAAAAAAL6Q/JFcNQFOFAKM/s1600/DSC_0104_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0QqqXpjzPU/U9AWrOisgKI/AAAAAAAAL6Q/JFcNQFOFAKM/s1600/DSC_0104_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlVE0qlSajw/U9AWpSPV5JI/AAAAAAAAL58/GeELCDetg24/s1600/DSC_0106_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlVE0qlSajw/U9AWpSPV5JI/AAAAAAAAL58/GeELCDetg24/s1600/DSC_0106_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">While the bigger kids headed down path to the beach. It was a windy day and there were some good waves coming into shore. Hayes definitely liked the waves.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5D_lhhFZA7w/U9AWmtkO82I/AAAAAAAAL5s/4PYmZlzsG0I/s1600/DSC_0098_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5D_lhhFZA7w/U9AWmtkO82I/AAAAAAAAL5s/4PYmZlzsG0I/s1600/DSC_0098_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xM_JxLLV0Oo/U9AWq9n-L-I/AAAAAAAAL6I/EWVA0uOR5mg/s1600/DSC_0111_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xM_JxLLV0Oo/U9AWq9n-L-I/AAAAAAAAL6I/EWVA0uOR5mg/s1600/DSC_0111_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Weiler wasn't much interested in the water, but he did enjoy all of the wondrous objects that washed up on our beach.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPIek5SsrKI/U9AWz2LEAPI/AAAAAAAAL7I/fWHpFuQPx3o/s1600/DSC_0122_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPIek5SsrKI/U9AWz2LEAPI/AAAAAAAAL7I/fWHpFuQPx3o/s1600/DSC_0122_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zt1t3WaAKXc/U9AWvMtk6bI/AAAAAAAAL6k/Duwx4C7mNu8/s1600/DSC_0114_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zt1t3WaAKXc/U9AWvMtk6bI/AAAAAAAAL6k/Duwx4C7mNu8/s1600/DSC_0114_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">And he helped Hayes in some of his work on the beach.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EK9uIMkHAQs/U9AWvePpzHI/AAAAAAAAL6o/HAt7-1B8ZpA/s1600/DSC_0115_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EK9uIMkHAQs/U9AWvePpzHI/AAAAAAAAL6o/HAt7-1B8ZpA/s1600/DSC_0115_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"> And the girls loved making sand "castles"</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9D58Y06LUr0/U9AWzFCmO3I/AAAAAAAAL7A/4u4frsiJXu8/s1600/DSC_0121_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9D58Y06LUr0/U9AWzFCmO3I/AAAAAAAAL7A/4u4frsiJXu8/s1600/DSC_0121_edited-1.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Sunday afternoon required some quiet time for the kids and some Futebol for the adults</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2WNDDY5CN_Y/U9AW3eiQVKI/AAAAAAAAL7k/1ob00DzMLsM/s1600/DSC_0134_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2WNDDY5CN_Y/U9AW3eiQVKI/AAAAAAAAL7k/1ob00DzMLsM/s1600/DSC_0134_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And of course we brought yard games for the kids and adults alike</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oQSBGl_g5Y/U9AW5zXMHlI/AAAAAAAAL7s/WgIhbbWwGJ4/s1600/DSC_0135_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oQSBGl_g5Y/U9AW5zXMHlI/AAAAAAAAL7s/WgIhbbWwGJ4/s1600/DSC_0135_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1PRWy2qyS8/U9AW8-cBX4I/AAAAAAAAL8A/6TdvuSqoiNM/s1600/DSC_0142_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1PRWy2qyS8/U9AW8-cBX4I/AAAAAAAAL8A/6TdvuSqoiNM/s1600/DSC_0142_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Elise found a new friend,</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3ShYgJcGd8/U9AXCerPDvI/AAAAAAAAL8c/g8CLqYVShrQ/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3ShYgJcGd8/U9AXCerPDvI/AAAAAAAAL8c/g8CLqYVShrQ/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Enjoyed attention from Grandma</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTdeMMfdnpc/U9AXCIbM6oI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/HA4PcktNHtI/s1600/DSC_0155_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTdeMMfdnpc/U9AXCIbM6oI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/HA4PcktNHtI/s1600/DSC_0155_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">But really wanted to be outside where the action was.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKIhVfuh3zE/U9AXFwsASrI/AAAAAAAAL84/NtC3sUeNuBM/s1600/DSC_0158_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKIhVfuh3zE/U9AXFwsASrI/AAAAAAAAL84/NtC3sUeNuBM/s1600/DSC_0158_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Reeder and Mikayla developed a grand friendship</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BlJTCgXz3E/U9AXFC9H6QI/AAAAAAAAL8w/-3_-OGcmZRQ/s1600/DSC_0160_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BlJTCgXz3E/U9AXFC9H6QI/AAAAAAAAL8w/-3_-OGcmZRQ/s1600/DSC_0160_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">and shared their love of Grandma Lucas' chocolate cake.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRlUjWU_XYk/U9AXGHYtv1I/AAAAAAAAL88/RMEHOObXU1M/s1600/DSC_0162_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRlUjWU_XYk/U9AXGHYtv1I/AAAAAAAAL88/RMEHOObXU1M/s1600/DSC_0162_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Amelia did make it down to the beach</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y28C7nrUXSQ/U9AXJpmhm7I/AAAAAAAAL9Q/QlPLu-U3yU4/s1600/DSC_0169_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y28C7nrUXSQ/U9AXJpmhm7I/AAAAAAAAL9Q/QlPLu-U3yU4/s1600/DSC_0169_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Hayes continued to find interesting drift wood</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDJVejL2cJQ/U9AXJrrJqdI/AAAAAAAAL9c/Wl3as-K31zI/s1600/DSC_0174_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDJVejL2cJQ/U9AXJrrJqdI/AAAAAAAAL9c/Wl3as-K31zI/s1600/DSC_0174_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">But the paddle board on a windless day proved to be the next most fun thing to do. Thank goodness Clint was in good shape to make sure everybody got a ride.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfozuaeR-QQ/U9AXL78Yl8I/AAAAAAAAL94/qykDHW3R6_E/s1600/DSC_0184_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfozuaeR-QQ/U9AXL78Yl8I/AAAAAAAAL94/qykDHW3R6_E/s1600/DSC_0184_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FOnqcp3zTzY/U9AXM8Ae7-I/AAAAAAAAL-E/VqwQs0hvSkg/s1600/DSC_0187_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FOnqcp3zTzY/U9AXM8Ae7-I/AAAAAAAAL-E/VqwQs0hvSkg/s1600/DSC_0187_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NatFTJ_f4M/U9AXKgcqhfI/AAAAAAAAL9g/kAZ6P7uoV2w/s1600/DSC_0176_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NatFTJ_f4M/U9AXKgcqhfI/AAAAAAAAL9g/kAZ6P7uoV2w/s1600/DSC_0176_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0ps_116s4I/U9AXQrPUR0I/AAAAAAAAL-0/rT9qvvguSqM/s1600/DSC_0205_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0ps_116s4I/U9AXQrPUR0I/AAAAAAAAL-0/rT9qvvguSqM/s1600/DSC_0205_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozGvq_hI9Lo/U9AXRCeENJI/AAAAAAAAL-4/isftVJnFM1Y/s1600/DSC_0211_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozGvq_hI9Lo/U9AXRCeENJI/AAAAAAAAL-4/isftVJnFM1Y/s1600/DSC_0211_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And Amelia had great times and some disappointments. She does express her feelings in a way we all know about it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j08TFJO7oXI/U9AXO53nbGI/AAAAAAAAL-Y/UJQ4_KtLSd0/s1600/DSC_0189_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j08TFJO7oXI/U9AXO53nbGI/AAAAAAAAL-Y/UJQ4_KtLSd0/s1600/DSC_0189_edited-1.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvRH2zKM71w/U9AXP8m1AlI/AAAAAAAAL-o/ijmvsTV55S8/s1600/DSC_0198_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvRH2zKM71w/U9AXP8m1AlI/AAAAAAAAL-o/ijmvsTV55S8/s1600/DSC_0198_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">It was always fun to watch Clint eat breakfast. He becomes very popular when eggs and sausage show up. I don't think he ever had a meal in which he didn't have Weiler or Amelia very close by wanting to share.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zDW8LAjbss/U9AXSw6Co0I/AAAAAAAAL_E/dOB5UbL2n9w/s1600/DSC_0226_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zDW8LAjbss/U9AXSw6Co0I/AAAAAAAAL_E/dOB5UbL2n9w/s1600/DSC_0226_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">But we also had plenty of inside games. War was one everyone could play</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj92pN01lIA/U9AXUBKGx1I/AAAAAAAAL_M/LLpWzd8VK24/s1600/DSC_0233_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj92pN01lIA/U9AXUBKGx1I/AAAAAAAAL_M/LLpWzd8VK24/s1600/DSC_0233_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Elise was just on the cusp of walking without support</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcsP-VWq100/U9AXVv-aBzI/AAAAAAAAL_c/scA36rZvoYs/s1600/DSC_0239_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcsP-VWq100/U9AXVv-aBzI/AAAAAAAAL_c/scA36rZvoYs/s1600/DSC_0239_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">SORRY! was always popular. Max really didn't want her picture taken with her "obvious bed head", but this picture was taken around 1:00 p.m. On vacation, what you see is what you get.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMA7NU2Jakk/U9AXWt8SiBI/AAAAAAAAL_k/u-n1lPziGp4/s1600/DSC_0245_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMA7NU2Jakk/U9AXWt8SiBI/AAAAAAAAL_k/u-n1lPziGp4/s1600/DSC_0245_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And Hide and Seek proved to be great fun in that big house.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtP21MgtUgI/U9AXavCyJgI/AAAAAAAAL_8/RGcAJqJBMU0/s1600/DSC_0256_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtP21MgtUgI/U9AXavCyJgI/AAAAAAAAL_8/RGcAJqJBMU0/s1600/DSC_0256_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Thursday night was deemed S'mores night and since we couldn't build fires on the beach, we used the grill. Clint turned on his Bose blue tooth speakers and a Country station and the kids (including Marianne) jived to the music and roasted marshmallows.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_Wd-HDq7MQ/U9AXeR8OEoI/AAAAAAAAMAg/2AtIXp4vzIY/s1600/DSC_0265_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_Wd-HDq7MQ/U9AXeR8OEoI/AAAAAAAAMAg/2AtIXp4vzIY/s1600/DSC_0265_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QLFktmgckg0/U9AXgE8KCAI/AAAAAAAAMAs/yDeoi7T0klQ/s1600/DSC_0271_edited-1+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QLFktmgckg0/U9AXgE8KCAI/AAAAAAAAMAs/yDeoi7T0klQ/s1600/DSC_0271_edited-1+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lxmdt5dc_nQ/U9AXhESSuUI/AAAAAAAAMA4/g1HibyN-0Jc/s1600/DSC_0272_edited-1+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lxmdt5dc_nQ/U9AXhESSuUI/AAAAAAAAMA4/g1HibyN-0Jc/s1600/DSC_0272_edited-1+-+Copy.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojMhePhxyIU/U9AXhm23XXI/AAAAAAAAMA8/tXG1MsYPa_A/s1600/DSC_0273_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojMhePhxyIU/U9AXhm23XXI/AAAAAAAAMA8/tXG1MsYPa_A/s1600/DSC_0273_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LEIP8jrPbs/U9AXiiK5JlI/AAAAAAAAMBE/NCTSqYdtSAQ/s1600/DSC_0275_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LEIP8jrPbs/U9AXiiK5JlI/AAAAAAAAMBE/NCTSqYdtSAQ/s1600/DSC_0275_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And Clint taught Mikayla the fine art of roasting a marshmallow with a stick</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTt9nBFiywM/U9AXlhOjzEI/AAAAAAAAMBM/Aoa1ji0QAQo/s1600/DSC_0277_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTt9nBFiywM/U9AXlhOjzEI/AAAAAAAAMBM/Aoa1ji0QAQo/s1600/DSC_0277_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And as you can see, she had no trouble perfecting the art of S'mores</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cq9wMLcOTKE/U9AXrXO8WQI/AAAAAAAAMBs/u6kc7gZPmoU/s1600/DSC_0286_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cq9wMLcOTKE/U9AXrXO8WQI/AAAAAAAAMBs/u6kc7gZPmoU/s1600/DSC_0286_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I'm not sure how many S'mores these two had, but I don't believe I ever saw them without one once the marshmallow roasting began.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iz6s6RY1Y9w/U9AXoZFZjvI/AAAAAAAAMBc/CPMZUhC9xrs/s1600/DSC_0280_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iz6s6RY1Y9w/U9AXoZFZjvI/AAAAAAAAMBc/CPMZUhC9xrs/s1600/DSC_0280_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And now a bunch of pictures that are fairly random, but some of my favorites. First is Amelia showing off her new purple snow boots that Marianne found at the local Walmart for the price of only $5.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peL_c4L4JZw/U9AXwKNg5jI/AAAAAAAAMCA/_XMst58KeeU/s1600/DSC_0294_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peL_c4L4JZw/U9AXwKNg5jI/AAAAAAAAMCA/_XMst58KeeU/s1600/DSC_0294_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Elise and her watermelon.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JhdKU_6zms/U9AX1QP-3SI/AAAAAAAAMCw/ZD61y1qnChY/s1600/DSC_0304_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JhdKU_6zms/U9AX1QP-3SI/AAAAAAAAMCw/ZD61y1qnChY/s1600/DSC_0304_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Reeder fishing on Grand River, which flows into Erie.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0OmyKeq8ys/U9AX3_ACCZI/AAAAAAAAMDE/1jBwZfqx78I/s1600/DSC_0312_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0OmyKeq8ys/U9AX3_ACCZI/AAAAAAAAMDE/1jBwZfqx78I/s1600/DSC_0312_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Hayes preferred just wading in the river</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cguMpjUVV8/U9AX3bj2kNI/AAAAAAAAMDA/amB44Oyph4w/s1600/DSC_0319_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cguMpjUVV8/U9AX3bj2kNI/AAAAAAAAMDA/amB44Oyph4w/s1600/DSC_0319_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And Amelia just liked stomping in the water</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTTKOyJpABI/U9AX88MwPCI/AAAAAAAAMDc/dDdXIerHHnE/s1600/DSC_0325_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTTKOyJpABI/U9AX88MwPCI/AAAAAAAAMDc/dDdXIerHHnE/s1600/DSC_0325_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Another breakfast morning for Clint Amelia and Weiler</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NRo3A8SIzU/U9AX06P52lI/AAAAAAAAMCk/lW1srblyIwQ/s1600/DSC_0307_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NRo3A8SIzU/U9AX06P52lI/AAAAAAAAMCk/lW1srblyIwQ/s1600/DSC_0307_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">We did have an interesting storm with water spouts forming over the lake. We were glad they stayed out in the middle of the lake instead coming inland.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7TruewBx34/U9AX-BnsiqI/AAAAAAAAMDs/j5YhbeUJ_A4/s1600/DSC_0330_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7TruewBx34/U9AX-BnsiqI/AAAAAAAAMDs/j5YhbeUJ_A4/s1600/DSC_0330_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">This one from my telephoto lens show it pulling the water up from the lake.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M65EAiEjyOY/U9AYBfzKtxI/AAAAAAAAMEA/JU54FwFosq0/s1600/DSC_0334_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M65EAiEjyOY/U9AYBfzKtxI/AAAAAAAAMEA/JU54FwFosq0/s1600/DSC_0334_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And there was a Kayak we were able to use, and once again Clint did the work and the kids loved the ride.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00e-IoRRxNA/U9AYEb3zG1I/AAAAAAAAMEY/YO9nAh9_3JI/s1600/DSC_0340_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00e-IoRRxNA/U9AYEb3zG1I/AAAAAAAAMEY/YO9nAh9_3JI/s1600/DSC_0340_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjgA_gQrCNo/U9AYBOmSm7I/AAAAAAAAMD8/dsli8mhOVWA/s1600/DSC_0331_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjgA_gQrCNo/U9AYBOmSm7I/AAAAAAAAMD8/dsli8mhOVWA/s1600/DSC_0331_edited-1.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tubBOKIfyq0/U9AYGIrQ1kI/AAAAAAAAMEk/jmTJc2UWjj8/s1600/DSC_0345_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tubBOKIfyq0/U9AYGIrQ1kI/AAAAAAAAMEk/jmTJc2UWjj8/s1600/DSC_0345_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">But as I do remember that Marianne did take a Kayaking course during her study abroad in Alaska, she did do the honors for Reeder.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrEkt7LbFK0/U9AYN1t8G9I/AAAAAAAAMFM/6E9Wi9wXX_I/s1600/DSC_0352_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrEkt7LbFK0/U9AYN1t8G9I/AAAAAAAAMFM/6E9Wi9wXX_I/s1600/DSC_0352_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"> This interesting piece of drift wood was named the Rhino Totem to which the city below it was built by all of the kids working together.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HayXTPNzxLw/U9AYQ1HNhlI/AAAAAAAAMFU/kqIjKtozRsQ/s1600/DSC_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HayXTPNzxLw/U9AYQ1HNhlI/AAAAAAAAMFU/kqIjKtozRsQ/s1600/DSC_0349.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SXNU-mESy2c/U9AYMbyLS0I/AAAAAAAAMFE/k0v4WsnvU7s/s1600/DSC_0347_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SXNU-mESy2c/U9AYMbyLS0I/AAAAAAAAMFE/k0v4WsnvU7s/s1600/DSC_0347_edited-1.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">And finally on our last evening we did a recital which included piano pieces by Reeder and Hayes, a duet of "Let It Go" from "Frozen" by Mikayla and Hayes and finally a dance improvisation by Mikayla.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6qPVKBSUnk/U9AYRpsM_xI/AAAAAAAAMFk/9JenhGzV9VE/s1600/DSC_0354_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6qPVKBSUnk/U9AYRpsM_xI/AAAAAAAAMFk/9JenhGzV9VE/s1600/DSC_0354_edited-1.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6BIAWRmZt4/U9AYUPG7XtI/AAAAAAAAMF4/ZCgZvZPh5E8/s1600/DSC_0365_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6BIAWRmZt4/U9AYUPG7XtI/AAAAAAAAMF4/ZCgZvZPh5E8/s1600/DSC_0365_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nRoDUhbCl5Q/U9AYVtEIhJI/AAAAAAAAMGE/Y4wFXqvuyrU/s1600/DSC_0368_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nRoDUhbCl5Q/U9AYVtEIhJI/AAAAAAAAMGE/Y4wFXqvuyrU/s1600/DSC_0368_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzrogN2tRrE/U9AYS93yMuI/AAAAAAAAMF0/kSxccDXOOBE/s1600/DSC_0358_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzrogN2tRrE/U9AYS93yMuI/AAAAAAAAMF0/kSxccDXOOBE/s1600/DSC_0358_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Before we all left for our separate homes, we decided we needed some group pictures. Not everyone smiling, but it is what it is.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bANPzvColxU/U9AWfdzAx8I/AAAAAAAAL44/XeQVqIG8FAI/s1600/DSC_0016_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bANPzvColxU/U9AWfdzAx8I/AAAAAAAAL44/XeQVqIG8FAI/s1600/DSC_0016_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGZ5BoPa6DQ/U9AWgMxScpI/AAAAAAAAL48/5gcNjMGhLVE/s1600/DSC_0018_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGZ5BoPa6DQ/U9AWgMxScpI/AAAAAAAAL48/5gcNjMGhLVE/s1600/DSC_0018_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And finally, from our back yard in the evening, a couple of our sunsets</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DErXyZrAGE/U9AWaH1sarI/AAAAAAAAL4U/xtOgSHFZBGw/s1600/DSC_0005_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DErXyZrAGE/U9AWaH1sarI/AAAAAAAAL4U/xtOgSHFZBGw/s1600/DSC_0005_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-VwFFraohU/U9AWbvV36iI/AAAAAAAAL4k/GBYeMuDVtBU/s1600/DSC_0008_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-VwFFraohU/U9AWbvV36iI/AAAAAAAAL4k/GBYeMuDVtBU/s1600/DSC_0008_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-72485786556671441742014-07-05T22:20:00.000-04:002014-07-05T22:20:14.202-04:00May was a busy month<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">In early May Max was in Michigan doing some heavy lifting of
Elise for Brandy, and I was back in Cincinnati using our fabulous new kitchen, cooking amazing dinners of scrambled eggs, microwaved hot dogs, or turkey
sandwiches. I am pretty good at
executing cooking plans. I just am not so good at planning meals so I tend to eat whatever is in the refrigerator. But as Mother’s Day approached I headed to
Michigan to pick up Max so we could drive to Arlington, VA. This year Mother’s day fell on the same day
as Reeder’s first communion. Since
Reeder was Max’s maiden name and Max is her God Mother, it made sense that we
be there. Once the service was
completed, we headed for the National Mall for </span><span style="color: blue;">pictures</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">and </span><span style="color: blue;">a picnic lunch </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">The reason for the party</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcrIZoKf8HI/U7MLHBUI44I/AAAAAAAAL00/uaG5j2sqVoE/s1600/DSC_0103_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcrIZoKf8HI/U7MLHBUI44I/AAAAAAAAL00/uaG5j2sqVoE/s1600/DSC_0103_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;">The Kappels</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfUUPyzhlFE/U7MLHh6xfRI/AAAAAAAAL04/lDhyfIdv8Ik/s1600/DSC_0115_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JfUUPyzhlFE/U7MLHh6xfRI/AAAAAAAAL04/lDhyfIdv8Ik/s1600/DSC_0115_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">A proud Grandma with Reeder</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pmmNwX_zTs/U7MLIK1I7tI/AAAAAAAAL08/_vX_BRk5xtI/s1600/DSC_0117_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pmmNwX_zTs/U7MLIK1I7tI/AAAAAAAAL08/_vX_BRk5xtI/s1600/DSC_0117_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Lunch on the Mall</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LP7qqEGebTw/U7MLvo0uvqI/AAAAAAAAL14/Njs8oa5r9Zs/s1600/DSC_0141_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LP7qqEGebTw/U7MLvo0uvqI/AAAAAAAAL14/Njs8oa5r9Zs/s1600/DSC_0141_edited-1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"> followed by the
Natural History Museum, Reeder’s favorite Smithsonian museum, but also Weiler's favorite place too I think. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZSdoaFFHkE/U7MLJjHq5kI/AAAAAAAAL1E/nXRVcSFS7b0/s1600/DSC_0137_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZSdoaFFHkE/U7MLJjHq5kI/AAAAAAAAL1E/nXRVcSFS7b0/s1600/DSC_0137_edited-1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">It was a hot day and ice cream on the Mall was enjoyed by
many.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FiAqnOvQn7k/U7MLNDtW8uI/AAAAAAAAL1c/ZAoICWCOFDQ/s1600/DSC_0151_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FiAqnOvQn7k/U7MLNDtW8uI/AAAAAAAAL1c/ZAoICWCOFDQ/s1600/DSC_0151_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Not a drop wasted</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F80z0qRvgcs/U7MLu9fAsOI/AAAAAAAAL1w/0Pjs3G23Gc8/s1600/DSC_0152_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F80z0qRvgcs/U7MLu9fAsOI/AAAAAAAAL1w/0Pjs3G23Gc8/s1600/DSC_0152_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Weiler got the comfy seat.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1amyzI2WpM/U7MLwuYCUiI/AAAAAAAAL18/0EfT2R30S88/s1600/DSC_0154_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1amyzI2WpM/U7MLwuYCUiI/AAAAAAAAL18/0EfT2R30S88/s1600/DSC_0154_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Hayes went for the cone.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UziWOPUJ8rM/U7MLL5JM3fI/AAAAAAAAL1M/sY2GVmq88rs/s1600/DSC_0153_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UziWOPUJ8rM/U7MLL5JM3fI/AAAAAAAAL1M/sY2GVmq88rs/s1600/DSC_0153_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And I guess Reeder was just too fast for me to get a picture of her favorite frozen desert.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">On Monday we got a tour of the Pentagon (sorry, no pictures
allowed) and then on Tuesday we went to the National Zoo and were lucky to find
Bao Bao, the Zoo’s newest baby Giant Panda during her first week of viewing. Bao Bao posed for us and then called her mom
(Mei Xiang) out for a family photo shoot.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Bao Bao munching on some bambo.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XMQHZ5Zj7rY/U7MJwujrI3I/AAAAAAAAL0Q/DdvEeaxbfpA/s1600/DSC_0187_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XMQHZ5Zj7rY/U7MJwujrI3I/AAAAAAAAL0Q/DdvEeaxbfpA/s1600/DSC_0187_edited-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Bao Bao and Mom</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZODsbqV8JQ/U7MJyjojreI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/6I8m2i5-X3I/s1600/DSC_0207_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZODsbqV8JQ/U7MJyjojreI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/6I8m2i5-X3I/s1600/DSC_0207_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">The next weekend was graduation weekend at U. Pennsylvania
in Philly so instead of driving back to Michigan and then back to Philly 3 days
later, we stopped in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and spent a few nights in a
B&B. Rehoboth Beach was nice for a mid-Atlantic
beach, but the weather was wet and windy and the camera never made it out of the
bag.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Philly was where my camera got a workout. First of all we got to meet Sarah’s mother,
Nazek. As you can see, Nazek and Max got
along quite well.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ymodQlWC-4/U7MJdwmzMHI/AAAAAAAALx8/K-Ku_QZQbXM/s1600/DSC_0001_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ymodQlWC-4/U7MJdwmzMHI/AAAAAAAALx8/K-Ku_QZQbXM/s1600/DSC_0001_edited-1.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And then came graduation.
The Nursing School commencement was held in the Kimmel Center in the
city center of Philly. Penn Nursing is
rated as the best nursing school in the country (as well as the world) and
to have two family members getting their
Ph.D’s made it all the more special.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnH4JCCPl_s/U7MJd5AOooI/AAAAAAAALyA/PP1DvyX9-0Q/s1600/DSC_0011_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UnH4JCCPl_s/U7MJd5AOooI/AAAAAAAALyA/PP1DvyX9-0Q/s1600/DSC_0011_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Getting Ready for commencement</span></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/-8_F4wDSAjZU/U7MJgXa82BI/AAAAAAAALyQ/1_B8o4DBsU0/s1600/DSC_0024_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_F4wDSAjZU/U7MJgXa82BI/AAAAAAAALyQ/1_B8o4DBsU0/s1600/DSC_0024_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Graduates and parents</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNja6N4pXys/U7MJnYWWNrI/AAAAAAAALy4/DjBdBmeJBZo/s1600/DSC_0044_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNja6N4pXys/U7MJnYWWNrI/AAAAAAAALy4/DjBdBmeJBZo/s1600/DSC_0044_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Sarah being hooded by her advisor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EzjSeIzbo0E/U7MJr4jTLgI/AAAAAAAALzk/J8ZMXF81OEs/s1600/DSC_0055_edited-1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EzjSeIzbo0E/U7MJr4jTLgI/AAAAAAAALzk/J8ZMXF81OEs/s1600/DSC_0055_edited-1+%25282%2529.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Matthew being hooded by his advisor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4G8hBFCJpw/U7MJvs27HjI/AAAAAAAAL0I/ewrCAtV-Q0w/s1600/DSC_0089_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4G8hBFCJpw/U7MJvs27HjI/AAAAAAAAL0I/ewrCAtV-Q0w/s1600/DSC_0089_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Post graduation relaxing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: blue;">And to finish off the month of May, Amber delivered Marshall Rudy Dushman to the world. He is a big
boy and is making his presence felt in the Dushman household.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyIP18CRMms/U7MJc8WApsI/AAAAAAAALxw/Uu0fmLQa6yc/s1600/DSC_0015_edited-1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyIP18CRMms/U7MJc8WApsI/AAAAAAAALxw/Uu0fmLQa6yc/s1600/DSC_0015_edited-1+%25282%2529.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">A short nap in his cradle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4MxrdpIGt8/U7MJil-5gmI/AAAAAAAALyY/hiqstfPchAg/s1600/DSC_0030_edited-1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4MxrdpIGt8/U7MJil-5gmI/AAAAAAAALyY/hiqstfPchAg/s1600/DSC_0030_edited-1+%25282%2529.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Loved napping on Grandma's lap</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaMTxawyRVI/U7MJrJAg4gI/AAAAAAAALzY/0jbbzkPz0e4/s1600/DSC_0051_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaMTxawyRVI/U7MJrJAg4gI/AAAAAAAALzY/0jbbzkPz0e4/s1600/DSC_0051_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">An awake moment in his swing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Jt5xGUr0E/U7MJqS5RHYI/AAAAAAAALzQ/5vmUt2Zee3k/s1600/DSC_0052_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Jt5xGUr0E/U7MJqS5RHYI/AAAAAAAALzQ/5vmUt2Zee3k/s1600/DSC_0052_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Enjoying a joke from his Grandpa<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PneB33fbzYk/U7MJkPxVFvI/AAAAAAAALyk/DKWAVbvLbsg/s1600/DSC_0039_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PneB33fbzYk/U7MJkPxVFvI/AAAAAAAALyk/DKWAVbvLbsg/s1600/DSC_0039_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">And of course, the proud parents whom Marshall is breaking into parenthood.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: blue;">And finally, a couple of pictures that I just really like:</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCxwja6AzEg/U7MJuIrGs8I/AAAAAAAALz0/dm8-XdGk-pw/s1600/DSC_0063_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCxwja6AzEg/U7MJuIrGs8I/AAAAAAAALz0/dm8-XdGk-pw/s1600/DSC_0063_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">A Rose Breasted Grosbeck sitting on my Paw Paw tree</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utJtoICwyEg/U7MLM1-MaYI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/cX67vcrqE_o/s1600/DSC_0159_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utJtoICwyEg/U7MLM1-MaYI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/cX67vcrqE_o/s1600/DSC_0159_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Amelia peeking from around a tree.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-47958952092858343422014-06-25T12:47:00.000-04:002014-06-25T12:47:27.214-04:00On the Road Instead of at Home.<span style="color: blue;">Now that we have our house back and have resumed cooking in our kitchen and using any one of our three remodeled bathrooms, we are hoping life becomes a bit more routine. Max has started her food blog again and, even though the title is<i> In the Kitchen with Don,</i> Max's blog is pretty much her own creation. I do help in a very small way in pushing a shutter button, but the recipes, views and descriptions are all her creation. Consequently, she suggested that I take over <i>Windows on Wentworth</i> in order to share our lives more broadly to friends and family. Consequently, allow me to rewind back to March.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">There is nothing like a spring drives across the country side, but our
spring driving has been about 5,000 miles.
Since March we have motored multiple times to and from Chicago,
Michigan, Arlington VA, Delaware, and Philly.
It has been a very busy spring.
We delivered baby stuff to an expecting Amber, baby sat for a Red Sox baseball game in Detroit, sat in on two Ph.D. dissertation defenses in Philly, attended a baby
shower in Chicago (only Max), helped Brandy during her recent surgery in Detroit,
went to Reeder’s first communion in Arlington and toured the Pentagon while we
were there, killed some time on the beach in Rehoboth Delaware before heading to Philly, met
Sarah’s mother, Nazek who was in Philly for Matthew’s and Sarah’s graduation,
attended and then celebrated their graduation, drove back to Michigan to drop
Max off to return to the heavy lifting of Elise during Brandy’s recovery, drove
to Bluffton to celebrate my grandniece, Baily's, high school graduation and
finally drove back to Chicago to meet Marshall Rudy Dushman, our newest
grandson. In the few spaces in between
driving we had visits from Marianne et.al. (except Clint) and our good friend
Gay from Florida.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I didn’t get pictures from all of these events, but I'll give you a sampling of what pictures I did take. Since I am covering several months I'll include March and April in this blog and May and June in a second one.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Marianne et.al. (Clintless) visit in late March:</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">The Kappels came for Max's birthday just a little late because of a snow delay for the original party. We needed lots of indoor stuff to do in March since the weather was very wet. Roller tracks are great fun</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIYVBH4pP3Q/U5dgagBM-GI/AAAAAAAALqc/fNnfDD5Av0Q/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIYVBH4pP3Q/U5dgagBM-GI/AAAAAAAALqc/fNnfDD5Av0Q/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9M6RHGisUWI/U5dgaUuxbJI/AAAAAAAALqY/tO3L27sb3Pc/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9M6RHGisUWI/U5dgaUuxbJI/AAAAAAAALqY/tO3L27sb3Pc/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And bowling is a sport anyone can play...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqlikB4478c/U5dglTm5E6I/AAAAAAAALq4/It3HGRnn3XI/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqlikB4478c/U5dglTm5E6I/AAAAAAAALq4/It3HGRnn3XI/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76hRDh8Qd90/U5dgmDQ2u5I/AAAAAAAALq8/9erGylR7EVk/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76hRDh8Qd90/U5dgmDQ2u5I/AAAAAAAALq8/9erGylR7EVk/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">And it doesn't really matter how you get the ball going in the right direction...</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7j1T2DAWHVY/U5dhPHRBYfI/AAAAAAAALsk/qqOf2OwQFLs/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7j1T2DAWHVY/U5dhPHRBYfI/AAAAAAAALsk/qqOf2OwQFLs/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Or how long it takes to get there.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUM3EkCTMjQ/U5dhSHLqrLI/AAAAAAAALs0/oQKEqDfHly0/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUM3EkCTMjQ/U5dhSHLqrLI/AAAAAAAALs0/oQKEqDfHly0/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">And nothing ever seems to stop Marianne.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2oVx5Eud34/U5dgxmMNcSI/AAAAAAAALrQ/Co-PmqIZBSM/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2oVx5Eud34/U5dgxmMNcSI/AAAAAAAALrQ/Co-PmqIZBSM/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Our new kitchen sink will hold a large load of dirty dishes or other dirty things...</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b2ox8rBtYs0/U5dgk6uVfuI/AAAAAAAALqs/FCX6rbu41HY/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b2ox8rBtYs0/U5dgk6uVfuI/AAAAAAAALqs/FCX6rbu41HY/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"> But our new "Guest Tub" was made for grandkids.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSeHvknoG9g/U5dkQR0lE-I/AAAAAAAALtQ/Z59FwgycokQ/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSeHvknoG9g/U5dkQR0lE-I/AAAAAAAALtQ/Z59FwgycokQ/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And because the Kappels were supposed to be here for Max's birthday, but prevented by 12 inches of snow in Virginia, they decided we needed to celebrate "appropriately" for Max's enrollment in Medicare. And yes, there are 65 candles on that cake. She needed lots of help in getting them blown out.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sos0UebQXYc/U5djClj_lJI/AAAAAAAALtE/LGHhKHz0sac/s1600/DSC_0082_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sos0UebQXYc/U5djClj_lJI/AAAAAAAALtE/LGHhKHz0sac/s1600/DSC_0082_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OoxxPOwQCSg/U5djC8c_GtI/AAAAAAAALtI/tp8yEyQLebY/s1600/DSC_0083_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OoxxPOwQCSg/U5djC8c_GtI/AAAAAAAALtI/tp8yEyQLebY/s1600/DSC_0083_edited-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And finally these last two are here because the Lenten Rose is always our first flower of Spring</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBsUg7p9URw/U5dg4pw7XoI/AAAAAAAALrs/dAor6ddcG8Q/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBsUg7p9URw/U5dg4pw7XoI/AAAAAAAALrs/dAor6ddcG8Q/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And because I just like this picture a lot</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_T6XDKRb0LA/U5dg6Na8knI/AAAAAAAALr4/rU0VXQf6Tq4/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_T6XDKRb0LA/U5dg6Na8knI/AAAAAAAALr4/rU0VXQf6Tq4/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">A Quick Trip to Philly:</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">It's a real treat to have one of your kids graduate from college, but we have been fortunate enough to have all seven graduate, some with multiple degrees. Our group "thus far" has accumulated 2 Associate Degrees, 6 BS degrees, 6 MS/MA degrees (2 more in process), and 1 Ph.D. (1 more in process). Max and I were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sit in on Matthew's and Sarah's dissertation defense at U. of Penn School of Nursing, Matthew one day and Sarah the next. They certainly made it easy for us to be very proud of what they have accomplished. Below are pictures from the those days and it should be obvious from all of the smiles that their defenses went very well.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Clint even drove up from D.C to join us.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">This is Matthew with his Adviser (in the grey dress) and one of his committee members looking at some of the data he analyzed for his project.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">And this is Sarah with her Adviser just before she began her defense.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I'll stop here for now and begin again with our marathon trip in May.</span></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-82870921269972588142014-02-24T12:52:00.002-05:002014-02-24T12:52:13.816-05:00Seven Months of Construction<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has certainly been a while since we posted anything on this blog. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fifteen months and 4 days if you really must know.</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Not sure what prevented us from doing so, but maybe we just got lazy. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lazy is probably the best explanation. But I really must place a bit of blame on Facebook. It seems in my laziness I can slap a couple of pictures shot with my phone up on my "Wall" and then somehow believe that is real communication. But everyone knows that Facebook is never REAL communication. It is a "cocktail party" at its best</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. But we all know that a "cocktail party" is never a substitute for a real conversation.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Nonetheless, we are back and have something to talk about, our recently remodeled kitchen and bathrooms. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I initially started this blog post to describe what Max and I
just went through in the planning and preparation to upgrade the bathrooms and kitchen of our 119 year old
home. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I simply must interrupt here with very strong advice. It's been said before but certainly bears repeating. Never- and I mean NEVER- say you absolutely won't do "you fill in the blank". You'll do it. I guarantee it- you'll do it. I said that I would NEVER, NEVER, NEVER undertake a major remodeling of my kitchen. NEVER. But not only did I giddily sign on to a MAJOR REMODEL of the kitchen, we added in three bathrooms to made sure we were really, really, really inconvenienced. Let's just say the last seven months was a bit like hunkering down in a storage warehouse with a continuous stream of construction workers with appropriate loud equipment interrupted daily by another trip to another restaurant where we for sure sat next to someone that was going to irritate Don while we ate food we'd rather not be eating at that moment.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">As I was starting the 4<sup>th</sup>
paragraph describing the process (and I see with Max's added comments this is now the 5th paragraph), I was getting tired of going through the long drawn out experience
and realized that anyone reading this would probably give up and just look at
the pictures. We had delays, set backs, and 7 months of parking in the street because my 3-car garage was turned into a carpenter shop. So to summarize, in just
about exactly 7 months our kitchen and 2.5 bathrooms were stripped to the frame
work including all of the plumbing and electrical, and then completely rebuilt
with new wiring, new plumbing, new floors, new walls, new ceilings and all new
fixtures. The biggest change was in our
kitchen. Below are a couple pictures of the kitchen taken before the process started. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Northeast towards the back porch</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Northwest with the refrigerator on he left and the sink below the window on the left.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the kitchen after demolition was well underway. Once again for perspective:</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Above, looking west toward the driveway at the window that was above the kitchen sink</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking Southwest where the stove and refrigerator were located. In the lower center of that south wall was an old pantry that was set in below the back stairs. We think that it was probably an outside cold storage space when the house was first built because our kitchen and bathrooms were added onto the house well after the initial construction.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking East towards the old bathroom and on the right outlined in blue, the doorway to our dining room. The back door and the wall to the left were all removed to expand the kitchen/bathroom.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not shown in the above pictures is that the back porch was disassembled and saved and the north wall of the house was removed and a new part of the kitchen was added. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is our new kitchen.
It is almost twice the size of the old one and now has a walk in pantry
and next to it is a new full bathroom.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Above, looking South towards the front of the house with the 5 burner cook top in the center and the short hallway to the dining room on the left.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking northwest toward the garage. The center island has a prep sink on the other side and the stools and sitting areas at the island were the idea of Max so she could have grandchildren help her in the kitchen. The window on the left is original and still above the sink.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking east where the old half bath used to be. Behind the door is a walk in pantry and behind the double oven/microwave/refrigerator is a new full bathroom. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you hear the part about the double oven. Oh yes, DOUBLE OVEN! </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The new back door is to the left of the ovens.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking west from the new back doorway</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking north from in front of the sink. The two windows are new and the new back door is on the right. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I look at the pictures I realize that the pictures just don't do this new kitchen justice. You just must come and see it for yourself. It is absolutely stunning! We worked with our architect, Rod Sidley and a team of expert carpenters who were amazing at embracing the history of our house- and building a kitchen rich with details that flows seamlessly from the part that is 119 years old. That said- just let me know when you'd like to come and visit- we have the room!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't take pictures of all of the old bathrooms since they were really too small to get much in the picture. Here is the one picture I took of our old guest bathroom on the second floor. The picture is looking west toward the driveway. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to admit I never, ever showered or bathed in this old bathroom. The people I know and love (daughters and dear friends) do tell me it is one of the worst they've ever been forced to use. I'm afraid no new curtains or new bathroom carpets could even dent the deterioration of the ages.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here is that same room during demolition. The other bathrooms were stripped down to the same level of demolition.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below is the new guest bathroom. This was Max's own creation and our only bath tub in the house. Of course we had to have one bathroom so Max could give our young grandchildren baths. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't you love it! Can you believe the transformation! And the claw foot tub is cast iron- so it holds the heat- perfect for a long hot soak- as well as a very long time to play with toys for the grandchildren!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having windows in bathrooms in neighborhoods creates problems of privacy. Max was determined not to cut out the light in the bathroom, but she also didn't want curtains. The leaded glass was her solution. All of the leaded glass (yes there are more) are installed in front of our high efficiency double pane windows. The picture below shows the patterns the glass makes on the walls in the evening as the sun sets in the west.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next is the first floor bathroom with its leaded glass window. On the far right is a large shower with a glass partition and glass door. This window provides diffused light as the morning sun shines in.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And finally, below are several pictures of the master bathroom. The first with the shower in the background. This shower is slightly larger than the downstairs shower, but the fixtures and tile are the same.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below are views of the cabinets from opposite ends of the bathroom. Not shown or evident is that the ceramic tile floor in the master bath is heated, so the floor is always warm in the winter. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And finally there is the window in the master bath that is on the wall opposite the sink.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only thing not included in the pictures is that my office was taken over by Max and I moved to the front of the house. But my old office was significantly reduced in size in order to give Max a new big double closet for her off season clothes and a new space for a second floor washer and dryer. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ahhhhh! The absolutely luxury of not hauling all of our laundry down to the basement from our second floor bedroom and then back up again!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are keeping the basement washer/dryer for heavier loads of laundry.</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And when we were getting the house ready for our first out-of-town company I was actually using both the second floor and basement washers and dryers to quickly wash all the towels and sheets.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I'm not including any pictures from the outside, since it is still a bit of a mess from the winter storms. We did expand our brick patio area and our back porch was rebuilt and looks just like our old "new porch" except this one came out a bit larger.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">So the house is now available for visitors and Max and I are back in our new kitchen enjoying all of the space and new appliances and often trying to remember where we put something in our very spacious cabinetry. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">We actually have whole shelves that have nothing on them, drawers with nothing in them. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But best of all this kitchen invites conversation. We can all gather around and laugh and tell tales and Don and I can keep on cooking with nary a pause. Come and see for yourself. We'd love to have you!</span></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-62845428689132426262012-11-20T22:50:00.001-05:002012-11-20T22:50:50.237-05:00Twentynine Palms<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">After our return from Michigan on Sunday evening (see
previous blog) Max and I had one day to recover, do our laundry, and prepare
for our next adventure. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Now I want to chime in here. We are really rushing this to "publish"- hopefully we'll proofread at least enough. But the Kappel's arrive tomorrow- and of course there will be Thanksgiving (and a baby baptism thrown in just for a bit more excitement)- so we are really up against a deadline. So here goes!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">This next trip
involved much more extensive travel taking us to Twentynine Palms, CA which
sits on the southwestern edge of the Mojave Desert. Twentynine Palms is a town, but more than
that it is home to the Marine Corps largest Base. The desert terrain around the base provides
an environment not very different from parts of Afghanistan, and consequently
it provides excellent training for the Marines who deploy there.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">But we didn’t go there for the dry desert air or the scenery
of Joshua Tree National Park that is adjacent to the town, we went to see Clint
who had just several weeks before returned from Afghanistan, and also to meet
our new granddaughter, Amelia Cole
Kappel, who arrived on October 11. Of
course we can’t forget Amelia’s siblings, Reeder, Hayes and Weiler, or Marianne
who has contained and nourished these children during Clint’s long deployments to
the Middle East.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Twentynine Palms is not a an easy place to get to. The closest airports are over an hour away
and not on the main routes of airlines that leave from Cincinnati. We have driven there once, but that is a 4100
mile round trip. So our routine approach
is to fly from Cincinnati to Las Vegas and then rent a car and drive the 175 miles across the Mojave Desert to
Twentynine Palms. </span><span style="color: blue;">The road is mostly two
lane and very straight with almost no traffic.
The speed limit is 55, but we usually can make the trip in about 2 hours
and 15 minutes. You can calculate how
fast we drive on your own. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Let's be real honest. This is a beautiful country- and there is certainly beauty in the desert. But by my calculation this was our 9th and 10th trips driving across the Mojave Desert. I'm really over the desert. I'm ready to move on. ENOUGH ALREADY!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">We arrived on October 31 and our first priority was to see
Amelia, as Clint was at work.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">She is a beauty! Big eyes, dark hair, gorgeous olive complexion. It was love at first sight. And so cuddly!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And, of course, October 31 is Halloween, and on a Military
base in a base officer housing neighborhood where all the residents are married
with young 1 to 1+n children each, Halloween is a BIG DEAL!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">I wasn't ready for Halloween on a Marine Base for families. Now I knew from our previous trips that Marines have a lot of children. In the United States the "average" child per family around 1.8. But not on a Marine Base- don't think they got the memo on average family size. Now I don't have any statistics to back this up- but I think the average is at least 3 per family. Well I watched this parade of children on Halloween and I'm real comfortable with my numbers!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Reeder was a princes with a peacock mask</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Hayes was a Ninja, Blue Man, Monster Truck Driver. That boy is creative.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Weiler became a skeleton wearing his skeleton pj's, although somewhat grudgingly. It was his first Halloween in which he
participated, and all of this seemed a bit scary to him. But once he figured out that people were
giving you candy if you just walked up to their house, he was on board! That boy does like candy and before long he
was running up to the houses with the big kids.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Max assumed responsibility of Amelia, that is when Amelia wasn't hungry. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Marianne and I sat out front- I held Amelia and Marianne passed out candy. We started with a BIG TUB of candy. The steady stream (sometimes you might even say a mob) of children- often accompanied by their Marine father- started the parade that continued without any pause for 2 and a half hours. I was totally amazed. I don't ever remember seeing that many children...</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">But she definitely wasn't alone in working on this duty. Holding this 3 week old little girl was shared by many and Amelia didn't complain.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7JmdXf9s7s/UKaHOvrxQ-I/AAAAAAAAK6s/C6YQ7EH3Gfg/s1600/reeder+amelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7JmdXf9s7s/UKaHOvrxQ-I/AAAAAAAAK6s/C6YQ7EH3Gfg/s400/reeder+amelia.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Some children are tough to photograph either because they sense the picture being taken and pose or they sense the picture and have a negative reaction. But Weiler and Hayes seem to have this amazing relationship with my camera. Maybe it's because I try to photograph them from a distance with a telephoto lens, but for what ever reason I love what I capture with them in front of my lens. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">As you can tell Don was in his photographer role for this visit! And the pictures are wonderful!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Reeder can be tougher to capture, but when we do it is worth the number of failures. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">When we go to Twentynine Palms, we always try to get into Joshua Tree National Park and this trip was no exception. Clint had to work, but we took the kids (all four) for a hike. Amelia enjoyed being strapped onto to either Max or her Mom, and occasionally Weiler got a lift, but Reeder and Hayes took off for an afternoon of rock climbing. We were at a place called Jumbo Rocks. The name is pretty obvious once you get there. The geology provides rocks the size of houses to small buildings that have been exposed by erosion leaving Jumbo Rocks. Reeder and Hayes love to climb among these rocks. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Now I might mention here that I'm really not that into rock climbing- hiking yes- rock climbing no!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">We had a picnic lunch before starting out and soon Reeder and Hayes were out of sight as they scrambled up the rocks. Marianne's friend and routine companion on her "interesting adventures", Jessica, arrived just after lunch and joined us with her infant son Gabe.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">My 300X telephoto zoom lens certainly came in handy. These two had no fear and climbed among the rocks like a couple of ants.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">There is a trail back through the boulders, but we quickly lost it and just kept heading toward the sounds of Reeder and Hayes. We found a narrow route and squeezed between a couple of "rocks" and finally came out into an open area where we relaxed. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Have I mentioned that I really am not that into rock climbing- particularly rock climbing with a baby packed on my chest... Just saying...</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The two babies slept well strapped onto Max and Jessica.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">While the babies had their next meal of the day we noticed that we hadn't seen Reeder or Hayes for a while. Eventually Reeder returned to let us know that Hayes was stranded in a spot he couldn't climb out of and needed a little help. Reeder led me to him, and I'm not really sure how he got down there, but with a little effort and some heavy lifting I got him out. At least he wasn't hurt, just a little scared before I got there.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Once we got back to the car Marianne wanted to visit one more spot before heading back. There is a small patch of this desert that for what ever reason seems to be perfect for the growth of cholla cacti. These cholla are often called Jumping Cholla or even Teddy Bear Cholla. They got these names because they do look so cuddly, but if one gets too close they seem to jump right into your skin and stick there. The pieces break off easily and that is one of their mechanisms of reproduction by hooking onto an animal or human and getting carried to a new spot where it comes off and eventually grows into a new plan.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Finally, on our last day (at least our last day for the next four years) we had a final lunch at the Officer's Club with Clint. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">I finally confessed my insistence every visit on at least one trip to the Officers Club for lunch. You would too- well at least all of our female readers would. There is just something very, very, very pleasant about sitting in a large dining room filled with gorgeous- really "buff" young men. It's not the food- it's the view- and not out any window.</span><span style="color: blue;"> And then we headed back across the Mojave towards Las Vegas for our flight home. Twentynine Palms has some wonderful things about it (the community of Marine families and Joshua Tree National Park), but we will be very glad to have the Kappel family back in our own time zone for the next several years. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Which is why we're in a bit of a rush to publish this blog- the Kappel's arrive tomorrow on their way to their next assignment. Clint has been assigned to the Pentagon- and the Kappel family will be living in Arlington, Virginia- a days drive from Cincinnati.</span><br />
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Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-90936707304878060562012-11-18T21:48:00.001-05:002012-11-18T21:48:34.871-05:00<span style="color: blue;">We are a little bit behind in our blogs, but we have a pretty good excuse which will be more clear once we post the next blog.</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Now I know maybe some folks might think a couple or three weeks is a "bit behind" but quite frankly I think we're a little early with this one. Why it's not quite Thanksgiving and we're going to wrap up Halloween before the next big celebration starts. Don't you agree- we're really quite early with this one?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">We drove up to Rochester Hills, Michigan in late October to see Brandy, Will and Mikayla, and also joining us in Michigan were Amber and Evan. It was typically cool in Michigan and we had a Saturday full of outdoor activities. But to be honest, this blog isn't really about information about our trip but rather a photo album on cute pictures. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Don took his camera- so let the fun begin.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">First of all, Mikayla had soccer practice. We all dressed appropriately and set out for the park where her "practice" is held. It was windy with temperatures in the high 40's. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Now if you're thinking maybe the expression on my face is just the pleasure of watching Mikayla running up and down a soccer field you would be wrong. I was just shivering. I'm trying to get use to the Michigan cold!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Mikayla was also well layered and particularly enjoyed protecting the goal. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Notice the intensity!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">She gets great coaching from her dad as well as an occasional knee on which to rest during slow times during the "game".</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">But Mikayla also likes to run and can give the ball a pretty good "kick".</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Mikayla did kick the ball from time to time, but the running was what held the attraction so once the ball was kicked she could out run it anytime!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">After soccer we headed to the "pumpkin patch" to pick out pumpkins for the later Jack-O-Lantern carving. Mikayla quickly found some of the larger specimens.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Amber and Even also found their favorites. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Brandy and Will get quite serious about pumpkin carving. The had purchased special tools, stencil, and pumpkin scrapers. The dining table was set up as a work station and the four of them focused on their respective designs. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Now Don and I did pick out a pumpkin and carried it home to Cincinnati- uncarved. It now sits quite comfortably outside our kitchen window. Tis the season.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Mikayla and Max set close by and offered constructive advice about the process and the designs. Of course neither of them were terribly focused on the process, but mostly on enjoying the occasion.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The products were pretty amazing! Note the one on the bottom left done by Evan, an excellent rendering of his New England Patriots emblem.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">And of course the whole group had to pose on the Broadbent's deck to show off their work. Max and I didn't really do anything except take the pictures and keep Mikayla entertained while the workers dug out the pumpkins and carved the designs. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">I consider our contribution to be one of supervision and direction. Mikayla of course was in charge! </span><span style="color: blue;">You might note that there are 5 pumpkins and only 4 pumpkin carvers. Well, Mikayla's pumpkin is the the one on the top left. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mikayla was of course the artistic inspiration. </span><span style="color: blue;">She picked out the design and her Daddy did the work. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">And finally a mug shot with all twelve mugs in the picture.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-15008262924767158822012-10-22T22:19:00.000-04:002012-10-23T08:50:50.001-04:00Hocking Hills<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year after all of the festivities of Amber and Evan's wedding were over we received an unexpected wonderful gift. The newly weds sent us a gift certificate for use in renting a cabin for a stay in Hocking Hills State Park, one of our favorite places to hike. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the kids were all home we took regular trips in the fall and the spring- to cabins in woods (Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky) or to quaint bed and breakfasts and inns (Amish country and down to Shaker Village in Kentucky). It was the only time we had just the two of us. Now all the kids have moved away and we have plenty- I mean plenty- of time just the two of us. Now our trips are planned to see one "kid" or another as we've trekked about to Florida, California, Nevada, Illinois and now Michigan. Occasionally we might tuck an "adventure" such as our recent stop over at New Orleans, but our travel was to see family and friends. What a treat this gift was! I'd forgotten what fun to "escape" to the quiet. And I sometimes forget how much fun it is to hike- and how satisfying the muscle soreness is at the end of the day. So to Amber and Evan I am so, so, so very thankful. Besides- the amazing time I had at their wedding was gift enough. But this trip was just so very lovely I want to do it again- maybe not this same trip- but the "togetherness" we have in the middle of our "to do" lists isn't the same as when we're away and the "to do"s just melt away. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hocking Hills is in southwestern Ohio about a 2.5 hour drive from our house. We made plans to use the gift certificate several times in the Spring </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but every time we'd think we had a date we'd look at the weather and it would be rainy and cold- not the experience we were looking for. And we really didn't want to go in the summer- the heat does discourage hiking but even more than that it is a popular destination and we'd risk waiting in a line for hiking! </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fi</span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nally decided to go in early October. We were there for 3 nights in our log cabin, roughing it in the woods.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I suppose "roughing it" is a bit of an exaggeration. Our cabin was well isolated at the top of a hill (importance noted later) with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room and dining table, a flat screen T.V. (well it was only a 32 inch one, certainly rough it for us) with Dish T.V., a fully equipped kitchen (but no dishwasher), a huge stone fireplace, and a porch with a porch swing and a hot tub. All we could see out of the windows or from the porch was trees, trees that were just turning reds, yellows, and orange. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fall is the most beautiful time in Ohio. The trees are majestic as they begin to turn bold colors. The air is crisp and cool. It's worth waiting all year for!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">And even better, the cabin was "pet friendly", so we also got to take Brutus with us. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">This was Brutus' first vacation. I don't think he knew exactly what was happening but he quickly figured out that this was a good, good time! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I even hauled a good supply of over sized firewood logs (too big to fit into my wood stove at home) so we had a fire every night which was perfect given the cool night air. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">I love Don's fires! They are amazing- and my only responsibility is to enjoy! How's that for responsibility!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The TV allowed us to watch our Cincinnati Reds in the playoffs against San Francisco. They had lots of chances to win, but just couldn't seem to score runs when they had the chance, but that didn't spoil our experience. We'll still watch next year. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Now our allegiance is firmly with the Reds! But that said I did leave a bit of my heart in San Francisco- so if the Reds can't go to the Series then I'm all for cheering San Francisco on!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">We even took Max's new electronic key board so she wouldn't miss out on practicing her piano. I'm just glad she didn't want to take the real piano. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">We took the keyboard up to the loft (well I took it up- Don took it down) and set it up next to the window. This room was the only "bright" spot in the cabin with not only the floor to ceiling window but also a big sky light. What a treat to play in this room!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><span style="color: blue;">And finally, because our log cabin was at the top of a hill, we actually had cell phone access. Sometimes I had to hold the phone up above my head, but we have a signal. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">We didn't want to totally leave our technology behind!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">But Hocking Hills is about hiking. We planned a fairly long loop hike of 6.5 miles </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">(I just asked Don again if he was sure it was only 6.5 miles- I would swear it was more like 12!)</span><span style="color: blue;"> for our first day and it was wonderful. The park sits on a 150 feet thick layer of sandstone that was deposited in three layers. The center layer is soft, crumbly and very erodible that makes up the interesting geological parts of the park. With less erodible layers on top and on bottom, the center layer erodes from water and weather to form large overhangs of rock. Old Man's Cave is one of these where the overhang extends over the gorge for about 100 feet and it is rumored that an Old Man who was a hermit lived there for a number of year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Occasionally the overhang gets too heavy and gravity takes over. Our trail had to detour this large slab that lost to gravity.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The trails meandered along stream beds and above on the gorge rims giving us beautiful views and occasional climbs or descents when the trail switched between the stream bed and the gorge.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The trees in the park are mostly mixed hardwoods with lots of hemlocks. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">It was here in Hocking Hills that I first fell in love with a tree! I fell head over heels in love with the Hemlock tree. It is so delicate- almost like lace. I'd never see it before- they don't grow in the south- they like cooler weather- And for me it was love at first sight. Now by this time- after living with Don for over 18 years I have an affection for many trees- and can now name more than a dozen without hints- but you never forget your first love- And walking in Hocking Hills is an overdose of love! Just look at how delicate the leaves are!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">In fact the largest hemlock in Ohio is in the park. It is about 160 tall. These trees look like they grow right out of the rock with the roots clinging to the stone. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">But for me it's not the size- or the roots- it's the delicacy of the leaves...</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The geology of this area has been sculptured mostly by water, but this year has been exceptionally dry. Our longest hike started at the upper falls of the Old Man's Cave gorge, followed the gorge rim and then eventually crossed the stream on an earthen dam that formed a lake and then changed to a new stream that took us to Cedar Falls. The lake is in the pictures below.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max found this little Aster with a small bug in it. It was too good a picture to pass up.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"> From Cedar Falls we followed the stream beds back to the lower falls of Old Man's Cave. Unfortunately the falls were trickles at best and just wet rock at the worst. Here is the trickle at Cedar Falls. The plaque at Cedar Falls indicates it was so named because the early settlers of the area didn't know the difference between cedar trees and hemlocks. There is not a cedar tree anywhere near this area.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">And here are the falls at Old Man's Cave</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: blue;">As I said, we did go up and down a lot on our hikes. Some of the transitions were gentle, but most were either carved out of the rock or built out of wood.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our second day got a later start since we were awaiting word on the arrival of our newest grand daughter, Amelia Cole Kappel. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes- you heard it right- we have a beautiful new granddaughter. Marianne was scheduled for a c-section so we had a pretty good idea when Clint might call- but having a pretty good idea isn't knowing. So we waited- and held our breath- and the call came. We have a beautiful granddaughter. Now you're going to see her picture soon because we'll be off to California next week- so for now you're just going to have to take our work for it. She's a beauty!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided to hike a new area on the north edge of the park called Cantwell Cliffs. This was much the same geology with even more climbing up to the gorge rim and back down again.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you might guess, we were pretty tired after our days of hiking. I have to admit the hot tub felt good at night.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a wonderful time! Thanks again Amber and Evan!</span>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-91572984475658685362012-10-08T21:34:00.001-04:002012-10-08T21:34:44.550-04:00Summertime!<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know, I know, I know. I really should have noticed several weeks ago that summer is really over- and our visitors are certainly gone- and that it was time to share with you our summer adventures. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or maybe it was really time to start this about 4 months ago in numerous editions, but hind sight doesn't provide much of an excuse. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does it sound really, really lame to say I've been busy- or maybe distracted- or just plain lazy. I think on any given day any and all might apply. But I think probably the most accurate explanation might be that the sheer abundance of all of our visitors- and the massive number of pictures taken- made the task seem rather daunting. I put it off! I found diversions, many of which are presented in the pictures below. I would put it on each day's "To Do" only to find the day complete and the summer blog still hidden in the pictures- and memories- tucked nicely away. Now I'd like to promise that I'll be better. That in the future our life will be recorded in a more timely fashion. I don't think you'd believe me. I don't think I'd even believe me. So I'm sure future blogs will be somewhat like my past blogs- we just have to wait for the spirit to move me. Well, I am moved- so read on! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now this blog is going to be much more a story in pictures rather than words. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Actually this blog only presents the joys that family can bring over a given period of time represented in fractions of seconds of time. One has to fill in spaces in between knowing that each fraction of a second that the picture provides represents what is sometimes a week of events. Not being here to experience the events may leave one wondering about the details, but given that even we probably cannot fill in the details allows you to provide your own. Just make them a much fun as you can imagine.</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I think always the magic of a child is captured in the upturned face- the wide eye stare- the mischievous glance. And this blog is so often about the wee ones of our summer visitors. Now we did have some "adult" company- and often our wee ones came accompanied by an adult- but the pictures suggest that this was the summer when just being little captured the centers of attention- ours at least.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The summer we lived wasn't the summer we planned- the summer we lived just happened- circumstances changed- our summer changed. Had you asked me what I anticipated our summer might be like last May I would have said "quiet". I would have been wrong. For whatever our summer might have been, "quiet" is not one of the adjectives you might choose. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were some brief quiet moments. Children do take naps. Grandparents even get the occasional nap.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beginning in May, Brandy and Mikayla arrived and intended to stay for about a week while they waited to close on their new house in Michigan and for their "stuff" from Florida to make the trip to Michigan in the moving van. This short week visit stretched to four weeks with the unforeseen delays that so often complicate buying and moving into a new house. It was a gift to us-but a frustration to Brandy and Will as they persevered the complications that just kept adding upon each other. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clint left in late spring for his last trip to Afghanistan (he is now safe in California with his beautiful family) and Marianne planned a summer "road" trip that would include a stay of two weeks in Cincinnati. The "road" trip fell through and Marianne and the kids arrived in late May and left mid September (with two "road" trips to Florida interrupting the Cincinnati time).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then Amber and Evan (and their new puppy "Bo") drove down from Chicago for a visit- and later Matthew and his girlfriend Sarah (with their dog- and frequent visitor to Ohio- "Gigi") drove over from Philadelphia. So the summer was filled to the brim. We made trips to the zoo, and to the pool (and given the heat we went a lot more often to the pool than the zoo) and the Children's Museum and the park. We ate in. We ate out. Mikayla took swimming lessons. Reeder took swimming lessons, musical theater and cooking classes (and a day horse camp as well) and swam on the Wyoming Rec Center Swim team. Hayes took sports camp and also took swimming lessons. And Weiler just managed to look adorable in the middle of the commotion about him. And of course, Sarah joined in the fun with Anthony and occasionally Deseree. But Deseree is nearly 16, not a wee one at all.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this story is in the pictures. I hope you enjoy. You must know that I will often go back to this blog and look again- and relive again- our summer with the wee ones. I'd like to think I might find a way to create some organization in these pictures- but I just don't think I'll be able to get them as organized as I might like- even my memories mix everything all up. But perhaps we can all just meander along together.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I don't know exactly which picture to flash on the page first. There just isn't one picture that captures the summer. It is rather each individual moment that finally adds up to our experience of summer. So I think I'll just begin- and leave you to sort out the summer in whatever fashion you might. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I said earlier, whatever you might come up with is probably as good as what we could describe as long as it gives you a smile.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I'll start with cousins!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And of course trips to the Root Beer Stand:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And trips to the Dairy Queen:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And lunch at the counter of Half Day Cafe:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Reds games:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the park:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the POOL!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah's Graduation!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adventures away from home:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reeder's Horse Camp! She did terrific!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And of course many wonderful times at home!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is quiet now. Autumn has set in, the days are finally cool, everyone is well settled in their new homes and we have quiet evenings at home. So maybe now is the best time to write about the summer, to look at the pictures again and remember what a wonderful summer it was.</span></div>
Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-23397700287602512012-09-25T21:25:00.003-04:002012-09-25T21:26:31.862-04:00Spring Travels 2012<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I guess there is an explanation to be made on this long delay.</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A rather long explanation for the long delay.</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It has been a very long time since our last post- so long in fact that our dear friend Earline called to make sure that we were all okay - we are - (Thank you Earline, that phone call meant a lot to me!). To say we've been a bit distracted is probably an understatement. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A big understatement. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And then as things settled into something looking a bit like routine (I faintly remember that...) I just was rather lazy. For these last days it seemed that just reading the paper, practicing the piano a bit and cooking dinner for Don and then usually ending the day watching the Cincinnati Reds play baseball was all the energy I could muster. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I on the other now have a job, not a full time time, but it is a 60% of full time job doing the kind of work I love to do, helping a company build their technology base by finding new opportunities for the company and then negotiating access for that technology. So I haven't been just sitting around all summer.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> But I am returning to my old resolve- we actually had friends over for dinner Saturday (you'll have to watch for the recipes on "In the Kitchen with Don"). But before rambling anymore I need to get to the point. We spent much of the spring traveling (or packing and unpacking for the travels). I think I made monthly trips to Florida and we also made it to New Orleans, Tulsa and Chicago. And then came summer. I know you're thinking well certainly things settled down then. Well in addition to absolutely unbearable heat and drought (we know- you suffered that as well), we were covered up with grandchildren. Now don't get me wrong- I love, love, absolutely love the time I get to spend with the grandchildren. But to put it mildly THEY EXHAUST ME! Was that mild enough? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Brandy and Mikayla arrived the first of June and stayed until July because there were many delays getting into their new home in Rochester Hills, Michigan (which is absolutely, I mean absolutely gorgeous!). </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Clarification of exactly why Brandy and Will were moving north provided a bit later in this blog. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Marianne and Reeder and Hayes and Weiler (we're not counting Baby #4 quite yet though Don has named him/her "Cuatro") arrived in mid May after Clint departed for his vacation in Afghanistan. We didn't notice quite so much because they were staying over at the Simmons until the Simmons had to vacate their condo because it was sold out from under them, and they had to move into a significantly smaller place. Marianne and the kids then came to our house but left shortly after their arrival for a vacation in Florida- as if Cincinnati isn't all the vacation haven that anyone needs! Well eventually Marianne got back to Cincinnati and stayed until mid September (with another long vacation to Florida again!). </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More in a later blog about the Kappel Kids and this summer.</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, what can I say- I've been distracted. But I think I'm returning to normal- or at least my normal. And I do want you to see how beautiful everyone is- and how wonderful it is to spend time with them. So I thought I'd start with the <b>SPRING TRAVELS</b>. And then with a renewed boost of energy in the next blog I'll tackle the hundreds of pictures from the summer (it is absolutely unbelievable how many pictures I have from this past summer)!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So first to Florida and Brandy and Will and Mikayla. Will was given a promotion- and a relocation- and then about the same time he was tapped to manage a BIG JOB in Arlington, VA.! And this involved mucho travel. So now that I'm retired I started making monthly trips to Florida to keep Brandy and Mikayla company when Will was out of town. Actually Don made all but one of the trips with me. What fun we had! But I must confess the Florida pictures are all mixed up- so some might be from March- or then maybe May- or was it April. So I'm just going to call it one long, long visit to Florida that occurred episodically over 3 months.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was the trip to the strawberry patch!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Florida strawberries come in a lot earlier that we get them up here in Ohio, although this year I think our Spring was warm enough to plant in February. If you like Strawberries, then picking them just before you eat them is quite a treat. Not sure where the pictures are, but the strawberry field also had a small "restaurant" that served strawberry shortcake. And, yes we did sample some that too. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And of course many trips to the park!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then of course there were trips to the beach!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pictures aren't posted here, but Max did liberally apply sun block to Mikayla, as well as her own arm, shoulders, and legs. Unfortunately, she forgot the tops of her own toes. I have never seen such sun burn blisters as she had on, between and around her toes. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel certain you're glad we skipped that picture!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then there was time just to hang around- at the house or maybe an ice cream shop or maybe a diner. Just hanging out...</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mikayla did have plenty of time to play with her babies. She had sick babies that needed care, babies with wet pants, babies that were hungry and babies that needed their hair done. That girl does take care of her babies.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I almost forgot (in fact I did forget but Don remembered- and has the pictures to prove it!). Mikayla and Brandy were here in Cincinnati in March. Mikayla stayed a bit longer than Brandy as Brandy drove up to Michigan to house hunt with Will for their new home. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did visit the zoo and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens do put forth a spectacular Spring flower show. Of course the zoo does have a Merry-go-round.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I know you're thinking that all we did during the spring was travel to Florida but we also stopped at New Orleans...</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> There was a good reason to go to Florida because I do need a good reason to visit that city. Max and I are trying to visit all of the States in the U.S. And by visit I mean actually spend the night in the State, not just drive through it. We had both been to Louisiana, but never together. And since Will and Brandy would soon be relocating to Michigan, we decided to extend our last trip and check off Louisiana. On the other hand we did drive through Mississippi without stopping the car. We decided to just avoid ever going to that state given its political and social atmosphere. In Now Orleans we stayed in the French Quarter for two nights, which was enough for me. I just have never enjoyed that town, especially with the heat, the humidity, and the depravity. We did enjoy the jazz musicians that played on the street, had some good food, and of course visited the Cafe du Monde a couple of times.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also did a walking tour of the Garden District and walked through one of the old cemeteries. If you have never been there you may not know that people who are 'buried" in New Orleans are all "buried" above ground in crypts Most of New Orleans sits below the water table, and thus when you dig a hole, it usually fills with water. That obviously has serious consequences when a big hurricane blows through. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then we stopped off in Tulsa to see Dad and Fay and Bub and Nancy...</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Tulsa is almost straight north and a little west of New Orleans so it is only a good days drive, especially if you avoid Mississippi.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then of course our wonderful trip to Chicago to see Amber and Evan... </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why not just keep heading north since Chicago is just a little north of Tulsa. Okay, it is a little west of Chicago too, but if you are doing the big circle you head north from St. Louis instead of northeast.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did have a great time in Chicago. Our best day was spent taking a walking tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park. Those were the Prairie Homes that Wright built and we toured his personal home and walked and saw about 14 others.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">We also spent some great time with Amber and E</span><span style="color: blue;">van including a wonder dinner in their apartment.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks Amber and Evan for always showing us such a wonderful time in Chicago!</span>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-60647576652927507132012-04-08T18:18:00.000-04:002012-04-08T18:18:18.884-04:00Gifts that give again<span style="color: blue;">Over the years I've gotten a number of interesting gifts from Marianne, our daughter-in-law who is married to Clint. Marianne has at knack of finding things that provide accents to the outside of our house and yard. Some of those gifts we pretty easy to put into service, like hanging several bird houses of different types from tree limbs. But some have been a bit more challenging. About three years ago it was the three story wooden bird condo that eventually was erected high on a 12 foot pole with a weather station on top. It was a little work, but not too bad. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"> Last year was a switch to comfort for mammals in our very own bat house. Bat houses have to be put up high in a place with few obstacles in the way that might interfere with the flight of bat coming to the house. That installation wasn't too bad either given that I have some big ladders and a tree at the back of the yard with few lower limbs. That's our neighbors house behind the tree.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">This year's Christmas gift provided significantly more of a challenge, but I like challenges, and I do like projects that are a challenge. This one, in fact, took a while for me to figure out exactly how to approach this installation. The gift is a weather-vane symbolic of Cincinnati, often called "Porkopolis",since it has a flying pig that catches the wind as a directional indicator (more on flying pigs here: <a href="http://www.mpna.com/fpqrp/pighist.html">http://www.mpna.com/fpqrp/pighist.html</a>.) Weather-vanes need to be placed up high so they catch the wind, and you certainly want them to be in a place where they can be seen. I suppose I could have put it on top of my garage, a place that is easy to get to and quite visible from my back yard, but I thought this weather-vane needed more visibility than a garage roof. The best obvious place was on the highest peak of the roof of my house at the front.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Don and I had a bit of "discussion" at this point as I explained that he would not- under any circumstance- go onto the top of the roof to mount the weather vane. He thought about it for a while and came up with plan B. It probably won't surprise you that even though this decision was decided in early January, somehow Don "forgot" and announced one morning in mid March that he thought that he might put the weather vane up that day and could I help to steady the first ladder. The next discussion didn't take long- and Don remembered plan B!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnB2BBGUkI0/T4HjoOItm5I/AAAAAAAAKK8/dr2faOKWl4A/s1600/DSC_0083_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnB2BBGUkI0/T4HjoOItm5I/AAAAAAAAKK8/dr2faOKWl4A/s400/DSC_0083_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The problem was how to get it up there. I do have a 40 foot extension ladder, but it isn't long enough to get to the peak of the house. The solution was a three tiered approach from the back of the house, one big strong son to help me, and a day not too hot, not too cold, and not very windy. April 7 seemed to fit all of those needs given that my son Michael agreed to come and help me, and the weather was scheduled to be dry with temperatures in the mid 60's. You can see the three tiered approach in the two following pictures. (1) We would take a ladder and get on the roof of the back porch, (2) then pull a ladder up to that roof so we could climb up to the next fairly flat roof of the back of the house, and (3) then pull a ladder up to that level and lay it against the steep roof so we could climb to the top ridge and straddle that ridge out to the front of the house. And so I could write this blog, we needed someone to document it for us. Liz, Michael's wife, agreed to do the photography for us, and she did get some great shots of the process. Thanks Liz.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">So we put the ladders in place, hauled our bag of tools and the weather-vane up to each roof top and started out on the top ridge.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZUsFhg24sc/T4HidSk57gI/AAAAAAAAKI4/qwriswASO-4/s1600/DSC_0228_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZUsFhg24sc/T4HidSk57gI/AAAAAAAAKI4/qwriswASO-4/s400/DSC_0228_edited-1.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">Our first initial observations were (1) the the top roof is really, really steep and the only way to get to the front is by straddling the ridge with our legs and scooting along the crest, (2) shingles are really rough like <b>very very</b> course sandpaper and hard on hands, knees, and anything else that rubbed against them, and (3) the temperature may be in the mid-60, but after a day in the sun those shingles get very very hot. But we made it to the front with a little effort (and pain). Michael managed the supplies and handed me the tools and parts as I needed them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VexszJBdbek/T4HijUpmP_I/AAAAAAAAKJc/3ROLmJhwML4/s1600/DSC_0294_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VexszJBdbek/T4HijUpmP_I/AAAAAAAAKJc/3ROLmJhwML4/s400/DSC_0294_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">It only took about 15 minutes on the ridge, but we were both ready to come down.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">So thanks to Michael, the weather-vane is now officially installed and only four months after Christmas. I do wonder what challenge Marianne will give me next year. Maybe something for the garden?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">I must give much thanks to Michael and Liz as well- But have to admit I didn't take even a peek until the weather vane had been installed- and Don and Michael were safely on the ground. I was inside cooking! But I have to admit- I'm not terribly comfortable on a step stool. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Thanks again Michael and Liz!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-16408482677372237872012-03-02T17:34:00.000-05:002012-03-02T17:34:37.060-05:00A Trip to the Desert, - or How I spent my winter vacation: Part Two<span style="color: blue;">When you think of vacation places to visit, the desert in February sounds not so bad. The last time we were in Twentynine Palms, CA, it was June and the temperatures were topping 110. Clint had just returned from Afghanistan and we were helping him and Marianne settle into their new home on the Marine base. This February trip was scheduled to see Clint again, this time before he begins intensive and constant training for a return to Afghanistan. We believe he will be leaving sometime in April and are hopeful that his return will be earlier than scheduled given the news that the U.S. is preparing to be out of that country by 2013. Clint is in line for promotion to Major, something that may happen while he is deployed. His job will be the Operations Officer for his Battalion meaning that he will be planning the military operations for the 5 Companies of his battalion involving about 600 Marines.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">It's always wonderful to see Clint- but I'll be real, real, real glad when the visits aren't planned around his coming and going to Afghanistan!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">I'm going to mention right here- if you looking for a quiet, restful, relaxing- spa-like vacation- then going to visit Marianne and our beautiful grandkiddos is not the vacation choice for you. For us it was perfect! We were in for some real treats. I do want to give a special thanks to Marianne for arranging a great suite at the lodge for bachelor officers on base. SWEEEEEET! And it even had a couch so Reeder and Hayes could have sleepovers!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">We started out with a big SHOW! We watched Marianne- and her Marine Wife Friends- play Kick Ball against a group of REAL MARINES! Well those ladies sure showed the Marines how the game is played!</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: blue;">Above Marianne locking in on a high fly that she did catch for an out, and below showing the power in that left leg that got her a scholarship for soccer at Arizona State.</span></div><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GL2G4yHbxRE/T1FBnQYYKOI/AAAAAAAAKHM/c877igZ502U/s1600/DSC_0023_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GL2G4yHbxRE/T1FBnQYYKOI/AAAAAAAAKHM/c877igZ502U/s400/DSC_0023_edited-1.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: #990000;">During the game I did sneak off just for a bit with Reeder. Took this picture. Don't you agree she's beautiful!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmApeG1aNOQ/T0xK3wllY4I/AAAAAAAAKFs/i7m4VOOAToY/s1600/P2080633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmApeG1aNOQ/T0xK3wllY4I/AAAAAAAAKFs/i7m4VOOAToY/s400/P2080633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Our first full day there we packed the kids up in Marianne's car and drove to Palm Desert to visit the Living Desert Museum. The temperature was in the mid-80's and not a cloud in the sky, a bit different from our home in Cincinnati where the temperatures had dropped to the teens.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">The Living Desert Museum is rather combination zoo, botanical garden and discovery zone. It is definitely a place you can spend a lot of time especially with kids. And if the day is absolutely gorgeous- like this one was- you just linger and linger.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Now I probably should warn you in advance- this blog is mostly about the pictures- pictures of our time with Clint, Marianne, Reeder, Hayes and Weiler. So sit back and enjoy!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJK23lzcB-0/T0MG0e3NCGI/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/cjPQYF6PrVY/s1600/DSC_0108_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJK23lzcB-0/T0MG0e3NCGI/AAAAAAAAJ7Y/cjPQYF6PrVY/s400/DSC_0108_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRs67o7Geq4/T0xKm9OvjYI/AAAAAAAAKFU/rTRySpWU1_w/s1600/P2090773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRs67o7Geq4/T0xKm9OvjYI/AAAAAAAAKFU/rTRySpWU1_w/s400/P2090773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIrBDFikKRc/T0xKisKyPEI/AAAAAAAAKFI/eIdJJn76lkg/s1600/P2090823_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIrBDFikKRc/T0xKisKyPEI/AAAAAAAAKFI/eIdJJn76lkg/s400/P2090823_edited-1.JPG" width="388" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="color: blue;">The next day we kept the kids while Marianne attended a "Marine Wives" meeting before going to the parade field and watching an "OFFICIAL MARINE RETIREMENT". So we were off to a morning at the park while Marianne attended the meeting.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOqO4BVcvug/T0MHj6N0X8I/AAAAAAAAJ8E/efQA56tzvGY/s1600/DSC_0139_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOqO4BVcvug/T0MHj6N0X8I/AAAAAAAAJ8E/efQA56tzvGY/s400/DSC_0139_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmyIYqAFk2U/T0MHkZLAxWI/AAAAAAAAJ8I/E9NrUFkQQ_o/s1600/DSC_0141_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmyIYqAFk2U/T0MHkZLAxWI/AAAAAAAAJ8I/E9NrUFkQQ_o/s400/DSC_0141_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CfMaLciGZQE/T0MH1xjN0_I/AAAAAAAAJ8w/Okn7oSE3oKU/s1600/DSC_0154_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CfMaLciGZQE/T0MH1xjN0_I/AAAAAAAAJ8w/Okn7oSE3oKU/s400/DSC_0154_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;">A DRINK FROM AFAR: PART ONE!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_EJ7cv0Pff4/T0MHyzctnlI/AAAAAAAAJ8o/WfZXowpWnHk/s1600/DSC_0152_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_EJ7cv0Pff4/T0MHyzctnlI/AAAAAAAAJ8o/WfZXowpWnHk/s400/DSC_0152_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;">A DRINK FROM AFAR: PART TWO!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Br1jC0M8Fi4/T0xJoKRj3hI/AAAAAAAAKCo/4fkCBO5prWY/s1600/P2100873_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Br1jC0M8Fi4/T0xJoKRj3hI/AAAAAAAAKCo/4fkCBO5prWY/s400/P2100873_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bw4iZgklp_c/T0xJoIFf-QI/AAAAAAAAKCk/pvnTjHNYi_s/s1600/P2100881_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bw4iZgklp_c/T0xJoIFf-QI/AAAAAAAAKCk/pvnTjHNYi_s/s400/P2100881_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And then it was off to watch Clint "retire" his Master Sergeant! It was really interesting to watch the ceremony- and an extra treat was to see "up close and personal" the<b> LAV (Light Armored Vehicle) </b>that Clint and his men are responsible for. </span><span style="color: blue;">They call these "light" with respect to the Heavy Armored Vehicles, otherwise known as Tanks.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jODPV8WsaeM/T0xJv2XSCxI/AAAAAAAAKC8/8vxKnSsNmjw/s1600/P2100954_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jODPV8WsaeM/T0xJv2XSCxI/AAAAAAAAKC8/8vxKnSsNmjw/s400/P2100954_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YO2uEUZ3v80/T0xJoZdw90I/AAAAAAAAKCw/M7UgeeqMpSk/s1600/P2100914_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YO2uEUZ3v80/T0xJoZdw90I/AAAAAAAAKCw/M7UgeeqMpSk/s400/P2100914_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWEflDMlVnQ/T0xJ6tUbpsI/AAAAAAAAKDE/cfVdUmQHZvQ/s1600/P2100977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWEflDMlVnQ/T0xJ6tUbpsI/AAAAAAAAKDE/cfVdUmQHZvQ/s400/P2100977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhWowPCqTik/T0xJ8AdlOJI/AAAAAAAAKDU/wnRxYf-mRWk/s1600/P2101000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hhWowPCqTik/T0xJ8AdlOJI/AAAAAAAAKDU/wnRxYf-mRWk/s400/P2101000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqxhwMWT2nI/T0xJ7M1U0wI/AAAAAAAAKDI/FF8neFAvhNA/s1600/P2100986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqxhwMWT2nI/T0xJ7M1U0wI/AAAAAAAAKDI/FF8neFAvhNA/s400/P2100986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; text-align: left;">And then we took it easy until time to take Reeder to her Basketball Game. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">As if we hadn't already done enough for one day!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">Watching six year olds play basketball can be a bit frustrating given that her team never made a basket and the referees were there just to keep the game from becoming a free for all. I remember watching my own kids play basketball at that age and nothing seems to have changed. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Now that of course is a so definitely the opinion of a basketball player. For me the game was wonderful to watch! After all- what can be more fun than to watch your grandchildren (even as you had watched your own children) do just about anything at all. So for me watching basketball is in the same category as watching soccer- or track- or swimming- or baseball- or dancing- or plays- or concerts... Only in the BIG LEAGUES does it actually matter to me who is actually REALLY playing the game...</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpFRay6QPnM/T0MHvRZEsHI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/Lj2TELldmN8/s1600/DSC_0168_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpFRay6QPnM/T0MHvRZEsHI/AAAAAAAAJ8g/Lj2TELldmN8/s400/DSC_0168_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJnveCFkpmQ/T0MH8HNyqRI/AAAAAAAAJ84/yWykE_G5Yt8/s1600/DSC_0171_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SJnveCFkpmQ/T0MH8HNyqRI/AAAAAAAAJ84/yWykE_G5Yt8/s400/DSC_0171_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">On Saturday we decided to go hiking in Joshua Tree National Park. </span><span style="color: #990000;">This is absolutely my favorite thing to do at 20 Palms. Joshua Tree National Park is beautiful. Of course when we were there last summer it was much, much, much to hot to spend a day outside in the desert but for this day the weather was perfect for hiking- not too hot- not too cold- just right!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: blue;">Taking three kids ages 6,4, and 15 months required a fairly short and fairly flat hike, mostly for the adults who would be periodically carrying one of those kids. It is a good thing Marianne has an all wheel drive high center vehicle because our route took us over some "roads" that I wouldn't attempt with any car.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Now look at this next picture and tell me if you'd call what you're looking at a "road"... </span><span style="color: blue;">Actually the picture makes it look pretty good compared to what it really was.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-KtoVKG8bI/T0MJXWwUGyI/AAAAAAAAJ9k/VAZXUDe-ei8/s1600/DSC_0245_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-KtoVKG8bI/T0MJXWwUGyI/AAAAAAAAJ9k/VAZXUDe-ei8/s400/DSC_0245_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">We followed this path for miles- never sure when it would end- never sure if we'd get stuck or not. Have I mentioned before that with Marianne there is never a dull moment. Well Marianne was the one at the wheel- so there was no turning back! And of course true to a Marianne "non plan" we arrived just where we wanted to go!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">But we did eventually get there and it was a beautiful warm day. Along the road we passed this Joshua Tree that was just getting ready to bloom...</span><br />
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</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkZOV1Rz_Z8/T0MKFKza3NI/AAAAAAAAJ98/1qKeDTxAiMU/s1600/DSC_0182_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkZOV1Rz_Z8/T0MKFKza3NI/AAAAAAAAJ98/1qKeDTxAiMU/s400/DSC_0182_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">And once we got to the trail, the desert was beautiful. </span><span style="color: #990000;">Now we've been in different areas of Joshua Tree 3-4 times- but never have we seen such large, gorgeous trees. This trail was a real treat!</span><span style="color: blue;"> The tree in the picture below is probably close to 35 feet tall.</span></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZDNgKeYVOk/T0MK_Sh8zKI/AAAAAAAAJ_A/GfeqTqJtwhc/s1600/DSC_0233_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZDNgKeYVOk/T0MK_Sh8zKI/AAAAAAAAJ_A/GfeqTqJtwhc/s400/DSC_0233_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I don't think the kids ever really got the idea about what a "hike" is supposed to be.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_srCJkTVPoE/T0xI54zgIiI/AAAAAAAAKBc/S-gS0O7ZzPQ/s1600/P2111068_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_srCJkTVPoE/T0xI54zgIiI/AAAAAAAAKBc/S-gS0O7ZzPQ/s400/P2111068_edited-1.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bm0PEkgTzWg/T0MKADT47GI/AAAAAAAAJ90/KTP0YHY_jiQ/s1600/DSC_0197_edited-1+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bm0PEkgTzWg/T0MKADT47GI/AAAAAAAAJ90/KTP0YHY_jiQ/s400/DSC_0197_edited-1+-+Copy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OwcKA2WC1k/T0xI6zKoMxI/AAAAAAAAKBk/7JNWK0Rw1h4/s1600/P2111084_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OwcKA2WC1k/T0xI6zKoMxI/AAAAAAAAKBk/7JNWK0Rw1h4/s400/P2111084_edited-1.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #990000;">I was the only one of the "adults" not routinely "packing" some extra weight!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRrxFQgkRKE/T0MKI4uR5hI/AAAAAAAAJ-I/02W9M3ui00Q/s1600/DSC_0199_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRrxFQgkRKE/T0MKI4uR5hI/AAAAAAAAJ-I/02W9M3ui00Q/s400/DSC_0199_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIinCOuL8W4/T0MK1bPkozI/AAAAAAAAJ-0/p0LNYQxjgj8/s1600/DSC_0231_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIinCOuL8W4/T0MK1bPkozI/AAAAAAAAJ-0/p0LNYQxjgj8/s400/DSC_0231_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig_8LaE-SS8/T0MKojWGV_I/AAAAAAAAJ-k/MVtTaH_LZ0g/s1600/DSC_0229_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig_8LaE-SS8/T0MKojWGV_I/AAAAAAAAJ-k/MVtTaH_LZ0g/s400/DSC_0229_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VoD2hYyVxg/T0MJPl4kWfI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/DMlKCQlPZGs/s1600/DSC_0240_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VoD2hYyVxg/T0MJPl4kWfI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/DMlKCQlPZGs/s400/DSC_0240_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">This big tree looked like it might have been hit by lightening because it was split into four different pieces, each pointing a different direction. Great for climbing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOiA-vAi4o4/T0xI2ju3MDI/AAAAAAAAKBM/jeInvzRDX6w/s1600/P2111049_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JOiA-vAi4o4/T0xI2ju3MDI/AAAAAAAAKBM/jeInvzRDX6w/s400/P2111049_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg1nrDr3mcM/T0xJILG8d_I/AAAAAAAAKBs/D3ZjjlGzzWM/s1600/P2111087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg1nrDr3mcM/T0xJILG8d_I/AAAAAAAAKBs/D3ZjjlGzzWM/s400/P2111087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CG0ETYe7d1A/T0xI3ctkvHI/AAAAAAAAKBU/ZZ0_1wO7TEE/s1600/P2111039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CG0ETYe7d1A/T0xI3ctkvHI/AAAAAAAAKBU/ZZ0_1wO7TEE/s400/P2111039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">AND WE MADE IT TO THE TOP!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mPMNJ6L-9d8/T0MKunLwZpI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/OkO5_7v721o/s1600/DSC_0207_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mPMNJ6L-9d8/T0MKunLwZpI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/OkO5_7v721o/s400/DSC_0207_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkpaQXM_sWk/T0MKiO56bYI/AAAAAAAAJ-c/JDl1nyitffg/s1600/DSC_0227_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkpaQXM_sWk/T0MKiO56bYI/AAAAAAAAJ-c/JDl1nyitffg/s400/DSC_0227_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPnwDz26UnA/T0MKXZTxGWI/AAAAAAAAJ-Q/Vp-oyFSyqNQ/s1600/DSC_0216_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPnwDz26UnA/T0MKXZTxGWI/AAAAAAAAJ-Q/Vp-oyFSyqNQ/s400/DSC_0216_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jU4GrAm0kwU/T0xJYguHSpI/AAAAAAAAKCQ/G9w8aqirVms/s1600/P2111100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jU4GrAm0kwU/T0xJYguHSpI/AAAAAAAAKCQ/G9w8aqirVms/s400/P2111100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5j-uizn1ock/T0xJOuxpp3I/AAAAAAAAKB8/-jSXIxnIzTM/s1600/P2111094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5j-uizn1ock/T0xJOuxpp3I/AAAAAAAAKB8/-jSXIxnIzTM/s400/P2111094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">We finished the day at <a href="http://www.pappyandharriets.com/">Pappy and Harriet's</a> with of course a steak for Clint and Reeder!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_Ti904cL20/T0xKyz6CypI/AAAAAAAAKFc/J0M1ozmZdfw/s1600/415465_3033828977849_1626676814_2636859_2065272988_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_Ti904cL20/T0xKyz6CypI/AAAAAAAAKFc/J0M1ozmZdfw/s400/415465_3033828977849_1626676814_2636859_2065272988_o.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">Now if you're feeling just a wee bit tired, then you know just how we were feeling... So Sunday was quieter (well it was quieter for Clint, Reeder and me). We went for Mani's and Pedi's!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSqm3tWKxP8/T0xIJ9tX8-I/AAAAAAAAKAg/kVnLF4bMJB8/s1600/P2121159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSqm3tWKxP8/T0xIJ9tX8-I/AAAAAAAAKAg/kVnLF4bMJB8/s400/P2121159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSkUGsmPbY4/T0xIYSyOl-I/AAAAAAAAKAo/kXih3BHI3Q4/s1600/P2121149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSkUGsmPbY4/T0xIYSyOl-I/AAAAAAAAKAo/kXih3BHI3Q4/s400/P2121149.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">I would be remiss if I didn't mention that while I was soaking my feet, Don was digging holes in solid rock planting a backyard landscaping project with Marianne!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">We spent our last morning just "hanging out"...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PY1NCyeOygg/T0xH456Y82I/AAAAAAAAKAI/RkqrFYse9a4/s1600/P2131199_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PY1NCyeOygg/T0xH456Y82I/AAAAAAAAKAI/RkqrFYse9a4/s400/P2131199_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7lZpMR--4g/T0xH_VJq1vI/AAAAAAAAKAY/9QoKVvBND1A/s1600/P2131220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7lZpMR--4g/T0xH_VJq1vI/AAAAAAAAKAY/9QoKVvBND1A/s400/P2131220.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">Don showed Weiler and Reeder some of his best basketball moves...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0MNeWubcAg/T0xH0A7E9SI/AAAAAAAAJ_g/Mw2NjsAVsVM/s1600/P2131160_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0MNeWubcAg/T0xH0A7E9SI/AAAAAAAAJ_g/Mw2NjsAVsVM/s400/P2131160_edited-1.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQvsRdOYZHA/T0xH3snGsqI/AAAAAAAAJ_4/PZNzhwVi2Os/s1600/P2131186_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQvsRdOYZHA/T0xH3snGsqI/AAAAAAAAJ_4/PZNzhwVi2Os/s400/P2131186_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">Then we stopped at the Officer's Club for lunch with Clint before we started our drive back to Vegas and then our flight back to Cincinnati...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-u5tUK8Jrk/T0xH7lJ3wYI/AAAAAAAAKAQ/gMyp-_WG_Ck/s1600/P2131232_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-u5tUK8Jrk/T0xH7lJ3wYI/AAAAAAAAKAQ/gMyp-_WG_Ck/s400/P2131232_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">Thanks to Marianne and Clint- and our beautiful babes for a wonderful time in the desert!</span></div>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-65252728220379727112012-02-07T17:24:00.000-05:002012-02-07T17:24:41.761-05:00Escape from the cold- or How I spent my winter vacation: Part One<span style="color: #990000;">We left the cold of the north for points south in January. I probably do need to clarify the "cold" part. We've really been having a rather mild winter here in Cincinnati- and the weather in Niceville, Florida, especially the first couple of days, wasn't much warmer than we've been having in these northern parts. That said- it was the first of our "winter escapes". </span><span style="color: blue;">To clarify, on our first two night in warm Florida the temperature went down to 27 and 28 degrees respectively. I must admit it was a little colder in Cincinnati and there was a brief coating of freezing rain and few flakes falling those first two days, but we didn't do any sunbathing in Niceville.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">We began with Mikayla. That we also saw Brandy and Will and my sister Mary and my Sonata friend Sandy and our friend Gay- might be lost on you if you scroll too quickly through the pictures! What fun we had! So I'll just get right to the point- I know you're anxious. Drum roll please. Here she is! Mikayla!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPzcb23zVD8/Ty3mA8_oo5I/AAAAAAAAJ08/zc90M5nerHo/s1600/DSC_0052_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPzcb23zVD8/Ty3mA8_oo5I/AAAAAAAAJ08/zc90M5nerHo/s400/DSC_0052_edited-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vr4dyQoYqrQ/Ty3mBb_i30I/AAAAAAAAJ1E/6gVvhX-Qrpw/s1600/P1130111_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vr4dyQoYqrQ/Ty3mBb_i30I/AAAAAAAAJ1E/6gVvhX-Qrpw/s400/P1130111_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTSELFnyrR8/Ty3mD1Cg97I/AAAAAAAAJ1M/oJ1ND2Kb_xY/s1600/P1130112_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTSELFnyrR8/Ty3mD1Cg97I/AAAAAAAAJ1M/oJ1ND2Kb_xY/s400/P1130112_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8bTcjmBhvc/Ty3mEvrQcwI/AAAAAAAAJ1U/dyaVYi1NCCk/s1600/P1130114_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8bTcjmBhvc/Ty3mEvrQcwI/AAAAAAAAJ1U/dyaVYi1NCCk/s400/P1130114_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7uqQ9QOlKE/Ty3mHSnH8RI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/0GqG8tvHJOc/s1600/P1130119_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7uqQ9QOlKE/Ty3mHSnH8RI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/0GqG8tvHJOc/s400/P1130119_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And of course WE PLAYED!</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">In the castle that Auntie Boo and Prince Evan gave Mikayla for Christmas...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJnsgvp__WA/TydThv934EI/AAAAAAAAJwo/_Ta2sFLza_M/s1600/DSC_0045_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJnsgvp__WA/TydThv934EI/AAAAAAAAJwo/_Ta2sFLza_M/s400/DSC_0045_edited-1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXeEEX-6mSg/TydTi6xUekI/AAAAAAAAJw0/fQvZepTMp4s/s1600/DSC_0042_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXeEEX-6mSg/TydTi6xUekI/AAAAAAAAJw0/fQvZepTMp4s/s400/DSC_0042_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">With Mommy's IPad...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLiJvLsGyLc/Ty3mXQgZjpI/AAAAAAAAJ18/mGHxtCXXxRY/s1600/P1130150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLiJvLsGyLc/Ty3mXQgZjpI/AAAAAAAAJ18/mGHxtCXXxRY/s400/P1130150.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And of course we spent much time taking care of the BABIES!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6O5tZtWuqg/Ty3mX6DaE4I/AAAAAAAAJ2E/WlpOv7AEM8A/s1600/P1130145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6O5tZtWuqg/Ty3mX6DaE4I/AAAAAAAAJ2E/WlpOv7AEM8A/s400/P1130145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">We all know how much work "babycare" can be...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NBZHiwiydM/Ty3mHtwq6gI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/T5DXKJLICVg/s1600/P1130131_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NBZHiwiydM/Ty3mHtwq6gI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/T5DXKJLICVg/s400/P1130131_edited-1.JPG" width="236" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And we even had a day when "illness" was abundant...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKuXY3w7XuE/Ty3nUCBsIoI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/xm1ZYaRckLU/s1600/P1160460_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKuXY3w7XuE/Ty3nUCBsIoI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/xm1ZYaRckLU/s400/P1160460_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And of course there was the trip to the bookstore (that even had a train!)...</span><br />
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</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--spUb3r_7QE/TydT_TqstUI/AAAAAAAAJxs/PGsaxWi7UXQ/s1600/DSC_0079_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--spUb3r_7QE/TydT_TqstUI/AAAAAAAAJxs/PGsaxWi7UXQ/s400/DSC_0079_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3pcfYRa--jo/Ty3nNvALSDI/AAAAAAAAJ3I/vDKLmdus2Pw/s1600/P1160279_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3pcfYRa--jo/Ty3nNvALSDI/AAAAAAAAJ3I/vDKLmdus2Pw/s400/P1160279_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVv9yQaFP1A/TydUPrKD59I/AAAAAAAAJx8/Wn0-YRZcTCo/s1600/DSC_0087_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVv9yQaFP1A/TydUPrKD59I/AAAAAAAAJx8/Wn0-YRZcTCo/s400/DSC_0087_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And of course there were trips to the park! Our favorite thing (after taking care of "babies") to do...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vK3ctJKvNX0/TydTilsTx4I/AAAAAAAAJww/VvQP3-nvNeI/s1600/DSC_0058_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vK3ctJKvNX0/TydTilsTx4I/AAAAAAAAJww/VvQP3-nvNeI/s400/DSC_0058_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5tHkvuO-sQ/TydUQ3_zLOI/AAAAAAAAJyE/b2TohCNuP6U/s1600/DSC_0096_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5tHkvuO-sQ/TydUQ3_zLOI/AAAAAAAAJyE/b2TohCNuP6U/s400/DSC_0096_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcaoMX-5KUs/TydUXfVxbOI/AAAAAAAAJyU/iXYChUlSZZI/s1600/DSC_0101_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcaoMX-5KUs/TydUXfVxbOI/AAAAAAAAJyU/iXYChUlSZZI/s400/DSC_0101_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--wSCLxObVZ0/Ty3lwpIcIAI/AAAAAAAAJ0k/xwIZm4UjFyc/s1600/P1140185_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--wSCLxObVZ0/Ty3lwpIcIAI/AAAAAAAAJ0k/xwIZm4UjFyc/s400/P1140185_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oP-yOv6E3xQ/Ty3lwz6vAhI/AAAAAAAAJ0o/pYQHVb10XIg/s1600/P1140190_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oP-yOv6E3xQ/Ty3lwz6vAhI/AAAAAAAAJ0o/pYQHVb10XIg/s400/P1140190_edited-1.JPG" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-illz_kSUap4/Ty3my9zZ7jI/AAAAAAAAJ2c/6k9SU1EhQfY/s1600/P1150213_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-illz_kSUap4/Ty3my9zZ7jI/AAAAAAAAJ2c/6k9SU1EhQfY/s400/P1150213_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZJTulslo4c/Ty3muqfyZLI/AAAAAAAAJ2U/9zk2DtTULqI/s1600/P1150267_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZJTulslo4c/Ty3muqfyZLI/AAAAAAAAJ2U/9zk2DtTULqI/s400/P1150267_edited-1.JPG" width="368" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jKnwYcpDd0/TydUXpBMiaI/AAAAAAAAJyc/Dx4RNDStCNM/s1600/DSC_0123_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jKnwYcpDd0/TydUXpBMiaI/AAAAAAAAJyc/Dx4RNDStCNM/s400/DSC_0123_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGucFMumJ0A/TydUekO4OJI/AAAAAAAAJyw/8WZ-IC9xjrs/s1600/DSC_0136_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGucFMumJ0A/TydUekO4OJI/AAAAAAAAJyw/8WZ-IC9xjrs/s400/DSC_0136_edited-1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">And did I mention that Brandy and Will came along...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-thYpHfmMPZw/Ty3nGupcUwI/AAAAAAAAJ24/5Vdi1IJDxZE/s1600/P1160309_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-thYpHfmMPZw/Ty3nGupcUwI/AAAAAAAAJ24/5Vdi1IJDxZE/s400/P1160309_edited-1.JPG" width="292" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o60E8r1Qoe4/Ty3m15vDNsI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/4Du2enFzj58/s1600/P1150201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o60E8r1Qoe4/Ty3m15vDNsI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/4Du2enFzj58/s400/P1150201.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KJ-OM7NFMA/TydUXO7aLBI/AAAAAAAAJyM/Q3ddKrjcdL0/s1600/DSC_0121_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KJ-OM7NFMA/TydUXO7aLBI/AAAAAAAAJyM/Q3ddKrjcdL0/s400/DSC_0121_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And that we made it over to the dunes by the gulf...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2CdPtuAUqnk/Ty3nMxfnGoI/AAAAAAAAJ3A/lB5gXOYt5R0/s1600/P1160394_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2CdPtuAUqnk/Ty3nMxfnGoI/AAAAAAAAJ3A/lB5gXOYt5R0/s400/P1160394_edited-1.JPG" width="388" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAkdyFjEOUU/TydUeIMjyWI/AAAAAAAAJyo/9nnqd0LHBhY/s1600/DSC_0144_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAkdyFjEOUU/TydUeIMjyWI/AAAAAAAAJyo/9nnqd0LHBhY/s400/DSC_0144_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">We had such a wonderful time! Brandy and Will always go out of their way to make sure our stay is wonderful. Why Will even "fried" us up a turkey!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBncMbqLiM0/TydTs89AKcI/AAAAAAAAJxA/f4BQgg_Y1RA/s1600/DSC_0059_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBncMbqLiM0/TydTs89AKcI/AAAAAAAAJxA/f4BQgg_Y1RA/s400/DSC_0059_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1yW0rqadpI/TydTuo9FvZI/AAAAAAAAJxQ/ePrqs9cIFXs/s1600/DSC_0067_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1yW0rqadpI/TydTuo9FvZI/AAAAAAAAJxQ/ePrqs9cIFXs/s400/DSC_0067_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Note the hot oil splattering out of the fryer.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aI7MSxFSHWc/TydTuRuQdJI/AAAAAAAAJxI/CTtMy4M3xf0/s1600/DSC_0069_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aI7MSxFSHWc/TydTuRuQdJI/AAAAAAAAJxI/CTtMy4M3xf0/s400/DSC_0069_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dhjl9YUcmk/TydUPAsxIrI/AAAAAAAAJx0/rneuzr9zyFc/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3dhjl9YUcmk/TydUPAsxIrI/AAAAAAAAJx0/rneuzr9zyFc/s400/DSC_0072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lgtei8bGiY/TydT18c6aAI/AAAAAAAAJxY/OLwMZHoI6vM/s1600/DSC_0073_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lgtei8bGiY/TydT18c6aAI/AAAAAAAAJxY/OLwMZHoI6vM/s400/DSC_0073_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Will is a great cook- and Brandy and Will go to great lengths to pamper us during our visits! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Now after our stay with Brandy, Will and Mikayla, we were off to Sanibel Island for a visit with my sister. I'll just mention here that it was decidedly warmer in Sanibel than it had been in Niceville. This is "winter" Florida that everyone imagines- warm, sunny days, gorgeous beach- and of course for us great company! </span><span style="color: blue;">You might think that driving from one city in Florida to another would be a fairly easy trip. But from Niceville to Sanibel is 570 miles and it took over 10 hours to get there. And the two cities are both on the Gulf coast It only takes 11 hours to get from Ohio to Niceville.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Md4h8NElwJ4/Ty3n4VHm6FI/AAAAAAAAJ34/Pi1uPMfE8lI/s1600/P1180480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Md4h8NElwJ4/Ty3n4VHm6FI/AAAAAAAAJ34/Pi1uPMfE8lI/s400/P1180480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvWNK6B_Uls/Ty3oIJejYsI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/la5kLrjJCcw/s1600/P1180483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvWNK6B_Uls/Ty3oIJejYsI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/la5kLrjJCcw/s400/P1180483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZYIy3_WS_s/Ty3oJFlLg4I/AAAAAAAAJ4U/T3rPlxA5Lwk/s1600/P1180489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZYIy3_WS_s/Ty3oJFlLg4I/AAAAAAAAJ4U/T3rPlxA5Lwk/s400/P1180489.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And there was a bike ride through <a href="http://www.fws.gov/dingdarling/">Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge</a>...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdL9cVBadKA/Ty3rlPGgzFI/AAAAAAAAJ48/msnvRTyj6HM/s1600/P1190499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdL9cVBadKA/Ty3rlPGgzFI/AAAAAAAAJ48/msnvRTyj6HM/s400/P1190499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1J6gij8EraA/Ty3rlpQhBCI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/yEqQ04YXeVA/s1600/P1190524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1J6gij8EraA/Ty3rlpQhBCI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/yEqQ04YXeVA/s400/P1190524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rIS8RpUJfEM/Ty3rmitp4zI/AAAAAAAAJ5M/8YWNl90aigQ/s1600/P1190531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rIS8RpUJfEM/Ty3rmitp4zI/AAAAAAAAJ5M/8YWNl90aigQ/s400/P1190531.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">I should mention that DON HATES ALLIGATORS- and when we spotted this little one on our bike ride he barely paused to look. It's not that I have any affection for the ugly reptiles- but on Sanibel Island it rather seems like one of the "check in the box" things to see... </span><span style="color: blue;">I think it's safe to say that there really aren't any reptiles that I like, and I don't have any reptile boxes that need checking.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55ix3kfEnhc/Ty3rsT6HwqI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/KtL8RxttMgw/s1600/P1190543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55ix3kfEnhc/Ty3rsT6HwqI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/KtL8RxttMgw/s320/P1190543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FG9biwhUBIc/Ty3oJWfsjII/AAAAAAAAJ4Y/ZFi2_bqvHiI/s1600/P1180485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FG9biwhUBIc/Ty3oJWfsjII/AAAAAAAAJ4Y/ZFi2_bqvHiI/s400/P1180485.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">We even took Roxie with us to the library for Mary to fax some papers for Don...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RuSzntZz6A/Ty3n32G6AnI/AAAAAAAAJ3w/W0boVW_k6qY/s1600/P1180476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RuSzntZz6A/Ty3n32G6AnI/AAAAAAAAJ3w/W0boVW_k6qY/s320/P1180476.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">It did take just a minute or two longer than we might have imagined- have I mentioned that Mary knows absolutely everyone that lives on Sanibel- or so it seems- and everyone on Sanibel wants to stop and talk to Mary...</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And small world that we live in- we even had breakfast with our friends Mary Jo and Don who live about 5 blocks away from us here in Ohio...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cm9zP_D_onA/Ty3n4yIIIWI/AAAAAAAAJ4A/KI_Uk3oONP4/s1600/P1180473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cm9zP_D_onA/Ty3n4yIIIWI/AAAAAAAAJ4A/KI_Uk3oONP4/s400/P1180473.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #990000;">On our last day we had dinner at the Hungry Heron where "BOB 'N' MARY MITCHELL'S SEAFOOD PICCATA" is still #214 on the menu...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpiJzggmVwQ/Ty3oR6xrGBI/AAAAAAAAJ4k/IA0IblDfMaw/s1600/P1180491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpiJzggmVwQ/Ty3oR6xrGBI/AAAAAAAAJ4k/IA0IblDfMaw/s320/P1180491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaIlx_KQ1Q8/Ty3oSyU8MLI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/l2vG3cdPxNY/s1600/P1180498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaIlx_KQ1Q8/Ty3oSyU8MLI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/l2vG3cdPxNY/s400/P1180498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">I might mention that the decor hasn't changed in these 10-15 years either...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">From Sanibel Island we made a brief stop at Sarasota for lunch with my Sonata (piano camp) friend Sandy. We had time to practice on a duet we're doing together next August...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KDwT6cGcxH4/Ty23KO2wKVI/AAAAAAAAJzk/ihX61NU4NLM/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KDwT6cGcxH4/Ty23KO2wKVI/AAAAAAAAJzk/ihX61NU4NLM/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Now for our final stop! A weekend with our dear friend Gay. Oh My- Now there is a good time. I might mention that this is a "What happens in Dunedin, Stays in Dunedin!". So much food, laughter, wine and lazy walks on the beach, and late night talks... Should I mention that I didn't really make the "late night talks"...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-Fgmuti9MQ/Ty3r9OLiPsI/AAAAAAAAJ5s/1WoydIk-PXs/s1600/P1200551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-Fgmuti9MQ/Ty3r9OLiPsI/AAAAAAAAJ5s/1WoydIk-PXs/s400/P1200551.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">So by now we were past exhausted- but so, so, so satisfied! It's what makes life so very wonderful-the time we spend with family and friends!</span>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-80613487525223096642011-12-29T21:34:00.000-05:002011-12-29T21:34:28.025-05:00And Life Does Go On!<span style="color: #990000;">Now I think you thought that perhaps everything just stopped after the wedding- that it was so perfect in every way that from that moment on we'd just stay in a state of euphoria thinking about what a wonderful time we had. Well, I suppose we did for a bit- a very bit.... But it wasn't long until we were BUSY! AGAIN! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Now we're going to cover A LOT of territory with this blog- but like I said we were busy! And I kept meaning to start... First it was going to be "About Fall" but then next thing I know it's Thanksgiving and then Christmas- and Christmas just isn't "fall". Christmas is decidedly "winter". So we're just going to ramble through the last weeks. Maybe you can keep up with us- I'm not sure we did!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Now since I've made a career of procrastination you might know I have quite a collection of "excuses," but trust me for this blog I have a MAJOR EXCUSE- in fact- THREE MAJOR EXCUSES! I started- and even more importantly finished- hand done Christmas Stockings for Brandy, Will and Mikayla. Oh yeah- this might be the best excuse I'll ever have. For the weeks I was working on the stockings I didn't do anything but stockings- well almost anything... But more on that later...</span><span style="color: blue;">I must say that excuses are fueled by procrastination. It's not like the instructions didn't say that each of these stockings should take a person 40-50 hours to complete, and you have to know that was an optimistic opinion most likely based on someone who had done them before and knew the process. And, as Max will explain later, those kits didn't just arrive this fall, nor did Brandy suggest this specific style - Max suggested them and just asked Brandy to pick out which ones they wanted.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Just ask Don if this didn't absolutely take over for those weeks as he did EVERYTHING but work on the stockings. From time to time Don would just shake his head and mutter- "you'll finish them by Christmas- just not sure which Christmas". </span><span style="color: blue;"> You must understand that Max partitions procrastination both on a short term basis and a long term basis. She did work on these projects for 7-8 hours a day over the last few weeks, but getting started on a daily basis follows an hour or so with me in the mornings drinking coffee, a rather long shower and getting dressed process that includes breaks to scan the internet and read the news, breakfast with the NY Times, reading more news and eventually being fully prepared to start the day around noon.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">But before I lay too much at the feet of these stockings it's only fair to say that though I started working on them in early November I didn't get serious, real serious, until mid November. And since the wedding was the first of October, there is a rather long unexplained 6 week gap...</span><span style="color: blue;">Well, not really explainable.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">We began after the wedding with a great fun with the GRANDBABIES! Marianne, Reeder, Hayes and Weiler stayed on in Cincinnati for a couple of weeks after wedding and what fun we had. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">There was a trip to the Children's Museum....</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And there was a trip to "Parky's Farm"...</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibP1zG7mItg/TvvLGcmu98I/AAAAAAAAJlY/crY9Nnrz9-U/s1600/DSC_4582_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibP1zG7mItg/TvvLGcmu98I/AAAAAAAAJlY/crY9Nnrz9-U/s400/DSC_4582_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">And we even had "Sleepovers"- Reeder spent overnight on one night- and then Hayes another! Weiler is still a tad too little, so he'd just come visit when Marianne was here as well! And of course Anthony was over to join the fun!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-De25c85P9ic/TvvN5TtwquI/AAAAAAAAJmc/XQPtHDGxU6Q/s1600/DSC_4377_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-De25c85P9ic/TvvN5TtwquI/AAAAAAAAJmc/XQPtHDGxU6Q/s400/DSC_4377_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">And we made a trip to Bluffton for "Friday Night Lights" Bluffton style- and then a volleyball ball game for Darby...</span><span style="color: blue;">I think on Friday Night Lights, the local football wins lots of games. That's just not the case for Bluffton this past year. I think we left just after halftime, when a cold wind was blowing and the Bluffton Pirates were behind about 40 points. That's Darby below #2 and her Mom (coach Mom) in the red in the background.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">There were plenty of cheering for Darby's team!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">Sarah, Deseree and Anthony came along for the fun...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">Bailey and her Dad!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">Kelly and her new nephew!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">And we even made a trip to the pumpkin patch!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-co6qQ-P8_D8/TvvTSXFhTdI/AAAAAAAAJnc/Hte2jL95U88/s1600/DSC_4650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-co6qQ-P8_D8/TvvTSXFhTdI/AAAAAAAAJnc/Hte2jL95U88/s320/DSC_4650.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: #990000;">Now before you settle into thinking maybe I'll be staying home for a while. WRONG! I was off to Oklahoma for the 40th Reunion of my University of Oklahoma College of Nursing graduating class. Yep you heard it right- 40 years- 40 BIG YEARS! </span><span style="color: blue;"> Of course this provided additional reasons for delay. It seems a lot of these 60 something nurses haven't really adopted technology like Max has. So she took it upon herself to contact her whole class (about 40) and personally invite each one of them. Max searched for these folks every night for over a week trying to find email addresses, telephone numbers or places of employment. I only wish she had told me what problems she was facing so I could have given her my OU Alumni Directory.</span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"> I drove from here to St. Louis where I met up with Susan, Ada and Rosemary- three of my college roommates.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo_pGVPGTmo/TvvUbC2bLjI/AAAAAAAAJn0/XwHAXjqDqDY/s1600/DSC_4652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo_pGVPGTmo/TvvUbC2bLjI/AAAAAAAAJn0/XwHAXjqDqDY/s400/DSC_4652.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Now we actually graduated in Oklahoma City at the OU Health Science Center- but of course we made a trip to Norman where we had spent our freshman and sophomore year. We visited the library- probably my favorite place on campus- and in the great hall and the "stacks" the least changed...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Spel0Ak-rYA/TvvUwEB0PII/AAAAAAAAJoA/jiN8fe7UZps/s1600/DSC_4762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Spel0Ak-rYA/TvvUwEB0PII/AAAAAAAAJoA/jiN8fe7UZps/s400/DSC_4762.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqLOvApeG5k/TvvUvYpLaiI/AAAAAAAAJn4/QOjCKDkcULo/s1600/DSC_4757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqLOvApeG5k/TvvUvYpLaiI/AAAAAAAAJn4/QOjCKDkcULo/s400/DSC_4757.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">And then here I am with Mary- my roommate BEFORE I was roommates with Susan, Rosemary and Ada...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vK0KeWwts4M/TvvVFG3KcvI/AAAAAAAAJoI/V_HhSrhWvcc/s1600/DSC_4695_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vK0KeWwts4M/TvvVFG3KcvI/AAAAAAAAJoI/V_HhSrhWvcc/s400/DSC_4695_edited-1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And in case you're thinking that this must be the end of my roommate list- well you'd be wrong...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1p0DrQ4T00w/TvvVHYCKAAI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/2PLDFKmS30E/s1600/DSC_4708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1p0DrQ4T00w/TvvVHYCKAAI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/2PLDFKmS30E/s400/DSC_4708.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Here's the whole group of roommates- not that this is ALL of my roommates- just all at the reunion. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">(PS- Don't forget that Gay was my very first roommate!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Well I had a great time- and came home quite exhausted- but so glad I'd gone. Of course we predate email- and facebook- and twitter- and blogs- and we'd long ago lost addresses with all the moving about we did before we finally settled- so this was a true REUNION- of friends- and dear friends- who hadn't seen each other for 40 years!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And while I was off to OKC and the 40th Reunion of the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing graduating class! Don took some great pictures of the beauty of an Autumn in Ohio- if you're not too busy to notice!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Since this was going to be a Fall blog, we would be remiss not to add some pictures of Fall colors. About 2 miles from our house is a 335 acre county park called Glenwood Gardens. On my daily walks with Brutus (our mostly Lab) we often go to that park, so I took my camera for some pictures.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Oak Leaf Hydrangea </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnJBZ17A_XM/TvzseEvDIgI/AAAAAAAAJtY/OM557jDMWDg/s1600/DSC_0044_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnJBZ17A_XM/TvzseEvDIgI/AAAAAAAAJtY/OM557jDMWDg/s400/DSC_0044_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Bald Cypress</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9LK_k1l1A_0/TvzsjkI-rJI/AAAAAAAAJto/Gxuja3SFNWM/s1600/DSC_0045_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9LK_k1l1A_0/TvzsjkI-rJI/AAAAAAAAJto/Gxuja3SFNWM/s400/DSC_0045_edited-1.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Staghorn Sumac</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtWtdCLo1fw/TvzszmDvuCI/AAAAAAAAJt0/IR-VSqjOYSU/s1600/DSC_0048_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtWtdCLo1fw/TvzszmDvuCI/AAAAAAAAJt0/IR-VSqjOYSU/s400/DSC_0048_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">I just liked this picture of the mist rising over the meadow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8A4P6VNmfg/Tvzs0bVrX7I/AAAAAAAAJuE/Ih-muSuj8iI/s1600/DSC_0050_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8A4P6VNmfg/Tvzs0bVrX7I/AAAAAAAAJuE/Ih-muSuj8iI/s400/DSC_0050_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Three Maples</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-qndAIu_ZU/TvzsD5KtwyI/AAAAAAAAJs8/VFvvV3qiO3o/s1600/DSC_0042_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-qndAIu_ZU/TvzsD5KtwyI/AAAAAAAAJs8/VFvvV3qiO3o/s400/DSC_0042_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_Wm1QELGmg/TvztREzHY1I/AAAAAAAAJuY/9FyJr73lNyk/s1600/DSC_0052_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_Wm1QELGmg/TvztREzHY1I/AAAAAAAAJuY/9FyJr73lNyk/s400/DSC_0052_edited-1.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Not sure what this is, but I do like it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4ZVLofnjAo/TvztSIHJO1I/AAAAAAAAJug/7_hN1C3KY2c/s1600/DSC_0055_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4ZVLofnjAo/TvztSIHJO1I/AAAAAAAAJug/7_hN1C3KY2c/s400/DSC_0055_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">And finally at our house:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">The red oak outside my desk window</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msvHRZB9CrA/TvztYQMPXMI/AAAAAAAAJuo/_ZZDe4hvMjU/s1600/DSC_0056_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msvHRZB9CrA/TvztYQMPXMI/AAAAAAAAJuo/_ZZDe4hvMjU/s400/DSC_0056_edited-1.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">The Ginko beside the front porch</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmcef5t0d3I/TvztdaKVkYI/AAAAAAAAJu0/9jXfrBbKOkg/s1600/DSC_0059_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmcef5t0d3I/TvztdaKVkYI/AAAAAAAAJu0/9jXfrBbKOkg/s400/DSC_0059_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Now it was right about here that I thought- I suppose it's about time to begin working on the Christmas stockings for Brandy, Will and Mikayla. They had been safely living in the original packages in my work room since last winter. Now don't get me wrong- from time to time I'd think that perhaps I ought to at least take them out of the packaging and read the instructions. But somehow didn't quite fit into my "retirement" schedule.... But of course November is getting mighty close to Christmas so it didn't seem too early too begin preparations. I started by reserving a couple hours a day... I started with Mikayla's...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jy-5hlyLZI/TvvMopo1WQI/AAAAAAAAJl8/r6ehsDNPF3g/s1600/DSC_0098_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jy-5hlyLZI/TvvMopo1WQI/AAAAAAAAJl8/r6ehsDNPF3g/s400/DSC_0098_edited-1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Well by the middle of November I realized I was NEVER going to finish even Mikayla's stocking- much less Will's and Brandy's if I didn't rather dramatically increase the "stocking time commitment"! I had Mikayla's almost finished by Thanksgiving and was starting Will's- the "killer" stocking- over 140 individual felt pieces to be cut out and sewn on- many with sequins and embroidery! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IS95rHArHMg/TvvMnxo8naI/AAAAAAAAJl0/oqCho02AqT4/s1600/DSC_0100_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IS95rHArHMg/TvvMnxo8naI/AAAAAAAAJl0/oqCho02AqT4/s400/DSC_0100_edited-1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">But I'm getting ahead of myself. Will's stocking was only in it's very beginning stages when THANKSGIVING arrived!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">THE NEWLYWEDS ARRIVED! Amber and Evan came down from Chicago and we had our first opportunity to entertain just a couple of "old married folks"! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">They started Thanksgiving morning with the Annual Cincinnati Thanksgiving Day 10K, one of the oldest and largest races in the country. This was the 102nd year of the race! Our racers did terrific!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZb3i0h9iyw/TvvY27gxb-I/AAAAAAAAJoo/jGptukSXqLo/s1600/DSC_4780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZb3i0h9iyw/TvvY27gxb-I/AAAAAAAAJoo/jGptukSXqLo/s400/DSC_4780.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And in addition to Amber and Evan from "out of town", Gay and Amy came up from Florida to celebrate with us. It was their first Thanksgiving with us but we sure hope it won't be their last. It was so much fun having them- and I might mention that Gay more than paid her way with all the work she did in the kitchen!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Don and Amy...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D05LzyrbN8Q/TvvYvkqOHiI/AAAAAAAAJoc/HdVP-mXuE-k/s1600/DSC_4775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D05LzyrbN8Q/TvvYvkqOHiI/AAAAAAAAJoc/HdVP-mXuE-k/s320/DSC_4775.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amy, Gay and Don...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OPzgXgwHZkU/TvvcNUL7h5I/AAAAAAAAJo8/kFBtmEFKUIo/s1600/6591723017_59c8c9d79b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OPzgXgwHZkU/TvvcNUL7h5I/AAAAAAAAJo8/kFBtmEFKUIo/s320/6591723017_59c8c9d79b_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And of course these pictures wouldn't be complete without another picture of our newlyweds! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3S0nQc7wfA/TvvYvTLnINI/AAAAAAAAJoY/vout_rWHzgs/s1600/DSC_4772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3S0nQc7wfA/TvvYvTLnINI/AAAAAAAAJoY/vout_rWHzgs/s400/DSC_4772.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Now it's about here that you'd expect a whole bunch of pictures of Thanksgiving Day dinner- the food, the guests, the decorations. Well you're just not going to get it! After all that time cooking I'm afraid that neither Don or I had much time to grab a camera- and the couple of pictures Don did take were taken in the kitchen AFTER the disaster and didn't make the day particularly inviting at all. And should I mention the fire.... Well because you asked. Don and Amy decided to take the Brutus and Winnie (Amy and Gay's black lab) for a walk- after all the day was gorgeous and I said "sure no problem, I can baste the turkey while you're gone". Well I wasn't very careful so the "turkey juice" dripped to the bottom of the oven. And then add in the little detail that Gay and I overfilled the the casseroles so they bubbled over when they started really cooking in the oven. It started with smoke- LOTS OF SMOKE! And of course every smoke alarm in the house was wailing- and I might mention that in addition to the battery operated alarms (those you can silence by taking the battery out) we also have several connected to our home alarm system and there is no silencing that one except getting rid of the smoke! So Don brought up fans- many fans- from the basement (now you can imagine the effect of whirling fans and open windows have on a "resting" turkey waiting to be sliced!) And of course we had to stop this alarm or soon we'd be visited by the Fire Department! Well it was about this time the grease in the oven started flaming and I yelled "GET DON QUICK!" and we started taking those casseroles out of the oven before the oven and the casseroles burned to a crisp- and shut that oven off! Well- as you might guess- this just isn't an environment that is particularly conducive to taking all those "pretty" food pictures you see in the magazines!</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">So you'll just have to take my word for it- we did have a highly successful Thanksgiving- despite the excitement!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Now before we could settle in complete to our QUIET retirement life of working on Christmas stockings we were off again.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">First we made it up to Bluffton for quite a show! I went with Kelly to Darby's Dance Recital...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbOtIAuxDk8/TvyvAtyaLFI/AAAAAAAAJpU/DhPln8v_lQ8/s1600/DSC_4838_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbOtIAuxDk8/TvyvAtyaLFI/AAAAAAAAJpU/DhPln8v_lQ8/s400/DSC_4838_edited-1.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHraqi_qgdc/TvyvCTBROAI/AAAAAAAAJpc/KHmgZFrjeOk/s1600/DSC_4853_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHraqi_qgdc/TvyvCTBROAI/AAAAAAAAJpc/KHmgZFrjeOk/s400/DSC_4853_edited-1.JPG" width="263" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2-muS5nva0/TvyvDRyPTjI/AAAAAAAAJps/tNIBng7agyU/s1600/DSC_4862_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2-muS5nva0/TvyvDRyPTjI/AAAAAAAAJps/tNIBng7agyU/s400/DSC_4862_edited-1.JPG" width="263" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NONAeDilALc/TvyvqUQInGI/AAAAAAAAJqE/jIZxPsReWtc/s1600/DSC_4827_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NONAeDilALc/TvyvqUQInGI/AAAAAAAAJqE/jIZxPsReWtc/s400/DSC_4827_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And while I was watching Darby Dance! Don was over with Pat watching Bailey play basketball!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">My great niece Bailey has some great potential in basketball. She lettered last year as a Freshman and should have started most of the games. She is tall, strong, left handed and works very hard. Here are some action shots her getting baskets during the game.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i>Oh, I almost forgot- in between Thanksgiving- and the beginning of our travels to Bluffton and then to Oklahoma (more on that later!) ANTHONY TURNED FOUR!</i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtIBFzENMwU/TvyvKZxQhzI/AAAAAAAAJp0/qOx41jDi5So/s1600/DSC_4790_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtIBFzENMwU/TvyvKZxQhzI/AAAAAAAAJp0/qOx41jDi5So/s400/DSC_4790_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">So we took off in the car for Oklahoma- and a wonderful visit with family and friends. Every minute was packed with a visit with a special person- family in Tulsa- friends in OKC/Norman! A good time was had by all- well I don't know about "all" but I had a great time!</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL WAS SPENDING TIME WITH DAD AND FAY!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--889J6-I4TY/Tvy5eaf3tPI/AAAAAAAAJsc/689RPc7j-s4/s1600/6595413597_155f036a12_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--889J6-I4TY/Tvy5eaf3tPI/AAAAAAAAJsc/689RPc7j-s4/s400/6595413597_155f036a12_o.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And Nancy and Bub invited us all out for a Saturday brunch. I might mention that Nancy's cooking is fantastic. If given an opportunity to eat her food snap it up quick before anyone has a chance to snatch it out of your hand!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9d2Rl7m4-oc/Tvy0jaM6aRI/AAAAAAAAJqU/vZffReSpgm4/s1600/6595416933_f7d81a64e6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9d2Rl7m4-oc/Tvy0jaM6aRI/AAAAAAAAJqU/vZffReSpgm4/s400/6595416933_f7d81a64e6_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And then we enjoyed the spectacular hospitality of our close friends in OKC, Clare and Oliver!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ol0-UCr99M8/Tvy0jMerWCI/AAAAAAAAJqM/7sbBrXX263c/s1600/6595423023_881e9d896b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ol0-UCr99M8/Tvy0jMerWCI/AAAAAAAAJqM/7sbBrXX263c/s400/6595423023_881e9d896b_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">They even hosted a wine and cheese party before we all headed for dinner at a wonderful restaurant in OKC!</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Oliver, Bruce Parker and Clare...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Don and Sharon Parker...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Mary and John Holter...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And at dinner...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And we spent a day with Kathy and TH Milby in Norman!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Kathy and I left the "boys" behind and went out to lunch with Earline at Victoria's Pasta Shop...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQkqdL19Ido/TvvcOS3RgFI/AAAAAAAAJpE/D9a_i1wsUmQ/s1600/6591730275_70a5797f4c_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQkqdL19Ido/TvvcOS3RgFI/AAAAAAAAJpE/D9a_i1wsUmQ/s400/6591730275_70a5797f4c_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And then Kathy and I just had to stop at the French bakery before we went back to the boys!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i3sJw8E9v7A/TvvcPN6z3iI/AAAAAAAAJpM/qBPDF1P3I9Q/s1600/6591733901_6da0a890c0_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i3sJw8E9v7A/TvvcPN6z3iI/AAAAAAAAJpM/qBPDF1P3I9Q/s400/6591733901_6da0a890c0_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And did I mention that this was TH's 85th birthday!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LpwUv6JPpoo/Tvy0kT30kmI/AAAAAAAAJqk/3uI5xodYcbM/s1600/6595426267_b07e3e22e9_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LpwUv6JPpoo/Tvy0kT30kmI/AAAAAAAAJqk/3uI5xodYcbM/s400/6595426267_b07e3e22e9_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Well I know now I've made you real, real tired reading this very long saga of life after THE WEDDING! But in case you've lost the train of some of the story line it's probably here that I should tell you that yes indeed the stockings were finished by Chri</span><span style="color: #990000;">stmas...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And then "overnighted" to Niceville, Florida where they were hung by the chimney with care!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2Y8IRCHIfw/Tvy8_B4ZGJI/AAAAAAAAJsw/O7IWrEWorMs/s1600/411119_2635612341047_1577626879_2331705_1015390468_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2Y8IRCHIfw/Tvy8_B4ZGJI/AAAAAAAAJsw/O7IWrEWorMs/s400/411119_2635612341047_1577626879_2331705_1015390468_o.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Now if you'll hang in there just a bit more I'll take us all the way to Christmas. And then the story of "what I did with my post wedding vacation" will end!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Our only BIG CELEBRATION was with Michael and Liz and Sarah and Deseree and Anthony on Monday the 26th!</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rue5cLCG9b0/Tvy4T8_2hsI/AAAAAAAAJr0/WvFU5c45E98/s1600/DSC_4915_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rue5cLCG9b0/Tvy4T8_2hsI/AAAAAAAAJr0/WvFU5c45E98/s400/DSC_4915_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">And of course there were presents!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHSsuTLqZgM/Tvy4akbOxGI/AAAAAAAAJsE/g8PiEE5mAOQ/s1600/DSC_4931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHSsuTLqZgM/Tvy4akbOxGI/AAAAAAAAJsE/g8PiEE5mAOQ/s400/DSC_4931.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">And my favorite present: Michael came over early and "rewired" the kitchen so now I have internet in the kitchen! I am connected! </span><span style="color: blue;">This old house of our has plaster walls and my study and the kitchen are the newer parts of the house, they have metal mesh lath under the plaster instead of wood. Unfortunately, our wireless router is in the front of the house and one floor up and we just couldn't get a good wireless signal to the kitchen. I did the first wiring and got the cables from the router to the kitchen and my study. But to get cables long enough, I had to buy a roll and that means the wires didn't have the computer fitting on the ends. I bought the tool and the fittings, but there are 8 tiny wires in the cable and they have to be pushed into tiny holes in a very specific order. Unfortunately, I failed cable fittings, but Michael is a wiz at this sort of thing and actually likes doing it. In less than an hour he had all four fitting on and the kitchen and my study are now both hardwired.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01R_35zYl-8/Tvy4N314KgI/AAAAAAAAJrk/aKGiWMtwGi8/s1600/DSC_4906_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01R_35zYl-8/Tvy4N314KgI/AAAAAAAAJrk/aKGiWMtwGi8/s400/DSC_4906_edited-1.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: #990000;"> And of course there was the tree...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And glass of cognac by the fire on Christmas Eve...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Phth8vrPjR4/Tvy17c914YI/AAAAAAAAJrU/UfZjP_UrcU8/s1600/DSC_4896_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Phth8vrPjR4/Tvy17c914YI/AAAAAAAAJrU/UfZjP_UrcU8/s400/DSC_4896_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">May the joy of the holiday color your New Year. We're glad you've shared so much of our life with us.</span>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-50692280811822684322011-11-19T22:02:00.000-05:002011-11-19T22:02:48.876-05:00Amber and Evan got Married!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The story of this blog actually began over 10 months ago in the wine country north of San Francisco during the holiday season. Amber and Evan were there with Evan's parents to spend the holidays with Evan's sister and her family who lives in Marin. Evan had schemed with his parents and grandmother, gotten an absolutely amazing triangular shaped diamond that had been in his grandmother's ring and had it remounted as an engagement ring. He asked Amber to marry him and offered her that amazing ring, and thus this story began.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Now I believe Amber has been planning her wedding for a long time, well before she ever met Evan or any other possible candidate. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">If you're the baby of the family, you're no stranger to weddings. Amber's already been a bridesmaid in Marianne/Clint and Brandy/Will weddings, plus again for a college housemate. And I could never, ever keep track of how many weddings Amber has attended- not sure Amber could even keep a real accurate count.. So Amber is rather an expert in weddings- in an experiential sort of way.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> I'm sure it morphed over time depending on her dreams, but nonetheless, it was a plan in process. When Amber described her dreams to us it involved an outdoor wedding in the fall in the Cincinnati downtown area and involved a museum if possible. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">While almost everything she had thought she might like in a wedding changed- and especially changed over the last few months, the one thing that she was sure of- she wanted a wedding downtown Cincinnati, she wanted it in the fall, and she wanted it outside. That's where the planning began! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">When we looked at the possibilities (and I assure you Max examined all of the possibilities) there was only one reasonable location to have this affair: it needed to be in the garden of the Taft Museum <a href="http://www.taftmuseum.org/">http://www.taftmuseum.org/</a> . Now Max and I knew that the Taft needed to be the choice, but Amber and Evan were determined that this wedding was going to be their wedding, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">not her mother's idea of the perfect wedding and the most important thing- it must NOT under any circumstance look like one of the siblings weddings- and if you're the baby of 7 there have been lots of weddings</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. So after a trip to Cincinnati to look at sites and evaluate the Taft, Amber and Evan agreed, the date booked, the down payment provided and the planning was begun.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Now I must insert here that this wedding was Amber's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">(and Evan- though I think that probably it was mostly Amber that spent all the hours pouring over wedding blogs- and wedding ideas and wedding magazines- I think Evan might have been watching basketball or baseball instead- just saying...)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> wedding from the word go, although I'm sure she made an effort to involve Evan, regardless of whether or not he happened to be watching the Red Sox play baseball or the Celtics play basketball, or the Bruins play hockey or the Pats play football. Max played a major support role, providing multiple suggestions about dresses, suspenders and bow ties and belts. But the bottom line is that Amber was the architect and Max and I were the enablers. In the end it turned out to be a beautiful wedding that had Amber's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> and Evan's signature all over it. I believe it was a success. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">The challenge of a wedding is taking the same ingredients that are used over and over and over again by brides over the whole country and make your particular wedding unique- that ultimately your wedding is unlike any that has been done before. It's not an easy assignment. Amber was amazing. She was absolutely successful. Her and Evan's wedding was absolutely theirs- it was so very personal- so very much theirs! And so absolutely perfect!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Now there are things that involve men at weddings, but they are significantly in the minority. The women seem to need to do lots of stuff in preparation. There needs to be a Bride's lunch involving only women, there needs to be a "spa day" also involving only women, and of course there needs to be a hair and make-up event the morning of the wedding. That's all female stuff and I'll leave the details to Max.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Well there certainly isn't a reason the guys couldn't have had their own Spa/Luncheon day- guess they just didn't think about it. We started with nails!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8eMLzJzxhg/TshbSSp0bjI/AAAAAAAAJf0/lCOmdLIlxNo/s1600/DSC_4165_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8eMLzJzxhg/TshbSSp0bjI/AAAAAAAAJf0/lCOmdLIlxNo/s400/DSC_4165_edited-1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m75Pt6_iPvk/TshbNxIHxdI/AAAAAAAAJfU/4TG7kwzBz34/s1600/DSC_4144_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m75Pt6_iPvk/TshbNxIHxdI/AAAAAAAAJfU/4TG7kwzBz34/s400/DSC_4144_edited-1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IDNIPqNPMuw/TshbKqd5vzI/AAAAAAAAJfE/Md8qIojhUNw/s1600/DSC_4142_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IDNIPqNPMuw/TshbKqd5vzI/AAAAAAAAJfE/Md8qIojhUNw/s400/DSC_4142_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWoZHIq8jJ0/TshbLy4pFbI/AAAAAAAAJfM/xQTGlGtD1Jc/s1600/DSC_4141_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWoZHIq8jJ0/TshbLy4pFbI/AAAAAAAAJfM/xQTGlGtD1Jc/s400/DSC_4141_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDW-h3uIezw/TshbO00OI7I/AAAAAAAAJfc/Y1q-74ct8dE/s1600/DSC_4138_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDW-h3uIezw/TshbO00OI7I/AAAAAAAAJfc/Y1q-74ct8dE/s400/DSC_4138_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_xKnRlY46k/Tsha9E8nrEI/AAAAAAAAJe8/HgazRuq7H9Q/s1600/DSC_4170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_xKnRlY46k/Tsha9E8nrEI/AAAAAAAAJe8/HgazRuq7H9Q/s400/DSC_4170.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">We did let Weiler come even though he is a guy! Why who can resist his beautiful smile- melts your heart for sure!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">And then we were off to lunch at the Iron Horse Inn for the Bride's lunch!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgytdrNTJQE/Tshbs8r5sxI/AAAAAAAAJgc/_Nn36ECjWh8/s1600/DSC_4188_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgytdrNTJQE/Tshbs8r5sxI/AAAAAAAAJgc/_Nn36ECjWh8/s400/DSC_4188_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VKG3ujs5Y2U/TshbrHyxJ6I/AAAAAAAAJgQ/nMfau5_3i8E/s1600/DSC_4181_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VKG3ujs5Y2U/TshbrHyxJ6I/AAAAAAAAJgQ/nMfau5_3i8E/s400/DSC_4181_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">I think probably this is the time to say that Jen- Amber's best friend since I suppose around 4th grade was the most amazing MAID OF HONOR ever! She was always there when we needed her- she was absolutely supportive of Amber- And I understand planned the best bachelorette party ever! An absolutely perfect Maid of Honor for an absolutely perfect wedding!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJSQuTqs4T0/Tshbw2t0BTI/AAAAAAAAJgs/WUlW489K5vI/s1600/DSC_4178_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJSQuTqs4T0/Tshbw2t0BTI/AAAAAAAAJgs/WUlW489K5vI/s400/DSC_4178_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dORQ_qgKEF4/Tshbq5z-eKI/AAAAAAAAJgM/WnOqdp4_1I8/s1600/DSC_4177_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dORQ_qgKEF4/Tshbq5z-eKI/AAAAAAAAJgM/WnOqdp4_1I8/s400/DSC_4177_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The evening before we rehearsed for this event. I have heard that dress rehearsals for major plays sometimes are disasters that make you realize the play will never work. Our rehearsal was somewhat similar in some respects. We pretty well figured out what the event would look like, but when you have a 5 "little ones" from 2-5 years old participating as flower girls and ring bearers (although we would never trust a 3 year old with a ring), you never really know how it will work out. And at the rehearsal, only one flower girl (Reeder who is 5 and is actually an "experienced" flower girl) even agreed to walk down the aisle; the other little girls absolutely refused. And the two boys who were going to carry a sign announcing the bride mostly wanted to swing the sign around as though it were a weapon. But we did work out the process involving who was where when, and we came away with a plan. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Well since there was not even a little inkling that any of the "little ones" but Reeder would make the trip down the aisle we mostly made a plan for what we would do with the 4 that weren't really showing any signs of walking down that aisle! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzE6xEhUXLs/TrQM9gVsC2I/AAAAAAAAJRs/6U1RGbLcqeA/s1600/DSC_0008_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzE6xEhUXLs/TrQM9gVsC2I/AAAAAAAAJRs/6U1RGbLcqeA/s400/DSC_0008_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Jen, maid of honor, was there beside Amber all the way, providing her experience and expertise in event planning...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkJvMUK8kIM/TrQNcQESlzI/AAAAAAAAJSs/1bf4oJvIjKI/s1600/DSC_0025_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkJvMUK8kIM/TrQNcQESlzI/AAAAAAAAJSs/1bf4oJvIjKI/s400/DSC_0025_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The group was all there as we learned and practiced our parts. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWOto0IE_vg/TrQM_nygS9I/AAAAAAAAJR4/muO59YuD4tA/s1600/DSC_0005_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lWOto0IE_vg/TrQM_nygS9I/AAAAAAAAJR4/muO59YuD4tA/s400/DSC_0005_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">So after the rehearsal we were off to the party! Al, Evan's dad, decided he needed to get into character for the upcoming cruise down the river. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4uUG36hM4c/TrQNtiI01FI/AAAAAAAAJTU/eq9FnIYK2d8/s1600/DSC_0030_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4uUG36hM4c/TrQNtiI01FI/AAAAAAAAJTU/eq9FnIYK2d8/s400/DSC_0030_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Max assumed responsibility for holding Mikayla...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9zaVraj7SM/TrQNJWvY0iI/AAAAAAAAJSA/bcRZjb9047Q/s1600/DSC_0011_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9zaVraj7SM/TrQNJWvY0iI/AAAAAAAAJSA/bcRZjb9047Q/s400/DSC_0011_edited-1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Evan's parents provided the rehearsal dinner which was a 3 hour cruise down the Ohio River on the Yacht Destiny, with a meal of local Cincinnati fare. We had appetizers from La Rosa's Pizza and Skyline Chili and then a meal from Montgomery Inn BBQ. The boat ride was wonderful, the food was delicious and the event exceeded all expectations. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">I have lived in Cincinnati for 17+ years- never more than 20-30 minutes from the river- but this was the first time I have ever been in a boat- in a boat on the Ohio River. It was absolutely wonderful! What an outstanding way to start the weekend of parties!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs1FPf1lu0U/TrQN2FTNKcI/AAAAAAAAJTg/jo8VVktZBow/s1600/DSC_0036_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs1FPf1lu0U/TrQN2FTNKcI/AAAAAAAAJTg/jo8VVktZBow/s400/DSC_0036_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdmLSdEx-20/TrQN5kl2IKI/AAAAAAAAJTs/tH56GGMqwi8/s1600/DSC_0043_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdmLSdEx-20/TrQN5kl2IKI/AAAAAAAAJTs/tH56GGMqwi8/s400/DSC_0043_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">This is Amber with Annie- one of her friends from the semester she spent in Spain. It was so much fun to finally meet Annie (and then the next day Natalie)- friends I'd heard so much about but never had the opportunity to meet!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Evan and his best friends from growing up in Las Vegas...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5Z1Z2SDyls/TrQOWnxOu7I/AAAAAAAAJUc/pogfbAmq3FY/s1600/DSC_0052_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5Z1Z2SDyls/TrQOWnxOu7I/AAAAAAAAJUc/pogfbAmq3FY/s400/DSC_0052_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-wwlv13w18/TrQOnglQ0pI/AAAAAAAAJU4/4tmt8d_axqY/s1600/DSC_0066_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-wwlv13w18/TrQOnglQ0pI/AAAAAAAAJU4/4tmt8d_axqY/s400/DSC_0066_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The ride back to the dock with Cincinnati lit up on the banks and the bridges spanning the river in full glory provided a great finish to the ride.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-BuBgRjIGk/TrQPO-J36XI/AAAAAAAAJWk/lWU4YHn63LE/s1600/DSC_0095_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-BuBgRjIGk/TrQPO-J36XI/AAAAAAAAJWk/lWU4YHn63LE/s400/DSC_0095_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etybX2o48VU/TrQPoNIjnrI/AAAAAAAAJXE/AAiP1SV0-Qo/s1600/DSC_0106_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etybX2o48VU/TrQPoNIjnrI/AAAAAAAAJXE/AAiP1SV0-Qo/s400/DSC_0106_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvUaPtYbj_Q/TrQPqZe54mI/AAAAAAAAJXU/DMqAY4Togxk/s1600/DSC_0109_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvUaPtYbj_Q/TrQPqZe54mI/AAAAAAAAJXU/DMqAY4Togxk/s400/DSC_0109_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Now while Don was up on deck taking these incredible pictures of Cincinnati I was down below (it was just a bit too chilly for me to spend much time on deck) and I took pictures of some really special people who made this a great party!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obussN0Ig2s/Tshhi-H-a7I/AAAAAAAAJhU/f0bEzoNFH7Y/s1600/DSC_4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obussN0Ig2s/Tshhi-H-a7I/AAAAAAAAJhU/f0bEzoNFH7Y/s400/DSC_4225.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqdCEzxw8jk/TshhkvE2x-I/AAAAAAAAJhc/tAzVEA3nPE4/s1600/DSC_4229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqdCEzxw8jk/TshhkvE2x-I/AAAAAAAAJhc/tAzVEA3nPE4/s400/DSC_4229.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Now I want to stop here and talk about the "back story" of this wedding- GETTING MY FATHER TO THE WEDDING! Dad hasn't been in that of great of health this past year- which still is a bit surreal for all of us- Dad just always seemed quite indestructible. In fact he was in the hospital the week before the wedding was scheduled. But I was ABSOLUTELY DETERMINED! Part of the reason for selecting this particular "fall weekend"- October 1- for the wedding- was because it just so happens that my Dad would have his 87th birthday- and my beautiful stepmother her 77th on October 2! And what better place to celebrate than at the wedding brunch on the Sunday morning after the wedding. It was perfect. But then Dad just wasn't feeling well. Finally he perked up about 5 days before the wedding (3 before the flight) and Fay and Dad successfully made the BIG EVENT! Fay tells me that she actually told the doctor that I was so determined that he make the wedding of his youngest granddaughter she thought I might actually bring him here on a stretcher! Well the stretcher wasn't necessary- didn't even need a wheelchair. And he had a great time. And for me- it was PERFECT!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut__rm_f0gA/Tshhk3Uz7hI/AAAAAAAAJhg/wvTaW9rCcOM/s1600/DSC_4233_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut__rm_f0gA/Tshhk3Uz7hI/AAAAAAAAJhg/wvTaW9rCcOM/s400/DSC_4233_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Don with Michael and Liz!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh5XSnqlZnc/Tshhys9ZqOI/AAAAAAAAJiA/SsWCVs_Kdmg/s1600/DSC_4234_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh5XSnqlZnc/Tshhys9ZqOI/AAAAAAAAJiA/SsWCVs_Kdmg/s400/DSC_4234_edited-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Fouad and Oliver!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nNIrcWbfurc/TshifO2Hc2I/AAAAAAAAJiI/W24c6SWO1sg/s1600/DSC_4236_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nNIrcWbfurc/TshifO2Hc2I/AAAAAAAAJiI/W24c6SWO1sg/s320/DSC_4236_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Earline- a dear friend from Norman for better than 30 years..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlqAo_AgiGA/Tshhsd8GEhI/AAAAAAAAJh0/himXIhAsd4U/s1600/DSC_4238_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XlqAo_AgiGA/Tshhsd8GEhI/AAAAAAAAJh0/himXIhAsd4U/s320/DSC_4238_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Gay and Marianne! (I would like to mention that Gay was my "maid of honor" and did she ever live up to the responsibilities. I highly recommend that every "mother of the bride" have their very own "maid"!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqn7g_7i3nE/Tshhpf9uvRI/AAAAAAAAJhs/8oSY6PcGlfA/s1600/DSC_4237_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqn7g_7i3nE/Tshhpf9uvRI/AAAAAAAAJhs/8oSY6PcGlfA/s320/DSC_4237_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Mary Ezra (the other half of Fouad) and Will!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Finally, the wedding day, and many thanks to Sarah for all of these pictures. Max and I were a bit busy with other business, and Sarah was on focus to record the events. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Now if you go to this website: </span><a href="http://bhpimages.net/blog/2011/10/13/amber-and-evan/">http://bhpimages.net/blog/2011/10/13/amber-and-evan/</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">you can see the preview of the pictures taken by our photographers. Now if you'd like to see more pictures than these then just email me- the photographers took a little of 2000!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">This was a bit of an unusual wedding in that it was interdenominational between a Jewish groom and an Episcopalian bride. We were able to find a Rabbi and a Priest, both women, who knew each other and agreed to jointly officiate this wedding. So the wedding was a unique blend of language, tradition, and ceremony. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The actual ceremony took place under a chuppah that incorporated an old lace table cloth from Max's Aunt Annie Mae. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">I especially love the chuppah (not just because it was so special because of Aunt Annie- but because under this chuppah stood Don and I as well and Evan's parents and Amber and Evan. How very special for parents- much more significant than sitting on the front row.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zyfClxiI5o/TrsdJLtbKmI/AAAAAAAAJb0/izI_xXwbSV4/s1600/DSC_3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zyfClxiI5o/TrsdJLtbKmI/AAAAAAAAJb0/izI_xXwbSV4/s400/DSC_3601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9Pe9X8rIpY/TrsdG2_i2sI/AAAAAAAAJbs/JoXTlvgDhfc/s1600/DSC_3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9Pe9X8rIpY/TrsdG2_i2sI/AAAAAAAAJbs/JoXTlvgDhfc/s400/DSC_3632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">As you can see, Amber loves sunflowers and they were incorporated throughout the wedding and the reception. The bridesmaids were all beautiful. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7Ha_Ql6v5A/TrQQ7cF5xWI/AAAAAAAAJXw/C8ErrtMpeL8/s1600/DSC_3610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7Ha_Ql6v5A/TrQQ7cF5xWI/AAAAAAAAJXw/C8ErrtMpeL8/s400/DSC_3610.JPG" width="376" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZHje_7vq38/TrQQ-6YCaBI/AAAAAAAAJYA/DsSyCwWTbCQ/s1600/DSC_3611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZHje_7vq38/TrQQ-6YCaBI/AAAAAAAAJYA/DsSyCwWTbCQ/s400/DSC_3611.JPG" width="323" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">This is Adrienne, Evan's sister!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_qnlAzHXNE/TrQQ_ZD57mI/AAAAAAAAJYI/04lsEcJ_-nw/s1600/DSC_3613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_qnlAzHXNE/TrQQ_ZD57mI/AAAAAAAAJYI/04lsEcJ_-nw/s400/DSC_3613.JPG" width="278" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The flower girls performed their petal dropping without any hitches. It seems the secret of encouragement involved the fact that we had a candy buffet for all of the guests to partake of, but the candy remained in our preparation room until after the dinner. Thus the parents of the flower girls and sign bearers were able to leverage the gummy bears, jelly beans, and Swedish fish as rewards for performance in the wedding. Each of these children knew that their parents (who were all groomsmen or bridesmaids) had a supply of treats in their possession awaiting them once they performed their duties.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3P-CPttxNhI/TrQRApiszWI/AAAAAAAAJYY/mu_oO1jy6gQ/s1600/DSC_3615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3P-CPttxNhI/TrQRApiszWI/AAAAAAAAJYY/mu_oO1jy6gQ/s400/DSC_3615.JPG" width="242" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfbV9s3Q1H0/TrQRCH27MhI/AAAAAAAAJYg/VQBgsluiLVo/s1600/DSC_3616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfbV9s3Q1H0/TrQRCH27MhI/AAAAAAAAJYg/VQBgsluiLVo/s400/DSC_3616.JPG" width="377" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And although the "ring bearers" weren't trusted with carrying any rings, they did announce the arrival of the Bride.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I74QDjXtpzw/TrQRc_dKnvI/AAAAAAAAJYs/6Pps6A_dLmU/s1600/DSC_3619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I74QDjXtpzw/TrQRc_dKnvI/AAAAAAAAJYs/6Pps6A_dLmU/s400/DSC_3619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And finally Max and I brought Amber down the aisle for the hand off to Evan. I would be remiss if I did not add that the Bride was absolutely stunning in a dress of ivory lace. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Amber was absolutely the most beautiful bride ever- and of course I am an absolutely impartial judge of that!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw-ix9NKyp8/TrQRdAHGxEI/AAAAAAAAJY0/fQppqDAUllw/s1600/DSC_3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw-ix9NKyp8/TrQRdAHGxEI/AAAAAAAAJY0/fQppqDAUllw/s400/DSC_3622.JPG" width="383" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tXJLTg9OW0/TrQRgplTVmI/AAAAAAAAJZE/b77qUGC7fls/s1600/DSC_3624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tXJLTg9OW0/TrQRgplTVmI/AAAAAAAAJZE/b77qUGC7fls/s400/DSC_3624.JPG" width="324" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And Evan didn't look bad himself, even though he wasn't dressed in the sweater vest he had originally suggested for this affair.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The ceremony that Amber and Even developed with the Rabbi and the Priest turned out to be one that people actually listened to and appreciated. It was a wonderful combination of the two customs and perfectly reflected who these two young people are. It was uniquely them.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LEcZ0uXKjM/TrQRjGruVTI/AAAAAAAAJZU/hLWTORQ2y5I/s1600/DSC_3641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LEcZ0uXKjM/TrQRjGruVTI/AAAAAAAAJZU/hLWTORQ2y5I/s400/DSC_3641.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JEO-7p_2hio/TrQRmFVRvSI/AAAAAAAAJZc/horJg1_Wrf8/s1600/DSC_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JEO-7p_2hio/TrQRmFVRvSI/AAAAAAAAJZc/horJg1_Wrf8/s400/DSC_3642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCi_EwECDq0/TrQRmJBLd5I/AAAAAAAAJZg/D56zPGVUBu4/s1600/DSC_3645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCi_EwECDq0/TrQRmJBLd5I/AAAAAAAAJZg/D56zPGVUBu4/s400/DSC_3645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Rings were placed on fingers, a unity candle was lighted, wine was shared, a glass was stomped on and the bond was completed. Then the party began. The bar opened, hors d'oeuves were passed, the photo booth was opened for business, and lots of pictures were taken. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">There were traditional first dances... </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSY5TmaEDqo/TrQSluoHdyI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/ga8J-rkhwj8/s1600/DSC_3666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSY5TmaEDqo/TrQSluoHdyI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/ga8J-rkhwj8/s400/DSC_3666.JPG" width="332" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooYEoCKzMec/TrQSlsMQ5cI/AAAAAAAAJZ0/-eF1v5C1teM/s1600/DSC_3671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooYEoCKzMec/TrQSlsMQ5cI/AAAAAAAAJZ0/-eF1v5C1teM/s400/DSC_3671.JPG" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o43wqhnmW7k/Tr_xnXUVN5I/AAAAAAAAJcg/aHoetloLsj8/s1600/DSC_3677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o43wqhnmW7k/Tr_xnXUVN5I/AAAAAAAAJcg/aHoetloLsj8/s400/DSC_3677.JPG" width="195" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Cupcakes of four different flavors</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"> from our favorite (and local) bakery- the Wyoming Pastry Shop (you've seen them before when we take our "little ones" for the cookies!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">and our own local Graeter's Ice Cream </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">were provided in place of the traditional usually flavorless white wedding cake.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUTLZj4L6_Y/TrQRnY3fQlI/AAAAAAAAJZs/TwchM_vq5xI/s1600/DSC_3646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUTLZj4L6_Y/TrQRnY3fQlI/AAAAAAAAJZs/TwchM_vq5xI/s400/DSC_3646.JPG" width="315" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And there was the traditional Hora which had Amber and Evan wondering if they were riding a roller coaster as they held onto their chairs while being lifted above the crowd. We probably should have planned the Hora a little better by balancing the size of the lifters on the front and back of the chairs, but they both held on to the finish and maintained their positions without the use of seat belts.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42_0-l3t37c/TrQSp6fOtoI/AAAAAAAAJaM/WZ7fCBKx6C4/s1600/DSC_3689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42_0-l3t37c/TrQSp6fOtoI/AAAAAAAAJaM/WZ7fCBKx6C4/s400/DSC_3689.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">As it got later, the party went on even though some of the little ones didn't.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KY3Q7mQu7ek/Tr_xnzrFEiI/AAAAAAAAJco/6qf1Eos3dsM/s1600/DSC_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KY3Q7mQu7ek/Tr_xnzrFEiI/AAAAAAAAJco/6qf1Eos3dsM/s320/DSC_3707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And we finally sent the newlyweds off in their horse drawn carriage after exiting through a gauntlet of sparklers.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BoIhmSPWCXE/TrQS3u9KTYI/AAAAAAAAJbE/1fr_IYhT8Hs/s1600/DSC_3718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BoIhmSPWCXE/TrQS3u9KTYI/AAAAAAAAJbE/1fr_IYhT8Hs/s400/DSC_3718.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">It was a night we will all remember, and most likely the last big party celebrated by this nuclear family. Amber was our last one to get married and weddings are events that bring families together for celebrations. I'm not sure what we could have done to make this a better celebration. We celebrated with family and friends, young and old, from nearby and from far away. This new family has been established and they will start a new limb on this family tree. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Amber is a perfectionist- always has been- always will be. But life isn't perfect- it's often messy and cluttered- but for Amber time stood still- life wasn't as it is ordinarily- and for Amber it was indeed a perfect wedding. Every detail was arranged- her thoughtfulness was amazing- and on that day she and Evan were the most relaxed of brides and grooms- and happy- that deep, come from the soul happiness. And I had the most amazing time. Sometimes I feel a little sad- I'd like to go back- just for awhile to that perfect moment... But then I just go back in my memories and feel so very lucky- to have such a beautiful daughter- and her wonderful new husband- and our amazing family- and friends- and I realize how very, very lucky I am- even when I'm not back in that perfect moment again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">But if all of this was not enough, we had a birthday to celebrate on the next day. We had a brunch at our home and invited all of the wedding guests to come and see the wedding couple one more time before heading to their homes. Max's father and step mom both had birthdays on the next day so we had birthday cake and balloons along with our wedding brunch. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73kVUY0V1TQ/TsAodOD292I/AAAAAAAAJd0/mJ_-tskHn-w/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73kVUY0V1TQ/TsAodOD292I/AAAAAAAAJd0/mJ_-tskHn-w/s400/DSC_0111.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm18-LlmNfE/TsAotI9sOpI/AAAAAAAAJeE/H1oJmNhoKyo/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm18-LlmNfE/TsAotI9sOpI/AAAAAAAAJeE/H1oJmNhoKyo/s400/DSC_0115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-kTMVnZuMY/TrQS583W0gI/AAAAAAAAJbQ/_AAUyiszTm4/s1600/DSC_3737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-kTMVnZuMY/TrQS583W0gI/AAAAAAAAJbQ/_AAUyiszTm4/s400/DSC_3737.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">We are always grateful to our close friends (and honorary family members) Fouad and Mary Ezra who always pitch in to help us celebrate. Fouad is always in charge of the balloons and he never fails to have a circle of children around him.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-z45eJY33I/TsAggmt7EzI/AAAAAAAAJdI/7Hvqtg0sb-4/s1600/DSC_3736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-z45eJY33I/TsAggmt7EzI/AAAAAAAAJdI/7Hvqtg0sb-4/s400/DSC_3736.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">So in our quite exhaustive state- we finished that beautiful weekend celebrating my father- Seems quite appropriate don't you think...</span><br />
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</span>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-30163691921891159042011-08-10T14:26:00.000-04:002011-08-10T14:26:41.293-04:00Summer Vacation<span style="color: #cc0000;">I'm not sure I'd even notice summer- other than the heat- if it weren't for the week when the kids come to visit and suddenly it is summer vacation. So when Brandy and Mikayla (we missed you Will!!!!!!) made their way up from Florida and then Amber and Evan came down from Chicago summer began for me. Now this year it was a both "summer" and "wedding"- so this year's summer vacation was extra special.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Now you're going to notice that an awfully lot (shall we say most) of the pictures include Mikayla. There are several reasons for that- one she doesn't complain much when I try to take her picture- or should I say multiple pictures, and then there's the fact that other than when she was sleeping she was always close at hand. It didn't take her long to realize that if you want someone to pretty much do whatever you want them to do, going straight to Grandma is probably the best approach. And of course she is cuter than cute so the camera just loves to take her picture- again and again and again. You'll see other folks as well- but well, you're going to see a LOT of Mikayla. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Now I think I'll start with where we spent the most time- THE POOL! After all it is blazing hot this summer and in the afternoon if you wanted to be outside the only way it was going to happen without immediate heat stroke was at the pool. So most every afternoon you found us POOLSIDE!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> I don't necessarily agree with Max that summer started when guests arrive. I found it to be summer in early July when the temperatures started soaring into the triple digits and the humidity started in the 90's and only dropped to the 60's during the afternoon. I don't really know how she missed all of that, because it was really hot. Consequently, a good many of these pictures were taken at the pool. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt7bTzZ_oaE/TkKhNJS_GcI/AAAAAAAAJJk/5pNJ3OHzJPA/s1600/DSC_3714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt7bTzZ_oaE/TkKhNJS_GcI/AAAAAAAAJJk/5pNJ3OHzJPA/s400/DSC_3714.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhkZIn1Nju0/TkKhVTmoO5I/AAAAAAAAJJw/AR4dYFDAhDI/s1600/DSC_3708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhkZIn1Nju0/TkKhVTmoO5I/AAAAAAAAJJw/AR4dYFDAhDI/s400/DSC_3708.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztZmCiBSk7U/TkKiJ4Y3B2I/AAAAAAAAJJ8/9ErHfZWwHH0/s1600/DSC_3731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztZmCiBSk7U/TkKiJ4Y3B2I/AAAAAAAAJJ8/9ErHfZWwHH0/s400/DSC_3731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsgVcOOGCrs/TkKlmlf3YPI/AAAAAAAAJMY/s3OM8Ol-waQ/s1600/DSC_3922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsgVcOOGCrs/TkKlmlf3YPI/AAAAAAAAJMY/s3OM8Ol-waQ/s400/DSC_3922.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Watching Mommy DIVE!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXo9EnP3sHQ/TkKlvnnlh4I/AAAAAAAAJMw/RJjaNnW3L2M/s1600/DSC_3936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXo9EnP3sHQ/TkKlvnnlh4I/AAAAAAAAJMw/RJjaNnW3L2M/s400/DSC_3936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg59CFEmH1c/TkKlvpSu1tI/AAAAAAAAJMs/KOH1_KrpvnI/s1600/DSC_3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg59CFEmH1c/TkKlvpSu1tI/AAAAAAAAJMs/KOH1_KrpvnI/s400/DSC_3938.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbYgtWlNO64/TkKieEw1g7I/AAAAAAAAJKw/EhLIbfERuhI/s1600/DSC_3784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbYgtWlNO64/TkKieEw1g7I/AAAAAAAAJKw/EhLIbfERuhI/s400/DSC_3784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqvx588FgEM/TkKiZUf-FlI/AAAAAAAAJKk/L0XeN_dt5yw/s1600/DSC_3777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqvx588FgEM/TkKiZUf-FlI/AAAAAAAAJKk/L0XeN_dt5yw/s400/DSC_3777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw1lWLIZ16Y/TkKiWPREq2I/AAAAAAAAJKc/r67qfFiH7lk/s1600/DSC_3775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw1lWLIZ16Y/TkKiWPREq2I/AAAAAAAAJKc/r67qfFiH7lk/s400/DSC_3775.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw8EcPrKq6k/TkKienwR62I/AAAAAAAAJK0/adxsXXWeIfs/s1600/DSC_3783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw8EcPrKq6k/TkKienwR62I/AAAAAAAAJK0/adxsXXWeIfs/s400/DSC_3783.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zt0sy07zqNY/TkKlh61sDFI/AAAAAAAAJMQ/0qlMYWCeknY/s1600/DSC_3909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zt0sy07zqNY/TkKlh61sDFI/AAAAAAAAJMQ/0qlMYWCeknY/s400/DSC_3909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bkyByGkXPg/TkKlfKv1RQI/AAAAAAAAJMI/jZH25xz3WjQ/s1600/DSC_3908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bkyByGkXPg/TkKlfKv1RQI/AAAAAAAAJMI/jZH25xz3WjQ/s400/DSC_3908.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6cGzrnRqko/TkKlpWNGSPI/AAAAAAAAJMg/J9j8oVXCc8w/s1600/DSC_3931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6cGzrnRqko/TkKlpWNGSPI/AAAAAAAAJMg/J9j8oVXCc8w/s400/DSC_3931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8XQAgjRVDuE/TkKhWSB8ucI/AAAAAAAAJJ0/Ad5CFCkzon0/s1600/DSC_3729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8XQAgjRVDuE/TkKhWSB8ucI/AAAAAAAAJJ0/Ad5CFCkzon0/s400/DSC_3729.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BlGq0fSGmk/TkKiNpNrBQI/AAAAAAAAJKI/3QVX584WLlw/s1600/DSC_3732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BlGq0fSGmk/TkKiNpNrBQI/AAAAAAAAJKI/3QVX584WLlw/s400/DSC_3732.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And then there were dinners at home...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihpMH3BXHOg/TkKiNek00EI/AAAAAAAAJKA/IubwRXT-cx0/s1600/DSC_3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihpMH3BXHOg/TkKiNek00EI/AAAAAAAAJKA/IubwRXT-cx0/s400/DSC_3734.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L097VXWjpWs/TkKlEq5ZR8I/AAAAAAAAJLs/XPGsXbKxm0A/s1600/DSC_3849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L097VXWjpWs/TkKlEq5ZR8I/AAAAAAAAJLs/XPGsXbKxm0A/s400/DSC_3849.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And the trip to Wyoming Pastry Shop... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">I don't think there are any rules that cookies have to be eaten using ones hands.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNwBTcGRBug/TkKiPWPBdhI/AAAAAAAAJKM/Hoa1nPk6RmI/s1600/DSC_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNwBTcGRBug/TkKiPWPBdhI/AAAAAAAAJKM/Hoa1nPk6RmI/s400/DSC_3739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzsQMoNAJeA/TkKiPnNBS6I/AAAAAAAAJKQ/QNroHgX55R8/s1600/DSC_3743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzsQMoNAJeA/TkKiPnNBS6I/AAAAAAAAJKQ/QNroHgX55R8/s400/DSC_3743.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And the trip to the Children's Museum at the Museum Center...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpXuXwY7YFY/TkKiUhaHvxI/AAAAAAAAJKY/Mihdj4qtVg4/s1600/DSC_3748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpXuXwY7YFY/TkKiUhaHvxI/AAAAAAAAJKY/Mihdj4qtVg4/s400/DSC_3748.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNITB4nRZvc/TkKiSBSpOwI/AAAAAAAAJKU/PPoWdsXHArs/s1600/DSC_3752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNITB4nRZvc/TkKiSBSpOwI/AAAAAAAAJKU/PPoWdsXHArs/s400/DSC_3752.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEHTdbRQ1SE/TkKiWe3pYTI/AAAAAAAAJKg/uw2mEyr3Mhs/s1600/DSC_3755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEHTdbRQ1SE/TkKiWe3pYTI/AAAAAAAAJKg/uw2mEyr3Mhs/s400/DSC_3755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And a trip to my favorite- the Cincinnati Zoo!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNMLwnfkdY0/TkKldB3q88I/AAAAAAAAJME/zQQjQZNQuvk/s1600/DSC_3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNMLwnfkdY0/TkKldB3q88I/AAAAAAAAJME/zQQjQZNQuvk/s400/DSC_3872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xE4RmlCH5i0/TkKlaim5J6I/AAAAAAAAJMA/JLLtFOqW9GU/s1600/DSC_3874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xE4RmlCH5i0/TkKlaim5J6I/AAAAAAAAJMA/JLLtFOqW9GU/s400/DSC_3874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5Ai6v7PWMY/TkKliZsvXWI/AAAAAAAAJMU/tjDEM-ZQe_I/s1600/DSC_3887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5Ai6v7PWMY/TkKliZsvXWI/AAAAAAAAJMU/tjDEM-ZQe_I/s400/DSC_3887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8c9-kLlOTZU/TkKlhhQL66I/AAAAAAAAJMM/i7AqXTF_5-o/s1600/DSC_3898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8c9-kLlOTZU/TkKlhhQL66I/AAAAAAAAJMM/i7AqXTF_5-o/s400/DSC_3898.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And of course Cousin Love...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNZKC3Q5KKo/TkKlGVXVZaI/AAAAAAAAJLw/IlTlDR0F9vs/s1600/DSC_3851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNZKC3Q5KKo/TkKlGVXVZaI/AAAAAAAAJLw/IlTlDR0F9vs/s400/DSC_3851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Anthony still asks if Mikayla is here every time he comes over.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GIZpWclMeeY/TkKlHmeObEI/AAAAAAAAJL0/-6fXXbWq1ZU/s1600/DSC_3852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GIZpWclMeeY/TkKlHmeObEI/AAAAAAAAJL0/-6fXXbWq1ZU/s400/DSC_3852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And a fairy come to visit- or what a minute- that's Mikayla!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8proL3T9g9g/TkKhMZBUrzI/AAAAAAAAJJg/bySBkmach8k/s1600/DSC_3695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8proL3T9g9g/TkKhMZBUrzI/AAAAAAAAJJg/bySBkmach8k/s400/DSC_3695.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">But certainly the BIG HIGHLIGHT was the great Bridal Shower that my dear friend Mary Jo Peairs gave for Amber. The food was amazing- and the company was wonderful! Thank you Mary Jo!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sW91a_Timk4/TkKiexPvgPI/AAAAAAAAJK4/5sbqzju1C94/s1600/DSC_3790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sW91a_Timk4/TkKiexPvgPI/AAAAAAAAJK4/5sbqzju1C94/s400/DSC_3790.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And of course the fantastic presents for the bride who was able to succesfully unwrap them with much help from her niece...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I so want to mention that because Brandy and Mikayla flew in to Louisville (a lot cheaper than flying into Cincinnati) we started the vacation with a<span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">special day with Will's sister, Anne and her husband, Sean and adorable son Braxton! What a treat!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">After our Summer Vacation here in Cincinnati, Brandy, Mikayla and I headed for the drive to Florida in the minivan (that minivan is sure logging the miles this year!). Brandy was scheduled for her very last chemotherapy and I wasn't about to miss the celebration- And we did celebrate! They crowned her QUEEN for her last day!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MO6PYnA8dT0/TkKg5ZWuR9I/AAAAAAAAJI8/G7jmXI0WYxY/s1600/6009969147_283d3333f0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MO6PYnA8dT0/TkKg5ZWuR9I/AAAAAAAAJI8/G7jmXI0WYxY/s640/6009969147_283d3333f0_o.jpg" width="379" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And I'll mention I'd drive all the way to Florida to eat Will's fantastic cooking- Impressive!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_BLAe4ZXm7M/TkKhB1ZU_xI/AAAAAAAAJJQ/A3DfHysww74/s1600/6010467444_2923f898d0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_BLAe4ZXm7M/TkKhB1ZU_xI/AAAAAAAAJJQ/A3DfHysww74/s400/6010467444_2923f898d0_o.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And Will helped Mikayla learn to ride her "new" bike that Reeder handed down...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And then there was the celebration dinner at the restaurant of Brandy's choice...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfcT6LxsvKs/TkKhCiCS8zI/AAAAAAAAJJU/au1QUnUBG90/s1600/6010468266_17a2562d3e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfcT6LxsvKs/TkKhCiCS8zI/AAAAAAAAJJU/au1QUnUBG90/s400/6010468266_17a2562d3e_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And bubbles...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And books....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETcAkvX9igg/TkKlvd2sKZI/AAAAAAAAJMo/M-4su22dtVU/s1600/DSC_3947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETcAkvX9igg/TkKlvd2sKZI/AAAAAAAAJMo/M-4su22dtVU/s400/DSC_3947.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And the beach- though I must be honest and tell you that though Mikayla LOVES the pool, and LOVES the bubbles, and LOVES the library, Mikayla DOES NOT LOVE the beach... Grandma made her go...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-86634337184881405492011-07-16T22:13:00.000-04:002011-07-16T22:13:51.513-04:0020 Days and 4675 miles in 3 parts, Part 3<div><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Utah, Hiking, Anne Peairs Wedding, and the drive home</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Leaving Twentynine Palms we drove back through the Mojave Desert, past Las Vegas, into and out of Arizona and into Utah where our destination was Bryce Canyon. The drive started in the hot dry desert with temperatures over 100, eventually passed through a mountain pass with snow along the side of the road and ended in the high, dry plateau at Bryce. Bryce Canyon is an amazing example of the effects of wind, rain, and freezing temperatures on a red limestone depost that is nearly1000 feet thick. The result is one of the most amazing displays of erosion and the beauty of nature. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">I just have to say how absolutely stunning Utah is! Don and I had been to Zion Park just a few years back with Brandy and Will (pre Mikayla) but we had never been to Bryce Canyon. This was our chance. And what a beautiful treat! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Upon arrival at the park, Max and I were able to buy our Senior Pass for access to all U.S. National parklands. Best of all the pass only costs $10.00 and it is good for the rest of our life. There are some advantages to reaching the ripe old age of 62. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">I'm going to order a book on Amazon that includes all the National Parks in the country. I figure we're going to get the most out of this pass. Maybe we'll start putting tacks into our map in Don's office for "visits" to national parks on our Senior Pass!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">When we first arrived we had plenty of time to explore the rim of this canyon. The top of the canyon is at an elevation of about 8,000 feet, and the park provides view points at 5 different places along the rim. There is a hiking trail you can take along the rim, but you are also allowed to drive to each of the points and walk a short distance to the most beautiful views we have seen since Grand Canyon. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Now my heart will always belong to the Grand Canyon- it was love at first sight (just like San Francisco!)- but Bryce Canyon needs to be on everyone's "bucket list". It is absolutely breathtaking. </span>Because we arrived in the early evening, we drove instead of hiking the 3 mile rim walk, especially since we had plans to hike into the canyon the next day. I was amazed to find that these formations are not red sandstone, but rather limestone that was formed around 35-50 million years ago when this area was a very large inland lake. Sediments from the surrounding mountains that drained into the lake contained significant amounts of iron and thus the reason these rocks are red instead of the usual gray color of limestone.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Below are a few pictures taken from the rim. For significantly more pictures, you can look at the a comprehensive photo album at: <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/dsl2949/BryceCanyon?authkey=Gv1sRgCOCG7LLSvLvqnAE">https://picasaweb.google.com/dsl2949/BryceCanyon?authkey=Gv1sRgCOCG7LLSvLvqnAE</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">You really must visit Don's pictures they are well worth the time!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">This view was a perfect occasion to use my fisheye lens.</span></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I talked to the Ranger at the information desk and picked out a hike for the next day. I told him we could do a moderately difficult hike of 5-7 miles and he suggested one that fit that description. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Now I really should have been paying close attention here- but I wasn't- rather wandering about the visitor center while Don discussed hiking the canyon. I should have AT LEAST read about the hikes that evening in the information that the ranger gave us about the canyon. But I didn't- that was a mistake. See- we could do a "moderately difficult" hike because Don has the stamina to do a "difficult" hike- and I can do an "easy" hike and Don thought probably "moderately difficult" was a rather nice compromise. WRONG! This hike was a KILLER! I stopped so many times- in fact- later Don commented how much "shade" had been on the hike- and I gently told him there really wasn't that much "shade" but since I stopped at every single tiny bit of shade the entire hike it just "seemed" like there was a lot of "shade".</span></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">One factor that must be considered is that you start this hike at an elevation of 8000 feet where the air is already pretty thin and drop about 600 feet into the floor of the canyon. It was beautiful going down, but one must remember that you have to climb back up at the end. More on that later. Here are some pictures of the way down. It was called Wall Street, not because it dealt in stocks and bonds, but because it was a path cut out out of a wall and was between two more vertical walls.</span><br />
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</span><span style="color: blue;">Once we reached the bottom, we hiked a short distance to a trail called Peek-a-boo. We had no idea why it had that name, but just that it was a 3 mile hike through some beautiful geology. <span style="color: #cc0000;">I also want to mention here that if I had bothered to read the hiking information I would have known that this particular 3 mile hike was listed as very strenuous! </span>As we hiked that 3 mile trail we found that we kept going up to near the top of the canyon and then back down again and repeated this about 4 different times resulting in a change in elevation of 1631 feet by the time we got to the end . And it became obvious that the name, "Peek-a-boo", was coined because each time we arrived at the top of a climb, we rounded a corner or walked through a short tunnel in the rock to see just another unbelieveable view that sprang up in front of us.</span></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">We did make it back up to the top after about five and a half hours and just as we were running out of water. <span style="color: #cc0000;">I finally just flat out told Don that if he wanted to get me to the top he was going to have to do just a bit of pulling. So let it be recorded that I was rather pulled out of the canyon by Don! </span>It was a very difficult walk for two folks that got into the park on a Senior Pass, and I'm not sure Max would have made it back without a lot of encouragement, but my goodness, it was beautiful.</span></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">From Bryce we drove 70 miles further northwest to Boulder, Utah where we checked into the Boulder Inn. This was the site of the wedding of Jason Weaver and Anne Peairs, daughter of our good friends, Mary Jo and Don Peairs. Mary Jo was Michael's kindergarten teacher when we first moved into our home in Wyoming, OH, and they have become wonderful friends. Anne and Jason live in Salt Lake and since they are both avid outdoors people they chose this Inn for their wedding. Below is the view from our room.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The Inn is in the small town of Boulder that has a population of about 180 people who are mostly involved in farming. Surprisingly, the resturant at the Inn (called Hell's Backbone Kitchen) is run by two entrepreneur women who have organized the local farmers to supply them with fresh, locally grown food. <span style="color: #cc0000;">The food at this restaurant (that we enjoyed at the rehearsal dinner, the wedding reception and breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday) was the best food I had eaten on this trip- and competes easily the the wonderful food we had in Philly as well as Chicago. This place was amazing. Of course I now have the cookbook! You can check it out at <a href="http://www.hellsbackbonegrill.com/">Hells Backbone Grill!</a> </span>That first evening they hosted an informal rehearsal dinner with food provided by the restaurant. Anne and Jason seemed awfully relaxed.</span></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">As I said, Anne and Jason love the out of doors, so we weren't too surprised that on their wedding day the two of them started off the day with an easy 3 mile run (the elevation here is about 7000 ft). After breakfast, what else but a choice of three different organized hikes into the canyons around Boulder. It was very nice that the three hikes represented three different levels of difficultly. Most of us "older" hikers chose the "easy" hike that simply covered about 3 miles along the rim of the canyon instead of delving down to the bottom and then back up again. Below is the more rigorous group heading down into the canyon.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And below are the more "senior" hikers with their guide leading the way. That's Max in the pink top and big hat right behind our guide. <span style="color: #cc0000;">This was my first "guided" hike and what a treat! Our guide had spent his whole life in National Parks (his father was a forest ranger as well) and he really knew his stuff. On top of that he was an amazing flute player. How lucky we were! You can hear our guide play his flute at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/maxannalucas?feature=mhee">Hiking Guide Playing the Flute</a>.</span></span></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And here are some scenes of the canyon.</span></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Those younger hikers who descended to the canyon bottom climbed back out and met us at our half-way vista. Here are Anne and Jason after the early morning run and now a hike down the canyon and back up again.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Of course the wedding was held outside that evening with a beautiful view of the mountains in the background. The thirty odd family members and close friends who attended the wedding were treated to a strolling guitar player, beautiful weather, beautiful views, and what seems to be an absolutely appropriate wedding for these two. The bride was escorted across the lawn by her dad. Ann walked in barefoot looking absolutely stunning!</span></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The wedding was officiated by a friend of Anne's from her Peace Corps experience in Africa. Anne was there 3 years before she came back and completed a graduate engineering degree before being hired by a firm in Salt Lake City! <span style="color: #990000;">Impressive young woman! Rachel, the friend from Africa just finished seminary in time to marry Anne and Jason- perfect timing!</span></span></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">And the bride was beautiful!</span></div><br />
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</span><span style="color: blue;">We left Boulder Sunday morning enroute to Denver, CO, for our next leg of the trip. The drive through the Rockies on I-70 east to Denver is another beautiful trip, <span style="color: #cc0000;">though by now we'd seen "lots of beautiful" and were mostly just ready to get home and sleep in our own beds! </span>We had about an hour delay due to construction on the western side of the Rockies and then made very good time until just after we passed through the Eisenhower Tunnel and began our decent into Denver. Who would have guessed that "rush hour" in Denver is at its very worst on Sunday evening on the drive down the from the mountains into Denver? It took us 2 hours to drive about 50 miles on the interstate highway. I guess we should have guessed it when all of the cars were either pulling boats, carrying bicycles or kayaks, pulling campers, and loaded down with what was obviously camping gear. The real rush hour in Denver is the one coming home after a weekend in the mountains.</span></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Our final two legs of this trip were not nearly as interesting. From Denver we drove to Kansas City and then the next day to Cincinnati, completing our 20 days and 4675 miles on the road. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Now I do want to mention that we made very good use of our time in the car when the view wasn't so "beautiful". We listened to 26 cds of "John Adams" by David McCullough and then finished 10 of the cds of "Franklin and Lucy" by Joseph Persico. So we came back "smarter" than when we left as well.</span></span></div><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I don't believe we will ever repeat this specific journey, but who knows. We were glad to get home, sleep in our own beds, use our own shower in the morning, and especially to not have an agenda for the next day.</span></div></div>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-84577128076730658442011-07-07T21:42:00.001-04:002011-07-10T13:39:36.188-04:0020 days and 4675 miles in 3 parts. Part 2:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>West to Twentynine Palms, CA</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Twentynine Palms, CA is about 1200 miles straight west from Oklahoma City. Since we started a little late after having breakfast with my cousin Vicki, we chose to take our time and make this trip with two stops so our arrival into Twentynine Palms on the third day would be fairly early. We stopped first in Albuquerque and then the second night in Flagstaff. This gave us an easy 4.5 hour drive on our last day. The further west we went the hotter it got. When we crossed the Colorado River into California, our car thermometer read 109. But the drive across the Mojave was uneventful, mostly because there really isn't anything to speak of once you leave Kingman, AZ. We arrived at the gate for the base where Marianne met us and got us our pass so we could drive onto the base. From there it was just a couple miles to their new base housing.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">With the arrival of Weiler, the Kappels were now worthy of a four bedroom house on the base. The place is really very nice with a fenced back yard, patio area, garage, and a good air conditioner (the best part). The first action was to unload the piano from the back of the van. Michael had helped me load it in Cincinnati, but even better help showed up to lug it out of the car and into the house. The Marines landed!! Clint and three of his friends showed up to do the heavy work, allowing me to only look like I was helping. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Don't let Don kid you- he couldn't resist "helping" so with all these strapping Marines to help, Don was still in the middle "pulling his weight!" These Marines by the way are the Lieutenants that served under Clint in Afghanistan. What a fine looking group! </span>Gotta admit, it made me proud just to be holding onto the piano with those four Marines.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And it wasn't too long before Reeder was playing "Grandma", her recital song. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHMhAG6ozuY/ThXDAOSQB8I/AAAAAAAAIxo/zmDthkH7CRk/s1600/IMAG1972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHMhAG6ozuY/ThXDAOSQB8I/AAAAAAAAIxo/zmDthkH7CRk/s400/IMAG1972.jpg" width="238" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Our arrival was only a couple of days after the movers had arrived with all of their stuff. Consequently, our visit provided not only the main object of this trip (to see Clint), but also provided Marianne with some help in moving in, unpacking, putting away, putting together, fixing, painting, and taking care of kids (the last part almost entirely done by Max). <span style="color: #cc0000;">I don't think I saw Don "resting" for even a moment. In addition to painting four rooms, putting together two bikes, a barbq grill (the toughest of his assisngments- but he finished in time for us to cook steaks for supper!), shelving, cabinets.... (I bet it isn't hard for you to decide which color Reeder picked and which color Hayes picked...)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFc8rGFzZRg/ThW52fE1-QI/AAAAAAAAIww/0531zMWp22A/s1600/DSC_3410+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFc8rGFzZRg/ThW52fE1-QI/AAAAAAAAIww/0531zMWp22A/s400/DSC_3410+-+Copy.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">After a nights sleep our first assignment was something more official. The Colonel in charge of Clint's Battalion was transferring and a change of command was needed. Now the Marines take these things very seriously and include a lot of pomp and circumstance. They brought out their vehicles (below is a Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">that they use in their job. <span style="color: #cc0000;">The change of command was really impressive- makes you so proud- proud of my son, proud of the Marines and proud of my country!</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ9UOfBhkQ8/ThX65MFSb9I/AAAAAAAAIzc/b9iyeLWsRLw/s1600/DSC_0002_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ9UOfBhkQ8/ThX65MFSb9I/AAAAAAAAIzc/b9iyeLWsRLw/s400/DSC_0002_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Next came the men under the Colonel's command (although since it was really hot, they only marched out 30 from each of the five Companies instead of all 120 men that make up a company). Below is Clint leading his Company in the parade and the Company "at ease" while the outgoing and incoming Colonels said a "few words". </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7ijFhadF24/ThX6_9HCt_I/AAAAAAAAIzg/vwlX3g0XT3Y/s1600/DSC_0031_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7ijFhadF24/ThX6_9HCt_I/AAAAAAAAIzg/vwlX3g0XT3Y/s400/DSC_0031_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M3UKC2SN6B0/ThX7Bi3nlOI/AAAAAAAAIzk/h17h9AwGK3s/s1600/DSC_0026_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M3UKC2SN6B0/ThX7Bi3nlOI/AAAAAAAAIzk/h17h9AwGK3s/s400/DSC_0026_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And they even marched a few horses around the parade g</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">rounds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq8m9Kn78s4/ThX63SZkhoI/AAAAAAAAIzY/t5rpe5mrmuY/s1600/DSC_0007_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq8m9Kn78s4/ThX63SZkhoI/AAAAAAAAIzY/t5rpe5mrmuY/s400/DSC_0007_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Best of all we got our first family picture that included Weiler!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiI5asf7tvA/ThW3k6OpYZI/AAAAAAAAIs0/cy1GtrQsyME/s1600/DSC_3260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiI5asf7tvA/ThW3k6OpYZI/AAAAAAAAIs0/cy1GtrQsyME/s400/DSC_3260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBo-Xz-YLRo/ThW3lV87mOI/AAAAAAAAIs4/szjalPjUC10/s1600/DSC_3264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBo-Xz-YLRo/ThW3lV87mOI/AAAAAAAAIs4/szjalPjUC10/s400/DSC_3264.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">But everything wasn't just work and parades. We did take a little time for some fun. Marianne and I blew up the inflatable pool so the kids could cool off. Unfortunately the pump to inflate the pools was still packed in one of those boxes piled in the house.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn04Wl4R3EQ/ThX7UL34ZbI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/ZY8-23YoW5g/s1600/DSC_0071_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn04Wl4R3EQ/ThX7UL34ZbI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/ZY8-23YoW5g/s400/DSC_0071_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rN6_gFHsHY/ThX7XRauDvI/AAAAAAAAI0o/YRd6090dRKw/s1600/DSC_0072_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rN6_gFHsHY/ThX7XRauDvI/AAAAAAAAI0o/YRd6090dRKw/s400/DSC_0072_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And Clint's "coming home" present to Hayes was.... Drum roll please....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXuVqaTFgUI/ThXDPBJSlgI/AAAAAAAAIx8/SvxLhniUzEQ/s1600/IMAG1999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXuVqaTFgUI/ThXDPBJSlgI/AAAAAAAAIx8/SvxLhniUzEQ/s400/IMAG1999.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And Reeder and Hayes both got new bicycles to ride.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tgo-LCL95OQ/ThX7LwFPUWI/AAAAAAAAIz0/K5_4uNJwrto/s1600/DSC_0063_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tgo-LCL95OQ/ThX7LwFPUWI/AAAAAAAAIz0/K5_4uNJwrto/s400/DSC_0063_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GBZQ1GnjyU/ThX7Gpct9rI/AAAAAAAAIzo/UWAmv0Sn8cg/s1600/DSC_0057_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GBZQ1GnjyU/ThX7Gpct9rI/AAAAAAAAIzo/UWAmv0Sn8cg/s400/DSC_0057_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hayes and I were out "riding" a couple of times and he would always slow when he passed this BIG BIKE!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azxwYlKliHI/ThZZHPP9kxI/AAAAAAAAI5g/gtdw74sD1Nc/s1600/DSC_3274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azxwYlKliHI/ThZZHPP9kxI/AAAAAAAAI5g/gtdw74sD1Nc/s400/DSC_3274.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I asked Hayes if he might want to take a closer look. He was excited.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UN7ACo_IE_w/ThXDOQgcpEI/AAAAAAAAIx4/JJufDv3BaAw/s1600/IMAG2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UN7ACo_IE_w/ThXDOQgcpEI/AAAAAAAAIx4/JJufDv3BaAw/s400/IMAG2011.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Then he told me, "Grama, when I get big I will ride in the middle seat and you'll ride on the back seat." I do think I might have to decline that- even from this charmer!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And Weiler simply enjoyed being there with everybody and smiling.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6KsDLKHDU9g/ThX7Tw7FzAI/AAAAAAAAI0U/zc7HVMhntHU/s1600/DSC_0076_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6KsDLKHDU9g/ThX7Tw7FzAI/AAAAAAAAI0U/zc7HVMhntHU/s400/DSC_0076_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49bp4gKvAVc/ThW52pjuAtI/AAAAAAAAIw0/JKzvmEvyLhQ/s1600/DSC_3412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49bp4gKvAVc/ThW52pjuAtI/AAAAAAAAIw0/JKzvmEvyLhQ/s400/DSC_3412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5T0Z1fWvkk/ThXDZK1nk3I/AAAAAAAAIyM/yRsDXygfnDo/s1600/IMAG2032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5T0Z1fWvkk/ThXDZK1nk3I/AAAAAAAAIyM/yRsDXygfnDo/s400/IMAG2032.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And Clint got a brand new grill although the picture below was pre-new grill. Nonetheless grilling out in the back yard was an almost daily event.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HebGdAZcV3I/ThW3cQd_oSI/AAAAAAAAIso/x4nF9t-n3Nw/s1600/DSC_3244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HebGdAZcV3I/ThW3cQd_oSI/AAAAAAAAIso/x4nF9t-n3Nw/s400/DSC_3244.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">One real downside of the trip was that Clint didn't have a lot of free time. One would think that after spending several months working 20 hour days getting ready to go to Afghanistan and then spending 7 months over there working essentially 24 hours a day, the Marines could give a guy a little time off. Two unfortunate things happened to prevent this: 1) Clint got a new assignment and a new Colonel when he returned and 2) his replacement for his old assignment wasn't due to show up for another month or so. Consequently, Clint was working two jobs while we were there in preparation of a much needed vacation with his family. <span style="color: #cc0000;">But I might mention that Clint started this "vacation" by climbing Mt. Rainer! How's that for taking a break!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">He did get some time to catch up on sleep and holding his new son.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JRMisgrNIPg/ThX7gPMxS1I/AAAAAAAAI1E/28do3fW4UwA/s1600/DSC_0084_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JRMisgrNIPg/ThX7gPMxS1I/AAAAAAAAI1E/28do3fW4UwA/s400/DSC_0084_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLNv_Pfj4MA/ThX7bytathI/AAAAAAAAI00/nZMguobVquM/s1600/DSC_0082_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLNv_Pfj4MA/ThX7bytathI/AAAAAAAAI00/nZMguobVquM/s400/DSC_0082_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And Clint and I even squeezed a trip in to the park!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mf9hg65C-So/ThW5RbjvVCI/AAAAAAAAIu4/TxvLIiDXMBQ/s1600/DSC_3301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mf9hg65C-So/ThW5RbjvVCI/AAAAAAAAIu4/TxvLIiDXMBQ/s400/DSC_3301.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jdd6kJhT8AI/ThW5TsQjHmI/AAAAAAAAIu8/XJzk2E92DIM/s1600/DSC_3293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jdd6kJhT8AI/ThW5TsQjHmI/AAAAAAAAIu8/XJzk2E92DIM/s640/DSC_3293.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SZScbH82ns/ThW5fZZrxWI/AAAAAAAAIvM/Gh9luFtuz_s/s1600/DSC_3329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SZScbH82ns/ThW5fZZrxWI/AAAAAAAAIvM/Gh9luFtuz_s/s400/DSC_3329.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WXNtthyyLfo/ThW5bJTSeeI/AAAAAAAAIvI/gJNmTD3yzY4/s1600/DSC_3326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WXNtthyyLfo/ThW5bJTSeeI/AAAAAAAAIvI/gJNmTD3yzY4/s400/DSC_3326.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ffKW4KTsa8/ThW5o3y0PDI/AAAAAAAAIvw/NB86P1kFtfU/s1600/DSC_3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ffKW4KTsa8/ThW5o3y0PDI/AAAAAAAAIvw/NB86P1kFtfU/s400/DSC_3328.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">So Max and I focused on helping put the house in order and spending some time with Marianne and the Kids. One morning before temperatures got too high we even ventured out to Joshua Tree National Park for a little hiking and rock climbing. Reeder and Hayes love to climb on the rocks and they are getting really good at it for kids that are 3 and 5 years old.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a81Gsv_CzJk/ThX71DujQKI/AAAAAAAAI1w/U24E3d2lAH4/s1600/DSC_0114_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a81Gsv_CzJk/ThX71DujQKI/AAAAAAAAI1w/U24E3d2lAH4/s400/DSC_0114_edited-1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5SOOQAnhfU/ThX74svxPfI/AAAAAAAAI10/OU7RhNnYKqQ/s1600/DSC_0116_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5SOOQAnhfU/ThX74svxPfI/AAAAAAAAI10/OU7RhNnYKqQ/s400/DSC_0116_edited-1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prR4cmDgEWo/ThX7Z6pHOWI/AAAAAAAAI0w/BlzYUPBRazs/s1600/DSC_0100_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prR4cmDgEWo/ThX7Z6pHOWI/AAAAAAAAI0w/BlzYUPBRazs/s400/DSC_0100_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtoA18Q-SvU/ThW5vcWOcWI/AAAAAAAAIwk/Z98brDS8Eic/s1600/DSC_3398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtoA18Q-SvU/ThW5vcWOcWI/AAAAAAAAIwk/Z98brDS8Eic/s400/DSC_3398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VW690UuZdgE/ThW5qgV07SI/AAAAAAAAIwA/q1nvDZN_pw8/s1600/DSC_3389+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VW690UuZdgE/ThW5qgV07SI/AAAAAAAAIwA/q1nvDZN_pw8/s400/DSC_3389+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hj6yB92rzKY/ThX8CC1meUI/AAAAAAAAI2U/hbxUNRH0rL4/s1600/DSC_0128_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hj6yB92rzKY/ThX8CC1meUI/AAAAAAAAI2U/hbxUNRH0rL4/s400/DSC_0128_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">OK, so Hayes isn't climbing in this picture, but I couldn't resist this smile. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Not sure anyone can resist this smile!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Shoj-krpv3Q/ThX8JJKpgwI/AAAAAAAAI3A/5Es8rPLuy8s/s1600/DSC_0154_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Shoj-krpv3Q/ThX8JJKpgwI/AAAAAAAAI3A/5Es8rPLuy8s/s400/DSC_0154_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Weiler wasn't quite ready</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> to try out his climbing shoes, but he enjoyed the show and got to climb with Mom.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pm2WH0d4noU/ThW5l_g_hiI/AAAAAAAAIvg/R-iOrkfa72o/s1600/DSC_3369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pm2WH0d4noU/ThW5l_g_hiI/AAAAAAAAIvg/R-iOrkfa72o/s400/DSC_3369.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1_8CULgdq0/ThX7js67zBI/AAAAAAAAI1U/hXYCJCqe104/s1600/DSC_0108_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1_8CULgdq0/ThX7js67zBI/AAAAAAAAI1U/hXYCJCqe104/s400/DSC_0108_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Weiler even got a good bit of cuddling from Grandma Max.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nuxoA1HkU5g/ThX782Pi4FI/AAAAAAAAI14/dqcgzT_5aJQ/s1600/DSC_0123_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nuxoA1HkU5g/ThX782Pi4FI/AAAAAAAAI14/dqcgzT_5aJQ/s400/DSC_0123_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Part 3 coming next: Bryce Canyon, Boulder, Utah and Anne Peair's wedding, then home.</span></div></div>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1705023110236608882.post-19302406490871113242011-07-05T21:14:00.000-04:002011-07-05T21:14:47.607-04:0020 days and 4675 miles in 3 parts. Part 1:<span style="color: blue;">On June 9 Max and I left Cincinnati on a car trip originally planned with a specific intent of seeing Clint, who just returned from 7 months in Afghanistan and is based in Twentynine Palms, CA. Planning began back in the winter months as Max tried to get as much out of this trip as possible. After much rescheduling and replanning we decided to include seeing family and friends in Arkansas and Oklahoma, visit Clint, Marianne and the grandkids in Twentynine Palms, spend two days at Bryce Canyon (reasons provided later), attend a wedding of our friends Don and Mary Joe Peairs' daughter in Boulder Utah, have dinner with Elaine's (ex-sister-in-law sister Boopie in Denver and then drive home.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Part 1 of this blog will focus on the first 5 days in Arkansas and Oklahoma. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Our first stop was in Springdale, AR at our niece Tracy's house. That first night Tracy fixed us a wonderful dinner of beef stroganoff (My Mom's recipe) and a great evening of conversation with her and her two beautiful daughters, Jess and Katie. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">We had just returned from Philly when we started this trip so having a wonderful home cooked meal was a real treat- and of course an evening with Tracy and her girls is always a welcome evening.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a713_7LqY24/ThJgj-teumI/AAAAAAAAIrU/-T8nsZSiTtY/s1600/IMAG1947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a713_7LqY24/ThJgj-teumI/AAAAAAAAIrU/-T8nsZSiTtY/s400/IMAG1947.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrctU9IG7Ys/ThJgGrykN7I/AAAAAAAAIrI/LaDNZVzEbXg/s1600/DSC_3076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrctU9IG7Ys/ThJgGrykN7I/AAAAAAAAIrI/LaDNZVzEbXg/s400/DSC_3076.JPG" width="341" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqq-qmW1wU0/ThJgG3D9tpI/AAAAAAAAIrM/4io-_Ms7cgY/s1600/DSC_3077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqq-qmW1wU0/ThJgG3D9tpI/AAAAAAAAIrM/4io-_Ms7cgY/s400/DSC_3077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">This was followed up the next morning with the absolute best breakfast of the whole trip. Tracy made sausage gravy, biscuits, and sausage that must be described as the best I have ever had. I had intended to take a picture of this wonderful breakfast, but it seems the priority was in actually eating it instead of photographing it- so didn't get the picture until most of it was gone. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Well I managed to photograph it before Don "cleaned" the platter! I understand now why he makes me promise I will never start cooking him sausage gravy- he can't stop himself!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAP517sH2jI/ThETyytV7YI/AAAAAAAAIoM/gAhE9xYBEoc/s1600/DSC_3075_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAP517sH2jI/ThETyytV7YI/AAAAAAAAIoM/gAhE9xYBEoc/s400/DSC_3075_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: blue;">We left Springdale the next day and drove to Tulsa for time with Max's family. <span style="color: #cc0000;">It still feels just a bit off center to visit Tulsa- and not see Don's Mom- or his brother. I always feel their loss more acutely while we visit there.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">We stayed in Downtown Tulsa at the Hyatt - <span style="color: #cc0000;">my stepbrother Steve had made his "reservation" to stay at Dad and Fay's before we were making any real plans- but it worked out just as well. Now I have to tell you- I'm a big fan of Priceline- THANK YOU SHARON- it saves us mucho money! </span>and spent a little time that first day walking around the downtown area. Tulsa has a number of beautiful art deco buildings so Max snapped a few while we took a walk on the streets in the near 100 degree weather.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbEfY4y6_vs/ThET6M-nStI/AAAAAAAAIoQ/eFs0prAhGUk/s1600/DSC_3083_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbEfY4y6_vs/ThET6M-nStI/AAAAAAAAIoQ/eFs0prAhGUk/s400/DSC_3083_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZC0jpvEekc/ThEVCfFlgCI/AAAAAAAAIoY/YVHsOz2Teag/s1600/DSC_3088_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZC0jpvEekc/ThEVCfFlgCI/AAAAAAAAIoY/YVHsOz2Teag/s400/DSC_3088_edited-1.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afpobzerjbw/ThEVHxZ4GPI/AAAAAAAAIoc/qJrToeWw9aw/s1600/DSC_3095_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afpobzerjbw/ThEVHxZ4GPI/AAAAAAAAIoc/qJrToeWw9aw/s400/DSC_3095_edited-1.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vajsb7iIMQ0/ThEVQhXryJI/AAAAAAAAIog/hkCjN46cvIk/s1600/DSC_3098_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vajsb7iIMQ0/ThEVQhXryJI/AAAAAAAAIog/hkCjN46cvIk/s400/DSC_3098_edited-1.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67eUj50-WnI/ThEVV4r3ogI/AAAAAAAAIok/DUwsJ2qJ3Ao/s1600/DSC_3103_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67eUj50-WnI/ThEVV4r3ogI/AAAAAAAAIok/DUwsJ2qJ3Ao/s400/DSC_3103_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;">And I sure didn't remember the Casa Laredo Latin Grill and Tequila Bar, serving Tulsa for three generations. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Actually we spent most of our "dining" experiences at Ken's Pizza or El Charrito's....</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNsCMkZ3tvg/ThEVcKMXfMI/AAAAAAAAIoo/6vGqPQLHKWk/s1600/DSC_3086_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNsCMkZ3tvg/ThEVcKMXfMI/AAAAAAAAIoo/6vGqPQLHKWk/s400/DSC_3086_edited-1.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="color: blue;">We also spent some time walking along the Arkansas River. Tulsa has done a wonderful job developing Riverside into a 7 mile long park with walking/biking paths, artwork and even converted an old train tressel into a pedesterian bridge just above a low water dam that transforms the river into something that looks like water instead of random sandbars. When we last lived in Tulsa in the late 60's it was just a wild overgrown area that smelled of the refineries located across the river. The picture below is down stream from the dam and it is difficult to see, but the shallow areas were populated by numerous herons and egrets.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Im1jYBPcg0/ThEWFdqJybI/AAAAAAAAIpY/MCTWfPWCpBw/s1600/DSC_3135+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Im1jYBPcg0/ThEWFdqJybI/AAAAAAAAIpY/MCTWfPWCpBw/s400/DSC_3135+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjQpkvxTa4Q/ThEV-aRk22I/AAAAAAAAIpI/qoe8aA9t590/s1600/DSC_3125+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjQpkvxTa4Q/ThEV-aRk22I/AAAAAAAAIpI/qoe8aA9t590/s400/DSC_3125+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlBHLuQtUYU/ThEV_TJ3wkI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/JOjLiyCvLY4/s1600/DSC_3126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlBHLuQtUYU/ThEV_TJ3wkI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/JOjLiyCvLY4/s400/DSC_3126.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">But this trip wasn't about seeing the sights of Tulsa- even as enjoyable as this is- but this visit was seeing family- and see family we did!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFtxBQkC-Xs/ThEV3V3h13I/AAAAAAAAIpA/q4BFg3HPA-o/s1600/DSC_3116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFtxBQkC-Xs/ThEV3V3h13I/AAAAAAAAIpA/q4BFg3HPA-o/s400/DSC_3116.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Me and my Dad!</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vLCc7HhLDE/ThEV95GaliI/AAAAAAAAIpE/5D8bAoxT_Dc/s1600/DSC_3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vLCc7HhLDE/ThEV95GaliI/AAAAAAAAIpE/5D8bAoxT_Dc/s400/DSC_3115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Add in my brother, Bub and Fay, my step Mom!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8nNOTXAU1Q/ThET8e5YFlI/AAAAAAAAIoU/zG3-yPT698I/s1600/DSC_3105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8nNOTXAU1Q/ThET8e5YFlI/AAAAAAAAIoU/zG3-yPT698I/s400/DSC_3105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Now add in my sister-in-law Nancy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHno5i91QfU/ThEWFPp71pI/AAAAAAAAIpU/6WtUqikWKBU/s1600/DSC_3151+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHno5i91QfU/ThEWFPp71pI/AAAAAAAAIpU/6WtUqikWKBU/s400/DSC_3151+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And finally Dad and Fay with my stepbrother Steve! We're looking forward to adding in my sister Mary at Amber's wedding this fall!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">But this was a "quick trip" so we were off on Sunday for Oklahoma City to see first Clare...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wunPJ1AXgrU/ThEYD18B1CI/AAAAAAAAIp0/WtN253PmUDc/s1600/DSC_3167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wunPJ1AXgrU/ThEYD18B1CI/AAAAAAAAIp0/WtN253PmUDc/s400/DSC_3167.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">We missed Oliver because he wasn't back from Ireland yet- and he was missed- but we had seen him when they recently visited here in Cincinnati. An added treat always is to stay in Clare and Oliver's beautiful home!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgBV6Qak0IQ/ThEYEDFTAHI/AAAAAAAAIp4/Gw9W2UJecEI/s1600/DSC_3164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgBV6Qak0IQ/ThEYEDFTAHI/AAAAAAAAIp4/Gw9W2UJecEI/s320/DSC_3164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">We spent the next day with our dear friends Kathy and TH. Kathy actually hired me into my first teaching position when Clint was 2 years old!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLkD1DbWwe0/ThEYKnTcgUI/AAAAAAAAIqA/NcMQOgSR73I/s1600/DSC_3173+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLkD1DbWwe0/ThEYKnTcgUI/AAAAAAAAIqA/NcMQOgSR73I/s400/DSC_3173+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcB65Mll99w/ThEYQaWQFsI/AAAAAAAAIqI/jhctD789w6g/s1600/DSC_3175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcB65Mll99w/ThEYQaWQFsI/AAAAAAAAIqI/jhctD789w6g/s400/DSC_3175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kathy and I left the "boys" behind and we joined another dear friend Sharon Parker for lunch at my very favorite restaurant in Norman called Victoria's!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPTO-pOjSQM/ThEYQ2hMB0I/AAAAAAAAIqQ/DuRwTlN4pxc/s1600/DSC_3170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPTO-pOjSQM/ThEYQ2hMB0I/AAAAAAAAIqQ/DuRwTlN4pxc/s400/DSC_3170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">We stopped the next morning for breakfast with Don's cousin Vicki on our way out of town...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvHekYySc1Q/ThEYQuBzmaI/AAAAAAAAIqM/IscZ3xorEJk/s1600/DSC_3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvHekYySc1Q/ThEYQuBzmaI/AAAAAAAAIqM/IscZ3xorEJk/s400/DSC_3185.JPG" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And then we were off for the drive that would eventually land us in 29 Palms- and CLINT!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">(If you're feeling just a bit breathless imagine how we were feeling and the trip was barely at it's beginning!)</span></div>Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16363395615940613408noreply@blogger.com6