tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43058107164830541682024-03-13T12:11:06.425-05:00A Little Spark of MadnessMusings of a Merry Girl in a Mad Mad WorldMerry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-75788632848726915812014-08-14T04:50:00.001-05:002014-08-14T04:50:20.896-05:00The Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZthUmSma1tM/U-yGWe-2TgI/AAAAAAAACAw/Fk1lZgxoMu8/s640/blogger-image-1641916335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZthUmSma1tM/U-yGWe-2TgI/AAAAAAAACAw/Fk1lZgxoMu8/s640/blogger-image-1641916335.jpg"></a></div>My son's wedding was the most incredible wedding I have attended. I do not have photos from the ceremony as I have only what I took after it was over.<div><br></div><div>I will describe the ceremony as I recall it, although there were so many aspects to it that I'm sure I will miss some. It was a traditional SriLankan ceremony.</div><div><br></div><div>The wedding started with the grooms family, his attendants, and traditional Sri Lankan drummers and dancers waiting for Justin. He was taken away from the hotel minutes before and was to make a ceremonial enterence. He was driven up in a car, decorated with flowers and got out of the car and greeted us all. The dancers/drummers proceeded him into the hotel. We walked behind, hotel guests gathered to watch and take photos. It was that cool!</div><div><br></div><div>We all made our way up tenth floor where the wedding was to take place. The dancers/drummers proceeded us again and when we came to the enterence of the hall, a younger cousin Harshana's, washed Justin's shoes and then Justin dropped a ring into a glass of water. The symbolism of the washing of the feet was a welcome to Justin and the dropping of the ring (not their wedding rings, another ring) symbolized Justin's appreciation. Once this was done, we walked in to greet Harshana's family. We were then taken to the area where the marraige recording would take place. Justin and Jay were seated at the table. I stood beside the table. The dancers/drummers came in again as Harshana was escorted in by her parents, followed by her attendants. She wore a gorgeous dress and a long veil. After the dancing/drumming, she was seated at the table with her father, her mother stood beside them. The registrar performed a legal ceremony and vows were recited. Both fathers and the bride and groom signed the paperwork. I then came around and lifted Harshana's veil and hugged her and welcomed her to our family and then I hugged Justin. This was the legal portion of the ceremony.</div><div><br></div><div>At the right time, we moved to the traditional portion of the ceremony. Justin and Harshanawere ceremoniously helped by their fathers, stepping with their right foot first, on to a platform, called a poruwa. Their were a number of things that happened here.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wUsUZed32Bg/U-wnbzEm7ZI/AAAAAAAAB_E/_bm62n9y3GU/s640/blogger-image--179891837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wUsUZed32Bg/U-wnbzEm7ZI/AAAAAAAAB_E/_bm62n9y3GU/s640/blogger-image--179891837.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The exchahange of rings, the betel leaves signifying seven generations, the tying of the pinkie fingers signifying unity, the gifts to the parents as a show of respect and thanks for raising the bride and groom, the feeding eash other milk and rice signifying that they will take care of other, the lighting of the oil lamp and presentation of the saree all occurred on the poruwa. After the ceremony was done, a coconut was chopped in half with a big machete! Some dry ice was put into white liquid to make it bubble over, signifying boiling milk, which is for prosperity. The cake was then cut, Justin and Harshana fed each other cake, then their attendants and other family came up and took a piece of cake and ate it. The cake was coffee flavored, so delicious! Celebration music started playing. Later came the food - huge amounts of delicious Sri Lankan food and then dancing.</div><div><br></div><div>Some photos:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EFtVgLubwts/U-wnWJaVrkI/AAAAAAAAB-s/pVtVgzvX0Io/s640/blogger-image-2140289314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EFtVgLubwts/U-wnWJaVrkI/AAAAAAAAB-s/pVtVgzvX0Io/s640/blogger-image-2140289314.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bride and Groom, Harshana is holding her extremely long veil train.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LRiVtosunxE/U-yDnFMyZDI/AAAAAAAAB_U/MZFzrY5BKKU/s640/blogger-image-125414953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LRiVtosunxE/U-yDnFMyZDI/AAAAAAAAB_U/MZFzrY5BKKU/s640/blogger-image-125414953.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The wedding party table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GO9XqMtZJbM/U-wnaTPST4I/AAAAAAAAB-8/HZ6mYSpG_kc/s640/blogger-image-2015725191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GO9XqMtZJbM/U-wnaTPST4I/AAAAAAAAB-8/HZ6mYSpG_kc/s640/blogger-image-2015725191.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I loved my saree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LI8uqr-Leo8/U-yFyilQ-SI/AAAAAAAACAo/LgN9HyBlGeM/s640/blogger-image-1196770978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LI8uqr-Leo8/U-yFyilQ-SI/AAAAAAAACAo/LgN9HyBlGeM/s640/blogger-image-1196770978.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Beautiful couple.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FSL3PU02XDY/U-wnYuA803I/AAAAAAAAB-0/NWRsUrV6qpQ/s640/blogger-image--2038010012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FSL3PU02XDY/U-wnYuA803I/AAAAAAAAB-0/NWRsUrV6qpQ/s640/blogger-image--2038010012.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The rings and a view of Justin's cuff link, loaned to him from my mom. My dad wore these cuff links at my parents wedding so they have a special history.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JnAN5tPyhBg/U-yD21XcnFI/AAAAAAAACAM/B4LFZ1bDdnQ/s640/blogger-image-2854661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JnAN5tPyhBg/U-yD21XcnFI/AAAAAAAACAM/B4LFZ1bDdnQ/s640/blogger-image-2854661.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Justin, Harshana and Jelisa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3A-aa-NUnVc/U-yDp9MYdfI/AAAAAAAAB_c/ftmgizhI3xM/s640/blogger-image--1239561039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3A-aa-NUnVc/U-yDp9MYdfI/AAAAAAAAB_c/ftmgizhI3xM/s640/blogger-image--1239561039.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dance floor. </div></div></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CPsUxUFE3xw/U-yDwqgBoLI/AAAAAAAAB_0/lQnxhGhk_bc/s640/blogger-image-1142987750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CPsUxUFE3xw/U-yDwqgBoLI/AAAAAAAAB_0/lQnxhGhk_bc/s640/blogger-image-1142987750.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Harshana's hair was full of flowers and the back of her saree was stunning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ToysF4ZHiM4/U-yD1Kkl9cI/AAAAAAAACAE/U5bjFJT0jd0/s640/blogger-image--53826010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ToysF4ZHiM4/U-yD1Kkl9cI/AAAAAAAACAE/U5bjFJT0jd0/s640/blogger-image--53826010.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This group all attended Concordia College together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DASDW4KFqEw/U-yDr3Pc2xI/AAAAAAAAB_k/dg3lMBkuUKw/s640/blogger-image--579301578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DASDW4KFqEw/U-yDr3Pc2xI/AAAAAAAAB_k/dg3lMBkuUKw/s640/blogger-image--579301578.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jerry and Carol made the long trip to see Justin married. Carol's saree was beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZGKnkqKJeqc/U-yDti3xTmI/AAAAAAAAB_s/p831nobbtB0/s640/blogger-image--2092142488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZGKnkqKJeqc/U-yDti3xTmI/AAAAAAAAB_s/p831nobbtB0/s640/blogger-image--2092142488.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The first dance was "Yellow" by Coldplay; this was my son's choice.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MnVvvbZfohc/U-yDzu7gxII/AAAAAAAAB_8/TCH1nPxgnAE/s640/blogger-image--903608731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MnVvvbZfohc/U-yDzu7gxII/AAAAAAAAB_8/TCH1nPxgnAE/s640/blogger-image--903608731.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nMM-HbCM_0U/U-yD4-A4n4I/AAAAAAAACAU/UBvO2ydrM2E/s640/blogger-image-1732924888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nMM-HbCM_0U/U-yD4-A4n4I/AAAAAAAACAU/UBvO2ydrM2E/s640/blogger-image-1732924888.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Congratulations to my son and daughter in law. May your life together be blessed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-24176256243954579442014-08-02T23:27:00.001-05:002014-08-03T02:22:16.494-05:00Colombo, Sri LankaSome of my observations about Colombo, Sri Lanka. Our hotel is fancy but not all of Colombo is like our hotel.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZFuToz3IPGQ/U9258zhCE3I/AAAAAAAAB9E/C36imLkQx84/s640/blogger-image--1665327259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZFuToz3IPGQ/U9258zhCE3I/AAAAAAAAB9E/C36imLkQx84/s640/blogger-image--1665327259.jpg"></a></div>Wild dogs are common walking in the street and laying around. They appear not to bother anyone, we walked by many of them and watch them cross the street from our hotel room window. I heard quite a lot of barking one morning at around 4am. The dogs appear healthy and must be getting food from somewhere. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wp7TgrzFQsA/U925c2MhJgI/AAAAAAAAB88/AFhcaZr7ilM/s640/blogger-image-1753698147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wp7TgrzFQsA/U925c2MhJgI/AAAAAAAAB88/AFhcaZr7ilM/s640/blogger-image-1753698147.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>There are old cannons along the ocean wall, these are non working and left from when the Dutch controlled Sri Lanka.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-crXPAZR6eZQ/U926AGc2ftI/AAAAAAAAB9U/Fvj0rGa2K48/s640/blogger-image--2140560119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-crXPAZR6eZQ/U926AGc2ftI/AAAAAAAAB9U/Fvj0rGa2K48/s640/blogger-image--2140560119.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are a lot of police here, the white sleeves signify the are traffic control in the street (although traffic and control should not be used in the same sentence here!) The police officers are friendly, polite, young, typically appear very fit, and do not carry guns. We are next door to a police station. We have seen police mostly on foot but a couple on horses and a few on motorcycles. I've seen a couple police cars parked, but none driving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8-lPJxwggJs/U923tHfrUDI/AAAAAAAAB8w/gt1M559-L-Y/s640/blogger-image--1269149915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8-lPJxwggJs/U923tHfrUDI/AAAAAAAAB8w/gt1M559-L-Y/s640/blogger-image--1269149915.jpg"></a></div> The bottom of this photo shows a military officer at the steps to the sea wall, the military officers carry machine guns. We asked if we could go down the steps and he said yes. We have seen only afew military officers and were told they are in the area because we are close to the president's house. As we pass the president's house, more military are visible, but not too many. They stand out because of the guns they carry. In the background of this photo, construction is visible. Everywhere you look there is construction. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tj9-tReB7K0/U926DpdoElI/AAAAAAAAB9c/KeX6fe6zaOM/s640/blogger-image-780628496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tj9-tReB7K0/U926DpdoElI/AAAAAAAAB9c/KeX6fe6zaOM/s640/blogger-image-780628496.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This fire tuck was parked in the street. It is obviously quite old. I saw another on on a street that did not appear nearly as old. Colombo is remarkable for the lack of sirens. It is a sound I associate with big cities but here I have seen/heard sirens only three times, all coming from ambulances that look to be of the same vintage as this fire truck.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jiVL9FrLo-8/U93h7Ay9ElI/AAAAAAAAB90/TVyWjizHl4g/s640/blogger-image--1323513121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jiVL9FrLo-8/U93h7Ay9ElI/AAAAAAAAB90/TVyWjizHl4g/s640/blogger-image--1323513121.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The three wheeled vehicles are called tuk-tuks. You must be careful to agree on a price prior to the ride or the drivers may scam you, as we found out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hOG94t3zviw/U93iJhR8ApI/AAAAAAAAB-c/_gHmkFWfiSo/s640/blogger-image--1976401258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hOG94t3zviw/U93iJhR8ApI/AAAAAAAAB-c/_gHmkFWfiSo/s640/blogger-image--1976401258.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Traffic is crazy on most roads. The street in front of out hotel is much less congested than most streets. No lanes are observed by drivers, motorcycles cut in and out, you are often within inches of the vehicle next to you and pedestrians need to be very careful. Yet, I have not seen any accidents and if you are near a cross walk, the police will walk out and stop traffic so you may cross. Drivers seem to follow police traffic control reasonably well however, it seems they only control during gridlock or to let pedestrians cross. Motorcyclists are common, often with two riders but we occasionally have seen three riders and one time observed four riders on one motorcycle!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YT1CGHrRhkQ/U93h4r8imbI/AAAAAAAAB9s/_fMJjyWEQ0E/s640/blogger-image--808963018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YT1CGHrRhkQ/U93h4r8imbI/AAAAAAAAB9s/_fMJjyWEQ0E/s640/blogger-image--808963018.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--YvJlzCk8TE/U93iDfwgOZI/AAAAAAAAB-M/DWguTBVB7WQ/s640/blogger-image--780388520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--YvJlzCk8TE/U93iDfwgOZI/AAAAAAAAB-M/DWguTBVB7WQ/s640/blogger-image--780388520.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Construction is everywhere. It may be difficult to see in this particular photo but while the workers are wearing hard hats, flip flops seem to be the footwear of choice for them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S52gjlTgys0/U93h9ra9OyI/AAAAAAAAB98/kjEhU5rApYc/s640/blogger-image--1257209001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S52gjlTgys0/U93h9ra9OyI/AAAAAAAAB98/kjEhU5rApYc/s640/blogger-image--1257209001.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everything is in English and we have had no difficulty communicating. Here are photos of a downtown area showing the signs in English.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-M6GoUrUp6Ts/U93iAh48rTI/AAAAAAAAB-E/n_s6IB7XpdU/s640/blogger-image-838584646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-M6GoUrUp6Ts/U93iAh48rTI/AAAAAAAAB-E/n_s6IB7XpdU/s640/blogger-image-838584646.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dDrbTmjatGE/U93iGQXOgtI/AAAAAAAAB-U/bwg9IKhMKL4/s640/blogger-image-1462092287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dDrbTmjatGE/U93iGQXOgtI/AAAAAAAAB-U/bwg9IKhMKL4/s640/blogger-image-1462092287.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I will update more later on our trip, this has been an experience of a lifetime.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div>Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-77529021308781817452014-08-01T18:15:00.000-05:002014-08-01T20:07:03.867-05:00The Kingsbury<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IFprwKC3TmI/U9w2GmZ086I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/TtJ5Vu7i_X8/s640/blogger-image-221567287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IFprwKC3TmI/U9w2GmZ086I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/TtJ5Vu7i_X8/s640/blogger-image-221567287.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when we arrived in Sri Lanka. The airport was very nice and modern, cleaner and nicer than Dulles or Dubai. When I stepped outside the first thing I noticed was the humidity, seriously humid and hot at 2AM! A driver from our hotel was waiting for us and we took the freeway to our hotel. It was an uneventful ride and almost no other traffic on road, which I have since learned is most definitely not the norm!<br>
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Our hotel is very nice. The room is not too large but has a king and twin bed and a bathroom with a rainfall shower that I love; it is very clean and modern. It has a view of the Indian Ocean. This the view from the room.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NHbM5-3FUKM/U9w4UHI7eiI/AAAAAAAAB7E/2AanEH_ceoY/s640/blogger-image-1890317758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NHbM5-3FUKM/U9w4UHI7eiI/AAAAAAAAB7E/2AanEH_ceoY/s640/blogger-image-1890317758.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
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The lobby is beautiful and had two of the largest centerpieces I have seen in my life, hundreds of large, red roses. They are stunning. There are many beautiful chandeliers. Those of you who know me know I love sparkly so I have to throw in one photo of a chandelier!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k7tzr5SFsH8/U9w4RRxq3mI/AAAAAAAAB68/UONNftiFYDY/s640/blogger-image--700800200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k7tzr5SFsH8/U9w4RRxq3mI/AAAAAAAAB68/UONNftiFYDY/s640/blogger-image--700800200.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pwBQZ3MzEVw/U9w4OziZ2dI/AAAAAAAAB60/SEeFOES9foA/s640/blogger-image--1847663469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pwBQZ3MzEVw/U9w4OziZ2dI/AAAAAAAAB60/SEeFOES9foA/s640/blogger-image--1847663469.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> There are a number of restaurants in the hotel, all with gorgeous views of the water. The breakfast buffet far surpasses any I have ever been to before. The food is delicious and the variety is incredible. There are numerous chefs manning stations to prepare food like crepes, omelets, meats, curries and other foods. There are literally hundreds of choices from fresh mango, orange or watermelon juice to salads, meats, pastries, cereals, and all sorts of foods I have not eaten before. It has been so fun to go to breakfast each morning to try something new. These photos show just a portion of what is available!</div>
<div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E9ScxtawlJ8/U9w4MZhx8oI/AAAAAAAAB6s/ZkT7-bovKvQ/s640/blogger-image-1829619291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E9ScxtawlJ8/U9w4MZhx8oI/AAAAAAAAB6s/ZkT7-bovKvQ/s640/blogger-image-1829619291.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EEduhiEz1gU/U9w483cljLI/AAAAAAAAB7U/mriZtYaCbxk/s640/blogger-image-1800509786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EEduhiEz1gU/U9w483cljLI/AAAAAAAAB7U/mriZtYaCbxk/s640/blogger-image-1800509786.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I found it hilarious the first afternoon while we sat in an open lobby restaurant area after ordering a bottle of water when an employee noticed me looking through my purse, which was propped on the chair next to me, he immediately brought me something to put my purse on. I called it my "purse couch!" How cute is this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LsZ63yebrPQ/U9w5ouWpYaI/AAAAAAAAB7g/g2yovUznOjk/s640/blogger-image--78935220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LsZ63yebrPQ/U9w5ouWpYaI/AAAAAAAAB7g/g2yovUznOjk/s640/blogger-image--78935220.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>There is a swimming pool with lounge chairs, table seating and a small bar and deli.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-14jnuytT3LU/U9w5qhKoE6I/AAAAAAAAB7o/lcX_Ly9lLWU/s640/blogger-image-1718035110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-14jnuytT3LU/U9w5qhKoE6I/AAAAAAAAB7o/lcX_Ly9lLWU/s640/blogger-image-1718035110.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-72UlZhdjNTE/U9w4zE_hhvI/AAAAAAAAB7M/cX4iO4u7ErY/s640/blogger-image--2005150432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-72UlZhdjNTE/U9w4zE_hhvI/AAAAAAAAB7M/cX4iO4u7ErY/s640/blogger-image--2005150432.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have not yet had much time to spend at the pool as we've been really busy but I did sit here at night with my iPad to write my post about the flight and it was beautiful. All of the fountains surrounding the pool are lit with blue lighting. I have seen a wide range of clothing here, from tiny bikinis to a woman swimming in a burka style suit which showed only her face. Rest assured, however, I will be wearing neither a bikini nor a burka when I spend a day here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One thing I have seen often in this hotel is weddings! There are many well dressed wedding guests beginning early in the morning throughout the day coming through the lobby. Most are Sri Lankan and the women are wearing beautiful sarees and the men dressed very formally in suits and ties. The hotel is a fun place to people watch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I0EGfRkilVY/U9w5tJg93WI/AAAAAAAAB7w/WHMCu8LvhC4/s640/blogger-image--1056011215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I0EGfRkilVY/U9w5tJg93WI/AAAAAAAAB7w/WHMCu8LvhC4/s640/blogger-image--1056011215.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are a couple of bars we have visited at in our hotel, one is an open air bar on the rooftop. You hear and see the ocean all around. The bartender was trying to impress my daughter with his bar juggling skills. He was good! The other bar is near the lobby and had an impressive lounge singer. Her was very stereotypical to what I imagine a lounge singer...older man, balding, shirt open, vest, gold chains, shaking his hips and his tambourine ....he did have a fabulous voice and the two young men playing the music were great! We stayed quite a while to listen to him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My son, Justin, his wife to be, Harshana, and their friend and bridesmaid, Peace, came to the hotel to see us the first day. That, of course, was the highlight of my first day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m6gsWqCfWZk/U9w4JAu_c7I/AAAAAAAAB6k/aOOuCr0X3DU/s640/blogger-image--1755452131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m6gsWqCfWZk/U9w4JAu_c7I/AAAAAAAAB6k/aOOuCr0X3DU/s640/blogger-image--1755452131.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-90656715494952476102014-07-31T09:02:00.000-05:002014-07-31T09:33:26.096-05:00A long long tripI an sorry for no photos in this post. I did not have my camera out during the flights to SrLanka.<br />
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Getting to Sri Lanka takes a very, very long time....<br />
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After a two hour and then a three hour flight, my husband, daughter and I arrived at Dulles in Washington DC and flew overnight for thirteen hours on a 777 to reach Dubai. It was difficult to sleep but the service was excellent on the flight. As we neared Dubai, a young woman in front of me, struck up a conversation. She said she was from Dubai and wondered if I was visiting there. We looked out the window to the desert below and she told me what I was seeing. I explained it was just a layover in Dubai. She told me Dubai was beautiful and there was a lot to do and everything was open very late and I must come some day to vacation. I explained to her that I was on my way to Sri Lanka for my son's wedding. She said that her language was Arabic and in Arabic they say "mabrook" to say congratulations so she was saying "mabrook" to me on my son's wedding. <br />
When we landed in Dubai, it was very, very hot but the airport was comfortable. I was most happy to get off the plane, brush my teeth and wash my face in the airport. I was also pleased that I had chosen to wear a long sleeve sweater and scarf over my tshirt. Everyone was very conservatively dressed in the airport. There were women in brightly colored headscarves and those covered from head to toe in black with only a narrow opening for their eyes. There were many men in religious garb too but not as many as the women. My daughter and I were the only blondes in the airport. <br />
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We boarded the plane to SriLanka. I was not seated near my family on this flight, which I did not mind because I love to talk to strangers...or as a friend once said "Mary has never met a stranger, they are all just new friends." The airline we flew, FlyDubai, had the best safety video, entertaining in Arabic and in English as a animated video. I think you may be able to find it in YouTube . It was great! The woman next to me, Silva, was from Lebanon, and a Jevovahs Witness. She was on her way to SriLanka for a Jehovah's Witness convention. She loved Lebanon and was a taxi driver there but told me they did not always have water or electricity. She said that the Bible said when Jesus comes to reign on earth the fruits will be like those of Lebanon and we discussed fruit and weather. She also said "mabrook" to me and explained the meaning when I told her my son was to be married in Sri Lanka. I also spoke to some Sri Lankan women who were friendly and wanted to hear about the wedding. <br />
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We arrived in Sri Lanka at around 1 am Thursday Sri Lankan time which would be about 1 pmWednesday Minnesota time. We will gain back this half day when we return.Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-50162782143937810422013-02-04T19:52:00.001-06:002013-02-05T09:10:42.313-06:00New Business!Something new and exciting has happened…. my husband bought a psychology business. He’s had his Ph.D. for less than two years and spent most of his working life in law enforcement so it is a big change for him to own a business. I’ve been busy putting together his office. What fun it has been for me! <br />
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When he bought this business we both knew immediately what part of the name of this business would be…. PPI. My husband came up with what the letters stand for....instead of coming up with a business name and shortening it to initials, he started with the initials and found words that worked with PPI. The name of the business is really special to me because it is in remembrance of my dad. Our last name is long and ends with the letters ppi. Whenever my family would visit my parents, my dad would exclaim “The PPIs are here!” My dad passed away over nine years ago but in my mind I can hear the happiness in his voice as he said “The PPIs are here!” It’s funny how certain things stick with you.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MrX1HknkYig/URBlu0ad5bI/AAAAAAAAB1g/kRIQNfD4SJQ/s1600-h/DSC_0060%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0060" border="0" height="286" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wqvhSFkMJzY/URBlvRjMOhI/AAAAAAAAB1o/XBJlUolDI2A/DSC_0060_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0060" width="424" /></a><br />
The office that my husband rented is small but functional. It was a long path for my husband to get his doctorate; I wanted his office to look professional and work well for him. And because I’m <strike>cheap</strike> fiscally responsible, I was determined to furnish his office without hawking the silver (just kidding – I don’t have silver – nor do I have boatloads of money laying around.) <br />
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This is a small two room office. This is the front room “before.” He’ll have people complete assessment testing in this room.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jXN1C3-mF88/URBlv-yaA7I/AAAAAAAAB1w/pn12imPZPm8/s1600-h/DSC_0038%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0038" border="0" height="286" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZU8SBxWcSjY/URBlwgIMmAI/AAAAAAAAB14/WtNbbkZ9fGE/DSC_0038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0038" width="424" /></a><br />
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This is the back room “before.” This is where he will interview people. The view of the trees is one reason he so liked this office space. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I-CtCMvqRIM/URBlxDjjyUI/AAAAAAAAB2A/x29Sw-akyq8/s1600-h/DSC_0036%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0036" border="0" height="286" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PQEUUTLq7TA/URBlxv6IXqI/AAAAAAAAB2I/JfkY2JYp9Ok/DSC_0036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0036" width="424" /></a><br />
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This is a “before” chair. We purchased three of these at a consignment store. They are incredibly sturdy! I also found that maple is really nice to paint because the grain is so fine. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cJTOTBjwiGE/URBlyMi76bI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/trSO_foDtAM/s1600-h/DSC_0045%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0045" border="0" height="424" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yL6esoPuHPI/URBlyRrUncI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/XucbB2QXTWA/DSC_0045_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0045" width="286" /></a><br />
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One issue we had is that we needed to get the office put together in about a week. That may sound like plenty of time but it’s really not a lot of time when you are looking for bargains.<br />
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The after… <br />
Entry in front room. I think the mirror frame doesn’t go well because it’s too fancy but it was sitting in our basement so it works for now. Probably nobody but me will be bothered by a too fancy mirror frame. If they are they will just have to get over it.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q2xaqiilVfg/URBlyz7WurI/AAAAAAAAB2g/xrojGQ94Jsw/s1600-h/DSC_0050%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0050" border="0" height="424" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kIHAGriJyCM/URBlzb6yN9I/AAAAAAAAB2o/7DWwq2VWqoA/DSC_0050_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0050" width="286" /></a><br />
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This is the opposite side of the room and is the area where clients will do testing. Look at those consignment store chairs; they look great with new fabric and paint. The countertop is mounted to the wall. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F8ZVR3Tf3EA/URBlz1M--TI/AAAAAAAAB2w/cpyoOHXOV-M/s1600-h/DSC_0048%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0048" border="0" height="286" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_m4NxuGW354/URBl0cPN1xI/AAAAAAAAB24/iwyUzMX9DTk/DSC_0048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0048" width="424" /></a><br />
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The interview area is so beautiful. We found a fabulous deal on an ultra small leather loveseat. It was the first thing we bought. We purchased the chairs on-line. The glass tables are from a consignment store. The curtains were ordered from JC Penney on-line. They had to be extra long. They were on clearance – I looked for fabric to make curtains but there was no way I could buy fabric for the price of these panels. My husband made the curtain rods from electrical conduit and we put a fancy knob in the end for a finial. My wine drinking came in handy because a cork was pushed into the end of the conduit and we screwed the knob into the cork for the finial. Curtain rods and hardware are so expensive – these were not – and they look great. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2rSdNMnItDs/URBl07hM_6I/AAAAAAAAB3A/ZsWRqEt2yyE/s1600-h/DSC_0046%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0046" border="0" height="286" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-psHuDBwZyow/URBl1S0cwSI/AAAAAAAAB3I/O1x1F5lxVKw/DSC_0046_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0046" width="424" /></a><br />
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Looking back toward the front room there is a a desk and cabinet for coffee and supplies. My husband picked up the silver wallpaper with black and white birch trees on clearance at Lowes. It was the second thing we bought and it really defined the office theme. I had not put up wall paper for over twenty years… sticky job for an amateur.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8wRmQq2yhYI/URBl1-wZsDI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/5Va-nRZcHZM/s1600-h/DSC_0047%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0047" border="0" height="286" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C-XbPX3uGKI/URBl2Io7XDI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/B64dgLu3egE/DSC_0047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0047" width="424" /></a><br />
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The “desk” is a small table we picked up at a consignment store. It was already black so I didn’t have to paint it. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sRvA3kGBRow/URBl2lWfFQI/AAAAAAAAB3g/dluPWWKmpZU/s1600-h/DSC_0052%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0052" border="0" height="424" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jRTOSHrGOM8/URBl3MOIyzI/AAAAAAAAB3o/rEJhft289SI/DSC_0052_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0052" width="286" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sEF-RNwDp7M/URBl3jhky9I/AAAAAAAAB3w/ecUqV2ACJ3A/s1600-h/DSC_0051%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0051" border="0" height="424" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oWZE4Rk6s2c/URBl37PoXeI/AAAAAAAAB34/_KPIUJMvXnM/DSC_0051_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0051" width="286" /></a><br />
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We stuck with the black, grey and silver theme, metal accents, and repeated the tree branch motif a number of times. <br />
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I think it looks great. It’s very different from anything in our home. My husband says it feels masculine. It feels really comfortable to me. My job with the new business is done. I’ll let him take it from here.Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-58547460139114087492013-01-13T12:56:00.001-06:002013-01-13T12:56:27.160-06:00Sewing Room Organization<p>I’ve been meaning to get my sewing room organized  for a while now…..   My sewing room is a 9x7 walk-in closet off a room that is technically a bedroom on our main floor.   When we built the house I had extra outlets and a window put into this closet because I knew I would use the room for sewing.   I like being able to close the door if I am in the middle of a project so my chaos is hidden.   The attached bedroom has always been used as a library or office.  </p> <p>In late 2011,  my husband’s uncle, Bob, came to live with us during his final months.    For the first time since we built this house in 2001, the main floor room was used as bedroom and we cleared out my sewing supplies so Bob could use it as an art studio and office.    Bob was an artist and spent many days in the room drawing and painting,  he enjoyed having a spot for his art right off of his bedroom.   After Bob passed away,  I left most of my sewing supplies in the basement, occasionally bringing up something when I wanted to work on a project.</p> <p>This month, I finally got my sewing room back together.    I wish I had before pictures!  Prior to moving my sewing supplies out of this room for Bob, the only storage I had was an ugly  metal cabinet and huge plastic bins with fabric piled in them.   </p> <p>I painted the walls a light cheery blue.   I think I hum every time I walk into this room….. blue skies smiling at me nothing but blue skies do I see….  </p> <p>My  husband and I built a wall of shelves along the entire back wall.  Everything I have fits on these shelves, there is even room to spare.   The area where the cutting mats and rulers are hanging is behind the door when it is open.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0NM_X62r8VQ/UPMDNnEzo7I/AAAAAAAABzo/ZMKtO4G0-Qo/s1600-h/DSC_0025%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0025" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FmdCVN8zyks/UPMDOltNAAI/AAAAAAAABzw/fBL-LHBlJNk/DSC_0025_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="273" /></a></p> <p>Seeing these mini bolts of fabric make me happy.   All of my yardages of cotton are wrapped around comic book backer boards so I can see them easily.   My upholstery fabric and flannel are stacked on the shelves.  Fat quarters and smaller pieces are rolled or folded and stored in plastic bins.    The big wicker container holds small scraps which I may or may not organize someday.   I sort of like dumping out the basket and having inspiration hit me.   Batting and projects in progress are stacked where I can see them too. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LFRQPfnmHUI/UPMDPg8ddfI/AAAAAAAABz4/8-ccgYQpt-I/s1600-h/DSC_0026%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0026" border="0" alt="DSC_0026" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C8lc-QmS8dA/UPMDQaUg6FI/AAAAAAAAB0A/d0oLmjP7D-8/DSC_0026_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="244" /></a></p> <p>This consignment store dresser  is on the wall that you see when you walk into the room.    I made the star on the wall out of yard sticks -  I wasn’t planning on putting it there but we put a gash in the sheetrock getting the shelves in.   The star is there until it’s fixed.  Maybe longer.  I like it.</p> <p><font color="#5a6f1b"></font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pt99zM1-IjI/UPMDRF4xFeI/AAAAAAAAB0I/IZIs3Plm-8w/s1600-h/DSC_0022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0022" border="0" alt="DSC_0022" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-czrSHnWvQ4I/UPMDRl8u5hI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/gz75VBGF7qI/DSC_0022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I wrapped a board with heat resistant batting and covered it with cloth for the top of the dresser.  It’s my ironing board. It works so perfectly. The drawers hold sewing supplies. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZqGjbHEZL4M/UPMDSFjx0MI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/s2KK34aX348/s1600-h/DSC_0027%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0027" border="0" alt="DSC_0027" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w-3CDIWngj8/UPMDS5dOsQI/AAAAAAAAB0g/RCBFBL4gfSQ/DSC_0027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I don’t like things cluttering my sewing area.  The only thing I have on the countertop with my machine  is my “bouquet” of thread.    The fabric on the window is the same as the fabric on the attached office window so it looks nice if I leave the door open.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dABvKYT1QCg/UPMDTVVt0HI/AAAAAAAAB0o/eDq72ZhvWRs/s1600-h/DSC_0021%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0021" border="0" alt="DSC_0021" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2GEe3_M-8hQ/UPMDTzYCANI/AAAAAAAAB0w/tOVFUZTEcM4/DSC_0021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QjYNDpXpv3M/UPMDUh9RAHI/AAAAAAAAB04/v35jc583C_M/s1600-h/DSC_0032%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0032" border="0" alt="DSC_0032" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XcjGVMNl54M/UPMDVTMFwSI/AAAAAAAAB1A/aPcGvGacs28/DSC_0032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I’ve been having fun making things…. finishing projects and starting new.    I’ve made some pretty potholders and pillows,  worked on a quilt my son started a few years ago, made a couple beautiful scarves (that orange fabric  on the dresser in one of the pictures above was some that my mom picked up for $1.50 for 1 1/2 yards – from it my mom, my sister and I  each got enough to make an infinity scarf.  So cute for 50 cents!)  </p> <p> Today I made a mug rug from bright scraps.    A mug rug is a cross between a coaster and a placemat – big enough for a mug of coffee or tea and a snack.   I’m taking this mug rug to my office to brighten up my winter days.   </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IiBDov3OS70/UPMDV1qu1HI/AAAAAAAAB1I/tDu3hxCCQEA/s1600-h/DSC_0029%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0029" border="0" alt="DSC_0029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-28jOmPjWfKM/UPMDWda3WeI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/bZ8kU0Lmq8E/DSC_0029_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="272" /></a></p> <p>I’m so happy to have my sewing room back together and organized.    There are many photos on the internet of sewing and craft rooms that are much larger and  more beautiful but I’m completely content with my small sewing closet.   It fits my needs perfectly.</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-32557582620602624042012-12-23T08:57:00.001-06:002012-12-23T15:12:47.953-06:00Screaming Monkey ChristmasChristmas at my mom’s house is never quiet…but as the grandchildren have grown up there is less screaming, less crying and less general noise than in past years. I was chatting on the phone with my sister Cindy, who lives in Anchorage, discussing that very point on Friday afternoon. Little did I know that she was silently giggling….<br />
She’d sent screaming flying monkey slingshots for Christmas.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8o0G5epR_KM/UNcbepSCUeI/AAAAAAAABwE/ble_KzR1c9I/s1600-h/DSC_1067%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1067" border="0" height="273" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qx9EXoYWIIw/UNcbfUwDK6I/AAAAAAAABwM/OMknnE8XqjQ/DSC_1067_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1067" width="404" /></a><br />
You put your fingers in their mittens, pull back their body on their stretchy little arms and let the monkey fly…<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lDYvAs3ckw8/UNcbgI2btEI/AAAAAAAABwU/eis4vSRWuGk/s1600-h/DSC_1061.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1061" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TjyO-yUwO24/UNcbhAxyOCI/AAAAAAAABwc/fcR4lfI1REs/DSC_1061_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1061" width="404" /></a><br />
When the monkey reaches its destination...it screams…. like a monkey.<br />
Imagine twenty screaming monkeys being slingshot across the living room. There were a couple minor injuries to boy parts. My brother has his own high-pitched scream. My brother-in-law barricaded himself behind presents to prevent monkey damage. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X1koBf2XliQ/UNcbhy_EaCI/AAAAAAAABwk/be-4t439m2g/s1600-h/DSC_1065%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1065" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_yFvK5pjcGs/UNcbi1y0xVI/AAAAAAAABws/BHt52e5mj2Y/DSC_1065_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1065" width="272" /></a><br />
We repeated inappropriate monkey sayings and jokes.<br />
I laughed and laughed. My sister got a migraine.<br />
My mother confiscated the monkeys. <br />
That woman is a saint.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bb_J9FFXUtU/UNcbjRg2LoI/AAAAAAAABw0/V0EM9t_hMZ8/s1600-h/DSC_1063.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1063" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DYNGnt4dSzI/UNcbj8ne1_I/AAAAAAAABw8/ise7IoA2GuI/DSC_1063_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1063" width="272" /></a><br />
So, perhaps now I will go on to facebook to post pictures of the Weaver family Christmas… <br />
Beautiful daughter and Beautiful sister. Cousins giggling together. A baby and a brother taking a nap. Presents. A walk in the woods with my sister. The kids on the sledding hill. Brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. My sister sang a Christmas song. There were beautiful handmade wool mittens. My mom prepared a fabulous meal. Another perfect proper Christmas. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k421kW2s4TI/UNcbkX1CJWI/AAAAAAAABxE/QSnNtjPfhF8/s1600-h/DSC_1016%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1016" border="0" height="158" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UrSW6EClv0E/UNcbk5UvUsI/AAAAAAAABxM/GHw5tAGBC0o/DSC_1016_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1016" width="234" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-14hfbJqWpzs/UNcblpjw_mI/AAAAAAAABxU/jEZbouSCKws/s1600-h/DSC_1033%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1033" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4ZsbcSBqduA/UNcbmYCYloI/AAAAAAAABxc/-6sVYYAmJNY/DSC_1033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1033" width="165" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AN8R6Eqq4OE/UNcbmnEFMOI/AAAAAAAABxk/lpgV6Aa68SI/s1600-h/DSC_1006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1006" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VBfaKU6z8MY/UNcbnONJNCI/AAAAAAAABxs/VQhIVUw8XIQ/DSC_1006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1006" width="165" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MlYxiI5IHzo/UNcbnnPeXgI/AAAAAAAABx0/53zjDMTWOBM/s1600-h/DSC_1017%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1017" border="0" height="158" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gk3ZaLxS-7M/UNcboUMa4II/AAAAAAAABx8/evRtmYWHL1c/DSC_1017_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1017" width="234" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lRMQNE4yNH4/UNcbo7pmOxI/AAAAAAAAByE/40-Y1QCbFXw/s1600-h/DSC_0003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0003" border="0" height="165" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AxeGJmVMAc4/UNcbp_2EppI/AAAAAAAAByM/N4cZtH3rHcA/DSC_0003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0003" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J8vN8fQSAdI/UNcbq6UfgDI/AAAAAAAAByU/wL2lw7-EE5I/s1600-h/DSC_1051%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1051" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1h_oYxyTZl4/UNcbrYk8UlI/AAAAAAAAByc/8KG2fIvQpeI/DSC_1051_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1051" width="165" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2munbZixQN0/UNcbr5eOc2I/AAAAAAAAByk/y6KkVV_mLhU/s1600-h/DSC_1070%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1070" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LYwCYBtk4kY/UNcbsoNvwKI/AAAAAAAABys/eyIXwE_ZpDk/DSC_1070_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1070" width="165" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eojC9ki6tws/UNcbtNreETI/AAAAAAAABy0/vVBr2gqaBH0/s1600-h/DSC_1028%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1028" border="0" height="163" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-97tI6AG72FY/UNcbvK41f4I/AAAAAAAABy8/QQugjDwn8os/DSC_1028_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1028" width="241" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jTlUjwSRKCk/UNcbvzU0kBI/AAAAAAAABzE/I074ZaTGryI/s1600-h/DSC_1048%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1048" border="0" height="165" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mlgL2xgIdwU/UNcbw-RFSlI/AAAAAAAABzQ/b2_EGJ23Qs8/DSC_1048_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1048" width="244" /></a><br />
I love this family… just enough dysfunction to be fun and I loved The Christmas of Screaming Monkey Slingshots. Everyone agreed it was better than the Christmas of the Repeating Parrots. And even though she had to confiscate the monkeys, I think my mom preferred the monkeys to the Christmas of Glitter… she still seems a bit annoyed with that one as she pointed out some glitter on the wall. I know Jay enjoyed the monkey Christmas more than the Trip to the ER Christmas (thank you girls for not building a huge ice jump on the sledding hill this year – fun for kids but lethal for adults!) <br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><em>Merry Christmas 2012.</em></span></div>
Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-87148460407694148932012-07-15T17:32:00.004-05:002012-07-15T18:18:32.988-05:00Before and After...Daughter's ApartmentMy daughter recently graduated from college and has her own apartment for the first time. One thing she did not have was furnishings so for the last few weeks I have been scouring my basement, garage sales and consignment shops to help her furnish it. My sewing machine has been busy too. She was shocked when her dad and I showed up with trailer FULL of furniture and furnishings.<br />
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I had been on face time with her and seen the apartment that way and had her measure everything so I knew where to put everything as it was being moved in. She was quite surprised because she thought we would be bringing a cabinet from her old bedroom and her grandma's old ugly love seat, curtains and potholders I'd sewed....<br />
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This is her entryway when we came...<br />
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Minutes later....<br />
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Her wish was to have a bright, welcoming entry so I painted a mirror that came off a consignment dresser with bright colors, made a orange pad for a bench that she'd had in her room growing up, and sewed a bright pillow. You can't tell in the photo but I made a window valance for the front door that matches the pillow. </div>
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Her living area when we came.... She made delicious pork barbeque sandwiches with coleslaw and we ate before we got to work hauling stuff inside. We had to sit on the floor because she had absolutely nothing in this room...</div>
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In a short time, it looked like this...</div>
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(bad lighting...sorry)</div>
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Now she has a place to sit and watch the TV we brought her, a place to eat meals and to relax. She is thrilled. She painted the dresser green after we left... it was a project I didn't get to complete but I left her the paint and paintbrush and she was happy to finish it. Everything in the room except for the counter height table came from our basement, garage sales and consignment stores. The love seat was her grandmothers, from probably the 1970's. I painted it and made slipcovers out of drop cloths. They aren't perfect but when you don't have anything, they are good enough. As my sister says ... you get what you get and you don't throw a fit.<br />
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She had a cute little nook that we furnished as well.<br />
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Before (this is all the furniture, except her bed, that she had):<br />
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And After</div>
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again, repurposed, repainted stuff... looks very cute... </div>
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Her little bitty kitchen just needed a bit of organization and a few decorative and practical things and it looks much neater.... My sweet sister Tonja bought her that microwave at a garage sale... I come from a family of thrifters...<br />
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<br />Her bedroom and bathroom got a few updates too but I don't have any pictures. <br />
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I had asked her to repaint before I came and I'm so glad she did; everything was bright white and clean. She was thrilled, surprised and grateful. <br />
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I, of course, was beyond thrilled with what could be accomplished from hours away on the cheap with what was in my basement, garage and consignment sale finds, paint, and a sewing machine. <br />
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</div>Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-45878992998763230752012-03-06T20:02:00.001-06:002012-03-06T20:02:40.118-06:00Polar Plunge<p>A few weeks ago in Duluth, my daughter did a Polar Plunge with some sorority sisters to raise money for Special Olympics.     When she told me she was doing this,  I had no idea it was such a big deal.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--9_qrBNEvkU/T1bBoCfINwI/AAAAAAAABsQ/cmZe_Gj1O3I/s1600-h/DSC_0432%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0432" border="0" alt="DSC_0432" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wRzFLG1FMBA/T1bBolDIGYI/AAAAAAAABsY/ZQBlBtx42P4/DSC_0432_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="484" /></a></p> <p>There were many interesting people.   Notice the spectator with the fur hat…  He was nothing compared to the plungers. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ie1SW_bQCHE/T1bBpVWDSDI/AAAAAAAABsg/f-PIRNgASYU/s1600-h/DSC_0459%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0459" border="0" alt="DSC_0459" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ar39iSpipzM/T1bBqGbUQcI/AAAAAAAABso/GbnjYr7neeI/DSC_0459_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="484" /></a></p> <p>This man walked around dancing and yelling that it was his seventh year in a row to do the plunge.  Woo Hoo!   </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0448" border="0" alt="DSC_0448" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ceuk1_jK048/T1bBqepiEbI/AAAAAAAABsw/lrDJaP88ZZI/DSC_0448_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="238" height="244" /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EWMQOqomB74/T1bBrhmbwrI/AAAAAAAABs4/N2e8Zfwkqn4/s1600-h/DSC_0435%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0435" border="0" alt="DSC_0435" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_CUucuIkOBk/T1bBsY8MA7I/AAAAAAAABtA/6VZBNvnBFy4/DSC_0435_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="172" /></a>I’m clueless about where to buy shiny pants like these guys were wearing.  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OSnIR4_miiU/T1bBs6qdXfI/AAAAAAAABtI/WHvxHRr0xHo/s1600-h/DSC_0471%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0471" border="0" alt="DSC_0471" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jNA2w0RJm-8/T1bBtdZmcTI/AAAAAAAABtQ/E-h8LBtsUus/DSC_0471_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="484" /></a></p> <p>There were also some rescuers in the water ready to save the plungers.    No one needed saving.    Sometimes there is ice on the water but there was not this afternoon.  There was ice on the water the next morning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-veFexcrsBPk/T1bBt_b6kzI/AAAAAAAABtY/KbQn4BGk_mk/s1600-h/DSC_0437%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0437" border="0" alt="DSC_0437" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PyT9aB5ING0/T1bBufbXRdI/AAAAAAAABtg/Olyza4jWoBE/DSC_0437_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="484" /></a></p> <p>There were 1,400 plungers.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--YQy6pP2A_o/T1bBvdxRz8I/AAAAAAAABto/hudB7-PQ5Rw/s1600-h/DSC_0485%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0485" border="0" alt="DSC_0485" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aSssqXI6hEA/T1bBv14XVPI/AAAAAAAABtw/bjAzbtEB16Q/DSC_0485_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="424" /></a></p> <p>A lot of money was raised this day.   Great job polar plungers!</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-71391817171505600672012-02-20T18:10:00.001-06:002012-02-20T18:10:14.455-06:00Superior Sunrise<p>The sun rising this morning over Lake Superior was spectacular. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yOWg7G8sYqI/T0LgreX6xoI/AAAAAAAABpg/htX0qAGKPiQ/s1600-h/DSC_0736%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0736" border="0" alt="DSC_0736" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GVE22YddHok/T0LgrmTYMHI/AAAAAAAABpo/IXPx9P1pt08/DSC_0736_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>I woke up to see a faint pink in the sky out my hotel window that started getting progressively lighter.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kqyKz97uMug/T0LgsU6_X7I/AAAAAAAABpw/bT5AejsC8Y8/s1600-h/DSC_0740%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0740" border="0" alt="DSC_0740" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0jf1pL1RcPc/T0LgsyaLqQI/AAAAAAAABp4/4IoViHlfHX8/DSC_0740_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>The sky continued to got more light and pink.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jFWKX7E6Usc/T0LgtmomYwI/AAAAAAAABqA/K5klByNNYYk/s1600-h/DSC_0742%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0742" border="0" alt="DSC_0742" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--cPRFTQo1-0/T0LgvAy27ZI/AAAAAAAABqI/jycKhNgwDCo/DSC_0742_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>And then the sun started to break through the horizon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yi0ikWbixPI/T0Lgw1vW3pI/AAAAAAAABqQ/2mIA6bj-QWw/s1600-h/DSC_0744%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0744" border="0" alt="DSC_0744" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P-O4UplGMMQ/T0LgxdrJd7I/AAAAAAAABqY/i2wHsaW2RWM/DSC_0744_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>I was taking pictures every five to ten minutes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ow3oXmPKrYA/T0LgyIz6R1I/AAAAAAAABqg/9mORDxXwTCs/s1600-h/DSC_0746%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0746" border="0" alt="DSC_0746" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aT6zZWeTD-4/T0LgyVc77FI/AAAAAAAABqo/5rnOtAVAs5U/DSC_0746_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>There was a  very thin layer of ice  on the lake which had developed overnight.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fmz6F11gztU/T0LgzFuAyQI/AAAAAAAABqw/p_UiLc9Kdnw/s1600-h/DSC_0752%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0752" border="0" alt="DSC_0752" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UF7KTaWPeFk/T0LgzY4esAI/AAAAAAAABq4/JG7T3eg5Y0I/DSC_0752_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>It was beautiful.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1nBy0kNKtog/T0Lg0Gu7QjI/AAAAAAAABrA/hAGr9pcycPg/s1600-h/DSC_0755%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0755" border="0" alt="DSC_0755" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HVnSXs3zoGA/T0Lg0htm26I/AAAAAAAABrI/ey7QbDdgwvA/DSC_0755_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>It changed every few minutes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SoMyfIj9cOg/T0Lg1ICO9HI/AAAAAAAABrQ/8CsrRkEdxA4/s1600-h/DSC_0757%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0757" border="0" alt="DSC_0757" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3zPVn_vB1NU/T0Lg16pDJrI/AAAAAAAABrY/GlQ2GwAO50k/DSC_0757_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>These pictures are in order over the course of somewhat more than an hour.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z_500qdDKA4/T0Lg2p1vbGI/AAAAAAAABrg/gXQ9G9iGAok/s1600-h/DSC_0759%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0759" border="0" alt="DSC_0759" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s6ifwwDXYoQ/T0Lg3MN4NTI/AAAAAAAABro/7dvCvvPG_yA/DSC_0759_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>I love staying at hotels in Duluth with a view of Lake Superior.  I’d never seen a sunrise like this before.  When I checked out of the hotel the clerk mentioned it;  she said she’d lived in Duluth her whole life and this was one of the most beautiful sunrises she’d seen.    She told me she took pictures too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FGxIXQOVero/T0Lg3s6MuhI/AAAAAAAABrw/wVqIpJMKZsk/s1600-h/DSC_0761%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0761" border="0" alt="DSC_0761" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gsZH2Y5N_G4/T0Lg4NLKayI/AAAAAAAABr4/3vrryAKt0dI/DSC_0761_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>It was a superior Lake Superior sunrise.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BgoQuUUXMDs/T0Lg469ahxI/AAAAAAAABsA/R16biNZDuGU/s1600-h/DSC_0763%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0763" border="0" alt="DSC_0763" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZH8dlRRU0Ag/T0Lg5AFwOFI/AAAAAAAABsI/ZKk0Z3nWIYM/DSC_0763_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>What a beautiful way to wake up.</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-79405223833945282902012-02-12T09:20:00.001-06:002012-02-12T09:20:11.087-06:00Entertaining and Decorating<p>When I have a party at my house, I usually concentrate on critical areas… making sure the house is clean, picking up some flowers, and  concentrating on the menu.  I try to keep by fussbudget tendencies in check and remember that when I go to a party I’m relaxed and happy, not judgmental, and I imagine other people are probably the same.   </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CFW8V2HUzl8/TzfYhkgMppI/AAAAAAAABng/9h6Bwq6kEFQ/s1600-h/DSC_0389%25255B35%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0389" border="0" alt="DSC_0389" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HbFT7K-yfug/TzfYhzH6kHI/AAAAAAAABno/IpQm_rKWqns/DSC_0389_thumb%25255B32%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="301" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8F8Lmwhg924/TzfYip1krbI/AAAAAAAABnw/6n5YLoB79Tk/s1600-h/DSC_0384%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0384" border="0" alt="DSC_0384" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FG-yzGa5gwg/TzfYjMCRrHI/AAAAAAAABn4/Vf18M3qPFK8/DSC_0384_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="301" /></a></p> <p>The recent cocktail party we hosted was so much fun because I had a little bit of time to prepare for it and my husband and friend handled all the food and drink preparation.  We had a Mexican theme, Sangria and Margaritas were on the menu.   I don’t think we served one Margarita.   The Sangria was just that good!  The recipe was from allrecipes.com called Sangria!Sangria!    Delicious…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qmxlP2Gcl3w/TzfYkHCnN0I/AAAAAAAABoA/bq4WEN34FFo/s1600-h/DSC_0368%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0368" border="0" alt="DSC_0368" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LxH5jpyz6_A/TzfYkaw4e3I/AAAAAAAABoI/uLE1ah65nM4/DSC_0368_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="273" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UTbcbtkCjVE/TzfYlZo0e5I/AAAAAAAABoQ/BbX3oE_4vjw/s1600-h/DSC_0369%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0369" border="0" alt="DSC_0369" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G-LBuZJfJ3w/TzfYlkL7cCI/AAAAAAAABoY/VbaYzfT8Ofo/DSC_0369_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="272" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zUIvQ1yyOpU/TzfYmM0bPFI/AAAAAAAABog/kN4URMsj5jE/s1600-h/DSC_0414%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0414" border="0" alt="DSC_0414" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--h42HtfTHJ0/TzfYmgazctI/AAAAAAAABoo/dDMKdzD1nkw/DSC_0414_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="404" /></a>So, with the foods and drinks handled.  I got to concentrate on cleaning and actually had time to do a little bit of extra.     In the weeks before the party,  I sewed colorful cocktail napkins.   I also hemmed piece of fabric for the top of the island.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ay1izhOMroY/TzfYnYDHhTI/AAAAAAAABow/voerW5rb2VE/s1600-h/DSC_0405%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0405" border="0" alt="DSC_0405" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3MLFJBo003o/TzfYn8ESdfI/AAAAAAAABo4/IKUqWqLX8eM/DSC_0405_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="272" /></a></p> <p>My favorite decorations were the paper tissue balls hanging from the ceiling over the island.   They were my take on Mexican paper flowers.   They were quick and easy to make, super inexpensive, and so bright and cheery.     I think I’ll leave them up for a while.   They make me smile.    </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o9LZeyjFTD0/TzfYog8nZvI/AAAAAAAABpA/8lj_KuSD6MU/s1600-h/DSC_0411%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0411" border="0" alt="DSC_0411" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y-nXdPQ-ax4/TzfYpIviaKI/AAAAAAAABpI/b3ZzPig9bEw/DSC_0411_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="610" /></a></p> <p>I wonder if my niece would like me to make some orange, black, and white tissue balls to decorate the garage for her graduation party?   </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GAN7ph6PtFs/TzfYqEgvNzI/AAAAAAAABpQ/d1mzrXRgQ9M/s1600-h/DSC_0409%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0409" border="0" alt="DSC_0409" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bd79I1kboMo/TzfYqg5F2EI/AAAAAAAABpY/3ubsX382kDc/DSC_0409_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="272" /></a></p> <p>It’s been a long time since I’ve had time to spend on being a little bit creative.  I’d almost forgotten how much I enjoy it.   It feeds my soul.</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-26078451867425227512012-01-29T07:48:00.001-06:002012-01-29T07:48:46.489-06:00Missing Justin<p>January is almost over…. my mom used to tell me that the older you were the faster life passed by…. she is right.  </p> <p>I’ve been missing my son who lives in Seattle.   He doesn’t like to talk on the phone much… or text… or email.   In person, he talks and talks and talks but on the phone I must usually settle for short conversations.</p> <p>In July,  Jay and I got to spend two weeks with him and his girlfriend, Harshana.    She is now Justin’s fiancée.   I couldn’t have picked a more perfect match for him.   </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ooNNIIlkRgI/TyVOL5USU_I/AAAAAAAABmw/urpZ-_rUkeI/s1600-h/DSC_0004%25255B33%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0004" border="0" alt="DSC_0004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-atMjspGcbzQ/TyVOMS796NI/AAAAAAAABm4/8SFRsnThHPY/DSC_0004_thumb%25255B30%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="299" /></a></p> <p>We took the ferry to Whidbey Island to visit my husband’s uncle and his daughters.     We drove our car on the ferry and got out for the ride.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H4rDlY_44r8/TyVONaJh9vI/AAAAAAAABnA/cgit0z9dxLw/s1600-h/DSC_0001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0001" border="0" alt="DSC_0001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NaZ0ILPbqkY/TyVON182KeI/AAAAAAAABnI/47zk9bBD6qY/DSC_0001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="299" /></a></p> <p>My son looked pretty scruffy when we arrived in Seattle.   I think sometimes he doesn’t shave just to irritate me and Harshana.    It took a few days but Harshana and I eventually wore him down.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fPNZnxKF7Qs/TyVOOo-TLqI/AAAAAAAABnQ/3p5XKUGJYak/s1600-h/DSC_0033%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0033" border="0" alt="DSC_0033" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hd8Vr7RVXJE/TyVOO4mbtmI/AAAAAAAABnY/niirpOWFpu0/DSC_0033_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="308" /></a></p> <p>I miss that scruffy face.</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-86178693153312605932012-01-16T18:58:00.001-06:002012-01-16T18:58:33.593-06:00How far does your money go?<p>I recently went to a high school wrestling match.  It cost six dollars for admission.  I paid with a twenty and got back some change.   I left the change in my pocket and when I pulled my jeans out of the washer the dollar bills were in the bottom of the washer.   This didn’t bother me at all.  I like clean money. </p> <p>I noticed one of the bills had a stamp on it to track it by going to the website <a href="http://www.wheresgeorge.com/">http://www.wheresgeorge.com/</a>   so I went to the website and entered the serial number of the dollar bill.    My dollar was 1,212 Miles from where it had started  3 years, 32 days, 4 hours and 41 minutes earlier when it was received as change at the Target store in Garner, North Carolina.     <br /></p> <p>I wonder how many (dirty) hands it passed through during that time?   How did it get to the high school in my town?   What has it been doing for the last three years?</p> <p>Have you ever gotten money with the “where’s george" stamp?  Did you track the money at the website?    For a curious person like me,  there is no way I’d let my dollar bill move on without knowing where it came from. </p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-51965099890759854512012-01-07T18:04:00.001-06:002012-01-07T18:04:18.636-06:00Perfect Winter<p>So far, this winter has been almost perfect.     </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RI1JZiF8sTA/TwjdcC7UzmI/AAAAAAAABlw/Q8xg3tlppb8/s1600-h/DSC_0139%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0139" border="0" alt="DSC_0139" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Nu2e0iXjkAI/TwjdcqbFuHI/AAAAAAAABl4/qp-hGdloV98/DSC_0139_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="484" /></a></p> <p>We’ve had no snow.   Well not exactly no snow but none that stayed.      The golf course is brown.   I’m not sure if I mentioned it before but I am NOT a fan of winter.   I probably should live somewhere other than Minnesota.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R8bcBYfj-zc/TwjddLPc8YI/AAAAAAAABmA/rapNNMiwZ00/s1600-h/DSC_0136%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0136" border="0" alt="DSC_0136" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fx8zJgI1wNs/TwjdditiDqI/AAAAAAAABmI/i6EFH_qNFhU/DSC_0136_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="293" /></a></p> <p>This year is different though.  Bicycles and motorcycles have not been put away yet.   The temperature was 55 degrees one day this week.   It has been sunny too.</p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2kVrA2uT3r4/TwjdeMhbIuI/AAAAAAAABmQ/mQ15jj7D3Yc/s1600-h/DSC_0116%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0116" border="0" alt="DSC_0116" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Sr1NrQK1ZOs/TwjdenX4rjI/AAAAAAAABmY/UJ5VjeXVA0k/DSC_0116_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="484" /></a> <p>Are there always so many geese in the sky in January?   I do not know as  I prefer to stay inside in January most years. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DS7J-3uCpD0/Twjdf9w9YaI/AAAAAAAABmg/UbrPNsLeWcQ/s1600-h/DSC_0148%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0148" border="0" alt="DSC_0148" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ooF9MKk1Eo4/TwjdgadmzfI/AAAAAAAABmo/QVr_K2sS5yk/DSC_0148_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="293" /></a></p> <p>I’m sure at some point it will get cold and snowy but for now every day like today makes me happy.  Each day is one day closer to spring.</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-50179530802893826062011-12-31T07:12:00.001-06:002011-12-31T07:12:10.949-06:00End of the Season<p><font color="#000000">This Christmas was sunny and warm.  There was not a flake of snow to be found.    It snowed yesterday.  There is not quite enough to cover the grass yet but it now looks like winter has arrived. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bdHe_Ia5iQg/Tv8KKFYr6dI/AAAAAAAABlg/REfKK_ws23k/s1600-h/DSC_0086%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0086" border="0" alt="DSC_0086" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8t2mtwLgwzs/Tv8KKgKByMI/AAAAAAAABlo/QgHhWZS1jHE/DSC_0086_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="347" /></a></p> <font color="#000000">I made this wreath for my front door many years ago.   It will come down this week along with the rest of the decorations.     I do not know what will go up in its place.   The months between Christmas and Spring seem very long.</font> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-50344265197930114282011-12-24T07:25:00.001-06:002011-12-24T07:25:06.443-06:00Christmas Eve<p>Merry Christmas Eve!</p> <p>If you’ve been nice this year, you may like to know when Santa will arrive at your house.   This is a great site:    <a title="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/" href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/">http://www.noradsanta.org/en/</a></p> <p>I am <u>so</u> happy not to have snow on the ground this Christmas.   Ironically, one of my best Christmas Eve’s was when my son, his girlfriend, and my daughter were all stranded at home for two days because of a Christmas blizzard.  That is the only time I have ever appreciated snow.    As my kids have grown up and moved on to their own lives the idea of spending Christmas somewhere tropical sounds extremely appealing. </p> <p>My Christmas trees are beautiful.  The tree in my family room has family ornaments that I’ve collected over the years.  This sled was made out of popsicle sticks from me by my grandma.   I see that it has lost a runner; I will look for it in the ornament box.   </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ihEFH9XxI9o/TvXSr9LRQkI/AAAAAAAABlQ/14VeDf0JqRI/s1600-h/DSC_0074%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0074" border="0" alt="DSC_0074" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mx19QWwiHZ4/TvXSsRgd7PI/AAAAAAAABlY/MZqNxh7cmdE/DSC_0074_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="484" /></a></p> <p>I hope your Christmas Eve is filled with fun!</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-32862669122578865322011-12-23T08:37:00.001-06:002011-12-23T08:37:29.891-06:00Sunrise…Sunset…Swiftly Fly the Days…<p>It is incredible to me that my last post was in June….  time has slipped away…</p> <p>Life has been busy in the last six months…beginnings and endings…fresh starts and sad goodbyes…sunrises and sunsets…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nrRJXa_8jpU/TvSSJ8pkfHI/AAAAAAAABlA/DplEV2wLHME/s1600-h/DSC_0812%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="DSC_0812" alt="DSC_0812" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nz0F6fw3Oq0/TvSSKeu-d9I/AAAAAAAABlI/VEH1uaNTZMs/DSC_0812_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="277" /></a></p> <p>I think I’m back though.</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-7791519929425214032011-06-15T21:22:00.001-05:002011-06-15T21:22:52.415-05:00Dog Toy<p>I love to find PD stuffed animal toys at garage sales.    I make sure they don’t have any loose parts and that they are stuffed with fiberfill rather than Styrofoam beads.   I don’t want to clean up that mess if he tears them up.</p> <p>I went to a garage sale last Saturday and got him five stuffed animals -  cost me a dollar and ten cents,  total.   That’s a good deal.</p> <p>When I got home,  I put all five in a pile and let him nose around to pick out his favorite.  </p> <p>This little guy was the winner.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-028ApOVrcw8/Tflo8msvdWI/AAAAAAAABks/lcprVsoSJxo/s1600-h/DSC_0775%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0775" border="0" alt="DSC_0775" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FoHqILq7EIY/Tflo9Pci06I/AAAAAAAABkw/M5I_Cb3gl4c/DSC_0775_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" height="484" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>And then I started thinking…..  He looks awfully familiar.</p> <p>Look at those eyebrows.   Do you see it?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sonCaoVwibw/Tflo-PBws8I/AAAAAAAABk0/xmDOZuNFHrk/s1600-h/DSC_0778%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0778" border="0" alt="DSC_0778" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g_bXq15jD5c/Tflo-nSS0QI/AAAAAAAABk4/RCcYD3TJpgQ/DSC_0778_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="484" /></a></p> <p>I wonder if PD noticed the resemblance?  </p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-21171494300238010512011-05-27T20:23:00.001-05:002011-05-27T20:23:16.898-05:00The Smell of Spring<p>Lilacs</p> <p>The best spring smell in the world.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SMSd8XB0XJ4/TeBOe-5Iy4I/AAAAAAAABkQ/QA3oaf780zo/s1600-h/DSC_0336%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0336" border="0" alt="DSC_0336" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-seEJHcE0s1o/TeBOfU4vp2I/AAAAAAAABkU/hzGFILzq7KQ/DSC_0336_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="272" /></a></p> <p>I felt like sticking my whole head into the middle of this lilac bush and just breathing it in.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7yFjSzb-PuU/TeBOgeckAuI/AAAAAAAABkY/WPGISL-ZS3U/s1600-h/DSC_0350%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0350" border="0" alt="DSC_0350" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zfxaNcDz1VY/TeBOg1kokMI/AAAAAAAABkc/n9HqdYSn13M/DSC_0350_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>In fact,  I might have done just that. </p> <p>I’m pretty sure that heaven smells exactly lilacs.</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-40454750102615868302011-05-13T16:41:00.001-05:002011-05-13T16:41:33.660-05:00Shoes on or off in the house?<p>Shoes on or off in the house?</p> <p>I understand this may be a regional thing.  Almost everyone I know takes their shoes off when they walk into someone’s house.    I always do, it’s how I was raised and it’s how my kids were raised.   It truly doesn’t bother me in the least if a visitor wears their shoes in my house though, I never ask,  people just take their shoes off around here.   It’s typical to see huge piles of shoes at the doorway when I have family over.</p> <p>My sister is raising her kids the same way.   She has locker storage in her garage for each member of her family to take off their coats and shoes before they come into the house.  .</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/Tc2lfkKd50I/AAAAAAAABj4/iQURH3IS3Bc/s1600-h/DSC_0150%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0150" border="0" alt="DSC_0150" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/Tc2lgRURHAI/AAAAAAAABj8/SGxJT3owMCI/DSC_0150_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="266" /></a></p> <p>I visited my sister a few days ago,  I used the back door because I walked into her house through the garage.   I noticed a small cardboard sign.    This sign was meant for her kids, not her guests, but it was so funny I have to share.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/Tc2lhVJjb8I/AAAAAAAABkA/DgYTjgf2dGU/s1600-h/DSC_0148%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0148" border="0" alt="DSC_0148" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/Tc2lhzZ06II/AAAAAAAABkE/NfAQVE_9zF4/DSC_0148_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>I love the smiley face after the “Thanks.”   I thought this was such a creative reminder for her kids.  They’ve got a fun mom.</p> <p>The sign didn’t scare me either.   I walked right up those stairs with my shoes on.      I took them off as soon as I got into the house though.      <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/Tc2liv1vj_I/AAAAAAAABkI/EXN7_j4jZvc/s1600-h/DSC_0152%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0152" border="0" alt="DSC_0152" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/Tc2ljMDJpuI/AAAAAAAABkM/JnvWi0GzZzQ/DSC_0152_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="270" /></a></p> <p>I kind of like my eyebrows.</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-64390663434677560922011-05-08T16:06:00.001-05:002011-05-08T16:06:45.020-05:00Post for Mom<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TccF1VLqShI/AAAAAAAABjg/XIw-yR9-RJg/s1600-h/DSC_0031%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0031" border="0" alt="DSC_0031" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TccF189n7rI/AAAAAAAABjk/I5skOYm3Jn8/DSC_0031_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>For months my mom has been<strike> hounding </strike> encouraging me to get back to blogging.   I’m not sure why I stopped,  I guess one day I just did.   I enjoy posting I just haven’t had any burning desire to tell any stories lately although my life has been interesting, busy, and very good.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TccF22J0R1I/AAAAAAAABjo/_IdU-WWdRdE/s1600-h/DSC_0080%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0080" border="0" alt="DSC_0080" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TccF3QDzvgI/AAAAAAAABjs/KRgrpOhMbNk/DSC_0080_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>In honor of my mom on Mother’s Day,  I am posting my first new post in almost four months and I’m going to try to do better from here on out.     </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TccF4UQa9ZI/AAAAAAAABjw/6p6YTIZa8y8/s1600-h/DSC_0090%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0090" border="0" alt="DSC_0090" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TccF43-XTfI/AAAAAAAABj0/tBBeL6sm58o/DSC_0090_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="272" /></a></p> <p>Happy Mother’s Day!</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-1592244872142840102011-01-11T19:53:00.001-06:002011-01-11T19:53:34.889-06:00The Bar Incident<p>And now the explanation on why there was fishing line in the lemon bars I made.</p> <p>I decided that I needed something to brighten my office for Christmas last month.     I found some colorful unbreakable balls to hang on a branch.   I wanted the balls to look like they were floating from the branch so I made hangers for them from fishing line.  I wish I would have taken a picture,  it was cute.</p> <p>I tied the hangers on the balls while I sat in front of the TV watching a football game.  I snipped off the ends of the fishing line ties into a bowl.</p> <p>I brought the bowl upstairs and set it on the kitchen island.   Later when the dishwasher was emptied, the bowl with the fishing line pieces was put into the cupboard with the rest of the clean dishes.  When I made the lemon bars, I didn’t notice the many fishing line pieces in the bowl and mixed them into the bars.  </p> <p>Bar incidents can be very embarrassing.</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-24745521335885077632011-01-05T19:37:00.001-06:002011-01-05T19:37:03.856-06:00The Problem with the Lemon Bars<p>Jay tells me it’s entertaining being married to me;  it very well may be.  I’m not so sure.   I just assume goofy conversations and the things that lead up to them happen in every relationship.   </p> <p>Right?</p> <p>A couple weeks ago Jay and I had the following conversation which he documented on Facebook: </p> <p>Jay: Yay! Lemon bars! <br />Mary: Do you have fishing line in yours? <br />Jay: Am I SUPPOSED to have fishing line in my lemon bar? <br />Mary: Never mind. <br />Jay: No, seriously, why would you ask me that? Is there fishing line in YOUR lemon bar? <br />Mary: I don't want to talk about it...</p> <p>There did end up being quite a few pieces of fishing line in the lemon bars.  I threw them out.  </p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-12104523255729308552011-01-01T19:31:00.002-06:002011-01-01T19:35:32.252-06:00Snow Blowing Fashion<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VYKP6bAI/AAAAAAAABgw/ZPuK0T8ZAsA/s1600-h/DSC_0845%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0845" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VYt2BlVI/AAAAAAAABg0/76UfKafDOWI/DSC_0845_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0845" width="183" /></a> <br />
So, today before I went out to snow blowing through the 800 foot tall snowdrift at the end of my driveway, I started thinking how I could write that I made a mistake in a previous blog post when I said that snow blowing is fun.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VZCLyEII/AAAAAAAABg4/3LOsNwhXPgk/s1600-h/DSC_0811%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="DSC_0811" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VZfx3ohI/AAAAAAAABg8/AuUQ-0EbyUk/DSC_0811_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="DSC_0811" width="165" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VZ9ZZf2I/AAAAAAAABhA/i6A830X7fZ0/s1600-h/DSC_0814%5B3%5D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="DSC_0814" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VaNuuzJI/AAAAAAAABhE/W3qIfeAPKp0/DSC_0814_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="DSC_0814" width="165" /></a><br />
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Except I didn’t. I’ve spent a many hours snow blowing in the last two days. Shockingly, I’m really enjoying it. <br />
<span style="color: #5a6f1b;"></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_Vaoujs-I/AAAAAAAABhI/dzbxC3zofRk/s1600-h/DSC_0866%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0866" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VbLQtGWI/AAAAAAAABhM/-uIwBjl58sQ/DSC_0866_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0866" width="404" /></a><br />
What can I say, <strong>I was born with the gift of happiness</strong>.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_Vbp3cxKI/AAAAAAAABhQ/A-sadAiJL-c/s1600-h/DSC_0828%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0828" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VcIgP4yI/AAAAAAAABhU/1MUpE8hGNbI/DSC_0828_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0828" width="404" /></a><br />
I loved seeing that giant mountain of snow dissolve into mist in the air. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_Vcf4l0eI/AAAAAAAABhY/855kBs7gTH0/s1600-h/DSC_0825%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0825" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VcwwfGjI/AAAAAAAABhc/AfEpZdN5MSI/DSC_0825_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0825" width="183" /></a><br />
There is plenty of time to think when you are snow blowing; it takes a long time to demolish 800 feet tall drifts. I started thinking that if I was going to have to do this more often I should get my own snow blowing clothes rather than borrow my husband’s ugly baby-poop colored, but oh-so-warm, Carhartt overalls. I wondered if they came in black. (they do – I Googled) Black would look much better on me, it’s slimming. Black Carhartts would also match the new hat and mittens I bought for snow blowing.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VdFmXn6I/AAAAAAAABhg/y9_4d1ufP1U/s1600-h/DSC_0816%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0816" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VdkqbmaI/AAAAAAAABhk/si3eL2KxHwY/DSC_0816_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0816" width="356" /></a><br />
I took a picture of them to show off how cute they are close up. The falling snow tends to obscure their brightness as it covers me.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_Vd8h9uFI/AAAAAAAABho/RnHL69BYAeY/s1600-h/DSC_0883%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0883" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VeZDWcaI/AAAAAAAABhs/MtRTTXDCt0Y/DSC_0883_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_0883" width="403" /></a><br />
Then I started wondering if my oh-so-warm but monstrous and ugly Sorel boots come in another color. I’d love for them to look more like my rubber boots. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_Ve28edlI/AAAAAAAABhw/HoQqdg5PxcQ/s1600-h/DSC_0878%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0878" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR_VfFk1KII/AAAAAAAABh0/y_8-fmlKD7M/DSC_0878_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0878" width="195" /></a><br />
I wore these boots with wool socks on Thursday night to help dig my daughter’s car when it was stuck in a drift. She was wearing my Sorel boots. I wasn’t out in the blizzard too long but my feet stayed warm and dry. Both neighbors complimented me on my boots; I might be on to something. Or they may just think I’m crazy.Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4305810716483054168.post-29724687121238509862010-12-31T19:46:00.001-06:002010-12-31T19:46:22.844-06:002010 Recap<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR6Ha0ImIDI/AAAAAAAABgY/T-JMD60cBmg/s1600-h/DSC_0784%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0784" border="0" alt="DSC_0784" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yfqzzq26FKw/TR6Hba-DpbI/AAAAAAAABgc/1vp-jePelis/DSC_0784_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="451" /></a> </p> <p>When doing employee evaluations, there is a tendency to evaluate based on one trait, either positive or negative rather than looking objectively at multiple performance areas.   This is called the “ horns or halo” bias and it’s important to be aware of it when doing evaluations. </p> <p>As I sit down to review 2010,  I’m especially aware of this bias because the last 24 hours or so have been less than great.  </p> <p>There is a crazy blizzard raging outside, the roads are closed and my husband couldn’t make it home for the long weekend.   I’ve spent many hours tackling a drift in my driveway that is over my head – and I’m 5’6”.   Round two of the blizzard is starting and those hours of work are being blown in by snow.  My dishwasher flooded my kitchen and dripped down into the basement through the light fixtures.   I’ve had to shut off the water in the kitchen because the water just will not stop running.   I need a plumber.</p> <p>But these last few hours of 2010 do not put horns on the year.  This year has really been awesome.  One of the best years ever.   Really.  In so many ways this year feels like a reward and I know how blessed I am.    </p> <p>Happy New Year!  May your 2011 be blessed.</p> Merry Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15226939572361280967noreply@blogger.com2