tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78192240193100931422024-02-20T22:46:47.051-05:00Protodoom: The Doom That Comes Before All Others!Art, craftiness, music and general shenanigans.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-3380259447230483322011-08-11T22:37:00.000-04:002011-08-11T22:37:37.339-04:00Front Porch, Cart, Flowers...<div>Alrighty, I didn't realize I hadn't gotten around to posting what I did with my freshly painted garden cart and flower pots. So, for your joy and delight...my front stoop/porch/step/thing!</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OSgnuTy0fTs/Tc_cBH4tWZI/AAAAAAAA1YQ/LwEuMqZatAA/s640/IMG_3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OSgnuTy0fTs/Tc_cBH4tWZI/AAAAAAAA1YQ/LwEuMqZatAA/s400/IMG_3445.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left side! The hanging pot has a plant I'm trying to save. <br />
It's a vine type plant, with purple velvet leaves. It looks much better several months later. <br />
Plus robins made a nest in the mums! I'll have to find those pics.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEivkpnGyaU/Tc_b77qHffI/AAAAAAAA1Ww/MGQbiRfJIf8/s640/IMG_3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEivkpnGyaU/Tc_b77qHffI/AAAAAAAA1Ww/MGQbiRfJIf8/s400/IMG_3402.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmm, what goes where? I did buy enough plants? </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPjqpcrQARo/Tc_cArECkSI/AAAAAAAA1YE/iI6jtsLxh2w/s640/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LPjqpcrQARo/Tc_cArECkSI/AAAAAAAA1YE/iI6jtsLxh2w/s400/IMG_3444.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side! This was a while back, so the plants have mostly filled in. <br />
And the bikes live in the garage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYLIqYUjFkk/Tc_b9kk-gJI/AAAAAAAA1XU/qnVrWNu9E6k/s640/IMG_3430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYLIqYUjFkk/Tc_b9kk-gJI/AAAAAAAA1XU/qnVrWNu9E6k/s400/IMG_3430.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know they are a very humble plant, but I really like marigolds. These are such a <br />
lovely orange,against the lime of the cart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxoGFuIK8xE/Tfl5k3EY-GI/AAAAAAAA3tk/p1srTMU19cM/s640/IMG_6882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxoGFuIK8xE/Tfl5k3EY-GI/AAAAAAAA3tk/p1srTMU19cM/s400/IMG_6882.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mums! The insane horrid heat has made them look pretty pathetic these days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKz_UMc91kM/TfRBdWKNY_I/AAAAAAAA3tk/YVJd_D2s-ss/s640/IMG_6773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKz_UMc91kM/TfRBdWKNY_I/AAAAAAAA3tk/YVJd_D2s-ss/s400/IMG_6773.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOLY CRAP! Lawn turtle! Seriously, it was digging a hole and laying eggs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awRV8vXG5a4/Tfl5Z6MRGCI/AAAAAAAA3tk/ccFknUYe33s/s640/IMG_6881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awRV8vXG5a4/Tfl5Z6MRGCI/AAAAAAAA3tk/ccFknUYe33s/s400/IMG_6881.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite flower. I've gotten a number of blooms out of it, which is awesome.<br />
It just makes me so happy to look at them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_AcRUgslSw/TgDKtuB7UwI/AAAAAAAA3tk/cP1iU2FodTM/s640/IMG_6999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_AcRUgslSw/TgDKtuB7UwI/AAAAAAAA3tk/cP1iU2FodTM/s400/IMG_6999.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait, were did you come from? All of a sudden my yard has become a critter mecca.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-91688001278139074082011-06-01T10:06:00.000-04:002011-06-01T10:06:47.002-04:00Food Review: G2BFinally ate at G2B. Food was tasty, but pricey. And the overall design is bizarre. Very modern, lovely insides. And then the logo designed by a 12-year-old girl. And the staff wearing flower power shirts.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://g2b-restaurant.com/menu.aspx">Worst.website.EVER</a>. Seriously, an intro page? Are we partying like it's 1999?<br />
<br />
I don't judge service too harshly in the first few weeks of opening, but I felt like our server was terrified of us. I mean, yes, it was probably hard to get a word in edgewise, but be strong! And they were obsessed with clearing things...to the point where I was afraid to go to the bathroom.<br />
<br />
I liked their beer selection (I had a tasty Unibroue - Ephemere). Shotgun Betty on tap, yum! They had more local selections on their menu than you see on the website.<br />
<br />
We started with their wings, which were tasty enough, but really, not so much with the crispy. I like my skin very crispy, and it was mostly mushy.<br />
<br />
I had the beef sirloin, with avocado chimichurri and garlic mashed potatoes. It was pretty much perfect.<br />
<br />
Since I work near G2B, I'm pretty disappointed they aren't doing lunch right now, but then again, I wasn't going to get a $13 burger for lunch. I do hope they come up with some more...sharing oriented appetizers, so that we can stop by for drinks after work.<br />
<br />
Still, my plan is to go again, checking out the burger this time and seeing how it holds up to Geer St Garden and BCBB.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-41398139490704043902011-05-19T09:12:00.031-04:002011-05-19T09:12:00.283-04:00Containers Redeemed with a Hint of Spray Paint<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember those thrift store containers? They are becoming flower pots. With just a little elbow grease, some well-placed holes and a metric boatload of spray paint, I'm hoping they can give us a little curb appeal. Or at least my neighbor will stop trying to kill me with her eyes. It was also an easy way to test out a couple of new things. I tried out plastic primer, as well as Zinsser's spray primer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tc_b4ImV05I/AAAAAAAA1VE/KAVaOAXeUSE/s400/IMG_3371.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blue is interested in helping out. No project is complete without a flurry of fur to be picked out.</span></td></tr>
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</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tc_b5MfX5FI/AAAAAAAA1Vc/j52bhmCZnSs/s400/IMG_3375.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The three pots in the foreground are plastic, so I used the plastic primer first. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It had decent coverage and adherence.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tc_b5pT7QwI/AAAAAAAA1Vo/VhBv0Cb3ggk/s400/IMG_3376.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My glorious brass spittoon. Classy, no? I probably should have deglossed /roughed up the surface.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tc_b5-wOVJI/AAAAAAAA1WA/2EsbL7d_T0Q/s400/IMG_3387.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The spittoon got the zinsser primer, which is kind of amazing. It did make me high as a kite almost instantly. The weird texture is a result of my poor technique. However, it did mostly correct itself when I flipped and sprayed from the top.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tc_b6dPjAWI/AAAAAAAA1WM/FzSVlBt2jFE/s400/IMG_3390.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The green pots are a lovely shade of aqua. The white pots are drying (both the plastic primer and the zinsser primer have way longer drying times)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tc_b65qyCGI/AAAAAAAA1WY/itgNGtvpOqA/s400/IMG_3393.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone is blue! Although the hanging pot gets Lagoon, vs Aqua.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tc_b7QHfirI/AAAAAAAA1Wk/w1r_IzBgG88/s400/IMG_3395.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So impatient. I hate watching paint dry.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow, you'll see these flower pots and the garden cart in their new home!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-84264872383668692602011-05-18T09:00:00.025-04:002011-05-18T09:00:01.053-04:00Garden Cart UpdateI've had this white, rusting metal rolling garden cart kicking around for the last year. I've been meaning to do something with it for ages, and when I was exploring the spray paint aisle, the lime green just called out to me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tb47nuBOyzI/AAAAAAAAz4E/d-HDEglnMlg/s400/IMG_1490.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cart is going for a little ride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tb48FephxfI/AAAAAAAAz4M/KLRG2biynCU/s400/IMG_1526.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I painted the underside first. It was not a pleasant surprise to flip it and see zero coverage. <br />
I then made a trip back to the store to get another bottle of the green spray paint.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tb49TB2hjdI/AAAAAAAAz48/JTvu8Xogs0c/s400/IMG_1552.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally! It's almost done! Praise the FSM! What you don't see is the fact that I <br />
totally painted my feet green. They stayed green for a painfully long time, so I looked rather moldy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TcbfswC1t0I/AAAAAAAA0WU/Zv6UQZPzQgs/s400/IMG_1605.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow, I really do not have much of a lawn. But my cart sure is green.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tc_aFkqIhlI/AAAAAAAA1Go/cnnFly6GwHM/s400/IMG_3440.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could we be any cuter? (the answer to that is: NO)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-82692360354771596932011-05-17T20:49:00.000-04:002011-05-17T20:49:58.168-04:00Thrift Store Scores<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh man, I found a killer thrift store, that is filled with pure AWESOME. It is a good size house with a huge fenced back yard. All of it filled with beautiful and utterly random crap.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TcbOcQhILOI/AAAAAAAA0P8/OzUj91XYT7U/s400/IMG_3293.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Forest of walkers.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tcbdomjuz5I/AAAAAAAA0UA/Rn4d2RFQCms/s400/IMG_3304.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Incredible statues out front. This is part of my goal in learning welding.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TcbOeRdrniI/AAAAAAAA0Qo/5BadIFNeLJc/s400/IMG_3303.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other side of the elephant. I'm a huge elephant fangirl.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TcbdHvlcESI/AAAAAAAA0Tk/YyPl-TzjaxU/s400/IMG_3301.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've decided this is a tapir. It's the only possibility.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TcbOdul162I/AAAAAAAA0QY/C9IT7hqX6Ag/s400/IMG_3300.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seemed like a really good idea until we actually got on the road.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TcbOgldjQYI/AAAAAAAA0Rc/UylDNFUSZvg/s400/IMG_3313.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, and we bought lots of awesome stuff. New Coleman camping stove. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Killer purse ($3!). Toasting forks, a popup container, and a </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">bunch of containers (for my upcoming planting project)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TcbOfycmFRI/AAAAAAAA0RQ/YblIe-omcSM/s400/IMG_3310.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know it's more than a little silly, but yes, we are actually totally serious about the sign. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're going to mount it with lights behind it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I plan on adding onto the front of it for a giant well-lit clusterfuck.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TcbOhlkIM_I/AAAAAAAA0R4/rCPfVUbSfig/s400/IMG_3328.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little better picture of my containers. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The brass one was labeled as a spittoon. MMM, yummy.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-55798736212480138502011-05-08T11:19:00.000-04:002011-05-08T11:19:49.659-04:00Things I have done...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div>So, there is no chance I will actually catch all the way up, since I've been neglecting my poor blog. But I've been getting absolutely boatloads of things done and have so many projects to share! <br />
<br />
I put up a bird feeder:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TbXUkoEuALI/AAAAAAAAzQw/bm6NMEDNbDE/s1152/IMG_6736.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At first, the birds were having none of it. But now I have a ton of birds <br />
I am totally incapable of identifying.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Started my first spray paint projects.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TbXSZF7ZS5I/AAAAAAAAzNA/c4HK428Btvw/s1152/IMG_6668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TbXSZF7ZS5I/AAAAAAAAzNA/c4HK428Btvw/s1152/IMG_6668.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primer! What I should have started with was sanding. <br />
That would have been totes smarter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TbXSs0t_YPI/AAAAAAAAzNU/p5xSjLvCmR8/s400/IMG_6686.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know what else I learned? Large flat services are not the best choice for spray paint. <br>Also, my hand will curl up into an angry claw after about 2 coats of paint on something. <br>I did acquire a nifty 'comfort grip'. Which promptly gave me a giant blister because I hold things weirdly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tbj6M9PpwDI/AAAAAAAAzfc/5TdtR840pgg/s400/IMG_6908.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But in the grand scheme of things, this sad cabinet is less tragic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tbj9MLGqXdI/AAAAAAAAzgw/YZLLYuxYDoI/s400/IMG_6926.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this thrift store score is not hidden in a closet, hoping for a little attention.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TbkAN9tzsEI/AAAAAAAAziY/yqSxsuNOh10/s400/IMG_6932.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not the actual end home of the mirror (it's going in my orange dining room). <br />
And I still can't find the cabinet doors. Whoops. Our living room still needs so much done to it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/Tb6nbWHSBeI/AAAAAAAAz6k/lrQSfbOu5sk/s400/IMG_1403.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Know why Blue looks so sad? <br />
Because that poor settee could not possibly have an uglier fabric on it. <br />
I'm considering an art deco/hollywood regency fabric. <br />
I'm also considering just setting it on fire.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-44852718997727541252011-02-20T16:09:00.000-05:002011-02-20T16:09:14.064-05:00I Got Better!I am feeling healthy! and happy! and stuff!<br />
<br />
So, I know I've been on radio silence for a little bit, but I've been terribly boring with the healing and more excitingly, with my awesome new job!<br />
<br />
The flu really did take it out of me for a good few weeks, and I've just been unable to think of anything to say. <br />
<br />
<b>Things of note:</b><br />
1. I have a fabulous new job that I adore. I get to work from home a lot of the time and all the people are delightful. I'm pretty excited about the whole thing. It's really shocking how a new job that doesn't suck just makes me SUCH a happy camper.<br />
<br />
2. I am basically healthy now. I was fighting a lot of exhausting which was just sucky as all get out, but now I am healthy and happy!<br />
<br />
3. I started a dance class! I have been taking a burlesque class, which has been a lot more fun than I really expected. Turns out, I kind of enjoy performing and the strip tease. I have no idea what this says about me, other than I guess I missed my stripper calling. Oh well!<br />
<br />
4. I haven't made a damn thing in kind of a while. Tonight I'm getting together with classmates and making pasties, so it will be a nice creative jumpstart. Think googly eyes and glitter, cause that's how I roll.<br />
<br />
5. My beloved got me a Nook as a gift! I've been reading library ebooks, and it's pretty much the best thing since sliced bread. Man, I love that thing.<br />
<br />
6. Crazy weekend: 2 firepits, 1 museum, a dozen cupcakes and lots of amazing friends!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TVgZp8XZchI/AAAAAAAAusw/Luo2ZCqUMrc/s912/IMG_4141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TVgZp8XZchI/AAAAAAAAusw/Luo2ZCqUMrc/s400/IMG_4141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue loves napping on the burlesque detritus.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TWFIDehG5FI/AAAAAAAAu-I/KfKgS-ALR4I/s912/IMG_4452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TWFIDehG5FI/AAAAAAAAu-I/KfKgS-ALR4I/s400/IMG_4452.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firepit #1!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TWFNcI7jlOI/AAAAAAAAvAs/N_pVQYGaNeE/s912/IMG_4540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TWFNcI7jlOI/AAAAAAAAvAs/N_pVQYGaNeE/s400/IMG_4540.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am super classy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TWF1KhdaGCI/AAAAAAAAvCY/aa7Lt6b4GyE/s912/IMG_4569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TWF1KhdaGCI/AAAAAAAAvCY/aa7Lt6b4GyE/s400/IMG_4569.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, we're really mature and cultured.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TWF_PvwmxKI/AAAAAAAAvHw/pbc7oJwPkmM/s912/IMG_4744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TWF_PvwmxKI/AAAAAAAAvHw/pbc7oJwPkmM/s400/IMG_4744.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firepit #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TVgY9U2jDsI/AAAAAAAAusk/kXKf2a2LxD4/s912/IMG_4111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TVgY9U2jDsI/AAAAAAAAusk/kXKf2a2LxD4/s400/IMG_4111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now we have a good nap!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-52006719527013159272011-02-04T16:43:00.000-05:002011-02-04T16:43:06.214-05:00So so SO very sickI have spent this last week being completely, totally and repulsively ill. AND starting my new job (which is awesome). I'm not super sick anymore, but it has completely worn me out. I'm exhausted and sleeping lots, which I suppose is important in that whole 'getting healthy' thing.<br />
<br />
I hope to be way more interesting by next week, although since my unread blog posts just reads 1000+ I'm a little concerned about getting back through THAT backlog. EEK.<br />
<br />
Until then, man, my dog is cute and her snuggles are totally medicinal!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUQ8Ck4eJmI/AAAAAAAAuRM/xAQlUOVOAa4/s800/IMG_3968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUQ8Ck4eJmI/AAAAAAAAuRM/xAQlUOVOAa4/s400/IMG_3968.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-23893571843488127412011-01-28T10:05:00.000-05:002011-01-28T10:05:56.039-05:00STOP: Puppytime!So, I have been very blog neglectful all week. I have several hundred unread blogposts in my reader, comments I haven't responded to, and I'm getting sick. It's just been a really hectic week and I'm getting ready to flit away to see my newest niece (and my sibs and I haven't been together at the same time in over 5 years!).<br />
<br />
But one of the things that completely distracted me was a sweet little puppy, who had chewed through a leash and escaped her home! She had no tags or microchip, so really, we were fostering her with intent to find her a loving new home. But last night, her family found a sign, and there was a joyful (if slightly bittersweet, for me) reunion! But we have lot of pictures and videos, cause she was SO flipping adorable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUCUfxSECtI/AAAAAAAAuGA/ufu4IrqyJRM/s720/IMG_3633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUCUfxSECtI/AAAAAAAAuGA/ufu4IrqyJRM/s400/IMG_3633.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi, I'm cute and friendly and kind of lost, LOVE ME.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUCUgSYuCbI/AAAAAAAAuGY/ZAWLP4fRWjw/s720/IMG_3651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUCUgSYuCbI/AAAAAAAAuGY/ZAWLP4fRWjw/s400/IMG_3651.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm Batman! Seriously, her ears are insane. So expressive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUCUgaiEq0I/AAAAAAAAuGs/xo1cRe0jfZ4/s720/IMG_3658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUCUgaiEq0I/AAAAAAAAuGs/xo1cRe0jfZ4/s400/IMG_3658.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doggie huddle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGfAtoZ3zI/AAAAAAAAuJ0/dv_wxfuto9c/s720/IMG_3671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGfAtoZ3zI/AAAAAAAAuJ0/dv_wxfuto9c/s400/IMG_3671.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She did totally awesome in the crate! <br />
She still likes to puppy chew and was really not housebroken, so sleep was crated.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGfH90XgAI/AAAAAAAAuKQ/_DMIvFKKbOI/s720/IMG_3681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGfH90XgAI/AAAAAAAAuKQ/_DMIvFKKbOI/s400/IMG_3681.JPG" width="400" /><span id="goog_1565128528"></span><span id="goog_1565128529"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 minute refresher nap. I had forgotten how energetic puppies are.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGfsvj2n2I/AAAAAAAAuK8/qAYktKelCy4/s720/IMG_3688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGfsvj2n2I/AAAAAAAAuK8/qAYktKelCy4/s400/IMG_3688.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then play! Mika's ball is getting a lot of action these days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGfOGaK6rI/AAAAAAAAuKc/uWNgwANS6zA/s720/IMG_3683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGfOGaK6rI/AAAAAAAAuKc/uWNgwANS6zA/s400/IMG_3683.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then Sleeeeeep.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGfxyA3AXI/AAAAAAAAuLY/q0Q34tzIwdI/s576/IMG_3692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGfxyA3AXI/AAAAAAAAuLY/q0Q34tzIwdI/s400/IMG_3692.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then, to mix it up: chewing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGgcF_TNbI/AAAAAAAAuME/irOCALVsFQQ/s720/IMG_3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGgcF_TNbI/AAAAAAAAuME/irOCALVsFQQ/s400/IMG_3705.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puppy copies Blue. Blue was totally over the whole puppy thing. <br />
And really got crotchety about sharing her toys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGgrlrcOQI/AAAAAAAAuMQ/KYjLQsVix7k/s720/IMG_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TUGgrlrcOQI/AAAAAAAAuMQ/KYjLQsVix7k/s400/IMG_3739.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was just such a pretty pretty sweet puppy. We shall miss her, but she's back with her family!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As a side note: Please make sure your pets are tagged and <b>MICROCHIPPED</b>! Microchipping is cheap and it means if your pet gets out without a collar, animal control or a vet can scan them and get them back to you. One of the first things we did was take her to a vet to see if she was chipped. Please please please, give your beloved companions the best shot possible to come home to you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-71505725907455266092011-01-21T09:33:00.000-05:002011-01-21T09:33:09.408-05:00Ohhh, I'm a favorite thing!Thanks to <a href="http://sunshineandchaucer.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-favorite-things_19.html">Sunshine and Chaucer</a> for picking me (and my Vday skull and rose door). I know I should find joy in myself blahblahblah, but honestly? It feels super nice when someone likes what I'm doing. When people comment and say nice things about me, it makes my cold, black heart swell three times it's size.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://sunshineandchaucer.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd477/sunshineandchaucer/featuredbutton.jpg?t=1291698157" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-43377861443976286182011-01-20T09:49:00.015-05:002011-01-22T10:38:11.030-05:00Thrift Store Scores!So, last weekend, we went thrifting. Well, we only went to one thrift store, and then checked out some of the insane pawn shops near us that we've always mean to check out, but never do.<br />
<br />
I admit, I tend to stay away from pawn shops cause I imagine them populated entirely by tears and stolen goods. What I discovered was that it's not just tears and hot goods, but also practically retail priced! I was kind of surprised just how expensive some stuff was. The video games were often more expensive than if I ordered them from Amazon. They did have a small camping toilet for just $20. While I can get with reusing and thrifting almost anything, it turns out I have a boundary. A butt-based boundary. No panties, no toilets. I'm gonna price a few tools, but with the possible exception of the wet tile cutter, I suspect I'll stick with goods of known provenience.<br />
<br />
But I totally scored at the thrift store! For your viewing pleasure:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTbnlpIDEKI/AAAAAAAAtFk/pyxmfUA8TWY/s576/IMG_3227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTbnlpIDEKI/AAAAAAAAtFk/pyxmfUA8TWY/s400/IMG_3227.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big ole mirrow! Only $5.98! <br />
I had to corral panties in the hallway to take this picture.The things I do for this blog.<br />
My current plan is to paint this an aqua/teal blue. I think it's going to live in the hallway, <br />
but it might also go in my very orange dining room. I might also end up embellishing the frame, <br />
or at least adding to it's silhouette.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTb1gh-eZGI/AAAAAAAAtTg/e9w5__TKqIE/s800/IMG_3285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTb1gh-eZGI/AAAAAAAAtTg/e9w5__TKqIE/s400/IMG_3285.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brass sconces. $1.19 ea. <br />
Either a coat of spray paint or hitting it with brasso and trying to deplate it to a silver color. <br />
The candle holder parts are also sort of removable, so these might become <br />
trays rather than sconces. I keep wanting to type "scones". MMMM baked goods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTb13rnAO5I/AAAAAAAAtTo/GZvu3cAy36s/s800/IMG_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTb13rnAO5I/AAAAAAAAtTo/GZvu3cAy36s/s400/IMG_3286.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;" width="450">Silver trays. .69/.99 The circle is actually fairly heavy weight and in good shape. The oval that I apparently failed to take a picture of is a little lighter weight and dinged up. The circle I dunno, but seriously, 69 cents? You knew I was gonna buy that mess. The oval I'm considering turning into a chalkboard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTcGo9VlyII/AAAAAAAAtUQ/GQqe5VWWBHk/s800/IMG_3288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTcGo9VlyII/AAAAAAAAtUQ/GQqe5VWWBHk/s400/IMG_3288.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 glass trays! My pricey pieces at 1.98 ea. I'm not sure what era they are but...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTcGrV9QX0I/AAAAAAAAtUY/i5sLkyd6B0c/s800/IMG_3290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTcGrV9QX0I/AAAAAAAAtUY/i5sLkyd6B0c/s400/IMG_3290.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;" width="400">...I'm really hoping that's an ashtray and not a utensil rest. Because seriously, that's funny.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And not a thrift store find, but how I like to close picture posts, my dog!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis64i9jd_aLMjyuMungJdkeYtyNRYO_QplbeFTHwFuNmNg2JHV8FrFupwSF7da9fyHTPgAO4pX26a1NkQ3HGtiel6HFKEmNHWMfodhFVsuoe8pwtFXKXCfIj5V0B3jRav60aVkKrzjzyZE/s800/IMG_3469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis64i9jd_aLMjyuMungJdkeYtyNRYO_QplbeFTHwFuNmNg2JHV8FrFupwSF7da9fyHTPgAO4pX26a1NkQ3HGtiel6HFKEmNHWMfodhFVsuoe8pwtFXKXCfIj5V0B3jRav60aVkKrzjzyZE/s400/IMG_3469.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue edging into classic J dog position. <br />
Her thought bubble: Why do all of my naps get interrupted by bright lights?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Linkups:<br />
<a href="http://suzysartsycraftsysitcom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom" border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46PJkZZCZowvZ2t31dI_E_vF9c9dPkVhabS_zyfgPnstP50peF-FRT6W9O_GHW3xMs80FKx_0XamO1vr1ZToYD-kcuMfFmIizGp3gi_JvaQpVz9IsCuHTsk5pZM9myhN9UInPvTO0kjQ/s1600/Commercial-break.jpg" /></a> <a _mce_href="http://www.betweenuandme.com" href="http://www.betweenuandme.com/" target="_blank" title="BetweenU&Me"><img _mce_src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_6zoM_qQxLCU/TIcWYLHqPWI/AAAAAAAAAho/12P-oT2iuHE/CrazyCute.jpg" border="0" height="60" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_6zoM_qQxLCU/TIcWYLHqPWI/AAAAAAAAAho/12P-oT2iuHE/CrazyCute.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.paisleypassions.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://a.imageshack.us/img714/2521/floralthursbutton.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><img alt="HouseofHepworths" border="0" height="60" src="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HoHnew1.png" /></a> <a href="http://adventuresofthemichelenafamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Catch a Glimpse Button" border="0" height="60" src="http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af54/allimarie17/Blog%20Design/catch_glimpse.png" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb119/tightwadtips/blog%20design/transformation-thursday-button2.png" /></a> <a href="http://christinasadventures2010.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff371/christinahibbs/20below.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://lbratina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg3-XwjMEr0T8ytYlD0ZTbZjK0HkEy_ErXyAFx_9XX99ZM6dHxPaRFRgwQuxBmOc814QloAYl1yJ_XbHbTz3IcZFrfd1ToB0OjLMmj39KMw0MsgHtp5Xj0I9RrUyQC7RlW1L9BruOqCM/s150/thriftthursday.bmp" /></a> <a href="http://somewhatsimple.blogspot.com/"><img alt="giveaways" border="0" height="60" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/1SYS125.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.froufroudecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af165/froufroudecor/fabfridayfind-1.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://yourworkistodiscoveryourworld.blogspot.com/search/label/freakin%27%20friday"><img alt="bloghopbutton" border="0" height="60" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1307/5188648574_061fbbde73_m.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd202/jmrammell/shabbynestbutton.png" /></a> <a href="http://s940.photobucket.com/albums/ad249/MyRepurposedLife/?action=view&current=catchascatchcan_1502.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad249/MyRepurposedLife/catchascatchcan_1502.gif" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://sassysites.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx5/marnib/sassyfeature.jpg" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss124/gayvaughan/HodgepodgeFridaybutton.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.mommaskindacrafty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Mommaskindacrafty"><br />
<img alt="Fantabulous Friday!" border="0" height="60" src="http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy186/mommaskindacrafty/mkc_fantabulousfriday_png.png" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://funtocraft.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpKtrbXivFOa3deLqIOVHGvs3XGtIhK0BnNco2XWErshhWQA0CwMejzbgznV2GRdlMA3yUI4f7Pw2TXp9pNBhuzR-WVrmJvVPc0omX2KW_OCoSJV6v0dDQPfzQboafEWftBtCuAc-9yI/s400/Look+at+Me.jpg" target="_blank" title="Look at me, I am SO Crafty! @ Fun to Craft!" /></a> <a href="http://frugalfabulousdesign.com/"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r248/JulieBriggs1968/150_2.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.lovinmylovebugs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Rachelle%20Czuk/featureyourselffridaybuttoncopy.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.decormamma.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll208/lyndsayjohnson/FFfinalbutton.png" /> </a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" border="0" height="60" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/Blog%20Components/COAS-Party-Pick-up-Button2.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://ljm-alacarte.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="junkinfinds" border="0" height="60" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy63/brockmeb/th_junkinfinds.jpg" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/978446890_7b2ZN-O.png" /></a><br />
<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2011/01/show-and-tell-friday_20.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0EpJ9nJDeQKjThhqA1rvUzT_W3yfOL9-yMp075Acoq_B0hyphenhyphenBlJW2JsNikXfZIumFwdYV0V774PY7s0sQEQ0i1jL1AOq5tlOQ1Fq1zLGzmFcG4vTx82qaGw4ZeQLz9GANv-Z8S8mnFqwg/s400/show+and+tell+fridays.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-37828061540981086122011-01-19T10:32:00.000-05:002011-01-19T10:32:50.627-05:00Meta: My first spam comment! And some picturesOk, it's totally silly, but I'm actually kind of excited...I got my very first spam comment!<br />
<br />
Not to mention, I'd set some goals for my blogging, and they've been kind of blow out of the water for the quarter, let alone the month already! Guess I was aiming really low. Now the rest of the month is about making killer posts about awesome stuff and beating December's page views.<br />
<br />
So this post isn't totally pointless and silly, and to kill time until I can share my exciting personal news with the world, some photos!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS8j17HzHvI/AAAAAAAAse0/tW6Ie09FIgM/s800/IMG_2950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS8j17HzHvI/AAAAAAAAse0/tW6Ie09FIgM/s400/IMG_2950.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue and I doing some of our favorite things. <br />
Also, don't judge, this is a work in progress people.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS5zXnDDo0I/AAAAAAAAsT8/bO6JPckyrXk/s800/IMG_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS5zXnDDo0I/AAAAAAAAsT8/bO6JPckyrXk/s400/IMG_2902.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 out of 4 dogs! Why isn't Mika in this shot? Too big to fit in the frame!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS52nhId2zI/AAAAAAAAsVs/ioq1b1uZrAM/s576/IMG_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS52nhId2zI/AAAAAAAAsVs/ioq1b1uZrAM/s400/IMG_2866.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mika and Blue getting to know each other's assholes. I might have been <br />
snorting Xanax at this point, because doggie intros stress me out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTEdeWppirI/AAAAAAAAsmc/liagIPCDxac/s800/IMG_2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTEdeWppirI/AAAAAAAAsmc/liagIPCDxac/s400/IMG_2593.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that Blue and Emma will not only share a couch, but finally actually <br />
sit near each other. Major breakthrough! Oh, btw, Blue (far left) is the <br />
only dog that actually lives with me. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTHPMgc_COI/AAAAAAAAstg/WGr2rS2n664/s800/IMG_2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTHPMgc_COI/AAAAAAAAstg/WGr2rS2n664/s400/IMG_2707.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We might have played dress up with Mika. In our defense, it was really cold out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTHTF1eV79I/AAAAAAAAsvI/s0481AgdOks/s800/IMG_2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TTHTF1eV79I/AAAAAAAAsvI/s0481AgdOks/s400/IMG_2723.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S. got artsy with the candle shot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-40359597367118999682011-01-16T21:30:00.002-05:002011-01-21T08:31:21.476-05:00The Great Raccoon Incident and/or Debacle<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/2495016767_362352b5a2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/2495016767_362352b5a2_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor little guy, just wanted to get away from us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, a few years, back, let's say mid-May 2008, we had what we call 'The Great Raccoon Incident'.<br />
<br />
There was a night time tangling, and the next day, I sent this email out to my neighborhood listserv:<br />
<blockquote>Hello All,<br />
We were foolish enough to leave our door open last night (a mistake that we feel pretty schooled on right now), and we had a nocturnal visitor. Sadly, our dog noticed first, and tangled with said beastie.<br />
<br />
I do not recommend separating dog/raccoon pairing while naked and sleepy.<br />
<br />
The raccoon cornered itself under some furniture, and after some wishy/washyness, I called 911 b/c I have to admit, I have NO IDEA if angry, hurt beast is considered an emergency. Big shout out to Stephanie at 911, who had the most soothing voice ever, and got animal control for us. And Chris from animal control, who despite getting roused from bed was cheerful about the whole thing.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, by the time Chris arrived, the raccoon ran out the back. I say unfortunately because even thought I was pretty happy to have it out of the house, it was clearly injured from the fight. And since they don't have the raccoon, we're taking our dog in for a rabies booster.<br />
<br />
Anyway, long story even longer: If you see an injured raccoon in the neighborhood, please call animal control. If it's injuries were worse than we realized, and you find it's body, please call animal control rather than disposing of it yourself, as I'd like to have it tested for rabies.<br />
<br />
Oh, and if you are silly like us: close your doors and doggie doors at night!<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
A&S <br />
{our address} </blockquote><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2495018147_ab1250910b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2495018147_ab1250910b_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue with a party hat, getting a rabies booster.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A friend kindly pointed out that I had told everyone:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<ol><li>We sleep naked</li>
<li>We didn't just have our back door unlocked, but wide open</li>
<li>Our address</li>
</ol><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.guitarcenter.com/products/optionRegular/Remo/700719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://images.guitarcenter.com/products/optionRegular/Remo/700719.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like this, only silver <br />
and way less intimidating.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Of course, not included in the story was the fact that S. was doped up on Nyquil and basically useless, that when the ungodly yowling of Blue and the raccoon 'rasslin woke us up, my first instinct to protect us was to shriek and then grab something. That 'something' ended up being a small djembe drum. Have you ever tried to wield one as a weapon? Not recommended. <br />
<br />
In fact, we stood there, me with drum in hand, S. mostly just bearing extreme befuddlement, and watched the two animals knock into the kitchen door and it slowly slam shut. Blocking the egress. S. did manage to get a hold of Blue and pull her off the raccoon. But it was a total stand off. S. holding a very riled up dog, me with my drum, the raccoon with a serious case of crazy eyes and no way out.<br />
<br />
The raccoon dashed away from the kitchen, and under some furniture in the dining room. I had no idea the horrifying noises that raccoons make. We threw open the kitchen door, and created a blocking tunnel of boxes to try and convince the raccoon to flee. Which, of course, it only did about 5 mins before animal control showed up.<br />
<br />
Linked up:<br />
<a href="http://www.paisleypassions.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/7055/wanderingwedbutton.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://momroad.com"><img border="0" height="80" alt="Follow Along Fridays" src="http://www.dsaffo.com/blog/followalongfridays.jpg" /></a><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-79537089231696098322011-01-13T12:49:00.031-05:002011-01-20T13:08:14.277-05:00Valentine's Day Door Update<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS8ApuJ9o_I/AAAAAAAAsbs/Jlb1sVZ06DY/s800/IMG_2825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS8ApuJ9o_I/AAAAAAAAsbs/Jlb1sVZ06DY/s320/IMG_2825.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiddly paper roses, dry brushed w/ orange paint.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My original plan had been to make a metric buttload of paper roses and make some ball ornaments. Then I goobered up my hand and the thought of making any more fiddly little roses made me cry, so I changed my mind!<br />
<br />
Instead, I cut a heart out of cardboard, edging the top in my roses. I had painted the heart a vaguely bubble gum pink, and it was kind of terrifying and flat. Did not work for me. So I busted out some pretty pink glitter (that was in my stocking from Xtopher&Raymond). I'm obsessing on pink and orange right now, just really loving the color combo.<br />
<br />
Everything really is better with a little glitter. Plus now it matches it's new home better.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS8Ar6PwENI/AAAAAAAAsb8/Cm65ixffPfE/s800/IMG_2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS8Ar6PwENI/AAAAAAAAsb8/Cm65ixffPfE/s400/IMG_2834.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little glue, a little glitter, a schnapps-laced hot cocoa. Life is Good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And now, the big reveal!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS8kAGWIVrI/AAAAAAAAsfA/Nz9dkdBZDTA/s576/IMG_2960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS8kAGWIVrI/AAAAAAAAsfA/Nz9dkdBZDTA/s640/IMG_2960.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now my door is ready for festivities!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS8kHA31p4I/AAAAAAAAsfI/G_a5t-vExG8/s576/IMG_2964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TS8kHA31p4I/AAAAAAAAsfI/G_a5t-vExG8/s640/IMG_2964.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up the nose shot! Plus, oops, I need to hit the edges with more glitter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Linkups:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.finecraftguild.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Fine Craft Guild" border="0" height="80" src="http://www.finecraftguild.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DIYpartytag_thumb.jpg" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://www.craftedition.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ck8H65MD1oxA18jNjd4ybgzqOjEt30IDvy3FvGQgJ4-mnq3xjeMV4Hkr_QteNJmKd6CEmK-0_ftrQuSzZ_y2yuU0ly_evEqYWASJJYWqYVOzME7Gqe52-5MtEvq0U-PJc47AdSkBc1mv/s800/takealookbutton.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.rookno17.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="80" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f335/sarahjmorriss/a_little_birdie_told_me_revue-1.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h166/janabush/giggles.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" target="_blank" title="Get Your Craft On Tuesday"><img alt="Get Your Craft On Tuesday" border="0" height="60" src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/get-your-craft-on-e1283276983713.gif" /></a> <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" border="0" height="80" src="http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/jsikes2163/shoppingbagpic2.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.pollywantacrafter.com/"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab229/remodelaholic/PartyButtonSmallSize.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" height="80" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ydn4kd0aaEY/SvO1EQ53tuI/AAAAAAAABt0/h5tFf_uXQiY/S990-R/DIY+Blog+button.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx89/cindy95131/showandtellfridays.jpg" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb119/tightwadtips/blog%20design/transformation-thursday-button2.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.paisleypassions.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://a.imageshack.us/img714/2521/floralthursbutton.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd202/jmrammell/shabbynestbutton.png" /></a> <a href="http://decormamma.blogspot.com/2011/01/frugalicious-friday-giveawaypocket-full.html"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx38/Decormamma/FrugaliciouFridaybutton-1.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><img alt="HouseofHepworths" border="0" height="80" src="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HoHnew1.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.mommaskindacrafty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Mommaskindacrafty"><img alt="Fantabulous Friday!" border="0" height="80" src="http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy186/mommaskindacrafty/mkc_fantabulousfriday_png.png" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://funtocraft.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img a="" border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpKtrbXivFOa3deLqIOVHGvs3XGtIhK0BnNco2XWErshhWQA0CwMejzbgznV2GRdlMA3yUI4f7Pw2TXp9pNBhuzR-WVrmJvVPc0omX2KW_OCoSJV6v0dDQPfzQboafEWftBtCuAc-9yI/s400/Look+at+Me.jpg" target="_blank" title="Look at me, I am SO Crafty! @ Fun to Craft!" /></a> <a href="http://frugalfabulousdesign.com/"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r248/JulieBriggs1968/150_2.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/"><img alt="SYS Thurs" border="0" height="80" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/sys1125.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://lbratina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkg3-XwjMEr0T8ytYlD0ZTbZjK0HkEy_ErXyAFx_9XX99ZM6dHxPaRFRgwQuxBmOc814QloAYl1yJ_XbHbTz3IcZFrfd1ToB0OjLMmj39KMw0MsgHtp5Xj0I9RrUyQC7RlW1L9BruOqCM/s150/thriftthursday.bmp" /></a> <a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/%20" target="_blank"><img alt="Beyond The Picket Fence" border="0" height="80" src="http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq266/bec8257/button2.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.froufroudecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af165/froufroudecor/fabfridayfind-1.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" border="0" height="80" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/Blog%20Components/COAS-Party-Pick-up-Button2.png" /></a> <a href="http://suzysartsycraftsysitcom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom" border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46PJkZZCZowvZ2t31dI_E_vF9c9dPkVhabS_zyfgPnstP50peF-FRT6W9O_GHW3xMs80FKx_0XamO1vr1ZToYD-kcuMfFmIizGp3gi_JvaQpVz9IsCuHTsk5pZM9myhN9UInPvTO0kjQ/s1600/Commercial-break.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://s940.photobucket.com/albums/ad249/MyRepurposedLife/?action=view&current=catchascatchcan_1502.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="80" src="http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad249/MyRepurposedLife/catchascatchcan_1502.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.betweenuandme.com/" target="_blank" title="BetweenU&Me"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_6zoM_qQxLCU/TIcWYLHqPWI/AAAAAAAAAho/12P-oT2iuHE/CrazyCute.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMq1hKuil0XChcYlk4L9J3RrS9Wdtv_tE1Djn1gFB8UlsTFolOe-lLr0UzajNoiqGTmH0mm3MnOziNbzO7bLMZ_Yjmwcd_4RsjiX_NaO5Q2YuWi3_lH0q6GwP3nX-pH2Kt_T2lboTfuc/s1600/MH900124003.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab229/remodelaholic/RemodelaholicPartyFriday.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.504main.com/"><img alt="504 Main" border="0" height="80" src="http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac35/Holly7081/Grab_button_150-1-3.jpg" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://sassysites.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="80" src="http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx5/marnib/sassyfeature.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://yourworkistodiscoveryourworld.blogspot.com/search/label/freakin%27%20friday"><img alt="bloghopbutton" border="0" height="80" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1307/5188648574_061fbbde73_m.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/11/front-doors-themed-linkup.html"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBWTA8SHdTLdv5L09zUnkgVtbGTXU_2VwVmWb0xTPrvDxKJ22TS9WvuXpO0WclhxoX9ep4_iqKIoT0woApDzwbdZbDH6Gm_5m0rEbpf__MHyNGNUuJb9QK5ejyKy_3CvPkyRGoWGkYoM/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-11-14+at+11.56.19+AM.png" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss124/gayvaughan/HodgepodgeFridaybutton.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/%20" target="_blank"><img alt="Get your craft on Thurs." border="0" height="80" src="http://opipdesigns.com/blogs/lorij/craft.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://momroad.com/"><img alt="Follow Along Fridays" border="0" height="80" src="http://www.dsaffo.com/blog/followalongfridays.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.lovinmylovebugs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Rachelle%20Czuk/featureyourselffridaybuttoncopy.png" /></a> <a href="http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss241/joynerl99/Valentinebutton.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Funky Junk's Sat Nite Special" border="0" height="80" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/signmakergirl/smallsns.jpg" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/978446890_7b2ZN-O.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-28451915876833206122011-01-07T09:58:00.003-05:002011-01-09T14:56:45.601-05:00How Do You Read Blogs?For a long time, I would create vast bookmark lists, and try and keep up on blogs that way. It never really worked for me, as inevitably, I would get sick or busy, fall behind, and never feel like I could catch up, so I would just stop reading.<br />
<br />
I don't know why I resisted an RSS reader for so long. Probably because really, I'm an ornery cuss. But I kind of stumbled into Google Reader in the last few months and man, do I feel like an idiot for not using something before now. It totally suits my reading style (fast and dirty), and I can keep up no matter where I'm reading (work, home, visiting folks, whatevs). Also, it means I can keep up with more than the 300 you're limited to using the blogspot dashboard (which also just didn't work for me).<br />
<br />
If you are a hearty blog enthusiast, how do you keep up on everything?<br />
<br />
And if you have a blog without an RSS feed: seriously, don't do that. I'm never going to email subscribe. Ever. Give me a RSS feed or google friend connect. Don't be the one bottle that won't fit in the fridge. Wine I will tape to something and figure out, a blog I want to try and keep up with? Not so much.<br />
<br />
Linkups:<br />
<a href="http://yourworkistodiscoveryourworld.blogspot.com/search/label/freakin%27%20friday"><img alt="bloghopbutton" border="0" height="80" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1307/5188648574_061fbbde73_m.jpg" width="80" /></a> <a href="http://momroad.com/"><img alt="Follow Along Fridays" border="0" src="http://www.dsaffo.com/blog/followalongfridays.jpg" width="80" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-12482679624836962422011-01-05T11:08:00.000-05:002011-01-05T11:08:32.888-05:00Hand Slam and Happy Little BirdiesWalking into work today, I managed to smash the top of my hand into a metal door push bar thingy. I'm not entirely sure I didn't break anything, but I can at least type, so I'm going to just hope that it stops hurting and being lumpy be the end of the day. And wonder why on earth I'm such a freaking crazy klutz? Seriously, it's a massive door, HOW DID I MANAGE TO HIT IT? Ugh.<br />
<br />
However, I do have some pictures of my beloved fat little birdies when we had snow! Turns out, nature has camouflaged birds so that normally, if they are flitting about on the ground, you really can't see them. I am also trying not to put every.single.photo. taken of the birds. Don't you want to see a thousand different ways they arraigned themselves on my lawn? No?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRyZIsy1OzI/AAAAAAAAro4/y3biWMG3nJU/s720/IMG_2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRyZIsy1OzI/AAAAAAAAro4/y3biWMG3nJU/s400/IMG_2063.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many happy little birdies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRyZoDJx_3I/AAAAAAAArpY/UhYnOPTuwD0/s720/IMG_2260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRyZoDJx_3I/AAAAAAAArpY/UhYnOPTuwD0/s400/IMG_2260.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the cardinal in the middle! And how happy and fat the other birds are.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love sitting curled up in my armchair, with a book, my dog and a cuppa watching the birdies and squirrels flit around the yard. It makes me really happy that I lean towards a 70s style bush, if ya know what I mean, so that the birds are very happy to live in my yard.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQXNb9AskjI/AAAAAAAApyg/5P1YUir4Nqw/s720/IMG_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQXNb9AskjI/AAAAAAAApyg/5P1YUir4Nqw/s400/IMG_0289.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's probably for the best that find large dog sweaters is hard. She doesn't need to be a clothes hound.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-15196536552912448462011-01-04T10:08:00.000-05:002011-01-04T10:08:39.558-05:00Robot Guts!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4286419365_e35ab54c60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4286419365_e35ab54c60.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day, world, ONE DAY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sadly, I can't replace my barely functioning insides with robot guts. Yet. ONE DAY!<br />
<br />
So, in the mean time, as the closest thing I get to a new years resolution, I'm laying off the dairy and wheat for a few weeks. It's mostly about not having heartburn and my stomach exploding at random intervals. I'm fairly certain it's not the wheat, but my insides are so enraged all the time, and I'm over it. So a few weeks of protein and veggies (and coffee), and I'll see how I feel.<br />
<br />
I've had a profoundly relaxing long weekend, which was just what the doctor ordered. Because my work is weird, I didn't have last Friday off, I had Monday off. So, it was just a stretched out and very quiet weekend. I wasn't especially productive, but I hunkered down with a (virtual) stack of library ebooks, listened to the rain and snuggled my spouse and dog.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-27222443288368108472010-12-31T10:36:00.004-05:002011-01-07T15:17:02.275-05:00Snow days!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's was our third snow in December. That is just weird and unnatural. But it did make for a really pretty house!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdzVdFMehI/AAAAAAAAq2U/hmZBCzb58YU/s800/IMG_1417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdzVdFMehI/AAAAAAAAq2U/hmZBCzb58YU/s400/IMG_1417.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from back porch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdyQdrhDGI/AAAAAAAAq0o/hJImibAOooI/s800/IMG_1420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdyQdrhDGI/AAAAAAAAq0o/hJImibAOooI/s400/IMG_1420.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front porch view, with our lights. Yes, they are Halloween themed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdzHvqui9I/AAAAAAAAq1c/LTL_SwowB0Q/s800/IMG_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdzHvqui9I/AAAAAAAAq1c/LTL_SwowB0Q/s400/IMG_1440.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of Hobbit House, well blanketed in snow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdy7jR999I/AAAAAAAAq1Q/wIaLCEHm9Wg/s800/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdy7jR999I/AAAAAAAAq1Q/wIaLCEHm9Wg/s400/IMG_1439.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My poor car, Horace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdzcQM0vtI/AAAAAAAAq2g/gt7keiosrHw/s800/IMG_1445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdzcQM0vtI/AAAAAAAAq2g/gt7keiosrHw/s400/IMG_1445.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh no! Ramona's Jack Ball is down to just a nose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdzpuIKsPI/AAAAAAAAq2o/b2Lc_GS5Oa4/s800/IMG_1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdzpuIKsPI/AAAAAAAAq2o/b2Lc_GS5Oa4/s400/IMG_1450.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front yard tree, covered in snow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRd0YjJu1kI/AAAAAAAAq3w/l3kHrlynVLU/s800/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRd0YjJu1kI/AAAAAAAAq3w/l3kHrlynVLU/s400/IMG_1466.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ack, overladen branches threatening the internet!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TReDx60Ma2I/AAAAAAAAq7A/XJQ50h4XZA8/s576/IMG_1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TReDx60Ma2I/AAAAAAAAq7A/XJQ50h4XZA8/s400/IMG_1474.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirate Monkey is unfazed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TReC4bcdqDI/AAAAAAAAq5I/2_sXyl5AKx0/s800/IMG_1504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TReC4bcdqDI/AAAAAAAAq5I/2_sXyl5AKx0/s400/IMG_1504.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So.Much.Snow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TReDGbhO9cI/AAAAAAAAq5Q/Hm8ZWWbS7YI/s800/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TReDGbhO9cI/AAAAAAAAq5Q/Hm8ZWWbS7YI/s400/IMG_1506.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our crepe myrtles, bowed down.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TReDPpfanXI/AAAAAAAAq5c/Dzz_7NhOnw0/s800/IMG_1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TReDPpfanXI/AAAAAAAAq5c/Dzz_7NhOnw0/s400/IMG_1511.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow berries!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TReDd1fSxRI/AAAAAAAAq6A/lPRq-3HNsjo/s800/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TReDd1fSxRI/AAAAAAAAq6A/lPRq-3HNsjo/s400/IMG_1528.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fat little birdie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRiplPgTlmI/AAAAAAAArBc/1ad9sHfhhak/s800/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRiplPgTlmI/AAAAAAAArBc/1ad9sHfhhak/s400/IMG_1545.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy pine needles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRim6i8zWEI/AAAAAAAAq-Q/uQDbzVL7kao/s800/IMG_1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRim6i8zWEI/AAAAAAAAq-Q/uQDbzVL7kao/s400/IMG_1718.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icicles that formed on outside lights.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdz01wAYPI/AAAAAAAAq28/xMt3bjKjvPY/s800/IMG_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRdz01wAYPI/AAAAAAAAq28/xMt3bjKjvPY/s400/IMG_1457.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue hopped up and gave me a hug!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRd0A0rqV_I/AAAAAAAAq3M/hIbdDe82424/s800/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRd0A0rqV_I/AAAAAAAAq3M/hIbdDe82424/s400/IMG_1462.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How Blue and I dealt with the snow.</td></tr>
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Linked up at:<br />
<a border="0" href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss124/gayvaughan/HodgepodgeFridaybutton.jpg" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://sassysites.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="100" src="http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx5/marnib/sassyfeature.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-3370236814973094062010-12-30T21:08:00.001-05:002010-12-30T21:08:00.487-05:00A Snowy Night with Downtown Durham LightsEdited to add: wow, so much for scheduled posts. argh! <br />
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After our delightful meal, we went wandering through downtown Durham, taking in the lights under the snow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbJltQDOI/AAAAAAAAqto/EH-CQ2PWBag/s576/IMG_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbJltQDOI/AAAAAAAAqto/EH-CQ2PWBag/s320/IMG_1381.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildly flattering picture of me, right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbKUpPdVI/AAAAAAAAqug/bBSdzK2BkWI/s800/IMG_1400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbKUpPdVI/AAAAAAAAqug/bBSdzK2BkWI/s400/IMG_1400.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from above, towards the ball park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbK3mnsXI/AAAAAAAAquw/-jXXi5FHhbw/s800/IMG_1405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbK3mnsXI/AAAAAAAAquw/-jXXi5FHhbw/s400/IMG_1405.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree walk, part of a fundraiser for area nonprofits.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbGyTsBvI/AAAAAAAAqrU/nONc1uR32Fk/s800/IMG_1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbGyTsBvI/AAAAAAAAqrU/nONc1uR32Fk/s400/IMG_1337.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a bunch of really pretty trees, and they look awesome at night under the snow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbHhhsq0I/AAAAAAAAqsE/doXUNeWVl8U/s800/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbHhhsq0I/AAAAAAAAqsE/doXUNeWVl8U/s400/IMG_1347.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DPAC behind the trees.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRblFZVAEeI/AAAAAAAAqy0/fsy3aFFLVrk/s800/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRblFZVAEeI/AAAAAAAAqy0/fsy3aFFLVrk/s400/IMG_1349.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like the tulle on this tree. It's hard to tell, but it was really glittery.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbINGGnoI/AAAAAAAAqsQ/VCccLG05mu4/s576/IMG_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbINGGnoI/AAAAAAAAqsQ/VCccLG05mu4/s400/IMG_1362.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the elephant topper, and all the ornaments are various computer parts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbITuet4I/AAAAAAAAqso/BptpuLda7C8/s576/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbITuet4I/AAAAAAAAqso/BptpuLda7C8/s400/IMG_1369.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like the Hope topper, and the use of picks/etc for the top.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnWGf-GDMjPu6QZC-ZOEGI3gqVb4hQn3lV1jERPnEcIrAZb0HcPLSD7RYTIraiZU2j7Afc4HvwWMJAqS9uHV3M_HOydUAClAti-SbspWXyXpM_viQHsBtySH3266t1Jcqgw-hSEnvurxj/s576/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnWGf-GDMjPu6QZC-ZOEGI3gqVb4hQn3lV1jERPnEcIrAZb0HcPLSD7RYTIraiZU2j7Afc4HvwWMJAqS9uHV3M_HOydUAClAti-SbspWXyXpM_viQHsBtySH3266t1Jcqgw-hSEnvurxj/s400/IMG_1371.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love love LOVE the blue lights and the little house topper.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbKJhEa3I/AAAAAAAAquE/KzssKlF3NXI/s800/IMG_1397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbKJhEa3I/AAAAAAAAquE/KzssKlF3NXI/s400/IMG_1397.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ATC lights!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-8889026964245951632010-12-30T09:08:00.000-05:002010-12-30T09:08:27.390-05:00Holiday RecapWe were so lucky to get to spend the holidays with friends this year. R&C hosted a lovely dinner at their new home. There was merriment and a little bit of wine. I might have been banished to the bad kids table, which was fine, cause you know that's where all the fun goes down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbGIapuqI/AAAAAAAAqq4/d44UuUuOiN0/s800/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbGIapuqI/AAAAAAAAqq4/d44UuUuOiN0/s400/IMG_1333.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stinky snuggles down.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbkMWOROaI/AAAAAAAArJE/PKGtcc5rV-M/s576/IMG_1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbkMWOROaI/AAAAAAAArJE/PKGtcc5rV-M/s400/IMG_1304.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were decadent and delightful desserts. <br />
I was way too full from dinner to enjoy them, though.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbGmk-7wI/AAAAAAAAqrE/lfXKUgBnEVg/s800/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TRbbGmk-7wI/AAAAAAAAqrE/lfXKUgBnEVg/s400/IMG_1336.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it started snowing before we left!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It will have to be another post, but after we left, Scott bundled me up and we wandered around downtown taking pictures.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-26510623723267963182010-12-25T03:04:00.002-05:002010-12-25T03:04:00.205-05:00Merry Newtonmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp45UzUX1oZ4cnauSpmGcgviSwwEMPt5sNJI5OixQ8YmTbWzWRx9DvX5EUv3DxTxBrPTyd_CTr-byDobmDNnQD1QJHR9NroTN-BEJRUOSgybCKNa3tXArNYLSC8z6lmCTLgJDpvQLDgvA/s1600/newtonmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp45UzUX1oZ4cnauSpmGcgviSwwEMPt5sNJI5OixQ8YmTbWzWRx9DvX5EUv3DxTxBrPTyd_CTr-byDobmDNnQD1QJHR9NroTN-BEJRUOSgybCKNa3tXArNYLSC8z6lmCTLgJDpvQLDgvA/s1600/newtonmas.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-36913330230867222942010-12-22T09:19:00.000-05:002010-12-22T09:19:30.766-05:00Sleepy timesI am totally sneaking a post in, putting off a very painful project at work. I end up covered in filth and exhaustion at the end of the day, and weirdly, I just don't want to do it.<br />
<br />
I slept the clock round last night. I've been sleeping really horribly this week, and it's made me kinda crazy. I woke up for the lunar eclipse the night before last, and while I was sooo happy to have seen it, I couldn't fall back asleep and yesterday at work...it was rough rough times.<br />
<br />
So, after work, I went home , took a shower (after a rough time negotiating pants removal) and faceplanted into the bed.<br />
<br />
Best. Night. Ever. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bipolargirlworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/buffytara/midweekmingle.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.paisleypassions.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/loridelee/Wwed.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-42765061516976367972010-12-21T12:07:00.002-05:002010-12-21T12:07:30.158-05:00My Very First Blog HopThis could end up being scary but...why not try it!<br />
<br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=63403" type="text/javascript" ></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-72842432540408339652010-12-20T11:18:00.016-05:002011-01-07T15:14:07.367-05:00Faux Tin Star of David!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQ7uqZDwA-I/AAAAAAAAqW4/j49IMg7apLA/s576/IMG_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQ7uqZDwA-I/AAAAAAAAqW4/j49IMg7apLA/s400/IMG_0891.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Inspired by (and using) the tutorial from <a href="http://choosetothrive.blogspot.com/2010/12/make-your-own-tin-craft-stars-from-cake.html">Choose to Thrive</a>, I made tin stars this weekend! Instead of doing the traditional 5-point star, I did a 6-point, Star of David. I think I'm going to have to adjust my template, to try and get the 3D star a little fuller.<br />
<br />
I also used the base of a disposable cookie sheet, that, to flatten out more, I busted out my rolling pin and went to town. And, instead of using a pen and ruler to outline, I used a leftover stylus from a phone. Worked like a charm, not to mention, was very helpful with flipping the edges over the ruler.<br />
<br />
I used a lovely metallic blue paint, with an off white, and kind of layered and wiped until I was happy. I then did the edges in orange glitter, because I'm not happy if I haven't spread glitter around my house. <br />
<br />
I then used some 28g wire and made little loopies to make the stars dangle and to make an ornament hook.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQ7slJMh1nI/AAAAAAAAqUo/tPAJef-McaY/s800/IMG_0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQ7slJMh1nI/AAAAAAAAqUo/tPAJef-McaY/s400/IMG_0773.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookie sheet, flattened!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQ7tOa7CdQI/AAAAAAAAqVQ/zKziiI1mq9A/s800/IMG_0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQ7tOa7CdQI/AAAAAAAAqVQ/zKziiI1mq9A/s400/IMG_0805.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First coat of paint</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQ7r3ll-tdI/AAAAAAAAqTo/itd53jqR6Uo/s800/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQ7r3ll-tdI/AAAAAAAAqTo/itd53jqR6Uo/s400/IMG_0742.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You really can't see what I'm doing, but you can see my incredibly tidy work area. <br />
Stop laughing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQ7tmeqTJUI/AAAAAAAAqVo/n4KsGw1CaAk/s800/IMG_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0hf7EONEDfc/TQ7tmeqTJUI/AAAAAAAAqVo/n4KsGw1CaAk/s400/IMG_0853.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More layers of paint. Also an example of my foil covered cookie sheets <br />
I use to pretend like I'm corralling my projects.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Linkups:<br />
<a border="0" href="http://sassysites.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="80" src="http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx5/marnib/sassyfeature.jpg" /></a><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd202/jmrammell/shabbynestbutton.png" /></a><a href="http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p32/Amysb1975/7393129504_TCNCj.jpg" /></a><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/12/whatever-goes-wednesday-45.html"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdN4sg0tZiWPtgeLQAcZ5clpHBxlwLqU6pvnCtIIePa0KTFOknvftwJUEOiEkXNmcfBlY02UqtxWcWO3Z0GhBKQURt8ysME409aa5P8-7tzesAQ4BK_anHvoYw0ckCBved3A96cBrDRmI/s1600/wgw+button.jpg" /></a><a border="0" href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img border="0" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" width="160" /></a><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii164/Magnolias_Moonlight/butterfly-09-t-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://superstinkyboys.blogspot.com/search/label/Mad%20Skills%20Party"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="60" src="http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae124/appleseedgifts/madskillsbutton1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> <img alt="Keeping It Simple" border="0" height="60" src="http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad206/kaysinerwt/th_DSCF63832.jpg" /></a><a href="http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnotVaSih2orbeGuddY93a7xzwkZrfxKMuBT1b8bO8u7WdQeI9L733292bgQa4YCEZXOzGbjTe3c-AYKMdTBKqPgEQRg5DuH5ykuCbj0XgVq-BnmafBpxmeQsp5IywZjhFb6C6TVl-ABM/s1600/button4bmp-1.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" height="60" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ydn4kd0aaEY/SvO1EQ53tuI/AAAAAAAABt0/h5tFf_uXQiY/S990-R/DIY+Blog+button.jpg" /></a><a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Making" border="0" height="60" src="http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo119/tiffhewlett/Crafty%20Stuff/MondayCuter.png" /></a><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f136/butterflygirlms/Request/CraftomaniacMondayButton.png" /></a><a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Sumo Sweet Stuff" border="0" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g241/summerandrus/Blog%20Graphics/marketyourselfcopy.png" width="60" /></a> <img border="0" height="60" src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/get-your-craft-on-e1283276983713.gif" /> <a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Holidays" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiuSDGbU-DZCU7DxCM6kw_0WFmJMh0W7krDz35MCOVFJCMJz7O4I1KTZP0ByfQLHqbYZOEs0X6ys6IPhPpoa3ig23G50JZPCcDaGqdZ1K7xhkoGaDu1V9LMMxeO7TZ42lUIm0abzfnN8/s230/holidaybutton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.sillylittlesparrow.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="60" src="http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/yipeeleah/tootyourhorn-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="handmade projects" border="0" height="60" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" border="0" height="60" src="http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/jsikes2163/shoppingbagpic2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/"><img alt="http://www.thethriftyhome.com" border="0" height="60" src="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/images/pennypinchparty.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.paisleypassions.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/loridelee/Wwed.jpg" /></a><a border="0" href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb119/tightwadtips/blog%20design/transformation-thursday-button2.png" /></a><a href="http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/%20" target="_blank"><img alt="Get your craft on Thurs." border="0" height="60" src="http://opipdesigns.com/blogs/lorij/craft.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.paisleypassions.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://a.imageshack.us/img714/2521/floralthursbutton.jpg" /></a><a href="http://nightowlcrafting.blogspot.com/"><img alt="NightOwlCrafting" border="0" height="60" src="http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa169/lesliebullock/Fullscreencapture510201033545PM-11.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/2010/12/making-monday-marvelous-35.html">Making Mondays Marvelous</a> | <a href="http://www.pollywantacrafter.com/2010/11/craft-link-party-8.html">Polly Wanna Crafter! </a> | <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2010/12/22/hookin-up-with-hoh-29/">Hooking up with the House of Hepworths</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819224019310093142.post-8159447383367686692010-12-17T10:34:00.000-05:002010-12-17T10:34:53.030-05:00Staggering Throught a Winter Slushieland<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lcnq0dsr141qzetayo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lcnq0dsr141qzetayo1_500.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't make me explain <br />
this to you.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Oh, the joys of winter. A weird wintery mix graced our fair cities yesterday. It was slippery nastiness. And I had to go to work. Which got me to thinking.<br />
<br />
Why on earth, with the technology available to us, and the fact that most of the people here have laptops and phones with tethering, is there not a basic foul weather plan that involves everyone staying at home. Not, come in, but take your time. But stay at home, it's just stupid to drive in terrible weather. By the time I woke up at 7am, there were already dozens of accidents on the freeways. I doubt they were all doctors, nurses, firemen, etc.<br />
<br />
Yeah, you might end up having to pay some people who don't really have duties that they can do at home. But if no one is in the building...does it really matter that your janitorial staff got an extra paid day off?<br />
<br />
What an easy way to build morale and goodwill in a workplace. We know when storms are coming, it would be fairly easy to make sure that everyone who could, took their laptops and files home with them, and we kept people from feeling like they HAVE TO COME IN, because otherwise their boss is a dick about it, or Junie from marketing is going to gripe about it, or you have to use a sick day, or whatever.<br />
<br />
Also, 4 wheel drive is not a magic button that makes you impervious to weather. Get off my old giant car's ass, or you're going to slide into me, and then I'm going to beat you to death with my coffee mug. If we're on a single lane street, and you can't pass me...it's because we're in a neighborhood and the speed limit is way lower than you think anyways and really: fuck you, it's an inch of icecrap, slow down.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2