tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218228542024-03-07T08:02:22.728-06:00Quickly UnravelingI created this to act as a vehicle for random chats with myself. Feel free to listen in on the chaos.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.comBlogger561125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-11425703611512867812014-02-12T11:38:00.000-06:002014-02-12T11:38:10.182-06:00Wedge Tent Set upJas Townsend & Son Inc have put together a fantastic You Tube tutorial on how to set up a wedge tent. <a href="http://youtu.be/nAsF8OyFNEI">http://youtu.be/nAsF8OyFNEI</a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-42551310347480816382014-02-10T10:29:00.003-06:002014-02-10T10:29:56.310-06:00Still hereI'm finding that I'm spending most of my time on Facebook so I'm not really posting here. Too bad. I re-read some old posts from several years back and I thought they were pretty good. I'm re-inspired to share some items, but I will need to think on things. In the mean time you can check me out on Facebook. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/giovanna8">https://www.facebook.com/#!/giovanna8</a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-63478636301694516112012-02-29T20:57:00.000-06:002012-02-29T20:57:34.697-06:00Moving on: end of 2011 re-capIt's taken me a while to feel like publishing anything here. I almost felt I was betraying Tubby by usurping his spot. Then again, if I'm not going to continue to publish stuff I might as well shut down the blog, and I don't want to do that. Life does go on.<br />
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Garden: 2011 - New stuff!<br />
Rain barrels! I set up all 4 and it was trial and error for a lot of them. I'm still unsure of the best way to utilize the water they collect, I think we wasted more water than we needed to because we did not have distribution points in place. For the first year, I thought we did well.<br />
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I harvested a whole ton of eggplants from the garden. The crop did so well and I'm going to plant them again. I made eggplant pizza, eggplant casserole and a bunch of spicy eggplant dip. SO GOOD! I haven't tried growing my own seedlings before and I was surprised at how well they did. I'm going to do this again, possibly with the tomatoes and melons too.<br />
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I don't think I'm going to try the sweet peppers again. Just a pathetic crop. However the sweet mild peppers that I started from seeds went insane. I don't know if I will grow that variety again, but if I grow peppers, I'll start my own.<br />
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The cauliflower was meh. Not worth the effort or space in the garden.<br />
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The melons were really good, but the weather was so bizarre that they didn't have as much warm days as they needed, that and the critters got into them. If I grow them again I'm going to trellis them so the fruit is off the ground. <br />
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I transplanted raspberry plants from our neighbors and they took hold and produced 2 crops. I'm fairly positive that they are ever bearing. Score!<br />
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The new raised beds in the front yard did very well, at least until the grubs took hold and killed off the squash and zucchini. I'll need to address some pests next year.<br />
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I tried growing tomatoes in the herb bed and they did ok, but I heard that it was a weird year for tomatoes, too cool. Despite that I'm planning on a new raised bed, which will be located along the chain link fence, near the clothes line. Tim is annoyed that he has to mow around things in the back yard, but I mowed my fair share of the back yard this last year and it was not that bad. <br />
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Kohlrabi: I planted this really late so it did not have enough time to really get going. What did grow was lovely so I'm going to try that again in 2012, but start sooner.<br />
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Garden - Old stuff:<br />
The apple tree went INSANE! I canned over 60 quarts of applesauce. I froze a few bags of apples, dried apple slices, made apple butter and apple jelly. If we have an off year in 2012 I think we will be fine. I had some apple juice that I was going make into jelly, but I left it too long in the fridge and it started to ferment. I think I may try to find a cheap apple press (or rent one) and try making hard cider. The stuff is ripe with wild yeast and with all the fallen apples that went into the compost we could have made gallons of cider. <br />
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Beets did well, but I'm buying 2 packages of golden beets (along with the chiogga and ruby red) this year and I'm sprinkling them over the area instead of sowing them in rows. I never have the heart to thin them so the rows get too bunched. I only made 6 pints of pickled beets this year. Sad.<br />
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The turnips did very well, but I may skip them this year. I don't eat them enough to make it worth my while. I still have turnips in the veggie drawer.<br />
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The rest of the garden did well, the rabbits found a way in and ate the beans towards the end, but the fence really staved off most pests. Spraying the raspberries with water and a little Dawn did well to keep the Japanese beetles down, but I had to spray them almost every day. Everything did well in their respective spaces and I chose to leave the watering rig up instead of stowing it away in the garage. It should still work come the spring. <br />
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I'm toying with the idea of getting the sprinkler system inspected and seeing how much it would cost to get it working again. If it's less than $300, it may be worth it. I know at least one head needs to be replaced, and the fitting from the house line, but if the ground hoses are sound we could start using it again. That would be a nice time saver, especially if we have a dry spring.<br />
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Now that it is almost March it's time to start thinking about the growing season. I'm excited to see my native bed continue to thrive. It was so lovely last year and I can't wait for this. I'm worried that our lack of snow for most of the winter may effect it negatively, but what can you do. There are still plenty of months left for it to snow. I should be starting my seeds in the next few weeks.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-22315824228527497312011-08-26T11:07:00.001-05:002011-08-26T11:08:42.175-05:00Full of sorrowOur good, sweet cat Nehemiah passed away Wednesday. He had been battling diabetes since July of 2009 and we had been treating it as best we could with twice daily insulin, pills and the ocassional subcutanious fluids. <br />
Tuesday we could tell he was winding down. <br />
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Wednesday Timmy made a choice to take him to the vet. I think he was grasping at any shread of hope. They started to give him fluids and he coded. Timmy feels enormously guilty and I understand that, but he was doing what he thought was right and he was trying to help. Still, he's heartbroken. I've never seen him this distraught. <br />
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We had a service Thursday morning and buried him in the herb garden under the catnip. Our friend came to the service and took us to lunch. Neither of us have been eating much, neither of us ate Wednesday night. It was nice to finally have a meal. <br />
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I know this will get better and I won't cry at the drop of a hat. For now, we're both grieving. We still have Lenny, but Lenny is pretty aloof compared to Nehemiah and he really is my cat. Tim really misses his buddy. I wish I could make everything better. <br />
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I believe Nehemiah came to us when we needed him, and when he needed us, and a new cat will come to us when the time is right. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq31BbEb_P3DUo_Gcz3cDmxUMC00N5pdKP0rWDlu7m0doMUEvF43U46pXyFE6hue05PmnrJGfm3RrS-ebgodr8EjaRybFKT9HBhDhwNKURunttPP5TUwgu2vTEOJtBfwGtVhqk/s1600/Picture+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq31BbEb_P3DUo_Gcz3cDmxUMC00N5pdKP0rWDlu7m0doMUEvF43U46pXyFE6hue05PmnrJGfm3RrS-ebgodr8EjaRybFKT9HBhDhwNKURunttPP5TUwgu2vTEOJtBfwGtVhqk/s320/Picture+005.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br />
Until we meet again good friend. I will comfort myself by thinking of the crusty warriors passing you around for cuddles and scritches in Freya's hall, you drowing out their laughter with your purr and begging for scraps from their plates.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-77710211123076424122011-08-09T12:45:00.002-05:002011-08-09T12:52:28.360-05:00So how's that produce?I love this time of the year, the garden provides me with lunch and dinner every day. Fantastic! With the weeding mostly manageable, it's sit back and bathe in the beauty of fresh veggies and fruit. Yum.<br />
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Main garden bed on the west side of the garage. We're thinking about expanding it with a lower tier. I think the lilac bush will need to go away completely if we do this, and not just hacked into oblivion.<br />
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<img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEniEH9-IQVHe5F8mJOGFe4T3d7VF01icDtsMN26h4rcBkKZZKfMouEPR1GimZxwYUSGUcDY6rn5dIqDJ9xGlmlh3or7xl5SWlwwsPZC5Yms039ZCYda8MmhiDH1fUXLda4rd-/s320/Picture+036.jpg" width="320px" /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxOBIw0IoaCZhm2bRGajUnO8-5IvTAORKeqco7bIXh8Dht72vxxZ1PvMu0DPg7dAK38w4I2fekJKAPBaPyQU2yklh8fOqf_50uldb3tHk-4LUdwnwBoBgtZvLrY-X2h_K0Vd6/s1600/Picture+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxOBIw0IoaCZhm2bRGajUnO8-5IvTAORKeqco7bIXh8Dht72vxxZ1PvMu0DPg7dAK38w4I2fekJKAPBaPyQU2yklh8fOqf_50uldb3tHk-4LUdwnwBoBgtZvLrY-X2h_K0Vd6/s320/Picture+006.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> Early girl tomato in the herb bed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAf_2nEhyu9X3s_xNRjycEgrvA6vp0FdBAOd1B7WSK9VbWLRnKRBQoo8IS_0vjHIPnYF5MVXWmf5yCDIr60OmvpTm2oWeQOOGKywoMGKJZYLZORc9PG3tE2Se0NDolbeaWRTAn/s1600/Picture+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAf_2nEhyu9X3s_xNRjycEgrvA6vp0FdBAOd1B7WSK9VbWLRnKRBQoo8IS_0vjHIPnYF5MVXWmf5yCDIr60OmvpTm2oWeQOOGKywoMGKJZYLZORc9PG3tE2Se0NDolbeaWRTAn/s320/Picture+007.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>When I pulled out the pear tomato with blight I replaced it with a cherry tomato plant and it's starting to produce fruit. The tomatoes are taking forever to ripen....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzibHzOJ82F3gVkEPIccJcLXMSpP4WAq1Y0lGoDLwraoAjhL5cSiCnhn1fZbm9SQdqwC-L9ch70tOvgq_XbMWzK4y7tuq6W0nDUGO10RVOCiyomE98iB_vOozZRZzUv4JAsdO/s1600/Picture+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzibHzOJ82F3gVkEPIccJcLXMSpP4WAq1Y0lGoDLwraoAjhL5cSiCnhn1fZbm9SQdqwC-L9ch70tOvgq_XbMWzK4y7tuq6W0nDUGO10RVOCiyomE98iB_vOozZRZzUv4JAsdO/s320/Picture+008.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> Chives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbF90CsP7hp9V3haEaZNcCEQY4N_P6jfrZ0Jb65Urw39paQ2L7JynUh6BzrazWxA7JH3bR1OeKc97xU0Xsy047imgkp2ScvNzWWTvk6FSzNq-8bwy13DD0Goiq0SSsrkV-Ow5/s1600/Picture+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbF90CsP7hp9V3haEaZNcCEQY4N_P6jfrZ0Jb65Urw39paQ2L7JynUh6BzrazWxA7JH3bR1OeKc97xU0Xsy047imgkp2ScvNzWWTvk6FSzNq-8bwy13DD0Goiq0SSsrkV-Ow5/s320/Picture+018.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div> Italian mild peppers. I started this from seed, and it's the only one of <u>12 plants</u> that survived the ravages of the cat. It is doing really well!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsYYxMJLXnHmmb1ZkdPLsPcvc7ioSv-iVBhODRKYauJ0FFFBbcSE40MvPRCA7tNO6lEEMstNeRdIGIzX4Hh6o_Pbq8O1KCLIZuVmGsmkO9x-XxFc33eS526WIpnvjh4RPrI7f/s1600/Picture+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsYYxMJLXnHmmb1ZkdPLsPcvc7ioSv-iVBhODRKYauJ0FFFBbcSE40MvPRCA7tNO6lEEMstNeRdIGIzX4Hh6o_Pbq8O1KCLIZuVmGsmkO9x-XxFc33eS526WIpnvjh4RPrI7f/s320/Picture+026.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Summer squash! <br />
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The zucchini plants became infested with a grub that killed the plant. So far no sign on the squash. I pulled all the zucchini and re-planted. I may have enough of a growing season left to get a second crop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgSAFtVHghSrm1sp-T1vTNdj6KabNTflQFuUaeIkguwuEVWWaLBlk48oNYDXTIAoAx8SXKSdH84Sco4EQgVvcJHi-_o-GvlZJy5F0gU1AG1bUvCPtRz8uH1OE7bqmLlBjLEo0/s1600/Picture+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgSAFtVHghSrm1sp-T1vTNdj6KabNTflQFuUaeIkguwuEVWWaLBlk48oNYDXTIAoAx8SXKSdH84Sco4EQgVvcJHi-_o-GvlZJy5F0gU1AG1bUvCPtRz8uH1OE7bqmLlBjLEo0/s320/Picture+037.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> Our peas started off slow, but they are going well now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6133mEXZcY44PV_7FMXb_p7U1pG9efNIYhKFihCS0VHtx1xBZPtTV4OCsGv5Xe3G5Mr_5VcIUt1aaW4lYrZ77pQRcB5Q_0hi5XdOvi1teamKVrRm8Mesg_rqjjPRaNWDLbC1I/s1600/Picture+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6133mEXZcY44PV_7FMXb_p7U1pG9efNIYhKFihCS0VHtx1xBZPtTV4OCsGv5Xe3G5Mr_5VcIUt1aaW4lYrZ77pQRcB5Q_0hi5XdOvi1teamKVrRm8Mesg_rqjjPRaNWDLbC1I/s320/Picture+038.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> We've about tripled our raspberry plants with the addition of our neighbor's plants and we had a great crop this year. Can't wait until next!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sDk2bLZ69S2VZr-0v7haAwR7wP069MNyjc_ak2UqBnARJhtXB4AaBVK3f4ItCXGUPeQWE3vsPxpxnywp-yFH-OzSFmmUtGVewnApKYprFlDfcmIue_Swh9G-X8bwnrHFcxD5/s1600/Picture+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sDk2bLZ69S2VZr-0v7haAwR7wP069MNyjc_ak2UqBnARJhtXB4AaBVK3f4ItCXGUPeQWE3vsPxpxnywp-yFH-OzSFmmUtGVewnApKYprFlDfcmIue_Swh9G-X8bwnrHFcxD5/s320/Picture+039.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div>My first time growing eggplant (another plant that I started from seed). It's doing really well and I've harvested 3 medium sized oval eggplants. I made a spicy eggplant dip with 2 and eggplant pizza with the other. The pizza was good, but the dip is heaven!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd7jMcmGg8r913ZMlNyIS-_gpERG5IRrRW7dqBMSTUoAvmbMZPg2Bf6-yUjmaevoaARzzbskakQRkewe_DV4yGHTIZCO5aUK3kjSBy-YHv8az7QUfDqq_PGw-jnn561C6YpwK/s1600/Picture+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd7jMcmGg8r913ZMlNyIS-_gpERG5IRrRW7dqBMSTUoAvmbMZPg2Bf6-yUjmaevoaARzzbskakQRkewe_DV4yGHTIZCO5aUK3kjSBy-YHv8az7QUfDqq_PGw-jnn561C6YpwK/s320/Picture+040.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>My first time growing cauliflower. I should end up with 4 heads total. I've picked 2 so far and they were good. I started the plants from seeds so I'm pretty happy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tT_likecsEkkTbZWMLyTJUbXiabNsf63UlANCXjMKC9a8xQ60IZIJ2PlESmGVrVd3VeAoYl6GliPN36udDOuQevWqKTCcXxBRd3wy2tLmAWEJ5lnwkEKUTAH9H5_lPiwP04Y/s1600/Picture+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tT_likecsEkkTbZWMLyTJUbXiabNsf63UlANCXjMKC9a8xQ60IZIJ2PlESmGVrVd3VeAoYl6GliPN36udDOuQevWqKTCcXxBRd3wy2tLmAWEJ5lnwkEKUTAH9H5_lPiwP04Y/s320/Picture+041.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div> Bush beans<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPWo7AvBWdMXIPAw_BiiJm0V1w4kLMDTW0vBO825cR8xS6wPCI6tKTDqsZ05RWyAb6sqd0nIzzHkVvpbvM01bIAcxiZIrWe4d194WvyRvMx7rzCy9Zy_oYlzlEMOQxSPMUQYj/s1600/Picture+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPWo7AvBWdMXIPAw_BiiJm0V1w4kLMDTW0vBO825cR8xS6wPCI6tKTDqsZ05RWyAb6sqd0nIzzHkVvpbvM01bIAcxiZIrWe4d194WvyRvMx7rzCy9Zy_oYlzlEMOQxSPMUQYj/s320/Picture+042.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> Burpless cucumber<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4OH-9HCQOaRiA_Yujh8dujJ0y3zHaO7fjn9zJxxDxdE0pQ_RZnDq3eOq3PSWpVY6550dAUNQKu_1wCSyzOVeNRCeBaWqqbKdy8ZyNUuSv6LuPm2OABFXapRDyvsmdlGg8B3Y/s1600/Picture+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4OH-9HCQOaRiA_Yujh8dujJ0y3zHaO7fjn9zJxxDxdE0pQ_RZnDq3eOq3PSWpVY6550dAUNQKu_1wCSyzOVeNRCeBaWqqbKdy8ZyNUuSv6LuPm2OABFXapRDyvsmdlGg8B3Y/s320/Picture+034.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> Our apple tree is doing much better this year. Harelsons!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEniEH9-IQVHe5F8mJOGFe4T3d7VF01icDtsMN26h4rcBkKZZKfMouEPR1GimZxwYUSGUcDY6rn5dIqDJ9xGlmlh3or7xl5SWlwwsPZC5Yms039ZCYda8MmhiDH1fUXLda4rd-/s1600/Picture+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJj8dZcZndRcJ587-gKv-tIKCNwtvvGnC40wZM0OUpU9WnsxMvAcs-s_sJ2UKY6xXiQICs9Mxwtu__Ke3w3E3DziSLhXCgipkp6e0LfienIgkIA0xZ85OFTeRg1XiEBuI7LGhP/s1600/Picture+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJj8dZcZndRcJ587-gKv-tIKCNwtvvGnC40wZM0OUpU9WnsxMvAcs-s_sJ2UKY6xXiQICs9Mxwtu__Ke3w3E3DziSLhXCgipkp6e0LfienIgkIA0xZ85OFTeRg1XiEBuI7LGhP/s320/Picture+043.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Melons have started and I should be able to pick my first one this week! The are similar to cantaloupe, and are roughly the size of softballs. There was one on Saturday where the rind had started to turn from smooth green to a knobby beige. Yay!Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-9918715964696250052011-06-27T14:56:00.000-05:002011-06-27T14:56:11.807-05:00Completed Cloak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSTuIY7NN0BWx8WxpDs6l6yOZ6pS4y26H_suLkwdV2XXWp0WzVPmtBCLYAURT6hWEgga7njt7_x_VnoBF4oSV7AmEJsvbrFrnbAvv-9wl9SQaVo8cGSkYfMIz6sNsE7enNgW4/s1600/cloak01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOtfAK_5WgoKEFcev4cDDdjDsXc5i6McgI8CsdewtSDYlu17rDCJqIVOH1X2Jb1o1MAsPQPAj9F73_ygGyEYWfMg4JD0SFtsi1hyxwcX5csruus1O0TuXsseKtKluCof9YLZ1/s1600/cloak02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOtfAK_5WgoKEFcev4cDDdjDsXc5i6McgI8CsdewtSDYlu17rDCJqIVOH1X2Jb1o1MAsPQPAj9F73_ygGyEYWfMg4JD0SFtsi1hyxwcX5csruus1O0TuXsseKtKluCof9YLZ1/s320/cloak02.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> In January I was contacted by a friend after he had attended Calontir Winter War Manuvers to tell me that a mutual friend was to be knighted at Lilies and they were looking for someone to make the cloak. He thought of me and I was happy to volunteer.<br />
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I started with a grey wool herringbone woven blanket that I picked up from Faribault Woolen Mills outlet store. I added a band of purple wool at the top and bottom. I wove the trim myself using my inkle loom (not correct for his time period but I could complete it quickly and easier than card weaving). It's a chain pattern. ;^) <br />
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The gold chain was appliqued linen, outlined with a red chain stitch in wool thread. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oXgZ_RMIZcutPo6B-U9EI5AzwdjXwgC9cpxPzkR3Csocn5lqMo4WxUC10uVeI1ptT7SAEmWCfCDHFDH78vpqpIuKccvCes78hH9zFOYe4x4mo1QhleakftCsMpFexPBnhGsZ/s1600/cloak05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oXgZ_RMIZcutPo6B-U9EI5AzwdjXwgC9cpxPzkR3Csocn5lqMo4WxUC10uVeI1ptT7SAEmWCfCDHFDH78vpqpIuKccvCes78hH9zFOYe4x4mo1QhleakftCsMpFexPBnhGsZ/s320/cloak05.jpg" width="320px" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJ-XUK-gVXYTq-bt8LI-_s4rna3G3lrWEYH71la-UGV-GBS7hjGO09_TELqeyCyZNgpN819T6w5wlQSn7k6BJNbLDWn7qyPlaFmun8B04xTneG-ZSXMjXjIdq3DW5yHdfq4Ct/s1600/cloak04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJ-XUK-gVXYTq-bt8LI-_s4rna3G3lrWEYH71la-UGV-GBS7hjGO09_TELqeyCyZNgpN819T6w5wlQSn7k6BJNbLDWn7qyPlaFmun8B04xTneG-ZSXMjXjIdq3DW5yHdfq4Ct/s320/cloak04.jpg" width="320px" /></a><br />
The runes were stitched in chain stitch using yellow and red wool and read: "What is best in life? to crush your enemies, see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of the women."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oRKS4gtzGjvi7M5vXB3TOoFcgm1qsjXlPmDxj6-4BCfjdVzAqiwGsK7KntEIpf1Znn7nVHjatW00YQu2WjaNBiBKHOZFPCpqubWfclUeQxMr6LclLi1nmBSffkO_qebTfeej/s1600/cloak03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oRKS4gtzGjvi7M5vXB3TOoFcgm1qsjXlPmDxj6-4BCfjdVzAqiwGsK7KntEIpf1Znn7nVHjatW00YQu2WjaNBiBKHOZFPCpqubWfclUeQxMr6LclLi1nmBSffkO_qebTfeej/s320/cloak03.jpg" width="320px" /></a><br />
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Halvdan really liked it so I am quite pleased!<br />
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(Lenny was very helpful)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSTuIY7NN0BWx8WxpDs6l6yOZ6pS4y26H_suLkwdV2XXWp0WzVPmtBCLYAURT6hWEgga7njt7_x_VnoBF4oSV7AmEJsvbrFrnbAvv-9wl9SQaVo8cGSkYfMIz6sNsE7enNgW4/s1600/cloak01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSTuIY7NN0BWx8WxpDs6l6yOZ6pS4y26H_suLkwdV2XXWp0WzVPmtBCLYAURT6hWEgga7njt7_x_VnoBF4oSV7AmEJsvbrFrnbAvv-9wl9SQaVo8cGSkYfMIz6sNsE7enNgW4/s320/cloak01.jpg" width="320px" /></a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-68667508151747780912011-06-23T16:14:00.000-05:002011-06-23T16:14:18.122-05:00June Garden UpdateI'm trying to take pictures of the rapidly changing garden ~ once a month. It's amazing how quickly things change. Currently it is rainy and cold for the official start of summer. Temps are almost 20 degrees under average, but we hope to creep up into the 70's come Friday. We may see 80's on the weekend. My tomatos can't wait.<br />
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For a reference I'm listing the pictures in the same order as my post from <a href="http://quicklyunravel.blogspot.com/2011/05/garden-season-beginning.html">May</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yUGABpbTCJMcUW0WW3E9D3WC3zPtzaewlsxr1N1mE5jA8L1E8xcqysipPRamRM8aalTZsc3dtIYUyMhRqK3wtwAob3hWa-yM90Wa9WRD3WyCiGcqmuIT-PduX86c-N1iHejH/s1600/june01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yUGABpbTCJMcUW0WW3E9D3WC3zPtzaewlsxr1N1mE5jA8L1E8xcqysipPRamRM8aalTZsc3dtIYUyMhRqK3wtwAob3hWa-yM90Wa9WRD3WyCiGcqmuIT-PduX86c-N1iHejH/s320/june01.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44dhRSrb8n0WZKLWTBBgjsAURECirY4D07iDv6irzWXRgQzKvh2QqJFM12nnyeHRZDea9DNOOj8phm3PkWNrxDTGcFjqfR23UA2m3F_EAQ9TEUxjdmF-qZh1qraMvGbGalkuF/s1600/june03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44dhRSrb8n0WZKLWTBBgjsAURECirY4D07iDv6irzWXRgQzKvh2QqJFM12nnyeHRZDea9DNOOj8phm3PkWNrxDTGcFjqfR23UA2m3F_EAQ9TEUxjdmF-qZh1qraMvGbGalkuF/s320/june03.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9vgfuj_VGvgSt00we5T2ufVEq82fX2oM-1dPcsZDLsFSlNf46gjR8pvEMI9SauGOpqG0g3q8797gPt6Vyu6QEAz-uoCtUqwFDE75-ibANgKDyGDW3vWWy_QYFmVctKsNjBwI/s1600/june08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9vgfuj_VGvgSt00we5T2ufVEq82fX2oM-1dPcsZDLsFSlNf46gjR8pvEMI9SauGOpqG0g3q8797gPt6Vyu6QEAz-uoCtUqwFDE75-ibANgKDyGDW3vWWy_QYFmVctKsNjBwI/s320/june08.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The raspberry plants appear to have survived the transplant process and should produce fruit this year. Rock on!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxo4UME2k5CFf-zuS4CH6A0p12X8u0ONbtuoRk8cGNqvZC4rm5J-8BSnKE_adohZhIvH7zjLiqWGiUQRo0-zhKzUxTXelQ1PrmhPZqrhmnobr5Qa9dR0ov41rsdg_W4dhdkOc/s1600/june12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxo4UME2k5CFf-zuS4CH6A0p12X8u0ONbtuoRk8cGNqvZC4rm5J-8BSnKE_adohZhIvH7zjLiqWGiUQRo0-zhKzUxTXelQ1PrmhPZqrhmnobr5Qa9dR0ov41rsdg_W4dhdkOc/s320/june12.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're going to have a good apple crop this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO4VdCrLGd2_xN043NG0acfBXXaejaAck2tRkrFXk-Q6oIZevqVKX8rlWVnLQNQH1DfF7sCLDp1sZ4HCJPeh1O0-8LmvNKPvw4tWQq-BcgdFQxxKRg7ZAqbgQ7tULEZ3hsGNK/s1600/june05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO4VdCrLGd2_xN043NG0acfBXXaejaAck2tRkrFXk-Q6oIZevqVKX8rlWVnLQNQH1DfF7sCLDp1sZ4HCJPeh1O0-8LmvNKPvw4tWQq-BcgdFQxxKRg7ZAqbgQ7tULEZ3hsGNK/s320/june05.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IrkELaCYUfohTUA90FeOrJsMoeN18p_Oz8F1ONeP_X31dkP6qPmEo8OpoKBSW28uhy2l-t8fc8Tt0pNtw-ldTrCqnAo0Bp-13xsJB0M3nDxAapMIC1TaGAT5WrLMfLSn-OkX/s1600/june04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IrkELaCYUfohTUA90FeOrJsMoeN18p_Oz8F1ONeP_X31dkP6qPmEo8OpoKBSW28uhy2l-t8fc8Tt0pNtw-ldTrCqnAo0Bp-13xsJB0M3nDxAapMIC1TaGAT5WrLMfLSn-OkX/s320/june04.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeBrcyHuvoP5PIbrdaPx1K5XnU4WGWtqLD0oRgxECLK3CJhM7Z80w7u-4Wj4hrIL6feT2Tok9XWoA2Fzlh9XYS6eohlF8mzasQngp5-TlP_NLNh6wZt82-A6IovKDAlEkfhzd/s1600/june17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeBrcyHuvoP5PIbrdaPx1K5XnU4WGWtqLD0oRgxECLK3CJhM7Z80w7u-4Wj4hrIL6feT2Tok9XWoA2Fzlh9XYS6eohlF8mzasQngp5-TlP_NLNh6wZt82-A6IovKDAlEkfhzd/s320/june17.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk0dnsRh0lLmRWafnWdNjy_yjW-gtnXAYguuzfQLBS3QuPGRWfg90IzPhyphenhyphenCLmwUCcB_Q4KE4PCnO6mTcJraUiworUzoPBqFpkxHKCOYx9rtuedHHzbGLGhRdyhgFqSJLXg-Tp/s1600/june09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk0dnsRh0lLmRWafnWdNjy_yjW-gtnXAYguuzfQLBS3QuPGRWfg90IzPhyphenhyphenCLmwUCcB_Q4KE4PCnO6mTcJraUiworUzoPBqFpkxHKCOYx9rtuedHHzbGLGhRdyhgFqSJLXg-Tp/s320/june09.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fence is certainly keeping the critters at bay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjIiu88sy6joukOog3CODHKnKx9fDDuwJglpnHzjU9Y42RF5d1w5jNi-nsYqu3u15ytCKs85CskcN0cjcwrqj3yaPYfaBew6p7SqmR15ZCPi_XJsZUU62WXEmCDQXJclU0IgP/s1600/june11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjIiu88sy6joukOog3CODHKnKx9fDDuwJglpnHzjU9Y42RF5d1w5jNi-nsYqu3u15ytCKs85CskcN0cjcwrqj3yaPYfaBew6p7SqmR15ZCPi_XJsZUU62WXEmCDQXJclU0IgP/s200/june11.jpg" width="150px" /></a></div> Lettuce (mesclin and romain), green onions, daikon radish, turnips, cauliflower, melons and beans.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2mgNmz0neg-LDo-38IiAyiK_EeG4tfhUaqKB0NS7fYvGsRuIypZODVOB5YLBhPVb7yL5HQ7GhKeCJoNpyt3gL9hM6s-prRDsE8h1AlGTeZMsfrPax3SIwtQTQ8-Sg1Pp-ANs/s1600/june13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2mgNmz0neg-LDo-38IiAyiK_EeG4tfhUaqKB0NS7fYvGsRuIypZODVOB5YLBhPVb7yL5HQ7GhKeCJoNpyt3gL9hM6s-prRDsE8h1AlGTeZMsfrPax3SIwtQTQ8-Sg1Pp-ANs/s200/june13.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div>Cauliflower (that I started from seeds)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqQDCFx1tpgS3uYzg8rmh43wCWB0l-iGWAOgM5FRa_8b05TW_RX_CaKHQzcHcTciQ08nCIBWiOTVzuSEAGAgfNgR-kt4qqeJSpgzpI-XM6BvHytXj1hnHjoSrls41JUg40jve/s1600/june15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqQDCFx1tpgS3uYzg8rmh43wCWB0l-iGWAOgM5FRa_8b05TW_RX_CaKHQzcHcTciQ08nCIBWiOTVzuSEAGAgfNgR-kt4qqeJSpgzpI-XM6BvHytXj1hnHjoSrls41JUg40jve/s200/june15.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div>Beans! (and I planted more so they will start producing when these are exausted)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aDbRXUEfWZI87VS0iOMMp7SocBotzPoJDvvGaq_6anpO6QRtFgSYOI_5ed-70IXMxGsXTlC9BXNtQuTSkI1wgn0QFYtq05H4IcvOJT0WeMJLEYSCXGH4SUk2NAaSuO8dnJet/s1600/june14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aDbRXUEfWZI87VS0iOMMp7SocBotzPoJDvvGaq_6anpO6QRtFgSYOI_5ed-70IXMxGsXTlC9BXNtQuTSkI1wgn0QFYtq05H4IcvOJT0WeMJLEYSCXGH4SUk2NAaSuO8dnJet/s200/june14.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div> Spinach, eggplant (that I started from seeds), dill, cucumbers and snap peas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IIXMTYl30EGeKZy99jklwzR6FBZPmcBzQxOi1GbRAH1Gbq9DmIdMB-Kpo_kFLtDeZrjibcUrsk1GnoZxGgcSE9EtpY-UsiR4ItsqtnrZlJYyOq5aZ43hDQLsyrPh_be30ncv/s1600/june16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IIXMTYl30EGeKZy99jklwzR6FBZPmcBzQxOi1GbRAH1Gbq9DmIdMB-Kpo_kFLtDeZrjibcUrsk1GnoZxGgcSE9EtpY-UsiR4ItsqtnrZlJYyOq5aZ43hDQLsyrPh_be30ncv/s200/june16.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div>Squash, red onions, peppers, zucchinni. No blossoms yet, but they are starting.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyS9oHSr36k6aus-JIBwnDw0Ti3WxK6spaVcK6yhORu4coDNfJ3D-i2znxbl-km4j1zSO8ecDUWlgaihEvnXUsb7kmNjYP-lDOIUpOcLUO-Nc1Z1lqhf79HZ75DUDhYZKgpoO/s1600/june19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyS9oHSr36k6aus-JIBwnDw0Ti3WxK6spaVcK6yhORu4coDNfJ3D-i2znxbl-km4j1zSO8ecDUWlgaihEvnXUsb7kmNjYP-lDOIUpOcLUO-Nc1Z1lqhf79HZ75DUDhYZKgpoO/s200/june19.jpg" width="190px" /></a> The native bed is starting to bloom. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywk9DzusiDwnRJ-H4ixGQoOc58P2v9_2nzHQGH8KcJTNIjfXeuzxHCbyN0whsF0Pc4yEGJCiiS6GR2Cbv7x9oZ94AT3O98aMj-k05ggVnQkgNi-rCaBbCujVd-bLbU4wNMQX8/s1600/june20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywk9DzusiDwnRJ-H4ixGQoOc58P2v9_2nzHQGH8KcJTNIjfXeuzxHCbyN0whsF0Pc4yEGJCiiS6GR2Cbv7x9oZ94AT3O98aMj-k05ggVnQkgNi-rCaBbCujVd-bLbU4wNMQX8/s200/june20.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6y3ZuYA8HdsPBQ1UFneLQzEmckiRYHUimlHmusoLx94qamJ2FKVEkRbFhlFvWofoD2qdQiBfCB2Y9jVLuU4t1CuL1a9mYrA-aehFb8qjObFZjV7f6__gtO1R-bVNcpxcZE76/s1600/june21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6y3ZuYA8HdsPBQ1UFneLQzEmckiRYHUimlHmusoLx94qamJ2FKVEkRbFhlFvWofoD2qdQiBfCB2Y9jVLuU4t1CuL1a9mYrA-aehFb8qjObFZjV7f6__gtO1R-bVNcpxcZE76/s200/june21.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-23797163112877041062011-06-21T08:53:00.000-05:002017-03-20T14:31:58.574-05:00Healthy Eating at Lilies 25I just got back from Lilies and I wanted to share some choices that I made for food. While I was staying with a group, I was esentially going solo this year and I didn't want to spend my time cooking so I planned my food to be grab and go. I arrived Monday evening and left Friday morning so my meal plans were breakfast/ lunch/ and dinner for 3 full days + 2 snacks each day an evening snack Monday and Friday breakfast before we left.<br />
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For breakfast I made the <a href="http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1234381">Baked Oatmeal with Blackberries</a> recipe from Sparkpeople. I added just a touch of maple syrup to up the sweetness. I baked it in a 8 x 8" pan and cut it into 9 squares. I brought enough squares for breakfast each morning and ate a hard boiled egg to up my protein. I brought a container of my home made yogurt, which I topped with raspberries and a drizzle of honey. I would spoon a small amount on my baked oatmeal, or treat it like a dessert after dinner.<br />
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I made <a href="http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=759">Coach Nicoles Vegetarian Meatloaf</a> and brought ~ 4 portions. I ate this at lunch or dinner/ depending on my mood. I made a quinoa and beet salad with red onions, red wine vinegar and olive oil (my own concoction). I would eat this for lunch or dinner. I grilled chicken breasts ahead of time and cut 2 into 1/2" strips. I'd place a few on my plate at lunch or dinner. I also brought grapes, packaged diced pears (in little sealed cups), cut up celery and carrots, a small stick of hard salami (which I never ate), peanut butter, whole wheat crackers, almonds, raisins and dried apple slices. I did bring instant Miso soup and Thai Kitchen instant noodle soup, but I found that I usually didn't want to deal with cooking food and was happy to eat the cold things from my cooler. <br />
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I was really happy with my food choices. I felt that I was eating well. Naturally I countered my healthy meals with plenty of beer and other drinks, but that is what Lilies is for. I did get in a 20 minute run Tuesday morning and I did an hour or yoga Thursday morning, plus I walked a LOT. <br />
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I did plan on coffee in the mornings and brought a <a href="http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1401692&CAWELAID=422775510">simple device</a> that rested on my cup, held a paper cone of grounds and I poured boiling water through. It was fantastic! I also drank a LOT of water. I filled a clay gallon jug with water and emptied it each day, plus I would fill my cup around the site at various stations while I was out. Staying hydrated was easy to do if I planned it out.<br />
I think one could do something similar for a longer camping event like Pensic, but it would be harder with a family. I would probably choose more options that did not involve space in the cooler.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-36637438337909892452011-05-25T21:02:00.000-05:002011-05-25T21:02:14.301-05:00Garden season beginningThis year we have had a very cool spring, which has set the growing season back by at least 2 weeks. Disappointing to be behind, but I do have everything planted and stuff is up and growing well. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEl1OEJ-OoOXPMkrnpblhsz6QBspBcW7bGw1hqOUq_BDo4QGYOpnnAdDP37TC0hyFCpHmHwjWQkpYfnvdHbBhGRTXzQae3BnuNMHKe_-v89tcJ8rL3M5bzNIoHrYp8yds1g1O/s1600/May01.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEl1OEJ-OoOXPMkrnpblhsz6QBspBcW7bGw1hqOUq_BDo4QGYOpnnAdDP37TC0hyFCpHmHwjWQkpYfnvdHbBhGRTXzQae3BnuNMHKe_-v89tcJ8rL3M5bzNIoHrYp8yds1g1O/s320/May01.jpg" width="320" /></a> The herb bed is looking pretty good. Most things are growing back from the previous years. The lovage is ginormous as it has been every year. New addition would be moving the tomatoes to the herb bed. I think they should do pretty well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaazbJyRdJLs3a12Ar4z4bpsZfD4JZcoaEWqfd74J7suOcZEPd1uBJIvxnnuOTL0AO2UCaksLdqI8A-kIRIL1NeDca2O43nGcEtMuvCus5BgcEoXblVHMorc4DswHO1Td3iE2-/s1600/May06.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaazbJyRdJLs3a12Ar4z4bpsZfD4JZcoaEWqfd74J7suOcZEPd1uBJIvxnnuOTL0AO2UCaksLdqI8A-kIRIL1NeDca2O43nGcEtMuvCus5BgcEoXblVHMorc4DswHO1Td3iE2-/s320/May06.jpg" width="320" /></a> I built a box for the wild straberries, which I overwintered in containers. They seem to be happy since they are producing flowers. We'll see if they produce fruit. Probably not this year. I added nasturtiums and rosemary to the box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwGzKOiALrB1z8jqGuCxz1yrbQD_afSTh2TDszLDt0kDDyD7O70TG1vdrlhREmQLvdsCoTvoUrH_EzfzZ5L_6fPLCwO_anPbs9ElvMyZKwvTWMTftun3mDKkq7dJBGSdwePNq/s1600/May08.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwGzKOiALrB1z8jqGuCxz1yrbQD_afSTh2TDszLDt0kDDyD7O70TG1vdrlhREmQLvdsCoTvoUrH_EzfzZ5L_6fPLCwO_anPbs9ElvMyZKwvTWMTftun3mDKkq7dJBGSdwePNq/s320/May08.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I transplanted several raspberry bushes from our neighbor's yard and they seem to be settling in pretty well. They may produce fruit this year, but we will see. I'm hoping that the apple tree will be more productive this year as well. I've been hording my apple sauce all winter long. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_6K0ev4UZ4vAKOmsVDeXSTvMg8ky_FZecn3H9qnp5KZL64E_00Km8IZMaOp1QQ13Kt5ldGOm2r7Z1Mf7OBRqgaPQaRk2DFGMemGPksK2id0xWQRQ1OTsrSpnSR2hDh77WoQ2/s1600/May09.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_6K0ev4UZ4vAKOmsVDeXSTvMg8ky_FZecn3H9qnp5KZL64E_00Km8IZMaOp1QQ13Kt5ldGOm2r7Z1Mf7OBRqgaPQaRk2DFGMemGPksK2id0xWQRQ1OTsrSpnSR2hDh77WoQ2/s320/May09.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</a></div> The perennial beds are looking fantastic. I added the solar lights on the lattice and I love how it looks at night.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk_nVkJnO1My9jWsINiHJB_6USRFHbXpl8_lxs2WPWPtA0SN9J6wpPHELalhYGNRETVbDFwLSkg4tz_R1ncE1poE1e7D29WJ8jbCLISXW62JpEJUPiUHyDibe3P-QauoJ3jhw/s1600/May04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk_nVkJnO1My9jWsINiHJB_6USRFHbXpl8_lxs2WPWPtA0SN9J6wpPHELalhYGNRETVbDFwLSkg4tz_R1ncE1poE1e7D29WJ8jbCLISXW62JpEJUPiUHyDibe3P-QauoJ3jhw/s320/May04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpRlFktmS2yCW-8Pt0_KjPj7jDO6AIoU3JGuV3uulQpovIX1SEnV7Xj-g5gMRmAP9cshoO5PcdfGkZniYLnEnMEFlMMeoLcbLZUhs0w7pacBh1HP0SMfexP-oAXYnguDlJdTQ/s1600/May05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpRlFktmS2yCW-8Pt0_KjPj7jDO6AIoU3JGuV3uulQpovIX1SEnV7Xj-g5gMRmAP9cshoO5PcdfGkZniYLnEnMEFlMMeoLcbLZUhs0w7pacBh1HP0SMfexP-oAXYnguDlJdTQ/s320/May05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The new boxes got added to the south lawn and are growing summer squash, zucchini and red onions. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvWcg7Hd42aj-DaFMi74Jef2LZG2kFvONwuoKmFjshTe1AkrGLWLdSpfbUnA6E2alHaOPyJowAaK-EskJ0h-3frA6jSoQwvqJMEtu5I8AxvxgRVvdyK3VgAPXlUnD7DHnkE8g/s1600/May19.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvWcg7Hd42aj-DaFMi74Jef2LZG2kFvONwuoKmFjshTe1AkrGLWLdSpfbUnA6E2alHaOPyJowAaK-EskJ0h-3frA6jSoQwvqJMEtu5I8AxvxgRVvdyK3VgAPXlUnD7DHnkE8g/s320/May19.jpg" width="320" /></a> The native bed is looking fantastic. The fence has kept the rabbits from eating the asters down to nubs. I also added a fence around my vegetable bed. I WILL have beets this year! <br />
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</a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7_cRHSPjbxp-uNwuZscveB_BmzedMstdKXtFj_BHl4Wgv-SHYMe9hop_hSF9g4DoYs4Eh3Zfu55w3KrqqkdMG0UhVdj3_X860MVeLnZ879ZW3gsrxo4BAMlqICftTKRnyR3P/s1600/May11.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7_cRHSPjbxp-uNwuZscveB_BmzedMstdKXtFj_BHl4Wgv-SHYMe9hop_hSF9g4DoYs4Eh3Zfu55w3KrqqkdMG0UhVdj3_X860MVeLnZ879ZW3gsrxo4BAMlqICftTKRnyR3P/s320/May11.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs-cwKcEReAvcf2hfLajmgbvc25wmLaTpHyQ1DEUCEKXUlvC9qneDnWVzsYIQ9DQU522kaF4tdXQCYNSqFEsX_r6E-7LcdAgrgeXQOPkK1V-NnQxzEn0wS6ShYlddHcLYcaIc/s1600/bunnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs-cwKcEReAvcf2hfLajmgbvc25wmLaTpHyQ1DEUCEKXUlvC9qneDnWVzsYIQ9DQU522kaF4tdXQCYNSqFEsX_r6E-7LcdAgrgeXQOPkK1V-NnQxzEn0wS6ShYlddHcLYcaIc/s320/bunnies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Good thing I added the fences this year. Varmints! (but they are awfully cute....)Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-90729247550187792722011-04-29T02:39:00.020-05:002011-05-02T20:27:56.463-05:00Wedding Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimgtK7Eb3opITzXU35ZUEPKkxOP62EoQeyNVhtUakJRlXY3U_Gnj_SXR7TzGGQyZDtwqCTl7_Zx65mLBgzq-V9rP2OtWPYZARXoswMQeGRcnl3i4aZSw-_zkvLWk8ssFPBsmY/s1600/gty_holding_hand_dm_110428_ssv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmk7WWdWawY_8vm4QUH5SLSxyRQ9eb2pMrubB459csPX7WVg8Etk_d85iEHcg-bkWmI9YltxFIYANsQBhpQ6RiYfU1Gu9g9qDWoazgSl7eTQiul5BD3qiER76FL2ovINBQW72/s1600/ap_prince_william_catherine_middleton_kiss_ll_110429_ssh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmk7WWdWawY_8vm4QUH5SLSxyRQ9eb2pMrubB459csPX7WVg8Etk_d85iEHcg-bkWmI9YltxFIYANsQBhpQ6RiYfU1Gu9g9qDWoazgSl7eTQiul5BD3qiER76FL2ovINBQW72/s320/ap_prince_william_catherine_middleton_kiss_ll_110429_ssh.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Not mine, don't get any ideas...<br />
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May I start with a simple reminder of how time zones work. If the live coverage starts at 3 am est that would be what in central time? Yeah, that would be 2 am. Oy. Almost not worth going to bed in the first place, but I did get a little nap. Thank god for tea....and a spot of cordial.<br />
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Naturally I'm not the only one who thought a live blog would be a good idea so if you would like some actual entertainment I suggest joining Heather and Jessica on <a href="http://gofugyourself.com/a-royal-fugging-wedding-live-blog-04-2011">Go Fug Yourself</a>.<br />
Lenny would like me to keep the noise down, he's trying to get his beauty sleep.<br />
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Big Ben is chiming: so exciting! I'm looking forward to seeing the mounted guard. Those horses are fantastic.<br />
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I think the most dressed up I'm getting this morning is a sweater thrown over my jammies. Speaking of dresses, I'm loving the dresses for the day. The one woman in line in the bright yellow dress and matching hat is smashing. LOVE! God I love these hats!<br />
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It's refreshing to see a commentator "squee" when speculating on what the bride will be wearing. <br />
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The tea and biscuits are a good choice first thing, as was the hard boiled egg. I'll move onto an English muffin in a while, along with the sardines, herring and fruit.<br />
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<i>How gorgeous are the Beckhams? Wow. </i><br />
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The people camping out are quite mad, but I do envy them. It looks like a chilly morning though. Not like that July day in '81.<br />
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Did I see Rowan Atkinson in the crowd? If they are Black Adder fans they have just risen in my esteem. The Prime Minister's wife isn't wearing a hat...SCANDAL!! <br />
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I can hardly wait to see what mischief the young attendants will get into during the service. There is no way a 3 yr old is going to behave for 1+ hours.<br />
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<b>4:14</b> - William (or I should say, His Grace, the Duke of Cambridge) looks very happy. All smiles and waves in the car to Westminster.<br />
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<i>Nehemiah is simply happy for the sardines from my plate. Lenny is snoring. </i><br />
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I do like the trees in the naive. It's simple and elegant. Oy, 40 minutes still until the wedding....time for a nap.<br />
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<b>4:30</b> - somehow I doubt that the Queen will be arriving via mini-coach. I am interested in what the bride's mother is wearing. It sounds delightful, but we'll see if her hair has been tamed from it's normal state of a hot mess. Ok, the dress is beautiful, but her hair still looks ragged. If Catherine takes after her mom she will certainly age well.<br />
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<b>4:43</b> - The queen is in bright yellow, which makes my mistaking the woman all in yellow queued up to head inside the church about an hour ago for her Majesty all the more weird. Can't wait to see these kids! Camilla looks nice. Thank god Wills didn't inherit his father's normal expression. "Close your mouth please, we are not a codfish!". Queen and Duke: 63rd wedding anniversary, 85 and 90. Bless!<b></b><br />
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<b>4:52</b> - Here comes the bride!!!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9WYUmCFQp1eskZxKb2zGKu2piG7k1a555U1pTGrODF4jQQOcxCe_AhYghEr4jHoUC10JyyRbSNwZlq-RkdQnpIi2juu2wv0yFIUF4yqllPVBAuUTDgufMujg8ZZyA2txu8V-/s1600/ap_kate_middleton_21_dm_110428_ssh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9WYUmCFQp1eskZxKb2zGKu2piG7k1a555U1pTGrODF4jQQOcxCe_AhYghEr4jHoUC10JyyRbSNwZlq-RkdQnpIi2juu2wv0yFIUF4yqllPVBAuUTDgufMujg8ZZyA2txu8V-/s320/ap_kate_middleton_21_dm_110428_ssh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE<br />
I swear I am breathless. I'm seeing a lace sheath, very pretty. Love the hair! I knew there was going to be lace. A small bouquet, so pretty.<br />
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<b>4:57</b> - OMG are these kids cute. Pippa looks gorgeous. Great genes those Middletons. I want to know what tiara Kate is wearing, slow down! <i>edit: Queen's halo tiara</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnce4m88oSKLBaaaQaUV2PhscLT7KCXne-jUjQQBtAYREL6NWFy3i9iCwiutU-fc61LGA2z23Ol4ujAf-dm4WOxkiU4OkEO1jyNDm-tA69cohhBh6au6fr5x7h7WC8n3Mg9LJ/s1600/gty_wedding_party_dm_110428_ssh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnce4m88oSKLBaaaQaUV2PhscLT7KCXne-jUjQQBtAYREL6NWFy3i9iCwiutU-fc61LGA2z23Ol4ujAf-dm4WOxkiU4OkEO1jyNDm-tA69cohhBh6au6fr5x7h7WC8n3Mg9LJ/s320/gty_wedding_party_dm_110428_ssh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b> 5:00</b> - Grace Kelly! Thank you BBC commentator! Yes! We've arrived! So gorgeous! Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown, same for Pippa.<br />
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<b>5:10</b> - Harry wrangles the ring, while Pippa wrangles the children. I'll take the ring please. I'm sure the Archbishop got the gig because of his voice alone. Dang!<br />
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<b>5:21</b> - Man and Wife!<br />
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<b>5:49</b> - "and did those feet in ancient times..." Love that hymn! I want a full orchestra at all weddings. Can I just say again that the hats are amazing! I also think more weddings need a battery of trumpeters. God Save the Queen! <i>my tea is cold</i><br />
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<b>5:56 - </b>signing the register. <br />
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<b>6:30</b> - Great carriage ride back. Love how the sun came out as they were approaching the palace. At least an hour until the balcony appearance. Time for <b>cake</b> and possibly a nap.<br />
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Speaking of cake: wow!<br />
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Totally worth the sleep deprivation. What a wonderful memory!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PwsInkBH8ZdLTmG8wxz2nMS_t8sjt-f2lZKafrj07uNFMIg7YGnTZPCif1D6qwLx5FzTxcqfOugSCpv4n5JClMAvsvfuJoZu0RA9MK7ix98zJvlr4TPssmnaO_r1gBfaYokA/s1600/Picture+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PwsInkBH8ZdLTmG8wxz2nMS_t8sjt-f2lZKafrj07uNFMIg7YGnTZPCif1D6qwLx5FzTxcqfOugSCpv4n5JClMAvsvfuJoZu0RA9MK7ix98zJvlr4TPssmnaO_r1gBfaYokA/s320/Picture+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lenny is relieved.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-46696185843002792372011-04-17T21:35:00.001-05:002011-04-17T21:38:11.879-05:00Just cruel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvu4kqsq9pLc6x5K7DtaQF_2u97YVb5m29yk9mfBl13Teu1eJba78VkM5DhjnSP1WPHGfWkm3-8ReJOHeiS_RTVK4hw3JG1JDiZ5RQnlONHhslR5ub80wmrLx3mfUvXUzl6CFn/s1600/April07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvu4kqsq9pLc6x5K7DtaQF_2u97YVb5m29yk9mfBl13Teu1eJba78VkM5DhjnSP1WPHGfWkm3-8ReJOHeiS_RTVK4hw3JG1JDiZ5RQnlONHhslR5ub80wmrLx3mfUvXUzl6CFn/s320/April07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Last Sunday the temp was in the 70's. I'm chomping at the bit to get my seeds in the ground, but I'm trying to be patient. I don't want to jump the gun like I did last year.<br />
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Seedlings ready to go. Herbs, cauliflower, eggplant, peppers (the ones that have survived Tubby's attack). Seed packets ready to go. Beans, lettuce, peas, onions, zucchini, squash, beets!, dill, and melons.<br />
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Here is what we woke to Saturday morning.<br />
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Just cruel.<br />
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It's melted now, and the plants seem no worse for wear, but I want to plant dammit!Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-31706714385049065922011-03-31T14:49:00.000-05:002011-03-31T14:49:29.034-05:00Sup?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbddJ6McOZDM0fZLoMHXQwW5P8fgUnWcUno5CGFFFWmwhpVVJ-Y9q8lln541JeyzzxFscbWvazM3RRsHzAesyTnb5FWImfbYcYfzzvtF35OVveZwRjV_EZwn44c3-zAT0mqry/s1600/Governor+Dayton+Visit+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbddJ6McOZDM0fZLoMHXQwW5P8fgUnWcUno5CGFFFWmwhpVVJ-Y9q8lln541JeyzzxFscbWvazM3RRsHzAesyTnb5FWImfbYcYfzzvtF35OVveZwRjV_EZwn44c3-zAT0mqry/s400/Governor+Dayton+Visit+008.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>So, how was your day?Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-36415512446260602902011-02-28T10:29:00.001-06:002011-02-28T10:29:18.547-06:00Motivation!<a href="http://sparkpeople.com/resource/quotes_translation.asp?id=179"><img border="0" src="http://assets2.sparkpeople.com/assets/quote_images/quote_179_b.jpg" target="_blank" /></a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-36972569143032020712011-02-13T20:22:00.001-06:002011-02-16T14:14:16.646-06:00Run completed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_gWZo3-qZM2rzqyJlLiGWfM-KvLKeGUS7ZvTi9KDTIqPwr1co6jxCLZq5Y_2H5FP_KezeXzHRyNsV4ug2T5VAKz0V8WlmdxWCBuIbFBrKBbIPaFlj-JaMtQ94k69NlmBY2jG/s1600/12911Winter+Carnival+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_gWZo3-qZM2rzqyJlLiGWfM-KvLKeGUS7ZvTi9KDTIqPwr1co6jxCLZq5Y_2H5FP_KezeXzHRyNsV4ug2T5VAKz0V8WlmdxWCBuIbFBrKBbIPaFlj-JaMtQ94k69NlmBY2jG/s320/12911Winter+Carnival+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<em>(and yes, I wore this during the race)</em><br />
I neglected to post my finish stats from my first 5K. I completed it in 29:51, which placed me 143rd overall, and 11th in my age/ sex group. I'm extremely pleased!!!!<br />
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My next 5K is March 13th, but I think I'm going to be ready for a 10K pretty soon. I ran 6.5 miles today and did pretty well at 79 minutes.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-10981599346718615702011-02-13T20:17:00.000-06:002011-02-13T20:17:46.583-06:00Valentines Day!Happy Valentines Day everyone!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlLvoUwPm8qpRmUYTy-TkdaPkPFQHhP_61xyaBrhJPEFaNoQ8gZ0khF2hG4Hc03eFrK97zacdeZ6xZ8a3Odc3npgLckotO03KC81xls995oihKGa5T8sG5n-Wsi6sEKAwzcho/s1600/valentines03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlLvoUwPm8qpRmUYTy-TkdaPkPFQHhP_61xyaBrhJPEFaNoQ8gZ0khF2hG4Hc03eFrK97zacdeZ6xZ8a3Odc3npgLckotO03KC81xls995oihKGa5T8sG5n-Wsi6sEKAwzcho/s320/valentines03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-66251520382299907112011-01-11T10:08:00.000-06:002011-01-11T10:08:46.958-06:005K running listI'm creating a soundtrack to accompany me on my first run January 29th.<br />
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<strong>Run time:</strong> 43.67 (I suspect I will not need the entire length for the run since my goal time is between 35-40 minutes)<br />
A Kind of Magic, Queen<br />
It's My Life, No Doubt<br />
Girl U Want, Devo<br />
FNT, Semisonic<br />
Outside, George Michael<br />
Go West, Village People<br />
You Can Call Me Al, Paul Simon<br />
Little Bird, Annie Lennox<br />
Whatever Gets You Through the Night, John Lennon<br />
Does Your Mother Know that You're Out, ABBA<br />
I'm a Believer, Smash Mouth<br />
Get Back, Lennon/ McCartney<br />
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<strong>Cool Down:</strong> 12.04 minutes (again, probably won't need the whole time)<br />
We Are the Champions, Queen<br />
I'm Alive, ELO<br />
Silly Love Songs, McCartney<br />
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Timmy is converting everything to MP3's so I can add it to my shuffle. I will do a test run to see if I can keep to the pace the music is setting. It's possible it is too quick, but we will see.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-72463140260480593022010-12-22T11:31:00.000-06:002010-12-22T11:31:38.019-06:00I'm FINALLY showing up this weekGood morning everyone! Finally coming up for air and adding a much belated post to my blog. With starting my new job in May my life became a lot busier. I have accomplished a lot over 2010.<br />
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1) reached my goal weight (and passed it) in July: 155 pounds!<br />
2) Got down to a size 8 pant <br />
3) Fit into a vintage dress from the 50's<br />
4) Managed to keep Nehemiah alive and thriving since his diabetes diagnosis<br />
5) Started a new job working for the state as a Project Specialist<br />
6) Got back on health insurance and got caught up on my female checks, including my first mamogram, and got my teeth cleaned<br />
7) Taught new people how to knit<br />
8) Cut my hair short for the first time in several years<br />
Tim is still looking for work and struggling to stay positive in the slow job market. I hope that 2011 turns things around for him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMInam-Ks9d03xEMXZjlxHZc7lR6FZeP5-_mz08MHCmpPVUZ7hJXtieqnKcLpTVcaIM2pX1WMHWH0qhGx4OPTuw83ipYYNl7DZRJht8gPwx8QczeuOggPSDe58C-I6QnOXJYJ/s1600/WL5Picture+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMInam-Ks9d03xEMXZjlxHZc7lR6FZeP5-_mz08MHCmpPVUZ7hJXtieqnKcLpTVcaIM2pX1WMHWH0qhGx4OPTuw83ipYYNl7DZRJht8gPwx8QczeuOggPSDe58C-I6QnOXJYJ/s320/WL5Picture+025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Final weight: 155, May 2010Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-70686561338103011842010-04-03T11:05:00.001-05:002010-04-03T11:12:53.261-05:002 weeks earlyThe growing season is about two weeks early in comparison to <a href="http://quicklyunravel.blogspot.com/2009/04/garden.html">last year</a>. Not surprising considering the insane temps that we had at the end of March. I took a serious leave of my senses and planted my vegetable garden on the 27th. In my defense it was in the 70's that day.<br />
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I just planted seeds: mesclin, arugula, spinache, beets, peas, onions and cucumbers. I recognize that planting cucumbers is way early, but if they don't germinate I'll just plant them again in a few weeks, no big deal. This year I did not need to remove 4 cubic yards of waste and weeds from the bed before I could plant anything. I simply turned in a half bag of peat moss, raked it level and hoed the rows. Easy! There is the ocassional weed sticking up here and there and they are getting dosed with Round Up. <br />
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I put up a nylon trellis screen to help train up the peas and cucumbers. Hopefully that will work better than the strings I used last year. I also changed around the layout of the garden so I'm hoping the crops that needed more sun will get it this year. I think I did pretty well using the plat for the first time last year and the changes were minor and easy to do to, hopefully, make this year more successful. I'll be planting my tomato plants and zucchini after Memorial weekend. I'll see how my tree trimming will aid the plants to get more sun.<br />
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My daffodils in the east garden are already blooming and I plan to bring a nice bunch for Sunday lunch at my parent's. My plans for the new native garden is mostly done. I just need to price out the materials and submit everything. I have until May 1st.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-40505919387182809742010-03-25T22:56:00.000-05:002010-03-25T22:56:40.237-05:00Garden PlansFor those who have seen our lot, we have a LOT of grass. There are a number of lovely trees, bushes, and landscaping around the house, but there is a huge bare spot on the South side of the property. <br />
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Our first summer/ fall in the house I started planning some additions to the landscape. I specifically wanted to focus on native plants and possibly include a rain garden. Today I attended a free workshop on adding a native garden run by <a href="http://www.bluethumb.org/">Blue Thumb</a>. I'm unsure if the space I am envisioning for my planting space will work for a rain garden, but it will be a lovely native garden, with a focus on plants that attract butterflys. That should be a special treat for Timmy. For $25 they will help create a design with me and I can apply for a grant to receive $250, which will hopefully cover the cost of the majority of the project.<br />
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I'm planning to get my plants from the <a href="http://www.friendsschoolplantsale.com/">Friends School Plant Sale</a>. They have a lovely Butterfly garden package with 4 each of 12 plants for pretty cheap. I've picked out a couple more varieties to add in and a couple new bushes for the south side of the house, to replace a couple that died from the hot summer before we moved in. <br />
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My design consultation is the 31st and I have a lot to do to get my plan ready.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-84611465065293024082010-03-23T15:33:00.002-05:002010-03-23T16:50:31.781-05:00Wool socksJust in time for the temps to heat up, oh well.<br />
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After a dry spell of knitting I finally got my mojo back and have managed to knit 5 pairs of socks since the beginning of the year. If I was trying to knit one pair each month, I'd be set until June.<br />
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The first pair of socks were for Tim. A nice navy dress sock that he can wear with his navy pants.<br />
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Yarn: Knit Picks Essentials in Navy<br />
Pattern: Cable Rib Sock by Erica Alexander<br />
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The next two pairs are for me and I used the two skeins that I bought at last year's <a href="http://quicklyunravel.blogspot.com/2009/05/shepherds-harvest.html">Shepherd's Harvest</a>.<br />
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Yarn: Blackberry Ridge, Color: Blackberry<br />
Pattern: Diagonal Cross Rib by Ann Budd<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f9MkjrvtNpRrPlC_MvhSPwT1msu6zqkywMnOpdOPpyylA8o8fdqdrvlzu-LbvFeBXhF2e8CpKmKz_ZeZVP6jnog995FRXXUviYCfhXXKi2NnI_1OlqCToPvt4bHLJ_RqF8Pl/s1600-h/blackberry+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f9MkjrvtNpRrPlC_MvhSPwT1msu6zqkywMnOpdOPpyylA8o8fdqdrvlzu-LbvFeBXhF2e8CpKmKz_ZeZVP6jnog995FRXXUviYCfhXXKi2NnI_1OlqCToPvt4bHLJ_RqF8Pl/s320/blackberry+socks.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB7OAhB7t2XZGREP5Ui2dcvduK-NNXvJaqHPy0eAghDBXcXicPZkWdPIZXps-UDQe8ednO3A23FkeA5UNIQ50W6C7pYXYGKS6HAiRglWeaHU3zZvl8RY8EFyAxCXabeKZcnSL/s1600-h/crocus+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB7OAhB7t2XZGREP5Ui2dcvduK-NNXvJaqHPy0eAghDBXcXicPZkWdPIZXps-UDQe8ednO3A23FkeA5UNIQ50W6C7pYXYGKS6HAiRglWeaHU3zZvl8RY8EFyAxCXabeKZcnSL/s320/crocus+socks.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div>Yarn: Blackberry Ridge, color: Crocus<br />
Pattern: Waving lace socks by Evelyn A. ClarkLizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-10092834339510637092010-03-10T17:43:00.001-06:002010-03-10T19:39:23.040-06:00Uptown Boot SocksFinished another pair of socks, this time for me.<br />
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I got the yarn from one of the gals in the my knitting group when we did a swap and it came without ball bands. I'm pretty sure it's wool, but other than that I got nothing. I love the texture from the pattern, <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Books/Favorite-Socks.html">Uptown Boot Socks from Jennifer Appleby</a>. I finished the kitchnered toe and quickly cast on another pair, Diagonal Cross-Rib Socks by Ann Budd. I'm using a skein of sock yarn I bought at <a href="http://quicklyunravel.blogspot.com/2009/05/shepherds-harvest.html">Shepherd's Harvest</a> and it looks great. I'm going to throw caution to the wind and knit another pattern at the same time using the second skein. Waving lace socks, by Evelyn Clark. I'm managing to finish a pair in less than 2 weeks so I should have both pairs done before Shepherd's Harvest 2010. I have some sewing to complete and that will cut into my knitting time.<br />
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I'm really getting anxious for the growing season. I have a lot of my seeds purchased and the warmer temperatures and rain have done a number on the snow drifts. Sunday I'm prunning the apple trees since the weather should be sunny. The kitties always enjoy the sun and fight over space in the sunbeams.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ft9XEfsgjn1d8PFuh93en7gIo7T05S2SjbYykrdYBKTGIUnV0A4-TeqHQaR-eS_0Wg6_cEqc4O01rnp6zvlIpa_l2Az8lqUV99Bavog0YSLOvbSYJ8-gpf4Q22JD1lv5CBQH/s1600-h/Lenny+and+Tubby,2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ft9XEfsgjn1d8PFuh93en7gIo7T05S2SjbYykrdYBKTGIUnV0A4-TeqHQaR-eS_0Wg6_cEqc4O01rnp6zvlIpa_l2Az8lqUV99Bavog0YSLOvbSYJ8-gpf4Q22JD1lv5CBQH/s320/Lenny+and+Tubby,2.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div> They managed to sit touching each other for an extraordinary length of time.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-62196466314128674262010-02-28T19:46:00.001-06:002010-03-01T15:21:04.577-06:00Olympic knitting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE-5luYUd7DUUuLGAmZ-B5vZus1blqyvzGsS9IW8jmfelJHZ03xPuzVO2l3KyfZrc3_Tw4ZYdkzNdApqLtVtg7RVSf8qo3ixmTg_L1xylkqxkk8SMNb3zI0HmSbWRlX_GrxcA/s1600-h/cotton+stockings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE-5luYUd7DUUuLGAmZ-B5vZus1blqyvzGsS9IW8jmfelJHZ03xPuzVO2l3KyfZrc3_Tw4ZYdkzNdApqLtVtg7RVSf8qo3ixmTg_L1xylkqxkk8SMNb3zI0HmSbWRlX_GrxcA/s320/cotton+stockings.jpg" /></a></div>I cast on the stockings when the flame was lit and my goal was to have them complete before the flame was extinguished. I finished the cotton stockings on Thursday, so I'm a bit early for the torch.<br />
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I used the 2 weeks of the olympics to keep me on track and get them done. Once I see the recipient I can hand them over. I think they look quite nice, but I will have to wait to see how well they fit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqaspzbP2CnYSYo1WSPzyXTzsiMM-9WgOPWC7QXuGFlqWXvAA_iTahaA627B_4qjH7J2k7EPbUaLVgSUGzmIFzwd9gNFSURAuAFB-j1p2VfGwjuBYPxd1uQxk6h8RvmuhPqWM/s1600-h/medal-blog-button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqaspzbP2CnYSYo1WSPzyXTzsiMM-9WgOPWC7QXuGFlqWXvAA_iTahaA627B_4qjH7J2k7EPbUaLVgSUGzmIFzwd9gNFSURAuAFB-j1p2VfGwjuBYPxd1uQxk6h8RvmuhPqWM/s320/medal-blog-button.jpg" /></a></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-49482404056925877542010-02-22T12:41:00.000-06:002010-02-22T12:41:42.838-06:00Dishwasher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHzo5BfjrRXCP8j4zimUud7tJqZRXar8ybhwNklqrgfBvs73oPEuCiGfih2xOto7VChmyYG7GuyloSHBGOssmj-eKlzKmemI0IKIrsqNPHxSqxrJ40YHfyhECAFhHWWklFu75/s1600-h/House+dishwasher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHzo5BfjrRXCP8j4zimUud7tJqZRXar8ybhwNklqrgfBvs73oPEuCiGfih2xOto7VChmyYG7GuyloSHBGOssmj-eKlzKmemI0IKIrsqNPHxSqxrJ40YHfyhECAFhHWWklFu75/s320/House+dishwasher.jpg" /></a></div>When we moved in last Fall I jokingly asked my parents if they were going to get us a house warming gift. They asked me what we would want, I said "a dishwasher or a freezer". The desire for each was pretty neck and neck until I finally had enough of hand washing and found a dishwasher that was a reasonable price at Sears. Sunday a friend of ours came over to help install it.<br />
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We determined that the dishwasher it replaced was original to the house, and boy did it show. We ended up running new water supply lines and waste lines, which made the whole thing take a lot longer. We only ended up taking 2 trips to Menards so we did pretty good. I think it looks great in it's new home and the color is a good match to the cabinets. <br />
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I'm running the first load now and I just LOVE it! Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21822854.post-32005471776053901662010-02-22T12:32:00.000-06:002010-02-22T12:32:26.316-06:00Yogurt Sucess!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLU3Gvr9CFEEj42SxiXxeMnX3lGeNRWrBAoXr0VIoXs1uGoXxAUNXiB2FSY47LaP7z3_bnAcFzenL4Tkcr2kL_kDIj8scv5LCGSk6f4eQbqPr3VoYxpTpqlFI-oaNiJUCZiCS/s1600-h/yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLU3Gvr9CFEEj42SxiXxeMnX3lGeNRWrBAoXr0VIoXs1uGoXxAUNXiB2FSY47LaP7z3_bnAcFzenL4Tkcr2kL_kDIj8scv5LCGSk6f4eQbqPr3VoYxpTpqlFI-oaNiJUCZiCS/s320/yogurt.jpg" /></a></div>My first home made yogurt! It has a different texture than the store bought, but it tastes great and I know what is in it!<br />
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I used this <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/you-can-make-yogurt-in-your-crockpot.html">site</a> to make this batch, but my first attempt was a giant FAIL. I ended up with milk that faintly smelled like yogurt and not what the recipe promised. In reading through other sites I discovered that if the author of the first site had simply added a couple of key items, first time yogurt makers would have an easier time.<br />
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The first key item is that the milk is being heated to 185 degrees F. Considering the fact that many crock pots are different and create different temps, including the initial temp is a good idea. After you reach 185 degrees F you want to unplug your crock pot and let it sit, covered, until you reach a temp of 110 degrees F, you will add your culture at this temp. Once your culture is added you whisk the contents thoroughly and bundle up the whole thing to let it sit for 8 hours, or overnight. The initial instructions tell you to let your crock pot sit for 3 hours unplugged, assuming that all crock pots will cool at the same rate. I think mine cooled far quicker and my milk was too cold when I added the culture so nothing happened. <br />
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To not waste my first attempt I placed my initial batch back in my crock pot, placed my meat themometer in it, attached the themometer to my timer to beep when it reached 110 degrees, placed the lid back on and set it to heat up. Once it reached 110 degress I unplugged it, whisked the milk vigorously (since the culture was already in it), took the insert out of the base, wrapped it in 2 blankets and stuffed the contents in the microwave to sit overnight. That worked great! I had lovely yogurt the next morning and I now know what I should be doing so the next time will go a lot better. I did drain a lot of the whey out using a colander and some paper towels and Timmy and I had fresh yogurt with fruit for breakfast. Yum!<br />
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I used whole milk at I bought at Target, pasturized and homogenized is fine but not ultra-pasturized. I should get Chris' contact for her raw milk cause that would make lovely yogurt. I think when I am ready to make this recipe again I will pick up a half gallon of milk from the Co-op and I can just use the yogurt that I made to create more yogurt, just like one would with sour dough. No idea if I am saving any money yet, but it sure is a fun project.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01894965829304567640noreply@blogger.com3