tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-178287902024-03-14T08:04:45.530-07:00Blog of MuffyKristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.comBlogger1110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-85010658171436609042015-04-19T07:41:00.000-07:002015-05-24T07:44:28.839-07:00FAMILY BEACH DAY: BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1w7_taC_I-Q/VWHjucTJTmI/AAAAAAAAG_k/QPLq8bHQUZ0/s1600-h/FloridaKeys2015%252520089%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="FloridaKeys2015 089" border="0" alt="FloridaKeys2015 089" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CceyjmLQeNI/VWHju1kNHjI/AAAAAAAAG_s/YzeaeGuLhes/FloridaKeys2015%252520089_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p>May as well face it: we’re beach people. And this? Our happy place. Bahia Honda State Park is regularly included in Top Beaches lists for good reason. 20-odd years ago Paul and I visited here twice in two or three years, and I have to say memory did not do it justice. </p> <p>We already know what we want to do next time, too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gh4tXAlztpQ/VWHjvZApwBI/AAAAAAAAG_w/JNzDei3wmBo/s1600-h/FloridaKeys2015%252520083%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="FloridaKeys2015 083" border="0" alt="FloridaKeys2015 083" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zt2Xl4EcJpc/VWHjvvCg7OI/AAAAAAAAG_8/5kpaKCkDHKQ/FloridaKeys2015%252520083_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p>The tiny key shown above is a brief paddle. We plan to rent kayaks from the park marina and spend a few hours snorkeling and enjoying the remote beach as well as what must be an incredible view of Bahia Honda. </p> <p>The day we spent this first trip was focused on low-barrier relaxation.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qCIou3o2XuU/VWHjwCkt6JI/AAAAAAAAHAA/6MkU0G9nmpM/s1600-h/FloridaKeys2015%252520068%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="FloridaKeys2015 068" border="0" alt="FloridaKeys2015 068" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nAxGG-bU3Ok/VWHjwokN58I/AAAAAAAAHAM/8rp0iNHBdCY/FloridaKeys2015%252520068_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wuWar0Imh_8/VWHjxP2Or0I/AAAAAAAAHAQ/ALA5bzJ_WgU/s1600-h/FloridaKeys2015%252520030%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="FloridaKeys2015 030" border="0" alt="FloridaKeys2015 030" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wzFbRMqW5QA/VWHjxhutZ7I/AAAAAAAAHAc/9gdo4nCk_hQ/FloridaKeys2015%252520030_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GM70n6Hn33g/VWHjyPp8djI/AAAAAAAAHAg/KhvxQ7uHTT8/s1600-h/FloridaKeys2015%252520028-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="FloridaKeys2015 028-001" border="0" alt="FloridaKeys2015 028-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--LQ_LT3t3Tg/VWHjymYEEQI/AAAAAAAAHAs/BEj3s5-pd_s/FloridaKeys2015%252520028-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-89151126717246381672015-04-14T09:19:00.000-07:002015-04-18T09:34:22.185-07:00VACATION OUTING: HEMINGWAY HOME<p>In the heart of downtown Key West, The Earnest Hemingway Home was built in the 1850s to be the grandest home in town by a wealthy man with a large family. Tragically, he lost his family, and the home fell in to disrepair, rumored to be haunted or cursed. Earnest Hemingway and his wife Pauline restored the home to its former grandeur.</p> <p>For my family, it was really nice to be in lush, tropical gardens once again. The home is located on a full acre, so there is a roominess you rarely feel in a city.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mv6zQSsDd4c/VTKHed-bIUI/AAAAAAAAG9k/kXqTmKsEtkI/s1600-h/FloridaKeys2015%252520102%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="FloridaKeys2015 102" border="0" alt="FloridaKeys2015 102" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LtFIO0dxIjA/VTKHfB6DHnI/AAAAAAAAG9s/BUosefbX0b0/FloridaKeys2015%252520102_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="397"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3hLmr727ppc/VTKHfvE-irI/AAAAAAAAG90/4LXd4bmvR8g/s1600-h/FloridaKeys2015%252520105%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="FloridaKeys2015 105" border="0" alt="FloridaKeys2015 105" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AE2dygLD9OI/VTKHgF1gm2I/AAAAAAAAG98/S07OFJnjRp4/FloridaKeys2015%252520105_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="500"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1tv5ILU1g20/VTKHg0y01dI/AAAAAAAAG-E/ykY4-hYT3gU/s1600-h/FloridaKeys2015%252520113%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="FloridaKeys2015 113" border="0" alt="FloridaKeys2015 113" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lAN504aA-AQ/VTKHhT23biI/AAAAAAAAG-I/u4CqXna6WLo/FloridaKeys2015%252520113_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="500"></a> </p> <p>The kids were fascinated by the six-toed cats. Honestly, they were, oh… nearly identical to ordinary cats, aside from the silly looking feet.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r9WRfisPdSs/VTKHh81klDI/AAAAAAAAG-Q/rzhb6fLQEx8/s1600-h/six-toed-cat-hemingway-house-florida-usa2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title=" " border="0" alt=" " src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DO416SFETsE/VTKHiRh8S5I/AAAAAAAAG-c/VXzPCpdru-w/six-toed-cat-hemingway-house-florida-usa2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k_Ry8C7JQvU/VTKHi7jd1hI/AAAAAAAAG-g/pSzyHkMiyjE/s1600-h/FloridaKeys2015%252520116%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="FloridaKeys2015 116" border="0" alt="FloridaKeys2015 116" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MD7oKemDLF8/VTKHjMt1hEI/AAAAAAAAG-o/7c1jeeJEc8Y/FloridaKeys2015%252520116_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="244"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>It was a fun way to spend an couple of hours while wandering downtown Key West. We think we’d like to try one of the <a href="http://www.trolleytours.com/key-west/day-tour.asp">trolley tours</a> sometime, too—maybe <a href="http://www.trolleytours.com/key-west/ghost-tours-key-west.asp">a haunted one</a>. :)</p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-69090707106226653932014-11-02T09:49:00.001-08:002014-11-02T09:49:49.293-08:00TWO NIGHTS IN RODANTHE (PART 1)<p>Fall has been slow to come this year. We <em>might</em> have our first frost tonight, but a return to mild temperatures is forecast for the week ahead. We used the summery weather to our advantage last weekend when our family made an after-rush-hour dash to the Outer Banks. We checked in very late, and awoke to sunrise over the Atlantic. (One benefit of a really late season trip is sunrise is after 7, ha ha!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xQyjtG9NMJw/VFZueW75D4I/AAAAAAAAG14/MKd9h6GysdM/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 001" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qTal194CWic/VFZueyyvQJI/AAAAAAAAG18/ukWX0f1HsNY/rodantheoct2014%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="379"></a> </p> <p>At this point in time we’re really happy to be cabin campers. For our family’s needs, it really is the best to have plenty of room to sleep with privacy, a kitchen, room to relax… the deluxe cabins are often about the price of a comparable hotel room suite but with more to offer immediately outside the room.</p> <p>We chose to try out the <a href="http://koa.com/campgrounds/cape-hatteras/">KOA in Rodanthe</a> because it appeared to have a lot to offer as far as accommodations, fun stuff for the kids, and their own beach access. We’ve done a lot of ‘city beach’ time, and played on natural California beaches, but this was to be our first east coast natural seashore time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L49y_QYpbQE/VFZufUPgVsI/AAAAAAAAG2I/iE-kB-_Ebv0/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 003" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k0_KntAc6pI/VFZugM1dTzI/AAAAAAAAG2Q/ekefvYpLk-4/rodantheoct2014%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p>Cole was up really early Saturday morning, but I was able to buy an extra hour of zzzs by hooking him up with some cartoons—another reason I’m fine with us ‘really not’ camping for now. This deck was a great place at both ends of the day, and we had dinner outside.</p> <p>Once I’d put enough caffeine into my system, Cole and I explored while everyone else slept a bit longer. He loved the opportunity to get one on one time with me, and so did I.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_jWCLNzHuZg/VFZugslV0kI/AAAAAAAAG2Y/o1araZ6SPnI/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520009%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 009" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BKr2VN7POj0/VFZuh2m4uYI/AAAAAAAAG2g/A-AUVOSqv7k/rodantheoct2014%252520009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="942"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ft9xMR7Sq4w/VFZuienWKiI/AAAAAAAAG2o/OyKsV_P45qY/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 011" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XBR2x9EBp4A/VFZujZfCzPI/AAAAAAAAG2s/wxzhCY_01hA/rodantheoct2014%252520011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p>The pirate-themed playground is a fun touch. It’s great that it’s not too babyish. Later Cole had no trouble luring Carter out to play—quite often.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u18czJ_e6J8/VFZujmESAEI/AAAAAAAAG24/jL2w5pC5lxw/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520020%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 020" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 020" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VRNyQaTQc4s/VFZukAiUa5I/AAAAAAAAG28/7PFMyd1IbKg/rodantheoct2014%252520020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p>Cole and I also walked to the sound side to check out a little fishing pier.</p> <p>Shortly after, all the kids were out on the bounce pad and playground.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n7M1BLvdZ2k/VFZukmi_o8I/AAAAAAAAG3E/aT1y30T50Hk/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520043%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 043" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 043" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uFeAJfpL2A8/VFZulJIgA2I/AAAAAAAAG3Q/-329GWfhSVg/rodantheoct2014%252520043_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="379"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cD69qME4wi0/VFZulchS1PI/AAAAAAAAG3Y/VX2AUE_zBqQ/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520047%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 047" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 047" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SRej7T4x1OI/VFZumCgbGzI/AAAAAAAAG3g/yxQp3exXKoI/rodantheoct2014%252520047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1038"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XBEJHNX6Ugo/VFZumvk3FZI/AAAAAAAAG3k/oZtq8Gmjdbk/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520068%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 068" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 068" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O3B0CZa7yGQ/VFZunF2ZuTI/AAAAAAAAG3w/W2o_P9UdvNQ/rodantheoct2014%252520068_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bORgbFrrj7A/VFZunm4YisI/AAAAAAAAG34/vYncyC1Gy2E/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520060%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 060" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 060" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EpFFSyI1eko/VFZuoHHH8fI/AAAAAAAAG4A/xTm5MUHY9FM/rodantheoct2014%252520060_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="942"></a> </p> <p>After a while it was time to head to the beach, just a couple minutes walk from the cabin.</p> <p>Paul and Cole were in the water the most this time. The water temp was about 66, not so bad for late October.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sD6dgWZ67Sk/VFZuojH8bUI/AAAAAAAAG4I/JGYSzytJIyc/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520108%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 108" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 108" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YWwI6WbAfc4/VFZupKMXU1I/AAAAAAAAG4M/bepEewT5gnM/rodantheoct2014%252520108_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="379"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dNK_zaenyxw/VFZuppBX8AI/AAAAAAAAG4U/uq_tN6Wabgg/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520092%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 092" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 092" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KzjJT4gXqFI/VFZupxwqjBI/AAAAAAAAG4c/1oH9WyTUphg/rodantheoct2014%252520092_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="379"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_0xGYkDIX8k/VFZuqbQl4gI/AAAAAAAAG4k/EO8sbPwcG_8/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520099%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 099" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 099" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uOE__Gb62sE/VFZuqj2owmI/AAAAAAAAG4w/SzK3pXMfiEg/rodantheoct2014%252520099_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="379"></a> </p> <p>After a few hours on the beach the kids wanted to try out the water slides. It was fun to be able to switch gears so quickly, without hassle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gnwAqiNMZtE/VFZurOajqLI/AAAAAAAAG44/7P4wd4jok7Q/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520124%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 124" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 124" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5h5GyzmLS8U/VFZurllC2LI/AAAAAAAAG5A/c5XxAWvZUFk/rodantheoct2014%252520124_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1046"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HEctaoJNY4A/VFZusJcO1FI/AAAAAAAAG5I/UxoOv16GKL0/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520135%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 135" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 135" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FZv8C6systs/VFZus0b8rvI/AAAAAAAAG5Q/HPgZj4taJtU/rodantheoct2014%252520135_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dustv8D-EF8/VFZuuHerMPI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/OIk9g3dheCM/s1600-h/rodantheoct2014%252520138%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="rodantheoct2014 138" border="0" alt="rodantheoct2014 138" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WD9PHSWh8WE/VFZuusjRoDI/AAAAAAAAG5g/is4dRm9p0r0/rodantheoct2014%252520138_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="942"></a> </p> <p>…eventually it was time to bathe and get ready for what promised to be a spectacular sunset…<br>…to be continued…</p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-17888579964592100962014-10-06T03:46:00.000-07:002014-10-06T03:46:00.574-07:00RETREAT TO CHEROKEE COVE<p>This past weekend Paul and I went on a retreat to Cherokee Cove, a bit over the Tennessee border past Boone. It was our first trip to the mountains since we’d moved—and ever to that area. Fall is only threatening to arrive at home, so a trip there was like fast-forwarding to “real” autumn. It was in the 30s at night, and sweater weather during the day.</p> <p>I think I can safely assert it’s best to approach Cherokee Cove by day the first (and maybe ALL) time(s) you go there. We found ourselves terribly lost a couple of times, despite using GPS… and perhaps because of it at least once because “that crazy lady” told us to go up a narrow gravel road that, 1.1 miles from the next turn GPS instructed, was abruptly blocked by a rusty. chained gate sporting a ‘no trespassing’ sign. That 6 point turn was not fun. Anyway, we persisted and eventually found ourselves in our cabin.</p> <p>It was worth the mishaps, though. Even with often-dreary weather, the surroundings and buildings there are beautiful, peaceful, and inspiring. The food was incredible, too!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R-6ZtJ9_HcM/VDGuUdufmkI/AAAAAAAAGxU/3NKrQuooXKY/s1600-h/cherokee%252520cove%252520008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherokee cove 008" border="0" alt="cherokee cove 008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H8gSzsmYSI8/VDGuVP92_zI/AAAAAAAAGxc/Kg0fcC-3EXI/cherokee%252520cove%252520008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9IF7NPIqrA0/VDGuV6YRGuI/AAAAAAAAGxk/hWInw6xgfBM/s1600-h/cherokee%252520cove%252520031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherokee cove 031" border="0" alt="cherokee cove 031" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vH61Cc3xalg/VDGuWmQbNgI/AAAAAAAAGxs/0MnzO-13JfY/cherokee%252520cove%252520031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tDjFtS8dmys/VDGuWxdRljI/AAAAAAAAGxw/pXSNyP9v9vE/s1600-h/cherokee%252520cove%252520046%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherokee cove 046" border="0" alt="cherokee cove 046" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7LM1l32RgaY/VDGuXq2d-aI/AAAAAAAAGx8/SE_nitfIa5k/cherokee%252520cove%252520046_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--iI68Y7o76E/VDGuYfQhmZI/AAAAAAAAGyE/fYrbevh2970/s1600-h/cherokee%252520cove%252520048%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherokee cove 048" border="0" alt="cherokee cove 048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WQ0DbPPTWaQ/VDGuYzbS1eI/AAAAAAAAGyM/8mpJ9s7P-Uc/cherokee%252520cove%252520048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g8iJcNhz0SE/VDGuZpjJZ-I/AAAAAAAAGyU/OkrHXrh4kMg/s1600-h/cherokee%252520cove%252520059%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherokee cove 059" border="0" alt="cherokee cove 059" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Lv4LtAvixk/VDGuaWmipZI/AAAAAAAAGyc/jbBJTWTobW0/cherokee%252520cove%252520059_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Gn1nGNI35bg/VDGua2cU8II/AAAAAAAAGyk/EGdXZ-hv3oI/s1600-h/cherokee%252520cove%252520052%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherokee cove 052" border="0" alt="cherokee cove 052" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1R4snbyoWZQ/VDGubUTuCXI/AAAAAAAAGyo/I88JeT8jgM8/cherokee%252520cove%252520052_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="500"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tGfFEd-MTug/VDGucAKrZdI/AAAAAAAAGy0/kiENHdCUkYw/s1600-h/cherokee%252520cove%252520054%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherokee cove 054" border="0" alt="cherokee cove 054" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kIzbjHjZVig/VDGucoKWWaI/AAAAAAAAGy8/PUozRtdLon8/cherokee%252520cove%252520054_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="500"></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YQCcP0MO8ek/VDGudrYVBxI/AAAAAAAAGzE/-ask42sk93U/s1600-h/cherokee%252520cove%252520071%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherokee cove 071" border="0" alt="cherokee cove 071" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QVMPirZrs44/VDGueUNgVhI/AAAAAAAAGzM/PQmYCeGiOq8/cherokee%252520cove%252520071_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="500"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JHISvm_U2r4/VDGue1gztiI/AAAAAAAAGzU/HugGryLCOAI/s1600-h/cherokee%252520cove%252520078%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherokee cove 078" border="0" alt="cherokee cove 078" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m9eOZ1eQq_s/VDGuffPANHI/AAAAAAAAGzc/oDYJF84-96c/cherokee%252520cove%252520078_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="500"></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FuPsnhZfssI/VDGufxILx2I/AAAAAAAAGzg/lglFNygLGV4/s1600-h/cherokee%252520cove%252520087%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherokee cove 087" border="0" alt="cherokee cove 087" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m-pNPf9xRRU/VDGugeLkoQI/AAAAAAAAGzo/9tme1gUwPv0/cherokee%252520cove%252520087_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qLCNurSa6Qs/VDGug8Yt2MI/AAAAAAAAGz0/XznhEQhvYOw/s1600-h/cherokee%252520cove%252520106%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cherokee cove 106" border="0" alt="cherokee cove 106" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vs7zyL8688s/VDGuh3rM4jI/AAAAAAAAGz8/GTQRqLCIWyw/cherokee%252520cove%252520106_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-20981618094850257212014-09-14T07:56:00.001-07:002014-09-14T07:56:57.037-07:00LABOR DAY GETAWAY: WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH<p>This summer flew by so quickly, I can hardly believe it. It seemed like a lot of the time we had to hide indoors to avoid the vampire mosquitoes in this area, which was a bummer. But, we fit in a trip to the beach a couple of weekends ago.</p> <p>We’re still figuring out which beaches our family enjoys the most, so this time we went up closer to Shell Island.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Buh2xzb0LG0/VBWsjmJEwyI/AAAAAAAAGu4/l4W74HemWiU/s1600-h/wrightsville083014%252520008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wrightsville083014 008" border="0" alt="wrightsville083014 008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hovDNs-I7vg/VBWskBLftXI/AAAAAAAAGvA/c5T25tDfONc/wrightsville083014%252520008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="379"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PQ0ROnXyOJQ/VBWskxKbl6I/AAAAAAAAGvI/2zv8BoffTBk/s1600-h/wrightsville082914%252520028%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wrightsville082914 028" border="0" alt="wrightsville082914 028" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hx1OqfCOcG4/VBWsl06CpfI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/egfvrz2_jUg/wrightsville082914%252520028_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="379"></a> </p> <p>Cole loved playing in the roughest part of the surf for hours on end. Paul and Bunny are out right at the break, but Cole preferred to stay where the clock-cleaning was full force. He said he was “King of the Sea.” The water was a really nice temperature so I played a lot and didn’t take very many photos. However, here are some I enjoyed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N8YzHPjUfmI/VBWsmhkWZOI/AAAAAAAAGvY/eOf2P9zW8SU/s1600-h/wrightsville082914%252520010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wrightsville082914 010" border="0" alt="wrightsville082914 010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VqWgSsa8GLI/VBWsnsjjs-I/AAAAAAAAGvg/Z_W_2ju8H2M/wrightsville082914%252520010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="379"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nmaCPAkDJGA/VBWsoVrRx8I/AAAAAAAAGvo/POeEdoZ_Cjs/s1600-h/wrightsville082914%252520008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wrightsville082914 008" border="0" alt="wrightsville082914 008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yhu_TOJLEKs/VBWspFN2fWI/AAAAAAAAGvw/g2aLuUmMJJ8/wrightsville082914%252520008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> <br>Carter is still <a href="http://muffeeeeeeee.blogspot.com/2011/03/captain-carter.html">the boy who wanted to fly on the swings.</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y00tBbvkmjw/VBWspzY0blI/AAAAAAAAGv4/c5JxWIbgFHo/s1600-h/wrightsville082914%252520031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wrightsville082914 031" border="0" alt="wrightsville082914 031" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TWe-FinIpas/VBWsqlb1p0I/AAAAAAAAGwA/3bfC3BRFYKY/wrightsville082914%252520031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> <br>This pretty much sums up vacation naptime to me. I caught the stinker in bed eating his snack, but didn’t say a thing. I mean, why not slip into some crisp white sheets against your fresh sunburn, pop on some SpongeBob and munch on a hot dog?</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OyM9Qew1HGw/VBWsrUa6yPI/AAAAAAAAGwI/kTtpjFmeqek/s1600-h/wrightsville083014%252520012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wrightsville083014 012" border="0" alt="wrightsville083014 012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0zRUNg2Yx5E/VBWssM2H6lI/AAAAAAAAGwQ/yjes_VV86GI/wrightsville083014%252520012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1046"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zveVRz1eQwk/VBWssyShzMI/AAAAAAAAGwY/LGcDyyHxZLg/s1600-h/wrightsville082914%252520019-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wrightsville082914 019-001" border="0" alt="wrightsville082914 019-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9GqEYIFx2TM/VBWstsGlrRI/AAAAAAAAGwc/HgfXCA6QK7g/wrightsville082914%252520019-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="379"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-53784820103763636492014-07-14T17:38:00.001-07:002014-07-14T17:38:09.409-07:00HAPPY BOOM BOOM DAY<p>For the first time, to celebrate Independence Day this year we went as a family to purchase explosives and then spent the evening trying our best to avoid burning ourselves or anything else. I had thought we’d want to go see a big municipal show our first year where we’d be close to an easy to see fireworks show on the 4th, but the lurid roadside stand won us over. Everyone was *pretty* careful, and we still have all our fingers, toes, eyebrows, etc.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eyr4YggKO28/U8R3tUj3ulI/AAAAAAAAGiw/5TgL5AtWePs/s1600-h/10410202_10152497273875295_1661119918167897126_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10410202_10152497273875295_1661119918167897126_n" border="0" alt="10410202_10152497273875295_1661119918167897126_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tRqU40Y31FU/U8R3vKkt-AI/AAAAAAAAGi4/XckVt-DrTY0/10410202_10152497273875295_1661119918167897126_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="314"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sudriban08Y/U8R3vv8f17I/AAAAAAAAGjA/5R9vf5uhU_4/s1600-h/10525987_10152497280265295_487741595925010106_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10525987_10152497280265295_487741595925010106_n" border="0" alt="10525987_10152497280265295_487741595925010106_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M_6ji3tjldw/U8R3xTgrGOI/AAAAAAAAGjI/edJ51kZUB4Y/10525987_10152497280265295_487741595925010106_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="314"></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ps_1Z5RXNBQ/U8R3x8QvAUI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/850vpjj8NQY/s1600-h/017%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="017" border="0" alt="017" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FzriLx0kCJA/U8R3zXhngwI/AAAAAAAAGjY/Emz4C4otvdk/017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aHso4AT1-SY/U8R3z8QzTUI/AAAAAAAAGjg/Qf6lw1oTN6M/s1600-h/009%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="009" border="0" alt="009" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_0Q9Jz1hi7k/U8R30kvGtoI/AAAAAAAAGjo/H09Nn3073IQ/009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vcwyw7d51Lw/U8R31GQripI/AAAAAAAAGjw/Y1E8SHxBqjw/s1600-h/045%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="045" border="0" alt="045" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Oq0pU8aYL4c/U8R33GgeKhI/AAAAAAAAGj4/zDlemhGyEQw/045_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1011"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IM3XlwUY7a8/U8R33j3d4JI/AAAAAAAAGkA/6Wsndzxt3AM/s1600-h/022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="022" border="0" alt="022" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X4xBLlGlggE/U8R34Xz60qI/AAAAAAAAGkI/u7gIK2hniMk/022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UO5Au4nqOPg/U8R346KaQ_I/AAAAAAAAGkQ/22etEBr4iXE/s1600-h/023%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="023" border="0" alt="023" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UXNfXL8Pe8o/U8R35bRnRvI/AAAAAAAAGkY/OaznQHe90IE/023_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-13908430687556220722014-06-09T09:48:00.000-07:002014-07-13T09:56:08.319-07:00REUNION WEEKEND<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bHGge_B4ZGU/U8K6DIY6c6I/AAAAAAAAGg0/COUfZEYKTY0/s1600-h/1995_20th_Reunion%252520002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1995_20th_Reunion 002" border="0" alt="1995_20th_Reunion 002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TZXVZWjBej8/U8K6DxDxGpI/AAAAAAAAGg8/ck_nMDyDOY8/1995_20th_Reunion%252520002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zWq7mCQsrBk/U8K6EbVxAHI/AAAAAAAAGhA/WTvYkoZV-Ww/s1600-h/1995_20th_Reunion%252520010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1995_20th_Reunion 010" border="0" alt="1995_20th_Reunion 010" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VJXmGUBAQQk/U8K6EznWb1I/AAAAAAAAGhM/T6A88WamraA/1995_20th_Reunion%252520010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KL4o280Q0T8/U8K6FbHRaNI/AAAAAAAAGhU/97193WpoHa4/s1600-h/1995_20th_Reunion%252520012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1995_20th_Reunion 012" border="0" alt="1995_20th_Reunion 012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AXBMBSlsBjk/U8K6GP8VCTI/AAAAAAAAGhc/pjY68RWqkww/1995_20th_Reunion%252520012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BNwBa4Pe5bg/U8K6Go7s4AI/AAAAAAAAGhk/heGEFG9zq2o/s1600-h/1995_20th_Reunion%252520029%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1995_20th_Reunion 029" border="0" alt="1995_20th_Reunion 029" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aED10rbtzNs/U8K6HS7X-1I/AAAAAAAAGhs/d96zcEtvnZI/1995_20th_Reunion%252520029_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="397"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z10KqPK1X_Y/U8K6H7V7YiI/AAAAAAAAGh0/AifTLfY5lOI/s1600-h/1995_20th_Reunion%252520047%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1995_20th_Reunion 047" border="0" alt="1995_20th_Reunion 047" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pUycTvDbaT0/U8K6IW-Sn7I/AAAAAAAAGh4/YDjtOAvb6Mc/1995_20th_Reunion%252520047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MfXocO5t5RU/U8K6I2unRQI/AAAAAAAAGiA/tz5I1gX0q_o/s1600-h/1995_20th_Reunion%252520061%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1995_20th_Reunion 061" border="0" alt="1995_20th_Reunion 061" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PbhRqvFMwRM/U8K6Jd_Xr6I/AAAAAAAAGiM/GSOFFMnuvx0/1995_20th_Reunion%252520061_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-37214165517813275702014-06-05T05:27:00.000-07:002014-06-30T05:28:56.629-07:00SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iBDb7ggBi4Q/U7FX_pHXDoI/AAAAAAAAGfA/rZD3lHssZkM/s1600-h/10455861_10152431346915295_5821915894537730954_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10455861_10152431346915295_5821915894537730954_n" border="0" alt="10455861_10152431346915295_5821915894537730954_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kP5uwyReuls/U7FYASCkQ8I/AAAAAAAAGfI/laq9UkQ0IXw/10455861_10152431346915295_5821915894537730954_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="553"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-3857872045088979092014-04-01T17:46:00.000-07:002014-07-14T17:47:33.355-07:003 DOUGHBOYS<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W_-dPnTAajo/U8R6GLMkvXI/AAAAAAAAGkk/7AmqfHenaE4/s1600-h/070%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="070" border="0" alt="070" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MjURGUPF24U/U8R6G37KVaI/AAAAAAAAGko/JUZ0K696VVA/070_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="179" height="266"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DrDorN8VX7I/U8R6HcB5FHI/AAAAAAAAGk0/nYTFSMbF11s/s1600-h/065%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="065" border="0" alt="065" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3Z3qqsLSJX0/U8R6HwHgmhI/AAAAAAAAGk4/vGy_LzJ6aYc/065_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="179" height="266"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pfeq119s08E/U8R6Id1OM4I/AAAAAAAAGlE/2djwXdXSook/s1600-h/068%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="068" border="0" alt="068" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N7HMTaU0gNk/U8R6I7nnwOI/AAAAAAAAGlM/eMlvwzgE4ro/068_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="179" height="266"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-87959701647400204062014-03-02T15:04:00.001-08:002014-03-02T15:04:40.021-08:00ICE WORLD<p>Exactly two weeks after our first storm, the day after my birthday, we got a “big” storm for this area. When people first told me how snow incapacitates the area, and that people would literally abandon their cars, I really thought they were messin’ with me. I mean, really.</p> <p>But nope, snow and this place are a bad mix. I’m kind of converted from, “Whatever, it’s a couple of inches, I can drive in snow,” to “I see one flake and I am OUT of here, suckas!” It took me 3 hrs and 15 minutes to get ~15 miles that day. I watched cars just…. slide into other cars. Me no likey.</p> <p>But, from the warmth of my home, while still worrying about power loss or something like that making things less fun, we enjoyed the snow days. Ice coated the world on day 2. It was gorgeous, even if, as I said, I was nervous about the power lines—or our “stuff” being taken down by a falling limb as the very thickest branches in the oldest oaks in our backyard started to point downwards from the massive weight.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E5U6RNwb7r0/UxO46jndaBI/AAAAAAAAGa8/2pfR5UfRx2A/s1600-h/IceStorm2014%252520003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IceStorm2014 003" border="0" alt="IceStorm2014 003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UIQGc1LMONo/UxO49D1hrII/AAAAAAAAGbE/NWTOHl8om4s/IceStorm2014%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m4m1KrAZqF4/UxO49V5yjmI/AAAAAAAAGbM/1cgzE1YASOE/s1600-h/IceStorm2014%252520013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IceStorm2014 013" border="0" alt="IceStorm2014 013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I0SPE1323vs/UxO4-LBRenI/AAAAAAAAGbU/F5B97yhS-eo/IceStorm2014%252520013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tda6xpqMAFg/UxO4-pf7uoI/AAAAAAAAGbc/Gr4SZTiOzGs/s1600-h/IceStorm2014%252520018%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IceStorm2014 018" border="0" alt="IceStorm2014 018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5iXyIFCDqTE/UxO4_Hi6-XI/AAAAAAAAGbk/mYXD4UgVvFQ/IceStorm2014%252520018_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oiDJsHPsCr4/UxO4_k8Jq9I/AAAAAAAAGbs/mM941K0MofA/s1600-h/IceStorm2014%252520049%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IceStorm2014 049" border="0" alt="IceStorm2014 049" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-08UKcdpiODU/UxO5AGDc6FI/AAAAAAAAGb0/TJLc1DFAgQA/IceStorm2014%252520049_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gp_k3te8-XI/UxO5AtGntrI/AAAAAAAAGb8/mV0GnbMp8oM/s1600-h/IceStorm2014%252520032%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IceStorm2014 032" border="0" alt="IceStorm2014 032" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4f2rsVZgVf0/UxO5BYRJtyI/AAAAAAAAGcE/ei0a-qctlxk/IceStorm2014%252520032_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-32777289798658142422014-02-09T05:53:00.001-08:002014-02-09T05:53:30.179-08:00TOUGH DAY ON HOTH<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PvYCEtDPk68/UveIPzemXqI/AAAAAAAAGZo/0iKM8-ksXIs/s1600-h/0373.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="037" border="0" alt="037" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PD5raheBoQ8/UveIWASehrI/AAAAAAAAGZw/Mda0fQFnU0c/037_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p>Plans are in the works for Tatooine scenes on beach days.</p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-34717826151433187032014-02-02T09:01:00.001-08:002014-02-02T09:01:07.033-08:00SNOW PLAY<p>Carter really made good use of our modest snowfall last week, and made sure to go out at least a couple of times everyday. I was at work most of the days, but stayed home with the kids Thursday. Later in the afternoon Paul was able to play with Carter in that rough way that moms usually just don’t do.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TuPA4XrnFZc/Uu55GL3RNkI/AAAAAAAAGXM/NLZLZfiwj-U/s1600-h/137%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="137" border="0" alt="137" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o00kOUeF7hY/Uu55MB5eQEI/AAAAAAAAGXU/MnsK2Xy90Kw/137_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aCwpTqKx4Uc/Uu55Mj1aiOI/AAAAAAAAGXY/q725N3D1yIM/s1600-h/133%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="133" border="0" alt="133" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kDzEHb6cYog/Uu55Sk1-GdI/AAAAAAAAGXk/j1dlYIwwpus/133_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="379"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UMnpspN0Rw0/Uu55TBGg5bI/AAAAAAAAGXs/CTf9xAdZu6w/s1600-h/146%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="146" border="0" alt="146" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z_SqGADg4KA/Uu55TvCiSCI/AAAAAAAAGX0/yB8P4HaStss/146_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--qhRjsllaxI/Uu55UGv0btI/AAAAAAAAGX4/1Sjd7mRvSKU/s1600-h/151%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="151" border="0" alt="151" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ibMPjUaN264/Uu55UnGizOI/AAAAAAAAGYE/AJE8CXH733I/151_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="881"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6G4k5S5-PEU/Uu55VAImzuI/AAAAAAAAGYI/RvHS6RbppJQ/s1600-h/156%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="156" border="0" alt="156" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WzjH3W5B2tM/Uu55a1iLljI/AAAAAAAAGYU/dxHbxqTz28s/156_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="452"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HNld8GjrOtc/Uu55bcDf_TI/AAAAAAAAGYc/aU6RMgeobgk/s1600-h/164%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="164" border="0" alt="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pTiQZ4ZexSM/Uu55dNpgb6I/AAAAAAAAGYk/JqjwGMhDN5c/164_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IOwbwFimgLE/Uu55dnPyg7I/AAAAAAAAGYo/x24SWcmg6iM/s1600-h/166%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="166" border="0" alt="166" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K2o_4qkqCIM/Uu55eM28QJI/AAAAAAAAGY0/kv3kX4Jnc6A/166_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="449"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XZOxHuVu2Cg/Uu55jySI7UI/AAAAAAAAGY8/1xK7Aetz3tE/s1600-h/169%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="169" border="0" alt="169" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UMKCdi8WzC8/Uu55pqPdKEI/AAAAAAAAGZE/01P40o1lMpA/169_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1046"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-19486612630892937752014-02-01T11:19:00.001-08:002014-02-01T11:19:58.414-08:00SNOW DAY<p>The kids had nearly all of last week off due to a winter storm—it really is true that winter weather stops some places <strong>completely</strong>. Cole has a headcold bothering him and sapping his energy, so he only played a bit. Bunny is entering her “bedroom cocoon” years, so she really wasn’t into playing outside with her doofy family (I like to do an impression of Pearl, Mr. Krabs’ daughter on Spongebob for Paul: “Daddy, you’re EMbarrasing me!”). Carter, however, was ALL ABOUT THE SNOW.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2jeWd_p-uNc/Uu1IMEZv8dI/AAAAAAAAGVg/S--2RHei_IE/s1600-h/034%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="034" border="0" alt="034" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JJc0bi_-gTc/Uu1ISs7F4SI/AAAAAAAAGVo/DiMwnlKQv0s/034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NjIRqq3vVPM/Uu1IUCDKieI/AAAAAAAAGVw/uPSFPh29Aoc/s1600-h/055%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="055" border="0" alt="055" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tA9PtHnzmu8/Uu1IbAKCOoI/AAAAAAAAGV4/_dQ3d-CAYOY/055_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CSkOIe7U0Lo/Uu1IbwH9C-I/AAAAAAAAGV8/46QRtxQGnQw/s1600-h/090%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="090" border="0" alt="090" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h4Dw-FEZmeI/Uu1IiE3PFSI/AAAAAAAAGWI/qPHxQh4EB10/090_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-90FMxZ8xIag/Uu1IjCFcdMI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/pEJ2Kxt6vbU/s1600-h/044%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="044" border="0" alt="044" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qO4wi3bnGLA/Uu1IkYgDwPI/AAAAAAAAGWY/Ho9o6qlaUdU/044_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dzknkEEilig/Uu1Iq5JVYPI/AAAAAAAAGWg/aUoqA1fowR8/s1600-h/102%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="102" border="0" alt="102" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uNaA7SnbqWg/Uu1IryeAMKI/AAAAAAAAGWo/4CbV-VWN86g/102_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-7767683748362328292014-01-30T15:33:00.000-08:002014-02-11T03:33:17.354-08:00ANOTHER TOOTH: GONE!<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UuWjbD7Te0M/UvoKeOn_14I/AAAAAAAAGaE/w3TPzAL4UOU/s1600-h/002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KOgLdcspeeU/UvoKe3XyPLI/AAAAAAAAGaM/i0ct0T63AOg/002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p>Came home to a freshly lost tooth today – and a thrilled little boy.</p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-29377149717655279382014-01-10T17:24:00.000-08:002014-01-30T17:06:35.782-08:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLE!<p>Our family “Caboose” turned 6! Everyone in our home has more than one hand worth of fingers now.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NMb5PyM8gn8/Uur2vhg9mSI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/LpfPckRE7zQ/s1600-h/006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6P0Pc5Sg_Ks/Uur21VoUVmI/AAAAAAAAGUY/jstW4gZDe9E/006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1011"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A9a6pOU4CLc/Uur218xb1YI/AAAAAAAAGUc/53-IrchMIpU/s1600-h/002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8CCk0ciUW_A/Uur2797WK_I/AAAAAAAAGUo/m77JmD3NHWI/002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> <br>(Cole wanted to garnish the cake with two berries, no more, no less.)</p> <p>Cole’s grown *so* much in the past year, in all ways. We can’t wait to see what next year holds for him – we love him so, our not so little guy.</p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-36455892204611580492013-12-18T17:44:00.000-08:002014-01-30T17:46:16.561-08:00MIDDLE SCHOOL ART DISPLAYBunny took art as one of her electives this semester, and they recently had a little exhibition set up all around the school. <br />
Room allows only one item per child, and Bunny chose a clay mask she formed and glazed.<br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zzQ4JdimZ6A/Uur_uBbWUQI/AAAAAAAAGU4/hweQoXTcHsk/s1600-h/006-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="006-001" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uRG-8YDioSk/Uur_z6cSclI/AAAAAAAAGVA/zogcDcICIUw/006-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="421" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="006-001" width="629" /></a> <br />
I keep this on my desk to gather paperclips, etc.<br />
Bunny and I went just the two of us, and we had fun looking all around at the other classes and grades' displays. This one made both of us laugh.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gzn7JFCSe3A/Uur_0isS_uI/AAAAAAAAGVE/FEg0fyk5mrE/s1600-h/009%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="009" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g7ktaDAtkEk/Uur_6VeY1xI/AAAAAAAAGVQ/qeaWyvsJchw/009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="395" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="009" width="629" /></a>Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-35420136400910947692013-12-14T11:58:00.001-08:002013-12-14T11:58:18.239-08:00COOK THE BOOK: BEST STIR-FRIED CHICKEN & FRIED RICE WITH KALE AND GREEN ONIONS<p>I’m working my way through a cookbook again! Recently I checked out “<a href="<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446557315/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0446557315&linkCode=as2&tag=bloofmuf-20">My Father's Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family & Togetherness</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bloofmuf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0446557315" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />">My Father’s Daughter</a>” from the library, and I have been having fun trying many recipes through the past few weeks. I have a weird can’t-stand-her/am-fascinated-by-her-ridiculousness thing going for Gwyneth Paltrow, but I have to admit, her recipes generally rock. I have been saving the longer ones for the weekends, and making less time-consuming ones as weeknight meals.</p> <p>This one came together pretty quickly one night last week. The rice is the only aspect that takes time, because it is brown rice, but next time I make it, I’ll cook that the day before, since day old rice fries more nicely anyway. I really liked both the chicken and the ‘green rice’, though I think I used about 2/3 as much brown sugar as her recipe calls for. Both recipes are available online, too, so if you’re interested <a href="http://onthefourthfloor.com/2011/06/yum-yum-gwyneth-paltrows-my-fathers-daughter.html">HERE</a> they are. :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uwN3gWcWYxI/Uqy4Kh0BKZI/AAAAAAAAGTM/Uq7dBiL5qbY/s1600-h/006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8Fq6nR6V-00/Uqy4QgxSNBI/AAAAAAAAGTU/c7v8x8xFCFc/006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-17834480447723557992013-12-08T05:01:00.001-08:002013-12-08T05:01:48.983-08:00RECENTLY ENJOYED THINGS<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OFC7y26EW5U/UqRtHWB6FSI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/gRmBKLXQ-hE/s1600-h/0048.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MWCvXFcWTGM/UqRtNOdefPI/AAAAAAAAGRE/bhPCfcZZLJs/004_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WY9m8axgAWw/UqRtOG8B9rI/AAAAAAAAGRI/baxorr_ZL_k/s1600-h/0163.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="016" border="0" alt="016" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d3ysxeYngF8/UqRtUGFnzqI/AAAAAAAAGRU/NnvWlU29kt0/016_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tjk820o9-lg/UqRtUdEsleI/AAAAAAAAGRY/nruQQc23a74/s1600-h/0203.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="020" border="0" alt="020" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4o9PQHbx7T4/UqRtU6lqWAI/AAAAAAAAGRg/5vk1_MgqcOg/020_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qLiAqeZtKM0/UqRtVLT_m1I/AAAAAAAAGRo/-Wo0Qc3g86I/s1600-h/0083.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="008" border="0" alt="008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KrP3oLhzQ-g/UqRtViT0-jI/AAAAAAAAGRw/mUddQQTMH2w/008_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6DFyIb-5j8I/UqRtWW0m7xI/AAAAAAAAGR4/ljaV2wB5V0Q/s1600-h/0183.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="018" border="0" alt="018" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mcEa64NsJy8/UqRtWwsVULI/AAAAAAAAGR8/TEIcZziWZ-g/018_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="942"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WgHRY71Nm8k/UqRtXE1lcxI/AAAAAAAAGSA/0No4ctNHebc/s1600-h/0153.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="015" border="0" alt="015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fUqcuhrwXXU/UqRtXsu-CzI/AAAAAAAAGSM/EJ6ZWtTAPu8/015_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M7ULeq-KEVk/UqRtX9T3-XI/AAAAAAAAGSc/psW-W4n1SOk/s1600-h/002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TmG-XiP7QeI/UqRtd8Zf1dI/AAAAAAAAGSk/owwp3oJlsjo/002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6oZfNuVDlQY/UqRteZMT9hI/AAAAAAAAGSo/lkUVVMnP9_U/s1600-h/040%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="040" border="0" alt="040" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VRw8NfwZ_AU/UqRtpGjUHhI/AAAAAAAAGS0/JEt8KdZfNzE/040_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p>putting the kid labor pool to good use // okra! Cole said it was “terrible” // warm fires // making pumpkin bread with my baby // a Staw Wars Lego guy “guarding” the bacon as it cooks // Carter loves to shake the pot for popcorn // weekend breakfasts \\ kitchen sill full of regrown onions, a ripening mango, pie scented candle, hothouse tomatoes, and this silly kitty that moves around—a nomadic knick knack…</p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-61007387331679462012013-11-30T06:34:00.001-08:002013-11-30T06:34:29.398-08:00WINTER DREAMIN’<p>Winter is near and I am starting to become excited. Yes, we still have a few weeks left until the official start of winter, but it sure does feel like it's here. It gets dark outside early enough that I am always driving home in twilight, after enjoying the lights downtown, which are already lit. The heat pump has been running constantly for days on end, even when I nudge it down to 67 at night, which makes me wonder if there is even any point to lowering it if it runs all the time anyway? I’m even wearing <em>socks</em>—sometimes to sleep. We are craving stews, soups, roasts, and other comforting foods. I’m chasing light around the house when I am here during day, and, like a cat, sitting in a sunbeam if it presents itself. Lights are popping up on homes and businesses around town. I’m even thinking about putting up a tree this coming week, and I usually wait until closer to Dec 10. It feels like the holidays here. After so many years without distinct and very different seasons, I admit I forget simple things like: sunshine <em>doesn’t</em> mean warm, and my hands are dry and red… and I sometimes scurry across the street from parking to the lobby at work regretting not wearing more layers… <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kYk8qYyUZbg/Upn3RuqIaGI/AAAAAAAAGQc/MW5JxqfpzvI/s1600-h/076%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="076" border="0" alt="076" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EKbSkx8nnu4/Upn3Xh2wiHI/AAAAAAAAGQk/HTtcDwLZCj8/076_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="942"></a> <p>Here are a few more things that i am looking forward to as winter arrives... <p>eating / reworked leftovers: ham, mashed potatoes, collards, green beans (Bun’s fave veg), stuffing, biscuits<br>drinking / gallons of pumpkin spice coffee (me), egg nog (the kids, especially Carter), cocoa (all of us)<br>mastering / <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/948031/royal-icing?search_key=how%20to%20decorate%20with%20royal%20icing">real deal Christmas cookies</a><br>learning / <a href="<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0762441437/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0762441437&linkCode=as2&tag=bloofmuf-20">Food in Jars: Preserving in Small Batches Year-Round</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bloofmuf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0762441437" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />">how to *really* can</a>, but maybe wimping out and using the freezer <br>playing / in the snow if/when it comes (I keep hearing this year will be a heavy year, but maybe that jinxes it?)<br>finishing / setting up our home, thus ending the world’s longest (feeling) move<br>reading / <a href="<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400043131/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1400043131&linkCode=as2&tag=bloofmuf-20">All That Is</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bloofmuf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1400043131" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />">All That Is</a>, a book I found on a critics’ best of ‘13 list and reserved at the library<br>slathering / lotion onto my red, dry hands (<a href="<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00013Z1BE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00013Z1BE&linkCode=as2&tag=bloofmuf-20">Burt's Bees - Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme, 2 Oz Cream</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bloofmuf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00013Z1BE" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />">THIS</a> kind at night; <a href="<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003H5TNFI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003H5TNFI&linkCode=as2&tag=bloofmuf-20">St. Ives Intensive Healing Hand Cream Unisex, 3 Ounce</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bloofmuf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003H5TNFI" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />">THIS</a> kind at my desk)<br>walking / through the neighborhood in the evenings and looking at the lights<br>wearing / warm sweaters and corduroy, boots and woolly socks<br>cooking / my way through <a href="<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446557315/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0446557315&linkCode=as2&tag=bloofmuf-20">My Father's Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family & Togetherness</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bloofmuf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0446557315" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />">a book I got from the library</a>, and making <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/muffeeeeeeee/g-i-v-i-n-g/">food gifts</a><br>traveling / here and there, but mostly to close-by places to explore with the family<br>wanting / a happy, healthy holiday season full of smiles<br>dreaming / about a warm weather getaway this spring, perhaps camping in a key in FL <p>p.s Otis only put up with this getup for a split second. I couldn’t resist it, though. This—and cuddles—are what you own pets for, right? I call it fair trade for all the scooping.</p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-18599304718869573772013-11-29T10:11:00.001-08:002013-11-29T10:11:42.208-08:00LEFTOVERS ROCK<p>I like the Thanksgiving meal just fine. I mean, it’s delicious, of course. But, leftovers are where it’s at for me. I have plans for smoked turkey jambalaya, cottage pie, stuffing, ham & collards strata, and I can’t decide if I’m making split pea soup or red lentil & ham soup with the bone.</p> <p>Today, though, I awoke <em>fully</em> given over to a head cold that has been brewing since Monday. So, this was brunch, with some icy OJ.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oQoHPyVxyvQ/UpjYsCvruaI/AAAAAAAAGQA/O2-pxfo2DKw/s1600-h/001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PQTQKB_diuQ/UpjYx08Ud9I/AAAAAAAAGQI/Y9E0r49tk2A/001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p>If I’d been feeling more up to it, I’d have done mashed potato pancakes, but this’ll do.</p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-79014179955143254032013-11-23T16:36:00.001-08:002013-11-23T16:36:00.725-08:00PLAYING TOURIST: UNION SQUARE & BICENTENNIAL PLAZA<p>Sometimes during lunch I simply go up to the ‘cafe’ for our employees and, depending on the others there and my own mood, either socialize or enjoy a quiet few moments reading while I munch on whatever I packed myself while I was making the kids’ lunches that morning. Other days I need to stretch my legs and get a little fresh air.</p> <p>I’m lucky that the area of Raleigh in which I work is culturally rich. As I was commenting to my brother in-law recently, it “feels like a real place.” My sister laughed and said she wasn’t sure what on earth I meant by that, but, it’s the only way I know how to put it. I like a real city. There needs to be a ‘there’ there, to mangle Gertrude Stein’s gist.</p> <p>After a particularly “must do all this just so” morning where I focused on only one, important, detailed and multi-step task for hours on end, it was a nice reward to get out and simply walk quietly and snap a few photos.</p> <p>I admire the artistry and relevance of statues, and decided to really take a good look at them as well as enjoy the last gasps of fall’s brightness fading into the bareness of winter, which will be adorned in other ways to celebrate the holidays.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jMDAqb5bRlw/UpFIkwhBTRI/AAAAAAAAGLM/dOzhUthp6cA/s1600-h/031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="031" border="0" alt="031" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-seQ4UziRAg4/UpFIqh4o-ZI/AAAAAAAAGLU/7LvQvw61VGE/031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6cp25eP7MuY/UpFIrDof9DI/AAAAAAAAGLY/3iR0U4EVLZw/s1600-h/034%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="034" border="0" alt="034" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2pfE0N4aCuI/UpFIw21310I/AAAAAAAAGLk/FPWBmKm2RzU/034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JY3AMlC6cjs/UpFIxZjZUsI/AAAAAAAAGLs/OyhoSSFGiLk/s1600-h/037%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="037" border="0" alt="037" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WP8tbSrzHa4/UpFI3ObHYMI/AAAAAAAAGL0/hqKkgNu4HMY/037_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2s2YI701Hsc/UpFI3j2LFsI/AAAAAAAAGL4/9_8EvmxxnKc/s1600-h/038%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="038" border="0" alt="038" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CTS3yTTJmlc/UpFJCvLgufI/AAAAAAAAGME/xp6k_8bkSOw/038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sYZPuCtOk9w/UpFJCwjxn5I/AAAAAAAAGMI/OdebuP6L7bk/s1600-h/039%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="039" border="0" alt="039" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bKt04SXmwxs/UpFJI3jGWEI/AAAAAAAAGMU/Oc07D8FrDkY/039_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ui2XrHgtzWE/UpFJJVQJ1tI/AAAAAAAAGMY/nw10n0vIzWE/s1600-h/047%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="047" border="0" alt="047" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EQktQKO2gos/UpFJJwcGbzI/AAAAAAAAGMk/fU5mAmPJ2bM/047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5DMMAKTGk8Q/UpFJKVCyKEI/AAAAAAAAGMs/ca3vVO69-nY/s1600-h/052%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="052" border="0" alt="052" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eUwdeTjLmUk/UpFJQHjigXI/AAAAAAAAGM0/2JaqycnyDlI/052_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p align="center">Each of the 50 state capitals received an exact replica of the Liberty Bell in 1976.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yeJhaSnfaWs/UpFJQq8aglI/AAAAAAAAGM4/XOhaQoCyfiw/s1600-h/055%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="055" border="0" alt="055" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oaudjx8w8Js/UpFJRLFNiHI/AAAAAAAAGNA/A7aTdda-QVY/055_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1011"></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9J0ygTHiK_M/UpFJRh4v2LI/AAAAAAAAGNI/kJPlFwAvwio/s1600-h/058%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="058" border="0" alt="058" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xfi5BoD-XnE/UpFJSQDJUcI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/d0KUwGXI7cM/058_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x-D2mm0TAr8/UpFJTJfl4lI/AAAAAAAAGNc/bknKwNwiIBI/s1600-h/061%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="061" border="0" alt="061" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t2HtrabKlMU/UpFJTvaE10I/AAAAAAAAGNk/7Em5AkJ7-j4/061_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="942"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MlohAzxbvcU/UpFJUOB2TiI/AAAAAAAAGNo/i4NMI-5Wpeo/s1600-h/065%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="065" border="0" alt="065" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TVeVTu6WPRU/UpFJaPf74zI/AAAAAAAAGN0/O6G7yXCJYlM/065_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1011"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fdCSkjU7bpE/UpFJaolfXcI/AAAAAAAAGN8/WlfEgbTL27Y/s1600-h/066%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="066" border="0" alt="066" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P5RT5y32DU4/UpFJmzV99fI/AAAAAAAAGOE/cwgZxPsyWGQ/066_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="942"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w3uAfQ_IsWQ/UpFJnTcgafI/AAAAAAAAGOI/DzkKGtdh_HI/s1600-h/067%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="067" border="0" alt="067" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_CzyfjBSa-o/UpFJoASHgII/AAAAAAAAGOQ/sBb1_VRO3Uo/067_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EASxD6yVNJw/UpFJoerBh7I/AAAAAAAAGOY/Tvhw3gyzVyk/s1600-h/068%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="068" border="0" alt="068" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y77s6Pzolv4/UpFJpAMKofI/AAAAAAAAGOg/400PA4pfIxU/068_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="789"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ma_srC_iyCo/UpFJpe1nlhI/AAAAAAAAGOo/4FNjxfE-7Yk/s1600-h/072%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="072" border="0" alt="072" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AJDciaDJ1EE/UpFJvQTWBfI/AAAAAAAAGO0/lHhf1yEOoYI/072_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GxEANYWMu-E/UpFJv94Ic_I/AAAAAAAAGO4/oqBnQU8wL5Y/s1600-h/079%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="079" border="0" alt="079" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JiDht2cptVY/UpFJ1pYSJOI/AAAAAAAAGPE/bqKLfz1zzXQ/079_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="997"></a> </p> <p>I took these photos only a week ago, but in the time since, the trees are more bare and they have lights in them. Wreaths hang from every street lamp on Fayetteville Street and the other streets have oak leaf & acorn decorations on them (Raleigh is the “City of Oaks”), and soon a large tree will be up in front of the Capitol. I was a little grump-ish about the lights being up before Thanksgiving, but I admit they’re very pretty lit up at night as I exit in the dark.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ruyD77idrtY/UpFJ1xGyMUI/AAAAAAAAGPI/tLrNbUgiyb4/s1600-h/081%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="081" border="0" alt="081" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KDg49r0Q-j0/UpFJ2XwarmI/AAAAAAAAGPU/OhM9JgxszjE/081_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-37110744106470492772013-11-17T16:16:00.001-08:002013-11-17T16:16:56.980-08:00BOUNCY BDAY PARTY<p>This weekend we officially celebrated Carter’s 8th birthday with a party at a bounce place in town. I tell you, those places have it down to a science, and it was exactly what Carter had wanted. He loves bouncers almost more than anything—except Lego Star Wars, which was the theme. ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ujXQhFseFEQ/UolcQrP4J6I/AAAAAAAAGH0/-zDpG9DGn5E/s1600-h/CarterBounceUParty%252520001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="CarterBounceUParty 001" border="0" alt="CarterBounceUParty 001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ippervywh2g/UolcRLPvENI/AAAAAAAAGH8/UvimMDooCJs/CarterBounceUParty%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qIu4phEQj-Y/UolcRjRE7TI/AAAAAAAAGIE/euxu4KfhmAo/s1600-h/CarterBounceUParty%252520038%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="CarterBounceUParty 038" border="0" alt="CarterBounceUParty 038" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dO7bb2Oc8fE/UolcTVwzY4I/AAAAAAAAGIM/Wt_zfX7HxiA/CarterBounceUParty%252520038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K2uvw6gSIEI/UolcT0arVtI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/I6NaN8l2hLo/s1600-h/CarterBounceUParty%252520052%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; 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border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="CarterBounceUParty 264" border="0" alt="CarterBounceUParty 264" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SEvcCEfagoQ/Uolca0C7DdI/AAAAAAAAGKI/FEbrWP0irtE/CarterBounceUParty%252520264_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zR0eZdtt4x4/UolcbeY-0ZI/AAAAAAAAGKU/hgJn_q9SyyQ/s1600-h/CarterBounceUParty%252520236%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="CarterBounceUParty 236" border="0" alt="CarterBounceUParty 236" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i6srh8H5IC0/Uolcby40MUI/AAAAAAAAGKc/3eNMyfS_0Aw/CarterBounceUParty%252520236_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cdVjO_WXUHo/UolcccRTKkI/AAAAAAAAGKk/tR1V8dDygiM/s1600-h/CarterBounceUParty%252520278%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="CarterBounceUParty 278" border="0" alt="CarterBounceUParty 278" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H-HSybV4UdE/Uolcc_XhaOI/AAAAAAAAGKs/6IaFTO96g-c/CarterBounceUParty%252520278_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EBb519mmYRs/UolcdZYH97I/AAAAAAAAGKw/t9pCnpOqDy8/s1600-h/CarterBounceUParty%252520279%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="CarterBounceUParty 279" border="0" alt="CarterBounceUParty 279" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6SPdOTi7XuY/Uolcd5eVY2I/AAAAAAAAGK4/7nZ8Xp_SyXc/CarterBounceUParty%252520279_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="942"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I am so happy he enjoyed his party as much as he did. :) It also was a special treat that his Grandma & Gramps, plus his Aunt & Uncle, and cousins were there to celebrate.</p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-56139645011986360382013-11-10T04:15:00.001-08:002013-11-10T04:15:56.501-08:00FALL COLOR<p>I did some calculations, ran some sophisticated algorithms, and have concluded that last weekend was it. THE peak of fall color here. Thank goodness we took the time to get out and really see it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_VA-94rLedM/Un943OSoUPI/AAAAAAAAGFk/_NlnBBpg8us/s1600-h/074%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="074" border="0" alt="074" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u0S1obn2Rng/Un943zE0IFI/AAAAAAAAGFs/NIt6zq2EylI/074_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iFB6XXs3k-g/Un944KTYfCI/AAAAAAAAGF0/ZpRR61jJllo/s1600-h/117%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="117" border="0" alt="117" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RFxW_G1oshc/Un944libchI/AAAAAAAAGF4/Zz1QoUsyiVY/117_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ajkSMhIYKFQ/Un945NFIo-I/AAAAAAAAGGA/pSOw91lEK_4/s1600-h/125%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="125" border="0" alt="125" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yAk1sM9i_6o/Un945qDHWtI/AAAAAAAAGGI/9LoJoXh9p7U/125_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="397"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g1PQk8x4HC4/Un9452jSMgI/AAAAAAAAGGU/_fNNWd8KZ0M/s1600-h/200%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="200" border="0" alt="200" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r4KPWla8gNI/Un946iqSvlI/AAAAAAAAGGc/TDwYisZ4h2k/200_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dm7mytWPPQM/Un947BJwMVI/AAAAAAAAGGg/WbfuPzZvh7A/s1600-h/060%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="060" border="0" alt="060" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EeCuspcGs5Q/Un947bG9i0I/AAAAAAAAGGs/LswbY05qaPw/060_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PrTMZ6GdtKA/Un9475-BQaI/AAAAAAAAGG0/Ue7gQ0SxVUE/s1600-h/108%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="108" border="0" alt="108" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H8cTWRJOnhA/Un948gOGYNI/AAAAAAAAGG8/8nMhohMXKMo/108_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="395"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ERefuDolFAY/Un949GW24mI/AAAAAAAAGHA/4E37UWbOPL4/s1600-h/075%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="075" border="0" alt="075" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-subqd0gXoPI/Un949ldhPxI/AAAAAAAAGHM/07dmmSMu_pA/075_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="1004"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ci8Tuxwsy1o/Un94-EQzA3I/AAAAAAAAGHQ/SuAFAhfff1E/s1600-h/113%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="113" border="0" alt="113" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iCJvp5jS4I0/Un94-aDScOI/AAAAAAAAGHY/4rGhcdK5K8w/113_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="421"></a> </p> <p>This weekend the leaves are still very pretty, but trees are thinning, and there is that undercurrent of brown. Speaking of… I think it’s time to buy a rake! Those kids need to learn what leaf piles are.</p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-7122082332337746642013-11-05T19:31:00.000-08:002013-11-05T19:31:39.110-08:00THIS WEEK ON A STOVE NEAR MEIt really feels like autumn now, though the temperatures have been swinging a little pendulum-style. I really need to remember things like sunshine in the morning does not always mean warm, and sometimes coats are a good idea. Yesterday I was fighting a shivery chin as I crossed the street to my building and pushed the revolving door, even though I had a turtleneck sweater on. Yes, coats are useful.<div>
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So, soup was on my mind as I planned this week's menu over the weekend. Plus: tacos, always tacos or chili (or, in this week's case, both!).</div>
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I made the Hungarian Ham & Bean soup this weekend, and it's worth the time. It makes a huge amount, and is also yummy. I have found there to be a plethora of smoked pork product choices available here, and decided to make it a little easier by buying some "ham pieces for flavoring" which were -- you guessed it! -- irregularly sliced pieces of ham, probably from making more uniform slices. I subbed that for the ham hock, though I'm sure that would be more authentic and even yummier. However, I'm happy with it as it was and would reuse the ham pieces.
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Aside from the recipes above, the old standby ones like tacos, chicken with red beans and rice (leftover chicken to go in chili), and spaghetti with meatballs round out the week. Lame, but comforting. :)
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<div><script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></BODY> </div>Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17828790.post-62633804416869396082013-11-03T16:04:00.001-08:002013-11-03T16:04:36.674-08:00A RELAXING WEEKEND<p>Bwahahaha. Not so much on the relaxing, but it has been productive!</p> <p>Friday morning, as we pulled into carpool line at middle school, Bunny told me that the birthday slumber party she was going to this weekend was Friday night, not Saturday night as I’d thought, having misread the invitation. “Shooooo,” I said, telling Bun I really didn’t know how I was going to pull the rabbit out of the hat on this one, since I was working late that evening and we were planning to shop for the present the next day. All the way to work I alternated between trying to figure out how I’d make this work at all, and deciding to just worry about it later. However, some fast texting between the other mom and me resolved it acceptably, and all I had to do was bring Bun her PJs etc that evening.</p> <p>I think I was Reece’s hungover from my annual <em>Eat all the Reece’s I Want Day</em> (aka Halloween for everyone else), and the only cure was to eat 4 different egg casseroles, hash browns, pastries, and the like during our floor’s potluck breakfast. I contributed two kinds of (store-bought) egg nog and some OJ. BTW, pumpkin egg nog is surprisingly awesome. I had my doubts, which is why I used my coworkers as guinea pigs instead of bringing it home.</p> <p>I was still stuffed at lunch, so I walked around during lunch. It was gusty and rainy, but it was also nice and peaceful. I decided to check out the Museum of Natural Sciences a block away and look forward to taking the family there some inclement weekend. Free admission, too!</p> <p>Thankfully month-end went well this month, so I only had to work a little late that night, packed a bag of stuff to take to Bun, came back, and sat and stared at idiots <em>not</em> finding gold on TV until a little before 10, then went to sleepy land.</p> <p>Saturday I made breakfast, fetched the very tired slumber party kid, went to the bank, took some clothes to be altered, went grocery shopping, went on a little walk by the lake with the family (pretty colors!), watched the boys throw sticks into the spillway by the dam, and peppered the day with an inordinate amount of coaxing/threatening/wrestling with a 5 year-old who just needs to take his ^$%#@ cough medicine (“I hate the flavooooooorrrrrr….”). Linda Blair in The Exorcist could have taken notes on how to spit red stuff from Cole yesterday.</p> <p>Today was more of the same, with a bonus trip to the hair cuttery for the girlchild just when I had exclaimed, “That’s it; I won’t do anything else today, except make this soup and watch TV.” Except I’d forgotten that I had promised to take someone for a haircut… But! There was no line, and that was nice. Now I’m finally feeling the extra hour we got back today, and looking forward to watching Once Upon a Time with the kids. Bunny has been dying for Ariel to be featured, and is about to burst with excitement over it. I think Regina as Ursula is genius and am looking forward to it, too. Plus! Zombies. And! Talking Dead, which I really enjoy, too. (Man, I sound like the teaser for that awful show Extra! there.)</p> <p>Here’s a photo Paul sent me from when he went to the park to play two-touch with Carter.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n0F5MjESo7k/UnbkhiVw59I/AAAAAAAAGFI/k_l2d8FjoYo/s1600-h/IMAG0008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMAG0008" border="0" alt="IMAG0008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aK6UKzUD1cI/UnbkkTkQdXI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/4rcNz1KuRDM/IMAG0008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="785"></a></p> Kristiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635110361473119954noreply@blogger.com0