tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90366948823612441532024-03-14T01:21:54.847-05:00Thoughts From A Cozy CornerSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-46686728968875018012012-07-28T07:13:00.008-05:002012-07-30T18:56:17.663-05:00I Won A Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">A few weeks ago, Mary, over at Home is Where The Boat Is offered the cutest giveaway and it was all about reading, flip flops and fun in the sun, and since those are some of my favorite things I entered. <a href="http://homeiswheretheboatis.wordpress.com/2012/07/05/sand-pails-flip-flops-summer-reading/">Sand Pail Selections and Flip Flops!</a> is such a colorful, fun post and I quickly fell in love with the book selections, sand castles, flip flops and of course, the sangria! Here is a photo of Mary's delightful giveaway prizes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-26996" height="334" src="http://homeiswheretheboatis.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/dsc_0516-001.jpg?w=500&h=334" title="DSC_0516-001" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When my box of goodies arrived I could barely contain my excitement! I've never won anything, EVER!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't this exciting? I almost forgot to take pictures, but came to my senses before I ripped into this wonderful box of goodness! </div><div style="text-align: center;">As I gently unpacked the box taking care not to tear anything, I cherished every little item. I'm corny like that. Having never won anything before I didn't want the moment to end!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqg3rquqsVfUzhOl3oXVEDZrbrNReXYu_JjzTAxrR89Gcnw-9zjDoTglkbUIJcrNmbmkKsnq6c_8sp1h0bOZuJDO5RU8GzSxJXFjZ_XnniKawKALXtJ_j0bCPE84KeKUjiF1tq5j9UMY/s1600/DSC_0436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqg3rquqsVfUzhOl3oXVEDZrbrNReXYu_JjzTAxrR89Gcnw-9zjDoTglkbUIJcrNmbmkKsnq6c_8sp1h0bOZuJDO5RU8GzSxJXFjZ_XnniKawKALXtJ_j0bCPE84KeKUjiF1tq5j9UMY/s400/DSC_0436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I couldn't stand it any longer, so the tissue started flying! Keeper, my Bichon, thought Mama was going crazy! She looked at me as if to say, "One more squeal and I'm outta here!" She's pretty camera shy so I told her that Mary's Bichons, Chloe and Gracie, pose all the time for pictures and are featured regularly in Mary's posts. She reluctantly gave in. Okay, I bribed her, but then she must have sniffed that a Bichon had been near the gifts, so she began to sit and pose and I went to town taking her picture. My girl will not be outdone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I absolutely love the goodies I received! As a reader I'm always on the lookout for new and different books and the two books included, Chasing Fireflies and Amaryllis in Blueberry, are next on my reading list. This was such a wonderful gift to receive during these end of Summer days and I couldn't be more pleased. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeEkZKpbXDpmQ1l6JGlSWfwy0-mgNzN5IXSrPOYa4ZU5X738nY-6JvPmgTUkv2GyC1lgKp7F7MP95pfaTXxXmMPLS75RNhG5JW2Pkt6MZ3IYi4QxgPUM5tB61Bmp2Ui1j7zIf8pfbUuw/s1600/DSC_0440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeEkZKpbXDpmQ1l6JGlSWfwy0-mgNzN5IXSrPOYa4ZU5X738nY-6JvPmgTUkv2GyC1lgKp7F7MP95pfaTXxXmMPLS75RNhG5JW2Pkt6MZ3IYi4QxgPUM5tB61Bmp2Ui1j7zIf8pfbUuw/s400/DSC_0440.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you so very much, Mary, Chloe and Gracie! We love our gifts!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hugs,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Susan and Keeper</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-48368640158917439522011-07-01T07:08:00.006-05:002011-07-01T15:23:19.089-05:00Our Flag<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?</span></strong><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig0y9ZH0Ficyp96Rkz7ImR7MEZY34mHzOv807LNdKlXbRB6SZ35o2m9rR0RXQKI8EirmFR1slwXTBcjgn1rxiO6Dehi1d2-IaE1k8tPp0ncGGFmWIRhPEuRbx678y8G7YO86MUmp-fhg/s1600/DSCN4813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig0y9ZH0Ficyp96Rkz7ImR7MEZY34mHzOv807LNdKlXbRB6SZ35o2m9rR0RXQKI8EirmFR1slwXTBcjgn1rxiO6Dehi1d2-IaE1k8tPp0ncGGFmWIRhPEuRbx678y8G7YO86MUmp-fhg/s400/DSCN4813.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYEOtQVWiYFKxFchcmsEi2MH1y3wrf_N9CzGxi9ZY3k3-2HWfZ5fsvE7_oTUBFk61bzGb24gM73B8r6JBGygy7PwcSzuWZvYDmb_Y5fuPukg8Btmzra0dT-B81N47p2SmFOmpfrdRnSo/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYEOtQVWiYFKxFchcmsEi2MH1y3wrf_N9CzGxi9ZY3k3-2HWfZ5fsvE7_oTUBFk61bzGb24gM73B8r6JBGygy7PwcSzuWZvYDmb_Y5fuPukg8Btmzra0dT-B81N47p2SmFOmpfrdRnSo/s400/DSC_0078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet wave</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfQPE-pEO0TW04DRSkHanuPE2BNytgUl-BB5Eoh-zsgtpKofD6ZUPcRFUSX7xMxeUnI8aupA-15am1Ols8QQys4tMQLkp42IHrbpbCXUO81RRyugdo83Th4C3e9dKbp5dKhJvgsc7PH8/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfQPE-pEO0TW04DRSkHanuPE2BNytgUl-BB5Eoh-zsgtpKofD6ZUPcRFUSX7xMxeUnI8aupA-15am1Ols8QQys4tMQLkp42IHrbpbCXUO81RRyugdo83Th4C3e9dKbp5dKhJvgsc7PH8/s640/DSC_0087.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Abraham Lincoln</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-74205092936440490152011-06-29T19:40:00.001-05:002011-06-29T19:44:48.676-05:00Have You Crossed Anything Off Your Bucket List?<div style="text-align: center;">For many years, and I'm getting to be pretty old, I dreamed of things I wanted to do and places I wanted to go and thought that's what they were...DREAMS, but as I've gotten older some of them have been realized. Now, I'm not one to sit around and think about what I want to do before I die, rather I dream of things in a more thoughtful, romantic way AND I don't necessarily plan any of them, I just let them happen naturally, in the course of life.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, let me make a few things real clear...I ain't one to go jumpin' outta no airplane! I feel just fine riding in coach and see no reason to change that. I also don't see any reason to go swimming with sharks or any other sea creatures that want to kill me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, I have accomplished a few things that I really never thought I would and I guess now that I'm OLDER it's called a Bucket List.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been on a Hot Air Balloon Ride</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTlMbg1Wk_BGGpTvy4DSNq-xuAhu5DfhCWo55GyVreTqCQfOK7HwrbNIAav76LR4QOYMVAr-bx79k1fZCccf-Q74YfoVOEdzsh1kOHdAzzPfdEnpoHrmt7lUteeEg6NmBhrghkKnKsGI/s1600/Hot+Air+Baloon+1-08-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTlMbg1Wk_BGGpTvy4DSNq-xuAhu5DfhCWo55GyVreTqCQfOK7HwrbNIAav76LR4QOYMVAr-bx79k1fZCccf-Q74YfoVOEdzsh1kOHdAzzPfdEnpoHrmt7lUteeEg6NmBhrghkKnKsGI/s400/Hot+Air+Baloon+1-08-11.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've flown over The Grand Canyon</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been to Alaska</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilTVLW73YDbsAYHZM2nvP76n11kw7ArcSOsiAWrVGyhobjQ1jHJODf6aku-oWVwfScC6mtojuOUex28Iyx7FJ2htPdcx22XXjy5O7BBnb77mF4jJftCHExtwCc0B6EJhyyh-RL00Itlo/s1600/Dawes+Glacier+Alaska+June+2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilTVLW73YDbsAYHZM2nvP76n11kw7ArcSOsiAWrVGyhobjQ1jHJODf6aku-oWVwfScC6mtojuOUex28Iyx7FJ2htPdcx22XXjy5O7BBnb77mF4jJftCHExtwCc0B6EJhyyh-RL00Itlo/s400/Dawes+Glacier+Alaska+June+2009.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Twice</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been on many Cruises</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDlZxk10gRqJ98O7HIMQLnj3SP58uWSb-qpb1S2NPtKL_sUo7qUYU4D1TT0hoAX0V0YB2ZBeX-gL2fodvMWCQdd2MNhhCkilyVoE9EMA_nyYvUPKO3n17yNWIu0DBuSgPWzm4DsyA80s/s1600/Carnival+Glory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDlZxk10gRqJ98O7HIMQLnj3SP58uWSb-qpb1S2NPtKL_sUo7qUYU4D1TT0hoAX0V0YB2ZBeX-gL2fodvMWCQdd2MNhhCkilyVoE9EMA_nyYvUPKO3n17yNWIu0DBuSgPWzm4DsyA80s/s400/Carnival+Glory.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been to Foreign Countries</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunset Beach, St. Maarten</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Where the jets come in for landing right over the beach...FUN</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvWZszMVlSuJtLWEnXeOsDPht8itknyZdIEYj6dg4UQRZsPNLc8WbOVGSq4TNwsFBs8vhd7113gjPn25e4x2mObCtOrmvfSby7hQUKf-G2KcIYUgEU6uS3xrU-Alp9r0OEZX75CkM0B0/s1600/DSCN0305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvWZszMVlSuJtLWEnXeOsDPht8itknyZdIEYj6dg4UQRZsPNLc8WbOVGSq4TNwsFBs8vhd7113gjPn25e4x2mObCtOrmvfSby7hQUKf-G2KcIYUgEU6uS3xrU-Alp9r0OEZX75CkM0B0/s400/DSCN0305.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The Yukon, Canada</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8emE4W_E_N2d78sleNJXvl8APsbbMTN-8vhoAkYBnuD4rapZzaTY6wi0BycevC5d6NKMfbCQvnMDK8gpXS5fkY58w0xC73IJ8bUzZZ_QTVchMPok7R7Af8kbN7b83qo6HtEGJ5Yte_Wg/s1600/DSCN3351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8emE4W_E_N2d78sleNJXvl8APsbbMTN-8vhoAkYBnuD4rapZzaTY6wi0BycevC5d6NKMfbCQvnMDK8gpXS5fkY58w0xC73IJ8bUzZZ_QTVchMPok7R7Af8kbN7b83qo6HtEGJ5Yte_Wg/s400/DSCN3351.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Many Other Places</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've Met Some Famous People</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Charles Barkley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i0j7dqutt0Wjm9nrE07mCLc-nc7aooTjd3_xtXglYTjgWUcX236XU0xEdAHvSMS233a7EbquRUnOV3ZCk03YKnIw6Ns9RrUpAgchXNw3lmgd2FPZZwD1OBwy8RKqXOGWjvW5PXbU3hY/s1600/DSC_0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i0j7dqutt0Wjm9nrE07mCLc-nc7aooTjd3_xtXglYTjgWUcX236XU0xEdAHvSMS233a7EbquRUnOV3ZCk03YKnIw6Ns9RrUpAgchXNw3lmgd2FPZZwD1OBwy8RKqXOGWjvW5PXbU3hY/s400/DSC_0051.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coach Jeff Fisher</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeCIUWQy40SSgQYrY3yGRsgd7NB6rpJHndMI3Ur6xJSbpXDBduf17yyAArMcKjGzBO1Tj3hxsZ1-lCA2I1WyHOo4_dsyze_-Kl4_HeuOeqpa9C-mf_c5s7U8F9TUa_EyeGYDV16CUftI/s1600/David%252C+Jeff+Fisher+and+Blake+1-10-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeCIUWQy40SSgQYrY3yGRsgd7NB6rpJHndMI3Ur6xJSbpXDBduf17yyAArMcKjGzBO1Tj3hxsZ1-lCA2I1WyHOo4_dsyze_-Kl4_HeuOeqpa9C-mf_c5s7U8F9TUa_EyeGYDV16CUftI/s400/David%252C+Jeff+Fisher+and+Blake+1-10-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are some other famous athletes I call my friends and when I'm around them I don't see them as celebrities, but just plain old people who laugh at my jokes, love my cooking and are content to sleep on a queen size bed even though they are VERY TALL and HUGE people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've danced in the rain, stood on a mountain, sung with a choir, held my nieces and nephews minutes after their births, been deep sea fishing, snuck into a concert, been on a movie set while they were filming Jaws II, did the flowers and some of the food for my wedding, touched a shark, ridden on a glass bottom boat, wrote a fan letter to James Stewart (my favorite actor of all time) and received a reply and a photograph and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> ROLLED TOOMER"S CORNER many, many times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are so many other things I've done, but quite a few I've yet to do. I'll just continue on this journey and in due time I'll be able to put a check mark next to many other things on my Bucket List.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-31438692690590558632011-05-26T09:50:00.001-05:002011-07-01T15:23:51.796-05:00Memorial Day<div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">It is important that we honor those who serve and protect us.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">And I'm proud to be an American,</div><div align="center">where at least I know I'm free.</div><div align="center">And I won't forget the men who died,</div><div align="center">who gave that right to me. ~ Lee Greenwood</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlNL1OHb4LdYPMnrU2Ubi60DmmK0Z5rHylQ8FyBOns6UFOseINXe0a_ogBqSdLXXO_Py8QUjYmlW6FkS5ekny8xa3P1lsecJjq1buH7OYZZu-VShWkru6PBsqO9QqVPoSlgIDUc-Tb-0/s1600/Memorial+Day.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlNL1OHb4LdYPMnrU2Ubi60DmmK0Z5rHylQ8FyBOns6UFOseINXe0a_ogBqSdLXXO_Py8QUjYmlW6FkS5ekny8xa3P1lsecJjq1buH7OYZZu-VShWkru6PBsqO9QqVPoSlgIDUc-Tb-0/s1600/Memorial+Day.bmp" t8="true" /></a></div><div align="center">For love of country </div><div align="center">they accepted death. ~ James A. Garfield</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShTBRLX3PgaWViY6vk379DoZF0JTDDrNr-hSBRtRW0OGJzKFO4vL8bgtoVt4-JcBdN5RIRRDFWgo9d-gaCBkYH-ZvT0gDwK6bBfilDz-tmxzZXK1_ikaj8Ga9NwhyRJCMl_Z4MPZvz68/s1600/Memorial+Day4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShTBRLX3PgaWViY6vk379DoZF0JTDDrNr-hSBRtRW0OGJzKFO4vL8bgtoVt4-JcBdN5RIRRDFWgo9d-gaCBkYH-ZvT0gDwK6bBfilDz-tmxzZXK1_ikaj8Ga9NwhyRJCMl_Z4MPZvz68/s1600/Memorial+Day4.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory,</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds,</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">yet will their remembrance be as lasting</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as the land they honored. ~ Daniel Webster</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuEv0CrupX63Lux7PnJ_-sC4553nWEMKC2gTsTmWGiaa5bC3gWt4872pbiQoyVYmhL4CihpekWVsTbtxo2XZ1LtSxUklg_de7glYBWIZrrQgrxEBLx2onrTZ0OQeB3V_1ViTRn_vHYi8/s1600/Memorial+Day3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuEv0CrupX63Lux7PnJ_-sC4553nWEMKC2gTsTmWGiaa5bC3gWt4872pbiQoyVYmhL4CihpekWVsTbtxo2XZ1LtSxUklg_de7glYBWIZrrQgrxEBLx2onrTZ0OQeB3V_1ViTRn_vHYi8/s1600/Memorial+Day3.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With the tears a Land hath shed</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Their graves should ever be green. ~ Thomas B. Aldrich</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0T5VxfeCcM0i3rSpM4FT6tODkuKcSjj176d7WRBg4k8sVoLUw2XnTMnuNigkuAEwR0lDC_Qq5bTBP_j2ro5OWxeHy8hlZt6bHNNIsQEG_FtnvNDL9cp26s7uhFg14aLQ5WdZiJYdQSY/s1600/Memorial+Day8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0T5VxfeCcM0i3rSpM4FT6tODkuKcSjj176d7WRBg4k8sVoLUw2XnTMnuNigkuAEwR0lDC_Qq5bTBP_j2ro5OWxeHy8hlZt6bHNNIsQEG_FtnvNDL9cp26s7uhFg14aLQ5WdZiJYdQSY/s1600/Memorial+Day8.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And they who for their country die</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">shall fill an honored grave,</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for glory lights the soldiers' tomb</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and beauty weeps the brave. ~ Joseph Drake</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHBSA_qHiokXYVudrka4zgEewxtsEhNmkeJBacpOhzJB56O4hzZICoQUE9wQer64JwK9E4LMtPp8pt3YZ4m82YA4kG6xv_l0AOnDWNSa5obLz14VW8pJ3W_1ym6RGklF3H_gyI2GMUCY/s1600/Memorial+Day10.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHBSA_qHiokXYVudrka4zgEewxtsEhNmkeJBacpOhzJB56O4hzZICoQUE9wQer64JwK9E4LMtPp8pt3YZ4m82YA4kG6xv_l0AOnDWNSa5obLz14VW8pJ3W_1ym6RGklF3H_gyI2GMUCY/s1600/Memorial+Day10.bmp" t8="true" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But the freedom that they fought for,</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and the country grand they wrought for,</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">is their monument today and for aye. ~ Thomas Dunn English</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPoq4ODnrs8XxvQs-DW6qWUe2ShcgwISBJo6S430PilZpxcIUbX4gkLsvydoXlxMH3WbMDFhrrFNxMxQK4Nw3cyU7Kj5qpSbXelKdkJlH6Y6M4aaPenFyUEQWp3bXdeWTBxeLpXCHuE4/s1600/Memorial+Day5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPoq4ODnrs8XxvQs-DW6qWUe2ShcgwISBJo6S430PilZpxcIUbX4gkLsvydoXlxMH3WbMDFhrrFNxMxQK4Nw3cyU7Kj5qpSbXelKdkJlH6Y6M4aaPenFyUEQWp3bXdeWTBxeLpXCHuE4/s1600/Memorial+Day5.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perform, then, this one act of remembrance before this Day passes-</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Remember </em>there is an army of defense and advance</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that never dies and never surrenders,</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but is increasingly recruited from the eternal sources</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">of the American spirit and from</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the generations of American youth. ~ W.J. Cameron</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UooQnKygRDhuoHPHeebqd5CBPt7s9ubdS4vdl-C2ZIYlE9CtPYVi0IiorACKJ6wJMv_FpHlE8PTmaxIMFMdil_I9CEASV23W2L1Hzs_XSDCs2xlneWIKlUsr88gYSPAq1z0btFseIaI/s1600/Memorial+Day9.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UooQnKygRDhuoHPHeebqd5CBPt7s9ubdS4vdl-C2ZIYlE9CtPYVi0IiorACKJ6wJMv_FpHlE8PTmaxIMFMdil_I9CEASV23W2L1Hzs_XSDCs2xlneWIKlUsr88gYSPAq1z0btFseIaI/s1600/Memorial+Day9.bmp" t8="true" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Never Forget, Ever Honor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-54388360725476814752011-04-12T07:45:00.000-05:002013-07-17T20:45:02.086-05:00Spring in Our Yard<div align="center">
I love Spring! I love the beauty of the sky, the new growth and colors and Easter. Sunday I decided to take some pictures of our side yard and breezeway. I love to decorate our breezeway. I think it makes a guest feel welcome and it's so inviting to drive up to our home and see a pretty entryway.</div>
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This is the view you see as you drive down our driveway.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGQekdfFbpt-norJ5HOiKQnOOKu7G4NEGU7_v-OH3YrLDTH1nGW_gSadAcZHaUYgEv9mx_y6gB0PewQZ_GaL_Z-fcXnQU57ThOnwgqPdbjNKdcjYPRs_63LGv534cUxqMQJdnnOW1EYY/s1600/DSC_0734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGQekdfFbpt-norJ5HOiKQnOOKu7G4NEGU7_v-OH3YrLDTH1nGW_gSadAcZHaUYgEv9mx_y6gB0PewQZ_GaL_Z-fcXnQU57ThOnwgqPdbjNKdcjYPRs_63LGv534cUxqMQJdnnOW1EYY/s400/DSC_0734.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We live in the country and are surrounded by pastures and beautiful trees.</div>
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We are slowly relandscaping the perimeter of the house beginning with the side entrance. Our Knockout Roses are absolutely gorgeous this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYe1RUzw8rASOl6xC2rfRk2cY-AC_0-wBG4HS0CTsz04f4WB-WRdeIZOXIz2-OTIitz4e2dNU3W6RJYDa_npOGkBXHF51hRMxCM_1uXcSTsOviU_vFdRUyZiQ5igJwv8qQWRDwssrXMM/s1600/DSC_0735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYe1RUzw8rASOl6xC2rfRk2cY-AC_0-wBG4HS0CTsz04f4WB-WRdeIZOXIz2-OTIitz4e2dNU3W6RJYDa_npOGkBXHF51hRMxCM_1uXcSTsOviU_vFdRUyZiQ5igJwv8qQWRDwssrXMM/s400/DSC_0735.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decorate the French doors, the breezeway and the small baker's rack I found at a local antique mall. I just love this baker's rack, it fits perfectly beside my storage room and next to the walkway to the patio.</div>
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I also adore Mexican Heather and garden flags. I think the flags let a guest know when they drive up that they are always welcome and to come on in. I've collected small garden flags for quite some time and I'm always on the lookout for new ones. This Easter flag is one of my favorites.</div>
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One last look at a beautiful rose.</div>
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I hope you've enjoyed the pictures of my side yard and breezeway. I love my home and I'm always decorating something in the house or in the yard.</div>
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Happy Easter from our home to yours.</div>
Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-44234318076424488932011-01-02T10:45:00.002-06:002011-01-02T18:31:06.332-06:00My New Camera<div align="center">The day after Christmas Darrel and I were out riding around and decided to go to a local electronics store nearby. Lo and behold there was the camera of my dreams ON SALE with an added zoom lens and bag! Now, I'm not the best photographer, but with this little beauty I think I'll be on my way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZGRJltU1KRshfsXwM8gnogwDiJrCd9iNUc73ZFiqAIlXNVDT4zcYKS-RvZx2WTbqwIP80laJjQDjnq6Q2vk1HZeEplgt9r8QgvS_788LGqW25mtAia8IUkPly45W3PFUAxyk9q1TPII/s1600/Nikon+D+3100.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZGRJltU1KRshfsXwM8gnogwDiJrCd9iNUc73ZFiqAIlXNVDT4zcYKS-RvZx2WTbqwIP80laJjQDjnq6Q2vk1HZeEplgt9r8QgvS_788LGqW25mtAia8IUkPly45W3PFUAxyk9q1TPII/s320/Nikon+D+3100.png" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">It's a Nikon D3100 and I'm in love! Of course, Darrel loves it, too. One of our dearest friends, Nickey, is a fabulous photographer and today they've gone fishing and the camera went, too. I can't wait to see the wildlife shots they capture.</div><div align="center">This is the zoom lens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWJvTRnMamaDnajHg7Wq5FqF0tlGY-TZxzLVDZie27DeiOP75i4VYEDcWeP5L_hgt1xH_31vcJK3i14XS-lWLVfeLVZsKwZpvktWtg0AveFjgNDY2smNzJR5yIAvYOP07oWoQbdubeW8/s1600/Nikon+55-200+Zoom+Lens.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWJvTRnMamaDnajHg7Wq5FqF0tlGY-TZxzLVDZie27DeiOP75i4VYEDcWeP5L_hgt1xH_31vcJK3i14XS-lWLVfeLVZsKwZpvktWtg0AveFjgNDY2smNzJR5yIAvYOP07oWoQbdubeW8/s320/Nikon+55-200+Zoom+Lens.png" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Oh, the limitless possibilities! With football games, bridal showers and the wedding in March along with various other events I'll be a picture taking maniac! I love my other Nikon and Canon, but this is a fabulous camera. Now all I need is some time to get to know my new camera and some pointers on "fancy cameras for dummies".</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-74296194429175028022010-12-29T11:05:00.003-06:002010-12-30T08:52:59.830-06:00Christmas Morning Breakfast<div align="center">I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii164/Magnolias_Moonlight/TT-2.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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A Christmas Morning Breakfast is a tradition Darrel and I have started for his immediate family. It's our way of doing something nice for his mother and sister and her family. His older sister, her husband and sons live out of town, so they aren't able to join us. We set the time for 8 AM so everyone could enjoy a leisurely Christmas morning. </div><div align="center">This is how we greeted our guests</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNL2egGA36azapUnCb8tM9i2N5Xss_310uYXZ7LltHT859r0W1sAKWjA8QARTWMvCACH58WX2x-lB4NyHLtrmwj9g8Hp1rA28TyxU9zJ7bFfHAcx8czJhhxVjAS3K0oNTAGQ47yKrYfgo/s1600/DSCN4681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNL2egGA36azapUnCb8tM9i2N5Xss_310uYXZ7LltHT859r0W1sAKWjA8QARTWMvCACH58WX2x-lB4NyHLtrmwj9g8Hp1rA28TyxU9zJ7bFfHAcx8czJhhxVjAS3K0oNTAGQ47yKrYfgo/s320/DSCN4681.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To the left we had a large poinsettia in a black, wrought iron plant holder and to the right there was a wreath on the French doors. I was in such a hurry, I forgot to take pictures of them that morning before the guests arrived.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our den is just inside the door and I decorated the mantle with the same fresh greens I used on the baker's rack. We live in the country so fresh greenery is available all year. I used Leyland Cypress, pine, cedar, holly and variegated citrus. It smelled wonderful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1i8fatEKSzx_pf4_WGGFVWhKSp-b4lU1JiTXLp-Q3nN1QgAXxOSFkpXlKmnAOu6B_2BM06xSkH_v81XAovhqf43AJRYXznxQqEP-G8KRH-YpQlYmAg00Rt-BQvWK3LbNu5l6USq4EO9o/s1600/DSCN4618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1i8fatEKSzx_pf4_WGGFVWhKSp-b4lU1JiTXLp-Q3nN1QgAXxOSFkpXlKmnAOu6B_2BM06xSkH_v81XAovhqf43AJRYXznxQqEP-G8KRH-YpQlYmAg00Rt-BQvWK3LbNu5l6USq4EO9o/s320/DSCN4618.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was before we lit the fire. We haven't been able to have a fire at Christmas in years and we were thrilled to have a very cold, wintery Christmas day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A closeup of the mantle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t7gBK_TXqYs82FnHobLjN9402DmvsoFY9Vn0IdKcMkAXTl1aKhXGbG18taPL0ZCCXN__Yvd-naTRxcSCLUo4fHGNY3QIDNQhzfYsqSmCNTaUBKXHQmPQGJ2vWiQCEXzwl1Q-f5bn0Qg/s1600/DSCN4619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t7gBK_TXqYs82FnHobLjN9402DmvsoFY9Vn0IdKcMkAXTl1aKhXGbG18taPL0ZCCXN__Yvd-naTRxcSCLUo4fHGNY3QIDNQhzfYsqSmCNTaUBKXHQmPQGJ2vWiQCEXzwl1Q-f5bn0Qg/s320/DSCN4619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Any time we have guests I want the table to be special. I used my Christmas dishes and a recent acquisition, my newest vintage tablecloth. I wanted to bring out the colors, so I used red, green and a touch of white in the dishes. I don't have glasses or coffee cups on the table because I set up a beverage station on the counter near the Keurig.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVWEH5SNTSS7O08PWAtOaHZD6cnIospykEcR1Qa1sKOyjHbiVTKbICNty98MOCUEr_GpRVDhC4dX5Nn6zKO6Fz1-Ewka4e_LeHCcbu3tzPlY0wd6dhtjMLYFOF9OWhQl-iZ2cvI6izzw/s1600/DSCN4608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVWEH5SNTSS7O08PWAtOaHZD6cnIospykEcR1Qa1sKOyjHbiVTKbICNty98MOCUEr_GpRVDhC4dX5Nn6zKO6Fz1-Ewka4e_LeHCcbu3tzPlY0wd6dhtjMLYFOF9OWhQl-iZ2cvI6izzw/s320/DSCN4608.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsj8P6u5tiABBAugzy59VxWfzLrTvzJ6ItGHL6VfQ0uE_KqeQsOBSpAjPPQNlvDV72dLK-EmQt0v61B0gSgtYSKXzwsEvO5JBOJKNMm7TyzbEDdT1diMEMj9_g1Dik76tcrSaYyBSJJ2Q/s1600/DSCN4610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsj8P6u5tiABBAugzy59VxWfzLrTvzJ6ItGHL6VfQ0uE_KqeQsOBSpAjPPQNlvDV72dLK-EmQt0v61B0gSgtYSKXzwsEvO5JBOJKNMm7TyzbEDdT1diMEMj9_g1Dik76tcrSaYyBSJJ2Q/s320/DSCN4610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgg7eiUFij-rEA4Ws6jGEMDh7RL_j-cF5x2c1fHr9ZqQNnvSQdWYIfiOWzhyphenhyphenokUdVIWkMRCuCh3e6lJVrzQdRHALtrllySeer4CuSXjg4laJcjsahv0Hn3OikxkoAOcmddnyqTL6v_eY/s1600/DSCN4611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgg7eiUFij-rEA4Ws6jGEMDh7RL_j-cF5x2c1fHr9ZqQNnvSQdWYIfiOWzhyphenhyphenokUdVIWkMRCuCh3e6lJVrzQdRHALtrllySeer4CuSXjg4laJcjsahv0Hn3OikxkoAOcmddnyqTL6v_eY/s320/DSCN4611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I absolutely love to cook and it makes me happy to share the fruits of my labor with family and friends. Our menu included bacon, grits, pumpkin muffins, sausage balls, fruit, monkey bread and breakfast casserole (out of view). I set the food station up on the bar and decorated it to match the table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_850181618"></span><span id="goog_850181619"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAaGTAopMUJT7RA1yi6KbuhzeWMPoSKTAS7f_yzN_nbkvL-4OB_VWjdYJFt7irQW5UXkZQHnnWSzx7Q6ijZrw_dtiS10_40d7ypx2A2See5RkIAK86Bv_mGLqOsTUdsXXIQLop6wSUwM/s1600/DSCN4691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAaGTAopMUJT7RA1yi6KbuhzeWMPoSKTAS7f_yzN_nbkvL-4OB_VWjdYJFt7irQW5UXkZQHnnWSzx7Q6ijZrw_dtiS10_40d7ypx2A2See5RkIAK86Bv_mGLqOsTUdsXXIQLop6wSUwM/s320/DSCN4691.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few pictures of some of the decorations in the kitchen and den.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0NSt_iMywcxKSl0a07CN5nnfZEG_pVT36qVDZupUe93EmurCR5LZ5v5mOeMxVsd4gmjqZ4mu52aAixpHOC3NZUOhIM_qlGS51w52779cCdn52UVHWdCrqfKyD-Z2XVjB47lP2_nBa58/s1600/DSCN4606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0NSt_iMywcxKSl0a07CN5nnfZEG_pVT36qVDZupUe93EmurCR5LZ5v5mOeMxVsd4gmjqZ4mu52aAixpHOC3NZUOhIM_qlGS51w52779cCdn52UVHWdCrqfKyD-Z2XVjB47lP2_nBa58/s320/DSCN4606.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our Bichon Frise, Keeper, has her own Bichon tree in the den.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVh-kH_VVRufSM5q5t0FyweBBysfbqc5bvUD4_5OujLKyvBCbz6gLlJdtYmyoiFpca1q4-HKibhjsrop62oK3HZUhwtomy0HB2R9FiKGtrdZwSsSPiTUMTFtzkq60feyKOmB4DWpjGCCc/s1600/DSCN4612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVh-kH_VVRufSM5q5t0FyweBBysfbqc5bvUD4_5OujLKyvBCbz6gLlJdtYmyoiFpca1q4-HKibhjsrop62oK3HZUhwtomy0HB2R9FiKGtrdZwSsSPiTUMTFtzkq60feyKOmB4DWpjGCCc/s320/DSCN4612.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The nativity in the living room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLPoxgbMJbRngGZfNlj1YkoKxlFfNyywNCMZlzEBTRjgWbz4FMDlB2EdyQE25kL0RkvfeaY3r8B6PrUGWIeQwP2eE0Fv01yOXLpjJbukwjHb8scCvT3kcxphwpk17AdJfLAaIuksivQQ/s1600/DSCN4686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLPoxgbMJbRngGZfNlj1YkoKxlFfNyywNCMZlzEBTRjgWbz4FMDlB2EdyQE25kL0RkvfeaY3r8B6PrUGWIeQwP2eE0Fv01yOXLpjJbukwjHb8scCvT3kcxphwpk17AdJfLAaIuksivQQ/s320/DSCN4686.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's so nice to spend quality time with family. Sometimes I wish life wasn't as hectic and busy and we spent more time just visiting and talking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are the times of which memories are made, to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with family and friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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China: Christmastime by Nikko about 22 years ago<br />
Chargers, Small Votives, Napkin Rings and Napkins: Target over the years<br />
Flatware: Arlington by Reed and Barton<br />
Tabletop Trees and Apothecary Jar: A local find<br />
Red Candle Holders: Gift from a friend<br />
Serving Bowls, Cake Stand and Platters: Carmen by Mikasa about 20 years ago<br />
Santas, Gingerbread Houses: My own personal collectionSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-73922958592631299912010-06-11T15:54:00.002-05:002010-08-09T14:32:05.525-05:00Mountains<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I recently took my second cruise through the Inside Passage in Alaska, a train ride into the Yukon Territory of Canada and a trip to Mt. Rainier in Washington. The mountains and glaciers are so breathtaking I thought I would share some of the many photos I took. On this trip I was able to visit Mt. Rainier for about 8 hours, something I really looked forward to and I wasn't disappointed! The snow was very deep due to a snowstorm the week before we were there.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREaSHMFN8w3RuO2-o36Fp2e2mnBPLnz9gs1bCtDHQnzWh_-sE98xlZPgvQK2pQAAuMtxWUFEmAd2OXDdvDU1yWKLac0DwhChKDrMEWmNrxbDonzgrpQPWiKwon8yQtcQfy2xFT-6RKV4/s1600/DSCN2722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREaSHMFN8w3RuO2-o36Fp2e2mnBPLnz9gs1bCtDHQnzWh_-sE98xlZPgvQK2pQAAuMtxWUFEmAd2OXDdvDU1yWKLac0DwhChKDrMEWmNrxbDonzgrpQPWiKwon8yQtcQfy2xFT-6RKV4/s400/DSCN2722.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Mt. Rainier</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICg54gm0xXA0pNjq8gZf8dyvxPuDkV14u6TQsGDpuuInCic1YNv3LTKdD7Q5bmuoJRslOBtv0mSLJdpqEhznyjfA4ASejEJU6Xg7QC-yve7RL3HTU60YPvgR49ync7n9_IbitDsm3ciU/s1600/DSCN3056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICg54gm0xXA0pNjq8gZf8dyvxPuDkV14u6TQsGDpuuInCic1YNv3LTKdD7Q5bmuoJRslOBtv0mSLJdpqEhznyjfA4ASejEJU6Xg7QC-yve7RL3HTU60YPvgR49ync7n9_IbitDsm3ciU/s400/DSCN3056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Endicott Arm Fjord</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">As we sailed through Endicott Arm Fjord the mountains towered above us and the fjord wound it's way through them. It is truly a breathtaking sight. The closer we got to the glacier the drearier it was, but it wasn't as cold this year.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbvx7uLBNI1IQ5USwc2c3XeMK_45RDGy74llxRMQfeETUTV7TNugXuGreDwneDfduz1IpWrio1s0PC9vv0WAWJSVv03OiI_e0-zlRMGvPl2gKXZVJlRQlLuCckWIdJuzI9qL_W7NPntk/s1600/DSCN3084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbvx7uLBNI1IQ5USwc2c3XeMK_45RDGy74llxRMQfeETUTV7TNugXuGreDwneDfduz1IpWrio1s0PC9vv0WAWJSVv03OiI_e0-zlRMGvPl2gKXZVJlRQlLuCckWIdJuzI9qL_W7NPntk/s400/DSCN3084.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Dawes Glacier</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Endicott Arm Fjord</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The glacier is two miles across at it's widest point. The tracks on the left are formed by scaly rock debris from the mountain face that gets trapped in the ice over hundreds of years. We are probably at least a mile from the glacier.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnsTxd1Am8-aJ3161G-NfiPOQjwgZmi7DPFVuXauv0O8HNhBaArnLLuVeQNNY8MATVVUJcy420Zc1vK9DS3du-YshF2fNtl5v2n7l_eFr4JZwHkAXawT61GTAe0MEdtsa84GpKdx3RR0/s1600/DSCN3226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnsTxd1Am8-aJ3161G-NfiPOQjwgZmi7DPFVuXauv0O8HNhBaArnLLuVeQNNY8MATVVUJcy420Zc1vK9DS3du-YshF2fNtl5v2n7l_eFr4JZwHkAXawT61GTAe0MEdtsa84GpKdx3RR0/s400/DSCN3226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Skagway, Alaska at sunrise</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeskPpwngeT2ntH7UWtNfm6D1IRnqirjFf8er7GdOvgsoz0AVCdgNL6Dzu4wgHzjgesHnRH1cLoTZKcIo0J1qsZuPMzOzr34X2w7hsNMZwMznsFhWuVeRHaypq6Z7gTV913jkZJL-lXQ/s1600/DSCN3435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeskPpwngeT2ntH7UWtNfm6D1IRnqirjFf8er7GdOvgsoz0AVCdgNL6Dzu4wgHzjgesHnRH1cLoTZKcIo0J1qsZuPMzOzr34X2w7hsNMZwMznsFhWuVeRHaypq6Z7gTV913jkZJL-lXQ/s400/DSCN3435.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Along the Klondike Highway</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpBBEbq-nats5giaUiy_sMcRWu15kmwid_drEXoVUf9VoovNgYDeSYWWpOENYAIDA5Yn_wapM3lEo9ltexnangoWJjAZ0dz5nsECXjtJ2H800o8-a_Wr0iaCuPuiPryLcos5PbT58lvk/s1600/DSCN3340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpBBEbq-nats5giaUiy_sMcRWu15kmwid_drEXoVUf9VoovNgYDeSYWWpOENYAIDA5Yn_wapM3lEo9ltexnangoWJjAZ0dz5nsECXjtJ2H800o8-a_Wr0iaCuPuiPryLcos5PbT58lvk/s400/DSCN3340.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Along the Klondike Highway</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMtcjtkLkBbJCLrLi83LXa0wjBXgeRFoq1ABdodBZtMTkJK0cDjyiqhmi8XpE8NA0XPiCENr8zsfX-lS0TZkDFoTXWRvym3qqFgkPeL0z7MR-bMpJzeDeNroTudG94_0sr545HE66HdM/s1600/DSCN3661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMtcjtkLkBbJCLrLi83LXa0wjBXgeRFoq1ABdodBZtMTkJK0cDjyiqhmi8XpE8NA0XPiCENr8zsfX-lS0TZkDFoTXWRvym3qqFgkPeL0z7MR-bMpJzeDeNroTudG94_0sr545HE66HdM/s400/DSCN3661.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunrise as we sailed toward Juneau</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPetsC-nAWiY_qP1OuODd93XhBTgMRFhtZFu6ljXTiJ7x7eubLzCmeA_mssWEXmLQJo3cQULdl9mLYpnulFaM7ESl2gKk__HgCz_QldFDa7OEsVsW1vhxkXdDh4Nzp4qPZewYqhLTHJs/s1600/DSCN3164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPetsC-nAWiY_qP1OuODd93XhBTgMRFhtZFu6ljXTiJ7x7eubLzCmeA_mssWEXmLQJo3cQULdl9mLYpnulFaM7ESl2gKk__HgCz_QldFDa7OEsVsW1vhxkXdDh4Nzp4qPZewYqhLTHJs/s400/DSCN3164.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The entrance to Endicott Arm Fjord</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The mountains and glaciers are absolutely breathtaking and pictures can never really capture the splendor that is Alaska.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-37556065064991514832010-03-30T06:42:00.013-05:002010-03-30T06:58:25.631-05:00First Table of SpringToday I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Stop by and enjoy all the beautiful tablescapes.<br />
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After all the rain and a very cold Winter here in Alabama I couldn't wait for the first signs of Spring so I could change my table settings and spruce up the house with brighter colors. I have been cleaning out a storage building where I stored a few sets of dishes and accessories. I thought I would share a Spring table I set with some of my newer pieces and some old favorites.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurWpjlZ01MVcMZIU_Z-iGQoSqp0OkjTjercpF-YwQc7mJANf1L33Yf4KUrLMEL0TTh6PR3otnSAdcfzvyVDHwq90v82qIQhdVrE_PfPfo1zkHSxCVT2YXmVeUmgJnRIX4C-2CCI7kch4/s1600/DSCN2456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurWpjlZ01MVcMZIU_Z-iGQoSqp0OkjTjercpF-YwQc7mJANf1L33Yf4KUrLMEL0TTh6PR3otnSAdcfzvyVDHwq90v82qIQhdVrE_PfPfo1zkHSxCVT2YXmVeUmgJnRIX4C-2CCI7kch4/s320/DSCN2456.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love bright colors and for everyday use, a simple table. The sun was very bright on the day I took the pictures so I couldn't open the blinds or the glare would be unbearable. Let's have a closer look at the table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4tm_B0LDz0CpKujvY8fu2ntJiNscGIHp5j23zHKNdtJQX_eTzPbJW-7vDxhWAKqwsBV9GaNz2VtOa6aBawkGh-oalggRgzn8kXxAHrhI6nwndf2atCPqVZIuKH09xpxVCCUAl1I80oU/s1600/DSCN2445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4tm_B0LDz0CpKujvY8fu2ntJiNscGIHp5j23zHKNdtJQX_eTzPbJW-7vDxhWAKqwsBV9GaNz2VtOa6aBawkGh-oalggRgzn8kXxAHrhI6nwndf2atCPqVZIuKH09xpxVCCUAl1I80oU/s320/DSCN2445.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love these napkins. They are the newest addition to my napkin collection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0O_Fxct7Y-bdP6FXJd2B-JHy1RsgPTBbi-Zd46y4areSzgxLXxe_Hrf0xnl4rRVLr_sQI5Zf8Or-XXGV9h37b3xRyDoQAzEpni2qhCKMXTwivAe3Qoa1w_OR3zN15z0Oz5z2HS2Ksnw/s1600/DSCN2448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0O_Fxct7Y-bdP6FXJd2B-JHy1RsgPTBbi-Zd46y4areSzgxLXxe_Hrf0xnl4rRVLr_sQI5Zf8Or-XXGV9h37b3xRyDoQAzEpni2qhCKMXTwivAe3Qoa1w_OR3zN15z0Oz5z2HS2Ksnw/s320/DSCN2448.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7auWvyUPa2eQoAoBrIj14QospeawFXUCLktMCA-5wU1a4VY2rob6_sU6vvPT0pv25lx8_Fs3ngjhmNoj_7z5hTl67FheU1qtGngDv9rD-ue2iW3DYuQTQfdyTQ3I1dvMelVoTjHuQEWA/s1600/DSCN2449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7auWvyUPa2eQoAoBrIj14QospeawFXUCLktMCA-5wU1a4VY2rob6_sU6vvPT0pv25lx8_Fs3ngjhmNoj_7z5hTl67FheU1qtGngDv9rD-ue2iW3DYuQTQfdyTQ3I1dvMelVoTjHuQEWA/s320/DSCN2449.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLapGjFyhOmKoHrieEpk-JRRnwMjSAEnaoTIbGvqM43piAZxuzkbvv9_eRfbfuEEDX6-ulxa6VN7nOQuQPaQtRpd0XG1r-krblgipsO1dHKdyzwHJ3W_3Cz-aCLfPlZKs5SdCatsA2aT8/s1600/DSCN2457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLapGjFyhOmKoHrieEpk-JRRnwMjSAEnaoTIbGvqM43piAZxuzkbvv9_eRfbfuEEDX6-ulxa6VN7nOQuQPaQtRpd0XG1r-krblgipsO1dHKdyzwHJ3W_3Cz-aCLfPlZKs5SdCatsA2aT8/s320/DSCN2457.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center">My beautiful Fitz and Floyd candleholders were a gift from my husband many years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaU9Z5QAL9i7aEF5I_GfS8YdMlcbhISvEbAcgfdk-m2nEId8A4UDgtyg3366Nq_beGVLSTMbSOH1CHfPpvNHy6NKL99Ys_Hhy6MyfnNixFTwpb8tAAY2v_rNA4aWfnqMzDuBGjAf2GDo/s1600/DSCN2458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaU9Z5QAL9i7aEF5I_GfS8YdMlcbhISvEbAcgfdk-m2nEId8A4UDgtyg3366Nq_beGVLSTMbSOH1CHfPpvNHy6NKL99Ys_Hhy6MyfnNixFTwpb8tAAY2v_rNA4aWfnqMzDuBGjAf2GDo/s320/DSCN2458.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you like my first table of the Spring. It's so bright and cheerful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dishes: Pier One</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Glassware: Olde Williamsburg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Flatware: Arlington by Reed and Barton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Placemats: Target</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Napkins: World Market</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Napkin Rings: TJ Maxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fruit Candleholders: Fitz and Floyd</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Flower Candleholders: Hobby Lobby</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plant: Springeri</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-1374874569393736972010-02-16T08:41:00.018-06:002010-02-18T07:47:07.180-06:00Valentine's Dinner 2010<div style="text-align: center;">Today I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for the weekly Tablescape Thursday. There are so many beautiful tablescapes there for everyone to enjoy.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii164/Magnolias_Moonlight/TT-2.jpg" /></a></center><br />
Valentine's day is such a hectic occasion around our house considering I'm a florist and well, it is a busy week for me, but I do like to make it special in some way for us so we usually grill steaks and stay home. I like to make the dinner and table special so I pull out different linens and dishes to coordinate with the holiday. I cut holly with berries from our yard to use as a simple floral arrangement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoUeqtFd9NiyuMdc48UJtpzYBKeH5USld2l0KD5W3frs3S7Izu7_6pFBw6IPtd9YzxkIOfZPCXMLCjQpK82FDP9NP4GNV7qgz77lGlHfL3iwi-8HvZ6VGqM5WYhIO9q1el4BILiekT6I/s1600-h/DSCN2418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoUeqtFd9NiyuMdc48UJtpzYBKeH5USld2l0KD5W3frs3S7Izu7_6pFBw6IPtd9YzxkIOfZPCXMLCjQpK82FDP9NP4GNV7qgz77lGlHfL3iwi-8HvZ6VGqM5WYhIO9q1el4BILiekT6I/s320/DSCN2418.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started out with ivory, cotton placemats I have had for quite some time and then went on a scavenger hunt through my dishes and accessories to adorn my Valentine's table. I added white dishes, clear glassware, red cotton napkins and candles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37qzlNcpycNmVTICoLY2O1BgCcWQwyHgXmZ3syySsUZxlOEzCxziK3o0TFxFvN4kgfUeGnMx2ZiZExFjE5KM8Dy7cSHJ6QySPMThPnLUgl26_u1e3HioCb0gbO99mrqQP2DC_yLpF2_g/s1600-h/DSCN2420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37qzlNcpycNmVTICoLY2O1BgCcWQwyHgXmZ3syySsUZxlOEzCxziK3o0TFxFvN4kgfUeGnMx2ZiZExFjE5KM8Dy7cSHJ6QySPMThPnLUgl26_u1e3HioCb0gbO99mrqQP2DC_yLpF2_g/s320/DSCN2420.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The table was simple, but so pretty and my husband loved it. He thought it was so nice that I wanted to make it special for us. This is a votive candle holder he gave me for Valentine's this year. It's so pretty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMwYzoPjammKy0jj4RmfporYbDbhtqZxSUakfigQzBm6rRIViB22Kx-CPQ9Qypsf7XkcpgaeZik0Czv6MsKHPEoA1utnmvKTgpsHzquqkLFLFxfAxEBk5L5uDgjMiiUBk8KNQg9wgFZo/s1600-h/DSCN2413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMwYzoPjammKy0jj4RmfporYbDbhtqZxSUakfigQzBm6rRIViB22Kx-CPQ9Qypsf7XkcpgaeZik0Czv6MsKHPEoA1utnmvKTgpsHzquqkLFLFxfAxEBk5L5uDgjMiiUBk8KNQg9wgFZo/s320/DSCN2413.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our menu was grilled steaks, baked potatoes, salad and strawberry shortcake. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjZP_rJXwGOMSb47PjJabTw4qKr6SEQpMXLN7psyFHfZ4dhvbzj-RIwtPM8PelKoOm5xtmGoeYaQrv9QYXm-IPfwRBrqDQr3dkIOvUIqkr7KbecVcFvYJJqIUC_XtPDSngM6nSACOuPg/s1600-h/DSCN2422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjZP_rJXwGOMSb47PjJabTw4qKr6SEQpMXLN7psyFHfZ4dhvbzj-RIwtPM8PelKoOm5xtmGoeYaQrv9QYXm-IPfwRBrqDQr3dkIOvUIqkr7KbecVcFvYJJqIUC_XtPDSngM6nSACOuPg/s320/DSCN2422.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9EVnH-ErKfP17TyK46hGzTt9cLm8kcmU5Kq9ZjwUK_WvPz21hU8bmYa6tYohxOZskxdPESMrMjhxgyx842r0JtnKpMPXgdeR76IyA7yNBvqciYDc6NJfg5uEstvux3Td09o-uTFaXJ8/s1600-h/DSCN2439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9EVnH-ErKfP17TyK46hGzTt9cLm8kcmU5Kq9ZjwUK_WvPz21hU8bmYa6tYohxOZskxdPESMrMjhxgyx842r0JtnKpMPXgdeR76IyA7yNBvqciYDc6NJfg5uEstvux3Td09o-uTFaXJ8/s320/DSCN2439.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center">We had such a nice dinner and a Happy Valentine's Day.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Chargers: Wal-Mart (several years ago)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Plates, Bowls: Pier One</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Candles: Gifts</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Napkins: Target</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Iced Candlering: Ganz (I've had this for several years)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Glassware: Wedding gift</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Napkin Holder: Dillard's </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Flatware: Country French by Reed and Barton</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-68879201538068069412009-12-30T08:47:00.020-06:002010-01-07T10:54:24.757-06:00Christmas Breakfast Table<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_h8v2MfmpmrMOtEajhqofCk73cOOagGFdROo9ZB9MjIH6eSz-nDXskAG6APEfHggMi57ETxsBUvfGVJvZTnF9AQlouSTe0gZhms01bg9qv97Vvp_fBoR2WQgms8sUTQV5X3T2miRZn4Q/s1600-h/DSCN2311.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_h8v2MfmpmrMOtEajhqofCk73cOOagGFdROo9ZB9MjIH6eSz-nDXskAG6APEfHggMi57ETxsBUvfGVJvZTnF9AQlouSTe0gZhms01bg9qv97Vvp_fBoR2WQgms8sUTQV5X3T2miRZn4Q/s320/DSCN2311.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421053446004888258" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfFxSSY0mDjDPWaUzqg9vtYPxqWuiaa0FJY_tWgERVNA8EkRqSTRIQYNn3ZcQjwulqjQo-eEMqu7qRWfSFXANL4r9Iwd31lNR9lVx-KGNi4VsYXfh1KvJxhtDNrdCPTax_WFwN7AZJrQ/s1600-h/DSCN2312.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfFxSSY0mDjDPWaUzqg9vtYPxqWuiaa0FJY_tWgERVNA8EkRqSTRIQYNn3ZcQjwulqjQo-eEMqu7qRWfSFXANL4r9Iwd31lNR9lVx-KGNi4VsYXfh1KvJxhtDNrdCPTax_WFwN7AZJrQ/s320/DSCN2312.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421052720811949458" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcp74pvBj6Vuy2iEP-ekqcBGiDLu9YVF5vhzN77-MLWFQNll6bN3NgBKBOz4J80H6fbWlgpKS0OBLNp6n_VMGrnlKei30wXtgMqfWvIaKpoc8LU8H97jv_aSO7KJS4LqCxwgbEIkJS6Q/s1600-h/DSCN2314.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcp74pvBj6Vuy2iEP-ekqcBGiDLu9YVF5vhzN77-MLWFQNll6bN3NgBKBOz4J80H6fbWlgpKS0OBLNp6n_VMGrnlKei30wXtgMqfWvIaKpoc8LU8H97jv_aSO7KJS4LqCxwgbEIkJS6Q/s320/DSCN2314.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421052062051783250" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWzrnEzc4CZHVb-79yea26g_b0zon7buzna3f1Wn6ahu57dgChbcMspP9fR6mCaDWMbWiDyDc6AkHDEEUc3owWQMRH0pY4KWFQr-F6PAxneNtj-26klVgRliwZSlsZMbGekZ2Re-Rlts/s1600-h/DSCN2267.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWzrnEzc4CZHVb-79yea26g_b0zon7buzna3f1Wn6ahu57dgChbcMspP9fR6mCaDWMbWiDyDc6AkHDEEUc3owWQMRH0pY4KWFQr-F6PAxneNtj-26klVgRliwZSlsZMbGekZ2Re-Rlts/s320/DSCN2267.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421051514591325570" /></a><br />
We had wanted to have Darrels' mother over for dinner for quite some time, but we could never find a time that was good for all of us. Christmas Breakfast was the perfect time! I set the table for eight because we invited his mother, stepfather, sister and husband and her daughter and boyfriend and the two of us.<br />
The table was so pretty and Santa left a little present for each person.<br />
Our menu was wonderful...breakfast casserole, sausage balls, pumpkin tarts, grits, bacon, ambrosia, orange juice, grapefruit juice and coffee.<br />
Everyone had such a good time and really enjoyed our Christmas Breakfast. We can't wait to do it again, maybe next year.<br />
<br />
China: Christmastime by Nikko... I've had this for over 20 years<br />
Glassware: Olde Williamsburg...my everyday wedding pattern<br />
Stainless: Arlington by Reed and Barton<br />
Vases: King Street Trio by Southern Living at Home... several years ago<br />
Chargers: Wal-Mart... several years ago<br />
Tablecloth: Bed, Bath and Beyond<br />
Napkins: TargetSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-79073997969442831742009-07-17T15:12:00.002-05:002009-07-17T15:18:49.609-05:00My BirthdayToday, 17 July, is my birthday! Today I am 51, but I honestly don't feel that old! Seriously, though, I am so blessed to be alive, to have a family who loves me exactly the way I am and I have a Lord and Savior in whom I have eternal life.<br />This has been the toughest week, but with lots of prayer and God's grace we made it through. Thank you, Lord, that my dear, sweet sister is on the road to recovery and will be fine. She is one of the most special people in my life and when all is said and done it could have been much worse, but we are grateful for her health and Your healing.<br />It's a happy day and I thank God for all the blessings in my life.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-64175135671463868522009-04-20T14:48:00.004-05:002009-04-20T14:51:56.247-05:00Puzzles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwpCRCBXLKQIZhr1xRGe7inkKAaGaP6m0Cfop7c4z9dv5872LOK8ipnGFWVqwnCV-OR-Li9xthlywWKir2-VSTJPosa5-V7485j6_X1kwx75A2xd8NBqiHMnccp3cYBxf6HOk1TlYia8/s1600-h/Springbok+Puzzle+Cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326862991429119634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 118px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwpCRCBXLKQIZhr1xRGe7inkKAaGaP6m0Cfop7c4z9dv5872LOK8ipnGFWVqwnCV-OR-Li9xthlywWKir2-VSTJPosa5-V7485j6_X1kwx75A2xd8NBqiHMnccp3cYBxf6HOk1TlYia8/s320/Springbok+Puzzle+Cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In my mother's home a puzzle is always laid out on a board in the den. This is no ordinary puzzle, though, it's a Springbok puzzle. The consensus of the family is they are the best because they're well made and truly interlocking. Hallmark stores are the only place we've ever found this brand and believe me, we've looked for them everywhere.<br />Daddy made identical boards for Mama and me years ago that would each hold all the pieces of a 1000 piece puzzle when it's laid out so that we wouldn't have to set up card tables. Our boards have picture frame moulding on all four sides so the pieces will stay on the board and we can slide it under the sofa when we have company over and it won't be in the way.<br />In my family putting a puzzle together is truly a competitive sport. If any of us, and there are about 17, walk into the den and Mama's chair is empty and the puzzle is out, get out of the way because we will sit down and take over the puzzle. We were raised putting puzzles together and over the years it has been hundreds of them. We used to have to help lay it out in order to help put it together, then put all of the edge together first, but Mama has become a little slack on these issues over the years. Now, we just lay it all out and begin in any area we choose. It's addictive and we love it.<br />We have so much fun while we are putting the puzzle together. We're always smiling, talking and reminiscing about the good times and everyone gets a chance to sit in Gran's chair, unless Toney or Ryan is around! We've even had puzzle marathons where we watched 3 movies and put a 1000 piece puzzle together at the same time.<br />Sometimes I think about families who don't spend special time together and it makes me sad. Now, more than ever we need to spend more time as a family unit laughing, talking, playing and yes, doing something corny like putting a puzzle together. The love we share and memories we make together as a family are important and truly unique. It really doesn't matter what the subject is, we may put together a Christmas scene in July or a Spring scene in December. What matters is that we are together laughing, telling stories and creating memories.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-38525093081602099352009-01-29T09:18:00.009-06:002009-01-29T10:10:57.515-06:00So Many Books, So Little Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPknR3jLX8rioQtWTmRIX-kRJlm6Fn1Tb-c-92N-NWAE55JWIDQNMzET2mD5K8VLX2oeS1B2sTBZfKUs0QPwDkkfmjhbi9-wSxWLI4l-_yUqxKcV83ErOUWBgzuGLFhbgVthKWhrDThtM/s1600-h/Nancy+Drew.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296748519091807314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 104px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPknR3jLX8rioQtWTmRIX-kRJlm6Fn1Tb-c-92N-NWAE55JWIDQNMzET2mD5K8VLX2oeS1B2sTBZfKUs0QPwDkkfmjhbi9-wSxWLI4l-_yUqxKcV83ErOUWBgzuGLFhbgVthKWhrDThtM/s320/Nancy+Drew.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>One thing I've always known about myself is that I am a true book junkie. I love the covers, the smell of the paper, the weight of a book in my hands and the written word. I've loved to read since I was a toddler and could hold a book and pretend I was reading. I remember how excited I was when I first learned how to read and I would practice my reading every moment I wasn't outside playing with friends.<br />When I was in 4th grade, Mrs. Shaw, the librarian at Dean Road Elementary School, finally told me, "Susan, you've read every book in here". I know that was an exaggeration, but it wasn't completely untrue. The only books I hadn't read were a few in the science category. I did read most of them, though. My favorites at that time were biographies of historical figures and I can still see the covers in my mind. I also was a Nancy Drew fanatic. I went to Grant's at Glendean Shopping Center faithfully every week to see if a new Nancy Drew book was on the shelf. Of course, I was too young to know they only came out every few months, but I could hope, and imagine my joy when there it was, a brand new Nancy Drew with a yellow, textured cover and a title that just begged to be read. I couldn't get home with my new prize fast enough. I would devour my new book in hours and then the wait for the next one would start all over again.<br />In my books I was a president, a detective, a nurse, an explorer, a doctor, you name it and I was happy. I would visit the most wonderful, exotic places like Pine Valley, River Heights, Sleepyside, a pirate ship or the museum. Most of my friends couldn't relate to my love of books, but I just knew they were jealous when I would tell them of my latest adventure.<br />Over the years my tastes have changed, but one fact remains, I still love books. I go to the bookstore faithfully every week searching out the newest mystery, cookbook, biography, devotional or magazine. My to be read pile is more of a to be read wall, but it makes me happy to see those beloved and cherished books full of new friends ready to welcome me into their world.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-76261195490318326252008-12-29T11:05:00.005-06:002008-12-29T11:18:08.647-06:00Broccoli Cauliflower SaladThis is one of the best salad recipes I've ever eaten. My sister in law, Wanda, served this at our Christmas dinner and it was a huge hit with Darrel and me. I asked for the recipe so I could take it to our annual New Year's Eve party with "the gang".<br /><br />Broccoli Cauliflower Salad<br /><br />6 heads of Broccoli, cut into small pieces<br />1 head of Cauliflower, cut into small pieces<br />1 1/2 cups of Raisins<br />1 large Purple Onion, chopped into small pieces<br />1 pound of Bacon, cooked crisp and chopped<br /><br />Dressing<br />2/3 cup Sugar<br />2/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar<br />1 1/3 cups Mayonnaise<br /><br />Mix dressing and set aside.<br />In a large bowl mix broccoli, cauliflower, raisins and onion. Add dressing and refrigerate.<br />When ready to serve add bacon.<br /><br />Serves 16.<br />You can easily half this recipe for dinner because it makes alot. Refrigerate leftovers.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-30776468185115053662008-12-13T10:48:00.010-06:002011-06-20T12:23:26.337-05:00Our Keurig Coffee Maker<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZlIOk6VqjfqCz7tqvYnjvbpwp1IcAxMcPkISJ19IP-P1SFw1jWQa3f5cDFfFIJoJ1M9Nm9e7Sxo6LlCDTT6YgRPpx5bF3bifnbWuFdS-IQQ_43lp8Re8FkDCLRykSKk9GYrP4k0IIUo/s1600-h/Keurig.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279350646391698834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZlIOk6VqjfqCz7tqvYnjvbpwp1IcAxMcPkISJ19IP-P1SFw1jWQa3f5cDFfFIJoJ1M9Nm9e7Sxo6LlCDTT6YgRPpx5bF3bifnbWuFdS-IQQ_43lp8Re8FkDCLRykSKk9GYrP4k0IIUo/s320/Keurig.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 116px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 116px;" /></a><br />
<div>We bought a Keurig Special Edition B60 Coffee Maker about 4 weeks ago and we absolutely love it! The convenience of making one cup of fresh coffee in the flavor of our choosing in under one minute is wonderful. I had read about the Keurig on a message board and was intrigued by them. I read every review I could find, investigated the different coffee companies that sell the K-cups needed for the machine and decided on the size that would be best for us. I ordered it and the K-cup carousel online with a coupon and it arrived in less than a week. I set it up and made a cup of fresh coffee for myself and it was wonderful. I couldn't wait for Darrel to get home so I could make a cup of coffee for him, too. He loved it and now we experiment with different blends and strengths almost every day.<br />
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On Thanksgiving Day our guests spied our new toy sitting proudly on display on the kitchen counter and we told them just wait and we'll make you a personalized cup of coffee in under a minute. After dinner we asked if anyone would like coffee and their expressions were so cute. Everyone just had to see how this coffee maker operated. I asked them to each choose a coffee, I showed them how it worked and it was so much fun.<br />
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I tell everyone I know that if you are a coffee or tea drinker and want a new machine, Keurig is the way to go.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-12540400892419717732008-11-24T08:15:00.008-06:002008-11-24T12:34:06.171-06:00I Am so ThankfulAs Thanksgiving Day approaches I dwell on things in my life for which I'm so thankful.<br /><br />I'm thankful that I have a personal relationship with my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. To know that my story is part of His plan and I can be an instrument used to His greater glory is so wonderful. Thank you, Jesus, for giving Your life for me.<br /><br />I am thankful for my husband Darrel, my wonderful family, my friends and my sweet little dog, Keeper. All of them keep me grounded, but let me be myself in this journey. I also love it that they allow me to spoil each of them in my own way, mainly with alot of hugs, cooking and laughter.<br /><br />I am thankful that I live in the United States of America, the most wonderful country in the world. To have the freedoms and opportunities that we have is such a blessing. To be able to voice my opinions without fear of imprisonment, to succeed as a woman and to practice my faith in a country where we are encouraged to be ourselves.<br /><br />There are so many things in my life that are blessings and I'm thankful for all of them.<br /><br />Thank you, Lord, for my life, my faith, my family, my friends and most importantly Your love.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-71942853703022314322008-11-21T13:53:00.019-06:002008-11-21T15:22:18.662-06:00My Thanksgiving Menu and Plans<div align="left">This year the guest list includes 26 (and counting) family members. To be honest, this may very well be the largest Thanksgiving crowd I've ever cooked for. I love it, though. Cooking for my family and friends brings me great joy and is something I've done every Thanksgiving since I was 14. I think of it as a gift to my family and they truly appreciate it and look forward to it every year.</div><br /><div align="left">I have completed my menu and have made my grocery list...whew! What a list!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The Menu</div><div align="left">2 Turkeys</div><div align="left">Cornbread Dressing</div><div align="left">Gravy</div><div align="left">Broccoli Casserole</div><div align="left">Sweet Potato Supreme</div><div align="left">Scalloped Corn</div><div align="left">Butter Beans</div><div align="left">Deviled Eggs</div><div align="left">Pear Salad</div><div align="left">Layered Salad</div><div align="left">Olives</div><div align="left">Rolls</div><div align="left">Pumpkin Pie</div><div align="left">Buttermilk Pie</div><div align="left">Brownies</div><div align="left">Cookies</div><div align="left">Flan</div><br /><div align="left">Vivian, Pat's wife, is from Puerto Rico and she will be bringing 2-3 dishes from her native country as well as Flan (we hope she brings Flan).</div><div align="left">I'm going to set up round tables that seat 8 in the living room and in the den. My dining table seats 8 and Ben and Blake like to sit at the bar where all the food (rolls for Ben) will be placed.</div><div align="left">I'll be using hunter green tablecloths as well as harvest gold cloths. We'll use my everyday dishes as well as the yellow cabbage dishes and serving pieces. These colors make a beautiful table.</div><div align="left">I hope Darrel doesn't rake up all the leaves in the yard because I love to see them on Thanksgiving Day!</div><div align="left">I will prepare the casseroles, layered salad, desserts that I'm making and the cornbread for the dressing the day before so I won't have too much to do on Thanksgiving Day. I'll also set the tables and lay out all the serving pieces I'll need.</div><div align="left">On Thanksgiving Day I'll get up at the usual time 4:00 AM, shower and get right to it. I have to make the dressing, bake the turkeys, make tea, deviled eggs, pear salad, gravy and butter beans. It's tradition with me to have Fox News and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on in the background and then listen to (too busy to watch) "It's a Wonderful Life" as I cook that morning. Everyone should start arriving around 12:00 and we'll eat somewhere around 2:00PM (hopefully!).</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036694882361244153.post-12458675484993605862008-08-18T14:19:00.013-05:002008-11-20T10:20:59.729-06:00My Favorite ThingsPeople are always saying it's very enlightening to make a list of your favorite things. It can also be somewhat surprising. When I decided to write down some of my favorite things I thought it would be a short list, but that wasn't the case at all. I'm not a very complex person, what you see is what you get so I will start with a few, but the list continues to grow!<br />So, in no particular order (except for the first 4), here are a few of my favorite things.<br /><br />The Lord, Darrel, my family, my little Keeper, Auburn Football, cheeseburgers, Fall, strawberries, Bichon Frise, wrapping up in blankets, turkey and dressing, reading, cooking, watching old black and white movies, MercyMe, fairness, putt putt golf, Thanksgiving, the beach, children, long walks, Italian food, pink, kindness, starry skies, my sister's artwork, An Affair to Remember, Casting Crowns, candles, my church, jewelry, charity work, vanilla fragrances, shopping, The Eagles, The Shop Around the Corner, chicken salad, socks, Christmas, Third Day, talking, lime green, going to bookstores, coffee, my curly hair, Chris Tomlin, Firefly, James Stewart, fresh sheets, going for long drives in the mountains, Brandon Heath, the laughter of a child, Christmas trees, hugs, decorating my home, dogs, cozy mysteries, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jeremy Camp, cornbread, cruises, Santa Fe soup, laughing, the band Chicago, Myrna Loy, Reese's peanut butter cups, Cary Grant, New Year's Eve with my family and friends, flowers, windchimes, Irene Dunne, vacations, shoes, toast with bacon and strawberry jelly, Amazing Grace, being outside, the American Flag, surprising people with a visit, lists, collecting dishes, Steve Tyrell, yelling WAR EAGLE, hymns, quotes, collecting nice pineapple themed things, lighthouses, Riesling, cookouts, brown, It's a Wonderful Life, Christmas Eve at home, nuts, walks on the beach, cottages, St. Jude, Small Paws Rescue, old friends, magazines, girl talk, Salvador, sunny days, quiet, the smell of peppermint, classic rock.<br />I didn't want to get too deep on my first post, so I kept it simple.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849562786886136772noreply@blogger.com0