tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67426992024-03-12T20:28:44.973-05:00Naturally Optimistica few ramblings from the mind of an optimistcarrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.comBlogger1882125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-84148807763924981952021-04-19T15:06:00.006-05:002021-04-19T15:14:39.388-05:00I should've done this a year ago....<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mM5docPXv4o/YH3jg8UQtpI/AAAAAAAAUcI/q8mIFJYBwiEVUSyNjWNVu6zSazz6rWLxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/fullsizeoutput_83fd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mM5docPXv4o/YH3jg8UQtpI/AAAAAAAAUcI/q8mIFJYBwiEVUSyNjWNVu6zSazz6rWLxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/fullsizeoutput_83fd.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pandemic game time & conversation (via Zoom)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>Well, we're about 13 months into this pandemic and I should've been back blogging then. I mean, I was home an awful lot. I could've done it. But I didn't. I wrote in my actual journal but that's a crazy mish-mash of stuff. This would've been fun to keep just pandemic stuff. Ah well, live and learn. I'll be ready for the next one (no, no, I won't). </p><p>It's been a year...a year of ups and downs; of being laid off and re-hired; of wondering what to do with my life and starting grad school. We got fish, we got two kittens. What a year. </p><p>Kids have mostly been troopers but there have been some tough days. August went back to hybrid last fall, then everything stopped for a while and went back to 5 days a week in February - hooray! Dahlia finally got to start hybrid in.....February? (I can't remember) and then started back in person 4 days a week...but after her first 4 days she was identified as a "close contact" to someone with Covid so....she's been in quarantine. It officially ends tomorrow but she has no symptoms and has had 2 negative Covid tests. But it's Spring Break....so really she doesn't get to go back until next Monday. *insert eye roll here*</p><p>Steve & I both received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine and I'm so happy! It makes me feel just a little more safe. I'm ready to be around other people (somewhat....). I felt pretty crappy after my 2nd dose (which is very common) but Steve had no side effects so that's very excellent. </p><p>The library branches are open for Library Express service. It's been weird. Different but I'm glad that patrons are back in the building! Hopefully it will pick up (as it's been a little slow, steady but slow). I am so looking forward to the day when we can have all the fun toys and activities out; for programming and storytime to resume! I miss it!<br /></p>carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-33766561749019559502020-03-03T15:04:00.000-06:002020-03-03T15:04:08.537-06:00Penguin Shenanigans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For our 2020 Winter Reading program, there wasn't an overall theme. I decided to create my own theme. And the Penguins took over the library!<br />
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I printed out real-to-life sized photographs of penguins...an Emperor, a Fairy, a Chinstrap and a Galapagos Penguin to be exact. I put them on the walls in one area. My hope was that kids would stand next to them and measure up - and they sure did! It put a smile on my face every time.<br />
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Above each penguin I included some facts. Usually where they lived, what they ate and any quirky stuff about them. It's always great to be able to provide a little learning opportunity along the way.<br />
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We also included penguin voting. I always think it's fun to add a pre-math activity when I can. I made 4 buckets with a photo of each of the aforementioned penguins. Kids (& adults) were able to ask for a "voting token" (ie: a saved bottle cap) at the desk and then put it in the bucket of their choice. It was fun hearing the conversations about which penguin was winning, which one they voted for and the urging of their friends or siblings to vote the same as them! The winner was the FAIRY PENGUIN. That's why he has a crown. Followed by the Emperor, Chinstrap and Galapagos.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sY2HXPFx28/Xl6tFAuOHqI/AAAAAAAATnU/YJVd5cWmhVk_kkEPDJ_WHHAzs9s4rJu6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pens2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sY2HXPFx28/Xl6tFAuOHqI/AAAAAAAATnU/YJVd5cWmhVk_kkEPDJ_WHHAzs9s4rJu6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pens2.jpg" width="240" /></a>In addition to the lifesize penguins we had a penguin themed scavenger hunt. The kiddos had to figure out the answer to the question "How to penguins get around?" (answer: By Icicle - ha! Get it??). I hung little pictures of penguins all over the library with a letter. Once the kids matched up their scavenger hunt sheets with the pictures, they solved the riddle!<br />
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One last activity we did was have cut out penguins available to put their name on at the desk. They could write their names on the tummies or draw a picture and hang it up to join our "Penguin Parade." It turned out really cute and the kids just love having something like that to do! (markers! stickers! wheee!)<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-37102491755114865522019-10-23T19:59:00.003-05:002019-10-23T19:59:21.775-05:00NostalgiaI miss blogging.<br />
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And my blogging community.<br />
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*sigh*<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-41136738970170967432018-10-15T22:18:00.000-05:002018-10-15T22:18:28.562-05:00Whole30 - Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought since I'm trying this Whole30 thing, and I REALLY want to commit to it...I am going to start blogging about it. I am nervous & excited. I have never stuck with anything for 30 days...I don't know why this time is any different, but I need to reset my body. I've had terrible tummy troubles lately and really throughout different periods of my life. I have bad habits. I love cheese. I just want to reset things. <br />
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I'm not saying I'm never going to get another slice of cheese or bowl of yogurt or rice or pasta or drink another diet coke...but I *do* want to give this a fair shake.<br />
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So - Day 1<br />
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Over the weekend I did a fair amount of research on the Whole30, read the rules, made lists, pinned a bunch of recipes to my Whole30 board and yesterday I set off to the grocery store to stock up. Boy did I stock up! Our fridge is packed with fresh veggies, fruits & lean meats. The pantry is stocked with crushed tomatoes, canned pumpkin and Larabars. <br />
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Today was a bit different because Dahlia & I were both feeling under the weather this morning. I had a TERRIBLE allergy attack (hmmmm, will these get better on Whole30??) while AT the grocery store and was sinus-y, dizzy, sore, sweaty - blech, it was super fun. Dahlia's stomach was hurting & she threw up in the night. Lack of sleep and all that sneezing left me in a bad state this AM. So we stayed home to rest & feel better.<br />
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During the late morning, Dahlia came to me & asked if we could make egg fritattas. I love this kid! I said yes of course. We used the recipe she got from a cooking class she took last spring at the Co-Op. We opted for sausage & bacon (hers only) and I did onions, red & orange peppers & spinach in mine. No cheese! Amazing! I made about 18 of them so I'll be able to grab them all week. They were yummy.<br />
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Snack time was harder. I was going to indulge in the almond butter I bought but realized at the last second that it has SUGAR in it. Grrrrrr. I guess I didn't read the label good enough on that one. I was going to eat it anyway but my Whole30 Buddy, Amie, scream texted "DON'T!" and I reluctantly put it back. I'll eat it in a month I guess. So instead I had regular almonds & an apple.<br />
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I spent a good portion of the afternoon (after napping) making Ghee! <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghee" target="_blank">Ghee</a> is a type of clarified butter. Often used in Indian cooking. I followed instructions for using my InstantPot. Boy the house smells really good when you're just melting 1 1/2 lbs of butter. Later it was a bit putsy, but it is delicious! I think I will really enjoy being able to have a little "butter" now & then. Ghee is Whole30 approved because the milk proteins are removed from the butter. <br />
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When August got home from school, we worked on making apple cider. Our neighbor Jim brought hims some apples from their tree a few days ago and he's been really wanting to make cider. We had a sample recently at the Harvest Fest at their school and he's been wanting some ever since. So we sat & peeled apples and chatted. It was very nice. We found one worm. Ick! I put the apples in the crock pot, threw in some OJ, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves (both whole & ground) and started it up. Seriously - between the melted butter and the apples/cinnamon my house smelled AMAZING. <br />
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August kept popping outside so he could come back in and smell the delicious fragrance "fresh" again. I pretty much figured it wouldn't really work as we don't have a press, but we gave it a shot. When we strained it it really just looked like apple sauce. So we tasted it (delicious) and then used the immersion blender to smooth it out a bit. Yum!<br />
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Tonight for dinner I made sausage stuffed squash - so delicious. The filling consists of sausage, onion, celery (me? eating celery? what?) and apples. The recipe calls for Panko & cheese but I left those out as I'm being a good girl. It was very very very good. I will make it again but will add roasted pine nuts at the end. Mmmmmmm. I had some green beans too because I wanted to try the ghee on them. Delish! <br />
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So that was day 1. I didn't cheat. In fact when prepping some noodles for August, I put some in my mouth out of habit and then spit them right back out! I'm a dork. But I didn't cheat. Sparkling water is helping my Diet Coke craving but luckily I didn't get a headache today from lack of caffeine. Whew.<br />
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I have my lunch prepped for tomorrow, my egg fritattas for breakfast, some snacks and a delicious dinner planned for tomorrow night.<br />
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Wish me luck!carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-13290170950611311302017-11-22T12:57:00.002-06:002017-11-22T12:57:41.664-06:00Crafternoon: Yarn Sticks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 'sample' yarn sticks and the calm before the storm.<br /></td></tr>
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I work in a great place. A place of learning. A place of exploration. A place of inspiration & community. It makes me so happy when I get to plan something that brings a little bit of all of those together. One of my favorite most recent forays has been Crafternoons. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 of 3 beautiful sticks a pre-schooler & her mother were working on. They planned on tying them together to make a mobile. This was so pretty. </td></tr>
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Crafternoons is a aft/craft program aimed toward pre-school through elementary aged kiddos. I try to tie projects into a book, a specific artist but sometimes I just follow my gut & go with a project that looks fun & fits my budget (this project was essentially, free). </div>
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We made Yarn Sticks. I didn't know if they would like it. I didn't know if it would capture their imagination and I didn't know if it would hold their attention. But boy did it. Kids & parents alike enjoyed searching through the yarn bin, the beads, the pile of sticks I had collected the night before. I was so impressed & amazed with their beautiful creations. The color combinations, the layering, the use of beads (or not). And the stories the kids came up with...what were they going to DO with their sticks? Where would they display them? And the parents "Why haven't I thought of this before?"</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A student picks just the right beads to finish off her project. </td></tr>
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It was validating & very fun. We had over 70 people at this program! And all with a few collected sticks, some donated yarn from staff & some very hands off guidance from me. I'd call that a win-win. </div>
<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-21828611402172037622017-10-30T16:39:00.002-05:002017-10-30T16:39:39.990-05:00Seasons Are ChangingOh boy - it's been a while.<br />
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I've been thinking about reviving this format for quite some time. And I haven't really been successful in the past, but maybe it's a good time to make a change. A new season arrived (early) the other day (ugh winter - TOO SOON!) and a new month is right around the corner.<br />
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A friend of mine let me know she is deactivating Facebook in the coming days. I think it's a great idea. I think I should do it. I'm sick of it but I am afraid I will NEVER EVER KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN EVERYONE'S LIVES or see cute pictures of their craft projects or get new recipe ideas or or or or or or....<br />
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It's stupid. I feel like a damn addict. I don't NEED Facebook. Facebook has just made me FEEL like I need it and for that I hate it. So should I take a break? Will I be happier (probably)? Will I miss seeing my friends/family/etc's posts? Can I just cut back? Or does it have to be cold turkey? Would I feel better if I posted here more often & had the luxury of just writing whatever's on my mind in a more meaningful way?<br />
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I don't know.<br />
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Seasons change.<br />
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Maybe change is needed.<br />
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We shall see.<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-22137388733586402722015-05-28T23:02:00.001-05:002015-05-28T23:02:46.315-05:00PotluckWell, I guess I'm winning the Eating Lottery this week. Aside from the taquitos incident, this week has been EASY!<br />
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Tonight - potluck/picnic at August's pre-school. His LAST EVENT at Pre-SCHOOL - FOR.EVER. AND EVER. *sigh*<br />
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I digress.<br />
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So the kids had:<br />
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August: some plain crackers, a handful of cheetos, apple juice and a cookie (not homemade - one with all sorts of crap in it).<br />
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Dahlia: some meat balls in marinara (about this I was COMPLETELY SHOCKED!), fruit salad (various melon & one grape), cheetos, crackers, the same "fake" cookie that August had and a brownie with apple juice.<br />
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AY YI YI<br />
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At least EVERY OTHER SINGLE KID THERE was eating the same thing.<br />
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*sigh*<br />
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Okay - tomorrow on the menu plan - MICKEY MOUSE WAFFLES and bacon. Yup. It was Dahlia's turn to pick a meal. So be it.<br />
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We will load up on vitamins & cantaloupe, won't we......carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-70731896781452969382015-05-27T21:42:00.000-05:002015-05-27T21:43:56.205-05:00EatingUgh - been failing at the whole feeding my family well thing since the first post.<br />
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Last night I had a birthday dinner with some girlfriends that I went to. I made the kids some Star Wars Mac & Cheese (I always add a little greek yogurt these days for extra creaminess) and green beans. I'm not sure what Steve ate. I had a delicious bacon-cheeseburger with fries. I don't often eat red meat so when I actually want it, I indulge. It was good.<br />
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Tonight I worked late; I had a soup on the meal plan and it was 80+ degrees all day so in no way did I want to consume, nor make soup. I suggested spinach strawberry salads - that got no one excited, except for me. Steve ended up eating up frozen leftover Chinese (yes, he reported that it tasted as good as that sounds....blech) and the kids had leftover dinner from last night. I never did get around to making that salad....I ate what was left on August's plate after he magically disappeared from the dinner table, and reappeared on the trampoline. Hmmmm....oh and this was AFTER 7pm. Clearly parenting wins all around here tonight!<br />
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(also - THEY'RE STILL AWAKE. It's 9:32 and granted it JUST got dark here but oh my gosh. Sleep already!!!)<br />
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Now it's time for me to make broccoli slaw salad & zucchini brownies for a potluck tomorrow night. That sounds good, doesn't it?<br />
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OOOOOOOH!<br />
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I did have one food BIG TIME success this week. on Sunday I prepared 6 yogurt parfaits - essentially this plain greek yogurt (or vanilla) (actually 3 of mine had "honey" yogurt in them); topped with rolled oats; topped with cinnamon; topped with ground flax; topped with sliced almonds; topped with frozen blueberries; topped with canned pineapple. Let them sit overnight and OH MY GOSH - super yummy. Stir it all together in the AM & walk out the door with your new grab-and-go super healthy breakfast! :) I will be making these again! (also I am particularly proud that I made enough for Steve & I to grab-and-go a few times this week AND that I am using recycled peanut butter jars for this endeavor!<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-11236190020711674152015-05-25T22:35:00.001-05:002015-05-25T23:27:04.318-05:00French Kids Eat Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last autumn a friend of mine posted on Facebook that he was looking for people, parents in particular, who were willing to read Karen Le Billon's books about getting your kids to eat & have a healthy attitude about doing so. Not just to "eat" but to eat things that are GOOD for you; that have layers of tastes & textures. Having a well-rounded palette and not being expected to be catered to.<br />
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Hi, my name is Carrie and I have two small children. ONE who is particularly challenging when it comes to eating anything other than "Creamy Macaroni" or frozen nuggets & fries. *sigh* The other one isn't far from that mark either but at least gives an effort and occasionally finds something new that he loves.<br />
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YES! I want to take this challenge. I want to read these books, implement ideas, try new things, blog about it - perhaps correspond with the author? Sure! Sign me up.<br />
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And then...the holidays.<br />
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And then....randomly, suddenly and unexpectedly we bought a new house.<br />
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And then....we had to move and pack and then unpack and GAH!!!!!!<br />
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And now...<br />
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Now is the time.<br />
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I've read a few articles about getting kids to eat lately - what to DO what not to DO blah blah blah. The internet is basically a place where you can find supporting evidence for whatever side you are on of any specific topic. Crowdsourcing via social media helps sometimes (the online version of a parental support group at times) but I was/am interested in trying some things that WORK by someone who has written, studied and thought a lot about it. Oh and applied it too. That matters.<br />
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I will not deny that I am a "picky" eater. I have issues with texture; my stomach (& tastebuds) don't really care for hot & spicy things; I have never been a huge fan of sauces or dressings. As I have become a parent over the past 7 1/2 years, I realize though that I want to be more adventurous with foods. I want to teach my children to eat a healthy variety of foods. And while I'd love to say - sure that bowl of Doritos being washed down by a Diet Coke (my total addiction - something to work on) is FINE! I know that it is not. I know that food is the answer to so many of the problems in our current society. Food is medicine. Food is life. Food is fun. Food is entertainment. Food is....I could go on and on. I did not eat (& like) a tomato until I was IN MY THIRTIES for crying out loud. I know now that my parents weren't trying to torture me by making me try different foods, but rather they likely wanted me to enjoy them as much as they did! (although the liver thing? I can never get past that...). When our daughter Dahlia was born, I promised my husband that I would not influence her in a negative way about foods. Even if it is green peppers which is clearly the work of satan. Dahlia adores green peppers (much to my chagrin) and I am pretty darn proud of that. I have even eating a few green peppers over the years. Shocking.<br />
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Tonight....ugh....tonight. I have been trying to pepper our weekly meal plans with a variety of foods - different cultures; meat vs. no meat; new recipes or old ones; crock pot, baked or skillet...you get the idea. I want there to be "fall-back on" favorites but I want there to be new stuff too. Plus I work at the library and the lure of cookbooks cannot be denied.<br />
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So, I made Beef and Bean Taquitos tonight! They are from Beth Moncel's "Budget Bytes" - she is also the author of the <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> by the same name. I have been reading her cookbook all weekend and enjoying the idea of eating whole foods while stretching your food budget. In fact there are several recipes from her book on this week's meal plan.<br />
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These taquitos are pretty basic - beef, black beans, a few spices. Corn tortillas, rolled up. Boom. I thought it would be a good "different" sort of fun version of a taco for my kids.<br />
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Wrong.<br />
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First, let me say that I think my kids were drunk on high-fructose-corn-syrup from being at their Grandparents for an overnight last night. Holy crap. Talk about belligerent, small-obnoxious people. Wow. I don't mind the giggling, but the spitting of food, tooting and mouth bubbles get to be a bit much. At the first sign of this behavior I should've just declared it a popcorn and grapes night, popped in a movie and poured myself a glass of wine. BUT NO - I had to cook a new recipe.<br />
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For my money, the recipe was lacking. I would've added some crushed tomatoes in with the meat and some cumin into the spices. Or at least some cheese. Well, whatever. My first time making taquitos. I was proud of myself and I thought they were good (served with fresh lettuce, tomato, cheese & greek yogurt (in place of sour cream)). But August only nibbled the crispy edges and he and Dahlia both ate copious amounts of watermelon.<br />
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When dinner was over (ie: when Steve and I finished) Dahlia asked if she could have a healthy dessert. I informed her that she just ate half a watermelon and was still jacked up on HFCS so she was probably good. Tantrum #1. Of course I AM NOT FAIR AND THIS IS THE WORST NIGHT OF HER LIFE. "Can't I even have yogurt??" No, you licked the bowl clean and didn't even use it on your taquito...I think you're good.<br />
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She stormed off, laid down on the carpet and carried on with a tantrum of epic proportions. I knew she was tired. I knew her system was off after a weekend of Grandparents (3 sets!) and friends. I let her fume. I let Steve go after her. I let her fume some more. I let her beg me for yogurt. I refused.<br />
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I felt sort of terrible, but at the same time....COME ON - eat the food given to you. I will not become a short-order cook. I will not always provide you with a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. I will not bow down to YOU.<br />
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Damn, it was hard.<br />
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We were reading and she kept freaking out about being "....SO HUNGRY I'M GOING TO DIE. I AM NOT GOING TO MAKE IT UNTIL MORNING.....WAAAAAAAAAAAAAH." Huge dramatics. I tried to explain to her that this is it. From now on, you eat (or at least try!) what's given to you. I'm not going to give in to her demands any more. Try try try.....at the very least. I promise to always have something on the table that you love. Something healthy and plentiful.....but you must try!<br />
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I think she was stunned. I think Steve was stunned too...."but what if she is really hungry...?" I said, I'm sure she is but she has to learn to eat what is presented, not what she wants all the time. She's seven for crying out loud!<br />
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Eventually I calmed her enough (lots of cuddling and soothing speech going on) and told her that if she was truly starving in 30 minutes she could come into the kitchen and I would give her something to eat. I knew that she would be asleep in about 30 seconds but she readily agreed.<br />
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That was 2 1/2 hours ago.<br />
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I did it. I stayed strong.<br />
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I don't want to be a jerk about this food thing because I KNOW how horrible it is to be forced into eating something that you truly don't like. I get that some people don't like certain things (ie: me + cilantro - NASTY....or me + the texture of raw onions = vomitous!) and I will not push this to cruelty - but we need to start being ore open minded. (myself included)<br />
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Now, I need to read this book. This is important for my sanity and for our family.<br />
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More culinary adventures tomorrow...oh no, wait. I have dinner plans. Heh. Popcorn and grapes for the kiddos then?<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-3297747814153109442015-01-13T12:38:00.000-06:002015-01-13T12:44:25.222-06:00SHAPES StorytimeWow - I guess I'm not keeping up with my storytime blogs. I will try to do better. I'm considering relocating these posts so I can share them with my Storytime crowd.<br />
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We started by talking about SHAPES just a little bit as a precursor of the Storytime to come. I wanted to let the adults know that SHAPE recognition is very important as an early literacy skill and it is the beginnings of reading. We talked more about it throughout today's Storytime.<br />
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<i>The More We Get Together</i> - song with signs<br />
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<i>Shapes that Roll</i> by Karen Nagel/Illustrations by Steve Wilson <br />
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This book was a lot of fun. We had a great time moving (a little) like the shapes or making them with our hands, talking about all the different shapes on the pages, and guessing some of the more unusual shapes. The bright colors & slight textures of this book make it a really eye-catching fun book to read.<br />
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Next we read <i>The Shape of Things</i> by Dayle Ann Dodds/Illustrated by Julie Lacome. This took basic shapes & turned them into other things. I could see the little wheels turning in their mind as each page revealed something new made by turning or adding different shapes.<br />
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After that book we sang the "Circle Song" - to the tune of <i>Have you Ever Seen a Lassie</i><br />
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Have you ever seen a circle, a circle, a circle?<br />
Have you ever seen a circle, which goes round & round?<br />
It rolls this way and that way, and that way and this way.<br />
Have you ever seen a circle that goes round & round?<br />
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We made arm circles during the first two lines, then rolled our hands to one side & the other for the 3rd line and back to arm circles for the last line. This was a big hit (& so simple!). We sang through it a couple times since it was so short.<br />
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For the first <b>literary aside</b> we talked letter knowledge. We also about the importance of being able to differentiate things (such as shapes - why is a square different from a rectangle different from a circle, etc). Distinguishing "alike" and "different" is a skill that needs to be learned. This helps when young readers begin learning the alphabet and are able to tell a small 'h' apart from a small 'n.' <br />
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Next up was <i>Perfect Square</i> by Michael Hall. I'm just dying to do this book as a craft project, but maybe someday I'll have more room! (I also want to do shape snowmen, shape houses, etc etc etc....) We had some distractions during this one of little ones not staying on the rug but the kids who were listening were really into it. They liked figuring out what the window was becoming and sort of were in awe of all the different things.<br />
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The 2nd literary aside I talked about going on a shape scavenger hunt with their kiddos. Whether it's a walk outside (stop sign, mailbox, sidewalk squares, etc) or in the house (cereal box, windows, books, bowls, picture frames) etc. Trace the shapes in the air with your finger. Shapes are everywhere!<br />
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We did some YOGA today! It was so fun. and I'm wearing yoga pants - BONUS! We made different shapes with our bodies....we did the SQUARE (rag doll pose), the CRESCENT (crescent pose), TRIANGLE (downward facing dog), CIRCLE (flower pose) {imagine yourself seated in a bubble - sphere}. RECTANGLE (plank pose) and the STAR (star pose). This was super fun. Most of the kids really got into this. I enjoyed doing it too. I'd like to incorporate more ways to use our bodies! (credit to <a href="http://missmegsstorytime.com/shapes-yoga-pre-schoolers/" target="_blank">Miss Meg</a> - great website!)<br />
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We read <i>Windblown</i> by Edouard Manceau. I did a flannel board along with this. SUPER easy - just a few shapes. I would then arrange them on the flannel board before showing the picture in the book to see if they could guess what "animal" I had made. You have to use your imagination a little bit on this one! (this would make a fun craft project too!)<br />
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And lastly we read <i>I am Blop</i>! by Herve Tullet. What a FUN book. It's silly & abstract but the kids loved it. I photocopied some pages of the "blank Blops" and let the kids fill them in afterward with patterns, colors, etc. They really enjoyed that.<br />
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The last literary aside was about the first letter in your child's name. We talked about that a bit last week (how that letter is THE MOST important letter in the alphabet). I just asked that they expand on that and continue pointing it out in signs, labels, books, etc. And to talk about what types of shapes make up that letter (for example - a capital A sure looks like a triangle!)<br />
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We closed with <i>If you're Happy and you Know it!</i> which is always popular.<br />
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Overall it was a really great storytime. The kids were into it (even with some distractions) the parents participated and it was fun! The Yoga was my favorite part. We had 46 in attendance.<br />
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<u>The Books </u><br />
<i>Windblown</i> - by Edouard Manceau (with flannel board)<br />
<i>Shapes That Roll</i> - by Karen Nagel/Illustrations by Steve Wilson<br />
<i>Perfect Square</i> - by Michael Hall<br />
<i>I am Blop!</i> - by Herve Tullet<br />
<i>The Shape of Things</i> - by Dayle Ann Dodds/Illustrated by Julie Lacome<br />
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<u>Additional books we didn't get to:</u><br />
<i>Same, Same</i> by Marthe Jocelyn, Tom Slaughter<br />
<i>Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature</i> -by Joyce Sidman/Pictures by Beth Krommes (I love her illustrations!<br />
<i>It looked like Spilt Milk</i> - by Charles Shawcarrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-25703882634989290182014-11-25T12:08:00.003-06:002014-11-25T12:08:59.910-06:00Thanksgiving StorytimeWell, another week has passed and I've only posted about Storytime. Ah well. So it goes.<br />
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This week's storytime's theme was THANKSGIVING. Of course. There are not a lot of books (that we own) about Thanksgiving that aren't SUPER wordy. So picking & choosing things didn't go as easily as I had hoped. I also wanted to do more books about autumn, harvest, etc but with early snow & extremely cold temperatures here this year, that didn't feel right.<br />
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In the end I found a few things that worked, and we had a great time!<br />
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<i>In November</i> by Cynthia Rylant<br />
A great book which is perfect for this chilly, snowy November! Beautiful illustrations, talks about animals, people, the Earth...<i>in</i> November. :)<br />
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Next we did a Turkey Felt Board (idea courtesy of <a href="http://kdr4xmom.blogspot.com/2013/11/thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">Kathryn Roach</a>)<br />
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I cut out a turkey shape (free hand) along with feathers. LOTS of feathers. Since we have a lot of kids at Storytime, I wanted to make sure everyone had a feather in their hands. I used all the different colors that I had on hand. It turned out pretty cute. I wish I would've taken a picture after the kids had put up all their feathers!<br />
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The song is to the tune of <i>Are You Sleeping?</i><br />
<i>Our Poor Turkey</i><br />
<i>Lost his feathers.</i><br />
<i>Let's all help, everyone.</i><br />
<i>Do you have a * (red) one?</i><br />
<i>Come on bring the * (red) one.</i><br />
<i>Oh what fun!</i><br />
<i>Oh what fun!</i><br />
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<i>*</i>change the color each time.<br />
<i> </i><br />
The kids had a great time waiting to put their feathers on the flannel board. It was pretty darn exciting! Thank you Kathryn for this great flannel activity!<br />
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Next we read <i>Look Who's in the Thanksgiving Play!</i> which is a really cute lift-the-flap book and seemed to get the kids settled back down after the excitement of the Turkey flannel!<br />
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<i>Fall Mixed Up</i> was next. Even though we're a month or two behind on this one, the kids enjoyed it an LOVED seeing all the crazy things that are happening in this book. They thought a lot of it was incredibly silly. And it is!<br />
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Next up we did the "Turkey Pokey" - yep, essentially the Hokey Pokey (but not in a circle because we don't have enough room) but using turkey body parts - wings, claws, wattles, beak. The kids really enjoyed this & I heard quite a few adults singing along too! <br />
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We finished up with Tomie dePaola's <i>My First Thanksgiving</i>. A more simple board book which talks about the first Thanksgiving and what we do to celebrate Thanksgiving today. It's always nice to end on a short book!<br />
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Overall it went pretty well. The kids seemed to be interested in the books & were eager & excited to tell me what special plans they had for Thanksgiving Day.<br />
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We had 66 at Storytime today - whew! <br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-75994594728632819622014-11-18T14:42:00.001-06:002014-11-18T14:45:27.885-06:00Colors Storytime<i>I do Storytime every Tuesday at 10:15 at the Mount Royal branch library of the Duluth Public Library system. I enjoy it. I really do. I enjoy reading to the kids (my weekly "performance"), I love putting together themes, activities & songs to go along; I really enjoy creating flannel boards & fun activities to go along with it. </i><br />
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<i>I've decided I'm going to start blogging about my Storytimes as it's a great resource for me down the road. I sometimes forget what worked & how well; what failed; what wasn't worth it and what TOTALLY was. I also lose track of what books/songs/fingerplays I do with what books/themes. </i><br />
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<i>So here ya go. Today's Storytime:</i><br />
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Today our theme was COLORS. A fun Storytime theme and one I've used in the past & will use again in the future.<br />
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Opening song - <b><i>The More We Get Together</i></b><br />
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Early Literacy Aside #1 - We talked about <b>VOCABULARY</b> as today's enhanced storytime element. Vocabulary is my favorite. I love talking about this because it's SO GREAT to learn new words & increase kids language awareness. Plus it's easy. You can read any book & find words that little ones don't know the meanings of. And non-fiction books are SUPER great to use.<br />
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<i><b>Color, Color, Where Are You Color?</b> </i>by Mary Koski<br />
A great book to play "I-Spy" with and talk to the kids about all the objects, plants, animals, etc featured in this book. Excellent for exploring vocabulary!<br />
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<b><i>Dog's Colorful Day</i></b> - by Emma Dodd<br />
I made a quick & simple flannel board to go along with this book yesterday. A little tracing, a little cutting and wham! A super cute flannel that the kids LOVED.<br />
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<b><i>The Great Big Green</i></b> - by Peggy Gifford<br />
Another great book exploring the color green and making it very easy to talk about vocabulary - plants, animals, people, art (ooh! collage!) I did my 2nd Early Literacy Aside right before this: As we read this book, I will stop to point out different animals and to point out words in the book. Factual books are a great way to introduce new words to your children! Reading & talking about new words increase your child's vocabulary. Studies show that the larger a child's vocabulary is when they enter school, the easier it is for them to read. READ READ READ!<br />
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<b><i>Bear Sees Colors</i></b> - by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman<br />
An adorable new "Bear" book. Love these. The kids were great at picking up the idea of the next color by use of the rhyming text! Two birds with one stone! I love rhyming books. And it's great to have the kids shout/guess the next color!<br />
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<b><i>I Dream of an Elephant</i></b> - by Ami Rubinger<br />
Basically the same concept as Bear Sees Colors, but the pictures are so cute & the kids love guessing the colors with the elephants. Orange is my favorite! Kind of a bonus book (didn't really need to do it as we were pushing 30 minutes, but I couldn't resist).<br />
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Early Literacy Aside #3 - Keep in mind that reading books is not the ONLY way to increase your child's vocabulary. You might talk about the ambulance, fire station, ice cream truck, etc etc on a walk to the park. Talk about the different types of birds, talk about the buildings & the signs. Talk at the doctor's office, in the home and when you're out running errands. There is a neverending supply of experiences to enhance your child's vocabulary...and it will pay off in the long run!<br />
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We ended the Storytime with a rousing edition of "If You're Happy & You Know It!"<br />
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58 people in attendance. I thought it was more (we often have 75-85 people!) because they were quite squirelly today. I usually have a "core" group that sits right up front and gets into it...but with that many people it's hard to keep everyone focused (usually the adults!). Somedays are better than others!<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-21246954588510217172014-11-18T14:15:00.001-06:002014-11-18T14:15:15.939-06:00NaBloPoMo '14 FAILYep - I failed. I made it 10 days. Oh well. I kind of feel like I'm blogging in a vacuum or void or something so I know that the only real person I've disappointed is myself. Ah well. I"m going to try to continue blogging more. I really enjoy it as a journal of my own life, if not for connecting with others.<br />
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So, onward.<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-74458294365896281782014-11-10T16:56:00.000-06:002014-11-10T16:57:04.654-06:0010. 10 November<pre>Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald</pre>
<pre>by Gordon Lightfoot </pre>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmLUv38PIvw/VGFCURgi0yI/AAAAAAAAFK4/BeNPGjI5Wvw/s1600/fitzgeraldpic_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmLUv38PIvw/VGFCURgi0yI/AAAAAAAAFK4/BeNPGjI5Wvw/s1600/fitzgeraldpic_sm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Edmund Fitzgerald</td></tr>
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<pre> </pre>
<pre> </pre>
<pre>The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
of the big lake they called "Gitche Gumee."
The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead
when the skies of November turn gloomy.
With a load of iron ore twenty-six thousand tons more
than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty,
that good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
when the "Gales of November" came early.
The ship was the pride of the American side
coming back from some mill in Wisconsin.
As the big freighters go, it was bigger than most
with a crew and good captain well seasoned,
concluding some terms with a couple of steel firms
when they left fully loaded for Cleveland.
And later that night when the ship's bell rang,
could it be the north wind they'd been feelin'?
The wind in the wires made a tattle-tale sound
and a wave broke over the railing.
And ev'ry man knew, as the captain did too
'twas the witch of November come stealin'.
The dawn came late and the breakfast had to wait
when the Gales of November came slashin'.
When afternoon came it was freezin' rain
in the face of a hurricane west wind.
When suppertime came the old cook came on deck sayin'.</pre>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="change"></a><br />
<pre>"Fellas, it's too rough t'feed ya."
At seven P.M. a main hatchway caved in; he said,</pre>
<b>(**2010 lyric change: At 7 p.m., it grew dark, it was then he said,)</b><br />
<pre>"Fellas, it's bin good t'know ya!"
The captain wired in he had water comin' in
and the good ship and crew was in peril.
And later that night when 'is lights went outta sight
came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Does any one know where the love of God goes
when the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
if they'd put fifteen more miles behind 'er.
They might have split up or they might have capsized;
they may have broke deep and took water.
And all that remains is the faces and the names
of the wives and the sons and the daughters.
Lake Huron rolls, Superior sings
in the rooms of her ice-water mansion.
Old Michigan steams like a young man's dreams;
the islands and bays are for sportsmen.
And farther below Lake Ontario
takes in what Lake Erie can send her,
And the iron boats go as the mariners all know
with the Gales of November remembered.
In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed,
in the "Maritime Sailors' Cathedral."
The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times
for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
of the big lake they call "Gitche Gumee."
"Superior," they said, "never gives up her dead
when the gales of November come early!"
</pre>
carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-78359851372897478022014-11-09T22:39:00.001-06:002014-11-09T22:39:32.277-06:009. RealityOkay - so it wasn't "vacation," but it might as well have been. My kids got to hang out with cousins & grandparents, eat popcorn every day, go have fun "Sassy Strawberry" frozen yogurt treats, make craft projects, play with video games (Dahlia is seriously ridiculously good at Wii bowling - what the heck?!?0, get spoiled by grandparents, see Great Grandma (what an excellent 'title'); there were train tracks, board games, super-yummy meals, sleeping over (in Mommy's bed - SHOCKING!), ETC.<br />
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We love going to Grandma & Grandpa's house. We played, created, enjoyed, indulged, etc.<br />
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And then I had to drive home. Bahhhhhhh.<br />
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I absolutely LOVE my parents. And my sister. And her kids (duh, of course my family/kids). We have so much fun. I feel a TAD BIT like I'm a lazy loser as my Mom & Dad prepare food, activities, etc while I 'zone out' and knit or run errands or whatever....but seriously - we all love it.<br />
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If my kids constitute a weekend with grandparents as VACATION? I will take it. Shouldn't we all be so lucky?carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-5949858977689448322014-11-08T22:34:00.000-06:002014-11-09T22:34:50.431-06:008. Canvas & ChardonnayThis is a stupidly, ridiculous, fun time. And the people that came up with it are probably millionaires by now. Give people wine/cider, a canvas, the paint, the painting/inspiration, an instructor & a Friday night to work it all out. GENIUS. We did ours for My Mom's & Aunt's bday's and it was AT the actual vineyard. So much fun....... I could do this once a week. I'm not lying.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ordering beverages</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29xs1oYxu2Q/VGA_KPbgvaI/AAAAAAAAFJk/LhrHxw9DbW0/s1600/IMG_1177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29xs1oYxu2Q/VGA_KPbgvaI/AAAAAAAAFJk/LhrHxw9DbW0/s1600/IMG_1177.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My blank canvas, paint, brushes & my cider (no ACTUAL Chardonnay - lame!)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTD8gAmhWc0/VGA_JoKcfsI/AAAAAAAAFJg/TcmuVUYa8wA/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTD8gAmhWc0/VGA_JoKcfsI/AAAAAAAAFJg/TcmuVUYa8wA/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready-set-go! Blank canvases in front of us.....</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KK6jOhaMy3M/VGA_L5Pc5SI/AAAAAAAAFJw/MH_2hwVVF2c/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KK6jOhaMy3M/VGA_L5Pc5SI/AAAAAAAAFJw/MH_2hwVVF2c/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 2</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u34EZWX7iPM/VGA_OVexH5I/AAAAAAAAFJ4/u2EWrpWZHkM/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u34EZWX7iPM/VGA_OVexH5I/AAAAAAAAFJ4/u2EWrpWZHkM/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serious concentration</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMpy5AvwmCw/VGA_PYYczYI/AAAAAAAAFKA/6DEHtsUjUPs/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMpy5AvwmCw/VGA_PYYczYI/AAAAAAAAFKA/6DEHtsUjUPs/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 3</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dvnUREF7YU/VGA_RN5kXgI/AAAAAAAAFKI/k9Piw6VTUUc/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dvnUREF7YU/VGA_RN5kXgI/AAAAAAAAFKI/k9Piw6VTUUc/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh....Step...whatever....</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf8-IH6FNkA/VGA_UKmmVwI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/1O89VaZc7ZA/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf8-IH6FNkA/VGA_UKmmVwI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/1O89VaZc7ZA/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another step (note, my painting is upside-down...)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSCJiRG0-3k/VGA_ZqQVZfI/AAAAAAAAFKY/K0HAcKvuFL8/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSCJiRG0-3k/VGA_ZqQVZfI/AAAAAAAAFKY/K0HAcKvuFL8/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" height="132" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A weird panoramic of all of our paintings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnuNXv65VD4/VGA_cxdTDcI/AAAAAAAAFKo/i-edcY8nWO8/s1600/IMG_1191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HnuNXv65VD4/VGA_cxdTDcI/AAAAAAAAFKo/i-edcY8nWO8/s1600/IMG_1191.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My latest work of "art."</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I adore how these all look together!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-27913040417688410962014-11-07T11:06:00.001-06:002014-11-07T11:06:30.340-06:007. Christmas City, Wonderful City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Christmas tree is on it's way to it's seasonal home at the MN Power Plaza in Duluth. </div>
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We watched it drive by from work. I could almost smell the pine needles.<br />
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I almost hate to admit it, but I start getting excited this time of year!!</div>
<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-55653339030419162592014-11-06T22:55:00.000-06:002014-11-07T10:59:02.686-06:006. School CarnivalWe had a school carnival at Dahlia's school tonight. It is put on every fall by an education "club" from UMD. A very busy evening of activities & dinner put on by bright-faced, energetic, future teachers. It's a lot of fun. We skipped the dinner (spaghetti) in favor of doing all the activities. Last year we ran out of time. The kids participated in an inter-active "funhouse" (they were training to be clowns - had to stretch, do jumping jacks, hula hoop, jump rope & do crunches); They played charades; they made a bouncy ball at the science table, an optical illusion at the optical illusion table; did some math & spelling & played a "musical chairs" type game featuring different world cultures. They also got to make a cotton candy art project & eat REAL cotton candy (they both like it for about 3 bites & they are done). The made masks & got a free book too.<br />
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It's a little crazy & hectic, but they really had fun so I'm glad we went. I appreciate how many fun family nights that her school has. I know not all the kids have as much access to doing different types of activities & it is very important to foster a good school culture.<br />
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carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-38882024954772999122014-11-05T20:44:00.000-06:002014-11-06T08:46:45.004-06:005. HibernationIt is dark. And cold. And I'm so so tired. Hibernation season is here. A veil has been drawn around our little house & we live inside concentrating on our life in here. And going to bed early. Good night. carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-21261018729967319112014-11-04T18:56:00.001-06:002014-11-04T18:56:32.678-06:004. VotingOf course I voted. I vote in all the elections. Even the primaries. I feel it's important. I read up on candidates (although sometimes not enough - who in the heck are all these judges?!?). I try to come up with my own feelings about whose running - regardless of what party they are affiliated with. I don't watch TV so I've been saved from the bevy of political mud-slinging and search out alternate sources for researching the candidates online. It's not perfect, they're not perfect. I am NOT perfect in my research, but it works for me. I voted for several different parties tonight....I sometimes feel like I'm "wasting" my vote by voting for some of the "littler guys/gals" but at the same time, if enough people step back & look at whose running & what they're running for, maybe things will change. I think a 2-party system is arcane & is not representational of the citizens of our country. I put up my flag this morning, I voted, I took the kids voting & explained a few things to them (about how important it is to make up your own mind, vote who YOU want to, etc etc) and now am going to eat my crock-pot dinner. America!<br />
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oh! And in these election results, it looks like it's a toss up for favorite movie & favorite breakfast cereal....BUT favorite villain was a landslide - Zach from Wild Kratts. Congratulations, Zach!<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-86017976066626660952014-11-03T20:45:00.002-06:002014-11-03T20:45:51.218-06:003. Chester ParkNot my photo...but man, I love calling this space my "backyard." *sigh* I wish summer/autumn could hold on a little longer....<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-19744539240209446852014-11-02T16:36:00.001-06:002014-11-02T16:36:02.269-06:002. OutsideWell, I didn't really take any pics of Steve opening his gifts (<a href="http://hullopillow.com/" target="_blank">Hullo Pillow</a>, Brewhouse t-shirt, wood burning tool) and I am only now making his bday dessert (pumpkin bars) AND we didn't even MAKE IT out for dinner last night....so we're headed to the Brewhouse tonight.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Launching the boats.</td></tr>
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We stopped at "our creek beach" and launched some boats. It was quite hilarious to hear the kids scream in terror as if the boats would be lost forever (the creek is very slow going this time of year...all were rescued). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome husband. </td></tr>
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We did take a lovely hike. Well, mostly lovely. Dahlia crabbed & screamed & whined most of the way until I bribed her with snacks & then she had fun. Oy vey. Heartbreaking when she says she "doesn't like hiking" any more. She's going to be in for a rude awakening when that's what we're going to keep doing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & my little cutie (photo by Dahlia).</td></tr>
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We stopped in the middle of the creek to eat our aforementioned snacks. It was so cold on the rocks but so warm in the sun. Ah autumn. I am happy it was clear & sunny. It makes it that much easier to put off thoughts of winter. I'm just not ready.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of my favorite guys. Love that they match!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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August REALLY wanted to show me the "swimming pools" (had been talking about it for 2 days). Dahlia REALLY wanted to go home...so I hiked on up with August...I don't think he paused for 2 seconds the whole way. All stream-of-consciousness. Sometimes it gets really annoying. But it was really sweet today & perfect. He held my hand and excitedly pointed things out & led the way. Oh my boy. We did find the "swimming pool" and sat & he had round 2 of snacks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August at the "swimming pools."</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August through the culvert. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We collected some wood & bark along the way so we could use the new wood burner eventually. I'm looking forward to Steve getting crafty! As are the kids. :) I hope it likes it.<br />
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Okay - gotta frost the pumpkin bars & get out for dinner! Yum!<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-73287884684353705102014-11-01T13:57:00.000-05:002014-11-01T13:57:02.327-05:001. HalloweenDay one of NaBloPoMo - we'll see how I do this year! Hopefully I will be inspired & committed to posting each day in November. It's always hard but let's do it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DPL Main Library Staff</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Halloween was a lot of fun and a lot of hectic too. Work was good. A lot of us dressed up - especially from Circulation which is always a good time. I was pretty lazy with my costume this year. I couldn't get inspired. I ended up buying a bright orange wig & thought maybe I'd be a scarecrow, but ended up being some kind of "good witch" instead. It worked okay. ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, dorky as usual</td></tr>
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I left work a bit easy to get the kids "early" so we could attempt to eat & get our pumpkins out before going trick-or-treating. It's always such a hectic mess. Trying to get two hyper kids to cooperate sometimes is like herding cats.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiderman & Mike Wazowski</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Our friends Tomas & Angie headed over with their son Milos & we were all off. We didn't stray far from home but hit a lot of houses with front lights on. August was complaining that his bag was TOO HEAVY - oh the woes. They scored a lot of treats, we met a few more neighbors & it was a good time. There was a lot more action in the neighborhood than in previous years. It was cold but clear. It was fun to see so many people out & about. Well,not on OUR street, but down a block. Our block is pretty lame. *sigh*<br />
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After trick-or-treating we headed inside to warm up & view IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN which is tradition. We had yummy popcorn & snuggled on the couch until almost all of us were asleep. ha. Steve ended up carrying a very tired August up to bed & I read about a 1/2 a book to Dahlia before we were both out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pippi Longstocking & Frankenstein's Monster</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I woke up two hours later (grrrr) and Steve had gone to a bonfire at our neighbor Jim & Sally's house. I was so mad that I slept so long! All I wanted to do was end my day & go to bed....which is what I ended up doing. I'm such a party animal these days. :)<br />
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We're celebrating Steve's birthday today since Halloween gets so crazy. More on that tomorrow. :) <br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-474900149062023652014-10-16T08:27:00.003-05:002014-10-16T08:27:53.883-05:00Walking to Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a beautiful fall day to be walking to work. *sigh*<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6742699.post-45466267833720478212014-10-13T07:10:00.000-05:002014-10-13T07:10:01.227-05:00SundayI slept in.<br />
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I could end the post there. But I won't.<br />
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Steve & I went for a hike. The two of us. At a brisk pace. Neither one of us whined, cried or threw a fit. It was quite wonderful.<br />
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We glittered up leaves that we collected & pressed the week before. I love doing such messy crafts with the kiddos outside. Our garbage can is full of lots of sparkles this week! <br />
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And we took in the view from Hawk Ridge (see new banner pic). The sun was starting it's dip into evening so the colors under the canopy were not as bright as they would've been earlier in the day, but that's okay. It was still lovely.<br />
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<br />carrsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577396465027107426noreply@blogger.com0