tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56010726241384779262024-03-21T09:35:42.844-06:00Going CuckooTake a look before I lose it.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-14511176277993288422012-02-09T17:37:00.000-07:002012-02-09T17:53:47.263-07:00Living with a Puppy means...<br />
Life with Rex is like living in a perpetual revolving door.<br />
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Each day revolves around the following activities:<br />
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Standing outside waiting for puppy to go potty countless times a day and in all kinds of weather!<br />
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Having to step over dog squeaky toys, chew toys, bones and other puppy paraphernalia.<br />
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Lots of play, (remember all that puppy paraphernalia)</div>
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intermixed with a little sleep here and there,<br />
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And the occasional bath.</div>
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No wonder I feel a little dizzy and like I'm not getting anything accomplished.<br />
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All I can say is it's just a good thing he's so cute!<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-14080207589599205142012-02-07T09:59:00.000-07:002012-02-07T10:13:39.860-07:00It's Up to Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am grateful for the lessons even a puppy can teach me.<br />
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We are in the middle of crate training at night. T-Rex is not yet sleeping through the night consistently, and, honestly, it is getting old. I feel like I have a new baby again and I am too old for the sleep deprivation that brings! <br />
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Last night he was up at 1:06 am (yes, I remember the exact moment!). We first thought we could tough it out, ha! He had a Urinary Tract Infection a couple of weeks ago and I was wondering if that was back, so Dave (thank you!) got up and took him outside. Rex went back to his crate<br />
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I didn't hear from him again until 6:12 am. After I took him outside since it was still so dark and cold I decided I wanted to crawl back under my covers. So, I put Rex back to bed. He was not happy about that, but I was determined to exercise some tough, I'll-show-you-who's-in-charge, kind of love. I knew all his needs had been met and he just wanted to play. I stayed in my bed and listened as he complained loudly, hoping to capture anyone's attention. He protested off and on (mostly on) for over an hour before I finally got into the shower so I didn't have to hear him anymore.<br />
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While I was lying in bed trying to ignore his complaints I was reminded of a valuable principle - <b style="font-style: italic;">We do not have control over another's actions, only over our responses. </b>I could not control Rex's complaining (getting him out of the crate was not an option) but I <i>was</i> able to control how I responded to his incessant barking and howling! I was not happy about his actions, but I did not allow my emotions to be taken hostage by a little puppy! What could have been an incredibly bad start to a day (I know, because it has happened before!) was instead an empowering lesson on the capacity I really do have to control my thoughts and thereby my emotions, actions and results - even when the world around me is bidding me do otherwise.<br />
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For all you animal rights activists that might be reading this:<br />
Rex was totally fine when I finally released him from his crate!<br />
Oh, and I do plan on contacting the vet to get her take on whether that UTI could be acting up again.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-55195138047345962952012-01-31T13:19:00.001-07:002012-01-31T13:43:28.959-07:00Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes for 2012A few changes have come into my life already this new year.<br />
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Change #1<br />
I returned home after working full time for the past 5 1/2 years at a local Charter School. It was a good experience, a good environment and I worked with some great people, but it was time to move on. I needed more time to dedicate to my Foot Zoning as I look to graduate from my program early this summer. Dave and I decided the new year was a good time to make the break and focus on this path I have been placed on. I was anxious to finally have some time to myself to re-group and "breathe".<br />
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All this started to become a little more complicated when my son, Travis, introduced me to Change #2:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travis with T-Rex the Goldendoodle</td></tr>
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He had gone with my other son and his wife to look at puppies so Cait could have a companion while Justin is deployed this year. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin and Cait</td></tr>
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They found their sweet puppy Sloane that day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cait holding Sloane</td></tr>
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While they were looking at puppies, T-Rex climbed up into Travis' lap and as they say, the rest is history. Of course, he was encouraged to bring the puppy home by his younger sister, Laura, who promised to help take care of it! Yeah, right!<br />
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Change #3:<br />
I now have two sons deployed with the National Guard. Travis left January 16, 2012.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out for a 14 month deployment</td></tr>
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"Wait," you ask, "I thought he brought a puppy home just a couple of weeks earlier, didn't he know he was deploying?" Oh yes, my dear friends, those are some very good questions which may be the topic of another post another day. Which brings us to the biggest, most life-changing and unforeseen change of all...<br />
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Change #4... I am now the foster parent of an 11-week old goldendoodle puppy named T-Rex.<br />
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There is no doubt about it, T-Rex is an adorable, very smart and basically very good puppy. <br />
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He is snuggly and soft and makes cute puppy noises and he is playful and tries so very hard to please. <br />
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However, he is still very much a PUPPY and it has been a HUGE adjustment. It is like suddenly having a new baby in the house and I am wiped out. <br />
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The title of this blog, Going Cuckoo, is so fitting now! There are times I feel like that's what's happening! I hope to keep the blog up-to-date on both T-Rex's progress as well as mine. I am pleased to report, I have gained back a little of my equilibrium. For a while there my world was spinning out of control! I totally relate to mothers of little children again. I find myself eating because of stress and I am once again fighting the desire to medicate myself with Dr. Pepper! <br />
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Some updates:<br />
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1. Rex had a very bad week two weeks ago. He was like a crazy dog! It got so bad I finally called the vet to see if it could be food related. They invited me to bring Rex in for an exam and we went as much for Rex as for me! I was totally overwhelmed! <br />
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The Vet's findings and recommendations:<br />
- Turns out Rex had a urinary tract infection. They put him on some medicine and he has been like a different puppy ever since.<br />
- Rex has very dry skin and they gave me some medicated shampoo to try to help relieve that.<br />
- Dr. Kara empowered me with some coaching and encouragement on potty and crate training<br />
- Dr. Kara also recommended that I get Rex enrolled in a Doggie Daycare a couple of days a week, to give him some socialization, give our other dog a break as his wrestling partner and personal chew toy and give me some breathing room. <br />
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Happily I can report that things have improved immensely. <br />
I am still overwhelmed. <br />
I still don't feel like I have a solid block of time to do much of anything with. <br />
But, Rex is sweet and I am becoming a doting grandma! <br />
This blog, at least for the next year or so, will chronicle The Good, The Bad and The Goofy times of life with T-Rex the Goldendoodle!<br />
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What changes are you experiencing this year?<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-14790259098406964112011-06-06T05:33:00.005-06:002011-06-06T05:43:39.708-06:00In Loving Memory...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiQzjXF3SzeTmEPC_RNhkEpu4u5Ni6KG7vflrb3IknAcghMuxR6x_iqD4IT3VyWHaWTp6hskLcjr5onWSwxspCEwUR90KblNoK2AAXR7J5dtlQLrI7J-iZjeEwpnQU0HyDP0FJysnAA6r/s1600/3AC3_obitMerrell__C-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiQzjXF3SzeTmEPC_RNhkEpu4u5Ni6KG7vflrb3IknAcghMuxR6x_iqD4IT3VyWHaWTp6hskLcjr5onWSwxspCEwUR90KblNoK2AAXR7J5dtlQLrI7J-iZjeEwpnQU0HyDP0FJysnAA6r/s320/3AC3_obitMerrell__C-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615068962235196642" /></a>
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</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Charles Ammon Merrell</span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none; text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Times; mso-bidi-font-family:Times;font-size:16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">1934-2011<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">“Chuck”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Charles Ammon Merrell (Chuck) left this world April 29, 2011 after an astounding three year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Throughout this experience, he exhibited great courage and a never-failing sense of humor. He has been the rock and foundation of his family for decades. Using his keen vision for the truly important matters of life as well as the knack for humor that characterized his life, he displayed a remarkable ability to calm a crisis with his sunny attitude. Living with Chuck and associating with him was a joy to all who knew him.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Chuck was born Jan. 18, 1934, the eighth child and fifth son of Ernest Leroy Merrell and Verna May Moffett, in Virden, New Mexico. They moved across the Gila River to Duncan, Arizona when he was only a few months old, and he was raised there. He joined the Navy in 1952 and served a four year term of enlistment, serving on the aircraft carrier, USS Midway, as a radioman when she took her world cruise in 1954 and in 1955 when she was part of the 7th Fleet in the Western Pacific. He met Patricia Lee Porter in San Diego, California, and they were married in the Arizona, Mesa Temple, June 4, 1957. They raised their four children, Kathleen Louise (Dave) Boyer, Judith Lynne (Hal) Fitzgerald, Steven Charles (Jeanne) Merrell, and Kent David (Elizabeth) Merrell in Oceanside, California.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Chuck was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He honorably fulfilled many callings in the church, including temple worker in the Bountiful and San Diego Temples, and as Bishop of the Cave Junction, Oregon Ward. He loved to help others. You could always count on him to be there whenever and wherever there was a need. He was released from his last calling only a few days ago when it became apparent that he could no longer serve.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">He is survived by his wife, Patricia, his four children, 22 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and two brothers, Evan (June) and David, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be sorely missed here, but we know he gave a great report on his life and family when he arrived on the other side of the veil. Undoubtedly there was a wonderful family reunion as he re-joined his parents and other family members. We are comforted to know that we will all be re-united at a later date.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">We appreciate all those who have been involved with caring for our husband and Dad. We wish to thank Dr. David Horsley, Dr. Jonathan Whisenant and Dr. Jane MacPherson for the loving care they have given Chuck during his illness. We also want to thank Debbie and the other aides of the Utah Hospice Specialists for their concern and the great service they gave.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, May 5, 2011 in the Bountiful 16th Ward Chapel, 720 E. 550 N. Friends may visit Wed. from 6-8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. and Thurs. from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park, Bountiful. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-54884367393168797262011-04-13T21:31:00.003-06:002011-04-13T21:50:00.087-06:00The Taming of the Screw<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I feel kind of like this egg.</span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pOJ18mMA4tDQ5SeNyX6V4BjHda5AoilDlido3sxaS51YH7ANkoGB2kO7cl7f2oIwHgTtrrzG6NVrJJ_tIwP4BqgM5rvjMB4txcMklNlK06G3wPC_sM9qvGk5m71Gk6hiYGNfZOr5CeLI/s320/UnderPressure.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595277236186624146" /></div><div>
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">It seems kind of ridiculous that I should feel this way.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I'm sure many people who may be observing me from "the outside" feel I am being ridiculous. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
But, the feelings <i>are</i> real. The demands at work are like that screw tightening down against the egg. I am mentally and physically drained. I need to find an effective (and legal!) way to relieve the pressure. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
If not I fear I will truly Go Cuckoo!! :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
Any ideas?</span></div><div>
</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-60675549676926829332011-04-06T13:25:00.007-06:002011-04-06T13:46:53.459-06:00My Wanderlust<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdQwkrUBLzEJyoOsSGQqh-mFZmeoRSxDUWr4lhXDabkBkLC43k_mTHhT-fq5x1-ozRKcI9O3l84bC4H4ST0AREL6VDj1Bwjj7JrWVQ-O_r0AAdaioLTYB-i9FamutVawUet6ShQIJTwyk/s1600/fp_wanderlust_signage04.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdQwkrUBLzEJyoOsSGQqh-mFZmeoRSxDUWr4lhXDabkBkLC43k_mTHhT-fq5x1-ozRKcI9O3l84bC4H4ST0AREL6VDj1Bwjj7JrWVQ-O_r0AAdaioLTYB-i9FamutVawUet6ShQIJTwyk/s400/fp_wanderlust_signage04.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592554768197090578" /></a>
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</div><div><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;border:none; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"><td width="447" colspan="2" valign="top" style="width:447.0pt;border:none; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">image: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">http://foreignpolicydesign.com</span></span></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;line-height: 16pt; "><b><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">wanderlust </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi- font-family:Verdana;font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;"> (</span><span style="font-family:"MS Reference Sans Serif"; mso-bidi-MS Reference Sans Serif";font-family:";font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">ˈ</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi- font-family:Verdana;font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">w</span><span style="font-family:"MS Reference Sans Serif"; mso-bidi-MS Reference Sans Serif";font-family:";font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">ɒ</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi- font-family:Verdana;font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">nd</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-Times New Roman";font-family:";font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">ə</span><span style="font-family:"MS Reference Sans Serif";mso-bidi-MS Reference Sans Serif";font-family:";font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">ˌ</span><span style=" font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">l</span><span style="font-family:"MS Reference Sans Serif";mso-bidi-MS Reference Sans Serif";font-family:";font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">ʌ</span><span style=" font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">st)<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1"><td width="447" colspan="2" valign="top" style="width:447.0pt;border:none; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:2"><td width="447" colspan="2" valign="top" style="width:447.0pt;border:none; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">— <b><i>n</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:3;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"><td width="4" valign="top" style="width:4.0pt;border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right;line-height:16.0pt; mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi- font-family:Verdana;font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width="439" valign="top" style="width:439.0pt;border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;font-size:13.0pt;color:#333333;">a great desire to travel and rove about<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;">
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">It started innocently enough. <br/>
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">My husband and I were planning a weekend away, nothing extravagant, somewhere within driving distance from our home. But, everywhere we considered did not work out for one reason or another. This, combined with a seed of hope regarding a long dreamed of trip to Italy in a couple of years, germinated into a case of wanderlust of monumental proportions!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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Google became my accomplice. We spent countless hours together planning and dreaming of fabulous places across the globe just waiting to be explored. Money & Time, while an integral part of my plans, began to seem like much smaller obstacles under the influence of my wanderlust. Nothing seemed insurmountable in my quest to get anywhere besides “here”.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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And then today, almost as quickly as it came, my wanderlust had subsided. I woke to the sun poking its head through the clouds; the birds singing their happy songs and the creek rushing down its path outside my bedroom window. Honestly, I’m certain the wanderlust is still there, temporarily satisfied by a good nights sleep and a beautiful spring day, but for now at least, I am content with my little spot on this big planet called earth.</span>
</div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-6743082680938480522011-02-07T21:56:00.007-07:002011-02-07T22:15:28.331-07:00From the Rooftops<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAr5gvWFapc5VV4zfIoRQl75DuKKwq6ETERwYRYrjo5Y1mkvgavmUpEZZiW7l4bhkVYyoHma8vM1LV9MP8i0qyZ_eLlMeABGnGSViDkb_qJmVasMKFqTpbmLqvvW8y-dcL5YI0TwHckAQ/s1600/rooftops.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAr5gvWFapc5VV4zfIoRQl75DuKKwq6ETERwYRYrjo5Y1mkvgavmUpEZZiW7l4bhkVYyoHma8vM1LV9MP8i0qyZ_eLlMeABGnGSViDkb_qJmVasMKFqTpbmLqvvW8y-dcL5YI0TwHckAQ/s400/rooftops.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571178472287959330" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I have an incredible urge to scream from a rooftop, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'courier new';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"I HATE WINTER!"</span></b></span></div></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Do you think anyone would hear me? Do you think anyone would care?</span><div>
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I say I would like to do that, but in reality, I really would not want to because...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">1. rooftops are high - I hate heights</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">2. rooftops in the winter are icy and I would be afraid of sliding off the roof</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">3. its probably cold on the roof</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">So, I am screaming (from the warmth of my living room) into cyberspace for the whole world to "hear".. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><b>I HATE WINTER. I HATE THE COLD. I HATE THE ICE. I HATE THE SNOW. I HATE THE DREARY LIGHT. I HATE DRIVING IN THE SNOW AND ICE. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><b>
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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<b>I NEED WARM SUNSHINE, please....</b></span></div></div><div>
<br/><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I WOULD BE A LOT MORE PLEASANT TO BE AROUND WITH A LITTLE WARMTH AND SUNSHINE!</span></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-42310019941134405202011-01-23T16:49:00.011-07:002011-01-23T19:04:22.953-07:00On Leaving Facebook<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Why does my decision to simplify my life and leave Facebook (sort of) make me feel like I am dying.</span>
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</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Scanning my list of "friends" I selected a few to send notes of "Please don't forget me...", dumping all my contact information into the note, hoping to remain friends without our beloved Facebook connection! Some dear friends, lost once and found again through Facebook, I don't want to lose again and so the idea of severing our Facebook relationship is troubling.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">But, really, does merely being listed in my friend registry on Facebook mean we are friends, in the real sense of the word? In some ways we fool ourselves into thinking we are being friends, connected by status updates. Sure, it's nice to have found our long-lost friends, but what do we do with them once we find them; store them neatly in our friend list, and then what?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I have thought about making the break for a long time, but the idea of losing that thread of contact has kept me logging on - even though many of the people I am most worried about losing track of seldom even update their Facebook profiles, much less communicate with me!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I'm ready to start living once again in the real world. I will still have my Facebook account, so if you just can't communicate with me any other way, please send me a friend request and explain your plight - just be sure to include your email address too!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">It is almost like I'm dying, and I guess in the magical realm of cyberdom I am. But, I'm counting on a life after death, we'll see how it goes!</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-71947899793352175512011-01-18T17:34:00.005-07:002011-01-18T18:07:37.302-07:00Help Wanted ~ Seriously, people!<div>
</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_6CtaiG3P0szZYJEL9u12GjZhAtfoW22oQAs4wRuOUHdvoWx6kZEHhV5qQS_ck7yKNS2s1KHYsSNaYIqxn7Tgb9stsVl3ALoT2ZkJMf8LET_Uw20igiwq5kFWCrD4DZPs-WslppY8xKt/s1600/help-wanted.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_6CtaiG3P0szZYJEL9u12GjZhAtfoW22oQAs4wRuOUHdvoWx6kZEHhV5qQS_ck7yKNS2s1KHYsSNaYIqxn7Tgb9stsVl3ALoT2ZkJMf8LET_Uw20igiwq5kFWCrD4DZPs-WslppY8xKt/s400/help-wanted.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563689030163444594" /></a><div>
<br/>
I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
am a 52 year old, happily married female (and mother of six awesome young adult children) looking for help in the following areas:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">1. <b>Fashion</b> - I am looking to re-define my fashion style now that I am getting more seasoned and mature! Can someone help me learn how to use modern trends in subtle ways to keep me up-to-date? I don't want to be left behind, but I also do NOT want to look trendy/trashy (which is what frequently happens when a woman my age tries to adopt modern trends!) I want to look classy, not trashy or frumpy! I need help with color, styles and accessories (jewelry, shoes, etc). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">2. <b>Interior Decorating</b> - I want to find relatively simple techniques to add flair to my surroundings. I can't do any major remodeling, but I want to learn about details I can add to a room to make it "pop"! I want to learn about color, design, patterns, texture, furniture, art and clever accessories I can use to update my home.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I have learned about all of this in the past, but I feel like I am in <b><i>serious</i></b> need of an update!
<br/>
If you know of any blogs or websites that can help me in these areas, please leave me a message with the url. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Thank you!</span></div><div>
</div><div>
</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-52398976871673440142011-01-17T09:55:00.005-07:002011-01-17T10:14:53.770-07:00Something Yummy Looking<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I have a day off, thanks to MLK day. I studied the life of MLK once, and while I really don't respect the choices he made in his personal life, he did do a lot for human rights - plus, he provided me with a day off of work! Thank you MLK.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
Today, in honor of MLK I am celebrating the human spirit and exploring blogs! My kids would say I'm stalking, but I figure if these people didn't want others to read their blogs they 1) would not write them or 2) they would make them private. Anyway.. I am constantly amazed at how creative and gifted so many people are and I'm happy they share their talents with others like me.
<br/>
One blog I stumbled upon this morning is </span><a href="http://bubsiesboutique.blogspot.com/2010/12/yummy-breakfast-casserole-for-new-years.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Bubsies Boutique</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">. It features "handmade gifts for your little one" which I don't have, but the reason I'm sharing the blog is for this delicious sounding recipe she recently posted.
<br/>
<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtEjmVZSLB685l5slAsWwNaTmRdmDX4AU9JVVl1GhQQS7nFy1IfBQNfsifMtqzZOH9H6Q25dxpbmBwBr8AwC0H0aAX2WqxdTANKL704oGwJ_PBxJO9MoXfJSkWTVmzU-DOahpMCQUerB9/s400/DSCN7818.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563201711104637346" />
<br/>
Maybe it's because I'm hungry, but this looks Yummy!</span>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-5868236907929875682011-01-16T17:48:00.005-07:002011-01-16T18:42:58.932-07:00Time with My Man!Yesterday I spent the day with my best friend.<div>
<br/>
<div>Dave and I spent the night of our anniversary at the same hotel we stayed in 28 years ago. </div><div>
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</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimq-RsNx4xDLlYU_yMTyJuU0_2EcscjO7CiEwdo9fI1YcdTVcHCodzdLEpZ_T4L-BlQ_hIfdqI9VzQpWCr6jGjJAnJHfR7MZQy7zE3pRmD72KufY2125g1cKPxudBI8-5NHX0t5mH4wICp/s400/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562959750213811746" /></div><div>
<br/>
We had dinner in the same restaurant <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(sans the wedge salad we had that first night as Mr. & Mrs.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">
</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgF-7UuQYuc0FOs2tYAsxQQLmAw_D-wCSs5MornPYtT-PdW3s2dCgtubJGcP_y52hSO-Hr_qRxI6Bl_qDiKIYLhHSLJOk5ka2v5_AI5pXA-GVwrD24HooZjEtC8BisoypemscRjpkru2M/s400/images-2.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562959755020019698" /></div><div>
<br/>
It was fun to reflect on the past 28 years and the many blessings we have received.
Our six children are at the top of the list. In fact, most of our favorite memories included them.</div><div>
</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br/>
</div><div>We had breakfast the next morning at Lamb's Grill Cafe. They serve a <b>great</b> breakfast. I had a vegetable omelet and hash browns. If you're ever looking for a satisfying breakfast, try Lamb's Cafe on Main St., Salt Lake City.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTl7Jz4BXDxiDPmqVjSsnWlW-OJSHoVHJBT1Kcvd1o79reXqDYFm6sfzxttxwV7CX34ntE_dMVSujbXe91vmbIUKC81acjk5cGxbZ62Dqkwh9GRwNntsyDwJkU_h21-XTVjwrUVqW286_/s400/2246145127_50c55a6145.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562959756426739090" /><div>
<br/>
We headed up to Park City after breakfast. It was great to get out of the depressing inversion that has settled into the Salt Lake Valley. I was glad the weather was relatively mild - I only needed a polar fleece parka as we wandered through the outlet mall in Park City.</div><div>
<br/>
</div><div>After our day in Park City we headed back home. We decided to stop by our favorite Indian restaurant for an early dinner. The restaurant wasn't opened yet, so I popped into the women's clothing store next door to see what I could find.</div><div>
</div><div>I was pleasantly surprised to find a dress for the upcoming wedding of Justin & Cait!! This is a major breakthrough - I have been searching for a dress for weeks. I actually bought two of the same dress. It's a two-piece ensemble (skirt & jacket). They only had it in Petite sizes. The one size fits on top, the other size fits on bottom! Both dresses were on sale and together totaled less than anything else I have found (less than $100). One dress also cost less than a tailor would charge me to alter the larger piece. Everyone thinks I'm crazy, but it's very logical in my mind! I have an acceptable dress to wear to my son's wedding, and that's all that matters!</div><div>
<br/>
</div><div>We then enjoyed a bowl of nice warm soup and some chicken curry at the Indian restaurant next door.</div><div>
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</div><div>We ended the evening at home, comfortable in our own bed, watching An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant. </div><div>
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</div><div>It was a wonderful time with me and my man of 28 years. I feel so blessed.</div><div>
</div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-68735737952232536372011-01-13T20:02:00.006-07:002011-01-13T20:22:47.575-07:00Me & My Man!<div style="text-align: left;">28 years ago tomorrow (January 14, 1983) I was sealed for time and all eternity (married) to my best friend in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a beautiful day, that first day of Mr. & Mrs. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and it wasn't even that cold! </div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br/>
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Where has the time gone? Looking back we can see so far. Looking ahead we can see forever! I love you, Dave. Thanks for loving me all these years. </div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br/>
</div><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRbM-VQEUA_yJA4SFnvpdvaM0bAN872I-1tJ1vhbIAHJvK7O04J5bQv-S6Ggni-6B4dODtV4HB-Mm5-sdXKujnWp2Ix42MD1ddt5nNSBDlyk_7W4EfIuigWvNrkAr-FKI6MNSRPg17y-x/s400/DSCN1327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561872533698721442" />
<br/>
<div>Forever will be so much better having you by my side.
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-34806064787173562542010-12-06T21:12:00.002-07:002010-12-06T21:25:16.263-07:00So, it's been awhile..<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I bet you didn't even notice!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I wish I could say I have been to the gym, repeating my last posting's activities. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">There is not a lot to report on. And, having a very strong suspicion that my blog goes unread is not much of a motivator to come up with things to write about. That is probably why most blogs eventually fall into the oblivion of cyberspace.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I had an awesome Thanksgiving. Just for the record, I must say it was near perfect! I was quite pleased with myself! I didn't get any pictures, but they would not have done justice to the feast! What I loved most was being home from work for one entire week! I loved it! I loved having the kids home and having my almost-daughter-in-law join us. I realized later that there was not much discussion about things we were grateful for. But with 27 people crammed into my home, we were lucky to just be able to get our food and eat. You can read about many things I am grateful for on my other blog </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><a href="http://mamaboyersblog.blogspot.com/">Musings of the Mama B</a>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Just because I have not written does not mean I have not been thinking. I have been thinking a lot, just trying to organize those thoughts into some kind of coherent form!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Looking forward to the Christmas season!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div>
</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-60678816095215460212010-10-18T19:27:00.005-06:002010-10-18T19:48:34.637-06:00Oh Yeah!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Today, I...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Went to Work.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Went to the gym.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Had a great Pilates Reformer workout with Janna.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Decided to stick around for the next class, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">which was...</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF_fmCtHkhZOur8DypGJ1b2UNq10_NgAhvFSMuC_ZpicRRp7f2iFoQ9egRmeunhwzomMe6ujTycfw4cIotU8OcjX4X4q79RBh09My8Us6rmeIQQhb_1NgX7hchD3JgrGssQTNKgulfspq/s320/BodyPumpLogo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529565524736368498" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
We did some of this
</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirdtEiJvFdjcqH0UNDgBP7Q_fu9GAPE7aI19i2PoBH-IB8SQTT8XVjaFWO-MqR-FsOpd_DHTVkcm1paxahuXGATfwku8VTFhX2nXlbu8wNMUTxE5FfBrwpGzLNq93qC3uNBjbYKP0b29F/s1600/bodypump.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirdtEiJvFdjcqH0UNDgBP7Q_fu9GAPE7aI19i2PoBH-IB8SQTT8XVjaFWO-MqR-FsOpd_DHTVkcm1paxahuXGATfwku8VTFhX2nXlbu8wNMUTxE5FfBrwpGzLNq93qC3uNBjbYKP0b29F/s320/bodypump.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529565518247191666" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
And some of that
</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMdyMgao_eaGJkwiM8ERXj4w2uwuIhAGdPR6foUJhkuM0bRK-M1W8pMzqgXmAXtSlb5p_rtS8K6C231VdeBnBVYk2ckX-ApErFZWLFY7yJRTPJ06cQNJUeaIY1akxAUB8KozLs4lhnP9C/s1600/body_pump-cropped.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMdyMgao_eaGJkwiM8ERXj4w2uwuIhAGdPR6foUJhkuM0bRK-M1W8pMzqgXmAXtSlb5p_rtS8K6C231VdeBnBVYk2ckX-ApErFZWLFY7yJRTPJ06cQNJUeaIY1akxAUB8KozLs4lhnP9C/s320/body_pump-cropped.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529565511645013682" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
And, just in case you're wondering... </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I was able to do it all!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Oh yeah, that's what I'm talkin bout! Bring It On!! </span></div><div>
</div><div><div>
</div><div>
</div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-6471942352272982042010-10-16T21:29:00.009-06:002010-10-16T22:24:24.894-06:00Bliss<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new'; ">Sometimes I need to be nudged. Today was one of those days. A few days ago I had planned to spend all Saturday alone with Dave - we hardly see each other anymore and I felt the need to reconnect. But then I couldn't sleep last night, finally pulling myself out of bed late morning, groggy and moving very slowly. I hate waking up late, it throws off my whole day.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
The sun was shining when I woke up (one nice thing about waking up later!)and Dave suggested we go for a bike ride. One part of me thought that sounded like an awesome idea. The other part of me, the lazy part that was experiencing an overdose of inertia, needed convincing.
<br/>
<br/>
Dave and the less-lazy part of me finally prevailed and we eventually found ourselves on a lovely bike trail along the Weber River. </span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaauFx6g1UvFbavv5J7-jU8Hq-ZnbJJIqEcz72ekdFrhUOPWPzP-lp8eiZmhgLGEeD0aq_tzMchG5bLkK87eD6rSjMz6DET_BbzW6yOuVFRjOjO1cWQ9_7D3uUZv3mxMFD4dar8z0HiRQq/s320/weber-parkway-for-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528864020587057298" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
I'm so glad Dave nudged me to get up and get outside. It was total bliss, a perfect combination of pleasant temp, beautiful scenery, lots of sunshine and physical exercise.</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
<br/>
After the bike ride we got a quick sushi snack, did some shopping and went to see Life As We Know It (cute). A very good day after all! Thanks, Dave. I love you.
</span>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-88442530752436361592010-10-16T11:00:00.008-06:002010-10-16T12:33:31.524-06:00Last Night...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Watched Karate Kid for the first time last night. I know it was in the theaters ages ago, but it just got to my movie venue of choice - Redbox. Laura "rented" it with a free code a couple of nights ago, so it will actually cost her a couple of bucks. She didn't even watch it! But I told her she should because it was good! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Sleep evaded me most of the night. I didn't get to bed till very late. I was finally on the brink of sleep about 1:30 am (to all my night owl readers out there, that's late for me!) when I heard the garage door go up (it's attached to the house and very loud, ugh!). Then a few minutes later I heard the garage door go down and realized my son had decided to drive home instead of sleeping here. I started worrying about him driving that far that late and couldn't sleep. (Okay, so he is 25 and getting ready to jump into the pool of matrimony, but I am still his mother!) After tossing and turning for what seemed like FOREVER, Dave started snoring! Exasperated, I got out of bed, took my pillow and a blanket to the couch and finally dozed off. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Today Dave redeemed himself by making me a yummy breakfast. Now we are tossing around a couple of ideas of what to do the rest of the day. Looks like a perfect day for some bicycling - not many of those kind of days left this year, should probably take advantage of the warm sunshine. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Hope your day is a great one!</span></div><div>
</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-24854844634636989702010-09-19T16:50:00.002-06:002010-09-19T20:39:43.457-06:00Coming to Terms...<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Today is my birthday. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I am </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">52</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">You may be tempted to feel sorry for me in my old age. Heaven knows I have! But as I've wrestled with this whole aging thing I have discovered some hidden benefits. I want to share a few with you today, as my birthday gift to you.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">1. I am much more comfortable in my own skin. Getting older has given me the freedom to be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">ME</span></span>. I still like to present myself as best I can, but I have come to terms with who I am and that I don’t need others approval – at least to the degree I did when I was younger.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">2. I think I have mellowed out with age. While others may challenge this, I am very aware of a shift in many of my attitudes. (This will be the topic of a future blog post.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">3. Finally, most people over 40 need reading glasses to see things up close. While this can be a hassle, I have discovered an upside - the worse my eyes get, the less wrinkles I seem to have! It’s all in how you look at things!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I want to discover more joy in this phase of the journey. If you have some to share, please feel free to leave a comment.</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-59973299498671754672010-09-13T22:02:00.002-06:002010-09-13T22:06:48.322-06:00Death by Gym<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I am going to be D.E.A.D tomorrow.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Hopefully not literally, but if you never hear from me again, check the obituaries and know that you were among the first to know.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">But I am going to be D.E.A.D. tomorrow. So dead sore I won't be able to move tomorrow.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I neglected reserving a spot for my Pilates class this afternoon and since no one was signed up this morning the teacher made other plans.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I even went to work today, instead of staying home in bed (which at 6:00am seemed like the best thing to do to try and get better) so I could go to my Pilates class.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">You know it’s that whole responsible thing I seem to have a problem with.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Anyway I decided that if I couldn’t do Pilates I would simply go to the next class that was offered. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">(Did I mention I was going to be D.E.A.D tomorrow?!)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">BodyPump. Sounded fun and good for me. I was even early, anxious to be a part of a new class. I mean, how hard could it be? A little weight-lifting? No problem!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">D.E.A.D.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I knew I was in trouble when, after finishing a series of killer lunges, the teacher had us kneel down on one knee for a grand finale and when I tried to stand up I collapsed in a heap. The girl next me asked if I was okay. “Yes,” I replied, crawling to the corner to try and pull myself up, only to discover that my arms had been transformed into wet spaghetti noodles too. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">D.E.A.D.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">The sad thing is that several of the women who had been in my class felt pumped up enough to stay for the next class – BodyAttack. It was all I could do to drag myself into the locker room!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">D.E.A.D</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">You can leave your condolences, or if you would rather, donations to my bank account would also be appreciated!</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-33032252096640411772010-09-11T16:46:00.011-06:002010-09-11T17:47:42.731-06:00Avete Zumba?<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">A while ago I wrote about my </span><a href="http://gogocuckoo.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-pilates-path-four-years-ago-my.html#comments"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Pilates Path.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> I have found my group class and always feel better after a great workout on the reformer (thanks Janna!).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I have recently discovered a new (for me) awesome workout in </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYigiSs1nv6e9DAZqMbAvUYEo6HUNsAO-kO76wF70A5LkanRJoxQh8bbaRQvHBbHcNwrYgs0KFoH4mMfKa8NT8z99T255ZmhRrYGtQYqFxUDGvecJiggs6bb6osVo9F2s3-ylxHEv_x3S/s320/zumba-_cris_0041.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515793318043338994" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I've known about Zumba for a long time, but I had never experienced it until a couple of weeks ago. I am hooked! It is so fun and such an amazing workout. A girl in today's class was wearing a bodybugg.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNHatoLtTmYEp8kmTmoslGg97_9WPVQYsFHsvpCbWEx6ai3xIcQ7zwBVsny3E1wSkYCBDqrRaKPpA5kFC8AMWHnNTzB3Idz-fyRZaBLNpYsnb-gjCO9cxG8ZVPvYcwpsQx0PD0PcE3DO8/s320/bodybugg_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515794538312600946" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">After our one hour Zumba class, her bodybugg calculated she had burned 800 calories!! And she had fun doing it! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I approached my first Zumba class with a little uneasiness, not sure what to expect or how I would fit in. Any anxiety quickly disappeared as the music was cranked up and we started dancing. Everyone was just there to have fun and we were all so busy trying to keep up with the teacher we didn't have time to think about anything else! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Pilates is an integral part of my fitness regime, and now so is Zumba! You should Zumba too!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">(the time I spend in the steam room afterwards is not too bad either!)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">If you want to know a great place to Zumba, leave a comment with your email and I will get you all the details!</span></div><div>
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</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-71555277144899619122010-09-06T21:18:00.012-06:002010-09-06T22:20:14.567-06:00Labor Days and Brownies<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Today I had a very Lazy Labor Day.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
I slept in until 10:00 am.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I watched more TV today than I have watched in the past six months combined:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Two (or was it three?) episodes of Bones,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">The end of Never Been Kissed,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">and, No Reservations.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
I am in a real funk.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I feel like I am flatlined.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">It hit me today during a commercial for Martha Stewart's TV show how very little creativity I am expressing right now - in any area of my life.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I can't even find something interesting to write about on my blog!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
I'm not depressed, just a little empty. It's kind of like when you make brownies. You have this bowl of rich, creamy chocolate. After you've filled the pan with batter and it's tucked away in the oven, you still have the bowl (and spoon) with chocolate brownie batter on it (because no one ever puts all the brownie batter into the oven, right?!) So, what do you do? Wash it out? No! You lick that bowl and spoon until they are almost clean. And it's always kind of sad when there's no more brownie batter to lick clean! So, there you have it - I feel like a used up bowl of brownie batter! Nice. See what I mean... there's just nothing left!! I need to refill that bowl! But, how?!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
Lest you think my weekend was dreary, fear not!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I did have a very fun time being silly with my girls.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I was happy that I was able to see most of my kids.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I loved being home with Dave, he takes such good care of me.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I was grateful for the time to rest.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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My bowl is actually quite full, isn't it?!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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How do you fill your "bowl"?</span></div><div>
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</div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-24071663119535396922010-08-10T07:23:00.008-06:002010-08-10T07:38:05.999-06:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Evidence of a Mother's Love (?)</span></b></span></span></div>
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<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgm0MX-8H1zT46ax3qEejF7emH_72uTcCsmmyhEn6UjZ1W9YZGYJzCdcheQBna9JtHRulpUErVgbfBIbCvDoNtzCemlpG8irHDg3YCfyvdcs8tLej7A900uaAnvRY3VJ50NHCtFSC4O_Z/s320/SCAN0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503772719938348226" />
<br/><br/>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Saturday I gave one of my college-aged daughters my prized haircut/color appointment I had scheduled for me six weeks ago. I even paid for it.
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I either really love my daughters, or I'm beginning to resort to desperate measures to get these girls hooked up with some handsome men!
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You decide!</span>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-84824843741123508232010-08-08T20:09:00.012-06:002010-08-08T21:39:37.126-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u>
</u></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#330099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>The Yin and The Yang </b></span></span><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#330099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><br/>
</b></span></span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Laura and I had a fun time on Wednesday.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/><br/>
We ended up here and did some shopping.
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</span><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/AVvXsEgdBaquBSamG_vX85vt1nBNZL-8KTrDUYgLkEgurENKRyZS9epoflCFJFGNhgHz9wa8yGqp1UBvok4k7TsfTJfSxlX-xgpVMEPE0-4gnvRMTeSKqUnwjqQjDzxphdvQEwAsPGvlrCYJgQKL/s320/shopping+with+Laura.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503231980496873602" /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><br/><br/>
We had a yummy lunch on the patio at Applebee's.</span>
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</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP52tJOqJ0LHFWJ1loSwNpxFWIxNAHBj-ZgKZ2eUkb2x8RVmas42MPxcrG9cqFvYCYTkiwriHGM4O7y6KI4i_VkfFnbl1_I__X0t4hcfaKxloLfqD1H3l1A4_YrevqefcQgPkZlShTBGaq/s320/lunch+with+laura.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503231990134247362" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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There were rain clouds threatening, but they didn't bother us much. We were enjoying the afternoon too much to be bothered by a little rain.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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</span></div><div><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/AVvXsEiQki2KVQD8ZysrPLgpkgwWKBq6KdMQATofouOwb6oirn0jfRwRh31aA5kVDPr6eFad3F2we1HBVVBGwbUb2F5qwckpymZXqxw1CiTDpc8fnz1d36zwUQTn-342LSgfdIn_rOkwyEzM8UD6/s320/rainclouds+in+salt+lake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503231976319668658" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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When we left it didn't look like stormy weather over our house. But as we continued our drive south and saw storm clouds gathering over the mountains, I became a little worried that I had neglected to give Sophie her sedatives which sort of help her during thunderstorms and fireworks.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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Surely she would do fine until Dave got home a couple of hours later. Right? </span></div><div>
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</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wkDYQ9Ac31QcylxtUfJZZ-XKYwWuibLvo0QdIyHE2M-3lxX8L_G-ljr8IjVvTw6tn1Jg2M5oA8znKdWynco1bJ8kYmI7_6tlUk6z1KMEsvb2Y5sNfzeXjwDH1mNBCmvGVIHZtDLkxSi5/s320/DSCN1337.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503231971458949954" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"
>
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Our fun afternoon was brought to a screeching halt by a simple text message from Dave which included a picture of what he found when he returned home.</span></div><div>
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</div><div><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/AVvXsEhJF0OiEx1qVyooKvRGNhy7BNgH-QDa7F30C2-ySDAkHLDPWBw4KA8ymCDvqlKsea32UladsOVNW5u7W2eNK3gCRzkJCGacDOkh7g24HGZ0XyN7fOBZAbn5CBPAoXKVMVc9Y5stjDamVy20/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503232000116540658" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
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Apparently, the storms were a little more severe over our home less than 15 minutes north of where we spent the afternoon shopping!.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
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Needless to say, the picture kind of dampened my spirits! We finished up where we were at and ran through the rain to the parking garage. Looking back I think we should have stayed at the mall, but all I could think of when I saw the picture was how much it was going to cost to fix, and shopping is not a good thing to do when a huge unexpected expense is looming.
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Sure, the carpet is old and needs to be replaced, but other changes will be made when we change the flooring and we are not in a position to make those changes right now.</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
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</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
A couple of days later Dave came up with a good solution - a carpet repairman. Of course! The carpet is not that damaged (despite what the picture looks like!) We are so fortunate that the rips were straight and not shredded. The repairman will come look at it on Wednesday, hopefully he can fix it. He sounded concerned to tell me the charge would be between 79.00 and 149.00! I wanted to jump through the phone and kiss him! I hope he can fix it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
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</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have recovered from the shock of it all. Sophie is still amongst the living and still in our home. I have even started to talk to her again. I came to an understanding about the whole thing that you can read about on my other blog - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><a href="http://mamaboyersblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/forgive-if-ye-have-ought-against-any.html#comments">The Musings of The Mama B</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">
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</span></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-18181153005856573002010-08-04T08:09:00.011-06:002010-08-04T09:11:44.710-06:00<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Time for a Re-Charge</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">My battery is running low, so I've decided to take a day of vacation and do a little "re-charging"!</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I woke up at the same time I always do, but not having to rush and get ready and out the door was a re-charge.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
<br/>
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I went out to my patio and puttered around the pots holding my "garden" this year. The tomatoes are finally looking good. They were suffering for awhile and being a novice at this whole gardening thing I was at a loss as to what to do! However, thanks to</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57P0Yr53JFvvRP17Jfx-VlafoKqTzk4GZ3tviQj0q_3zNaDPyAh_2785evOgFSBGXPUd8uT7n66tlqPHeNASNW9BBNMI-9VTHL6jW2MMwlm3b_YF3Vd4ltCHITKw9VhPDQGdUtWvyA57r/s200/icon_GoogleSearch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501559319819835090" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I was able to diagnose the problem...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">
</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2vaF9dELizwCmSbCmkdESSfmq_CBud0HPBMtU0uPikLuTtQZbvBlkMyuogKQ_dWnR4L64BjudcZruUYsN-yuSdgARcEZhA9kvvEUOsaEKIpA6js5kXw7uPAGVnFKaoympwS0dR2WMeDr/s200/blossom_end_rot_070706.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501559749957239730" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blossom End Rot</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">and learn what I needed to do to fix it. All at no charge to me!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I have since harvested 2 perfect tomatoes and there are lots of healthy tomatoes growing on the vine! Yippee for me! Thank goodness for Google! Spending the extra time taking care of my garden was a re-charge.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">While I was out on the patio I cleaned it up a bit. Working full-time, I tend to push aside tasks that aren't "urgent" here at home. Getting those things done was a re-charge, too</span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Cleaning my house (even a little bit!) will be a re-charge.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Laura and I are going to do some school clothes/supplies shopping today. I look forward to milling around, lunch out, and just spending time with Laura. That will be a re-charge, and if we can actually find treasures that will be a bonus!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">The day will end here</span></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhsZMnc2EcCmf6Rkmruy-aM4xW4Ag81NK1QLrkY9XJ76CgIIgybMpu-Q7_PvshuVbiA0NuL6PUhmt7JavK-pWRkml7Eo_oSkarjvFb0HVbDxW6CwrCOCWAH3WQWngIuvAhKNsS_E00RVL/s200/3777907962_aa96979774_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501569264313789698" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bountiful Temple</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">at the temple with Laura and the rest of the Young Women in our ward. The best re-charge of all.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I can't think of a better way to spend the day. Can you?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-61670779490456549202010-07-26T20:36:00.004-06:002010-07-26T21:00:40.303-06:00<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">F.H.E.</span></span></b></div><div>
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Our Family Home Evening included a mini Georgia Mudd Blizzard at the local Dairy Queen</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9A8lReRMHxUu9z6dbSFBy3GMeVwGejw1EqG4Tt9XAl5-pCDBydNJvunzl_Y5RpdiRSvwqTPQeRTfNZJ7bwU-04RSjDQayo8iYMGz8ja2-VAQzD1OG1fiJ9COGWHrAo2sXuRZx-sV1tZ-/s1600/DSCN1697.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/AVvXsEhU9A8lReRMHxUu9z6dbSFBy3GMeVwGejw1EqG4Tt9XAl5-pCDBydNJvunzl_Y5RpdiRSvwqTPQeRTfNZJ7bwU-04RSjDQayo8iYMGz8ja2-VAQzD1OG1fiJ9COGWHrAo2sXuRZx-sV1tZ-/s320/DSCN1697.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498411357267641538" /></a>
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">A water show while consuming our confection</span>
</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TqnjmvnVca-62AB1kFkaQONddrw4MHtCpqJhyphenhyphenFAlM46UrC51lqMD4cJWq1Z-3lyrUn61n8BUR5JUz2eddfR6OfaBu2br8U8JSWpE67yqR7PbdVA-suFeR9kCFdxkCh1lIzOZJnn54m1u/s1600/DSCN1695.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TqnjmvnVca-62AB1kFkaQONddrw4MHtCpqJhyphenhyphenFAlM46UrC51lqMD4cJWq1Z-3lyrUn61n8BUR5JUz2eddfR6OfaBu2br8U8JSWpE67yqR7PbdVA-suFeR9kCFdxkCh1lIzOZJnn54m1u/s320/DSCN1695.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498411354497416066" /></a></div><div>
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Lots of lights flashing</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57ZF51EQb9e_W4Te7hkPUp062C6bK7KTL_VNAnGwk9RQUnZjNd2HLW_6cKe_K8eJ10vvju8RQUp11XmH2HPeIIHSzlj7XvWuYX-PldzL055S2xmBTB_eR1x8k3gPecRSe_bAK86lER7Nj/s1600/DSCN1696.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57ZF51EQb9e_W4Te7hkPUp062C6bK7KTL_VNAnGwk9RQUnZjNd2HLW_6cKe_K8eJ10vvju8RQUp11XmH2HPeIIHSzlj7XvWuYX-PldzL055S2xmBTB_eR1x8k3gPecRSe_bAK86lER7Nj/s320/DSCN1696.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498411339302712162" /></a>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGENPLcSinlmySU28x7e050UGpWuH2wPiaw1agbnmKsuen46blVX2xmI-dZDCdieqbLEayTkrBXnwiDQwjKWLc_2EmTUwz9NnjBA_EP-F6E-fgsQJI0rK5Yk-4G2awLy-HaYeldgqOp7zp/s1600/DSCN1699.JPG"></a></div><div>
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Bright red trucks gathering</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGENPLcSinlmySU28x7e050UGpWuH2wPiaw1agbnmKsuen46blVX2xmI-dZDCdieqbLEayTkrBXnwiDQwjKWLc_2EmTUwz9NnjBA_EP-F6E-fgsQJI0rK5Yk-4G2awLy-HaYeldgqOp7zp/s1600/DSCN1699.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGENPLcSinlmySU28x7e050UGpWuH2wPiaw1agbnmKsuen46blVX2xmI-dZDCdieqbLEayTkrBXnwiDQwjKWLc_2EmTUwz9NnjBA_EP-F6E-fgsQJI0rK5Yk-4G2awLy-HaYeldgqOp7zp/s320/DSCN1699.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498411331493484738" /></a></div><div>
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">and men flying above the trees.</span>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIyPuQsfruRmWLvlT0vmJjXp7AD2dnve5yktP8-MOhxwQKJ5AeLegYaq2t13ZVo1ld7QhMpYD71hR-P9abfbgonOGegQV6ZUYQC34i0AS_u3q9CjUEtVnsyrqKincQdmthKlKGqBXiBKX/s1600/DSCN1704.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/AVvXsEgBIyPuQsfruRmWLvlT0vmJjXp7AD2dnve5yktP8-MOhxwQKJ5AeLegYaq2t13ZVo1ld7QhMpYD71hR-P9abfbgonOGegQV6ZUYQC34i0AS_u3q9CjUEtVnsyrqKincQdmthKlKGqBXiBKX/s320/DSCN1704.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498411320208915442" /></a></div><div>
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sadly, a business was destroyed. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hopefully, they were well insured. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Gratefully, no one was injured.</span></span></div><div>
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">How was your evening?</span></div><div>
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</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601072624138477926.post-55711521857111094262010-07-25T20:13:00.009-06:002010-07-25T22:21:39.353-06:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Summertime, and the Livin' is Easy...</span></span></b></span></div><div>
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">That title is kinda catchy, maybe someone should write a song...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I thought I would post some pictures from one of our activities this summer. </span></div><div>
</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWA2Bnjx0g2rZWNCJaGZSJPFcoEb-el9JutdrjgXJ-1KyEWb6CHVJWBl-Qg_8aGTgKzM8uCJIhEXKCpNYA-ehgKIhIzZUeqtMLW_M-uZdvwxCXp4ZIfX_LEOo5rl1UiFiQmY31RpkhNUd/s1600/DSCN1615.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/AVvXsEhKWA2Bnjx0g2rZWNCJaGZSJPFcoEb-el9JutdrjgXJ-1KyEWb6CHVJWBl-Qg_8aGTgKzM8uCJIhEXKCpNYA-ehgKIhIzZUeqtMLW_M-uZdvwxCXp4ZIfX_LEOo5rl1UiFiQmY31RpkhNUd/s320/DSCN1615.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498054644839028754" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">T<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">his may look like a scene from White Christmas, but that there is cottonwood "stuff". </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Makes me itch and sneeze just looking at it.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dave and I discovered this place on one of our bike rides. There is a very nice trail that runs along the river. All of us, including the dogs, enjoyed the river's coolness on a hot summer day.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was a nice outing full of wading...</span>
</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0LddB82O1Oysd7ewzikllR0ZfX7RYwwOKO2Qxj3MpS1JYJX4_vMw6_9K-CZPDlRZ-cUWZb0tG8UEuJptcUTZmK5qFBypFVEdma46oMajVC0dmMZUhNZJv74zai3WtbaQGL0NXtJteHga/s1600/DSCN1538.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0LddB82O1Oysd7ewzikllR0ZfX7RYwwOKO2Qxj3MpS1JYJX4_vMw6_9K-CZPDlRZ-cUWZb0tG8UEuJptcUTZmK5qFBypFVEdma46oMajVC0dmMZUhNZJv74zai3WtbaQGL0NXtJteHga/s320/DSCN1538.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498054634430864082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Melissa with Sophie</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5I238trIy6fa5Uf7M2P5Ubp3GdzXm4-DWPK8t99-tp2x6d5ZGkbJRTiTd74hR7Y-vSumSyNu8zXRUd0fj12bNFzHN8qVyuz14DKVTTSodbRfUrRRRjszdjTvIwZ93U7DTzWDeU55Htqh/s1600/DSCN1543.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/AVvXsEir5I238trIy6fa5Uf7M2P5Ubp3GdzXm4-DWPK8t99-tp2x6d5ZGkbJRTiTd74hR7Y-vSumSyNu8zXRUd0fj12bNFzHN8qVyuz14DKVTTSodbRfUrRRRjszdjTvIwZ93U7DTzWDeU55Htqh/s320/DSCN1543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498054622163045570" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:small;">Melissa, Sophie, Ashley and her dog Riley</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCuSiFKxwK47QVEquj7O0rfLh4GqqyAYj3UAsUWjUm-fPLIkeAnpEstTw-9P4oWJFi5d1VjlHmN1PzfsZ4lX_aHw6bYGgZf2oolrWco78lo52BXuEQHdOTA6mjO4maWof2US9L3h08WIE/s1600/DSCN1558.JPG"></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">and thinking.</span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCuSiFKxwK47QVEquj7O0rfLh4GqqyAYj3UAsUWjUm-fPLIkeAnpEstTw-9P4oWJFi5d1VjlHmN1PzfsZ4lX_aHw6bYGgZf2oolrWco78lo52BXuEQHdOTA6mjO4maWof2US9L3h08WIE/s1600/DSCN1558.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCuSiFKxwK47QVEquj7O0rfLh4GqqyAYj3UAsUWjUm-fPLIkeAnpEstTw-9P4oWJFi5d1VjlHmN1PzfsZ4lX_aHw6bYGgZf2oolrWco78lo52BXuEQHdOTA6mjO4maWof2US9L3h08WIE/s320/DSCN1558.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498054614592815634" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Dave - nice legs!</span></span></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Sunning and smiling...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGSy0jnZUn3vcDahVm7gg1stQlZXf_H0eXvKi0ACSp0EWzoKUe-gMj-bH6fExFBQeAMgNuyXPmUrRbO5B_PBM2Gz0hPSyNdNjEzVjlzxZMj7K1vMBeN6YMiDwGtaqEptb13lD6Ymcq1lJ/s1600/DSCN1593.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/AVvXsEiiGSy0jnZUn3vcDahVm7gg1stQlZXf_H0eXvKi0ACSp0EWzoKUe-gMj-bH6fExFBQeAMgNuyXPmUrRbO5B_PBM2Gz0hPSyNdNjEzVjlzxZMj7K1vMBeN6YMiDwGtaqEptb13lD6Ymcq1lJ/s320/DSCN1593.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498053785270347410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Shelby & Laura</span></span></div>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJHbYC5nHJGcp2sRbBl6VVpsedjadko6jcb1YYvqA1_3Xk603WgyVVVTMzigB3BN4oeax2eVpykfh5262aW0DmYqRYwOCsCKA2szsmvjToT8GArTFpg3FgTv6AWQ3S-Mb31bqdOTsg7Qi/s1600/DSCN1600.JPG"></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">and sleeping...</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJHbYC5nHJGcp2sRbBl6VVpsedjadko6jcb1YYvqA1_3Xk603WgyVVVTMzigB3BN4oeax2eVpykfh5262aW0DmYqRYwOCsCKA2szsmvjToT8GArTFpg3FgTv6AWQ3S-Mb31bqdOTsg7Qi/s1600/DSCN1600.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJHbYC5nHJGcp2sRbBl6VVpsedjadko6jcb1YYvqA1_3Xk603WgyVVVTMzigB3BN4oeax2eVpykfh5262aW0DmYqRYwOCsCKA2szsmvjToT8GArTFpg3FgTv6AWQ3S-Mb31bqdOTsg7Qi/s320/DSCN1600.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498053772004822882" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dave with dogs (Sophie & Riley)</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAt1i_ixc_rzgHPcVfcRXmLhE7WF6FtFGINLA8OWYGOJS2NanskMLHBcBIuudjHtCMT040ackCY0iMbMW8xTrtd5Ggws6GAwrqCQ9URaP7OAz15WzO6AFNxe265K3O43vSciKt75J74s7/s1600/DSCN1609.JPG"></a></div><div>
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">followed by more wading...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAt1i_ixc_rzgHPcVfcRXmLhE7WF6FtFGINLA8OWYGOJS2NanskMLHBcBIuudjHtCMT040ackCY0iMbMW8xTrtd5Ggws6GAwrqCQ9URaP7OAz15WzO6AFNxe265K3O43vSciKt75J74s7/s1600/DSCN1609.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAt1i_ixc_rzgHPcVfcRXmLhE7WF6FtFGINLA8OWYGOJS2NanskMLHBcBIuudjHtCMT040ackCY0iMbMW8xTrtd5Ggws6GAwrqCQ9URaP7OAz15WzO6AFNxe265K3O43vSciKt75J74s7/s320/DSCN1609.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498053762503139298" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">hiking(sort of!)...</span></span>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc8ZVVk9htIcDJDneN1PmBbaSShEBQpvY-zDKC3R9rk10N0OTX0Fim-AewnaXoF2QRueLUujAuzHW_JoRJyRMb7E3WRH0vX3ab53uxxRNYAvwnf0vW0exXCUC6rHOz7xq_iq-5_D6S_3w/s1600/DSCN1610.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc8ZVVk9htIcDJDneN1PmBbaSShEBQpvY-zDKC3R9rk10N0OTX0Fim-AewnaXoF2QRueLUujAuzHW_JoRJyRMb7E3WRH0vX3ab53uxxRNYAvwnf0vW0exXCUC6rHOz7xq_iq-5_D6S_3w/s320/DSCN1610.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498053754642303410" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">and nature.</span>
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBx1HHZNZ8m14-9eI6bxdDOBm9GIK3YbMVOVPNEjckWdpMzkXnLcJ7sYhcG70MuX78Bcyrm4AbHiE1VvkuqOazkojm5bQHSp6IVPxQb0mrnBS1ZmvZpXrsPKWMIQs1yN9_-fsW03fQzpm2/s1600/DSCN1611.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/AVvXsEiBx1HHZNZ8m14-9eI6bxdDOBm9GIK3YbMVOVPNEjckWdpMzkXnLcJ7sYhcG70MuX78Bcyrm4AbHiE1VvkuqOazkojm5bQHSp6IVPxQb0mrnBS1ZmvZpXrsPKWMIQs1yN9_-fsW03fQzpm2/s320/DSCN1611.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498053746484954642" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Isn't this dragonfly awesome? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Dave, Laura and I were returning from exploring the river when all of a sudden we heard screaming and laughing and screaming. What? We got back to our picnic area to find this dragonfly "frozen" on the chair. Nature had gotten a little too up close and personal for my brave daughter's tastes. Poor dragonfly was frozen in fear! After I took the picture I gently lifted it off the chair and it flew away. I can imagine the stories it had to tell as it returned to where ever dragonflies go after a hard day at work!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u>
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</div></div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089870126120180054noreply@blogger.com0