tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42326578983152059972024-02-20T20:21:35.952-05:00m+m=l : The Ross Family Equationm+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.comBlogger874125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-44891363023704814652017-01-08T20:23:00.000-05:002017-01-08T20:23:41.457-05:00Twenty years ago today<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/kmkK3V" nbsp="" title="Me and Pap pap."><img alt="Me and Pap pap." height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/683/31387803213_571f17f9d8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I lost my grandfather. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">From the moment that we met, he was my person. I spent countless hours sitting on his lap while he read Peanuts comics to me, making me laugh with his silly Snoopy voice. He was the one who miraculously found a Cabbage Patch Kid for me when they were impossible to get. He was always kind and gentle with me, and he never got angry when I would hide his pack of Winstons. (He died of lung cancer, so I had the right idea.). </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I miss his famous handkerchief trick. I miss his Alfred Hitchcock impersonations and his Bing Crosby style crooning. I miss seeing him run around the backyard with sparklers on 4th of July. I miss our Saturday night dinner dates at King's. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">So here's to you Pap Pap.</span></span></span>m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-59627231380255288662017-01-02T10:38:00.001-05:002017-01-02T10:38:23.740-05:00New year, new car.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/31996783636/in/album-72157674852332523/" nbsp="" title="MINI Cooper Clubman All4 - Lens Flare"><img alt="MINI Cooper Clubman All4 - Lens Flare" height="428" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/468/31996783636_843bf2ed3d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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At the end of last year (I feel odd typing that since last year was the day before yesterday), we started kicking around the idea of replacing my MINI Cooper Clubman. Mark had shown me that MINI had just released the new ALL4 model with four wheel drive, which appealed to me because I have to drive to what I refer to as "The Great White North" everyday to work, and during the winter months, the road conditions can vary from dry to "clutching the steering wheel with white knuckles" in just one trip. Plus, I really enjoy the driving experience of my MINI, so the new model seemed a good fit for me. It was also available is a gorgeous burgundy color with this amazing blue leather interior, and since I'm a woman, car color is my primary concern.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/31996796986/in/album-72157674852332523/" nbsp="" title="MINI Cooper Clubman All4 - Bonnet"><img alt="MINI Cooper Clubman All4 - Bonnet" height="428" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/754/31996796986_597fecc14d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />When we went to the dealership, they didn't have the exact color combination that I wanted. Since that was the color combination featured in their marketing of the ALL4, that wasn't a surprise. But as we were browsing the options, it occurred to me that the blue interior would look pretty sharp with a white exterior. So we began the process of custom ordering my car from the factory. It was so fun choosing all the options, even though I didn't know what some of them were or if they would really be any use. Since I use my moon roof frequently in the summer and heated seats in the winter, those were a must, along with the sound system because I like to play music really loud.<br />
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We ordered the car on November 12th. It had to be built at the MINI factory in Oxford England and then shipped by boat to the states. It arrived in Baltimore on December 12th, but then it had to go through customs and inspection by BMW. We finally got the call from the dealership the day after Christmas that it was ready for pickup. Merry Christmas to me!<br />
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For the most part, the controls and instruments are similar to my old Clubman, but some of them are in different places, which will take some getting used to.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/31660699880/in/album-72157674852332523/" nbsp="" title="MINI Cooper Clubman All4 - Headrest"><img alt="MINI Cooper Clubman All4 - Headrest" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/578/31660699880_cd02733cd3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/31194549874/in/album-72157674852332523/" nbsp="" title="MINI Cooper Clubman All4 - Seats"><img alt="MINI Cooper Clubman All4 - Seats" height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/628/31194549874_a855e8360b_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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My favorite part - the blue interior!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/31660680390/in/album-72157674852332523/" nbsp="" title="MINI Cooper Clubman All4 - Dash On"><img alt="MINI Cooper Clubman All4 - Dash On" height="428" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/556/31660680390_c3ddf9f705_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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This is the command center. Just like my old MINI, you can change the interior lights, but there are several more options. I picked my favorite color.<br />
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I think me and this MINI and going to do some beautiful motoring together this year and in the years to come!m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-77335430214056427092016-12-31T13:41:00.002-05:002016-12-31T13:41:39.100-05:00Christmas 2016<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/31857941372/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Christmas morning 2016."><img alt="Christmas morning 2016." height="428" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/536/31857941372_1285c524a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Even though I neglected the last few months, I couldn't let 2016 come to an end without the annual Christmas blog update. Our celebrations were back on track this year by spending Christmas Eve with Mark's family.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/6J5M08" nbsp="" title="Watching Uncle Mark's potato chip."><img alt="Watching Uncle Mark's potato chip." height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/337/31968632216_e95be756ea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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It all started innocently, with my sweet nephew Jacob watching Uncle Mark's potato chip ride the Polar Express.<br />
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But then...tragedy struck!<br />
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Thankfully, through the divine power of Tom Brady, my brother-in-law was miraculously saved from the speeding train.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/w6ge25" nbsp="" title="Rowdy Roddy and Judge Wapner"><img alt="Rowdy Roddy and Judge Wapner" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/632/31968629806_1fc95f8354_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Which was great because otherwise he wouldn't been able to give us these fabulous gifts.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/e84ie7" nbsp="" title="Us with our sodas."><img alt="Us with our sodas." height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/701/31196582743_2eef9a9592_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Rowdy Roddy Piper Bubblegum soda and Judge Wapner Root Beer.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/2UPVn6" nbsp="" title="Pinky's pillow."><img alt="Pinky's pillow." height="428" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/318/31889536601_0cc1bc2415_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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The gift opening continued. Here's Grandma Pinky's pillow.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/G4aZLm" nbsp="" title="Grandpa's birdseed."><img alt="Grandpa's birdseed." height="428" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/392/31858099082_c48696debe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Grandpa Ross got the gift that keeps on giving - a giant bag of bird seed.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/B2228L" nbsp="" title="Beth and Noah."><img alt="Beth and Noah." height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/438/31968726896_fc374891c2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Our nephew Noah got over his shyness just in time for presents.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/344qPT" nbsp="" title="Jacob eating goldfish."><img alt="Jacob eating goldfish." height="428" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/366/31889509381_ba3f03ac80_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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And after the horrific incident with the train and the potato chip, Jacob vowed to stick to goldfish crackers.<br />
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Christmas morning started peaceful with presents piled high under the tree.<br />
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Unfortunately, I couldn't hang my vintage glass ornaments on the white tree this year, for fear that Jinx would destroy them. This fear was not unfounded, as we've had to pull her out of the tree several times. Thankfully, Mark had a brilliant idea to use the stuffed Rudolph and the Misfit toys ornaments that I collected back in 1997 and that have been in storage since. I also added some toy themed ornaments that I found at Target. I really love how it turned out, and might just forego the glass ornaments next year as well.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/16k6qS" nbsp="" title="Christmas Kitties."><img alt="Christmas Kitties." height="428" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/458/32006492085_c88d0ea0e7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Lauren was unwilling to participate in photos on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, so all I have to offer are these sweet kitties laying peacefully together under the tree. That is until...<br />
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CHRISTMAS CAT FIGHT! CHRISTMAS CAT FIGHT!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/890ga1" nbsp="" title="Lauren makes an appearance."><img alt="Lauren makes an appearance." height="428" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/645/31968690556_1da17b318d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Moving on to Christmas evening with my family. Thanks to Pappy, Lauren decides to make an appearance in Christmas 2016.<br />
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Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Craig gave us a generous gift of a helicopter tour around the city of Pittsburgh. Right after, I opened an umbrella in the house. I'll follow up on how that turned out.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/2qL9TP" nbsp="" title="Craig and his nap kit."><img alt="Craig and his nap kit." height="428" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/653/31889447121_83e56c1962_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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This year, we gave Craig a practical gift - his own personalized Emergency Nap Kit.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/3A6061" nbsp="" title="He woke up that way."><img alt="He woke up that way." height="428" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/554/32006450735_73e3a5d875_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" nbsp="" p=""><p>
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He really did wake up that way.<br />
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Pappy and Grandma got a brand new Christmas tree this year, and since they enjoy bird watching, I gave them matching blue jay and cardinal ornaments for their tree.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/o19y7e" nbsp="" title="Grandma and her Echo."><img alt="Grandma and her Echo." height="428" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/560/32006425865_6342f58b9c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Grandma was surprised by her puffer (or pupper as she was calling it) vest and her Amazon Dot. She said it was the best Christmas ever, but mainly because the Steelers beat the Ravens as we were opening presents.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/t16Z06" nbsp="" title="Trump talking pen!"><img alt="Trump talking pen!" height="428" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/626/31857948822_4d62187b46_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Last, but not least, Aunt Phyllis received the best gift of Christmas - the Donald Trump Talking Pen!<br />
You can see the pen in action here:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/__B4jsp2BUU" width="560"></iframe><br />
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All in all, Christmas 2016 was as rich in blessings as President Elect Trump is...rich.m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-78397362537907547302016-10-23T21:12:00.003-04:002016-10-23T21:12:59.859-04:00Meet Miss Jinx.<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's about time that our new kitty, Miss Jinx, was formally introduced. In September, Mr. Pancakes ailment finally caught up with him, and he quietly passed away. That left a vacancy at the Ross Family Inn, and all it took was one visit to the Animal Rescue League before we were filled up again. Now now each dog has a matching cat. </div>
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Unfortunately when we brought her home, we quickly identified that Jinx had an upper respiratory infection that's common to shelter cats. So she had to stay quarantined in our spare bedroom for two weeks. She was so sweet and mild mannered while she was sick, we weren't sure what her true personality was going to be. </div>
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Turns out that she is still sweet and mild mannered, with lots of kitten-y spunk. </div>
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She quickly made herself right at home.</div>
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She loves to look out the window, and seems to be friendly with other people, unlike our introverted Kitty Coconut.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/30189724370/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="It's my turn Kitty Coconut."><img alt="It's my turn Kitty Coconut." height="428" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8628/30189724370_d0c458e513_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Speaking of Kitty Coconut, of course were concerned about how she would receive a younger cat. But after one or two hisses, they moved on and became friends. They eat out of the same bowl, use the same litter box and they WRESTLE. Okay, maybe Coconut doesn't initiate the wrestling, but she does participate, sometimes willingly, sometimes not.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29857334894/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Will someone turn this thing on?"><img alt="Will someone turn this thing on?" height="428" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8637/29857334894_426a373b75_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Coconut is such a good big sister, that she's even shown Jinx the joys of drinking out of the sink faucet.</div>
m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-6774200320892450052016-10-10T20:32:00.002-04:002016-10-10T20:32:42.340-04:00Homecoming 2016<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/8m8KFw" nbsp="" title="Shaler Area Titans football team."><img alt="Shaler Area Titans football team." height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7566/30161261371_0d90b1198a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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As Lauren's band career continues, there are more and more opportunities for her to perform. This year, she has several extra credit concerts that she can choose to participate in, and the first one was this weekend before the homecoming game.<br />
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It was a cool, overcast fall day, but luckily, the rain held off. I wish I could say that our hometown football team, the Shaler Area Titans had some luck, but they are currently 0-7 after the homecoming game.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/1H8BvM" nbsp="" title="Cheerleaders."><img alt="Cheerleaders." height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8128/30161260371_46e98dc0d9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Here are our cheerleaders practicing an impressive lift.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/eU37p9" nbsp="" title="Drum corps."><img alt="Drum corps." height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8746/30212015636_e6a6c8bc05_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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And here comes the drum corp!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/rDS1CS" nbsp="" title="Homecoming."><img alt="Homecoming." height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8140/29950416640_164e40f32f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Off to the left you can see some of our homecoming court.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/3W77X8" nbsp="" title="National Anthem."><img alt="National Anthem." height="360" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8129/30212101216_34b652c750_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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And now, here are the Elementary band students performing the National Anthem with the Shaler Area marching band. Lauren would be off to the right somewhere with the other woodwinds, but unfortunately you can't see her.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/55VFmN" nbsp="" title="Photo Oct 08, 1 14 55 PM"><img alt="Photo Oct 08, 1 14 55 PM" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8549/30161262341_d56069e7f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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But if you look carefully here, you can see her running off the field after the performance (It was the best I could do).<br />
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<br />m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-62389331185785050672016-09-10T20:50:00.000-04:002016-09-10T20:50:02.242-04:00Happy 4th birthday, Cookie!<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29560322106/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Happy 4th birthday, Cookie!"><img alt="Happy 4th birthday, Cookie!" height="428" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8536/29560322106_5d6bc0c2e4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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In honor of her fourth birthday, I have something very special to share today - a rare, never before seen photo of Cookie the day after she came home to live with us. It was taken on December 9th, so she was almost 3 months old to the day. I love how she still has her puppy wrinkles! I never posted it because it wasn't up to my aesthetic standards. I've gotten a lot better at photo processing in the last four years, so now it's passable. Seriously, the difference between this version and the original is like night and day.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28971089053/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Picking out a new toy for her birthday"><img alt="Picking out a new toy for her birthday" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8534/28971089053_8cbd7d5b2d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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For the most part, Cookie spent her birthday like any other day - zooming around the house, napping in her favorite spot on top of the couch pillow and eating the cat's food when no one is watching. But she did get to go to Petco and pick out a new toy. She chose a jack o'lantern!m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-27586795619505576732016-09-05T17:16:00.001-04:002016-09-05T17:41:26.189-04:00A lack of laboring on Labor Day weekend.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29193891580/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Gull hanging out at Beach 7 in Presque Isle State Park."><img alt="Gull hanging out at Beach 7 in Presque Isle State Park." height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8476/29193891580_7a1257833e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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All summer, Mark and I have talked about taking a drive up to Lake Erie, and we managed to squeeze in the trip at the last minute. And when I say last minute, I don't just mean the last weekend of summer. I mean that on the spur of the moment we quickly packed for a day trip and started the two hour drive at about noon yesterday.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29482768155/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Lake Erie."><img alt="Lake Erie." height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8060/29482768155_5d68695aba_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Since we needed to stop for lunch, we arrived at Presque Isle State Park at around 2:30. After finding Beach 6 to be too crowded for our tastes, we settled on Beach 7.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29193883400/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="I saved a chair for you."><img alt="I saved a chair for you." height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8113/29193883400_6ca472d94e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Beach 7 had a fair amount of sunbathers, but there was practically no one in the water.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28858111174/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Photo Sep 04, 3 59 55 PM"><img alt="Photo Sep 04, 3 59 55 PM" height="640" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8660/28858111174_a19b56bbc8_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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The weather was perfect - not too hot, even though there wasn't a cloud to be seen!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28858118324/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="You're not taking my picture."><img alt="You're not taking my picture." height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7474/28858118324_43d2b55731_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29448329896/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Relaxing in Lake Erie."><img alt="Relaxing in Lake Erie." height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8104/29448329896_4de41ecf18_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Lauren is a veteran lake swimmer. She now has four lakes under her belt, with two being Great Lakes.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28858114094/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Swim away."><img alt="Swim away." height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8850/28858114094_5a31f6825a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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She was not thrilled that I kept trying to take her picture.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28858106644/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Waldameer Park."><img alt="Waldameer Park." height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8122/28858106644_e4e84e92e4_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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After we finished swimming, we headed over to Waldameer Park. This was our first time visiting the park together, although given how often my family went to Erie, I'm sure I must have went there when I was too young to remember. It's a such nice a little park. I hope we get a chance to visit it again when we have more time.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29193868970/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="The Ravine Flyer II"><img alt="The Ravine Flyer II" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8168/29193868970_1cd89d929a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" nbsp="" p=""><p>
src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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This is the park's largest coaster, The Ravine Flyer II. Yes, <b><a href="http://annsilverthorn.com/index.php/4265/the-story-of-waldameers-first-ravine-flyer-roller-coaster/"> there was a Ravine Flyer I,</a></b> but it had a short, tragic history. Anyway, if you look closely you can see Mark enjoying his ride in the third car (fifth row), although I use the term "enjoying" loosely based upon his review. Lauren really liked it though.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28858099054/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Playing ring toss."><img alt="Playing ring toss." height="512" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8215/28858099054_bfb2269777_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Waldameer also has an old fashioned midway with games that suck you in, even though you know you have little chance of winning.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29402733721/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Can you find the winner?"><img alt="Can you find the winner?" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8233/29402733721_05bb05b653_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Although we had no luck at the ring toss, the player before us did win a prize. Can you spot the winning ring?m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-10078926664634970792016-09-03T15:02:00.001-04:002016-09-03T15:02:12.113-04:00Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28804504824/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="The Revolutionary City."><img alt="The Revolutionary City." height="425" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8738/28804504824_854ebb497f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the end of June, we visited Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens in Virginia. Originally, we had planned to go to Chincoteague Island, which is also in Virginia. Mark had mentioned to me that he was interested in seeing Colonial Williamsburg, so at the last minute, I checked into it and found that it was the much, much less expensive option. Lauren also preferred the idea of going to a big amusement park rather than the beach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29320401932/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Colonial Williamsburg home."><img alt="Colonial Williamsburg home." height="425" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8489/29320401932_cb1c263c02_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Colonial Williamsburg was not what I expected at all. I thought it would be more touristy, a place where you paid admission to enter through a gate and then spent the day in a crowded confined area where costumed performers walk around and speak in the King's English. It is that, but it's also an actual neighborhood where people live. You can walk around it for free anytime of day, like you would your own neighborhood. Granted, with the exception of the colonial themed shops and restaurants, the most of the buildings are closed and the majority of costumed performers head home around dinnertime. So although we didn't go the paid admission route that gets you access to tour the buildings, we really enjoyed the town during the evening hours when we could take our time exploring and also avoid both the crowds and the heat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28804543954/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="The DoG."><img alt="The DoG." height="425" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8326/28804543954_d986b45dd2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Duke of Gloucester Street, or the DoG, is the main street in Colonial Williamsburg. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29320412172/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Walking down Duke of Gloucester Street."><img alt="Walking down Duke of Gloucester Street." height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8630/29320412172_7f8b5ccc24_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At one end, is William and Mary, which is the second oldest college in America after Harvard. Across the street from the original school building is Merchant's Square, which has nice gift shops and restaurants. After you walk a couple of blocks past the modern buildings of Merchant's Square, you're in The Revolutionary City. It's pretty neat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, you can also access the historical area through the official Visitor's Center. From there, you walk across a bridge that connects you to a long pathway that eventually leads into the Revolutionary City. It's much more moving to enter this way, because there are <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">plaques along the Footbridge to the Past that</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #090909; line-height: 19.5px;"> are a reverse timeline from the present to the eighteenth century. On the return journey, you're reminded of significant individuals and their contributions to the growth and development of American democracy and society. It really gives you a sense of how far our country has come.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29348893341/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Hanging out on the DoG."><img alt="Hanging out on the DoG." height="640" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8249/29348893341_b187998abc_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's Lauren sitting on the stoop of one of the buildings on DoG Street.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29140280120/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Colonial market booth."><img alt="Colonial market booth." height="425" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8481/29140280120_2fb128cf98_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are plenty of places to buy colonial themed souvenirs, in both open air markets like this one as well as mercantile shops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29348886351/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Inside the Greenhow Store"><img alt="Inside the Greenhow Store" height="640" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8808/29348886351_3b0392f9a5_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was taken inside the Greenhow Store. John Greenhow was a famous merchant who owned a store on DoG street. He's quoted as saying, <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; margin-top: 0px;">“If I do not offer it, you do not need it.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29320423792/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Counting sheep."><img alt="Counting sheep." height="425" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8008/29320423792_dbd00e3f5a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Adding to the authenticity, there are livestock throughout the town. In addition to these sheep, we also saw some cattle, but we didn't get see the resident chickens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29320404682/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="St. George Tucker House."><img alt="St. George Tucker House." height="425" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8021/29320404682_8e3b9bfd2e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are more than 500 buildings in the Revolutionary City, and admittedly, I took photos of a good bit of them. The George Tucker House was one of my favorites. It houses receptions held by the Williamsburg Foundation for the various donor societies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29320403672/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Please don't climb on the tree."><img alt="Please don't climb on the tree." height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8275/29320403672_33e1162444_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Located across from the George Tucker House is a renowned Compton Oak tree. Note the sign behind Lauren says, "Please no climbing."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29320407392/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="The Governor's Palace at Dusk."><img alt="The Governor's Palace at Dusk." height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8293/29320407392_527b104d1c_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the Governor's Palace, which is Colonial Williamsburg's most famous building. It's said to be very impressive on the inside, so hopefully we will visit there again and take a tour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29394287116/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="England."><img alt="England." height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8178/29394287116_e4c18e439a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While we weren't walking the streets of the past, we were walking the streets of Europe at Busch Gardens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28804562854/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Flower baskets."><img alt="Flower baskets." height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8447/28804562854_a5e1d0df9b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's easy to see why it's been voted "The World's Most Beautiful Theme Park" every year for the last 26 years. These flower baskets were hanging on a concession stand. And if the concession stands look this pretty, the rest of the place must be amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29428446145/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="France."><img alt="France." height="640" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8780/29428446145_e2d9b85e8c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28804498734/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Germany."><img alt="Germany." height="640" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8472/28804498734_45798cb079_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">See what I mean?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28806912703/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Mural in New France."><img alt="Mural in New France." height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8458/28806912703_bb3133dd91_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wolves are Lauren's favorite animals, so I had her pose in front of this mural in New France.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29394279806/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Bridge over the Rhine River."><img alt="Bridge over the Rhine River." height="640" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8115/29394279806_b1a220c9d4_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This bridge is over the Rhine River, which connects the Scotland and Germany areas of the park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29428450455/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Lochness Monster!"><img alt="Lochness Monster!" height="640" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8146/29428450455_ef971460fd_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I fondly remember the commercials for Busch Gardens, then known as The Old Country, from when I was growing up. Back then, there was no ride more frightening than the Lochness Monster. I've always wanted to ride it, and on this trip, I finally realized my childhood dream - three times! And if Lauren had her way, there would have been a fourth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29428443735/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Escape from Pompeii in Italy."><img alt="Escape from Pompeii in Italy." height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8744/29428443735_a808443065_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of forth, Lauren was able to successfully convince Mark to ride "Escape from Pompeii" four times. If you look closely, you can see them in the middle row.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28804440614/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="The Cherry Blossom."><img alt="The Cherry Blossom." height="425" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8487/28804440614_52061179f9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the way back, we spent the night in Alexandria, so here are a couple bonus photos. This the Cherry Blossom, a paddleboat that's owned by the Potomac Riverboat Company.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29348825191/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Posing in front of Gadsby's Tavern once again."><img alt="Posing in front of Gadsby's Tavern once again." height="640" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8532/29348825191_e0a93e340f_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly, Mark had the brilliant idea of re-creating a photo that we had taken when we first visited Alexandria in 2008 when Lauren was just three years old. She's sitting on the steps of Gadsby's Tavern.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/2798797296/in/photolist-5gjyVN-8pvu8c-5nD2Mb-5WwuwU-7RxCJ8-cg4yx7-6ex8xA-ji6hc6-bL8kYD-5Wwxcj-5oC6vc-bBxXF3-7RxCKP-bE6cPW-bQsD1x-jp1bjR-hJRa2o-638nVY-bpFLv7-iPBbBQ-bq3gsx-9j8oKg-ag8fwA-8YAUn6-awhhUb-7RxCMT-9FFufq-x8V1J1-5DX3Nn-aRvSF4-a8RVtw-7B5f7B-8yKYjG-4Qeq2F-6esYXX-6sFwXV-pSobZ3-hBQXsA-naSSKf-7RATyj-55G3rs-87pDVo-9oy4PE-afoi98-hBQNJ2-RjCnz-4QZGgd-bCAHpV-7faAPF-nspFQf" nbsp="" title="Gadsby's Tavern."><img alt="Gadsby's Tavern." height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3186/2798797296_66dc2d24f1_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And here's the original.</span></div>
m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-64501795823987858032016-09-03T12:07:00.004-04:002016-09-03T12:07:57.611-04:00A pontoon afternoon.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28847648750/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Pontoon boats in a row."><img alt="Pontoon boats in a row." height="425" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8778/28847648750_0ac8af24dc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Summer comes to an end multiple times for me. First, summer ends when kids go back to school. Then summer ends again after Labor Day weekend. That's when I retire my white pants and my white purse for another year. However, according to the calendar, summer is really officially done for on the autumnal equinox. Since everyone seems to be obsessed with pumpkin everything already, I'll go with the majority and declare that summer is coming to an end this weekend. So it's probably about time I share the last of our summer adventures, including our vacation photos.<br />
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But first I want to write about one of the fun things we discovered this summer, which was renting a pontoon boat and taking it out on Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28516090433/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Getting ready to sail."><img alt="Getting ready to sail." height="640" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8224/28516090433_e7a4619a68_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Lauren will be happy once she turns 13 and is no longer required to wear a life jacket.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29102043476/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Aye aye, captain."><img alt="Aye aye, captain." height="425" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8532/29102043476_1714df3d1a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Even though it's a little bit a against the rules, Mark likes to sit back and let Lauren take the wheel.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29134641005/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Cruising along."><img alt="Cruising along." height="640" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7575/29134641005_6c060cdf76_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Even though the weather was gorgeous, the lake was fairly deserted when these photos were taken because it was a weekday.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29134648705/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Hanging out on the pontoon."><img alt="Hanging out on the pontoon." height="425" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8406/29134648705_148128efc9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29134644245/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Lake Arthur."><img alt="Lake Arthur." height="640" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8399/29134644245_e57c3898cd_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-84757078772586995892016-08-26T20:58:00.000-04:002016-08-26T20:58:35.540-04:00Happy National Dog Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29220202666/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Happy National Dog Day from Marcus Aurelius!"><img alt="Happy National Dog Day from Marcus Aurelius!" height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8110/29220202666_c3640d4620_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Since we celebrated International Cat Day, it's only fair that we take part in National Dog Day!</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28631246224/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="You are gonna give a treat for this, right?"><img alt="You are gonna give a treat for this, right?" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8254/28631246224_2f583c74ce_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Am I going to get a treat for doing this?</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29220208636/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Mr. Personality."><img alt="Mr. Personality." height="428" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8769/29220208636_81ff98f6fc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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I *am* going to get a treat for this!</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29254489635/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Fuzzy fur feet."><img alt="Fuzzy fur feet." height="428" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8149/29254489635_c0250d799b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Fuzzy fur feet!</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29254496235/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Happy National Dog Day from Cookie!"><img alt="Happy National Dog Day from Cookie!" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8067/29254496235_1163808831_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Since Cookie was less than enthused about partaking in National Dog Day, I was only able to get one good photo of her. She acts more like a cat, so maybe I caught her on the wrong day.</div>
m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-22232114169234668682016-08-25T20:02:00.000-04:002016-08-25T20:02:09.287-04:00Six things about the first day of 6th grade.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/W4gd81" nbsp="" title="Off to 6th grade!"><img alt="Off to 6th grade!" height="640" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8348/29124222102_49580d9086_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<li>Woke up around 6:30.</li>
<li>Packed a lunch made up of a ham and cheese sandwich, Combos and yogurt.</li>
<li>First year with a male homeroom teacher. Don't know much about him yet accept that he wore a Taco Bell hat to school one day last year. That's how you make an impression with elementary kids.</li>
<li>Found out that she really needs 3 small cheap binders instead of the huge expensive one that we purchased (The school supplies list that we consulted list did not specify)</li>
<li>Friends are present and accounted for in each class</li>
<li>Afternoon bus drop-off was actually early and accurate. In other words, the bus driver didn't drive past her stop, and she wasn't the last kid on the bus for once.</li>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/320Qq8" nbsp="" title="Must check on the fish first."><img alt="Must check on the fish first." height="640" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8057/28944383270_737dd4c167_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-31708208662240883292016-08-22T19:27:00.000-04:002016-08-22T19:27:56.140-04:00Treasure hunting.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29032641182/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Howdy."><img alt="Howdy." height="425" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8499/29032641182_19803e2091_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Last Thursday, we visited <b><a href="http://www.ltanimalpark.com/">Living Treasures Animal Park</a> </b>for the first time. They have two locations - one in the Laurel Highlands and the one that we visited, which is in Moraine. I've seen their billboards over and over again as we've traveled the PA turnpike in both directions, but I never considered actually going there, even after we had Lauren. I guess I thought it was just a cheesy little roadside attraction, but it wasn't that at all, far from it! In fact, I'd even say it was much better than most of the zoos that we've visited!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29137530945/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="DSCF3954"><img alt="DSCF3954" height="425" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8799/29137530945_25516e3e96_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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What makes it so special is that you can actually feed and directly interact with most of the animals. You can't tell from this photo, but this pen is filled with a variety of hungry deer. They move from one person to the next in hopes that you'll give them a treat. The park provides bags of carrots and feed that you can purchase as you come through the gate. There are also vending machines throughout the park that contain speciality feed.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28850457970/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Hanging around."><img alt="Hanging around." height="425" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8090/28850457970_e67e68e262_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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For example, this gibbon was really hoping I was going lend him a quarter so he could get something out of the "monkey ball" machine.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29032335982/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Chilean flamingos."><img alt="Chilean flamingos." height="425" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8362/29032335982_7555d4849e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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When you enter the park, you're greeted by a pond filled with flamingos. I've seen a lot of flamingos before, but I never noticed that they have pink feet! I guess because I've never been close enough to get a good look at them.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29032352942/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Feeding the Scottish Highlander."><img alt="Feeding the Scottish Highlander." height="425" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8116/29032352942_e4d05cb712_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Here's Mark demonstrating the proper form for feeding a Scottish Highlander.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29104862516/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="So sleepy leopard."><img alt="So sleepy leopard." height="425" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8380/29104862516_1c4eee4e09_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Now obviously you can't interact with the wild cats. There's no amount of insurance to cover that kind of liability.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28519193083/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="White Bengal Tiger."><img alt="White Bengal Tiger." height="425" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8693/28519193083_c3c2dff2b6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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This white tiger's name is Peppermint. He had a Bengal tiger friend named Kit Kat who passed away this January.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28515828074/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="I can almost taste it!"><img alt="I can almost taste it!" height="425" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7629/28515828074_18b54ede3a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Of all the animals that you can feed, the highlight of the whole park has to be the giraffes. Check out that weird tongue!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28515831994/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Tasty lettuce."><img alt="Tasty lettuce." height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8319/28515831994_cd089a5dc7_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28850499680/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="She ate it!"><img alt="She ate it!" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8080/28850499680_b1e0af5fd7_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28850503870/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Gentle giant."><img alt="Gentle giant." height="640" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8162/28850503870_1d6360731f_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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It's just like patting dad on the head. He's almost as tall!</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28515822824/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Goat love."><img alt="Goat love." height="425" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8076/28515822824_0f247ce323_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></span></div>
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They have a large fenced in area just brimming with goats.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28515845064/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="The mob."><img alt="The mob." height="425" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8452/28515845064_ebefc816f1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Remember that time when Mark was overtaken by baby goats? Yep, it was awesome.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29104879486/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Can we keep her?"><img alt="Can we keep her?" height="425" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8402/29104879486_d08c68f21b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Here's Lauren with her favorite little goat of the bunch.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28515851864/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Is there anything cuter?"><img alt="Is there anything cuter?" height="425" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8511/28515851864_4218731cde_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Even though she was only partially white, I'd definitely consider her for membership into my white pet club because she was just too cute.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29104887776/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Kangaroos are sleepy even when they eat."><img alt="Kangaroos are sleepy even when they eat." height="425" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8490/29104887776_5c62da850a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Next was the kangaroos. The one thing that I learned about kangaroos is that they are very sleepy animals. Even as Lauren was feeding them carrots, they looked extremely drowsy.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29133108136/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Holding a baby kangaroo? WINNING."><img alt="Holding a baby kangaroo? WINNING." height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8136/29133108136_5bbf143586_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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And holding a baby kangaroo? WINNING! Again, this joey was so very sleepy - he could barely hold his eyes open for the photo! The babies are kept inside their fabric sacks which are actually hung along the wall of the photo booth. They seem pretty content to literally hang out inside their purses, but if I was a baby kangaroo, I'd request the Kate Spade version.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28519174173/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Blondie."><img alt="Blondie." height="425" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8135/28519174173_bbb5016646_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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If I had a favorite buffalo, it was would have to be this white bison. She just had the sweetest face. Her name was either Bubbles or Bonnie, but I think she looks more like a Blondie.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29104893706/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="White Bison."><img alt="White Bison." height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8560/29104893706_de2e3578c7_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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She definitely wanted to go home with me. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28515862144/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Doin' the Watusi!"><img alt="Doin' the Watusi!" height="425" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8317/28515862144_7e815b93e5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Now we get to do the Watusi! This is Walter. He was hanging out under the bridge and then very slowly made his way over to the fence. I have this progression of photos where he gets a little closer in each one - lol.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29032409652/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Mighty hungry Muntjac."><img alt="Mighty hungry Muntjac." height="425" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8056/29032409652_b0dfd436bd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Lastly, we conclude with this mighty hungry little muntjac. We all agreed that this is what Cookie would look like if she was muntjac and not an Italian Greyhound. </div>
m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-8898718669132164302016-08-21T19:54:00.001-04:002016-08-21T19:55:11.832-04:00Summer vibes.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28523788463/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Summer vibes."><img alt="Summer vibes." height="640" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8051/28523788463_a804e21788_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Keeping with the fruit theme for August, this week I made a little sketch of a very cool pineapple. Pineapples are my favorite fruit, and I especially love a good pineapple sundae. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29109535886/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Sewed succulents."><img alt="Sewed succulents." height="428" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8191/29109535886_56d8a813f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Since I've taken on many other hobbies, embroidery has fallen by the wayside, but lately I've been thinking of getting back to it. I could maybe sketch a drawing or brush letter on fabric instead of on paper and then embroider it. However, I know I should avoid taking on too big of a project because I'll likely lose interest and not finish it. </div>
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I had a little free time this week, and when I saw these cute little embroidered succulents in <b><a href="http://www.molliemakes.com/craft-2/mollie-makes-issue-68/">Mollie Makes</a> </b>magazine, I knew that they were just the right project to get me back in the embroidering groove. I added magnets on the back, so they're practical too. They'll match my gray fabric covered office perfectly, and I won't even have to water them - lol. </div>
m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-69133624843988612512016-08-21T11:40:00.002-04:002016-08-21T11:42:23.097-04:00A fairly good time.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28424932304/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Purple carousel."><img alt="Purple carousel." height="425" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7771/28424932304_3b0401753e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Earlier this week, we took a trip to the <b><a href="http://www.lawrencecountyfair.com/">Lawrence County Fair.</a></b><br />
Typically we go to the <b><a href="http://www.westmorelandfair.com/">Westmoreland County Fair</a></b> (which actually starts this week as well), but I thought it would fun to check out a different one for a change. Plus, I just love to see all of the animals and displays. Oh, and then there is the unmistakable smell of greasy fried food intermingled with eau d'barn that is unique to a county fair. That's good too.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28424958104/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Vintage John Deer tractors."><img alt="Vintage John Deer tractors." height="425" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8410/28424958104_98ee612645_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Like at Zoar, they had a display of antique tractors, although instead of about ten tractors, they had at least a hundred of them. There were literally rows and rows of vintage John Deer's!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28969480021/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Truth in advertising."><img alt="Truth in advertising." height="425" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8087/28969480021_6c4c26e516_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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You can always find some unique souvenirs at every county fair. This vendor obviously believes in truth in advertising.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28427919183/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Cows being cows."><img alt="Cows being cows." height="425" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8829/28427919183_45f94eb2f1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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In general, there seemed to be a lot more livestock on display at this fair. There were at least 5 stables worth of cows alone.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28427901363/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Milking Parlor Rd."><img alt="Milking Parlor Rd." height="425" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8297/28427901363_96c71bf2eb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I wanted to take a photo of the actual milking parlor, but a cow was being milked at the time. I didn't want to invade her privacy.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28427912463/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Hanging out at the corral."><img alt="Hanging out at the corral." height="425" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8019/28427912463_729e39d242_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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The equestrian clubs had many horses on display as well.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28427915113/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Take me home."><img alt="Take me home." height="425" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8330/28427915113_8b39751463_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28427909913/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Sweet lambs."><img alt="Sweet lambs." height="425" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8264/28427909913_8589933404_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Just a few cute faces vying for membership in my white pet club. Sorry kids - not open to new members at the moment.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28427907303/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Ready for show."><img alt="Ready for show." height="425" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8191/28427907303_61533eeb2e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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On the day that we visited, everyone was getting their sheep ready for show. It's always funny to see them wearing their spandex sox in multiple colors and patterns. The spandex keeps them clean, but a little tummy control doesn't hurt either.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28427903803/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Bo and Luke."><img alt="Bo and Luke." height="425" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8774/28427903803_f4523ec0d8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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All the livestock have their stalls decorated and their names displayed. Bo and Luke the sheep reminded me of the <i>Dukes of Hazzard</i> phase that I went through when I was eight. At first I was on Team Bo, but I later defected to Team Luke.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/29045628925/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Soft serve."><img alt="Soft serve." height="425" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8415/29045628925_9b35ef530a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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My favorite part of any county fair are the marquees on the refreshment stands and the rides!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28969498851/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Fun Slide."><img alt="Fun Slide." height="425" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8364/28969498851_f294009bb0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28424929924/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Scooter."><img alt="Scooter." height="425" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8156/28424929924_4c7377f992_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28969484751/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Himalaya"><img alt="Himalaya" height="425" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8056/28969484751_df1edabcd5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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While the Lawrence County Fair offered a lot for a fair goer, there was one important omission. Chickens! For some reason, there were no poultry displays. So just on that criteria alone (Okay, that and the fact that it was the location of one of our first dates), the Westmoreland County Fair still stands as my favorite.m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-2894800928860372812016-08-09T19:56:00.000-04:002016-08-09T19:56:04.779-04:00Fun with blueberries.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28880058315/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Blueberry zucchini cake with lemon frosting."><img alt="Blueberry zucchini cake with lemon frosting." height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8806/28880058315_c2909e6e19_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Had we not chosen to celebrate International Cat Day, this would have been yesterday's post. I've been meaning to try this recipe for <b><a href="http://theviewfromgreatisland.com/blueberry-zucchini-snack-cake-with-lemon-buttercream/"> Zucchini Cake with Lemon Buttercream, </a></b>and I finally gathered all the ingredients to make it this past weekend. In my opinion, any time you make a cake from scratch and don't screw it up is a cause for celebration. Actually, not only did I not screw it up, it turned out pretty good. I don't know if I'd call it "amazing," but I do find it amazing how the zucchini virtually leaves no trace in the cake. I mean, I didn't even peel the zucchini, so where did all that green stuff go? And the seeds too? I tried to search for the science behind this, but I came up empty. Chalk it up to another of the universe's mysteries.</div>
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Also, don't let the fact that this cake contains both fruit and vegetables deceive you. This is one hell of an unhealthy cake. The cake contains full cup of oil, 3 eggs, and over 2 cups of sugar, while the icing contains 2 sticks of butter and 4 more cups of sugar. I feel so guilty when I think about, but then I just keep eating it anyway.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28880054635/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="They all turn into blueberries."><img alt="They all turn into blueberries." height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8022/28880054635_1832a4c35e_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Since I had blueberries on my mind, I was inspired to make a little blueberry sketch in my journal. I needed a quote to go with it, but I didn't want to go with the obvious Fats Domino reference. Quotes about blueberries are few and far between, and I was about to give up until I found this perfect bit from Willy Wonka. Aside from the girl turning into a giant blueberry, that scene will always be the most memorable to me because I've always wondered what it would be like to chew gum flavored like a roast beef and baked potato dinner!</div>
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m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-7320873218007456672016-08-08T20:27:00.000-04:002016-08-09T07:44:28.089-04:00Happy International Cat Day from Kitty Coconut!<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28241826524/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Happy International Cat Day from Kitty Coconut"><img alt="Happy International Cat Day from Kitty Coconut" height="428" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8473/28241826524_9e04307ecd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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This isn't what I had planned to write about, but when I found out at around 7:00 P.M. that today is International Cat Day, I had to take some photos of Kitty Coconut. This was going to be a challenge because it was already too dark inside the house, and Kitty Coco is an indoor cat.<br />
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Kitty Coco will do anything for treats, so I thought I could lure her into looking out an open window. She was very actively trying to get the treat on the windowsill, so this is the closest I could get to the shot I wanted. The focus is a little softer than I like, but oh well.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28574653040/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="I'm going to get it!"><img alt="I'm going to get it!" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8705/28574653040_f279ec8fff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Most of my shots were like this one. That look of intensity is priceless! Of course, this shot is in sharp focus. That's the way it usually goes.<br />
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By the way, *National* Cat Day is sometime in October (I looked it up.).<br />
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In completely unrelated news, I had to retire my <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dexas-Watermelon-Cutting-Serving-Board/dp/B0073J5XI0/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1470699796&sr=8-11&keywords=shaped+cutting+board">beloved eggplant shaped cutting board</a></b> because there seemed to be something mysterious growing on it that wouldn't come off, and I didn't want to take any chances. It was several years old and had seen lots of use. I was sad as I tossed it in the trash because I had used it to prepare so many everyday and holiday meals! I'm going to replace it with a new one, and maybe get a tomato or a chili pepper so it has a friend.m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-49732045570409797932016-08-07T16:26:00.000-04:002016-08-07T16:27:44.726-04:00The zillionth visit to Zoar.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28214877583/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Barn hex."><img alt="Barn hex." height="425" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8693/28214877583_15081dd4c6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Okay, so I may be exaggerating that this was our zillionth visit to the Zoar, Ohio Harvest Festival, but I know we've been going for the last seven years. I'm not sure we've gone every year though. The last time I posted photos of our visit was in 2013. I'm pretty certain we went last year. If I recall correctly, we neglected to check the weather forecast in Ohio, and it poured the whole time we were there. In any case, every time we visit, things are the same and yet they change. Like this year, they moved the parking area to a completely different location, so this was the first time I'd seen this barn and its hex star.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28829568215/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="House #21."><img alt="House #21." height="425" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7521/28829568215_15722c4c13_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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All of the historic homes in Zoar are labeled and numbered. If you recall, a few years ago <b><a href="http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2013/11/historic_zoar_is_thankful_it_w.html">Zoar was endangered of becoming extinct due to a leaky levee, </a></b> but some lobbyists came to the rescue saved the town.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28212157874/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Chairs for sale."><img alt="Chairs for sale." height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8543/28212157874_42fd8ab087_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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The reason we go to Zoar each year is because of it's antique show, but homes throughout the village get into the act too and sell antiques and vintage items in their yards.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28798226126/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Mark hanging out on Main Street."><img alt="Mark hanging out on Main Street." height="425" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8414/28798226126_72e37e9887_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Here's Mark sitting on Main Street. Lauren was sitting next to him, but she ran for it as soon as she noticed that I was taking a photo. That's how it goes these days.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28829552805/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Ford tough."><img alt="Ford tough." height="425" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8843/28829552805_86e1758f5f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Every year they have a display of antique tractors. Its location seems to move around the town, but I think the tractors are the same.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28798223746/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Hanging hats."><img alt="Hanging hats." height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8733/28798223746_c423fef250_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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The buildings also have displays with items from the period when Zoar was founded. Next year, they'll be celebrating their bicentennial!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28753393151/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Giant hybiscus."><img alt="Giant hybiscus." height="425" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8833/28753393151_5c4a72a043_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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One of the best parts of Zoar is the gardens and garden house. The hibiscuses are huge!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28753390271/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Cone flowers."><img alt="Cone flowers." height="640" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8839/28753390271_e9b7e75caa_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28212153334/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Hydrangeas."><img alt="Hydrangeas." height="425" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8564/28212153334_4252ab4b26_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Some day soon, I'll post photos from our vacation to Williamsburg. Mark described Williamsburg as bigger version of Zoar, so consider this a preview!m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-81541988159861681812016-08-04T19:50:00.003-04:002016-08-04T20:01:30.823-04:00A visit with Mr. Pancakes.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28771482845/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Mr. Pancakes."><img alt="Mr. Pancakes." height="428" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8162/28771482845_92f11a33c2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Considering he's hasn't made an appearance here in awhile, I thought it was about time that we checked in with Mr. Pancakes. It's hard to get good photos of Mr. P. because a.) He's nocturnal and wakes up around the time that we're going to bed and b.) He's super quick.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28694552961/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Just call me Hammy P for short."><img alt="Just call me Hammy P for short." height="428" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8700/28694552961_d20933a909_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Recently, Mr. P. faced a bit of a strange health challenge. Almost overnight, a rather ugly, large growth formed, to put it delicately, on the underside of his hind end. I thought for sure that he was a goner, but he kept eating and going about his business normally. Then about a week ago, the growth just disappeared. Well, I guess it must have fell off because there was just a small sore left in place. So we just keep monitoring his condition and hope that he'll make a full recovery.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28666415472/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Burrowing."><img alt="Burrowing." height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8803/28666415472_7a0090f526_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I forgot to add that another reason why he's difficult to photo. Actually, there are three more reasons named Marcus, Cookie and Kitty Coconut. They were all very interested in getting to know Mr. Pancakes as I was trying to take his photo (I think those white blurs in the background are Coco and Cookie). No wonder he's hiding - he being mobbed by his fans!m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-89244358038577356212016-08-03T20:11:00.000-04:002016-08-04T09:14:26.768-04:00Happy National Watermelon Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28132973114/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Happy National Watermelon Day!"><img alt="Happy National Watermelon Day!" height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8830/28132973114_1cb0baee18_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Isn't it funny how there is a national day for everything now, especially food? I think National Ice Cream Day was last week, and I remember there being a National Hamburger Day back in June. National Donut Day is probably the most recognized since it gets heavily promoted by Dunkin' Donuts.<br />
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Anyway, in honor of National Watermelon Day, I made this little drawing in my sketchbook. I also ate some watermelon today too. I wonder if the Great Melon will rise out of the watermelon patch and bring toys to good children? Since she doesn't believe in the Great Melon, I told Lauren that we were going to place our Watermelon Day presents by the refrigerator (per tradition) and sing Watermelon Day carols, but she wasn't buying it.m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-55630399732350235862016-07-31T17:34:00.001-04:002016-07-31T17:34:46.899-04:00I help with editing.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28398137960/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="I help with editing."><img alt="I help with editing." height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8444/28398137960_c8332361ed_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I can't believe today is the last day of July. In less than a month, Lauren will already be back to school, and my nice commute to work free of school related traffic will be over.<br />
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After I got up to take a break from editing photos, Mark caught Cookie standing up on my desk chair. The funny thing is that once she gets up on a chair like this she can't figure out how to get down. She'll just stand there and whimper and whine until someone comes to get her.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28065178744/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="When you have a pencil for everything."><img alt="When you have a pencil for everything." height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7711/28065178744_cc4219c89c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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And just for the record, here is the photo that Cookie and I were working on. Trying to get those back to school themes up for sale before it's too late!m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-90306546606444563462016-07-29T20:10:00.003-04:002016-07-29T20:14:33.538-04:00Flowers for Friday.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28639312655/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Summer flowers."><img alt="Summer flowers." height="428" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8485/28639312655_46dc1a8c60_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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It's Friday! This weekend I'm going to...<br />
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...eat lots of food that's bad for me like pizza and ice cream<br />
...get my hair done<br />
...watch lots of baseball<br />
...work in my sketchbook journal<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28606876586/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Bare pawed in the grass."><img alt="Bare pawed in the grass." height="428" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8693/28606876586_d2e7a5077c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Here's my little flower picking partner. She likes going bare-pawed in the grass.<br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28532748332/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Watching a bird."><img alt="Watching a bird." height="428" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8130/28532748332_7cc1f1831c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>I<br />
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I had to keep shooing mosquitos away from her. If you look closely, you can see one feeding off of her ear.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28639313095/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Having a roll in the grass."><img alt="Having a roll in the grass." height="428" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8885/28639313095_dab9f89553_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Looks like Cookie's plans for the weekend involve a whole lotta nothin'.<br />
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(Side note: I fixed the settings so now I can post larger sized photos. So your eyes are not deceiving you - they are bigger!).<br />
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<br />m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-29873837290663042112016-07-27T20:10:00.004-04:002016-07-27T20:15:45.710-04:00Sometimes it's good to try new things.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/CHL3MA" nbsp="" title="Skillet quiche"><img alt="Skillet quiche" height="332" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8216/28563322976_b9525863bb.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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For the last few weeks, it's been very hot and humid, which poses a challenge when trying to come up with a dinner menu that :<br />
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a.) Doesn't involve using the oven.<br />
b.) Consists of something that all three of us will eat.<br />
c.) Consists of something that all three of us will eat, and none of us ate that something for lunch that day.<br />
d.) Consists of something that all three of us will eat that's not the same something that we had for dinner within the past three days.<br />
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Needless to say, the options are limited. Since we usually have an over abundance of eggs, quiche is a good way to use them up, but I haven't been able to make one because of the heat. So it occurred to me that there must be a way to make it on the stovetop.<br />
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And sure enough, <a href="http://www.mccormick.com/recipes/breakfast-brunch/spinach-and-bacon-skillet-quiche"><b>skillet quiche is a thing!</b></a><br />
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In order to make this quiche, I had to overcome my fear of using our Lodge cast iron skillet. Many years ago, probably before we were even married, Mark's late Uncle John bestowed upon us a brand new Lodge cast iron skillet that he got for free by turning in UPC codes from his cigarette packs. At the time, I was committed to the non-stick wonder known as T-Fal, so the whole cast iron concept was foreign to me. Not to mention it was so heavy that I could barely hold the pan without getting an arm cramp. Somehow, the cast iron skillet survived a couple of moves as well as a few garage sales, and remained unused in our basement. It wasn't until last year when we were planning our Girl Scout troop camping trip that I decided to remove the Lodge label and cure it. It had accumulated a little bit of rust from sitting in a damp basement for years, but it wasn't anything that a Brillo pad couldn't handle. However as fate would have it, it rained the weekend that we went camping, so I didn't get to use it after all. Since then, it's been sitting in our basement packed away with our camping equipment.<br />
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So today I gave it a try-out, and I can say, hide no more Lodge cast iron skillet, for you have now earned a spot in among my other pots and pans!<br />
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Now I realize that my my quiche doesn't look anything like the one in the recipe. I used too much spinach (a whole package of frozen) and no bacon. I also should have used more eggs than the recipe specified. Our chickens' eggs are closer to medium sized, while I think most recipes expect you to use large or even extra large. I also felt that the hash browns could have used more seasoning, and they were a little soggy because I obsessively keeping the heat low so that the crust wouldn't burn.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/A6j236" nbsp="" title="Mini waffle iron."><img alt="Mini waffle iron." height="332" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7646/28595931585_dac9d0c4a0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I also decided that it was time to break out my new mini waffle iron that I got on clearance at Crate and Barrel a few months ago. It makes four inch waffles - so cute, and just as tasty as the ones that are as big as your plate.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/melissann/dvE7w7" nbsp="" title="Mini waffle."><img alt="Mini waffle." height="332" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8177/27978888244_868e3f732a.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Another lesson that I learned today is that I am not cut out to be a food blogger. I was literally sweating just trying to make sure that I didn't burn the waffles and the quiche, well enough trying stage these photos properly with fancy accessories!m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-78130866723688869302016-07-24T14:23:00.002-04:002016-07-24T14:57:38.172-04:00Chicken update.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28235149470/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Holly."><img alt="Holly." height="500" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8856/28235149470_3a0b8b1d40.jpg" width="334" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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People are always very curious when they find out that we have chickens. Often they ask if we bring our chickens inside when the temperatures get very low, but no one asks if they get to come inside and enjoy the air conditioning when we're having a heat wave. In fact, chickens are much more susceptible to heat than they are the cold, but thankfully our flock seems to be doing well as we head into our fourth week of temperatures in the nineties. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28518600795/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Man's best friend?"><img alt="Man's best friend?" height="334" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8285/28518600795_28f7a2f3d5.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Holly is the sweetest, most domesticated of the group. Cochins are naturally people chickens, so it's not surprising. If you walk away from her, she'll run after you.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28518598485/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="That looks tasty!"><img alt="That looks tasty!" height="334" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8571/28518598485_86583e1211.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Cookie is curious about the chickens, but she knows that she'll get a good peckin' if she gets up in their area. Mark always says that he's going to bring Holly in the house, so I can sit on the couch together with all of my white pets.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/27902935433/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Cricket being all broody."><img alt="Cricket being all broody." height="334" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8482/27902935433_2207f0d6fd.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Up until recently, 3 out of 4 were laying eggs. That is until Cricket went broody again. She's more interested in hatching an egg than laying more eggs.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28235147790/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Move over!"><img alt="Move over!" height="334" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8346/28235147790_ca6b7a624c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Besides the lack of egg production, the other problem is that she never leaves the nesting box, making it a challenge for those that are laying eggs. So when nature calls, Holly or Ivy will just barge in and squash next to her. I guess it's kind of like four roommates sharing one bathroom.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28518596365/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Poppy."><img alt="Poppy." height="334" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8892/28518596365_3672e50c8d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Poppy hasn't laid in several months due to some unknown illness. It mustn't be anything life threatening because she seems fine other than looking anemic. Mark has treated her for both fungus and mites, and she's gained some of her weight back. She's also had to adjust to her two sisters being replaced with three new roommates. She's closest with Cricket, or at least she tolerates her the most. Occasionally she likes to boss Holly and Ivy around, just to remind them that she's still first in the pecking order.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28413225092/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Ivy free ranging with Poppy."><img alt="Ivy free ranging with Poppy." height="334" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8813/28413225092_02f27e8ab6.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Speaking of Ivy, she's the feisty one of the bunch. She may not be first in the pecking order, but she's the noisiest and the hardest to get back into the coop.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/28518595005/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="A man and his chickens."><img alt="A man and his chickens." height="334" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8514/28518595005_024818c612.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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But she does love her owner the best, so she has that going for her!m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-55052898267059370202016-02-15T13:24:00.002-05:002016-02-15T13:24:03.410-05:00It's a bird...it's a plane, it's...<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/24930810492/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Super Kitty!"><img alt="Super Kitty!" height="334" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1628/24930810492_70ec4bf0b5.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Super Kitty!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/24681238599/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Ready for orders."><img alt="Ready for orders." height="500" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1586/24681238599_04acbbd787.jpg" width="334" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Able to leap tall chairs in a single bound, as long as there is a treat involved!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/24422017883/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Able to leap tall chairs in a single bound!"><img alt="Able to leap tall chairs in a single bound!" height="334" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1541/24422017883_00513cb7c0.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Ready for my orders, sir!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/24418232774/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Super Kitty looking for someone who needs saved."><img alt="Super Kitty looking for someone who needs saved." height="334" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1651/24418232774_2c5e75a9ff.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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There must be someone who needs saved out there somewhere... <br />
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(Kitty Coconut really is a super hero. If Lauren is laughing and screaming while she's playing with the dogs, Coco thinks she's in trouble and needs rescuing. She will come bolting out of nowhere with her claws of fury and has no problem taking on the giant Airedale that is ten times her size. We often have to intercede because once she gets started, Coco won't back down from attacking!)m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232657898315205997.post-51222791886151821362016-01-03T18:59:00.001-05:002016-01-03T18:59:05.576-05:002016: The year of keeping expectations low.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/23525150683/in/dateposted/" nbsp="" title="Here we go again - Week 1 2016"><img alt="Here we go again - Week 1 2016" height="334" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1643/23525150683_0d1943912b.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Unlike the last couple of years, I am none too sorry to see 2015 come to a close. For me, it immediately got off to a bad start, and although there were certainly a lot good things that happened, it never seemed to fully recover. I think the lack of blog posts this year was a reflection of that. So I welcome 2016 with caution because while it could certainly be better, it could also be worse.<br />
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This year I decided not do to any projects, although I am going to try journaling again. For the third time. They do say that third time is a charm, right? In any case, I'm not calling it a "project" because that would surely doom it. I did make some modifications to my approach that will hopefully keep me interested and enthusiastic. In the old way I was doing it, there was a lot of room for both drawing and writing. I'm not a real touchy-feely kind of person, so all that space to write about my innermost thoughts just wasn't working for me. Since most of my days are pretty routine, there was typically little to report other than:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Got up. </li>
<li>Drove to work (Stopped for coffee somewhere in the middle).</li>
<li>Did some work. </li>
<li>Ate lunch with Mel C. </li>
<li>Went to a lot of meetings. </li>
<li>Drove home. </li>
<li>Picked up Lauren. </li>
<li>Took the dogs out. </li>
<li>Made dinner (Or picked up take out on the way home). </li>
<li>Watched television. </li>
<li>Went to bed.</li>
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It's not really worthwhile to write that over and over again 200+ times. So now I just have a small square which should be enough room to hit the highlights. Additionally, in the old way I was doing it I had to illustrate a two page layout. Not only was it intimidating to have to keep coming up with new ideas that my meager drawing skills could handle, my drawings often took up all the space on the days where I actually had a lot to write about. With this layout, the artwork is on its own separate page, so I have a lot more flexibility and less space to stress over.<br />
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I guess we'll see how this works out. So far I like it, but then again, it's only the third day of the year.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/24126077616/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Couch? What couch?"><img alt="Couch? What couch?" height="334" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5824/24126077616_721b127a79.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Otherwise, we've been very lazy in 2016. I haven't even left the house since New Year's Day.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissann/24152174465/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="Working on his resolutions."><img alt="Working on his resolutions." height="334" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5749/24152174465_d2cf4272d4.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Marcus's resolution for 2016 is to spend time on the couch (which, incidentally, he's not allowed to do).<br />
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Cookie's resolution to is to snuggle more in the new year.<br />
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I'm not sure how that's possible, but it's always good to have goals. m+m=lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13950090590233176527noreply@blogger.com0