tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4225231964152215942024-03-05T21:35:18.033-05:00The world the way I see itCarriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-77333239529799332172011-02-20T17:28:00.000-05:002011-02-23T17:52:56.156-05:00Picture a day Feb 12th - Feb 18th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rEzATFneqGMQeOOAAejU3Wn3e7veq1vRPgdSmDtZ7ZYoYlqrhNHSMBEpKaekeS2maHi6iZneDwK1piyhA5Ihq46CGSqIKTPtq0iAupXhLsrqJFEZIeoRqbw6x7Jhg1mLG3HM5tZYo3a0/s1600/2+12+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rEzATFneqGMQeOOAAejU3Wn3e7veq1vRPgdSmDtZ7ZYoYlqrhNHSMBEpKaekeS2maHi6iZneDwK1piyhA5Ihq46CGSqIKTPtq0iAupXhLsrqJFEZIeoRqbw6x7Jhg1mLG3HM5tZYo3a0/s320/2+12+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577016902617135042" border="0" /></a>February 12th - I love ruffles and frilliness (and making up words like frilliness). I made this flower pin recently.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVkbbjUKcw5aZN9rMmeLcq8sdKfSyWZqllOIbRFZ2sxhy1KoQiWFYEtWHKewY4asQgXU_fL40Tbym9GSDi6EHcutYn_Aag9CjTvq-G2faS8NcihceQowrjOx9AhiZjGR8zoAMOrAUmoae/s1600/2+13+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVkbbjUKcw5aZN9rMmeLcq8sdKfSyWZqllOIbRFZ2sxhy1KoQiWFYEtWHKewY4asQgXU_fL40Tbym9GSDi6EHcutYn_Aag9CjTvq-G2faS8NcihceQowrjOx9AhiZjGR8zoAMOrAUmoae/s320/2+13+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577016905328351330" border="0" /></a>Feb 13th - Getting ready for Alaska. I like to be an organized traveler. The truth is, travel (planes to be specific) makes me a little nervous, so being organized helps me. Sounds odd, but it's true. Organization calms me. I get teased for my detailed ways, but it works. The binder is sorted and organized by port for our cruise and trip. I can't wait!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodwx14vGR8k7oo4GX6hTGNLIEjS53BsIhg-AQ6StKmFy20Gi519b_O4KX40GQN6YzUTQhyeV5Cer5eid-MNc10jmVAXKfhJIyWmhieBSc3MtCsZoR0IMxZ4Q3YqBWH-NVJiAe7IJQ0TNo/s1600/2+14+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodwx14vGR8k7oo4GX6hTGNLIEjS53BsIhg-AQ6StKmFy20Gi519b_O4KX40GQN6YzUTQhyeV5Cer5eid-MNc10jmVAXKfhJIyWmhieBSc3MtCsZoR0IMxZ4Q3YqBWH-NVJiAe7IJQ0TNo/s320/2+14+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577016900268557938" border="0" /></a>Feb 14th - I should call this one pet peeve. Or maybe Nit-Picky Carrie. But, this bothers me. He hangs up his suit pants, his shirt and tie. He lines his shoes up where they belong, but the suit coat ends up here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hozF8jVLiN7O8f049bVDw5t0ht9XZ_SwsE0rnrgc2Bj2NmJkF-NpBMi36u19egBgb-LZ4Yh8ShHcAuR48qK1bAq1rrNxIqBjb4Ep612XUk7TveugO0rlQMk-yjnRkI8CrgCGCQVZglrY/s1600/2+15+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hozF8jVLiN7O8f049bVDw5t0ht9XZ_SwsE0rnrgc2Bj2NmJkF-NpBMi36u19egBgb-LZ4Yh8ShHcAuR48qK1bAq1rrNxIqBjb4Ep612XUk7TveugO0rlQMk-yjnRkI8CrgCGCQVZglrY/s320/2+15+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577016896140961170" border="0" /></a>Feb 15th - Three ingredients (just 3) = this. Delicious, and amazing shortbread cookies.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeWJkGiaMtkiRvGoATNMWVsZpye3DU3XjjZm_s1ZNcKaTW8jKaHWpqnmdS_GPixmUKn3yZRWg4YcW6fOKW7eHxbY8I9SakJEshplrZXrVDtqB8EIt9B8qIjH9YkqpWPoQrqH1F6GysLBZ/s1600/2+16+2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeWJkGiaMtkiRvGoATNMWVsZpye3DU3XjjZm_s1ZNcKaTW8jKaHWpqnmdS_GPixmUKn3yZRWg4YcW6fOKW7eHxbY8I9SakJEshplrZXrVDtqB8EIt9B8qIjH9YkqpWPoQrqH1F6GysLBZ/s320/2+16+2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577016891677687778" border="0" /></a>Feb 16th - A gift put to good use<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQL9_3kQt5xY61CbmjQhZGM-hi0CK_EfNtkl16xIxlQxE5kpZ-2gp8BG6E0Lxc5RkaXoNSrwaHq7oOWHN2_Nu3uACoLFmKePjSGvV0F49j8yYBu-if0FrbAdKbgyVMNIi7uCokNWJLPaDG/s1600/2+17+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQL9_3kQt5xY61CbmjQhZGM-hi0CK_EfNtkl16xIxlQxE5kpZ-2gp8BG6E0Lxc5RkaXoNSrwaHq7oOWHN2_Nu3uACoLFmKePjSGvV0F49j8yYBu-if0FrbAdKbgyVMNIi7uCokNWJLPaDG/s320/2+17+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577016102294260370" border="0" /></a>Feb 17th - An Office reference and joke to Uncle Jack<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhFJVXGje3ZIa3R3n9CbpT0xVMHfs6l1qlza1sN7RnxzA3D_nKpVjRCMRuxiZtb0vRQrtnwF_iJbpfw-_K2wfq_yg0GjItPrIPImaudORh3OaKmx6-A5shk27rvvo4rEh42AyROfFPOs-/s1600/2+18+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhFJVXGje3ZIa3R3n9CbpT0xVMHfs6l1qlza1sN7RnxzA3D_nKpVjRCMRuxiZtb0vRQrtnwF_iJbpfw-_K2wfq_yg0GjItPrIPImaudORh3OaKmx6-A5shk27rvvo4rEh42AyROfFPOs-/s320/2+18+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577016097669602354" border="0" /></a>Feb 18th - A new game night favorite. So far, it's boys 4, girls 2. They have yet to win at Dominoes or Balderdash, but Sequence is their game (for now)Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-81338590520124025632011-02-17T20:57:00.003-05:002011-02-17T21:10:26.591-05:00Picture a day Feb 5th - Feb 11th<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 6</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbO2Zl5GIYtdgbOIht3n8OjoMA2En4hN1d3l3szSM2QfySpEjIIBdeuorpmKDys3mX6-ykKKYPxyB6GilUigqu-zTSI9geIRoXaC3Zlz0v1Gn1I65fPaPTt6TJEKbelSM8T6TZEu0-bBr/s1600/2+11+2011.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcWApLPxRYaHVbz4KCGQ4T_OqfBa6pFfLUMJj0reQns-LsIwuluHRXUhjeaTcnsViVbIPc7D8F1JyUJqhltUqiXmv55kqMpe4qwPc5q5pVQSzXA4m3af6cbvvIGc1QsuEFZkLSJnxfr7u/s1600/2+10+2011.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q38_EiXBFcWEAei62Kku9WfA_LpkNjzWbdcn9cpmng_095BAksMG0Ls-hscMojgGVIXkeBYOvmLCwkkhc89Zy8LBv3ju6PeiJC0nghyphenhyphenUlJKy7_bQY0h_ZRFXHpwuqyb3XiAG7OJ3uVOv/s1600/2+5+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q38_EiXBFcWEAei62Kku9WfA_LpkNjzWbdcn9cpmng_095BAksMG0Ls-hscMojgGVIXkeBYOvmLCwkkhc89Zy8LBv3ju6PeiJC0nghyphenhyphenUlJKy7_bQY0h_ZRFXHpwuqyb3XiAG7OJ3uVOv/s320/2+5+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574843656893338722" border="0" /></a>Feb 5th - My living was taking over by my lovely nieces walking like Egyptians. It was a fun sleep over and a great time for cousins to hang out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon5Lzv8ffD47vYmVTYdRBaAbQbruOv1h0Ydrt8z9PCSo2PwG7opRlrBy56ZJXBiu2UyXzT5tp9G4EH3laCGXpKoOhKLdlj0KIt9jCVirH2fvxdzUXcAoE7uJtW9WcpzoJdM8LZhLOgkKN/s1600/2+6+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon5Lzv8ffD47vYmVTYdRBaAbQbruOv1h0Ydrt8z9PCSo2PwG7opRlrBy56ZJXBiu2UyXzT5tp9G4EH3laCGXpKoOhKLdlj0KIt9jCVirH2fvxdzUXcAoE7uJtW9WcpzoJdM8LZhLOgkKN/s320/2+6+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574843653263308722" border="0" /></a>Feb 6th - Before I took the girls home. My darling nieces!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPadebbdVH_pomOAvXbh64s9cV9MnAvMvcTJZcHwa4e_uoRaPibDC8svxf85X7on8L9v1sp445yT6n0dF_IyZwO5I5aYLNatW_cZZzdUQRdiLS5Tb7yygzmVojOpy9GqujQq_IzY0LMC5/s1600/2+7+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPadebbdVH_pomOAvXbh64s9cV9MnAvMvcTJZcHwa4e_uoRaPibDC8svxf85X7on8L9v1sp445yT6n0dF_IyZwO5I5aYLNatW_cZZzdUQRdiLS5Tb7yygzmVojOpy9GqujQq_IzY0LMC5/s320/2+7+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574843644491423650" border="0" /></a>Feb 7th - The battle lines were clearly drawn for the Super Bowl.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNWahHKlRXXl8YgmIWyfZxILmPOelhkmQTtc8ErE3dLB3poCcLm-6IVyf1Ec63I0BYlMM6b38qgwHekYtCZBXx0LC5DuMhh_gvzsqKm9IdYJhBJX1u5GecrdnmBZjuQ6tcmAtxVCT_jBt/s1600/2+8+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNWahHKlRXXl8YgmIWyfZxILmPOelhkmQTtc8ErE3dLB3poCcLm-6IVyf1Ec63I0BYlMM6b38qgwHekYtCZBXx0LC5DuMhh_gvzsqKm9IdYJhBJX1u5GecrdnmBZjuQ6tcmAtxVCT_jBt/s320/2+8+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574843637978050162" border="0" /></a>Feb 8th - From my pal in Wisconsin.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnAOqN2_ydI5lxsiK9KN9U4XjfmLmrePWFt3beYjNP_LnWUab6GO5yLIYPbWfKMovNvLs5EH34zTlu-4hSISnLCVoVJ1fC1SuSEOm6wj-PnV4Zl_2nveObVgOOsyWidlhx1a1R4i_VOLp/s1600/2+9+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnAOqN2_ydI5lxsiK9KN9U4XjfmLmrePWFt3beYjNP_LnWUab6GO5yLIYPbWfKMovNvLs5EH34zTlu-4hSISnLCVoVJ1fC1SuSEOm6wj-PnV4Zl_2nveObVgOOsyWidlhx1a1R4i_VOLp/s320/2+9+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574843632978573346" border="0" /></a><br />Feb 9th - From the kids Valentine party. Gage and Trevor. So cute!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcWApLPxRYaHVbz4KCGQ4T_OqfBa6pFfLUMJj0reQns-LsIwuluHRXUhjeaTcnsViVbIPc7D8F1JyUJqhltUqiXmv55kqMpe4qwPc5q5pVQSzXA4m3af6cbvvIGc1QsuEFZkLSJnxfr7u/s1600/2+10+2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcWApLPxRYaHVbz4KCGQ4T_OqfBa6pFfLUMJj0reQns-LsIwuluHRXUhjeaTcnsViVbIPc7D8F1JyUJqhltUqiXmv55kqMpe4qwPc5q5pVQSzXA4m3af6cbvvIGc1QsuEFZkLSJnxfr7u/s320/2+10+2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574843088114696898" border="0" /></a><br />Feb 10th - Lunch with Dad. I love the benefits of my Dad being retired. : )<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbO2Zl5GIYtdgbOIht3n8OjoMA2En4hN1d3l3szSM2QfySpEjIIBdeuorpmKDys3mX6-ykKKYPxyB6GilUigqu-zTSI9geIRoXaC3Zlz0v1Gn1I65fPaPTt6TJEKbelSM8T6TZEu0-bBr/s1600/2+11+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbO2Zl5GIYtdgbOIht3n8OjoMA2En4hN1d3l3szSM2QfySpEjIIBdeuorpmKDys3mX6-ykKKYPxyB6GilUigqu-zTSI9geIRoXaC3Zlz0v1Gn1I65fPaPTt6TJEKbelSM8T6TZEu0-bBr/s320/2+11+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574843082295455794" border="0" /></a>Feb 11th - Who doesn't love a creamsicle martini for their birthday? I celebrated my birthday with Jim and friends over dinner, drinks, and ice cream.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcWApLPxRYaHVbz4KCGQ4T_OqfBa6pFfLUMJj0reQns-LsIwuluHRXUhjeaTcnsViVbIPc7D8F1JyUJqhltUqiXmv55kqMpe4qwPc5q5pVQSzXA4m3af6cbvvIGc1QsuEFZkLSJnxfr7u/s1600/2+10+2011.jpg"><br /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-85542304983715383222011-02-05T20:18:00.001-05:002011-02-16T20:34:47.126-05:00Picture a Day January 29th - Feb 4th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFvuXvd_kGXJ-JJpn5dAqvoXJcQ42sUkdgoUGB0nUPippdl-1TVgKCxBt1_XgUuF-qCMSz-cHPpW00tP5ZKp-yXMVrRidD_pSDEaJAfi-Tq03S_tUwE725T6xqmS4Ug05SXe5f7c4X_O5/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG"><br /></a>Week 5<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTMQPKB7Pw-P3Vcecg6wLQ1DS3dGbckHNnbq0DAwQohZtirT8b1G6BcINCLTJ4qvmIMQNVzCNQ_mFH_6SRFutX08aLQPPMHQ8Tf6x0vUVj9q24CaVCeA2ODJYme-B_ImDlWMmY84xFnOR/s1600/1+29+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTMQPKB7Pw-P3Vcecg6wLQ1DS3dGbckHNnbq0DAwQohZtirT8b1G6BcINCLTJ4qvmIMQNVzCNQ_mFH_6SRFutX08aLQPPMHQ8Tf6x0vUVj9q24CaVCeA2ODJYme-B_ImDlWMmY84xFnOR/s320/1+29+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574462749939655234" border="0" /></a>January 29th - I miss this weather. Fall is my favorite.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNtnqStrenE5kbmRdLVCLSaNzyFqM-a_OHPGPcCb0XDf9nTYPA8q-3A-xOFknHuPUkghjK8ls6Ua7_Myw3lgT9DIoMuFvkRpUQYLAAQ5uAzy3S16YteeSudDoTSfMzoqAT7h1CpD4zpaI/s1600/1+30+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNtnqStrenE5kbmRdLVCLSaNzyFqM-a_OHPGPcCb0XDf9nTYPA8q-3A-xOFknHuPUkghjK8ls6Ua7_Myw3lgT9DIoMuFvkRpUQYLAAQ5uAzy3S16YteeSudDoTSfMzoqAT7h1CpD4zpaI/s320/1+30+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574462748572251458" border="0" /></a>January 30th - True love. I must start by saying I am a BROWNS fan! My niece, however, misguided as she is, is not. And because I love her dearly I made her some Super Bowl shirts to show her Steelers pride.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9j6kojTAAtvtw_Mmk8z_9p0B2CW2kKbSFyDlhPk60xZlb7CDv8-g_pjtiqVK0AjT4pJbks1znI1LLY-kGsXHcNYwBC8QatUZGaB0uoZ1J6f_Tt4lHCNKqGJqSKbyG6aNxBvbCEcFShmJ/s1600/1+31+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9j6kojTAAtvtw_Mmk8z_9p0B2CW2kKbSFyDlhPk60xZlb7CDv8-g_pjtiqVK0AjT4pJbks1znI1LLY-kGsXHcNYwBC8QatUZGaB0uoZ1J6f_Tt4lHCNKqGJqSKbyG6aNxBvbCEcFShmJ/s320/1+31+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574462742960736114" border="0" /></a>January 31st - That's the Steeler lover on the left. And her little sister<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-B_0CwoY8zJp4OzaZRgDTl151J-k2UNs9ibw_Zpi4COnMh6cz3NTJp1FGIA1Ft9tzkKWLUdwNzM26_vfyYWXiyejeFb-a6Do50gYiuxpQ9O9XxzPWig8eZUSOaZce31zCDXtYd9LGgLD/s1600/2+1+2011.JPG"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFvuXvd_kGXJ-JJpn5dAqvoXJcQ42sUkdgoUGB0nUPippdl-1TVgKCxBt1_XgUuF-qCMSz-cHPpW00tP5ZKp-yXMVrRidD_pSDEaJAfi-Tq03S_tUwE725T6xqmS4Ug05SXe5f7c4X_O5/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFvuXvd_kGXJ-JJpn5dAqvoXJcQ42sUkdgoUGB0nUPippdl-1TVgKCxBt1_XgUuF-qCMSz-cHPpW00tP5ZKp-yXMVrRidD_pSDEaJAfi-Tq03S_tUwE725T6xqmS4Ug05SXe5f7c4X_O5/s320/DSC_0158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574464172982786930" border="0" /></a>Feb 1st - Cagney and Cooper. How cute are they?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj170pvhwRkqkHpcgIcyRc4RuoP1Oce0C6Hne6NhUFsOm7IrMMOk4biXsVsUK-OTumPd5eUUygzHnQQ5PEJJMjM_QELuDafjMQjYJPDcLb4W0_7JzQa7KX48kD3Qc5eK1td2Az5DhbTLxFO/s1600/2+2+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj170pvhwRkqkHpcgIcyRc4RuoP1Oce0C6Hne6NhUFsOm7IrMMOk4biXsVsUK-OTumPd5eUUygzHnQQ5PEJJMjM_QELuDafjMQjYJPDcLb4W0_7JzQa7KX48kD3Qc5eK1td2Az5DhbTLxFO/s320/2+2+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574462731277335362" border="0" /></a>Feb 2nd - Days like this make me grateful to get to work from home 3 days a week.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yNe_cFWuMqjB5XOuup83QpN5eV0SYhnEWxEfk227_aFwN0R0faJS6XANuZHCHO0zyNwouOl2CC6osY55jD6_yE6I8bdlfDbZQe4U_SQStwYDSst5oQNJMXmVwx3rgi-EwvBIqV7npmkY/s1600/2+3+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yNe_cFWuMqjB5XOuup83QpN5eV0SYhnEWxEfk227_aFwN0R0faJS6XANuZHCHO0zyNwouOl2CC6osY55jD6_yE6I8bdlfDbZQe4U_SQStwYDSst5oQNJMXmVwx3rgi-EwvBIqV7npmkY/s320/2+3+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574461933287853842" border="0" /></a>Feb 3rd - Go ahead and judge. It came down today but I had to keep it real and take a picture before I took it down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkreSXamueNEghVQLcQScXzNn2xQxXj3jiBUQ-0RGibyg4RxbTpp9fxGEitGAHM7p6e9ianwrVq_4bTUBkZbLnhhcEALApPSm0ABGQ2Ev1ySTKbeukxzO4ZmrPCqNtfTGzpnU9toZD_fS/s1600/2+4+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkreSXamueNEghVQLcQScXzNn2xQxXj3jiBUQ-0RGibyg4RxbTpp9fxGEitGAHM7p6e9ianwrVq_4bTUBkZbLnhhcEALApPSm0ABGQ2Ev1ySTKbeukxzO4ZmrPCqNtfTGzpnU9toZD_fS/s320/2+4+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574461928980871394" border="0" /></a>Feb 4th - Lyssie always get the cat to do tricks. This one makes it look like Cooper is clapping.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-90321557657577610452011-01-29T22:41:00.000-05:002011-02-12T22:54:40.340-05:00Picture a day January 22nd - 28th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOPrbNL68hkwcHH4eDdvTmf0wNrG84sglKu4s6mOslYKg6r_aHW4tQ1Y_CeemJei6j1Va7HLeZlzaW-rrZV3TTKDhyI8dKbYOHmW4dWgRQZHWdvhn-RUghw7mtQTxUeV2Ez55ANP_gvdn/s1600/1+22+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOPrbNL68hkwcHH4eDdvTmf0wNrG84sglKu4s6mOslYKg6r_aHW4tQ1Y_CeemJei6j1Va7HLeZlzaW-rrZV3TTKDhyI8dKbYOHmW4dWgRQZHWdvhn-RUghw7mtQTxUeV2Ez55ANP_gvdn/s320/1+22+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573015279019892610" border="0" /></a>January 22nd - Monkey Bread from our new favorite local shop. This was good, but they Challah Cinnamon Bread and Pecan Scones are absolutly amazing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPklxsrR5Tw7WdLSalgULtIPX2VFFcYYFwKktYAyq2UgEKTGlR8kOI-Uv5EKfBeHNas8RoB5TGmX54atKcS6_jdC09ogf4ChQ8wu6zqZ0wTj14nkfe7JS7Z6gpvu66HDG_ksseJjOcEQr3/s1600/1+23+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPklxsrR5Tw7WdLSalgULtIPX2VFFcYYFwKktYAyq2UgEKTGlR8kOI-Uv5EKfBeHNas8RoB5TGmX54atKcS6_jdC09ogf4ChQ8wu6zqZ0wTj14nkfe7JS7Z6gpvu66HDG_ksseJjOcEQr3/s320/1+23+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573015269552386482" border="0" /></a>January 23rd - I promise January will be the only time I cheat and use old pictures. This is from our weekend trip to New York City. I was practicing with my new lens. I really love this shot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq13EegHPnqTPYKRC92l_UQOjej6fYpddUv9-JDy1mJ-71Ipb7PpZZkPgdETEIGVjE_ALjMgN04dFWXaNTLf52d2Os3em6yLw3BeanNW8T2XFK34FzOYLMHgiLknXSwlxFPJIW-ZD9wOOb/s1600/1+24+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq13EegHPnqTPYKRC92l_UQOjej6fYpddUv9-JDy1mJ-71Ipb7PpZZkPgdETEIGVjE_ALjMgN04dFWXaNTLf52d2Os3em6yLw3BeanNW8T2XFK34FzOYLMHgiLknXSwlxFPJIW-ZD9wOOb/s320/1+24+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573015263368737250" border="0" /></a>January 24th - Kara, one of my nieces modeling the scarf she made herself. She was excited to use my sewing machine which I love. I love to be able to share some of the things I enjoy with her.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJWZsVnze3EOm0STUVwi9oG3WlzH9-VMv1xd0NOCAeRmR9FnH9VbXI4qjU9-RaSgS7QiUMwJn5mVyt-F2jPOvujYJEy7RSVjyS-GYYrbiBa7x9gAP-MjUO-dc-sUAh2UMQSSUY8yvmILY/s1600/1+25+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJWZsVnze3EOm0STUVwi9oG3WlzH9-VMv1xd0NOCAeRmR9FnH9VbXI4qjU9-RaSgS7QiUMwJn5mVyt-F2jPOvujYJEy7RSVjyS-GYYrbiBa7x9gAP-MjUO-dc-sUAh2UMQSSUY8yvmILY/s320/1+25+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573015249772194914" border="0" /></a>January 25th - Did you know I am an honorary Canadian? I am - and I love the Montreal Canadiens. GO HABS GO!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWZ2SKsBcfvzdYXN0ojmS-AB9dWjutJ89DluYgf1Ibv1VSvxcn4ijbTOjrW9PDDcfYzPkH2hHnpZnc3auHew1dUVpcQ5vZLaUPeecSult7jsf5Dnukau2o8tvwVxVPPTDasYwjt5JOfFr/s1600/1+26+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWZ2SKsBcfvzdYXN0ojmS-AB9dWjutJ89DluYgf1Ibv1VSvxcn4ijbTOjrW9PDDcfYzPkH2hHnpZnc3auHew1dUVpcQ5vZLaUPeecSult7jsf5Dnukau2o8tvwVxVPPTDasYwjt5JOfFr/s320/1+26+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573015239797653362" border="0" /></a>January 26th - It's like they were just waiting for their picture to be taken.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwqf-u1Rvr-FEccqv7wvuau-W6bp5Cxt3bGPbiRcc5Acrs1TKOrhT94TRD8lrhyphenhyphenwoUKXO2uasnzhojQ4kAmUMs-qAqpEJnulJwhfU7c_uVvWzDJT9QZJ21U3eiGGMj3YYvsctoR-N7dIS/s1600/1+27+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwqf-u1Rvr-FEccqv7wvuau-W6bp5Cxt3bGPbiRcc5Acrs1TKOrhT94TRD8lrhyphenhyphenwoUKXO2uasnzhojQ4kAmUMs-qAqpEJnulJwhfU7c_uVvWzDJT9QZJ21U3eiGGMj3YYvsctoR-N7dIS/s320/1+27+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573014612652047170" border="0" /></a>January 27th - Again, it's like they were just waiting in the backyard for their picture to be taken.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadQO8JILNd5And6AA4im-UU0aZ_hO1YamLvFqty6iIZKjej3FSHJq8teJoWE2nCkPx86cBgcan7zOl2K94jGLEqtAcD8XtMrqss4IsRMEIBzN5UwlasV8XI-9kAqCHSh0H4oB5xzOGSGg/s1600/1+28+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadQO8JILNd5And6AA4im-UU0aZ_hO1YamLvFqty6iIZKjej3FSHJq8teJoWE2nCkPx86cBgcan7zOl2K94jGLEqtAcD8XtMrqss4IsRMEIBzN5UwlasV8XI-9kAqCHSh0H4oB5xzOGSGg/s320/1+28+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573014604390805730" border="0" /></a>January 28th - Have you ever had a Cushmans Honeybell? Next January order yourself some. They are delicious. I was so excited when these arrived at our door.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-48179649155935997142011-01-22T22:22:00.000-05:002011-02-12T22:41:31.709-05:00Picture a day January 15th - 21st<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWLG__G4DTJdxLGOSV8mb5hBLx2y0HRJvjE6VKpOJnKpnepihMcnwxgg3YwUsTluuM_G6-sxdy8gZ5OOw2K6ik5ngmIeWhS8Yk3PQRxPEXaWD1oXvJcf3f66rGjkLZCTg0OhE57kDPOVx/s1600/1+15+2011.JPG"><br /></a><br />I am recycling some pictures again this week since I waited to start A Picture a Day.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWLG__G4DTJdxLGOSV8mb5hBLx2y0HRJvjE6VKpOJnKpnepihMcnwxgg3YwUsTluuM_G6-sxdy8gZ5OOw2K6ik5ngmIeWhS8Yk3PQRxPEXaWD1oXvJcf3f66rGjkLZCTg0OhE57kDPOVx/s1600/1+15+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWLG__G4DTJdxLGOSV8mb5hBLx2y0HRJvjE6VKpOJnKpnepihMcnwxgg3YwUsTluuM_G6-sxdy8gZ5OOw2K6ik5ngmIeWhS8Yk3PQRxPEXaWD1oXvJcf3f66rGjkLZCTg0OhE57kDPOVx/s320/1+15+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573010946817088066" border="0" /></a>January 15th - I took this while on our trip to New Orleans. I have had people look at me like I am crazy when I tell them Jim and I celebrate St Nick Day. This is my proof that it's for real.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ47eMyeD-6BnmrXmykVSoaEeX8CaHULkqIK_zVozN4M0iFOng84IywpmzvSQmym-SV96di5DSs8Kua_HjoGvqepBfUAV37kO-YtGOE4Wh7GJ623Ng7I4Y9NE_h8e0cZlnDXokwASLWLG/s1600/1+16+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ47eMyeD-6BnmrXmykVSoaEeX8CaHULkqIK_zVozN4M0iFOng84IywpmzvSQmym-SV96di5DSs8Kua_HjoGvqepBfUAV37kO-YtGOE4Wh7GJ623Ng7I4Y9NE_h8e0cZlnDXokwASLWLG/s320/1+16+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573010535368205970" border="0" /></a>January 16th - Flashback to November. Alton Brown was at the Food Show in Cleveland. We got tickets and got to see him. It was amazing. I love Alton and was so excited to see him.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfrW_S48ALBl5wZvRvS8e0ms9PbgpT5BEzr4OBe9Pjp5x5eCxIDNATQL37QZ3tdKXy8dzJiFASOnOyDfvjeV1-eZ9l0OG7Yi0GBoH-V4nQqVq82pECb3yKwngypl0XDWXwglnp3uxuzEJ/s1600/1+17+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfrW_S48ALBl5wZvRvS8e0ms9PbgpT5BEzr4OBe9Pjp5x5eCxIDNATQL37QZ3tdKXy8dzJiFASOnOyDfvjeV1-eZ9l0OG7Yi0GBoH-V4nQqVq82pECb3yKwngypl0XDWXwglnp3uxuzEJ/s320/1+17+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573010529600372034" border="0" /></a>January 17th - Back to New Orleans.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7DO8_I_PhInTr_-svDl7Hk6X4EcbkdNZGvxD0wu_4eotLLNnEMQbEvNegAnIaQYJ8zmhgCge8sy5cAhZb_PZVbJy1N-bPXI-AD67GcjlpHGHW46Ok7Ms7VIYA9bkCU_NjDw4RzKPzN5H/s1600/1+18+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7DO8_I_PhInTr_-svDl7Hk6X4EcbkdNZGvxD0wu_4eotLLNnEMQbEvNegAnIaQYJ8zmhgCge8sy5cAhZb_PZVbJy1N-bPXI-AD67GcjlpHGHW46Ok7Ms7VIYA9bkCU_NjDw4RzKPzN5H/s320/1+18+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573010524185079682" border="0" /></a>January 18th - Doesn't that look yummy. Dippers for chocolate fondue.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmxEK91xMSqVvm4-GcpYoq4-LC80hT4oZwuANuF8hzFvX5DPYsZCbyB7-KxUqU7WMwMjvM9yCzFK6tbYX9UP-SYjj02ZoBVFchyphenhyphenlV6sbMke1cqxNpjhgJGoTKrPRN5e_TZcNYtIfMR_AQ/s1600/1+19+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmxEK91xMSqVvm4-GcpYoq4-LC80hT4oZwuANuF8hzFvX5DPYsZCbyB7-KxUqU7WMwMjvM9yCzFK6tbYX9UP-SYjj02ZoBVFchyphenhyphenlV6sbMke1cqxNpjhgJGoTKrPRN5e_TZcNYtIfMR_AQ/s320/1+19+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573010516926039426" border="0" /></a>January 19th - Cooper that Cat is hiding under that hat. She likes to tuck herself up in blankets to sleep. I guess a Santa Hat works too<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4EqsvN9hEr3Bc0fbjycEzEs-SxIUyjlDyekfyuHs6nWjRatmHoybDWKH6GnFStRxshGw2DKu_IKdjG5gqnLzrF0dib9celUIjvXIP_iNE_WZRmyygLeyRq5m__88Fb7eeUcLkXIGF7NB/s1600/1+20+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4EqsvN9hEr3Bc0fbjycEzEs-SxIUyjlDyekfyuHs6nWjRatmHoybDWKH6GnFStRxshGw2DKu_IKdjG5gqnLzrF0dib9celUIjvXIP_iNE_WZRmyygLeyRq5m__88Fb7eeUcLkXIGF7NB/s320/1+20+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573009810823922706" border="0" /></a>January 20th - Pretty isn't it. My glorious new dishes. I love them. Jim did an amazing job picking them out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSYv2LmrrrJUKUNfLg0x1tgJpcU_QUISg71cPNC0GmmhqoyibY6dJW-TTBDvC9UY3Cp5Eezrb8a6rhyphenhyphenIJmdojJtLxIYyErI1pdLS46o0s2DM_RU4gyERoFQIo4LRNvoePfO680hLSqsCz/s1600/1+21+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSYv2LmrrrJUKUNfLg0x1tgJpcU_QUISg71cPNC0GmmhqoyibY6dJW-TTBDvC9UY3Cp5Eezrb8a6rhyphenhyphenIJmdojJtLxIYyErI1pdLS46o0s2DM_RU4gyERoFQIo4LRNvoePfO680hLSqsCz/s320/1+21+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573009806969927298" border="0" /></a>January 21st - My nephew hung out and spent the night. Fun evening with him.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-2546268226404813792011-01-15T18:12:00.000-05:002011-02-12T22:22:50.446-05:00Picture a day January 8th - 14th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kGw3HzVIAGsBxqSXZ1lgyOIl9QoIN8JnBCtxiZWMqRXGVS8v7XvIKRLkUa9AmuKmZqSoIddW1FhuJ4_6ANA6uSKiMbxm97ydhRdq3h5UvhGuxzgFPCCV5OpSFwtC6t158Z5vmgqqqPqf/s1600/1+17+2011.JPG"><br /></a><br />January 8th - 14th<br />This week is filled with some flashbacks. I started picture a day late, so I am taking some "creative liberties"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTEe51FrwiDmW5_PfONQBEaMA5e03WSGz5Ok13EU50ViDb8N_GHusFryb9oikIceyt3qEwIjg4Kn7CpY7FDg5T70N4EGdOmaTN4JWrIo8TRuux6_4FFDV4R58KCSEcZvyZ06LfjXmAX0h/s1600/1+8+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTEe51FrwiDmW5_PfONQBEaMA5e03WSGz5Ok13EU50ViDb8N_GHusFryb9oikIceyt3qEwIjg4Kn7CpY7FDg5T70N4EGdOmaTN4JWrIo8TRuux6_4FFDV4R58KCSEcZvyZ06LfjXmAX0h/s320/1+8+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571091163310251138" border="0" /></a>January 8th - A shot I think we are all happy (or at least pretty good) with. I have wrote about them before, but I am not sure what my life would be without these girls. This was a the annual Holiday Party we all have every year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaltsCg2iXnXg1IF1OZp9KQWby3fvHXVsSNA6J5vIvqjwol9HOvHAklcTCpQlv4iaBZDk214hNu0AuwX4Q99DC1C7OPujrv2LRU0kSaM4kAaf7LO5Jun8zYfs_UYEckMpXaIpIuhOWMen/s1600/1+9+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaltsCg2iXnXg1IF1OZp9KQWby3fvHXVsSNA6J5vIvqjwol9HOvHAklcTCpQlv4iaBZDk214hNu0AuwX4Q99DC1C7OPujrv2LRU0kSaM4kAaf7LO5Jun8zYfs_UYEckMpXaIpIuhOWMen/s320/1+9+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571091155108646354" border="0" /></a>January 9th - I am still learning on my camera so this isn't the best shot, but I think our house looks pretty here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyYJUbFwGVNkcg1unhvBX22fK9YWNDSOt8DDmYQs_bOhE_1jT9SyIo1BtzH7wQxRAmjqKnWzanxdVzYPseUbTZY8jW31VOHKE5obgMiVzLJPHcGQNSrVm2AMyvahJosDiXVWQgUZJi8ld/s1600/1+11+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyYJUbFwGVNkcg1unhvBX22fK9YWNDSOt8DDmYQs_bOhE_1jT9SyIo1BtzH7wQxRAmjqKnWzanxdVzYPseUbTZY8jW31VOHKE5obgMiVzLJPHcGQNSrVm2AMyvahJosDiXVWQgUZJi8ld/s320/1+11+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571090346076876450" border="0" /></a>January 10th - Flashback. Thanksgiving 2010. Jim and my brother. Two of my most favorite people in the world.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SvfIRwq7YLzzjYGy6FpLQWN9zJ_MGMV9AwrhUhv00FJ26vkfgUWwqkjG7OPZSnGlR-SstgmSbHus1NAaI0okeSu9P8q1w0v88CAiYfPDCLai87O37PKWbEIL1kd1AcVrdgwiF1-_1Acp/s1600/1+12+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SvfIRwq7YLzzjYGy6FpLQWN9zJ_MGMV9AwrhUhv00FJ26vkfgUWwqkjG7OPZSnGlR-SstgmSbHus1NAaI0okeSu9P8q1w0v88CAiYfPDCLai87O37PKWbEIL1kd1AcVrdgwiF1-_1Acp/s320/1+12+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571090339186114338" border="0" /></a>January 11th - Another flashback. One of the first snowfalls this year and more practice with the camera.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgxxTEnbgx0csEBakg7WB8Aa7Rjk1sP1E0eePJ5wWI7CHOqNKyN4_2ZSffj3B6ws67ucDch1cu8gn8ATOY4cTZclDFjXRs5sWhgxwlKOgmUIRtFsQ042kSIzIEY_ZObSUw3HR0hr4faah/s1600/1+13+201.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgxxTEnbgx0csEBakg7WB8Aa7Rjk1sP1E0eePJ5wWI7CHOqNKyN4_2ZSffj3B6ws67ucDch1cu8gn8ATOY4cTZclDFjXRs5sWhgxwlKOgmUIRtFsQ042kSIzIEY_ZObSUw3HR0hr4faah/s320/1+13+201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571090334817904114" border="0" /></a>January 12th - December 2010 flashback. Jim won a trip to New Orleans. Our first stop (within an hour of hotel check-in) was Acme Oyster for an amazing Po'Boy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffHVpm6hdw7TxiONHfX2L8YA2BX80XXGsVl8mebhzdF3uyfpJaTTsxWe6JucUBajrZKm33WKlAFFFVy11PnTGAl1_BJpWQtZgJKYhMbeLnP5OWhJLFsAZJrdaY-NFJ33q_apm_lob2UiG/s1600/1+14+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffHVpm6hdw7TxiONHfX2L8YA2BX80XXGsVl8mebhzdF3uyfpJaTTsxWe6JucUBajrZKm33WKlAFFFVy11PnTGAl1_BJpWQtZgJKYhMbeLnP5OWhJLFsAZJrdaY-NFJ33q_apm_lob2UiG/s320/1+14+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571090325721604850" border="0" /></a>January 13th - Flashback. New Orleans Dec 2010. After lunch at Acme House, we walked to Cafe Du Monde for beignets and coffee. They were worth the powder sugar all over my jeans.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kGw3HzVIAGsBxqSXZ1lgyOIl9QoIN8JnBCtxiZWMqRXGVS8v7XvIKRLkUa9AmuKmZqSoIddW1FhuJ4_6ANA6uSKiMbxm97ydhRdq3h5UvhGuxzgFPCCV5OpSFwtC6t158Z5vmgqqqPqf/s1600/1+17+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kGw3HzVIAGsBxqSXZ1lgyOIl9QoIN8JnBCtxiZWMqRXGVS8v7XvIKRLkUa9AmuKmZqSoIddW1FhuJ4_6ANA6uSKiMbxm97ydhRdq3h5UvhGuxzgFPCCV5OpSFwtC6t158Z5vmgqqqPqf/s320/1+17+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571093594360491314" border="0" /></a>January 14th - December 2010 New Orleans flashback. This was not the same day as PoBoys and Beignets, but it is along the same lines. Pat O'Briens for a hurricane. I was told it was a must, but I wasn't impressed. Sorry Pat O'Brien fans!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-55018877031284555782011-01-09T17:46:00.004-05:002011-02-07T18:10:51.372-05:00Picture a day January 1st - 7th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9u9cwSFNns1DvgZZn8D10lK85NHT0qV2giPOwxeQ3kbouaN20TovSSJ0Z8pJZ_-gjWW8CuudqRKgEsXlw494RACjffGp4FUWGAedaAwQAK4dVyOBjzQF25qqYb8FCji4sj3O0t2VLdh1/s1600/1+5+2011.JPG"></a>January 1st - 7th<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2aFLQPNyjArxXhfywSsHL5oYv3VBnBKsgC4uFaamuGSVz5wVh0HqFg0mr77mG3x2lWkMlStsf1QGKCwkZd1Se-PRaE7V32KzdH7aYiiVW1gpsZYzMnPe2zPBKeWtyqLyfml3Sht2iQ5Y/s1600/1+1+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2aFLQPNyjArxXhfywSsHL5oYv3VBnBKsgC4uFaamuGSVz5wVh0HqFg0mr77mG3x2lWkMlStsf1QGKCwkZd1Se-PRaE7V32KzdH7aYiiVW1gpsZYzMnPe2zPBKeWtyqLyfml3Sht2iQ5Y/s320/1+1+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571083401249430210" border="0" /></a>January 1st - Our tradition continues, four years in a row now. Jim and I make homemade donuts. We use Alton Browns recipe. It is time consuming, but they are wonderful.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuDWbJHZyQ1SEYw8EghlA4SgCzZ9vivx84SjdH8ceNwxPMkvm4z-2sg9obOxDY-ZlJJpOkUcqHDm7SYhN6AJMN-vtWLjajxExgnM-SJKbd9nIOhB9llgEIxq5d2KtPEziht2vctyWKRdo/s1600/1+2+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuDWbJHZyQ1SEYw8EghlA4SgCzZ9vivx84SjdH8ceNwxPMkvm4z-2sg9obOxDY-ZlJJpOkUcqHDm7SYhN6AJMN-vtWLjajxExgnM-SJKbd9nIOhB9llgEIxq5d2KtPEziht2vctyWKRdo/s320/1+2+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571083405095997442" border="0" /></a>January 2nd - Using Jims new French Press and water kettle, with my new dishes for an amazing cup of coffee. Love to put Christmas to good use.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PtzkB337VM4ny1VPdyMBPfeRbSaMfWW7SJktx46NbX2n3TyJS3Z2yKVJyHVOHxjTomdlT3xa76sURzEtciEY_KBhLHI50Vgm_TaODblzE8jN40jYkMB09GmFbHxZXrO9Y-G5Y68hUa9B/s1600/1+4+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PtzkB337VM4ny1VPdyMBPfeRbSaMfWW7SJktx46NbX2n3TyJS3Z2yKVJyHVOHxjTomdlT3xa76sURzEtciEY_KBhLHI50Vgm_TaODblzE8jN40jYkMB09GmFbHxZXrO9Y-G5Y68hUa9B/s320/1+4+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571083413882547314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuDWbJHZyQ1SEYw8EghlA4SgCzZ9vivx84SjdH8ceNwxPMkvm4z-2sg9obOxDY-ZlJJpOkUcqHDm7SYhN6AJMN-vtWLjajxExgnM-SJKbd9nIOhB9llgEIxq5d2KtPEziht2vctyWKRdo/s1600/1+2+2011.JPG"><br /></a>January 3rd - Because some mornings I wake up with a headache. What could possibly happen in my sleep to give me a headache. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2aFLQPNyjArxXhfywSsHL5oYv3VBnBKsgC4uFaamuGSVz5wVh0HqFg0mr77mG3x2lWkMlStsf1QGKCwkZd1Se-PRaE7V32KzdH7aYiiVW1gpsZYzMnPe2zPBKeWtyqLyfml3Sht2iQ5Y/s1600/1+1+2011.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9u9cwSFNns1DvgZZn8D10lK85NHT0qV2giPOwxeQ3kbouaN20TovSSJ0Z8pJZ_-gjWW8CuudqRKgEsXlw494RACjffGp4FUWGAedaAwQAK4dVyOBjzQF25qqYb8FCji4sj3O0t2VLdh1/s1600/1+5+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9u9cwSFNns1DvgZZn8D10lK85NHT0qV2giPOwxeQ3kbouaN20TovSSJ0Z8pJZ_-gjWW8CuudqRKgEsXlw494RACjffGp4FUWGAedaAwQAK4dVyOBjzQF25qqYb8FCji4sj3O0t2VLdh1/s320/1+5+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571083419426082578" border="0" /></a>January 4th - I am trying to keep it real. This was the state of my kitchen on January 4th. The picture makes me uncomfortable to look at, but once in a while, this is reality here.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHLdiECH0XJ8gaiqSMoet6nwfcb2nZmGDP0L7ayZStCpdqh4-1g84fr_d4oEq7RU3ktE8yJiciN8SuHxKQqzsp-S7v5vmxtImUFXiUaz63rGYA6NbMXBB0PsuXbgdYEKvlfVIqkIe0hUj/s1600/DSC_0136.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHLdiECH0XJ8gaiqSMoet6nwfcb2nZmGDP0L7ayZStCpdqh4-1g84fr_d4oEq7RU3ktE8yJiciN8SuHxKQqzsp-S7v5vmxtImUFXiUaz63rGYA6NbMXBB0PsuXbgdYEKvlfVIqkIe0hUj/s320/DSC_0136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571085182274966258" border="0" /></a><br />January 5th - Cagney. She sleeps like this once in a while, and it always cracks me up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4PgwCI9FPd_sY-VUT0IGiKhQpKcTNcOd-LLQKeBbz1ydPM9RuG9i0uvXr-8azshdrDQOHnk5y0D8NyhX8onxZMLN7_bcUy9naU2Nmqw4emS_IkkChJ52UmNSktwV8YOHLYqu6Y5-JJ8_/s1600/1+6+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4PgwCI9FPd_sY-VUT0IGiKhQpKcTNcOd-LLQKeBbz1ydPM9RuG9i0uvXr-8azshdrDQOHnk5y0D8NyhX8onxZMLN7_bcUy9naU2Nmqw4emS_IkkChJ52UmNSktwV8YOHLYqu6Y5-JJ8_/s320/1+6+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571085190395296434" border="0" /></a>January 6th - Because some times having a plow clear your driveway has its disadvantages.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgregsVNGfwF-9JLyh2TtmqOYJ98khxis8Tbp3bOW1Sid_0TqGqWdyu0Q5iHflwU-q8kLTFnI_8B0ST9G1mcYFIinwj7aKXODv6DwRV7cIO4DvhlnTfvePcXoCiCJHMoWtClzUqli8I7BlL/s1600/1+7+2011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgregsVNGfwF-9JLyh2TtmqOYJ98khxis8Tbp3bOW1Sid_0TqGqWdyu0Q5iHflwU-q8kLTFnI_8B0ST9G1mcYFIinwj7aKXODv6DwRV7cIO4DvhlnTfvePcXoCiCJHMoWtClzUqli8I7BlL/s320/1+7+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571085195636825602" border="0" /></a>January 7th - You have no idea how many shots we took at the Anderson Holiday Party to get to this. If friends are the family you choose, then these are the nieces and nephews we "picked" Aren't they cuties?Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-81731833358024078942010-01-06T12:17:00.001-05:002010-01-06T13:54:20.437-05:00Good bye oceanThis past weekend Jim and I went to one of our <a href="http://www.littlemoirsfoodshack.com/">favorite restaurants</a> after a drink at our <a href="http://www.squaregrouper.net/">favorite bar down here.</a> It was fun to share the time together and talk about the fun times we had down here.<br />Then on Sunday we said goodbye to the ocean. The ocean and beach just 20minutes from our house. I am not a water person (I actually fear the water), but we did have fun relaxing at the beach on the weekends. Some times we wouldn't even go in the water. We would just sit on our lounge chairs and read.<br /><br />Here are just a few of the pictures I took. My brother will love the last three. I learned to be ok with my feet down here Chucky! Flip flops are a way of life.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Waves coming in. Pretty sky in the background<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vl3nrdPaUZh809PbMxjH1XSQ7cv53bf_bDLIv9vKe-9UrhVOnltgZpsTrEbCaB860MVBJNI2YaJ9KTp6ruOiTVFl6zp2dLlTdUSVlMgo1itV8S3beDb-tgS0yL0doj9chsElDzuV-4Lb/s1600-h/misc+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vl3nrdPaUZh809PbMxjH1XSQ7cv53bf_bDLIv9vKe-9UrhVOnltgZpsTrEbCaB860MVBJNI2YaJ9KTp6ruOiTVFl6zp2dLlTdUSVlMgo1itV8S3beDb-tgS0yL0doj9chsElDzuV-4Lb/s320/misc+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422707949669193794" border="0" /></a><br />That's me, and yes I have on a LIGHT sweater. It does actually get chilly down here some days.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmLhq4jrXKC_KngstZ6atTRtUtDCo-t4AfFbKECX-YriIESKUvtrMda1NyEVQA7qfvffG2SLHgpql9WFzHEIw1xBeFllruF_izO31LX1PB4QsVMz82TlGfgD1gbBDUKO6dE8cQ1jXKVby/s1600-h/misc+011a_edited-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmLhq4jrXKC_KngstZ6atTRtUtDCo-t4AfFbKECX-YriIESKUvtrMda1NyEVQA7qfvffG2SLHgpql9WFzHEIw1xBeFllruF_izO31LX1PB4QsVMz82TlGfgD1gbBDUKO6dE8cQ1jXKVby/s320/misc+011a_edited-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422707948396805522" border="0" /></a><br />Jim says goodbye Florida, and GO Buckeyes!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEsW_OyFwLtSQpktFRSfBi3HOOfpNksP3t9osVuT0Yjyl9mk5l6s6lI5oXkJzpTMRSSmidj3Rtu28OjAk7qn1N-Bp4VysKoZBYBNRFd7npo5e7ZycXw6iScUYnPEWJqXTvW563u736PAY/s1600-h/misc+016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEsW_OyFwLtSQpktFRSfBi3HOOfpNksP3t9osVuT0Yjyl9mk5l6s6lI5oXkJzpTMRSSmidj3Rtu28OjAk7qn1N-Bp4VysKoZBYBNRFd7npo5e7ZycXw6iScUYnPEWJqXTvW563u736PAY/s320/misc+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422707943174286162" border="0" /></a><br />Jim didn't know I was taking his picture (about 10 of them). He was watching this guy fish from the beach. I think Jim will really miss all the fishing he got to do down here.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUq2XHVjJ3xCBhzRmioZY55vSys5HQrFNf7UWVXdNd9g4eg_Sny5G2lljs6sG0a1YJd4QKXijpy9g7j79xIGo3cj6YVir5Q00-kJwH4-5WhlDWK_-itoe46LIv78XRtW2H8yGF22HBabl1/s1600-h/misc+023.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUq2XHVjJ3xCBhzRmioZY55vSys5HQrFNf7UWVXdNd9g4eg_Sny5G2lljs6sG0a1YJd4QKXijpy9g7j79xIGo3cj6YVir5Q00-kJwH4-5WhlDWK_-itoe46LIv78XRtW2H8yGF22HBabl1/s320/misc+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422707935030545410" border="0" /></a><br />One more ocean shot<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm_WDgVLEqPkAAMEtLNdPsfGbTGkQTtzAS2byTGsCENjT2NcNnFHucu0jigcC8svIBTSqq5IkEd9gtW9BTBLDoppd8XKbFQNL6wHUBZAMXTWEGPzJ8BXPvQVMIk0OwbZ6ZRzjW6M-NmMu/s1600-h/misc+024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm_WDgVLEqPkAAMEtLNdPsfGbTGkQTtzAS2byTGsCENjT2NcNnFHucu0jigcC8svIBTSqq5IkEd9gtW9BTBLDoppd8XKbFQNL6wHUBZAMXTWEGPzJ8BXPvQVMIk0OwbZ6ZRzjW6M-NmMu/s320/misc+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422707929026150834" border="0" /></a><br />I kept waiting for a wave to come up. I wanted to get a shot of the water just touching my toes...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_XpVnB7maBiEjyTn4GYkr2f7fOGYVEpXRG6GHKteeuvfMqU373kPIu98WsRvLSSEqgYTW8yPI_B_X32DkTRV9Vb2i7mNV5O2IDwV8OdL3LZpwqctud4UeD6HSJk-6QeamPeUN8fylNXh/s1600-h/misc+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_XpVnB7maBiEjyTn4GYkr2f7fOGYVEpXRG6GHKteeuvfMqU373kPIu98WsRvLSSEqgYTW8yPI_B_X32DkTRV9Vb2i7mNV5O2IDwV8OdL3LZpwqctud4UeD6HSJk-6QeamPeUN8fylNXh/s320/misc+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422708824977040066" border="0" /></a>Um yeah...not really what I was going for.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUly_cX8_JiCs4KjD8VNBy4_IlMzZcmXjJSkKbA3sHt5wHA2idiD6nPjJjSHLdvw31aujXQetvTRS2y7G8o1rZn8lmbGYvk9ucqhZwEuYntk2rzirkyndcNHfO52SM8mT67r_c6M3Xy2r/s1600-h/misc+009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUly_cX8_JiCs4KjD8VNBy4_IlMzZcmXjJSkKbA3sHt5wHA2idiD6nPjJjSHLdvw31aujXQetvTRS2y7G8o1rZn8lmbGYvk9ucqhZwEuYntk2rzirkyndcNHfO52SM8mT67r_c6M3Xy2r/s320/misc+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422708818614717954" border="0" /></a>And back goes the wave.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPg_66UBpVFmlpsJ6Lk03zH72hNX68U-y5ub-bRN9SUx0MobU6oybxNOAjSWOpaDH-F054E2DV7dG6_PLxIh0F4IDbQw-77kQmsjf4JME_l08rgJqjR-iXBF3mi65UYg2AmULIwpUdKl8/s1600-h/misc+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPg_66UBpVFmlpsJ6Lk03zH72hNX68U-y5ub-bRN9SUx0MobU6oybxNOAjSWOpaDH-F054E2DV7dG6_PLxIh0F4IDbQw-77kQmsjf4JME_l08rgJqjR-iXBF3mi65UYg2AmULIwpUdKl8/s320/misc+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422708815043750674" border="0" /></a><br /></div>PS...I don't really want to say why my brother will like these last few pictures and make fun of me even though I won't be there to hear it. If you look, you can figure it out.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-73841025005812989812010-01-04T06:18:00.000-05:002010-01-04T08:08:12.378-05:00New Years Day TraditionWhile most people are starting diets, eating healthy and joining the gym, Jim and I are deep frying donuts.<br />These donuts are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">absolutely</span> amazing. Be warned, they take time. They are yeast donuts and required to rise twice. They are so worth it.<br />Take a peek! I used my<a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25462/D3000.html"> new camera</a> (yeah, Jim rocks) for these pictures. I love this camera. I have no clue how to use it properly, yet it still takes great pictures. I can't wait to see what happens when I actually know how to use it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The donuts on the second rise. I can't explain it, but I love this picture. I want to frame it!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEXeh5iNp7IvHxQVaW2t1dOi4GS93xkk9dgMqbSP_AtfbGtdapHBVENEHFtE2B2zTWHmnfnww7asJZB913qhZO1k5Sqg8xdLOGeSbma7g_wSmUK39M1XoRF57YMb6BWv-lW4lKuqxHTLK/s1600-h/rising.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEXeh5iNp7IvHxQVaW2t1dOi4GS93xkk9dgMqbSP_AtfbGtdapHBVENEHFtE2B2zTWHmnfnww7asJZB913qhZO1k5Sqg8xdLOGeSbma7g_wSmUK39M1XoRF57YMb6BWv-lW4lKuqxHTLK/s320/rising.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422705945774501170" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">First batch is out. We place the donuts on an upside down cooling rack over newspaper. This helps wick away the oil and prevents soggy donuts.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dGMaeiizysQNvW1pV5h2lN5KZNWaFlNydEDc__avrkWMuR5sImHWPNrFGtOkz6-Q2ZS5N7Nt9HRpJhhRh68i1chFJQFmmRNP2EfkSu9ozgrU3icSoTywLmI5Sh353PpWTt40yYIxW26C/s1600-h/first+batch+done.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dGMaeiizysQNvW1pV5h2lN5KZNWaFlNydEDc__avrkWMuR5sImHWPNrFGtOkz6-Q2ZS5N7Nt9HRpJhhRh68i1chFJQFmmRNP2EfkSu9ozgrU3icSoTywLmI5Sh353PpWTt40yYIxW26C/s320/first+batch+done.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422705603379551826" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Time to make the donuts! (can anyone tell me what that is from because Jim must have said it 15 times that morning). Jim works on flipping batch #2<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF60W4_2c3K5asL-qx9NA4Nm6tMecOZBo-r-R2nW8nvwUHrxcos7lSAddgpMbNgciPDNFA0_c8i3XJz8ZmlIPic2h7oUVbbBSzDJ97F77Du2PBjU7RBo3lusHjAlxZEqC4UzGEN-fBS0e/s1600-h/time+to+make+the+donuts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF60W4_2c3K5asL-qx9NA4Nm6tMecOZBo-r-R2nW8nvwUHrxcos7lSAddgpMbNgciPDNFA0_c8i3XJz8ZmlIPic2h7oUVbbBSzDJ97F77Du2PBjU7RBo3lusHjAlxZEqC4UzGEN-fBS0e/s320/time+to+make+the+donuts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422705598398904866" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The surviving donuts, with glaze and sprinkles<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljfoLN2fkgDzhHskRbxzBGukDCncGl6nemPrOYaIHZ_sNzefSsOvN-1_wnpqH0mWQO8IXJWuWZN9nZtCxVYIQMfjkrBod4Q3AUunpmL7lH1B0OG1T32eCrsoNxwREFckFu-UueUhDSC-a/s1600-h/a+few+left.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljfoLN2fkgDzhHskRbxzBGukDCncGl6nemPrOYaIHZ_sNzefSsOvN-1_wnpqH0mWQO8IXJWuWZN9nZtCxVYIQMfjkrBod4Q3AUunpmL7lH1B0OG1T32eCrsoNxwREFckFu-UueUhDSC-a/s320/a+few+left.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422705589394363042" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yummy January 1st breakfast<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkYr2TeD9Zt4hgZnN3qqpOeLoD6hgmCGv1jp9jNfiFECEL7k2jFsAKXHEPM_qrPOKXQ1rQ_5LGcUbTEyVsJ1eSmvG3vqHHScOu5zu_gW2Y37mBatZIZwfBdgF2c7ERNwEvFLmDbFCCBc8/s1600-h/yummy+tradition.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkYr2TeD9Zt4hgZnN3qqpOeLoD6hgmCGv1jp9jNfiFECEL7k2jFsAKXHEPM_qrPOKXQ1rQ_5LGcUbTEyVsJ1eSmvG3vqHHScOu5zu_gW2Y37mBatZIZwfBdgF2c7ERNwEvFLmDbFCCBc8/s320/yummy+tradition.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422705582623074562" border="0" /></a><br />Anyone care to join us next year?<br />If you want some of your own,<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/yeast-doughnuts-recipe/index.html"> here is the recipe</a>. We add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the mix.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-84397786601335924302010-01-03T16:25:00.002-05:002010-01-03T16:36:21.400-05:00ChangesWe are leaving warm sunny winters, the ocean, and flip flops. In less than one week we will go from tshirts to sweaters, flip flops to boots, and suddenly we will have to remind ourselves to grab a jacket on the way out the door. And here's the thing....we can't wait!<br /><br />Life brought us to Florida three years ago. We packed it up, said goodbye to family and friends, and started this adventure. We had fun, and I loved the experience. Jim and I grew even closer, and learned new things. About ourselves, and each other.<br /><br />Now, life brings us back to where we left three years ago. It is the start of another adventure. And this time we can share the adventure with the people we love and missed so much while we were gone.<br /><br />Florida, thank you for the memories. We will visit, this is a guarantee.<br />Ohio, thanks for taking us back.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-46426576476751114632010-01-02T16:18:00.000-05:002010-01-03T16:25:38.004-05:00This ones for you CarmenSo, my sister in law scolded me and told me I need to update my blog. Considering she doesn't ever ask for much, I decided I should honor her request.<br />There was a post from December, but someone anonymous left a weird and slightly freaky comment so I took it down. Still, I didn't do so well in the blog department last year.<br />There is a lot to say, much to update and after today my blog will have a pretty new look.<br />Hope you come back again.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-24522510055676761342009-09-28T18:17:00.008-04:002009-10-17T09:01:22.792-04:00StagesSome say they are seven, others say there are just five stages. However, if you have ever dealt with pain, loss, and suffering, you would know that five or seven is pretty much irrelevant. Grief if just grief.<br />Who decided to herd grief sufferers into a box, give them a list of steps and decide that that was the way everyone gets through the pain of grief anyway. Before anyone answers, I don't want to actually know their name.<br /><br />It doesn't really help a person who is grieving to feel boxed in to a way to get through the pain. It makes it even worse when you feel like you're doing it wrong.<br /><br />I lost my mom seventeen years ago, and for her I still grieve. On cool crisp fall mornings that I know she loved. For the look on her face that I never got to see when I walked down the aisle.<br />My grandfather, who was in my book one of the most amazing people I have known passed away five months ago. I grieve knowing I missed his last Christmas because we decided to stay in Florida last year. I grieve for my grandma who lost the partner that was her other half for 62 years.<br />I still grieve the children we lost to miscarriage. I grieve for the moments I longed for that will never come. The first steps, first words, first day of school, and so many more. The grief is different, but in all cases, it still sneaks up on me sometimes.<br />I still grieve, yet I have grieved according to the "plan". I have processed every step. Am I doing it wrong? Am I broken?<br /><br />By the list, anger is number two, but I can tell you that I have felt it after number four, before number one, and again and again and again. I don't let it consume me, but the anger is still there.<br /><br />I still bargain. I bargained on my wedding day, bargained when I sat getting the news that I miscarried, bargained when I knew Jim was the one and wanted to share the news with mom. I bargained back in May when I was booking my flight to let me make it there to say goodbye to Grandpa. I bargain a lot.<br /><br />People ask if this gets easy, and all I can say is what I know. No, it never ever gets easy. It just get easier.<br /><br />And by the way, where does happy fit into all of this? What about the moments I laugh out loud thinking back and cherishing the memories I was lucky enough to have?<br /><br />I find joy in everyday. Everyday I find at least three things to be grateful and happy for. I have gotten past the stages and by all accounts, I have dealt with the loss. I am not doing it wrong, I am not a mess. I am human and I feel.<br /><br />I guess I just need to say that if you are grieving a loss, any kind of loss, its okay to find your own way through it. Sit in your car and scream, cry when you want, laugh when you feel like it, smile and dance if it feels right.<br /><br />Know that there is no right or wrong way, and understand that everyone does it differently.<br /><br />Grief, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">by definition</span> is deep mental anguish, as that arising from bereavement<br /><br />Grief <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">for those actually dealing with it</span> is ugly and messy.<br />Grief, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">simply put</span>, is as individual as the person experiencing it.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-8001143897505000282009-07-16T00:03:00.004-04:002009-07-16T06:26:50.595-04:00It's writers workshop time!This week I picked two of the prompts from <a href="http://mamakatslosinit.blogspot.com/2009/07/it-was-good-life.html">Mama <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kats</span> Writers Workshop</a>.<br /># 3 - Tell us about Grandpa and #5 - Three things we want to know about you<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">#3 - Grandpa</span></span><br /><br />I told you about one of my <a href="http://throughaglasshalffull.blogspot.com/2009/07/happy-birthday-papa.html">Grandpas last week on his birthday.</a> This week I will tell about my other Grandpa, known as Papa Jerry. He passed away in May, and I have struggled with the loss since. I miss him very much and still feel guilt for not being there in his final moments and for being in Florida for the last two years away from him and my grandma. Here is my way of telling a little bit about a one of a kind, amazing man.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhnccdzFbC5eCWs8VjhP5qvxQtL9g5Z1iNrxhWOKZvuSvhfqkdhRNrWilfH0ORT9sBMAt5mCt6FLINsljvspXvIj9sCtCludlOBvrTAtjEAPi3iMXJpAbGx5hbpDt7n7l33mm2uWx_H-5/s1600-h/misc+pictures+144.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhnccdzFbC5eCWs8VjhP5qvxQtL9g5Z1iNrxhWOKZvuSvhfqkdhRNrWilfH0ORT9sBMAt5mCt6FLINsljvspXvIj9sCtCludlOBvrTAtjEAPi3iMXJpAbGx5hbpDt7n7l33mm2uWx_H-5/s320/misc+pictures+144.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359001226310054946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lx3eI58WP4VmhbV0FV4eR4qOW5W4OKWA1IXZ0_spLeLSmaff2Cy2GktjNxxUlpLy-3oc6xXE4T0tz9pV0LR4pu3bqo1Yh19N0GBb1ow6RfTmy1OOqrcQCdJ0QGVunUNFnJr-mPApK848/s1600-h/wed+-+39.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lx3eI58WP4VmhbV0FV4eR4qOW5W4OKWA1IXZ0_spLeLSmaff2Cy2GktjNxxUlpLy-3oc6xXE4T0tz9pV0LR4pu3bqo1Yh19N0GBb1ow6RfTmy1OOqrcQCdJ0QGVunUNFnJr-mPApK848/s320/wed+-+39.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359001215510552498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><ul><li>Letting me "drive" when I was little</li><li>$2 allowance every week (for doing nothing)</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Werthers</span></span> candies with every birthday gift</li><li>Pretending to be mad when I "stole" his peppermint candies</li><li>Letting me comb his hair..<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mohawks</span></span>, barrettes, and spikes were just a few styles</li><li>Lollipops stocked in the secret desk drawer at all times</li><li>The handmade <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tv</span></span> stand</li><li>Neon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">golf balls</span></span> (and white ones too) stored in egg crates. Lots and lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">golf balls</span></span></li><li>He insisted on wearing jeans even laying in the hospital bed</li><li>The customary hey little lady greeting</li><li>Buying me the pogo ball when Dad said no</li><li>Buying me just about anything when Dad said no</li><li>Making sure Moms resting place was always clean, pretty, and had flowers</li><li>Friday night Fish dinners at the Moose</li><li>Breakfasts at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Choo</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Choos</span></span></li><li>He always had a pen and notebook in his front shirt pocket</li><li>A gentle giant</li><li>Always taking care of Grandma who misses him so (married for 62 years)</li><li>Treating my mom, his daughter in law, like his own. </li><li>Always feeling safe in his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">presence</span>.<br /></li></ul>It's a small small list of just a few of the little things that added up to one amazing, larger than life man. I am beyond lucky to have had such an amazing man for a grandfather.<br /><br />Love you lots Papa Jerry! Missing you very much<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"># 5</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Three things you might want to know about me</span></span><br />Here goes<br /><br />1) Even at 32, I am still a little scared of the dark. When Jim travels I leave a light on when I go to bed. Because no one can come into the house and attack me if there is a light on....right?<br /><br />2) A year ago I took up sewing and now I am obsessed.<br />I bought the sewing machine on a whim. I was buying fabric to re-upholster a chair and a woman was buying fabric to make a purse. She told me how easy it was, and then pointed to my purse and told me I could <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definitely</span> make a similar purse with ease. One week later, I bought a beginners sewing book and a sewing machine. I have made purses, aprons, skirts, quilts, hot pads and more. I love it!<br /><br />3) I wear my heart (and every other emotion) on my sleeve.<br />I cry when I am happy. I cry when I am sad. I laugh at my own jokes. When I am happy, or sad, or angry, it shows. I spent a long time trying to change it, thinking it was a negative. As an adult, and through my family, friends, and hubby I have realized that it's just a part of who I am. It is one of the things that makes me, well me. They like me (usually), I like me, and at the end of the day that is good enough for me.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-39945427826549947482009-07-09T15:15:00.006-04:002009-07-09T18:48:55.743-04:00Happy Birthday Papa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtOM2rBznNrKxFa0k-Z0SDgdG3xGqdqIlmZMrhRAnw0aqHEaaKokusJi0dgUIoyuzirlFyAyZIXBNYG7jfjb9otJrc4EXbkuBbKx7b1ScTWhMilzMIlt5DMPrhFbQ-wPNI67BgZv6hUxn/s1600-h/wed+-+37.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtOM2rBznNrKxFa0k-Z0SDgdG3xGqdqIlmZMrhRAnw0aqHEaaKokusJi0dgUIoyuzirlFyAyZIXBNYG7jfjb9otJrc4EXbkuBbKx7b1ScTWhMilzMIlt5DMPrhFbQ-wPNI67BgZv6hUxn/s320/wed+-+37.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356545446919337522" border="0" /></a><br />Although I could have thought of better ways for him to spend the day yesterday, I hope it was a happy one nonetheless .<br /><br />A few fun Papa Mitt tidbits...<br /><br /><ul><li>He can teach anyone to play cribbage, and never gets frustrated. He may even let you win<br /></li><li>He can filet a fish in record time...and make it look pretty. This may not seem that glorious, but it's impressive to watch</li><li>He is an example of the kind of man I looked for to be my husband</li><li>He always seems to have a toothpick in his mouth</li><li>He drove 7 hours each way from Michigan to Ohio more times that I can remember to be with my mom (his second child) when she was sick. He is also an example of the father I hope Jim is one day</li><li>He likes to play dress up (see below)<br /></li><li>He too once exclaimed "Carrie is by far my favorite grandchild" :) (which may change after he sees the picture below)<br /></li></ul>Happy Birthday Papa Mitt! I love you and miss you!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HIBH3nK3Y65HBvQn8lTgYybktZG6QeCt5RnAjNDq07REoOtMtuJtEeVVnLLX8h_fXycLN-vqoF4He9MpcYojUpjzbdE_r9Rf0k47-FI_7bnWUTTcAOZeFe5Syfky1TpgbOCtH3RyqJV8/s1600-h/michigan+trip+with+girls+097.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HIBH3nK3Y65HBvQn8lTgYybktZG6QeCt5RnAjNDq07REoOtMtuJtEeVVnLLX8h_fXycLN-vqoF4He9MpcYojUpjzbdE_r9Rf0k47-FI_7bnWUTTcAOZeFe5Syfky1TpgbOCtH3RyqJV8/s320/michigan+trip+with+girls+097.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356545456116643778" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-34596094331148834802009-07-02T00:31:00.003-04:002009-07-02T07:22:14.310-04:00I'll be happy when...<a href="http://mamakatslosinit.blogspot.com/2009/06/your-assignment-should-you-choose-to_30.html">Prompt is courtesy of Kathy and writers workshop<br /></a><br />Is it considered cheating to say I am already happy?<br />It's true you know.<br /><br />Then again, I'll be happier when...<br /><ul><li>The tile floor that takes up 85% of our house mops itself</li><li>The same tile floor sweeps itself first. First with the broom, then with the Swiffer.<br /></li><li>The tile floor teaches the area rug to self clean</li><li>Our cat Cagney brushes herself daily</li><li>I can have a golden sun kissed glow without sun, either real or artificial</li><li>My husband musters the strength to place the TP on the actual holder.<br /></li><li>The Dunkin Donuts staff stop asking me "and sugar" when I say "decaf toasted almond coffee with cream <span style="font-weight: bold;">only</span> please". I know it's silly, but it bothers me.</li><li>People stop saying irregardless. I am sure it's listed in some dictionary, but it's really not a word, it's redundant and in my opinion a double negative. The less in regardless makes it a negative (without regard or not taking into account). So wouldn't irregardless mean NOT without regard. Either way you look at it, it's redundant.<br /></li><li>Giada and I spend an afternoon getting manicures (have I ever mentioned I love her nails), having lunch and cooking together.<br /></li><li>Alton Brown joins us for dessert</li><li>Ina, Duff, and Tyler stop for some coffee.<br /></li><li>They all chat and realize I am just need some fine tuning, talk to the Food Network and give me my own show.</li><li>My brother decides that Melt just isn't the same without me and stops going unless I am in town</li><li>West Palm Beach and Cleveland are in the same county, in the same state.</li><li>Bacon becomes a health food</li></ul> Its a good thing I am a happy, lucky girl already!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-6966218677757383982009-07-01T06:21:00.001-04:002009-07-01T07:19:51.922-04:00Pampering for the penny pincherWe all like a bit of pampering. And let's face it, we all deserve it! If an afternoon at the spa isn't in your budget, and heck even if it is you can save a bundle with these penny pinching tips.<br /><br />I love this article for pretty feet no matter how much time you have on hand. <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/hands-feet/easy-home-pedicure-shortcuts-10000001730977/index.html">Take a peek</a><br /><br />After an at home pedicure, complete the nails with a do it yourself manicure. You know the basics, but to get the complete spa experience give these ideas a try:<br /><ul><li>Soak your hands warm soapy water first</li><li>Push back (don't cut) your cuticles</li><li>Exfoliate, and rinse your hands</li><li>Place a moist towel in the microwave then wrap around hands (and/or feet). This is my favorite part of the spa pedicures and manicure. Now, sit back and relax. Be careful with this step, heat up the towel slowly to ensure it doesn't get too hot.</li><li>Moisturize, then wipe nails before applying polish to remove oils.</li><li>Use a base coat first.<br /></li><li>Paint your nail starting on the side. You should be able to paint your nail in three strokes. (one on each side, and the middle)</li><li>Finish with a top coat</li></ul>Finally, treat your hands, feet, and entire body with an easy homemade exfoliater. There are lots of recipes out there for sugar scrubs. Here are my two favorites:<br /><br />Lemony Sugar Scrub<br /><br />1 Cup Sugar<br />1/2 Cup olive oil<br />Lemon juice (about a teaspoon or so)<br /><br />Combine all ingredients, place in a container of your choice and enjoy.<br /><br />Brown Sugar Scrub<br /><br />1 Cup brown sugar<br />1/2 Cup almond or olive oil<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br /><br />Combine all ingredients, place in a container of your choice and enjoy.<br /><br />*These scrubs are great exfoliaters, but adding items like vitamin E, small amounts of honey, essential oils, etc. can help with extra moisturizing. I don't mess with them.<br />*You can leave out the vanilla and lemon in either recipe as they are mainly for scent.<br />*Whether you wash with soap and water first or second is up to you.<br />*Let the sugar do the work. You don't need to scrub too hard.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-84968779372764403302009-06-29T20:38:00.003-04:002009-06-29T22:06:10.372-04:00It's a processEarlier in the year, I put the smack down on all things white flour. I read the ingredients on every label for bread, cereal, crackers, and snacks to ensure that the it was indeed made with 100% WHOLE wheat. The first ingredient needed to read Whole wheat.<br />It wasn't as easy it seems, and we had to make a few switches for the good cause. I purchased a great whole grain cookbook and have made muffins, cookies, and other goodies and you really wouldn't know that I had replaced the refined white stuff with whole wheat goodness. I am currently working on mastering the art of a great whole wheat sandwich bread.<br /><br />This one simple change led to other healthy choices, most recently the ban of hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup.<br /><br />Someday I will tell you about partially hydrogenated/hydrogenated oils, but suffice to say they aren't good for you and we won't be partaking in them any longer. There is a reason the FDA started forcing trans fat to be listed on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nutrition</span> labels a few years ago.<br /><br />For many the jury is still out on high fructose corn syrup, but I don't really trust the Sweet Surprise commercials. I mean sure it's made from corn, but french fries are made from potatoes and last I checked no one was encouraging us to eat those.<br /><br />Cutting out foods with these items seemed like the obvious thing to do. Actually doing it was a process. I spent so much time reading <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">labels</span>, that I think the staff at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Publix</span> were worried I would never leave.<br /><br />The ingredients seemed to pop up everywhere. Even the things that seemed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ok</span> before are now banned. My normal coffee creamer has partially hydrogenated oil, the cereal bars that seemed like a decent snack have both high fructose corn syrup and partially/hydrogenated oils, even ketchup has high fructose corn syrup. I think I spent 10 minutes reading every wrap label until I found a sandwich wrap without shortening or hydrogenated oils. It was frustrating.<br /><br />The search for all the answers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ok</span> foods just led to one conclusion: eliminating, or at least cutting way way back on processed foods.<br /><br />I guess I should be clear here. Lots of things are processed. Milk is considered processed since it is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">pasteurized</span> to kill bacteria, frozen vegetables can considered processed. I think we all know what I am getting at though. Here is what we are avoiding<br /><ul><li>canned foods with lots of sodium </li><li>white breads and pastas made with refined white flour, which are not as healthy as those made with whole grains </li><li>most packaged snack foods, like chips and cheese snacks </li><li>high-fat convenience foods, like cans of ravioli </li><li>frozen fish sticks and frozen dinners </li><li>packaged cakes and cookies </li><li>boxed meal mixes </li><li>sugary breakfast cereals </li><li>processed meats<br /></li></ul><br />I won't say it was simple, but with a bit of planning we have done well. I was never a fan of boxed meals and I cook dinner 5-6 nights a week, so most meals weren't an issue. The occasional grab and go breakfast would be tricky, as well as snacks.<br /><br />Processed foods are a convenience. It's easy to grab a granola bar or snack pack on the way out the door. The best advice I can give is to plan. Each Sunday, I spend a bit of time preparing easy yummy non processed foods for the week for snacks and/or breakfasts. It's time well spent in my opinion.<br /><br />My unsolicited advice:<br /><ul><li>Try plain yogurt and add your own fruit or a bit of honey to it. Greek yogurt is amazing and when combined with some berries makes a great breakfast. The brand we recently found makes a vanilla flavor that I love with no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">HFCS</span></li><li>Figure out your favorite convenience (processed) food and see if you can make it yourself. I am not claiming that everything I prepare is extremely healthy, but I like that I know what is going into the food.<br /></li><li>Portion out the healthy alternatives you create into single servings. The recipe below does that. I also make a fruit salad and place it into individual servings in reusable containers. Jim can grab one to eat at the office if he is running late, and its nice to have it all ready when you want a snack.<br /></li></ul><br />Remember that granola/cereal bar that is now banned from our diet? Well, it has been replaced with this yummy favorite. (you didn't think I would leave you without a recipe did you)<br /><br />Granola Bites<br /><br />1/3 cup almond butter * (see notes)<br />1/3 cup pure maple syrup *<br />2 egg whites<br />1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)<br />2 1/2 Cups low fat granola*<br />1/2 cup raisins<br /><br />Preheat oven to 250<br />Spray a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray<br /><br />In bowl, whisk together almond butter and maple syrup<br /><br />Add egg whites and spice and whisk again until smooth<br /><br />Stir in granola and raisins<br /><br />Divide mixture evenly into muffin cups.<br /><br />Bake for 45 minutes on center oven rack. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on wire rack before removing from muffin tins.<br />Store in airtight container<br /><br />Notes<br />* You can use natural peanut butter if you prefer. Almond butter is sold at most grocery, but I get the best deal at Whole Foods since they have several brands to choose from. Regular peanut butter has hydrogenated oils, so we avoid it. If texture is an issue, check a natural food store, deli or market. They now make a lot of different varieties of a more natural peanut butter, including no stir varieties that are much creamier and do not have to be refrigerated. Earth Balance is a good one<br />* You want pure maple syrup. Imitation syrup is basically maple flavored corn syrup<br />*Watch the sugar content in your granola. Granola with added fruits and raisins may make these two sweet. I buy the granola in bulk. Our favorite is pumpkin flax sold in the bulk section at Whole FoodsCarriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-14738819476934218262009-06-27T07:49:00.004-04:002009-06-27T08:06:31.888-04:00Daring Kitchen Challenge- Baking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTcwxYGcwWatSI6J-NjhQswKy3Qc7m-w1mOPGW5ouodhC5fYrsmIQ6cSEIaX_7rZSVglTg49A3qmDNDf5gg0H2YiEu0I8MGGqzcdCabLmDHoCPKrqtjfksac6c75bvnlPHAbYTg0gHRMi/s1600-h/P1000680.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTcwxYGcwWatSI6J-NjhQswKy3Qc7m-w1mOPGW5ouodhC5fYrsmIQ6cSEIaX_7rZSVglTg49A3qmDNDf5gg0H2YiEu0I8MGGqzcdCabLmDHoCPKrqtjfksac6c75bvnlPHAbYTg0gHRMi/s320/P1000680.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351976397367541410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC7omCikvb7I0bOSkfzyyyHFoZ6CnUjMcfZWrQU065-lGVqg2MTU585joXKafH35NTDRoIKhuGAnFmV6QEfZVqAIQ17bkEE_ZrsYvR0BPY_y1c0uchfaMMlWIZ4NyC5qNxlTTmresTDoe/s1600-h/P1000679.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC7omCikvb7I0bOSkfzyyyHFoZ6CnUjMcfZWrQU065-lGVqg2MTU585joXKafH35NTDRoIKhuGAnFmV6QEfZVqAIQ17bkEE_ZrsYvR0BPY_y1c0uchfaMMlWIZ4NyC5qNxlTTmresTDoe/s320/P1000679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351976392873345170" border="0" /></a><br />Bakewell Tart/Pudding<br /><br />A bakewell tart starts with a sweet shortbread crust, topped with fruit spread (such as lemon curd, fruit preserves or jam), and it finished with frangipane (a sponge like like filling with ground almonds)<br /><br /><p><strong>Sweet shortcrust pastry</strong><br /><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p> <p>225g (8oz) all purpose flour<br />30g (1oz) sugar<br />2.5ml (½ tsp) salt<br />110g (4oz) unsalted butter, cold (frozen is better)<br />2 (2) egg yolks<br />2.5ml (½ tsp) almond extract (optional)<br />15-30ml (1-2 Tbsp) cold water </p> <p>Sift together flour, sugar and salt. Grate butter into the flour mixture, using the large hole-side of a box grater. Using your finger tips only, and working very quickly, rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Set aside.</p> <p>Lightly beat the egg yolks with the almond extract (if using) and quickly mix into the flour mixture. Keep mixing while dribbling in the water, only adding enough to form a cohesive and slightly sticky dough. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in cling and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes<br /></p><p><strong>Frangipane</strong><br /><br /></p> <p>125g (4.5oz) unsalted butter, softened<br />125g (4.5oz) icing sugar<br />3 (3) eggs<br />2.5ml (½ tsp) almond extract<br />125g (4.5oz) ground almonds<br />30g (1oz) all purpose flour</p> <p>Cream butter and sugar together for about a minute or until the mixture is light yellow in color and very fluffy. Scrape down the side of the bowl and add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The batter may appear to curdle. In the words of Douglas Adams: <strong>Don’t panic.</strong> Really. It’ll be fine. After all three are in, pour in the almond extract and mix for about another 30 seconds and scrape down the sides again. With the beaters on, spoon in the ground nuts and the flour. Mix well. The mixture will be soft, keep its slightly curdled look (mostly from the almonds) and retain its pallid yellow color.<br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Assembling the tart</span><br /></p>Place the chilled dough disc on a lightly floured surface. If it's overly cold, you will need to let it become acclimatized for about 15 minutes before you roll it out. Flour the rolling pin and roll the pastry to 5mm (1/4”) thickness, by rolling in one direction only (start from the centre and roll away from you), and turning the disc a quarter turn after each roll. When the pastry is to the desired size and thickness, transfer it to the tart pan, press in and trim the excess dough. Patch any holes, fissures or tears with trimmed bits. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes. <p>Preheat oven to 200C/400F.</p> <p>Remove shell from freezer, spread as even a layer as you can of jam onto the pastry base. Top with frangipane, spreading to cover the entire surface of the tart. Smooth the top and pop into the oven for 30 minutes. Five minutes before the tart is done, the top will be poofy and brownish. Remove from oven and strew flaked almonds on top and return to the heat for the last five minutes of baking.</p> <p>The finished tart will have a golden crust and the frangipane will be tanned, poofy and a bit spongy-looking. Remove from the oven and cool on the counter. Serve warm, with crème fraîche, whipped cream or custard sauce if you wish. When you slice into the tart, the almond paste will be firm, but slightly squidgy and the crust should be crisp but not tough.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Notes:</p><ul><li>Jim and I both really liked this dessert. Often times desserts are just to heavy and/or rich for me.<br /></li><li>I was nervous when I pulled my tart out of the oven because it was so dark. It should be a little tan but I thought mine was too dark. I used wheat flour (that's all we use here) and think that may have contributed to it, however, it tasted great. Not at all burnt or too done</li><li>The recipe states to chill dough in freezer at least 30 minutes. I lost track of time doing other things around the house and mine sat in the freezer for a few hours. It was rock hard when I pulled it out. I had to give it about 30 minutes to get to a consistency to work with.<br /></li><li>I would definitely make this again</li></ul><br />If you like to cook and/or bake, you should pop over to the daring kitchen and see what its all about. You can join as a baker, cook, or both (like I did). It is great way to develop and test new skills without the fear of being judged or critiqued. Most importantly, it's fun!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-35505534466888779282009-06-25T07:31:00.000-04:002009-06-25T07:31:54.698-04:00Lets travel - part two: Paris, days one and twoWe left Amsterdam Wednesday morning and arrived in Paris around 1:00.<br /><br />After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jims</span> failed attempt at skipping the taxi line, a 45 minute walk with luggage and carry-on, and a series of count to ten moments, we arrived at our apartment. Jim, the great researcher found a good deal on an apartment that was close to the action, the metro, and cost less than a hotel. The apartment experience was just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span>. It wasn't awful, but we wouldn't do it again.<br /><br />There are just little things that I missed from a hotel. New, fresh towels everyday, knowing if something goes wrong you call the front desk and right away it's fixed. Also, we were traveling for two weeks and thought it would be nice to be able to pack a little lighter since the apartment had a washer and dryer. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Here's</span> the catch...dryer, means drying rack. Yeah, that makes a difference. Like I said, it wasn't horrible, but a definite learning experience.<br /><br />After settling in, we found some lunch (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">croque</span> madame was delightful) and made our way to the Eiffel Tower. It was my first experience in Paris and I was so excited to see it all.<br /><br />After the trip to Eiffel Tower, along with some walking and sightseeing, we made our way to dinner. In case you didn't know, I am a foodie (I could go on and on). A lot of our time in Paris was focused on food. I had lists of places to eat. Most people search hotels and attractions. I search for food experiences.<br />Night one was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fallafel</span>. If you think I am kidding, <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/archives/2005/06/nice_as.html">check here </a>(where there are actually several posts on the place) or <a href="http://www.doriegreenspan.com/2009/03/falafel-worth-the-wait.html">here.</a> The line was long, but moved fairly quickly and was well worth the wait. Be prepared when you get up to the counter. They are very friendly, but not exactly patient.<br />I didn't get a picture of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">fallafel</span> and that is probably a good thing, because I am hungry just thinking about it, so a picture would be torture.<br /><br />Thursday started with warm croissants (chocolate filled) and coffee. Then it was off to <a href="http://fattirebiketours.com/paris">Fat Tire</a> <a href="http://fattirebiketours.com/paris">Bike Tours </a>for a day bike tour. Jim and I are not exactly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">museum</span> people. It just doesn't do it for us. The bike tours were perfect for us. You got to see the big sites (Louvre, Eiffel Tower, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ecole</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Militaire</span>, etc.), and learn fun facts about them, but you skip the lines and the actual museum. Even if <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">museums</span> are your thing, I would highly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">recommend</span> the tour on one of your first days in Paris. You learn a lot, get great tips, and it can help to decide what you want to see later in your trip. Like this tip...If you spent 60 seconds looking at each and every item in the Louvre twenty four hours a day, seven days a week it would take you 9 1/2 months to see it all. Yeah, they pack a lot in that place.<br /><br />We ended the day with a stop to visit my two favorite men, Pierre <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Herme</span> and Pierre <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Marcollini</span>, followed by a visit to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Notre</span> Dame, and a delightful dinner.<br /><br />Have you ever had a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">macaron</span>? In France? O-M-G! For the record, I am not talking coconut macaroon. I am talking delicious, amazing, flaky then soft and slightly chewy goodness.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Notre</span> Dame took my breath away. I had to just stop and stare. We stepped in, grabbed a mass schedule and walked around adoring the history and embracing its beauty.<br /><br />We packed quite a bit into our first day and a half.<br /><br />Here are few more pictures (not sure why some are so small). Enjoy<br /><br /><br />I was totally THAT tourist. And I loved it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY2m2HtflrVYgy7HHPc3PcLxDvF1f4L0g83JKxtD1NCHu2_9of_M5IEUZNaNl-qTHlwPqijPaZ9gwYqw5VZGwMXmJyj4MYJxpmbFo7x808VYSLNo3scVUUrBoSROaxw7g5LPvq6hQDnyX/s1600-h/P1000266.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY2m2HtflrVYgy7HHPc3PcLxDvF1f4L0g83JKxtD1NCHu2_9of_M5IEUZNaNl-qTHlwPqijPaZ9gwYqw5VZGwMXmJyj4MYJxpmbFo7x808VYSLNo3scVUUrBoSROaxw7g5LPvq6hQDnyX/s320/P1000266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351018038528504210" border="0" /></a>My amazing husband (for seven years now)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeIhbYRUvcCFO-sk5YFKBtA_-lI0CLivYx8CIpHCl8tZqNKR3RNj-SsI5-12zc3CJVPyyGi6kEZqMMfMQqAvDPZSA9SC9YkuyjlmJ4wAtBkYRWInvcNBntPj-rF_8t3AkwOxFWGCjVKLs/s1600-h/P1000243.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeIhbYRUvcCFO-sk5YFKBtA_-lI0CLivYx8CIpHCl8tZqNKR3RNj-SsI5-12zc3CJVPyyGi6kEZqMMfMQqAvDPZSA9SC9YkuyjlmJ4wAtBkYRWInvcNBntPj-rF_8t3AkwOxFWGCjVKLs/s320/P1000243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351018035977422226" border="0" /></a>Lets start biking!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2ulOhYJF1sjK7ukyQzoJ6dDawq37op9V88WMMEPw820qT9OylzPxHVofHi2Gf_0pcYRFSBeTsrtdtcrlhlKQYh51tV24i3E3p7EcdnuFR4aZsDqKHfWkfVUaU7ZyYf9g2aOTykJnzYk4/s1600-h/P1000236.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2ulOhYJF1sjK7ukyQzoJ6dDawq37op9V88WMMEPw820qT9OylzPxHVofHi2Gf_0pcYRFSBeTsrtdtcrlhlKQYh51tV24i3E3p7EcdnuFR4aZsDqKHfWkfVUaU7ZyYf9g2aOTykJnzYk4/s320/P1000236.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351018028507658306" border="0" /></a>Luxor obelisk<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMakY0DU1VQu3iDv9uibeD_Jzcvx4riXB86iT1mafBlh1XqIX-EjCUGsaGjTk4U1Xa42EGvu2chxdDpevlsGtnGngnWPhEU5gQ6ADmq6yAQ-qcUeW_sPk1UbcwDpnWzhN2J2P4a0Jftk7C/s1600-h/luxor+obelisk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMakY0DU1VQu3iDv9uibeD_Jzcvx4riXB86iT1mafBlh1XqIX-EjCUGsaGjTk4U1Xa42EGvu2chxdDpevlsGtnGngnWPhEU5gQ6ADmq6yAQ-qcUeW_sPk1UbcwDpnWzhN2J2P4a0Jftk7C/s320/luxor+obelisk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351049344009504866" border="0" /></a><br />Notre Dame<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CT0-NV3zGvF7nU1FOcUuJmyXVl9dt0CiIiNSzUbqh_1rw5I4TezF2TF2UtJqHs-Y91nqKryT9hh07ghFulSfFX-agYCCQzSvi04fXSxFGeFMKSnOE83AfO1KulAmecduQb6Lm1vDknIV/s1600-h/notre+dame.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CT0-NV3zGvF7nU1FOcUuJmyXVl9dt0CiIiNSzUbqh_1rw5I4TezF2TF2UtJqHs-Y91nqKryT9hh07ghFulSfFX-agYCCQzSvi04fXSxFGeFMKSnOE83AfO1KulAmecduQb6Lm1vDknIV/s320/notre+dame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351049336973663794" border="0" /></a><br />Stained glass at Notre Dame<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_AEqtPruNvFW3Aa-whMsu5bugn8wq_UvmSQDgjCrPWJNguK1OBZmamH4CvBDnuOjS1WVZhhW0AHRndBuItlxh5DQfJK5OjbUcCfqvBIgxPEDE6Iv9RSgXuZaxM0gliYEX3CW1Zz9FmO_/s1600-h/notre+dame+stained+glass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_AEqtPruNvFW3Aa-whMsu5bugn8wq_UvmSQDgjCrPWJNguK1OBZmamH4CvBDnuOjS1WVZhhW0AHRndBuItlxh5DQfJK5OjbUcCfqvBIgxPEDE6Iv9RSgXuZaxM0gliYEX3CW1Zz9FmO_/s320/notre+dame+stained+glass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351049337327236290" border="0" /></a><br />The Louvre (its huge)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjQAvPCVhYcmnf2VtFmTVzLDjRWbXWk4pc8PJuzVnFxrzjiB6Exz18FD7W8FWH3d_m8azGaure81Cv0D0GVCBUAQ3utHgjoOMpfWT0oNeDHBgL7LQKkTYagtbOeICgj3dj3wvFjFU57qk/s1600-h/the+louvre.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjQAvPCVhYcmnf2VtFmTVzLDjRWbXWk4pc8PJuzVnFxrzjiB6Exz18FD7W8FWH3d_m8azGaure81Cv0D0GVCBUAQ3utHgjoOMpfWT0oNeDHBgL7LQKkTYagtbOeICgj3dj3wvFjFU57qk/s320/the+louvre.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351049333678321314" border="0" /></a>My favorite picture of the Eiffel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CEjoN7AT2udpVTkq1jZfxYblIVKe__SQopJPbSLgNmlm_72yZysQBshd016A3OVR1F3O1lw3AlGCQYwwjeWPnoDT1S7FFUv7HHZ4kF8Z011WOLHLDhZxxf0gCN6ho-_Y77keQ-wU4EKu/s1600-h/P1000232.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CEjoN7AT2udpVTkq1jZfxYblIVKe__SQopJPbSLgNmlm_72yZysQBshd016A3OVR1F3O1lw3AlGCQYwwjeWPnoDT1S7FFUv7HHZ4kF8Z011WOLHLDhZxxf0gCN6ho-_Y77keQ-wU4EKu/s320/P1000232.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351018024767221570" border="0" /></a>We love taking our own pictures!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpcnPHNJynGyxWVD5Cqw0STlaTfakEGkzIPlUzi6w-vTbitOZb21k8D1Q1wqEgFU1uJIg7IVoDvhFXu20q0n1Q3OE3HDiWjKq-K96wrQjqcYk46HAunHzQGQ360TODmY_KEmsCs1_rm3k/s1600-h/P1000231.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpcnPHNJynGyxWVD5Cqw0STlaTfakEGkzIPlUzi6w-vTbitOZb21k8D1Q1wqEgFU1uJIg7IVoDvhFXu20q0n1Q3OE3HDiWjKq-K96wrQjqcYk46HAunHzQGQ360TODmY_KEmsCs1_rm3k/s320/P1000231.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351018013938600034" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"></span>Up next: Paris, days three and four.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-49605332068408842862009-06-23T14:58:00.013-04:002009-06-23T17:39:46.985-04:00Some announcementThe saga of Jon and Kate.<br /><br />I debated on this post. A lot. The thing is, I feel so strongly about last nights stunt, that I have to blog about it.<br /><br />I tried to stay above it all and not feed into the papers, and magazines, and E Entertainment channel specials, and pure greed. I really, really did. But, I fell of the wagon. I honestly have not watched the show since the first season. Once it started being all about product placement, free trips, hair transplants, and constant nagging and fighting for the sake of free stuff and money.<br /><br />Before I get slammed, I know that they love those kids. The kids are well taken care of. What is debatable is what you consider "well taken care of". I wouldn't think the kids were neglected if they wore hand me downs that didn't match. I wouldn't judge <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">any ones</span> parenting if the kids didn't have a huge house, crooked play houses, or countless trips to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">museums</span>, ski resorts, and amusement parks. When you look back on your life, do you remember and cherish the material <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">possessions</span> or the moments of ease and peace and happiness with your family? I remember making chef <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">boyardee</span> pizzas from a box on Fridays nights with my family. I remember the family vacations where we drive for 7 hours to Michigan to spend time with my grandparents. I remember my parents meeting my aunt or grandparents at the Arbys in Flint (the halfway point) to do vacation drop offs. Sure I also remember finally (after what seemed liked years of begging) waking up Christmas morning to a swatch watch (wow, I'm old), and a Guess sweatshirt, but that isn't a moment played back on the highlight reel.<br /><br />When it started, it was probably really about the kids. Then, once it all starts rolling in, its pretty easy to justify it all by saying "its for the kids". A huge million dollar home is for the kids? My mom grew up sharing a tiny tiny room with three sisters and she turned out just fine. There were six kids, two adults, and one bathroom. If you can overcome that, you can overcome anything. Really though, is it all for the kids?<br /><br />They can't say this show didn't change them. It's clear that it did. And while that may have been good in some ways and bad in others, it's reality. They also can't really say that the show and the fame and all that comes with it didn't impact the demise of the marriage. No more than any of us can say how changing one event in our life <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">would shape</span> the rest. That is why I don't ever play the whole "if you could change one part of your life, what would it be game". The answer is obvious for me. Then again, that one change, would change everything else. Life isn't a puzzle that allows you to change out one piece for another. At the end of the day, every action has a consequence. Some good, some not so good.<br /><br /><br />When TLC teased a special announcement, a quote "decision to bring the family peace." I vowed wouldn't watch. Then I thought, maybe these two finally get it and to me "family peace" meant stopping the show. Stepping away from it all, regrouping, getting help and trying to save a marriage and family. Would it have paid off? I don't know, but I think anyone who takes a vow of marriage and then proceeds to bring child into that union ought to fight with every fiber of their being to make it work. If you can say you tried it all and it didn't work, then who can fault you for that. I don't know that I agree with staying together and living a lie, a union filled with hate, anger, and bitterness, but I know that every kid deserves to have someone fight for them. To step back from it all and put them first. Every child deserves to have someone who will try to write their life story filled with peace and love.<br /><br />We all experience pain in some form or another. I was picked on at school, and watched my mom fight, and eventually lose a battle to cancer. I have close friends whose parents have divorced, under both civil and not so civil terms. Each persons painful experience is different. No matter how you look at it, pain is pain, and no one can shield children from facing pain and adversity in their life. On the other hand, you can try and contain the damage.<br /><br />The older girls are 8, and can certainly read. Their friends and classmates can read. And if they have a computer at home, they can access <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">youtube</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">hulu</span>, and various other sites. That means that they can read that magazine headline "We might split up", or "Jon is a dirt bag", and "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kates</span> is a control freak". Who wants to go to school and be faced with all of that. Who needs more to add to the list of scrutiny that kids already face. And more importantly, who wants to have an on air account of their parents playing he said, she said and announcing the demise of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">their</span> marriage. I don't know first hand the pain of divorce. I do know from many close to me that it resonates through your life. I can say with great <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">certainty</span> that most don't want to think about those first moments of learning about divorce, and they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">definitely</span> don't want to be able to watch it over and over again on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">youtube</span>.<br /><br />No one stopped to contain that damage. Why didn't anyone think, maybe selling my story to People magazine isn't best for my kids. Why didn't anyone think that perhaps playing the victim might make you feel better, but it only makes your now ex spouse look bad to your children. Who cares who wins, who cares who did what first. What matters is that your kids deserve peace.<br /><br />I can't and won't say that I know what is best for this family. It may be true that two happy parents living apart is better for them than two unhappy parents living together. However, I can say and will stand behind my stance that announcing your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">separation</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">subsequent</span> divorce for the world to see isn't fair to your kids. Using the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">separation</span> announcement as a rating play isn't fair or respectable. I won't waiver on that.<br /><br />I fell off the wagon and watched last night because I was truly hoping that they would announce they were ending the show to try and focus on their family. I am disappointed I watched.<br /><br />The more I think of it, I realize that maybe my post is just more fuel to the fire. Maybe it feeds into the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">viscous</span> cycle. And maybe it's none of my business. Then again, they kind of made it my business when they invited me and millions of others to see it all play out.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-17055773285546364542009-06-22T15:13:00.009-04:002009-06-22T16:37:18.887-04:00Lets travel - part one: Getting there and AmsterdamIn May, Jim and I took a trip that we had dreamed of for years. It finally come to fruition after lots of saving, planning, and research. Because after all, I am married to the man that researches Consumer Reports before buying a bottle opener. That is another story for another day.<br /><br />Needless to say, after recent events, I was more than ready for a trip away. Away from real life, away from Florida humidity, and away from range of Jim's blackberry service. Seriously!<br /><br />So, where did we go, you ask? Amsterdam, Paris, and NYC. I am a lucky lucky girl.<br /><br />My only concern was the flight. I am a bit of nervous flyer. And by a bit, I mean crazy nervous. The quick two hour flight from West Palm to Cleveland is old hat to me, but 8 hours overnight to Amsterdam? A bit scary. So, one Lunesta and sedative later, I was good to go. So good in fact, I fell asleep at takeoff and woke up in time for breakfast just before landing.<br /><br />I could go on and on about British Airways Open Skies, but who wants to hear about the flight? Well ok...Let's just say, Open Skies is all business class (or better), huge, fully reclining seats, great staff, and awesome food. When we boarded the plane for the night flight we were handed a glass of champagne, an eye mask, ear plugs and sleeping socks, as well as a really nice comfy cozy blanket. I felt high class.<br /><br />There really is no other way to fly. Jim secured some crazy good deal (I wonder if it had to do with all that research he does), but I was hooked. About the food. It is real food. I didn't eat on the flight to Amsterdam, but on the way home, we had a meal that consisted of an appetizer, main dish, and dessert (all served in courses), and a small snack just before landing. This was good food people. I hope Jim is realizes that this is the flying experience I am now accustomed to. I mean, don't show a girl the good life and then snatch it away.<br /><br />Amsterdam was gorgeous. We stayed at a hotel with the tiniest winding staircase. No elevators in the place and I nearly fell going both up and down the stairs many times. Still, the staff was nice and our rate included yummy breakfast each morning. Does anyone know the secret to yogurt in Europe? It is good stuff. We spent the two days there relaxing, taking walks together, and enjoying being away on a vacation together, alone.<br /><br />We toured the Heineken brewery, relaxed, visited pubs, and joined a group GUIDED, INFORMATIONAL tour of the red light district.<br /><br />Let's discuss what everyone wants to know about Amsterdam.<br />Every person who I told about our trip asked this question as soon as I completed my sentence. "Are you going to go to a coffee shop?<br />It actually got a little annoying, and here is why.<br />Amsterdam is full of charm, history, amazing architecture, and gorgeous canals and landscapes. The people there are friendly and kind and we spent one afternoon just sitting at a restaurant people watching and chatting. Coffee shops are an actual legitimate business there and people treat it as such. There rules about the amount sold, who it can be sold to, etc. It's strange to me that someone would actually go to Amsterdam just for that. We weren't going to Amsterdam because of legalized pot, and I can't imagine anyone really does. I don't want to get into whether I support or am against legalization, I just think its too bad that it's what Amsterdam is know for.<br /><br />We spent two days in Amsterdam, and although I took tons of pictures from the trip, not a lot were from Amsterdam because we kept it low key.<br /><br />Here are a few pictures.<br /><br /><br />One of the canal photos. And no, there is no guard rail for those cars.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7s4cRi0SIsI51jzBOWMz6xI-do6D3SOHinYYzf9iaCPqgKRqb2nEPgJWaaFDuYvbGefSNsQueFHKHDkVlsO6YX8n-WasaH1LJVcfhzPpKn0GRTsi-nv4xaBO8BGrcx8eq6WVaDMP7b2iV/s1600-h/P1000175.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7s4cRi0SIsI51jzBOWMz6xI-do6D3SOHinYYzf9iaCPqgKRqb2nEPgJWaaFDuYvbGefSNsQueFHKHDkVlsO6YX8n-WasaH1LJVcfhzPpKn0GRTsi-nv4xaBO8BGrcx8eq6WVaDMP7b2iV/s320/P1000175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350249637985088018" border="0" /></a>See this waffel stand? I bought a waffel there Sunday night. Monday morning the place was shutdown, and Tuesday it was gone. Sorry guys!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHWbfigh00qokHZf4xwvkMev7PugeaDxzzuya6Z8mD5fd2QzfZrinA59ScesFFeTHdey4O-QsXo_lD_P1oWf3CdngqtMlCbzy8vfEn1tlCZXZOocxD4eqzYunuSTA8pErvGy9NFXGumrs/s1600-h/P1000212.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHWbfigh00qokHZf4xwvkMev7PugeaDxzzuya6Z8mD5fd2QzfZrinA59ScesFFeTHdey4O-QsXo_lD_P1oWf3CdngqtMlCbzy8vfEn1tlCZXZOocxD4eqzYunuSTA8pErvGy9NFXGumrs/s320/P1000212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350249631199803298" border="0" /></a>At the Heineken Brewery. We like to dress like that on vacation. And look at my arms...I have been working out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_4E5IclSO71TO0QAaUqGL0_yuNt3HuA1vCH-GPI9SZG3MjRm4b3KRE8iC7uyKAIdm3QWG8syhXBvBFbNdFMTuCPU-MhEbzGEhHBDzgnL8RzyhpceOKXfnRyp4JSVnWoUhFtqq_drZ_IX/s1600-h/P1000187.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_4E5IclSO71TO0QAaUqGL0_yuNt3HuA1vCH-GPI9SZG3MjRm4b3KRE8iC7uyKAIdm3QWG8syhXBvBFbNdFMTuCPU-MhEbzGEhHBDzgnL8RzyhpceOKXfnRyp4JSVnWoUhFtqq_drZ_IX/s320/P1000187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350249628307009234" border="0" /></a>A stop at the Old Bell Pub. We stopped there more than once.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ijUqBf8bhyphenhyphenpiYwy2CbtOTWxfOG9W88UptRyOAVWLr2En3vnqfrAujjsrqhkcEcWhV17kaZY1dZyiaWY28OuWruBDMBwSP3lz0kAY0e4d_nAplM6Evg1yjqqeADTsXXZMZJSUSn7DBz-O/s1600-h/P1000171.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ijUqBf8bhyphenhyphenpiYwy2CbtOTWxfOG9W88UptRyOAVWLr2En3vnqfrAujjsrqhkcEcWhV17kaZY1dZyiaWY28OuWruBDMBwSP3lz0kAY0e4d_nAplM6Evg1yjqqeADTsXXZMZJSUSn7DBz-O/s320/P1000171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350249619989269330" border="0" /></a>That crazy staircase.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbE_NRh3oh7dbst5j4o4Irm6gIhC3kAs2M3tJnDUcMXLLGKpmJKZx73QNrHxcm0ZKSCgGGHrZHRCAgwBupQwIRfcuJcZptHI-0w-mpVz3SUJLMwKAJ05iS4iS_6adbAXuy9SmaNi4ubAO/s1600-h/P1000166.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbE_NRh3oh7dbst5j4o4Irm6gIhC3kAs2M3tJnDUcMXLLGKpmJKZx73QNrHxcm0ZKSCgGGHrZHRCAgwBupQwIRfcuJcZptHI-0w-mpVz3SUJLMwKAJ05iS4iS_6adbAXuy9SmaNi4ubAO/s320/P1000166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350249610916385634" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><br />Stay tuned for part two: Paris memories<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-34341499030336141792009-06-18T20:05:00.006-04:002009-06-18T20:42:21.102-04:00Chicken Fried Rice - Dinner is servedTonight's dinner is an old standby that we enjoy. Its easy, quick, and best of all...good!<br />Chicken fried rice. The picture isn't that great. It really doesn't do it justice. I need to brush up on my food photography skills.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hil1Bowa0au4UeBiELgh6idl4D3BeqqlVyvaADNw_amDWRCqkCa5iutx5594_JksJIraLLTMoH4BWtKnAKjfw37e0_g3dfHFhP5aAtEsrLhWUCFDpkXJdG7rdULvyOHZkQnEcs-8X-Wn/s1600-h/P1000634.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hil1Bowa0au4UeBiELgh6idl4D3BeqqlVyvaADNw_amDWRCqkCa5iutx5594_JksJIraLLTMoH4BWtKnAKjfw37e0_g3dfHFhP5aAtEsrLhWUCFDpkXJdG7rdULvyOHZkQnEcs-8X-Wn/s320/P1000634.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348826210491490754" border="0" /></a>Cut chicken cutlets into small pieces. Cook until done. Add the green onions and cook for about a minute. Transfer to a bowl.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVBBMqfvcqEqwgZPjOvYrQTmgOKs9P9hilui-Zuoufc4YRkGkQEvd5JEG7IIZ79s3hbtcZfH86TH3kVeSloAsJETBXqTMU5TlzFi6kwWyH0yMBQr_q7HuwUMkHjNFqe34iZbhpSgUp4ea/s1600-h/P1000628.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVBBMqfvcqEqwgZPjOvYrQTmgOKs9P9hilui-Zuoufc4YRkGkQEvd5JEG7IIZ79s3hbtcZfH86TH3kVeSloAsJETBXqTMU5TlzFi6kwWyH0yMBQr_q7HuwUMkHjNFqe34iZbhpSgUp4ea/s320/P1000628.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348826976450926754" border="0" /></a><br />Meanwhile, get your rice cooking. It's no secret I use boil in bag rice. You will need two bags for this recipe.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkrb6pX8jLEDAeWsSd5wFMHXJ2wxCpk5BZtOsGVFlM3kCqkqmNgnuQUsaq1xzZZi2ylUh2GlffmfJ4eL4PRRwF13u7VO8zwhKw9An4LB_9OBqZw1HO-QCFEl5BCrdn-en2z2AiNqb_a98/s1600-h/P1000629.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkrb6pX8jLEDAeWsSd5wFMHXJ2wxCpk5BZtOsGVFlM3kCqkqmNgnuQUsaq1xzZZi2ylUh2GlffmfJ4eL4PRRwF13u7VO8zwhKw9An4LB_9OBqZw1HO-QCFEl5BCrdn-en2z2AiNqb_a98/s320/P1000629.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348826230758451826" border="0" /></a>Once you have removed the chicken and green onions, get the eggs cooking. You want to get them to a nearly dry scramble.<br />Here's my tip for the day: Poke your egg with a fork a couple of times to get it to start to break, then whisk. I also add about a teaspoon of water to the eggs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVGkdc9PzsosF_K-R3kT3gZBj5nw66trQeBPBMrG5g77zRKMO7GTib4BR_4qRL9kk6A-W0DRKoikHDZ4m7SUISaiKOEjBArYB1YTf2ZZkldmX3ZcEKvv8pzglFwqjgHDc4LwBF5tSgai5/s1600-h/P1000630.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVGkdc9PzsosF_K-R3kT3gZBj5nw66trQeBPBMrG5g77zRKMO7GTib4BR_4qRL9kk6A-W0DRKoikHDZ4m7SUISaiKOEjBArYB1YTf2ZZkldmX3ZcEKvv8pzglFwqjgHDc4LwBF5tSgai5/s320/P1000630.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348826226618241410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6Rf5rh1GHsKQnsJFhHwuJJD4POAsnafx1i-DO0rT_ze_jMmq-vz7oJujjUEZc09tcAJ1b956JUXdpAV7ZGu8TXwH0DApOoZKGfUkZ7xg9uQrHzQmEPPJPhlr2bRrzhXW9rPAMy7XNkq4/s1600-h/P1000632.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6Rf5rh1GHsKQnsJFhHwuJJD4POAsnafx1i-DO0rT_ze_jMmq-vz7oJujjUEZc09tcAJ1b956JUXdpAV7ZGu8TXwH0DApOoZKGfUkZ7xg9uQrHzQmEPPJPhlr2bRrzhXW9rPAMy7XNkq4/s320/P1000632.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348826224374475506" border="0" /></a><br />Add the chicken and onions back to the egg.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ9fNGfOfVMj8MNdJgN7XmU7sMz_RasHs8KSLcvNKyQ9eJWVdn_GIEP6R1yQaGqXYwc8ZdvI6zc776zrJ-B-ZG6S1llnWMvwXFVvvbM6-brhMiW5YudTthft_PVFvcj_aBUtUcVxXPwbd/s1600-h/P1000633.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ9fNGfOfVMj8MNdJgN7XmU7sMz_RasHs8KSLcvNKyQ9eJWVdn_GIEP6R1yQaGqXYwc8ZdvI6zc776zrJ-B-ZG6S1llnWMvwXFVvvbM6-brhMiW5YudTthft_PVFvcj_aBUtUcVxXPwbd/s320/P1000633.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348826216331506466" border="0" /></a>Finally, add your rice and soy sauce. Stir together and serve.<br /><br />Chicken Fried Rice<br /><br />2 bags of boil in the bag rice (or 2 cups uncooked rice, cooked)<br />1 Tablespoon butter<br />1 package chicken cutlets or 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces<br />2 eggs, beaten<br />2 green onions, chopped<br />1 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce<br /><br />Heat butter in skillet. Cook chicken until done. Add green onions and cook for about one minute. Place chicken and onions aside.<br /><br />Add eggs to skillet and cook to a slightly dry scramble.<br /><br />Add chicken and cooked rice back to skillet and combine.<br /><br />Add soy sauce, stir together and serve.<br /><br /><br />Enjoy!Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-91641700949068563472009-06-16T20:23:00.005-04:002009-06-16T22:21:56.113-04:00Divine DessertSundays are special for Jim and I. We pick a new recipe and cook together. We have made homemade, fresh pasta, chicken schawarma, crab cakes, just to name a few. We split up the chopping, mixing, and stirring and spend the afternoon around the kitchen island. We have a great time together and I look forward to it all week. This past weekend we made Giadas egg, gorgonzola, and pancetta sandwiches and a scrumptious dessert - bread pudding. We stepped it up and made pecan praline sauce, then topped it all off with homemade whipped cream. Lets pause, shall we and discuss homemade whipped cream.<br />Homemade whipped cream is amazing. It is super easy to make and it is just so much better than store bought whipped topping. (notice how its called<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> topping</span> not cream.). If you have not experienced the this treat, I demand that you make yourself a pie, and top with some homemade whipped cream. Or just eat the whipped cream on its own with some coffee for breakfast. I have heard that is really good. From a friend of a friend.<br />Don't be scared....I'll walk you through it.<br /><br />Bread Pudding: (recipe follows)<br /><br />Get your bread ready<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWxF40t_ch8_LRmxo0VQaRgTtVApeRbBKMFW98-oGXq_Alh2Lge1WsSidSmGmDUSxwlx8wp8Da0eKPAtGTpQubp7yHl8DWvakyRY_gMvov917R-m6Z7RlB0otKGET29ph7iKRTTrF10pz/s1600-h/P1000605.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWxF40t_ch8_LRmxo0VQaRgTtVApeRbBKMFW98-oGXq_Alh2Lge1WsSidSmGmDUSxwlx8wp8Da0eKPAtGTpQubp7yHl8DWvakyRY_gMvov917R-m6Z7RlB0otKGET29ph7iKRTTrF10pz/s320/P1000605.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348092877879210306" border="0" /></a>Give it a nice bath in some milk, eggs, and spice<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJ9wKbgeeyI2mmSxloqtYpt9SS0aMVINVBjN0RIV6mi1HO3USp3cgY5L99iIz0wlJWmuiSAycEN1F31_dXMutvoxsgXSivS5akOdaR3UmL7hsMUgC7w6Je-irG3lE8Go-xm2Ddf3ctsUo/s1600-h/P1000606.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJ9wKbgeeyI2mmSxloqtYpt9SS0aMVINVBjN0RIV6mi1HO3USp3cgY5L99iIz0wlJWmuiSAycEN1F31_dXMutvoxsgXSivS5akOdaR3UmL7hsMUgC7w6Je-irG3lE8Go-xm2Ddf3ctsUo/s320/P1000606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348092873676683362" border="0" /></a>The yummy yummy in the tummy finished product. Holy cow...it was good!<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHlRyMmREgTfxda3s-beEqUBSWW77jQEmx9lmb2oZZj7ZDn5dX_WwrbqqLVpdG_u48GLx_3vEd3eWgfquKBvCvZcuixVHgZGvyKzhMcGE24V7VwUtXuDN0RHiS0JBiGYUNEP6GMwns-tq/s1600-h/P1000608.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHlRyMmREgTfxda3s-beEqUBSWW77jQEmx9lmb2oZZj7ZDn5dX_WwrbqqLVpdG_u48GLx_3vEd3eWgfquKBvCvZcuixVHgZGvyKzhMcGE24V7VwUtXuDN0RHiS0JBiGYUNEP6GMwns-tq/s320/P1000608.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348092862734335778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bread Pudding</span></span><br /><br />6 slices day old bread *(see my notes)<br />2 tablespoons butter, melted<br />1/2 cup raisins, optional *<br />4 eggs beaten<br />2 cups milk<br />3/4 cup sugar<br />1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />t teaspoon vanilla extract<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350.<br />Break bread into pieces and place in an 8 x 8 pan. Drizzle melted butter over bread. If using sprinkle with raisins<br />In a medium mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Pour over bread and lightly push down bread until all bread is covered and soaking up mixture.<br />Bake for 45 minutes or top springs back when lightly tapped.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />Pecan Praline Sauce</span><br /><br />1/2 cup light corn syrup<br />1 cup light brown sugar<br />1/2 stick butter<br />1tsp vanilla<br />1 cup pecans (pieces or halves)<br /><br />Combine corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter in heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil gently* for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until candy thermometer reads 210 degrees. Remove from heat, add vanilla and stir well. Stir in pecans. Cover and refrigerate unused portion. Or eat with a spoon directly from saucepan. It's totally up to you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Whipped Cream</span><br /><br />1 cup heavy cream (bet you don't see that in the whipped topping ingredients list)<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1 tablespoon powdered sugar<br /><br />In large chilled bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and sugar until peaks form. Make sure not overbeat*<br /><br />Serve with your favorite dessert, or breakfast. Again...its up to you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb63GZyoKAC9Z9eekzv2Sq-l_zGfPZ9KVkLQeoKlPDUL6j9D-xNIDjm10gZUeiETLK-Mk5EPwbqDkLZP55cUUVLQyfiIpzKXwNz_YZmttOj3Au_Htm0LY4hXj6tYJPj040czJDX5x6-P5_/s1600-h/P1000607.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb63GZyoKAC9Z9eekzv2Sq-l_zGfPZ9KVkLQeoKlPDUL6j9D-xNIDjm10gZUeiETLK-Mk5EPwbqDkLZP55cUUVLQyfiIpzKXwNz_YZmttOj3Au_Htm0LY4hXj6tYJPj040czJDX5x6-P5_/s320/P1000607.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348092868242066114" border="0" /></a><br />Notes<br />*I use cinnamon raisin bread. I did shop until Sunday morning, so I just pulled the bread out and let it sit for a few hour to get a little stale.<br />* Since I used cinnamon raisin bread, I didn't add additional raisins<br />* When making the sauce, be sure to keep an eye on it. If you scorch the sugar, its over. Low and slow. Slow and steady wins the race<br />*You need to whip the cream at a relatively high speed to get it just right. It's right when you have peaks that start to form and then fall over. If you overbeat it, the cream will become lumpy and butter like.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-44851227521734004582009-06-15T19:41:00.000-04:002009-06-15T21:35:45.621-04:00No Iron, No CryDear any shirt manufacturer that makes a non no-iron shirt:<br /><br />Perhaps you don't iron. Or its just that you since you are crazy rich shirt manufacturers you have someone else iron your non no iron shirts, leaving you ignorant to the difficulties involved.<br />Maybe its just some sick twisted game you play. You like the non no-iron shirt. You revel in how wrinkled it is even if you pull it out of the washing machine the moment it stops it's cycle. You sit back and cackle at the fact that it seems as if someone purposely snuck into the wash and manually put thousands upon thousands of wrinkles in the shirt. I bet you sit around a table eating fancy catered lunches cracking up about how some poor sweet wife irons the front of a sleeve only to put those wrinkles back in the shirt once she irons the back. It's mean how you have no regard for the kind sweet wife who spends 30 minutes of her day getting that shirt nice and crisp. The stock price for Magic Sizing probably soared as I ironed that shirt, spraying it over and over. You two are probably in cahoots. You should be ashamed!<br /><br />Then again, what idiot buys a non no-iron shirt anyhow?Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422523196415221594.post-80247475109036679232009-06-14T13:14:00.006-04:002009-06-14T13:44:24.583-04:00My first daring cook challenge - PotstickersI recently joined the Daring Kitchen - a group the tests your baking and cooking skills each month with a new challenge. What is great about this group is that there is that you try a new recipe each month and learn and develop new skills. It is a fun, non judgemental group. You can post in forums for tips and help with the challenge. Everyone is in it for the love of the food and cooking and baking.<br /><br />This months cook challenge was hosted by <a href="http://userealbutter.com/">Jen at Use Real Butter</a> and called for you to make Chinese Dumplings/Potstickers. You had to make the wrappers yourself (no cheating by purchasing store bought wrappers).<br />I made the wrappers using whole wheat flour and filled them with a pork filling. They turned out great. Pleating the wrappers was a bit of a challenge for me, but all in all it was great recipe and a delicious meal!<br /><br />The filling - Ground pork, bamboo shoots, green onions, ginger, shitake mushrooms, and cabbage<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-vXT8wvJ940-mMcWSwRykc4aof_LrLAqR7ETW9Gb91OgLF52oQ4ibP0ykX14gi6KSrgNDV6dMRqkg-tjduPkeXkVswtFgvAzjQEPfU09xmSyRGnXNXaSRuGFftd3mSMNOkBnJhNTRRX3/s1600-h/P1000594.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-vXT8wvJ940-mMcWSwRykc4aof_LrLAqR7ETW9Gb91OgLF52oQ4ibP0ykX14gi6KSrgNDV6dMRqkg-tjduPkeXkVswtFgvAzjQEPfU09xmSyRGnXNXaSRuGFftd3mSMNOkBnJhNTRRX3/s320/P1000594.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347238817704499842" border="0" /></a><br />Getting the dough together<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbmTExOjAByBRwZRXl9AjzD9nQDJUehrj-D-5cSdMGxTbEHNmQ4F0FJCEQD4l3-WfPTPGBjGkpvvogJJCG6neRKQ163ghHdDefX6pfkkbwfC2Y-kpKVliXeQqflRd4m-8sDS9onkzmQKm/s1600-h/P1000593.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbmTExOjAByBRwZRXl9AjzD9nQDJUehrj-D-5cSdMGxTbEHNmQ4F0FJCEQD4l3-WfPTPGBjGkpvvogJJCG6neRKQ163ghHdDefX6pfkkbwfC2Y-kpKVliXeQqflRd4m-8sDS9onkzmQKm/s320/P1000593.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347238813832164386" border="0" /></a>First disc of dough for wrapping<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwFYHGW4SSLZC0vwMaPE0ElYANtmltw9d7Q28GX9sXB3NbmusDnd_UWJZjNXJ_j1G5dj3rtymQqaJvZSpeCPFqw7sHh1iz07tdUpEbwIiAkZYebLQ_LsyNk9lLRCnECyX0X64vyzs7beJ/s1600-h/P1000595.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwFYHGW4SSLZC0vwMaPE0ElYANtmltw9d7Q28GX9sXB3NbmusDnd_UWJZjNXJ_j1G5dj3rtymQqaJvZSpeCPFqw7sHh1iz07tdUpEbwIiAkZYebLQ_LsyNk9lLRCnECyX0X64vyzs7beJ/s320/P1000595.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347238803327614258" border="0" /></a><br />My dumpling - not the best pleats, but they will do<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTah2jetjN18vt5iKyFBnLuVcYjI85G6x0tTQ_s8jHN-H67fIHug81l_N-6VrYwLfaudXidul2zXMoYGjRK7RKDa7aeujFnDQRR3GO713Armuu3-IAw_G-Ge5xtnQXECnPX0I6BiiB4-2F/s1600-h/P1000597.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTah2jetjN18vt5iKyFBnLuVcYjI85G6x0tTQ_s8jHN-H67fIHug81l_N-6VrYwLfaudXidul2zXMoYGjRK7RKDa7aeujFnDQRR3GO713Armuu3-IAw_G-Ge5xtnQXECnPX0I6BiiB4-2F/s320/P1000597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347238797560424834" border="0" /></a><br />Dinner is served. Nice crispy bottoms. Served with dipping sauce and broccoli slaw.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnQCgTfCi3YojsT-SGXLh57MkvkIcyyNhqyhWaKjIHcXenysuIMpgy_ceft7OLec1unpbkpcRTVy6b6YPvFDXK1jygRIkGBYyQOa5uiJFMzMXzqBOikD_womdaQKrqQQ9CM2FPPkT3A3A/s1600-h/P1000599.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnQCgTfCi3YojsT-SGXLh57MkvkIcyyNhqyhWaKjIHcXenysuIMpgy_ceft7OLec1unpbkpcRTVy6b6YPvFDXK1jygRIkGBYyQOa5uiJFMzMXzqBOikD_womdaQKrqQQ9CM2FPPkT3A3A/s320/P1000599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347238795881003906" border="0" /></a>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533846030170827115noreply@blogger.com14