tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79609278647187700952024-03-05T10:05:26.312-08:00the little things...the big things take too long to blogMelodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-40956927635751581862013-11-21T09:49:00.001-08:002013-11-21T09:49:09.432-08:00That's What They SaidI happened across this unposted post...something I had put together one year ago and for some reason never posted. Too good not to publish!<br />
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Andrew, after a week of complaining about <i>everything</i>, "I don't like how people complain about every single thing."<br />
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It is always entertaining to hear how Melinda's brain connects unrelated words/items: "Your ears don't have any bones--they are made entirely of cleavage." and "My friend gave me an entire can of Nevada to drink." (she meant Arizona...you know, the iced tea?)<br />
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Andrew: "Are these bananas okay to eat? Because they're organic bananas and usually organic things taste weird."<br />
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Audrey: "Fire is like a wound of the earth."<br />
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Timothy: "The sign 'Keep off Median' <i>should</i> say 'Don't Tread on Median'."Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-50227285404735156522013-03-07T16:46:00.001-08:002013-03-07T16:46:41.600-08:00Welcome to ThursdayThursdays mean riding lessons for Audrey, and for the last few months Thursdays have also meant cloudy skies threatening to rain. Who knows why this is the winter of Rain On Thursdays, but I can assure you that it is. <br />
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In general, I love the rain. The disappointment that rain on Thursday causes (due to cancelled lessons) isn't so wonderful, but it is difficult to be bitter about a change in the weather...a rare enough occurrence in So Cal!<br />
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Also on today's agenda was another design meeting for the Bryant place. There have been quite a few of those lately! Between normal life, the construction project, and packing to move house, my days have been quite full. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG6jTam4FWsCKu-j2sqaAKz285grLBNGejB8LqWp2eDsZJdwi9-KPYtWntwi0fxR5tIJZrmjRASng4tfubjco-EungzlsjmTx04DttIOzgZBpfpyl6QN44GIzyczAuou37WpOt9YMbsM/s640/blogger-image--1957644842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG6jTam4FWsCKu-j2sqaAKz285grLBNGejB8LqWp2eDsZJdwi9-KPYtWntwi0fxR5tIJZrmjRASng4tfubjco-EungzlsjmTx04DttIOzgZBpfpyl6QN44GIzyczAuou37WpOt9YMbsM/s640/blogger-image--1957644842.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrOa04UOuhR9cf2YQPMJAASJTQ50G3VLiQtBI1hmJ-I0FAQAQIXgve-Zbu7diP1rINRvM0djE7Q3LDjyI4tf5KwgJkyPK7TNVlnYH0nvUAgEYRi7DdcjeUX0FAMa7m8eOrBDtoGPQZ9I/s640/blogger-image--871369670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrOa04UOuhR9cf2YQPMJAASJTQ50G3VLiQtBI1hmJ-I0FAQAQIXgve-Zbu7diP1rINRvM0djE7Q3LDjyI4tf5KwgJkyPK7TNVlnYH0nvUAgEYRi7DdcjeUX0FAMa7m8eOrBDtoGPQZ9I/s640/blogger-image--871369670.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvQ2boDq35VTJJzaAvYYXcES0tRAtX68Q0sPJMos9d3PCuw94AoIy6CTsY2IMp1Xb9jSDuzmKj3Zbm212RvgRtEqizeqkHPLkuQZj2DTChXSIYg6zUj8kzl1FnYKujJrN-8b_cGgAaeg/s640/blogger-image-1512376821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvQ2boDq35VTJJzaAvYYXcES0tRAtX68Q0sPJMos9d3PCuw94AoIy6CTsY2IMp1Xb9jSDuzmKj3Zbm212RvgRtEqizeqkHPLkuQZj2DTChXSIYg6zUj8kzl1FnYKujJrN-8b_cGgAaeg/s640/blogger-image-1512376821.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotlbb2eR8_uQfIbTUN5GfKgiglOIeLosVh6Qj7gLaHqKTGNnHGcnLUlDcQ8GSJr58mjJCFPPsVS5HzoMNOb_DI-TH1ub1kb4G6emLmE_f_sa3zqCQesjIqI2dnaKKOofwtDsTacitmmc/s640/blogger-image--1860404404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotlbb2eR8_uQfIbTUN5GfKgiglOIeLosVh6Qj7gLaHqKTGNnHGcnLUlDcQ8GSJr58mjJCFPPsVS5HzoMNOb_DI-TH1ub1kb4G6emLmE_f_sa3zqCQesjIqI2dnaKKOofwtDsTacitmmc/s640/blogger-image--1860404404.jpg" /></a></div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-4988329157039243512012-09-12T21:30:00.001-07:002012-09-12T21:30:50.473-07:00Hairs Cut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With nary a word about how neglectful I've been of sharing all those little things that have been happening 'round these parts, I'd like to present a newly shorn 8th grader.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8tfwfurFw8TQlQWuBFOXLODgoDm2LUyCDhxrTQUOod6bSFX0WW1aWeKIK6mvRHWl3c2fqN7GEphwHq2NXBxXPLDp0Fk7rwkFb14wkmE0k_9RftDgqUqqn4NOEsU-7JE1MohnhtSC7wc/s640/blogger-image--2064121095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8tfwfurFw8TQlQWuBFOXLODgoDm2LUyCDhxrTQUOod6bSFX0WW1aWeKIK6mvRHWl3c2fqN7GEphwHq2NXBxXPLDp0Fk7rwkFb14wkmE0k_9RftDgqUqqn4NOEsU-7JE1MohnhtSC7wc/s640/blogger-image--2064121095.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the <i>mom-hurry-up-I'm-trying-to-eat-a-candy</i> look.</td></tr>
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If you've seen Andrew in the last...while, you'll know what a change this haircut is for him. No longer is he able to hide behind his silken locks. Handsome boy, right?Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-87590974401543076072012-07-13T18:07:00.000-07:002012-07-13T18:07:23.148-07:00School Year in ReviewThis post has been a long time coming. Really, it would have been best written back in May before summer came along. Having all my kiddos back home with me, if only for a time, makes everything seem okay and the troubles of the past school year long gone. Spring is the time when I'm fretting and deciding. Now, in July, I'm left with trying to remember the passion of the problems. Ah well, better late than never, right?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Timothy - age 16</span><br />
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<a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/hcws9.rde9s/v/vspfiles/photos/563-Government-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/hcws9.rde9s/v/vspfiles/photos/563-Government-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/hcws9.rde9s/v/vspfiles/photos/655-570-2.jpg?1331827330" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/hcws9.rde9s/v/vspfiles/photos/655-570-2.jpg?1331827330" width="200" /></a>Tim attended Valley Christian for his 3rd year, this year, completing 10th grade. (Which brings us to: 1.5 years at a church-based Christian school, 1.5 years at a public elementary school, 3 years at a small Montessori school, 2 years at home school, and 3 years at a larger Christian school.) Each year that he's attended VCS, I've felt like the next year has <i>got</i> to be better: he'll be older, more mature, and be used to the routine. And so three years pass, and he is still having a hard time connecting with teachers, maintaining enough motivation to complete a semester, and preventing himself from procrastinating to the point where his work doesn't get turned in. He has two years of high school left, is not planning on jumping into a 4-year college, is yearning to start working, and is dreading two years wasted by sitting around in classes that don't teach him anything.* He's now accumulated a full credit of English that needs to be made up, and has discovered that the expensive, online summer course that the school offered was no better at getting him through the material.<br />
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<a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/hcws9.rde9s/v/vspfiles/photos/830-216-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/hcws9.rde9s/v/vspfiles/photos/830-216-2.jpg" width="200" /></a>And so, Chris and I decided to approach him with the possibility of completing his schooling at home, while working part time for Chris at Traffic Management. You should have seen the relief on his face. He knew it was an option, and had been thinking about it for the last year, but something about having his parents' blessing made it all really fall into place. (Funny how that works.) He hasn't even taken a summer break. He got out of school and began working. He did a wonderful job working last summer, and was eager to join the accounting team once again. In the fall he'll be using Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2, Notgrass Exploring Government, Graphic Arts, Japanese (not sure which program yet) and English (put together by your truly**). He's excited; let's hope it lasts. :) Am I nervous about home-schooling a high schooler? Yes and no. It's a great responsibility, but I'm excited to have him home, am looking forward to exploring literature with him, and have the great benefit of tons of curriculum choices to help me out. Love that.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Andrew - age 13</span><br />
Andrew ventured into the lands of the larger school classroom this year, completing 7th grade at Valley Christian Middle School. He attended Tahoe Montessori from Pre-K to 3rd, and home-schooled from 3rd-6th. He loved home school. He liked that he could get his work done quickly, and liked how much he could learn - this is a guy who loves information. However, we thought that it was important that he experience school for a couple of reasons: 1) the opportunity to learn from different teachers, and 2) the opportunity to be involved in many more activities that are difficult to offer at home.<br />
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Andrew is notorious for disliking change. He had quite a while to get used to the idea of attending school, but we were still nervous that he'd have a hard time adapting. He, however, did a fabulous job. He made friends easily, always had his homework done and got good grades, enjoyed having something to occupy a good part of his day, and loved his teachers and his classes.*** He became the champion of more than one kid being picked on when he discovered that he had no problem standing up for what he believes is right. He did have one major complaint, though, and that was the lack of material they went through in class. He did not like having to wait for everyone else to understand things before moving on. In his opinion, home school is if you want to learn, public/private school is if you want to enjoy friends.<br />
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He put serious consideration into whether he wanted to remain at VCS next year, because he really does miss learning at the level he can at home, but he has decided to stay. I think he'll do well - he's already anticipating being able to do Honors classes in high school.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Melinda - age 11</span><br />
After attending Pre-K to 2nd grade at Tahoe Montessori, and then home schooling 3rd-5th grade, Melinda was <i>begging</i> to be allowed to attend school so that she could spend her days socializing instead of learning.**** Fulling believing that it would be difficult for her, we nevertheless decided to let her try her experiment. <br />
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It ended up being the hardest thing she's ever done. Not because of the academics, she was just fine as far as that was concerned, but a gaggle of 6th grade girls is tough crowd - especially considering that many of them had known each other for a long time and considered Melinda an outsider. I saw my spunky daughter's confidence start to shake as she constantly dealt with playground shenanigans. It's amazing how mean kids can be; even "Christian" kids. I came [thisclose] to pulling her out of the school about 2/3 through the year when she was in the office sobbing (for the 3rd time that year) because of mean students or lack of information and communication from the staff. Sure, at some point we all have to realize that there are terrible people in the world, but it doesn't have to be at such a tender, uncertain age.<br />
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Nevertheless, Melinda wants to try again. She made a couple of good friends, and is willing to see if everyone else has grown up a bit by the time summer is over. I admit that she has more hope in that area than I do. She's an incredible girl with strong gifts of authority and leadership, things I find incredible and worth protecting. We will stay in prayer, and take it as it comes.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Audrey - age 8</span><br />
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I'm incredibly blessed to still have Audrey at home with me. What a treat she is! She adores math and science, and is therefore a bit advanced in those areas. She made a huge jump in reading this year, and is now easily reading chapter books to herself. She's definitely active, and gets bored if each day feels like the same old material, but I'm getting pretty good at mixing it up, skipping ahead, or setting things aside if she's getting antsy. She absolutely goes through a ton more material that way than if we were just plodding on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/product_images/g/743/AAS_L2__86378_std.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/product_images/g/743/AAS_L2__86378_std.jpg" width="147" /></a>She completed Math Mammoth 2 this year - a program that has proven (in my experience with other programs and schools) to be advanced. She's jumping into multiplication with gusto. As a science lover, she's worked on multiple programs this year, beginning with what was included in Moving Beyond the Page (what we used for social studies and science at the beginning of the year, but finished early. We flew through it since we found the content repetitive and rather light. Moving on to Something Else next year!) We also began (and will be continuing with) a Sonlight Science program (I can't keep track of which level since they switched from numbers to letters) and completed an experiment kit from the Academy of Science for Kids. We also started an Equine program from WinterPromise that we'll be doing [slowly] on riding lesson days.<br />
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<a href="http://store.mathusee.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/a/gamma-student.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://store.mathusee.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/g/a/gamma-student.jpg" width="200" /></a>So for 3rd grade: we'll be using Story of the World Volume 1 (excited about this! I love how it teaches history, combining activities and projects). For math we'll be using Teaching Textbooks 3 (since we already have it, and she's already started it, and she's up for a change etc etc) in conjunction with Math-U-See Gamma. Science will be a continuation of SL, WP, and a bunch of experiment oriented things we have. English will be a mix also: continuing with All About Spelling (LOVE this program) and Queen's Language Lessons, and adding in a writing workbook as well. Should be fun! This girl still loves to learn, has been asking to do word problems and wants me to read her something like science or history even though it's summer. She's ready to hit 3rd grade for sure.<br />
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* Note that this is his perspective, and could easily be rephrased thus: "is dreading two years wasted by sitting around in classes that he refuses to learn from." It's a matter of perspective, sure, but the ending result is the same. He isn't learning, and therefore vital years of youthful energy are being wasted.<br />
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** Despite what you might think, this is a fun, exciting prospect.<br />
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*** Except for Photography, where absences from illness and a lack of understanding about what was going on made for a frustrating experience.<br />
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**** This is my idea of a joke, people.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-74911817126780277732012-07-06T18:36:00.000-07:002012-07-06T18:36:34.338-07:00Summer Fun: Horse CampThis summer has been crazier than the school year, which I didn't really think was possible, but I've been proven wrong. (It's okay, I'm used to being proven wrong. I'm pretty good at it, at this point in the game.)<br />
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The last day of school was Thursday, June 14th. We had precisely 3 mornings of rest before the 6:30am alarm bell started ringing again. Timothy was off to Driver's Ed (yes, that is scary, thankyouverymuch,) and the girls were off to Horse Camp.<br />
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Audrey has been taking riding lessons for the last couple of months, (the stuff of dreams for this girl,) and her trainer decided to put together a day camp this year. Melinda joined in, and boy did they have fun! They not only had daily riding lessons, but they learned about different breeds and gaits, about hoof-science from the ferrier, about horse care and costs, in addition to fun games and crafts. I won't say that it was lovely getting up at the crack, but I do miss mornings at the stables. It is a spot of peace amidst the chaos of the city.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FtISXKLDjPq6y_LT3R5fTrIbARhbHS4hIktK2cYI7L0gqEQTcLRuyd3Gf19yvJ1auiYbWYUabuYVBpHTyXgXKuOzqbaPrlKDbcHayHEHEXtbEQw8qpyGUkhRvMMuLgVRoAjz9SpXok4/s640/blogger-image-1664975288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FtISXKLDjPq6y_LT3R5fTrIbARhbHS4hIktK2cYI7L0gqEQTcLRuyd3Gf19yvJ1auiYbWYUabuYVBpHTyXgXKuOzqbaPrlKDbcHayHEHEXtbEQw8qpyGUkhRvMMuLgVRoAjz9SpXok4/s640/blogger-image-1664975288.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melinda and Audrey in the middle there, showing off Scooter's new paint job. Luckily, those are washable paints. (and, before you call me with worries about Audrey's bowed legs, they are just crossed. all is well.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWLoC-PufzdLpfVtocKeKY3Kjv_u3RULUugQk74-rulrQgt6Fm7KSODw6brXtVAyIhStxhmLvHN4fi_gewoRDpMzaGf7Wr7kcTY3DvRD-m4Nb_afMAAlh9Twng6MV8BiBBUweUshnEog/s640/blogger-image--770324815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWLoC-PufzdLpfVtocKeKY3Kjv_u3RULUugQk74-rulrQgt6Fm7KSODw6brXtVAyIhStxhmLvHN4fi_gewoRDpMzaGf7Wr7kcTY3DvRD-m4Nb_afMAAlh9Twng6MV8BiBBUweUshnEog/s640/blogger-image--770324815.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cowboy got a bath after a hard day's work. Both girls are so comfy<br />around those horses. Of course they were begging for their own<br />by the end of the week.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6gBmJc4FUWqHic-mwIzQuXzBgmNuTId3kgKE1DzVUy_ICmn1IXbk_oB4shnmleFU9lAWft0vKD0kOoLOdYWd-JMJlk7jXar_l1_a5qJJWkOvWEaONwbS2wulJIxWAeC26vO1b5-_0_o/s640/blogger-image-1231462687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6gBmJc4FUWqHic-mwIzQuXzBgmNuTId3kgKE1DzVUy_ICmn1IXbk_oB4shnmleFU9lAWft0vKD0kOoLOdYWd-JMJlk7jXar_l1_a5qJJWkOvWEaONwbS2wulJIxWAeC26vO1b5-_0_o/s640/blogger-image-1231462687.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melinda helps Buttercup get some of her exercise in. There are a remarkable amount of jobs that have to do with horses. Both girls dream of living on a farm, and they approach these chores (including the mucking,) with gusto.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zTO6bxXPR7lUmlo9sSPt5bKo9-E6S8FMTlYOsmRJKsJcxIkr_CrJqruPEBMnfgzmIrEom2lBDEClqdku_U0s0NBZmCGawABzGyaIgJCXvbjj86qSqfYAxDIxek6ni_Xc3_U5WtOAecU/s640/blogger-image--1514687217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zTO6bxXPR7lUmlo9sSPt5bKo9-E6S8FMTlYOsmRJKsJcxIkr_CrJqruPEBMnfgzmIrEom2lBDEClqdku_U0s0NBZmCGawABzGyaIgJCXvbjj86qSqfYAxDIxek6ni_Xc3_U5WtOAecU/s640/blogger-image--1514687217.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awww...Buttercup got a bath. Did you know that wet horse smells remarkably like wet dog? Methinks all wet animal smells like wet dog in the way that all meat tastes like chicken.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-82031313809940207382012-05-29T16:37:00.000-07:002012-05-29T16:37:35.896-07:00Where There's a Will...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finding ourselves greatly in need of some family getaway time (...that all elusive quality bonding I'm always in search of...) we decided to haul the kiddos up to Tahoe for some R&R over Memorial Day weekend. We had a lot of fun and laughs together, and it felt so good to be away from all the pressing deadlines and to-do lists that normal life consists of.<br />
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One of the projects I wanted to complete while there was sorting and organizing my quilting fabric stash. My quilting studio is a favorite room of mine: gorgeous views and pure creativity. The girls helped me to sort all of my scraps by color (and wow! were there a lot of scraps to sort!) and then I also sorted my larger pieces. A book I recently bought (Sunday Morning Quilts - great book!) helped me envision how useful it would be to have it all sorted by color. The idea is that someday I'll be able to take advantage of this...maybe this summer?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of pink left over from having little girls<br />
once upon a time...otherwise a nice<br />
assortment, don't you think?</td></tr>
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Anyhow, as I was sorting through and organizing all my fabric, I came across a collection of fabrics that centered around a Fishing theme. Odd. None of us fish. I must have bought the collection when I made my dad a quilt years back? My first thought was <i>When on Earth am I going to use this??</i> and my second thought recalled how much Melinda always remarks on how much her 6th grade teachers <i>Loves</i> Fishing (with a capital F. Or, um, a capital L? Let's do both.) I decided to show Melinda the fabrics just for kicks.<br />
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It took her about 2 seconds to come to the conclusion that a fishy quilt would be the absolute perfect gift for her teacher, to thank him for being such a wonderful part of her first year at a large school. That was about 10pm (a.k.a. past her bedtime) on Saturday night. She wanted to give it to him as soon as she went back to school on Tuesday.<br />
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Nevermind the fact that she had never made a quilt before. Nevermind the fact that quiltmaking can be a tedious, patience-building process, even for the patient type of person. Nevermind the fact that we had exactly a day and a half to complete it. This girl has GOALS. Big Dreams.<br />
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She set to work [as soon as I woke up] the next morning. We'd come up with a simple layout that would [hopefully] make the quilt process go quickly, and I'd done the math the night before to know how everything needed to be cut. I did some of the instructing and grunt-work for her to speed it up, but she made the decisions, did all the sewing as well as most of the pressing and trimming. She worked for about 9 hours straight! She even jumped back into it after we got back from dinner, and ended the night with only a couple of seams left to sew on the quilt top.<br />
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So went our Sunday. Sure, there were a ton of other ways I would have loved to spend my lovely Tahoe time, but how could I not support such generosity and tenacity? She even did some of my chores for me on Monday morning so that I could quilt her finished top on my longarm machine. She prepared the binding and sewed it on as soon as she was able when we got back to Long Beach last night.<br />
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She was so close to her goal when she collapsed into bed last night that I decided to sacrifice some of my coveted sleeping hours to finish the quilt by hand-sewing the binding to the back of the quilt. It was a crazy-quick quilting adventure, that's for certain sure, but what a treat to be a part of such a huge accomplishment in my 11-year-old's life! <br />
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Didn't she do an incredible job? I'm so extremely proud of her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwuzVSAcGZNcYLX9Q_68t3-2kfoTMnfZWll5CnxL62aQs6Dfqmi6HSOrPrBFHdqCodLzEiptqsdC122FvnGX-PWoqKIcwj-B1vNqDk0zEZV1PcxY2ZEhDkPbrnetFqDEjlsUpLu7g7to/s1600/IMG_4531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwuzVSAcGZNcYLX9Q_68t3-2kfoTMnfZWll5CnxL62aQs6Dfqmi6HSOrPrBFHdqCodLzEiptqsdC122FvnGX-PWoqKIcwj-B1vNqDk0zEZV1PcxY2ZEhDkPbrnetFqDEjlsUpLu7g7to/s320/IMG_4531.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-2322281289683767822012-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:002012-05-14T09:00:49.701-07:00Little Things Audrey Says<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"I want to BATHE in Science!"</span><br />
<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9OflPi2vgMJRMe91tFl0P8t4CMLGlYdPtnc-kZraHgexX5qyW8arcaxBFMYhtmZK7qGiWPUsp-hbJhKcTyFcn49PFwR0h4y9UIqeGXdPI8L1p6AxtS_WJsh7vaLcfSqZIHfgCJzJk9o/s320/IMG_4352.jpg" width="239" /> <img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq2XqpLyyKjwLm6Qo9BJPtj4XJmIIFDtIY2qOBJQVq_70C61XVAQZqBDEOsSFt9MVAaaVX9pOsB7UkWAWFbqk4zCWhSeblro_8nS_P-u7JPtJXbTgahcugTqvw2j2Sl3cU7mF9SFWvhY/s320/IMG_4399.jpg" width="239" />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzprtx0en-EbVFwlqiJS3qjRvm5akiFSjR4DcT89O-wDt-jwpQNvjZYi5gqPiDc6VsYuteL1bWYV19LO9hw0g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
(kitty cat Calla just wants to <i>drink</i> Science)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Rango?! I didn't know that was a kid's movie!"</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Upon exiting the freeway at the usual place: "Why does there have to be a new homeless guy? I miss the old one."</span><br />
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Also, Audrey would like to know if it looks like she's drinking in this photo. What say you?</div>
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<br /></div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-13534942263709169962012-02-15T09:36:00.000-08:002012-02-15T09:36:39.718-08:00My "Slice of Pi" QuiltI've discovered more time. Did I tell you that? Well, maybe that's not entirely true, but I've found a fabulous way to multi-task, which is almost as good. I've always said that I don't have time to listen to audio books, since I'm never alone--no commute, no quiet time--but I'm discovering that's not completely accurate. A few days to myself at the beginning of the year spurred me to try Audible.com, and since then I've found that I actually have more time than I thought.<br />
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One of the things I love (apart from reading) is quilting. I love the feel of the fabric, the creativity in the design, and the colors (oh how I love colors).<br />
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When my kiddos were little toddlettes, I quilted much more than I read. It was easy enough to sew & watch kids play, not so easy for me to read and watch kids play. I taught myself to quilt (& ended up with <a href="http://www.fonsandporter.com/pages/mini_content_winners" target="_blank">some bragging rights</a> even--what a shock!) but as my kiddos grew up a bit and I started home-schooling, I began to do much more reading and much less quilting. Life is like that.<br />
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I'm doing less schooling at home now. My 7 year-old is at home with me, but she loves having her creative time just as much as I do. Thus I find myself with bits of time to start using those fabrics and finishing up those projects and <i>not feel guilty</i> because I'm MULTI-TASKING (said in a big, booming "God" voice of course--it's <i>that</i> huge) by listening to a book while I sew. Why didn't I think of that before? Brilliant!<br />
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My latest project is what I'm calling my Slice of Pi quilt. I had a lovely stack of gorgeous modern-ish fabrics that I was dying to use but dreading cutting apart. I wanted to come up with a quilt design that showcased and complemented the fabrics, but nothing seemed good enough. Finally I decided that 2" strips would still show off the fabrics enough, and I went about drafting a pattern on graph paper (<i>love</i> graph paper.)<br />
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My original design (below) was a random placement of strips that would run horizontally, creating a column down the center of the bed. But then my husband (the math/science brain) asked if the placement was based on any sort of mathematical algorithm (um, no) like Pi (hm, good idea). I'm impressionable, and so decided to see what it would look like (see photo above). I ended up finding the first 50 digits of pi quite interesting. (I'm also somewhat of a people-pleaser, so orientation of the strips changed so that it would make more sense to Chris.)<br />
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I decided on a base line, and used 2" intervals to determine placement. Therefore, the first strip is 6" above the base line, the second is 2", the third is 8" and so on. Each strip is 40" long. The fabrics are arranged in a nicely organized, pretend-random manner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7prNeQeBiacK7t9pdexyzDrimhsKqXOsydxzKaZQ5B185qzGCLUJW-T5l2wHqa0th5RErq6JeiaPu1diCo-H0Q_-7QuvhtuXuaKfEhsXmV-PgkPK1yO-cEzSgvf0Zs5uF7dOVdv2LzFY/s640/blogger-image-403233462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7prNeQeBiacK7t9pdexyzDrimhsKqXOsydxzKaZQ5B185qzGCLUJW-T5l2wHqa0th5RErq6JeiaPu1diCo-H0Q_-7QuvhtuXuaKfEhsXmV-PgkPK1yO-cEzSgvf0Zs5uF7dOVdv2LzFY/s640/blogger-image-403233462.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing the binding...kitties and quilts go together well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxs3STwVb_uEo8n1wUWF7PZigswNQetSGSiTjVU40Ohe2g6n4xj6QVAR9oe18xV2NrJIeGGtrgU_vwTNa0poa4YnktvrvSxKgofs_xI75bZBYtnox-Yvm7ffulIBajGtF6MppzCdt1YaA/s640/blogger-image--848142668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxs3STwVb_uEo8n1wUWF7PZigswNQetSGSiTjVU40Ohe2g6n4xj6QVAR9oe18xV2NrJIeGGtrgU_vwTNa0poa4YnktvrvSxKgofs_xI75bZBYtnox-Yvm7ffulIBajGtF6MppzCdt1YaA/s640/blogger-image--848142668.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Overall, I'm quite happy with how it turned out. Quilt design can do a number on my creative senses--I want it to be perfect, but because quilt construction is a pretty long process, (with no easy way to change your mind midway,) I go through waves of alternating excitement and fear about how it will end up. Will it be wonderful? Horrible? Listening to a book while quilting, I've found, does help even out some of these emotions (wonder of wonders!) I'm still debating about the pillows, but meanwhile my husband is sure that he's going to get smarter by osmosis each night that he sleeps under it, and I'm thrilled to have found a way to combine two of my hobbies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJg9TvIkpSMI2QUmhNINegs0tCJgiYZLx_zkpxJimy4SBilBSIPrkr_0MwHUZvg-PgAW88ycy7G3rqxMIY4pVzzkW6vxYEz40ZZ7Su4C6is_B6YxZywkyXBTul1TbUTBqIqCjBbzZOis/s640/blogger-image--2033682917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJg9TvIkpSMI2QUmhNINegs0tCJgiYZLx_zkpxJimy4SBilBSIPrkr_0MwHUZvg-PgAW88ycy7G3rqxMIY4pVzzkW6vxYEz40ZZ7Su4C6is_B6YxZywkyXBTul1TbUTBqIqCjBbzZOis/s640/blogger-image--2033682917.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(this post was also </span><a href="http://fingersandprose.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-i-do-while-listening-to-audiobooks.html" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">posted on my book blog</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-47023456580516622462012-02-06T13:54:00.000-08:002012-02-06T13:54:59.726-08:00A Quick Trip Up the CoastI love that my kiddos are finally getting to ages that don't require constant supervision. I didn't think they'd ever get to the point where they could stay home alone for a few hours. I really, truly didn't. But hey, it happened (thank the good Lord!) and that means that I can be a person again (occasionally) instead of only always being mom. I like being mom. But sometimes it's nice to just be Melody.<br />
<br />
This came in handy recently, when we were able to go on a brief outing up the coast without forcing everyone to come along with us. You wouldn't think that you'd have to <i>force</i> kids to go on a plane ride, but there it is. They don't like french fries either, for whatever that's worth.<br />
<br />
We flew from Long Beach to Santa Barbara, had brunch, and flew back. That's it, basically. But it was so much fun. I love seeing everything from the height of a small plane, and Chris is such a good pilot. The weather was perfect, the company was perfect, the food was perfect. Happy sigh.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwij_ADkEYSWy86bdyV1Gmxj7IgHvHyYiYTAfBQxJqp9izLDgzv6fqhlzjV-NL63YyaKevZyYu5nyrfY51zDxbgWEktTxCnM0Y6zLhgHyT7RjArz4b54zeEGbzwr3aZZGN-dNe6INz0E/s640/blogger-image--1771791625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwij_ADkEYSWy86bdyV1Gmxj7IgHvHyYiYTAfBQxJqp9izLDgzv6fqhlzjV-NL63YyaKevZyYu5nyrfY51zDxbgWEktTxCnM0Y6zLhgHyT7RjArz4b54zeEGbzwr3aZZGN-dNe6INz0E/s400/blogger-image--1771791625.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris (pilot) and Mr. Cessna</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5m2guVuasWH4NDiDLGmzAvM5V87N124CeAQ3Azcy39PRErpYC8E8YrKMOberMmKzKFDNaxrOM-UKyzHlKCb0_jrBQMplEVS44xs3_GWyFJpaxEKcprLXy6rc-VnLiPQi4rLvNSkcba4U/s640/blogger-image--1719700715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5m2guVuasWH4NDiDLGmzAvM5V87N124CeAQ3Azcy39PRErpYC8E8YrKMOberMmKzKFDNaxrOM-UKyzHlKCb0_jrBQMplEVS44xs3_GWyFJpaxEKcprLXy6rc-VnLiPQi4rLvNSkcba4U/s400/blogger-image--1719700715.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely friend Andrea and lovely daughter Audrey (co-passengers)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AAvilf7RsdOBfPz0zX7p7HJvCDAb5xsTPPLlCZ4JC4hoWCKW-aUQKCSC9dR5cdk8IUuW5lSobPL6mTkhkIyaHrWEoHs2jt1B3SU3k8ji1BM0uIC92znvXHTNlvIxW2HxvH9NqRWH-Ro/s640/blogger-image--1822489624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AAvilf7RsdOBfPz0zX7p7HJvCDAb5xsTPPLlCZ4JC4hoWCKW-aUQKCSC9dR5cdk8IUuW5lSobPL6mTkhkIyaHrWEoHs2jt1B3SU3k8ji1BM0uIC92znvXHTNlvIxW2HxvH9NqRWH-Ro/s1600/blogger-image--1822489624.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it just me, or does Los Angeles not look so intimidating from the<br />
air? A miniature Lego village only a hop away from Long Beach...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFOc43ihjdVt5HnPRDTcsqwk7knb-csBKfF5Faw0Cu-wkEjdq3-V62buhVDnhQmZorks4JCjjdLp0xUed1ye__b-FGIThJQoH1nEqK3A-HaURpkGVJx2Tn-TDlVUMkzyQFA4n11F90eg/s640/blogger-image--982212665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFOc43ihjdVt5HnPRDTcsqwk7knb-csBKfF5Faw0Cu-wkEjdq3-V62buhVDnhQmZorks4JCjjdLp0xUed1ye__b-FGIThJQoH1nEqK3A-HaURpkGVJx2Tn-TDlVUMkzyQFA4n11F90eg/s1600/blogger-image--982212665.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Barbara. Even from the air it's prettier than L.A. Oh well, I<br />
don't think L.A. ever tried to claim "Prettiest City" anyhow.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAShaj_GkOMcZv6K_vN4sjW5EFgLiEcfvvnxsLodcSxDZA47egQgJobLdWozLetMWpez4e_nyXFtx4-ezdeLMYoylI-ccsp5vJYfnxliyHA9SZ-vkzUiJUz77Ke1l8jpIl8RX4FINiCSs/s640/blogger-image--1760462122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAShaj_GkOMcZv6K_vN4sjW5EFgLiEcfvvnxsLodcSxDZA47egQgJobLdWozLetMWpez4e_nyXFtx4-ezdeLMYoylI-ccsp5vJYfnxliyHA9SZ-vkzUiJUz77Ke1l8jpIl8RX4FINiCSs/s400/blogger-image--1760462122.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peaceful. Happy. Pretty.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhqAmAyRNKvBqDWhd3V0mVIA5c4zIPgVSAidIy0_2YWIeXNi6chrI8-TcG6nJyGK8UY46LwvbD0kmvD-q4ZPBJ5nHzrcCHm53UdRREe-8Ca1Xo1WnB2cNToMqsdc9GinN5eymrOhEuv8/s640/blogger-image-139952019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhqAmAyRNKvBqDWhd3V0mVIA5c4zIPgVSAidIy0_2YWIeXNi6chrI8-TcG6nJyGK8UY46LwvbD0kmvD-q4ZPBJ5nHzrcCHm53UdRREe-8Ca1Xo1WnB2cNToMqsdc9GinN5eymrOhEuv8/s400/blogger-image-139952019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for some good eats!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYmPpi-Ibprn7SktRSvH9NNIm4fhRxod3ocI1l-7_SfbgBSsAEOkHl0l4y8-KCsfqjyAAHsSFbzfmTQlw-NMhfe4DLUNA9UDYpKRN1B_fSqmYwNc-Q_LXqaJh9EJXozNGk727JCrlFKo/s640/blogger-image--924297231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYmPpi-Ibprn7SktRSvH9NNIm4fhRxod3ocI1l-7_SfbgBSsAEOkHl0l4y8-KCsfqjyAAHsSFbzfmTQlw-NMhfe4DLUNA9UDYpKRN1B_fSqmYwNc-Q_LXqaJh9EJXozNGk727JCrlFKo/s400/blogger-image--924297231.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The food didn't disappoint--was incredible actually--but<br />
Audrey couldn't bring herself to enjoy it. She had a<br />
sleepy-head-ache. :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5w-gcAqSkgpaYlCZTln4PZ4XOHy1Rp8WtQdOE0QIS1RYmBhsbMrAB7TIlEmH2NyQ1N9ska1KkVUS9chOEuYhO4c0S1HoD7pa99POAqenQF4dJnsssb0ZLNZmAX3ha2GeJdcDuUcewmc/s640/blogger-image--1363258144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5w-gcAqSkgpaYlCZTln4PZ4XOHy1Rp8WtQdOE0QIS1RYmBhsbMrAB7TIlEmH2NyQ1N9ska1KkVUS9chOEuYhO4c0S1HoD7pa99POAqenQF4dJnsssb0ZLNZmAX3ha2GeJdcDuUcewmc/s400/blogger-image--1363258144.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mustache. Tee-hee. (snort) (melody--->easily entertained)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQkIRLrGRkRgBwBCtcJZibfHmcIIBX9SnQoSe0PQXhqxNE5byycGUJSiv0Noje8OjvrunSfpW0MVDX4q9RXSRcLGG59kXQKJP_wnSUGI5dUMyXVFpq6LVIV_nk96QB-HEYsEWovZWujk/s640/blogger-image-1710476474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQkIRLrGRkRgBwBCtcJZibfHmcIIBX9SnQoSe0PQXhqxNE5byycGUJSiv0Noje8OjvrunSfpW0MVDX4q9RXSRcLGG59kXQKJP_wnSUGI5dUMyXVFpq6LVIV_nk96QB-HEYsEWovZWujk/s400/blogger-image-1710476474.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AND...that's me looking all official and plane-y. Andrea and Audrey chilling<br />
on the flight back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-80254011889362177912012-01-05T12:54:00.000-08:002012-01-05T12:54:23.901-08:00My Home Acquires an AdjectiveYou know how it is when you sell a house? All those things you've been meaning to do for <i>years</i> are completed in the blink of an eye, (comparatively,) and you wake up one morning and see the house that you wish you'd lived in all those years. You chide yourself for not doing all those things earlier so that you could enjoy them; you vow that <i>next time it will be different</i>.<br />
<br />
In a way, that's what this week has been like for me. Now, I'm not selling a house...I'm extremely grateful that I'll get to enjoy the fruit of my efforts actually...but even so, my home (in Tahoe [as opposed to my house (in Long Beach) which I still really like but it isn't quite as homey]) has gone through some great changes in the last month and it feels so nice. (Actually, it feels Nice --with a capital N-- iykwim*)<br />
<br />
The whole thing began when I was lucky enough to get a new bed & mattress for my bedroom in Long Beach. That huge treat resulted in transporting the old bedroom set back up to Tahoe where it is SO much more comfortable living life as a Guest Room**. Here's proof: (isn't it lovely?)<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reOE5FmCf9Y/TwYCPrTBp3I/AAAAAAAABR0/e6bwK-rYcDM/s1600/Tahoe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reOE5FmCf9Y/TwYCPrTBp3I/AAAAAAAABR0/e6bwK-rYcDM/s320/Tahoe+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For a variety of reasons, when we came up to Tahoe for Thanksgiving week, it really struck me that I no longer live at home. I haven't for 3 years, actually, but it turns out that denial is a tricky, sneaky friend who'll weigh you down without you even realizing it. <br />
<br />
My home is no longer simply my home, it is my <i>Vacation</i> Home. Now, I'm sure that sounds all glamorous and omigoodness-I-Want-A-Vacation-Home-TOO! ...and a good 10 years ago that's about exactly how I felt. But now? Now, "Vacation Home" has a different connotation. Where it used to mean 'a lovely spot in the mountains where I can unwind and appreciate nature' now it means 'my home that I only get to live on when I'm on vacation'. It's different.<br />
<br />
Regardless of the nit-picky particulars, a Vacation Home needs to function differently than the place you live all the time. Namely, it can't be cluttered with STUFF because that Certainly Isn't Relaxing. So Christmas break (a.k.a "Vacation") saw us back in Tahoe, with a bit of time to get things in order. I've been blissfully enjoying a few days here myself whilst my valiant husband attempts to be mom AND dad in Long Beach for a week (mostly--our littlest (Audrey) is spending the week with my parents) God bless his generous soul. I wish I could say that the bliss is due to an inordinate amount of reading and quilting and watching chick flicks, but it is actually due to all the stuff I'm getting done.<br />
<br />
That makes me sound old. Oh well. Carrying on...<br />
<br />
We've replaced carpeting and a microwave, we've pulled out a ridiculous amount of junk to donate to the yearly yard-sale fundraiser for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bOhNx_zYRY&feature=related" target="_blank">Spread the Light Puppet Ministry</a> (hi mom and dad!). I've cleaned and cleared and now I'm finally on the brink of having a proper, well-appointed Vacation Home. It's still home, but all those things that fell by the wayside before it acquired its adjective are being completed--how fabulous is that?<br />
<br />
It's actually a bigger deal for me than it might seem. For the first time in the last three years I'm able to fully enjoy my time at home, and more importantly I'm able to think about it with an overwhelming sense of thankfulness for such a blessing rather than only feeling sorry for myself that I can't be here more often. You see, I wanted my kiddos to grow up with an appreciation for the mountains and God's creation, and in my mind that meant having them spend their childhood in Tahoe....not living here for a few years and then growing up in the city. I'm coming to see, however, that perhaps my concept of perfection isn't as perfect and fully-rounded as God's (shocker, huh?). We were able to live here full-time for 6 years, and by moving back to Long Beach, I think that my children have been able to grow an appreciation that they may not have been able to otherwise. <br />
<br />
In the end, I suppose I mustn't be bitter towards a simple little adjective. That just sounds silly. Besides, it's much happier to be happy.<br />
<br />
<br />
*iykwim = if you know what I mean<br />
** Guest Room = a.k.a. Timothy's room that he never sleeps in because he's a nomad at heart and much prefers a couch. Seriously. I finally caved and accepted the fact.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-77843506031458022442011-12-12T09:54:00.000-08:002011-12-12T09:54:51.452-08:00A Caribbean Family VacationAt the beginning of November we took the kiddos to the Caribbean to celebrate Chris's brother's wedding. Heat and bugs aside, it was a beautiful trip. I don't have much to say, because it's been over a month and I'm deep in the middle of lists (gift-buying, party-preparing, trip-packing etc etc) but I thought (especially as today is a lovely rainy day) that a photo tour of our time at St. John would be just the ticket. Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzVmrhqVlMwcNXWaRI_FKtnDEN7hzoC4s5591CiDiNcO3uR2YvPxDmexBewgD-R1i2pKLAdeQKeaN4F25eguQg9HB8yXJMDkRGpeWRqzi6QpqpNxcTIa-fcukBTy9n31rbZvOO-LzT18/s1600/Caribbean+2011+258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzVmrhqVlMwcNXWaRI_FKtnDEN7hzoC4s5591CiDiNcO3uR2YvPxDmexBewgD-R1i2pKLAdeQKeaN4F25eguQg9HB8yXJMDkRGpeWRqzi6QpqpNxcTIa-fcukBTy9n31rbZvOO-LzT18/s400/Caribbean+2011+258.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We flew into St. Thomas, and then Jon picked us up and we boated to St. John</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyM3xkHoCHUlMT1j08zUbeu4Xfsv2ZxzPAcU08hb1JxA7nREApjTl6r5DUZ8lEkFoTHCHPYXyQG4pLMZK7rNXX_RJKp2GhCFH8GfWyBih4DrV0QGlQMpk3egf79k41TczYpyVl24aSLM/s1600/Caribbean+2011+297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyM3xkHoCHUlMT1j08zUbeu4Xfsv2ZxzPAcU08hb1JxA7nREApjTl6r5DUZ8lEkFoTHCHPYXyQG4pLMZK7rNXX_RJKp2GhCFH8GfWyBih4DrV0QGlQMpk3egf79k41TczYpyVl24aSLM/s400/Caribbean+2011+297.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew in the water before the wedding.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Crropbm4IKg8usJ40HG90Uz0SWO1ncZnt58aPfYWHRelmBTCYtniX56zl2vtDSwr7Q9yIRUAEqlUbpryUl_UJCTaqcfWTTN_a7UBXUs3HaFOtcmui2Tnsfp9GRgjgmFnM8qhaT74d94/s1600/Caribbean+2011+299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Crropbm4IKg8usJ40HG90Uz0SWO1ncZnt58aPfYWHRelmBTCYtniX56zl2vtDSwr7Q9yIRUAEqlUbpryUl_UJCTaqcfWTTN_a7UBXUs3HaFOtcmui2Tnsfp9GRgjgmFnM8qhaT74d94/s400/Caribbean+2011+299.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris transported everyone from the villa to the boat to the beach (and back)<br />for the wedding. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQt2OxoAj-1rQZllcbaEWuXyXGtGlSCjpTIKS0FQVagKB5rRJV1RFTI9NygT8tiE06hiKFuVNaMp7dcQxWcSaPrRYWqljF567TBOyXzvKXsxrRvmF1h-la7uev-t0Hl7_IpymVAgVhFNg/s1600/Caribbean+2011+302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQt2OxoAj-1rQZllcbaEWuXyXGtGlSCjpTIKS0FQVagKB5rRJV1RFTI9NygT8tiE06hiKFuVNaMp7dcQxWcSaPrRYWqljF567TBOyXzvKXsxrRvmF1h-la7uev-t0Hl7_IpymVAgVhFNg/s400/Caribbean+2011+302.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle's mom, Pam, became one of Audrey's new favorite people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlbNWifVT8pkYc16YnnD_Fv6OhNuhPhKTFxMETvgdpwkBgxsstUjYuYA70FVsrqWA8rGp5YLSN855QMdONXG3A4GOmRO2QR8ZhEgJKuRJQKrBV0Gupb8G6OrWM-1AvWsPsVUggmGNfoI/s1600/Caribbean+2011+325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlbNWifVT8pkYc16YnnD_Fv6OhNuhPhKTFxMETvgdpwkBgxsstUjYuYA70FVsrqWA8rGp5YLSN855QMdONXG3A4GOmRO2QR8ZhEgJKuRJQKrBV0Gupb8G6OrWM-1AvWsPsVUggmGNfoI/s400/Caribbean+2011+325.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secluded beach wedding @ 11:11am on 11/11/11</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthQtDEmaTPGu20j35vgXKcmGUV3CSsXW-hLZt4-XE9v-t1-57CC7-_076AO1k9JKXzTvsBKrURk5EPLTvhex6kdXgXFIbOZhlbqbVLlIB_HhDwsb7Fk6sgRX8OL2hKkyOEMzUU3lVMB0/s1600/Caribbean+2011+331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthQtDEmaTPGu20j35vgXKcmGUV3CSsXW-hLZt4-XE9v-t1-57CC7-_076AO1k9JKXzTvsBKrURk5EPLTvhex6kdXgXFIbOZhlbqbVLlIB_HhDwsb7Fk6sgRX8OL2hKkyOEMzUU3lVMB0/s400/Caribbean+2011+331.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon and Michelle, with his boat, Alcyone, in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOqofYmjmTZqnzPwC5f0jnLoEInFz_XllLMRF-xwkSmIgn8Go_Ym2bpez_0xe35S6PHQ5_XsmMs6eQO4vSZR6DGgWWanutB6WJQDxdzmCI3WgkmKi5kh9wfzrMbDLRMnjcSBDxZCJWJU/s1600/Caribbean+2011+339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOqofYmjmTZqnzPwC5f0jnLoEInFz_XllLMRF-xwkSmIgn8Go_Ym2bpez_0xe35S6PHQ5_XsmMs6eQO4vSZR6DGgWWanutB6WJQDxdzmCI3WgkmKi5kh9wfzrMbDLRMnjcSBDxZCJWJU/s400/Caribbean+2011+339.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew and Audrey were straight off-with-their-clothes-and-into-the-water<br />as soon as the ceremony was done.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSm10AEPlMgrGJyDx3QTdSs_om9TpIWgwa56hjDuVs7OAGXpgmkQBuDFbuymDmRzPAhludtQacYkLg6XQO6MyKrVyIiAL34LCAMA379RFnSkAtiwkDogI-ejbRFPWRecLhM3fQHR64uE/s1600/Caribbean+2011+354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSm10AEPlMgrGJyDx3QTdSs_om9TpIWgwa56hjDuVs7OAGXpgmkQBuDFbuymDmRzPAhludtQacYkLg6XQO6MyKrVyIiAL34LCAMA379RFnSkAtiwkDogI-ejbRFPWRecLhM3fQHR64uE/s400/Caribbean+2011+354.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture perfect couple--and a new sister-in-law! Yay!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY2OvHMB-5EnvbQBnJ7LgqqUyHYb0SWoZO_WE1A78ZxD8IoPsODakyuWNND_H7mVlGfcOJSLCMZQwmlaV-brEpL53RlFxL0T0ihPVR-6BSQZJtxcuviabYCerRbqFBSz9Rxz5MJsFXTU/s1600/Caribbean+2011+446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY2OvHMB-5EnvbQBnJ7LgqqUyHYb0SWoZO_WE1A78ZxD8IoPsODakyuWNND_H7mVlGfcOJSLCMZQwmlaV-brEpL53RlFxL0T0ihPVR-6BSQZJtxcuviabYCerRbqFBSz9Rxz5MJsFXTU/s400/Caribbean+2011+446.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our villa--so lush! It gets unbelievably loud at night, the<br />animals in the jungle are quite amazing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENS_qdh8s_oY7800PORY0NxgJhjvXfm3p9yxhPaHocUZ3Dr7zXZfSJsy2jP7EJHvib4_JWZLu6nG80bJ_HMmVdrsD1cWxeOw7dxXtLYDbq7hT8J_MPCTrmW98W4s-rensHo2TyKdZ_4w/s1600/Caribbean+2011+442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENS_qdh8s_oY7800PORY0NxgJhjvXfm3p9yxhPaHocUZ3Dr7zXZfSJsy2jP7EJHvib4_JWZLu6nG80bJ_HMmVdrsD1cWxeOw7dxXtLYDbq7hT8J_MPCTrmW98W4s-rensHo2TyKdZ_4w/s400/Caribbean+2011+442.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iguana in the tree top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-7971144285352491942011-11-16T09:01:00.001-08:002011-11-16T13:40:52.207-08:00Quotables<div>
I find such joy in discovering how other minds work, (well, usually...reading Lolita introduced me to a mind I could have done without knowing,) and every once in a while someone says something succinct that makes me pause.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwCnzTWh1R_gmjaVyMDSg-gMo66JOTgONZGMDB6K2JdWyQ64inlVN9r0NBroKSAqd2KdIVowg-RW-OPR2J2gSjHymW_uGsIgIAThKQPZ920uxol9rf8v-ghN81_akP7TN40Rsl0CozOQ/s1600/running.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwCnzTWh1R_gmjaVyMDSg-gMo66JOTgONZGMDB6K2JdWyQ64inlVN9r0NBroKSAqd2KdIVowg-RW-OPR2J2gSjHymW_uGsIgIAThKQPZ920uxol9rf8v-ghN81_akP7TN40Rsl0CozOQ/s320/running.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Chris is usually pretty level-headed, rational, etc. but every once in a while he'll come out with a bizarre thought (like space elevators...which turns out to be more scientific than bizarre in some circles,) that leaves me giggling. Recently, Chris expressed frustration at how much time he wastes in tying his shoes every morning...and how much cumulative time is wasted by everyone that has to tie shoes each morning. He is absolutely certain that the world would be much more advanced if it weren't for being hindered by shoelaces. We could be living in space right now if it weren't for shoelaces.<div>
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Someone who is always good to quote is Andrew. Andrew always comes up with insightful observations. Ever since he was a toddling 2 year old (or somewhere thereabouts) wondering about what was <i>inside of blue (!!!)</i>, up until yesterday afternoon (a good decade later,) he's always impressed and entertained me with the way he looks at the world. So we were sitting in our living room, filling boxes for Operation Christmas Child, when he said this: "War is such a small, simple word for something that is neither small nor simple. It deserves at least a four-letter word."</div>
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Think about that for a while. Very true, isn't it?</div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-60977666511637664382011-11-05T11:10:00.000-07:002011-11-05T11:10:46.825-07:00There's Always More to be Thankful Forbecause really, it's all a matter of perspective. For every thing there is to be frustrated with or discouraged by, there is at least one way of seeing the opposite.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://melopher.blogspot.com/2011/07/matter-of-perspective.html" target="_blank">#1-26</a><br />
<a href="http://melopher.blogspot.com/2011/09/more-things-to-be-thankful-for.html" target="_blank">#26-50</a><br />
51. That there IS a bright side.<br />
52. That there is rain to be distracted by...even though vehicular accidents are a common result.<br />
53. Pumpkin Spice ANYTHING<br />
54. Mexican food (have I listed that one already?)<br />
55. <a href="http://fingersandprose.blogspot.com/2011/10/long-long-way-by-sebastian-barry.html">Sebastian Barry</a><br />
56. <a href="http://fingersandprose.blogspot.com/2011/10/o-pioneers-by-willa-cather.html">Willa Cather</a><br />
57. teenagers (really. mine caught a mouse in my house. with tongs!)<br />
58. giggling girls (especially Melindas and Audreys)<br />
59. meow-meows<br />
60. apple blossoms<br />
61. not feeling guilty about not answering the telephone<br />
62. sewing machines<br />
63. quiet<br />
64. cursive handwriting<br />
65. clean water<br />
66. that it is snowing <i>somewhere</i>, even if I'm not there<br />
67. it is still possible to snail-mail a letter<br />
68. sleep<br />
69. waking up without an alarm clock<br />
70. bulbs peeping out of the earth<br />
71. flowers that you can eat (like artichokes--amazing flowers!)<br />
72. people in my life that understand me (like Andrew!)<br />
73. <span style="background-color: transparent;">veterans</span><br />
74. the faithfulness of God<br />
75. scarvesMelodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-61552383778606349652011-10-07T15:58:00.000-07:002011-10-07T15:58:06.998-07:00In Which Hamsters Run Amok*One uneventful day, Audrey and I walked into <a href="http://www.centinelafeed.com/">Centinella Pet Supplies</a> to buy some hamster food.<br />
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No, let me back up.<br />
<br />
When Melinda was 9 1/2, we--by which I mean <b>I--</b>bought her a hamster. A small furry little Roborovski Hamster who was subsequently named Candy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNXnocgftASuhq4h-znBNnnG04ov3690izkNYMMbK-DtdbvDPhCXl2V1O-Nt5YgUP_C_4G9mkVfDAWxHSmNVM3CDXwOyNlUx39mW-y4ILcqmCK9g_xoyLui4uD9Q7Cmu11IFQcMAtYCg/s1600/End+of+Year+Update+080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNXnocgftASuhq4h-znBNnnG04ov3690izkNYMMbK-DtdbvDPhCXl2V1O-Nt5YgUP_C_4G9mkVfDAWxHSmNVM3CDXwOyNlUx39mW-y4ILcqmCK9g_xoyLui4uD9Q7Cmu11IFQcMAtYCg/s320/End+of+Year+Update+080.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Candy lived a happy little life, for what hamster lucky enough to be owned by an adoring child would not live in bliss? At a ripe old age of almost 2, she keeled over and breathed her last. It was a difficult time for Melinda, but was helped when we brought home a new pet a few days later. This time, we (ahem, <b>I</b>) with amazing argument-avoidance-foresight, bought two hamsters: one for Melinda and one for Audrey. Two little female Robo hamsters that were used to each other, and no risk of being suckered into buying a different pet later on that required more cages and different supplies--perfect!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TNjp5VIWypICTQQkivIf4q_lGfle6m9QerMBeJzK9ieiEPPtG-6-RdmEJGXbluSkoFpch4gfGp8Ozr8tZCxkQLkBlcuD29IQuGe470JIUEYQ_MUABvBRpZj-JbD2I2Dmctq3csdp1w4/s1600/Backup+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TNjp5VIWypICTQQkivIf4q_lGfle6m9QerMBeJzK9ieiEPPtG-6-RdmEJGXbluSkoFpch4gfGp8Ozr8tZCxkQLkBlcuD29IQuGe470JIUEYQ_MUABvBRpZj-JbD2I2Dmctq3csdp1w4/s320/Backup+053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contrary to what you may think, this is not a photo of a<br /> dead hamster. One of them simply enjoys<br />looking dead whilst sleeping.</td></tr>
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Thus Rosy and Snoozy joined our household. They got on so well, and were such adorable things to watch. For about a month or so. At which point they started "fighting" (quotes necessary as you soon shall see--or may have already guessed.) Fighting hamsters plus out of town trip equals very worried girls, and therefore more cages and different supplies. Sigh. Foresight not so foresightful after all, perhaps.<br />
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Everything seemed to be moving along quite nicely, and we went on our second out of town trip, leaving Chris and Timothy to take care of the house and all it holds. One morning I awoke to a text:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*slaps forehead*</td></tr>
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Quick research told me that Robo Hamsters usually have 4-6 babies. We were blessed with 7, and Rosy was soon re-dubbed Peter. We found <a href="http://roborovskihamsters.webs.com/">a website that gave us the necessary information</a> to become quasi-experts in rodent rearing. A good friend took one of the babies, a teacher took another two, and now we have 6 hamsters total: 3 boys and 3 girls. In our early baby-raising-phase we happened across an interesting scientific phenomena: how is that a small creature who can barely walk and whose eyes aren't even all the way open can somehow find a wheel and know that it would be a good thing to run on? It is all very perplexing. What did hamsters do before wheels??<br />
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Which brings us to the beginning of the story: One uneventful day, Audrey and I walked into <a href="http://www.centinelafeed.com/">Centinella Pet Supplies</a> to buy some hamster food. To Audrey's delight, we discovered that the store would soon be hosting Hamster Races! We could enter as many hamsters as we wanted (for free!) and each would receive a free ball to race in. Oh the anticipation!<br />
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It was quite a bit of fun to watch, actually. Some hamsters just wouldn't move. Some hamsters were about 800times as big as ours combined. We ended up entering the boys: Peter, Cotton, and Fang. <br />
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A brag on my Linnie: While we were there, Melinda noticed a boy and his dad next to us who were enjoying the races. Something they said led her to inquire, "Are you just spectating?" The dad looked at her for a few seconds and then said, "What?" Melinda rephrased, "Are you just here to watch?" Recognition dawned and the man nodded, answering, "Yes," with a smile. (Aren't vocabulary/smarty stories the best? Who said eavesdropping is bad? Eavesdropping on <i>that</i> conversation was delightful.)</blockquote>
Anyhow, Fang won 2nd place and brought home a fancy princess carriage for his sisters and momma to run in. They've enjoyed learning how to run in their big huge orbs--something Shasta (Ana & Jack's dog) has greatly enjoyed as well.<br />
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But the story doesn't end there. With all the excitement, the cages must have gotten bumped around because the next morning as Ana was leaving the house, she saw a hamster dart across the entryway floor. Forget trying to catch it, those things scamper like nobody's business. Sure enough, the girl's cage (which, by coincidence, is <i>not</i> the pink one--the boys get that pleasure) was housing only two furballs. We figured she was gone for good, because the part of the house she was seen in the lowest portion, with insurmountable stairs. <br />
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There is, however, one section of the baseboards that had a moderately-sized hole drilled in it. I had assumed that the hole dropped directly underneath the house, but started to get skeptical when two days later I saw a shredded Nerf dart in the adjoining room. Sure enough, the next morning as I was stumbling back from my alarm clock duties, I saw a little hamster sitting outside the two hamster cages. Hungry, I assume, the little one was caught without too much fuss and now we are back at full hamster capacity.<br />
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Anyone up for a little furry pet?<br />
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<i>* (As an aside, the title of my post alerted me to the fact that <b>amok</b> is yet another English word in which one is allowed to choose whether to spell it <b>amok</b> or <b>amuck</b>. Ah, the freedom of spelling choice--what fun! Both variants derive from the Malay work amoq: "a psychic disturbance characterized by depression followed by a manic urge to murder". Thank you dictionary.com, that was fun!)</i>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-14832775789310425832011-09-16T10:13:00.000-07:002011-09-16T10:13:14.406-07:00Back to SchoolThis year is the first time Andrew (12) and Melinda (10) have been in a classroom with over 10 students or a school with over 30 students. This is the first year they have schooled outside our home in the big, sprawling city. Little by little it is getting easier for me to drop them off and drive away, but I do miss them. On the flip side, Audrey and I are enjoying our days together very much.<br />
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Timothy was a bit blindsided by the amount of homework he had in his first week of 10th grade, but seems to be getting caught up as his classes even out and get into rhythm. He is regretting not having much time to work at Traffic Management, but did manage to go in all day Saturday, and put in a few hours after school on Wednesday. He's done a fabulous job this summer with work and responsibility. Chris was very happy to have him as an employee, if only temporarily. Tim saved up enough to pay off a debt he acquired due to a stolen bicycle, and went on to buy himself 2 surfboards (!!) and an iphone (with money leftover to pay for those monthly bills). He impressed me by being bold enough to figure out the city's bus system (motivated by a desire to get to the beach and surf) and now isn't intimidated by it at all. He walks about a mile from our house to catch the bus to Bolsa Chica, and even manages to catch a bus back. I guess he's really growing up.<br />
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The most difficult part of adapting to school for Andrew is waking up in the mornings. Now he understands TGIF and the loveliness of weekends. He has made friends (is going to a birthday party this weekend in fact) and enjoys his classes. He's in 7th grade now, and the middle school he attends has only 7th and 8th grade (love that!). One of his favorite classes is Novels...an elective for people who just love to read. He says that the environment in that class is the best, since it is filled with people that are there because they want to be there.<br />
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Andrew hasn't had any problem in organization, and does an excellent job at getting his homework done without being asked. He says that one reason he likes going to school is that it takes up part of his day. His least favorite part of school is his math homework. Not the class or the difficulty, but just how long it takes to show your work and do everything thoroughly. The hardest part socially has been the direct exposure to people who are unkind or unjust to others. Already Andrew has confronted 8th graders for teasing a boy for his looks. I love that he isn't intimidated and is willing to stand up for others and what's right. He amazes me, this one. Brings tears to my eyes actually. What a guy.<br />
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Poor Melinda was out of school for most of her second week of 6th grade with an icky Back-to-School virus...so far nobody else is showing symptoms. She's back today, but a little stressed at the thought of trying to catch up (in fact she actually wondered aloud why she ever wanted to go to Valley in the first place--that's how you know she's stressed!). She has some friends (mostly due to a summer craft day-camp she went to at the school) but is still working on finding her place. The elementary school operates so differently from the middle school or high school that it has taken me some getting used to. Melinda hasn't been very impressed with the hot lunch system, so we are going to have to do some shopping to aid our daily lunch-making process.<br />
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Melinda has decided to be in band this year, and is very excited to learn to play flute. When I was growing up I felt like the only girl who didn't play flute or clarinet (always had a thing for the piano) so it's fun for me to have a flute in the house. Math is going to be a struggle for Melinda the next couple of months as she tries to get used to a new curriculum (Everyday Mathematics, yikes) and new ways of thinking. She's always been great at understanding the concepts, but some of her math facts still elude her. She is growing into such a beautiful young lady, and is doing a wonderful job at handling the surges of conflicting emotions. She loves people and loves to serve. Wonderful things are in store for this darling.<br />
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Audrey couldn't wait to start school, and has really loved getting to spend the entire day with me. It took her a little while to "get her math brain on" (as she says) but as soon as I told her that I'd scheduled extra math because she had liked it so much, and offered to decrease the amount, she perked up and plowed through. She said, "Nope, that's okay. I can do it." And she has. I'm using <a href="http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete/grade_2.php">Math Mammoth 2</a> and <a href="http://www.timberdoodle.com/Jump_at_Home_Grade_3_p/469-530.htm">Jump Math 3</a> for her this year, and she's doing great. We used Math Mammoth 1 last year, and she had no problem making it through all the work (the program seems more advanced to me than others I've tried.) She discovered regrouping in double-digit addition on her own...when I told her she wasn't supposed to know how to do that yet, she glowed.<br />
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Other things we are using and enjoying include <a href="http://www.movingbeyondthepage.com/curriculum6to8.asp">Moving Beyond the Page</a> (which I find to be too Social Studies focused rather than History/Geography focused...yes, there is a difference...but Audrey is enjoying it, and it is on track with what Valley is doing, in case she wants to give it shot at some point in the future.) The photo above shows a 3D map that we made when we were talking about Communities. We are also using <a href="http://www.timberdoodle.com/Language_Lessons_for_Little_Ones_3_p/188-439.htm">Queen's Language Lessons</a> for the first time, and I'm enjoying it so far. I started her at a lower level in order to build confidence, which seems to be working. We're doing 4 lessons/day right now! At this rate we should be moving onto the next level before Thanksgiving. I adjust the pace of her work as we go, speeding up or slowing down each subject to make it fit her just right.<br />
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That's about it! The last two weeks have been craziness, but I'm sure everyone can relate. We'll get settled in before long.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-23149688296175171722011-09-12T11:25:00.000-07:002011-09-12T11:25:16.968-07:00More Things to be Thankful For<br />
I'm hoping I'll get around to posting more family happenings this week, but in the meantime I wanted to add another installment of things I'm thankful for. It really has been a good exercise in changing my thinking around...there are so many little things to be thankful for.<div>
<br />26. thunder storms<br />27. snow<br />28. mexican food yummm<br />29. textiles<br />30. bird nests<br />31. dew<br />32. vacuum cleaners<br />33. brownies<br />34. choice in how I spell GREY<br />35. finished projects<br />36. organized garages<br />37. thimbles<br />38. artistic friends<br />39. lotion<br />40. elastic<br />41. pianos<br />42. trees<br />43. ponytail holders<br />44. the self-healing power of our bodies<br />45. comfortable couches<br />46. thermometers<br />47. water<br />48. fever reducing medication<br />49. band-aids<br />50. aloe</div>
Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-25110235342092241232011-08-11T16:05:00.000-07:002011-08-11T16:05:15.703-07:00A Crazy Little Thing Called CampingI always expect summer to be a time of slow days, relaxation, and a chance to get caught up on all those things that the school year doesn't allow. In some ways summer is like that, but I've come to the conclusion that the warm months will likely never pass as slowly as they did back when I was nine. The very fact that there is so much that I want to do is guarantee enough that time will pass all too quickly.<br />
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We did manage to go camping with my parents this summer, and it was a fabulous trip (apart from the stomach bug I had and the head wound Chris had). We all relaxed, enjoyed nature and each other, cooked food over a campfire, etc. Here are some highlights:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey Tim, Hug-a-Tree!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A duck's head? crocodile? very strange knot in a fallen tree?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giants in the midst</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2b_FDDJU6JFpLCWsuyw49kXTXumXsqoTvPTbRhOvP15I-ORMtP9zzAFpCRfKSYb_x_J55oS7weYvudorHA7x8pWmg8Yvk_6cgf4HOmK5CuFqCuJ-zvW8F5tnLGY8JcbyICCcKDrKnK4/s1600/Sequoias+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2b_FDDJU6JFpLCWsuyw49kXTXumXsqoTvPTbRhOvP15I-ORMtP9zzAFpCRfKSYb_x_J55oS7weYvudorHA7x8pWmg8Yvk_6cgf4HOmK5CuFqCuJ-zvW8F5tnLGY8JcbyICCcKDrKnK4/s320/Sequoias+050.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papa and Andrew walking into a Giant Sequoia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpDyVLYHMdoX0_KX3pF95sgLD7AKODPELuemj9lM40OMgJqQ5k4Clo8tDPJRBAMIFyBc7UNEPNAFfXJblhyEtPsYCVG7I9AYb73VVSWFjlxXQmqvobgN8qslL_38ZTmRw2pK-ldeFozQ/s1600/Sequoias+092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpDyVLYHMdoX0_KX3pF95sgLD7AKODPELuemj9lM40OMgJqQ5k4Clo8tDPJRBAMIFyBc7UNEPNAFfXJblhyEtPsYCVG7I9AYb73VVSWFjlxXQmqvobgN8qslL_38ZTmRw2pK-ldeFozQ/s320/Sequoias+092.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it to the top of Moro Rock! Piece of cake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0KaWaoC7Dosxussbnnh0vcN7teh4R_0Lim0wSp0vNhw44gDspftLceU4ctepfblktSvS8h8HzcPi0Ty99-dxuTjXGVMbQGB7RhXHUo3PbaDv1E0oIGBu31VgbUj72jJ460dAMlVXPJM/s1600/Sequoias+102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0KaWaoC7Dosxussbnnh0vcN7teh4R_0Lim0wSp0vNhw44gDspftLceU4ctepfblktSvS8h8HzcPi0Ty99-dxuTjXGVMbQGB7RhXHUo3PbaDv1E0oIGBu31VgbUj72jJ460dAMlVXPJM/s320/Sequoias+102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm...campfire food...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Summer is already coming to a close, I suppose, and our family may not get another chance to enjoy nature and each other for a few months, but these few days were great. The kiddos seem to have been growing by leaps and bounds the last couple of years; sometimes it is these times out of the fury of life that we are able to make memories and connections that last.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-57649491994451211042011-07-26T11:30:00.000-07:002011-07-26T11:30:28.364-07:00A Matter of Perspective<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGAtvx2NIXpBBroD5H_YVJZKTV0VjFq3Fl0dQB9_rSiZyzm1-tVpeBi6xU1EsILvHEDUY0LrlCNvXQOylBUVhinTmiLOQiUSiuFWlDdh9xhuJQfix_8tFDbPY6N-ND3RDb08KTqOZ478/s1600/Sequoias+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGAtvx2NIXpBBroD5H_YVJZKTV0VjFq3Fl0dQB9_rSiZyzm1-tVpeBi6xU1EsILvHEDUY0LrlCNvXQOylBUVhinTmiLOQiUSiuFWlDdh9xhuJQfix_8tFDbPY6N-ND3RDb08KTqOZ478/s400/Sequoias+036.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may look like any other tree...until you see<br />
Audrey at the bottom. Puts it in perspective!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Isn't it amazing how a story changes depending on who is telling it? Not only do we all process and interpret things differently from each other, but something as simple as the passing of time can make our own viewpoints change drastically.<br />
<br />
The last couple of years have come with extra challenges for many of us, and throughout that time I've found that I tend to default into cataloging the negatives instead of the positives. I have found myself subconsciously listing the imperfections of these years, as if focusing on those will make future years seem brighter in comparison.<br />
<br />
But I don't think that's how it really works. I think what happens is that a habit of looking for the bad points forms, and the all of the positives flit by without much notice. I've realized that not only do I have a choice as to how I look at things, but my change of focus will affect how those around me view life as well.<br />
<br />
I can't help but feel that this should be elementary. I should have this down by now, you know? But I don't. So in hopes of training myself to refocus, I'm starting a thankfulness project. There really is so much to be thankful for--big and small--and they deserve a larger place in my life and mind than the pitiful things I've found myself dwelling on in the past. Here are 25 things I found joy in this weekend:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>fresh air</li>
<li>hot showers</li>
<li>strong coffee</li>
<li>overcast mornings</li>
<li>silence</li>
<li>books (duh)</li>
<li>rustling leaves</li>
<li>my husband & kiddos</li>
<li>sense of humor</li>
<li>bunny rabbits</li>
<li>imaginations</li>
<li>extended family (be they related or not!)</li>
<li>dishwashers</li>
<li>English</li>
<li>ice</li>
<li>internet</li>
<li>purple</li>
<li>tulips</li>
<li>creativity</li>
<li>refrigeration</li>
<li>men who cook</li>
<li>curry</li>
<li>cool night air</li>
<li>stars</li>
<li>sleep</li>
</ol><div>I plan on building this list to an unwieldy size...until it topples over and I'm buried in thankfulness. Sounds like a happy problem to have, don't you think?</div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-55193993722049708032011-07-13T17:13:00.000-07:002011-07-13T17:13:12.165-07:00Another School Year is Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Completing a school year is no small feat, whether student or parent, so I thought it would be good to take some time to reflect on it. Maybe that will help prepare me for the next round which is quickly approaching! The next school year is bringing big changes for our family, as Andrew and Melinda venture into the world of schooling in a classroom with more than 4 students (technically they've experienced that at Tahoe Montessori, so perhaps I should have said that this will be their first time in a daily classroom with more than 10 students.) They are both positive about going, and Melinda (in true Melinda fashion) is thrilled. I am alternately relieved (preteen is not my favorite age, as it turns out) and depressed (I'm going to miss them!). Audrey is pretty excited that she gets me all to herself next year, although I find myself wondering how long it will be before she wants to be at Valley Christian too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z3DE48gsYUb3cgiwZ5cuWMS0s4gW38d7wzbouyzfud0L3QVLHs8kQlKvpARyDD-Xvgs0r6_gineEDeTMcJ_lr37RPuto6CUuJU1IJCPbv60wRk8XmbXLyjSrbd7dVKt4FPOwsmFr09I/s1600/2010+2011+174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z3DE48gsYUb3cgiwZ5cuWMS0s4gW38d7wzbouyzfud0L3QVLHs8kQlKvpARyDD-Xvgs0r6_gineEDeTMcJ_lr37RPuto6CUuJU1IJCPbv60wRk8XmbXLyjSrbd7dVKt4FPOwsmFr09I/s320/2010+2011+174.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Audrey was in 1st grade this year. Structurally, this was the year that Audrey became accustomed to doing school every day, even when she didn't feel like it or didn't enjoy the material. She [mostly] completed her Headsprout Phonics program and is doing a good job reading, but where she really shines is math. She worked through Math Mammoth 1 this year, and just loves being able to figure out her own math tricks. We used Sonlight for history (cultures) and science, and both of these she finished early. She also listened in on history for the older kids, as well as most of the other books I read to them, so she got in more school than she realized. Next year we're going to use Moving Beyond the Page to keep us on track with Valley Christian's topics.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVss_LJuXFxcTpCBWFtkbeSJr1TAmXrclG_PGw8vecSxIO1XK6v3gvU5jiYxjRdUtNL2Da5VedKzaHmW-dqM5tT42UToEpczdMqqI0SHtRyVUWXoj4Wz5B3qY_h9NMEuJHJZkEcEve_K8/s1600/Spring+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVss_LJuXFxcTpCBWFtkbeSJr1TAmXrclG_PGw8vecSxIO1XK6v3gvU5jiYxjRdUtNL2Da5VedKzaHmW-dqM5tT42UToEpczdMqqI0SHtRyVUWXoj4Wz5B3qY_h9NMEuJHJZkEcEve_K8/s320/Spring+011.jpg" width="320" /></a>Timothy completed 9th grade this year, and officially passed his dad up in the height department. 9th grade was much easier for him than 8th in some regards...especially in the time and attitude management department. This isn't to say that this year was easy, but that somewhere in the 3rd quarter he seemed to come to terms with the fact that school is not fair, easy, or fun. He will be continuing on at Valley Christian for his Sophmore year, which we are all hoping goes more smoothly still. He is glad that next year will not include band or Spanish, bummed that it will include English. You can't win them all.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdhZQu8VaAoc9XZukL1lxGPo8tc4Yz1CvPbMG_1BE2mlRL2gf01fKJ01ZmcQ6bgaUNj1HRkuTxfnQOza5NiERKhQGJd-2nb8OTu_sG_ZUV-tDEWRZXiWZISLwUTN0_OWP-7INorettjk/s1600/2010+2011+139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdhZQu8VaAoc9XZukL1lxGPo8tc4Yz1CvPbMG_1BE2mlRL2gf01fKJ01ZmcQ6bgaUNj1HRkuTxfnQOza5NiERKhQGJd-2nb8OTu_sG_ZUV-tDEWRZXiWZISLwUTN0_OWP-7INorettjk/s320/2010+2011+139.jpg" width="239" /></a>For Andrew, this was the year of blissful sleep--one of the things he most loves about home schooling (another thing being his delight at being able to finish all of his school work in a fraction of the time a normal school day consumes.) He made huge progress in his writing skills, and is no longer afraid of a 5 paragraph essay. He's looking forward to making friends and taking electives in 7th grade at the middle school next year, even at the cost of early mornings. It's going to be hard on him, but hopefully the benefits will outweigh the frustrations. Personally, I'm glad that it will force him away from his computer--where he's been contentedly immersed much of the year (even with time restrictions!)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFxkIWRPm_oNBUBbTLQ16t4XLIN52CYXUdqOvyC80_tFv6Wekoi1nHPkoP4p5E7GKtt021wt4e0Yxi-xXddpAYYiFU5iMJPDQiWTZbjKlIWUV05XVo6x1gjM7dmx-pxtbnvVWNEhbpK0/s1600/2010+2011+201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFxkIWRPm_oNBUBbTLQ16t4XLIN52CYXUdqOvyC80_tFv6Wekoi1nHPkoP4p5E7GKtt021wt4e0Yxi-xXddpAYYiFU5iMJPDQiWTZbjKlIWUV05XVo6x1gjM7dmx-pxtbnvVWNEhbpK0/s320/2010+2011+201.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
Melinda will be in 6th grade next year, which I'm having a difficult time comprehending. She's young for her grade, and sometimes struggles to keep up--especially in the area of comprehending instructions...next year should be fun. :/ <br />
She loves to be busy, so hopefully the jam-packed school days will be right up her alley. This year she amazed me with how much school work she can pump out. She loves earth science and creative writing, merely tolerating history and math. She's growing a lot emotionally right now (translate: hormones are kicking in!) but we'll figure it out. We'll survive!<br />
<br />
NOW I'm ready to start summer. If only it weren't already half over. :(Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-39387401870057167242011-07-08T17:55:00.000-07:002011-07-08T17:55:46.080-07:007 is SO Much Older than 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As very wise and learned adults, we enjoy teasing children about how much bigger they suddenly become on their birthdays. <i>Wow! Look how much you grew!</i> Well this year the trick was on me, since Audrey really did seem to get so much bigger and older overnight. She was really looking forward to turning 7, and she did a great job. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We let her choose a place to go out to dinner (doing that this year instead of throwing parties) and her first choice was the small Indian restaurant we like to go to...but she ended up changing her mind so that she could bring more family along. Gramps, Tutu, Grandma Barbara, Uncle Jon, and cousin Drew were able to join our small celebration. She was thrilled to be with her family for her birthday.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifof90zrTpaRYDAVoPAQgonUE5hQJw0f5xBLVadPdTO4Snoa8I4WchcT7RYVDB-sBjYpuzkRNcHo8ixEmhFyPusEY2D-tHL8W9_1FkwbDWCR8AMQT-92tOxSW94WyBiW-W5jJxILuVhY4/s1600/Audrey+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifof90zrTpaRYDAVoPAQgonUE5hQJw0f5xBLVadPdTO4Snoa8I4WchcT7RYVDB-sBjYpuzkRNcHo8ixEmhFyPusEY2D-tHL8W9_1FkwbDWCR8AMQT-92tOxSW94WyBiW-W5jJxILuVhY4/s320/Audrey+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ruby's staff sings Audrey a Happy Birthday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbb9uLOhCPcSmRKjBTk4Px1yQprIRftqOO8iYnUYKzCBA7LuTbEUpyUXaVzU0jfz_DPV__a-P-bnBhQBLPVEIISDMGHeFuD-zNaZi4TAheD9CYjqEl5K21tiQdkQEjyWR0j9BN7SbgDwA/s1600/Audrey+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbb9uLOhCPcSmRKjBTk4Px1yQprIRftqOO8iYnUYKzCBA7LuTbEUpyUXaVzU0jfz_DPV__a-P-bnBhQBLPVEIISDMGHeFuD-zNaZi4TAheD9CYjqEl5K21tiQdkQEjyWR0j9BN7SbgDwA/s320/Audrey+010.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audrey loves her goofy brother!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0QqKSo38rF0CYHw3gYUZVa1-Tiwy-22-Yijb4wbYCMLFrB0zTKbDJZB2_fY18RtPO3YJmI_rDfVHIkIurYBmBWRluYNjdlJl1lMAFRJkFjof8iTPx2wr4BCkeXd38fceJat4O5s26Ew/s1600/Birthdays+etc+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0QqKSo38rF0CYHw3gYUZVa1-Tiwy-22-Yijb4wbYCMLFrB0zTKbDJZB2_fY18RtPO3YJmI_rDfVHIkIurYBmBWRluYNjdlJl1lMAFRJkFjof8iTPx2wr4BCkeXd38fceJat4O5s26Ew/s320/Birthdays+etc+112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's opening presents, but if you ask me, she's the real gift.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPqVDfQWIZtCdaPrOKAo4K0zDUojTUru3ZrsWDDa8oYDrsFEt3KkihfgnsaXsUZDwvUmXJqpGPPuFtKrCJxmZtqmoqH6GYBOXNiDAB5b74F2f9TcSAWbR9C7tHHuUBEIVNRSTjcJ2pUQ/s1600/Birthdays+etc+118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPqVDfQWIZtCdaPrOKAo4K0zDUojTUru3ZrsWDDa8oYDrsFEt3KkihfgnsaXsUZDwvUmXJqpGPPuFtKrCJxmZtqmoqH6GYBOXNiDAB5b74F2f9TcSAWbR9C7tHHuUBEIVNRSTjcJ2pUQ/s320/Birthdays+etc+118.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She had a thing with cards this year...kept reminding me to get<br />
her one to go with each gift.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6n08uEfQW1lVgF-EWROnQ18vB9Q9pQeBeUi5R-QYjBzPv6YdT9LatXoNnAtXA58d40IOyOdXwaYm-NFeSBDpGVKBIo5mEr8HnvbVF9FDABA2mPwKVkwrBKUiqeDhJ83zStYl3wbfkkTw/s1600/Birthdays+etc+181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6n08uEfQW1lVgF-EWROnQ18vB9Q9pQeBeUi5R-QYjBzPv6YdT9LatXoNnAtXA58d40IOyOdXwaYm-NFeSBDpGVKBIo5mEr8HnvbVF9FDABA2mPwKVkwrBKUiqeDhJ83zStYl3wbfkkTw/s320/Birthdays+etc+181.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audrey designed her own cake. It went<br />
through many shapes, forms, and colors<br />
during the design process, but she ended<br />
up with mega-chocolate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-14759814467553890852011-05-27T10:01:00.000-07:002011-05-27T10:01:41.736-07:00Spring CleaningIf you've ever been to my house, you may understand the overwhelming prospect of trying to keep the landscaping neat and tidy. Not only is there a ton of square-footage, but it is filled with old, overgrown plants. Finally, this month, we had a major cleanup of the front yard. I wish I'd taken a picture of the container the gardener and his helpers filled with the trimmings; it was an impressive sight.<br />
<br />
Just for comparison's sake, here's a "before" photo of one section taken about a year ago (before clean-up, but also before another year's growth compounded the problem) followed by an "after" photo of how it looks now:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKEFDmsrmyXEGRVCPM9YpO-LybeSKW5dmAxJchmZoeyjry5YLDXZ12QmlpJpUmWECxN5pS8GWgyXf33kzJvCJ9IjiPo3zKPUv7f5sm47J9o2kyQTLmkSjrWcypPCn2zYLG6WXF2qecH8/s1600/January+10+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKEFDmsrmyXEGRVCPM9YpO-LybeSKW5dmAxJchmZoeyjry5YLDXZ12QmlpJpUmWECxN5pS8GWgyXf33kzJvCJ9IjiPo3zKPUv7f5sm47J9o2kyQTLmkSjrWcypPCn2zYLG6WXF2qecH8/s320/January+10+017.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOEM8BgpPrRNF2wN120LVXLe_oUveyUjySgy17TeKgKDsOgrHyiC7S9dZXeectfuYPWsVHT97pjgBki_Qb15r_9J-0mJrPHB3Y2QRolLB0AbKkrBJl6tonEpE3QgSyGFEx9PJXMLXL6g/s1600/Clean+up+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOEM8BgpPrRNF2wN120LVXLe_oUveyUjySgy17TeKgKDsOgrHyiC7S9dZXeectfuYPWsVHT97pjgBki_Qb15r_9J-0mJrPHB3Y2QRolLB0AbKkrBJl6tonEpE3QgSyGFEx9PJXMLXL6g/s320/Clean+up+002.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
Hey look! There's a dry creek under all that mess! Fascinating! <br />
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There was more taken out (and in a quicker, less thorough way) than I'd have done myself, but it'll soon fill back in, I'm sure...just in time to be excavated when we begin our remodel. Hrm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQp5vbBwyV1T0ZNVKrcz8LICcMRLD0Ezfg_SmSHqTdnUn2Deq6wUv_wVLszxQXdsnSKqjlEd__LtbVee9761y9Bg32yWa-zvT00TFR2ygGhTtBV7XY-ux7yu757WoCZrIZ29a4zcYx00/s1600/Clean+up+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQp5vbBwyV1T0ZNVKrcz8LICcMRLD0Ezfg_SmSHqTdnUn2Deq6wUv_wVLszxQXdsnSKqjlEd__LtbVee9761y9Bg32yWa-zvT00TFR2ygGhTtBV7XY-ux7yu757WoCZrIZ29a4zcYx00/s320/Clean+up+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish I had a "before" picture for this area--such a difference!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this little pathway!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melinda was sad to see her jungle taken away, but since she never made use of it, she has lost her right to an opinion on the matter. :) Overall, I'm very pleased....it's like my "To Do" list sunk exponentially in a singular Saturday. Of course, now the trees need trimming. Sigh.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-8802443726325917402011-05-21T18:43:00.000-07:002011-06-21T22:46:50.100-07:00My Almost DriverAll of a sudden I realize the terrified look in my parents' eyes when we finally approached legal driving age. This stuff is scary. This is the age when <i>The Hardest Part is Letting Go</i> really kicks into high gear. Timothy is now 15: the countdown is in full swing.<br />
<br />
It has actually been a fabulous adventure--seeing Timothy grow and mature. He has a brilliant sense of humor and a great big loving heart. This year was the first (in quite some time) that he not didn't plan out (months in advance) which presents he wanted from whom. Not only that, but he didn't want a huge party (which worked out quite well considering the fact that I'd declared 2011 to be a non-party year). We went to a restaurant for his birthday dinner, and then came home for Key Lime Pie and some Lime Sorbet. A simple night, but spent with some of the best people around. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmOOlb7GQA0vFnwnE8TN4r09WcsXAIrSBQD7uw9md5YHVN0YqtWusX9VbjgIhepnBQjGmEl6RE8s1dqmMzbzm4gyiQ53U8T4hptMbGHCiubaS9ZmPld_WQF3Dg5wVpeVm8b26GM0WGpQ/s1600/Birthdays+etc+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmOOlb7GQA0vFnwnE8TN4r09WcsXAIrSBQD7uw9md5YHVN0YqtWusX9VbjgIhepnBQjGmEl6RE8s1dqmMzbzm4gyiQ53U8T4hptMbGHCiubaS9ZmPld_WQF3Dg5wVpeVm8b26GM0WGpQ/s320/Birthdays+etc+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lime-a-licious</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLN6YQhBqFwAzxu0v7Da4_whtCg7vFWO4UDbe0bIPiwVEHazzNZsnt5kvKU_YeeRVV3LKUSuODJid5dKqKfVNYXPprITkO4VhfbppR403toWxfivQZjSrqGfS7aAny9eYAH8gQGBaR9k/s1600/Birthdays+etc+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLN6YQhBqFwAzxu0v7Da4_whtCg7vFWO4UDbe0bIPiwVEHazzNZsnt5kvKU_YeeRVV3LKUSuODJid5dKqKfVNYXPprITkO4VhfbppR403toWxfivQZjSrqGfS7aAny9eYAH8gQGBaR9k/s320/Birthdays+etc+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cue the crazy singing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQBQDXe6PycvGzKpDx4sCeritIt63oHrrvDc3sBFCL0hfVMl0AwvTU_WuWFHRszEPWNO3z1D-HipASKiP7_QUCh1jQafewOkuNc-opV71CncnpvDznQPpG4dA9sYI_OqfUI8w4xaYI5s/s1600/Birthdays+etc+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQBQDXe6PycvGzKpDx4sCeritIt63oHrrvDc3sBFCL0hfVMl0AwvTU_WuWFHRszEPWNO3z1D-HipASKiP7_QUCh1jQafewOkuNc-opV71CncnpvDznQPpG4dA9sYI_OqfUI8w4xaYI5s/s320/Birthdays+etc+023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lime and Fire: 2 of Tim's favorite things.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0xxMTQgQvh_NCypisKYOb5cQX7pGf6hGZYZ6M2I3T_Z6eolLddAItmGAZIQmSOtCDDZ88P4G1L2xsdsGzMCevBUyZ67kDYo4M2jZ93ebYIzxi3d-lLhNu66zvU9OV14vKTlw2ygzYmo/s1600/Birthdays+etc+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0xxMTQgQvh_NCypisKYOb5cQX7pGf6hGZYZ6M2I3T_Z6eolLddAItmGAZIQmSOtCDDZ88P4G1L2xsdsGzMCevBUyZ67kDYo4M2jZ93ebYIzxi3d-lLhNu66zvU9OV14vKTlw2ygzYmo/s320/Birthdays+etc+048.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy has a great smile and laugh!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqZ6M1FvA8K1YB8px1dXIjYldpEmPFj5E-vsxbFcUrGTskcesJHzY1xQe9tTbDiEKvlk_p6nvaBnwpSvnj4OKB6VKKS-twV5-Ces6oSSvt4hxVmxRO8RXy3wT024dorxekOd4wUomTTc/s1600/Birthdays+etc+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqZ6M1FvA8K1YB8px1dXIjYldpEmPFj5E-vsxbFcUrGTskcesJHzY1xQe9tTbDiEKvlk_p6nvaBnwpSvnj4OKB6VKKS-twV5-Ces6oSSvt4hxVmxRO8RXy3wT024dorxekOd4wUomTTc/s320/Birthdays+etc+047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a goof. Isn't he great?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWk7damM-Q2VaCi_H3Tc5BXOr2l27ZO6JVxY60LbqdWuJzvh5eEAacd_8qEZiITyZ4MgQQBpFHTop67K5HNamvbeeXru3bn1JlC0Xzp0S2wNOzc4484TkGAi3qgrDbDBuw5tqAgLo7E8g/s1600/Birthdays+etc+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWk7damM-Q2VaCi_H3Tc5BXOr2l27ZO6JVxY60LbqdWuJzvh5eEAacd_8qEZiITyZ4MgQQBpFHTop67K5HNamvbeeXru3bn1JlC0Xzp0S2wNOzc4484TkGAi3qgrDbDBuw5tqAgLo7E8g/s320/Birthdays+etc+038.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No complaints from Andrew.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1acQgAGA5DX60HMUISmyR85lRBGk_x3g5rDX5iH1ckPqNtW6evl5SrllHpLXagyBGsla7hdOqRk9bQm6ygtdbOq2mX9tB0vscw_qjnNBrRVqS01BYXiCKLLAoXPMXpuTxYyhVPiSZ4wY/s1600/Birthdays+etc+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1acQgAGA5DX60HMUISmyR85lRBGk_x3g5rDX5iH1ckPqNtW6evl5SrllHpLXagyBGsla7hdOqRk9bQm6ygtdbOq2mX9tB0vscw_qjnNBrRVqS01BYXiCKLLAoXPMXpuTxYyhVPiSZ4wY/s320/Birthdays+etc+041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nom nom nom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClhKaXCwd5KyJ7lSyOcvTktVuk8PiGKltt8W3F6ummqIr5ucSY1haSHkNVPgoSBaCvK_jQ5ELLB7zH74syuzrdmyO9YoJ9wLwrHv5XLCfVzU8-CmM1eztN7OlWoTMkoLdP-oIWhMn_LA/s1600/Birthdays+etc+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClhKaXCwd5KyJ7lSyOcvTktVuk8PiGKltt8W3F6ummqIr5ucSY1haSHkNVPgoSBaCvK_jQ5ELLB7zH74syuzrdmyO9YoJ9wLwrHv5XLCfVzU8-CmM1eztN7OlWoTMkoLdP-oIWhMn_LA/s320/Birthdays+etc+067.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serious thoughts? or serious dramatics?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-45738977340318496932011-05-10T15:15:00.000-07:002011-05-10T15:15:02.777-07:00The Dingle PeninsulaThe last leg of our journey in Ireland was spent on the Dingle Peninsula. While there were myriad sights to see in that region of Ireland, we found ourselves winding down and enjoying the town of Dingle. The only driving and sightseeing we did, in fact, was Dingle Peninsula itself and a brief stop in Cork on the drive back to Dublin.<br />
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All over Ireland, scattered throughout the countryside, are sheep. Scraggly sheep with character. Sheep decorated in bright colors that, if you are as lucky as I was, just might pose for you, and reply with a weary "Baaa" when thanked for their cooperation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dZw-ReNpiTm5CeLZpFXJna5Jqd_ROwy054iX4MYy9UDloHRl6_5rXTLTnSEATarM1kn_vJWhCNtv04f1k7Ohj37r5GHrWiG6agx5cQB-U6rJbU7Wo3I8huGwAJj5pMQ59uuniuilbyE/s1600/2010+2011+477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dZw-ReNpiTm5CeLZpFXJna5Jqd_ROwy054iX4MYy9UDloHRl6_5rXTLTnSEATarM1kn_vJWhCNtv04f1k7Ohj37r5GHrWiG6agx5cQB-U6rJbU7Wo3I8huGwAJj5pMQ59uuniuilbyE/s320/2010+2011+477.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sxLzTYm-ldNjtOrmAR-PaGKQQI399NhG7cqW1o8EmHA0UbOO7NPpwHlREfQYwgPDas_UJQh3z4jAOVRLTq_AK8rCITVnlbWXzRtDYyIjKYbCcvhBK7SBSjBPxyNCbRPSZicm3JELvdQ/s1600/Ireland+701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sxLzTYm-ldNjtOrmAR-PaGKQQI399NhG7cqW1o8EmHA0UbOO7NPpwHlREfQYwgPDas_UJQh3z4jAOVRLTq_AK8rCITVnlbWXzRtDYyIjKYbCcvhBK7SBSjBPxyNCbRPSZicm3JELvdQ/s320/Ireland+701.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I love how the houses are comfy cozy, smooshed up together. It could be a problem, however, when it comes to searching for a business in a town you aren't familiar with. Many times during our trip we experienced the frustration of not being able to find something that came with quite simple directions. You see, we are used to finding things in California...where most cities are laid out in a grid and buildings have street addresses...not so in Ireland. In Dingle we were to be staying at Murphy's B&B--no street number, only a street name. When we arrived we found 2 Murphy's B&Bs <i>Right Next to Each Other</i>. What??? We went into one, they acted like they had our reservation and showed us to our rooms. An hour later, as we were eating dinner downstairs, we got a call from Murphy's B&B wondering when we were going to check in. Apparently we were at the wrong one, but really had no way of knowing. We moved our things over, and were much happier with the new place (which is <i>not</i> the one over the pub, just in case you ever go! Look for the smaller sign next door.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxs3z22ROzwMvD62mi65PycxB-utQ0YJTqt9tTOvId0qbaDJNSw37YBvk1Ye5Fu-lYS0J1Rfq8jzXmzPiWl0gGaGed-cHV8k44EgX-oacVi8KCXqBBI98f6vjezVUG7C6Ysvl9wMtk_nQ/s1600/2010+2011+540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxs3z22ROzwMvD62mi65PycxB-utQ0YJTqt9tTOvId0qbaDJNSw37YBvk1Ye5Fu-lYS0J1Rfq8jzXmzPiWl0gGaGed-cHV8k44EgX-oacVi8KCXqBBI98f6vjezVUG7C6Ysvl9wMtk_nQ/s320/2010+2011+540.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 Murphy's B&Bs next door to each other--novel idea!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid74Zj6kZXJ0b5LMpWtYAJURmjCM9HhIDLlu4XUwCEys0w9eFnCRqJkj6aZZ0eOq7eFQFNIzPCWCeS-cgAP8xSK9LacLsMkqXlOwFwXZux6QhfPZ3ulmJ4U_ka8vFkFVMPSMaUDHQDW0M/s1600/2010+2011+473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid74Zj6kZXJ0b5LMpWtYAJURmjCM9HhIDLlu4XUwCEys0w9eFnCRqJkj6aZZ0eOq7eFQFNIzPCWCeS-cgAP8xSK9LacLsMkqXlOwFwXZux6QhfPZ3ulmJ4U_ka8vFkFVMPSMaUDHQDW0M/s320/2010+2011+473.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a pleasant row of houses. Smooosh!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzy1QmvTHUGGiFOPwDjbwoG0ULueWjuCgInJMisLVYVfmtDluOaCMwly3Ws2_r3V28XFo-y9UEk_NqfnPNMd3Jnr65ts6I7pZrq8oqAZFlItJT_trlynCKm-ajTWzGwrOolvsJtblPDM/s1600/2010+2011+531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzy1QmvTHUGGiFOPwDjbwoG0ULueWjuCgInJMisLVYVfmtDluOaCMwly3Ws2_r3V28XFo-y9UEk_NqfnPNMd3Jnr65ts6I7pZrq8oqAZFlItJT_trlynCKm-ajTWzGwrOolvsJtblPDM/s320/2010+2011+531.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris in Foxy John's--a very traditional pub, complete with<br />
hardware store and bike rentals!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_625Jv84n7RGchjmCOGrxZ_IRXm1_jNeL5xSLdWLA0oNtXahrNIEbqIY5_5e31I3Vsh8n2Z0FFv6etp33eY9QhTxvsYWHcDuNKO7wT1Xn5q_E_WlU06QjufB2DexJq9TZ12HIOOVqqM/s1600/2010+2011+534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_625Jv84n7RGchjmCOGrxZ_IRXm1_jNeL5xSLdWLA0oNtXahrNIEbqIY5_5e31I3Vsh8n2Z0FFv6etp33eY9QhTxvsYWHcDuNKO7wT1Xn5q_E_WlU06QjufB2DexJq9TZ12HIOOVqqM/s320/2010+2011+534.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bartender at Foxy John's was my favorite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKnpAD9zQioYodPI5CGpAO8fcH96KvMQlZiAM60cJefrq1SiuqxCVyS25ivBDa55nkCFw92WfV3cQp9cYZnSSi3utaHi4ZAyI_mwANz_cRBsScwbazL7COeERvEFx0NSJY_WJ-V4HULg/s1600/2010+2011+536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKnpAD9zQioYodPI5CGpAO8fcH96KvMQlZiAM60cJefrq1SiuqxCVyS25ivBDa55nkCFw92WfV3cQp9cYZnSSi3utaHi4ZAyI_mwANz_cRBsScwbazL7COeERvEFx0NSJY_WJ-V4HULg/s320/2010+2011+536.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The drive around the peninsula was amazing. We weren't expecting to encounter anything awe-inspiring, which made it even more incredible to find. The two-way road way very narrow, which made it quite an adventure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hNq3a1RNRidet9DLC4kBkt-2GOTtYViRiJAQIiY9BHjRbqingMp1MRWlPCz4LEB4AJykLVkwnEnmwsRqugdaN8_UlWupW2qD8w-hvCDgCagyOiHMokbow4OPX5vqWZBWmZJunNDdx8I/s1600/Ireland+693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hNq3a1RNRidet9DLC4kBkt-2GOTtYViRiJAQIiY9BHjRbqingMp1MRWlPCz4LEB4AJykLVkwnEnmwsRqugdaN8_UlWupW2qD8w-hvCDgCagyOiHMokbow4OPX5vqWZBWmZJunNDdx8I/s320/Ireland+693.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSklMEMa0zcqAfPeyFilfepPkR3hUvxhE4sJvOk0u3b2W_mcao8Jsf3xYktqyEP8uP0T85nQH2fjNN_17n3LxTBkafsn3AQT-ipK0hdipd9m6efxxR4CrM8y7AsTMrmfUf_22u0_RuUI/s1600/2010+2011+490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSklMEMa0zcqAfPeyFilfepPkR3hUvxhE4sJvOk0u3b2W_mcao8Jsf3xYktqyEP8uP0T85nQH2fjNN_17n3LxTBkafsn3AQT-ipK0hdipd9m6efxxR4CrM8y7AsTMrmfUf_22u0_RuUI/s320/2010+2011+490.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beehive huts built 3,000-4,000 years ago, inhabited until<br />
around 1200AD</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrW8sifStGyN6EIrrjCzDrGyNq3PYQ6-mzzpe50LuMXF_Nt9KQKDODopXoqHWDk-GpjIHP9S6wCSwQ8d4k-2EqpCIQo8A9j-KkdQd-0tku2WQAaDu9FzwMtqq3cL3k-srZX8Ap3l7CFc/s1600/2010+2011+497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrW8sifStGyN6EIrrjCzDrGyNq3PYQ6-mzzpe50LuMXF_Nt9KQKDODopXoqHWDk-GpjIHP9S6wCSwQ8d4k-2EqpCIQo8A9j-KkdQd-0tku2WQAaDu9FzwMtqq3cL3k-srZX8Ap3l7CFc/s320/2010+2011+497.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cross etched into stone at the beehive huts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-XYY1_Tv9qLoi2wsDH9AneD_uo-1jXDRqOuhWOXu-R-jTcah0WUaBK-X5JafuW3cqBIdSdL_Id7WHiV-PFaRrpYTxRdWFED3w9LHA8qW7XVnYhRxIOB6UJwfVxhGP4GZEvJUgHBLwI0/s1600/2010+2011+515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-XYY1_Tv9qLoi2wsDH9AneD_uo-1jXDRqOuhWOXu-R-jTcah0WUaBK-X5JafuW3cqBIdSdL_Id7WHiV-PFaRrpYTxRdWFED3w9LHA8qW7XVnYhRxIOB6UJwfVxhGP4GZEvJUgHBLwI0/s400/2010+2011+515.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the scenes that took my breath away.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBOMUQI4rMYcA_2-pMEoJLBw1PZ7M2KkS2x7c9n1HyzUmdHRxhHg_vKQblOzk8wFR1zFfr48cE0hlAl-Cn1CsR1XVKkt1Dwh0Ppc6vvfAnRGIiqNsvziFWD8NTUugB2jjasji0xIMBXo/s1600/2010+2011+516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBOMUQI4rMYcA_2-pMEoJLBw1PZ7M2KkS2x7c9n1HyzUmdHRxhHg_vKQblOzk8wFR1zFfr48cE0hlAl-Cn1CsR1XVKkt1Dwh0Ppc6vvfAnRGIiqNsvziFWD8NTUugB2jjasji0xIMBXo/s400/2010+2011+516.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite Ireland scene. I just can't look at this enough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What was the best part of Ireland? Well, the natural wonders abound, constantly reminding you that there are bigger forces at work. I love nature, so this was a huge thing to love about this country. Also, there are a lot of rosy-cheeked people there, so for the first time in my life I didn't have people asking me why my cheeks were so red--I looked normal! And the music was so much fun... But mostly it was just the people. I know that you hear all the time that the people are so friendly, but the people we encountered were more than friendly, they were interested. They approached us to find out who we were, what we were doing, what we thought. This is why you'll hear people talk about the pubs--the Irish pubs are great because they are a place for people to connect.<br />
<br />
I procrastinated putting up this last post about Ireland because I don't want to say goodbye to it just yet. This is the place I've longed to go since I was young, and it's the first place that I've so sorely missed upon returning home. To think that some of the people and places now exist only in my mind is a sad thought, so I counter it with the promise of returning someday. Anyone want to go? Let's plan a trip!Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-62711121621779840352011-04-26T09:27:00.000-07:002011-04-26T09:27:43.991-07:00The Burren & The Cliffs of Moher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After our stay at Ashford Castle, we made our way down to the Dingle Peninsula (you can see it <a href="http://melopher.blogspot.com/2011/04/connaught-ashford-castle-and-beyond.html">on the map in my previous post</a> if you are interested). There was sight-seeing to be done on the way, however. How else to fit in half of the places we wanted to see? We drove through Galway and then down through the Burren. The Burren is quite an unusual place. To say that this area has rocky soil would not be an understatement, it would just be plain incorrect. The Burren <i>is</i> rocks, not just rocky soil. For mountains of rock, however, an incredible amount of life and history is present. These aren't just your typical rocks either. Imagine the rock walls you could build with such a supply! We were very happy to be able to get out of the car and climb around the mountains a bit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mN6gOskEKqOqMKQ5YgkPtY_9TX_buShIwcKOHLbZYy-SrLwwtLRMyM9Cs5eqoeJPiNh_qDiQoJa7nZxh_TJvfwOI6wRA9eQj1sLgNEBQxMxA1aK4ScwarWqiDWOHaFuMTkNW2SMFe7Y/s1600/2010+2011+465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mN6gOskEKqOqMKQ5YgkPtY_9TX_buShIwcKOHLbZYy-SrLwwtLRMyM9Cs5eqoeJPiNh_qDiQoJa7nZxh_TJvfwOI6wRA9eQj1sLgNEBQxMxA1aK4ScwarWqiDWOHaFuMTkNW2SMFe7Y/s320/2010+2011+465.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBp-vT9ADWssCMosIYDvQRv6fLlIybr7BsBRMPKijE7HKPmiGCUq9iN6z01Fp05HbtrMteaKhp8Kva95T-0OpIeFG0qqFmzfrrrcJO0_PMN43iwZyI5ZP4VOonE49KSC2KHyIxpLW-z8/s1600/Ireland+628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBp-vT9ADWssCMosIYDvQRv6fLlIybr7BsBRMPKijE7HKPmiGCUq9iN6z01Fp05HbtrMteaKhp8Kva95T-0OpIeFG0qqFmzfrrrcJO0_PMN43iwZyI5ZP4VOonE49KSC2KHyIxpLW-z8/s320/Ireland+628.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8voYpZc7RCycWSGS9m_iJh2PxRAgfvSMUp6cMLuoXKj0bHrFEHzBO9xJxtrawgjsqtXa4X4mYcFZJrwRbVU7Y6P-GIWsyUa0iicOlLZCXhBMInQsuK0VJSsc-5juzvl_q11Esc-w8TpY/s1600/Ireland+638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8voYpZc7RCycWSGS9m_iJh2PxRAgfvSMUp6cMLuoXKj0bHrFEHzBO9xJxtrawgjsqtXa4X4mYcFZJrwRbVU7Y6P-GIWsyUa0iicOlLZCXhBMInQsuK0VJSsc-5juzvl_q11Esc-w8TpY/s320/Ireland+638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ9sgLKgIaMG1x6yLFnUzsMED_xgkJbBKJCgA2MfHwpAfGLFBG6oo7hioIuoFzQeO_rGCA5olsZvqhvdRFh7hyynprcp-pElY_n94zxnmbTH6yHMnWckiqx0Azug0FKf-YxG4kFpLbVw/s1600/Ireland+654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ9sgLKgIaMG1x6yLFnUzsMED_xgkJbBKJCgA2MfHwpAfGLFBG6oo7hioIuoFzQeO_rGCA5olsZvqhvdRFh7hyynprcp-pElY_n94zxnmbTH6yHMnWckiqx0Azug0FKf-YxG4kFpLbVw/s320/Ireland+654.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Chris was wearing his "I Am Mr. Darcy" shirt made by our friends Justin and Brooke (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Brookish">get yours here!</a>) when we stepped out of the car at a visitor's center...the girls who worked there were very entertained by his shirt. Come to find out, one of the girls was named Liz Darcy. :) Lots and smiles and laughs, I assure you. :)<br />
<br />
Not far from The Burren are the Cliffs of Moher. Or, the Cliffs of Insanity, for all you Princess Bride fans. These cliffs are so impressive that it is difficult to take a picture of them that properly represents the awe one feels seeing them in person. We were, however, frustrated to find that a huge amount of bugs were also visiting the cliffs (judging from the smell, they were there to visit a recently fertilized field) and that made the visit not quite as fun as it could have been. You can't really tell in the photos, but there were also quite a few people there, even though it wasn't high tourist season. The visitor's center is large and new, I can only imagine how crazy the crowds must be here during the summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7Tj2fGmBCSmzrnB4iwVH94SLidjtPmyMTWeJx17w6X_JRHxewcdvU23Sod9wNGZigLD9pHXBSrELMSzlZh_QZkYUXxkylh8D_3OJig260q0fG4O7ntKh3IV7E9t8S4nbgp25ogQ54W0/s1600/Ireland+669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7Tj2fGmBCSmzrnB4iwVH94SLidjtPmyMTWeJx17w6X_JRHxewcdvU23Sod9wNGZigLD9pHXBSrELMSzlZh_QZkYUXxkylh8D_3OJig260q0fG4O7ntKh3IV7E9t8S4nbgp25ogQ54W0/s320/Ireland+669.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See that blip on the top of the cliff? Castle remains. These are<br />
some BIG cliffs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlxBw3Li0t43IVkj4MrS8L7DMdSQ7Q1HP-ku2Y-qUcsU9olXorvRdg1zbo5kao5Qy_wpk8eau3VcCtiOWPoOHZHLw38gPkfdjoH3wOKqWl95LEVaZoFKEYrdOxyxqUFrdZ3D485_7esc/s1600/Ireland+675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlxBw3Li0t43IVkj4MrS8L7DMdSQ7Q1HP-ku2Y-qUcsU9olXorvRdg1zbo5kao5Qy_wpk8eau3VcCtiOWPoOHZHLw38gPkfdjoH3wOKqWl95LEVaZoFKEYrdOxyxqUFrdZ3D485_7esc/s320/Ireland+675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And because we get a kick out of signs, here are a couple that were at the Cliffs of Moher. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpu6H7fJCSxazBUKd8rapDtA6EA1qKuTN_gEQGGm_Go4sqMiybpqwha_-JvC4E6xmNPoxpwSilN-PpW2y5GI-Ei0SGjAPiVPSbmx4Coqb4U_SDe8FzMAWXuZXBkqhctafzsNED-DP8GdQ/s1600/Ireland+666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpu6H7fJCSxazBUKd8rapDtA6EA1qKuTN_gEQGGm_Go4sqMiybpqwha_-JvC4E6xmNPoxpwSilN-PpW2y5GI-Ei0SGjAPiVPSbmx4Coqb4U_SDe8FzMAWXuZXBkqhctafzsNED-DP8GdQ/s320/Ireland+666.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i0SDv_V4KbqnLBQJ2xyZVGeQAmtaY9QvQTR-B4rcgMKUp6-V4niUx3ceBy21myoSMfZRiUAJWhqO79B1EgVE3OjyKDLpGKtY4kaGARlj4c9DUXaUEEoMoCVodqjcCoP6gKqJ3ewl00s/s1600/Ireland+661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i0SDv_V4KbqnLBQJ2xyZVGeQAmtaY9QvQTR-B4rcgMKUp6-V4niUx3ceBy21myoSMfZRiUAJWhqO79B1EgVE3OjyKDLpGKtY4kaGARlj4c9DUXaUEEoMoCVodqjcCoP6gKqJ3ewl00s/s320/Ireland+661.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You really should look at some of the professional photos of these places, they capture them far better than I did. Google Images is a good place to start!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After seeing these two incredible sights, we raced to catch a ferry that would shorten our trip to the Dingle Peninsula. We made it with no time to spare (the gate was already closed, and reopened just for us--they started moving just as we turned off our car!) and enjoyed the rest of our drive. One thing Ireland is by no means lacking is beauty. There is so much variety, so many extreme beauties, and the Dingle Peninsula is no exception. I'll get pictures of that up soon!</div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960927864718770095.post-4819742068199235772011-04-07T13:04:00.000-07:002011-04-07T13:04:36.341-07:00Connaught: Ashford Castle and BeyondAfter our brief time in Northern Ireland, we jumped back into the car and drove over to the west coast of Ireland--to the Connaught area. The drive was lovely, even though Chris spent much of it being frustrated because he hadn't fully researched his route (I'm not actually sure if the route on the map below is the actual one we took, but if it isn't, it's pretty close.) I'm so glad that we rented a car, and so glad that Chris is such a confident driver. Driving from one location to another ended up being a great way to see some of the countryside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.irelandnow.com/maps/provinces.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.irelandnow.com/maps/provinces.gif" /></a></div>The area of Connaught (Connacht) is varied in landscape and quite beautiful throughout. It wasn't until we drove into this province that we began to see the rock walls that I assumed covered the entire country. (In the places we'd seen before, properties and fields were divided by hedgerows. I could probably write a whole post on American misconceptions about Ireland...no green beer on St. Paddy's Day, no corned beef and cabbage, and much better food than I'd anticipated.) Roscommon and Galway counties (2 of the 5 counties in the Connaught province) are where my mother's maiden surname, Curley, seems to come from (Roscommon has a town called Ballymacurley, supporting that idea) although I don't have family records indicating a tie there. Whether it is because of that predisposition, or simply because the area is magical, I felt drawn to this area.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Ireland&gl=us&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213767500499835504197.0004a0567ec7f86321fc2&ll=53.5581,-7.998047&spn=3.329313,4.570312&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Ireland&gl=us&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213767500499835504197.0004a0567ec7f86321fc2&ll=53.5581,-7.998047&spn=3.329313,4.570312&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Ireland</a> in a larger map</small><br />
<br />
We stayed near the small village of Cong, on the shores of Lough Corrib, at Ashford Castle. Not only were all 3 of these things (the village, the lake, the castle) drop-dead gorgeous, but we found plenty to do and tremendously enjoyed our stay. The entrance to the castle grounds (which were extremely large grounds, by the way) was meandering and unfolded in a way you'd expect to happen only on film. The castle was originally built in 1228 and eventually was purchased by the Guinness family in 1859 (they extended the estate to 26,000 acres, and added two Victorian wings to the castle) and stayed in the family until it was sold and re-purposed as a hotel in 1939.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashford Castle...view from the back by the lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the lobby.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qLLt8vr0UVn7UZ8aaw9Jr0MCQH_UyGRSH1cJrBqIRWo3fpE3qFE3nKzETrc08qTkHt0fc4qt6h2u45YL54Xarpu3Jnc_t7LPveelcgE7mD6NuI7rkn3WhUnSyx-bs88DeK9qnrbxC3c/s1600/Ireland+529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qLLt8vr0UVn7UZ8aaw9Jr0MCQH_UyGRSH1cJrBqIRWo3fpE3qFE3nKzETrc08qTkHt0fc4qt6h2u45YL54Xarpu3Jnc_t7LPveelcgE7mD6NuI7rkn3WhUnSyx-bs88DeK9qnrbxC3c/s320/Ireland+529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want a little tunnel pathway!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now <i>that's</i> a driveway.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kMCzIDWM3UGm7S6agigFuYYo1WtzacHp7na4_JArpQ-TmcYUutNa1Y3Ysd_x_v4LiJkyruMddxddD_6k5eaqPjeZ1-J1GHfE6LOM7BOsetRED6r3NEYgYmVkJa_OCDfD3cFa32rudGM/s1600/Ireland+578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kMCzIDWM3UGm7S6agigFuYYo1WtzacHp7na4_JArpQ-TmcYUutNa1Y3Ysd_x_v4LiJkyruMddxddD_6k5eaqPjeZ1-J1GHfE6LOM7BOsetRED6r3NEYgYmVkJa_OCDfD3cFa32rudGM/s320/Ireland+578.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Lough Corrib.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kOMHoH44YR9oQANNzkNpuaz6AjzZDMLd2IO4wJPyz6yuKGIP4NFBizCDFoHxoIz0WlUo_FFHaTz3YTHz2Mkct2141x_MALsdr0hs9ohA8iEvWOd6k0Mik1P_yNJ9sm-iSgXbAcz38tU/s1600/Ireland+593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kOMHoH44YR9oQANNzkNpuaz6AjzZDMLd2IO4wJPyz6yuKGIP4NFBizCDFoHxoIz0WlUo_FFHaTz3YTHz2Mkct2141x_MALsdr0hs9ohA8iEvWOd6k0Mik1P_yNJ9sm-iSgXbAcz38tU/s320/Ireland+593.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosy cheeks and bagpipes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While at the castle, we were able to bake scones with the pastry chef, (I loved being able to go into the service parts of the castle...it another of those weird dreams come true. I'm fascinated with what goes into making a huge estate work.) learn to be falconers at the school of falconry, ride horses, and watch The Quiet Man free of charge at any time (this is where the movie was filmed!)<br />
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The School of Falconry was one of the best experiences ever. We learned so much about the birds and falconry in general. We even got to meet Dingle the Owl...quite awesome when you're a foot away from him! The birds we flew are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harris's_Hawk">Harris Hawks</a>, which work well for hunting with multiple people because they naturally work as a team. <br />
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Wow, this is a long post. Sorry about that! There's just so much to talk about in this area and I couldn't conceive of how to split it up. What follows are some pictures of Connemara, which we saw on our drive from the castle to Clifden (where we got a flat tire that was--amazingly--replaced in only a couple of hours). Connemara is beautiful. All the pictures I see of it look a little like Nevada, which is funny because it didn't look like that when seeing it through my eyeballs. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remnants of potato farming still exist on the mountains.</td></tr>
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Love this area...lot's of good memories, would love to go back and explore more!Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08151339860580266808noreply@blogger.com0