tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19799902877405346072024-03-13T08:05:45.739-05:00ASK LandWelcome to our blog about life in a small town in New England where we are renovating an old farm house, enjoying having our father-in-law here during the summer, volunteering with the local fire department, working with the town, running a small alternative energy biz, and are owned by our white shepherd, a sassy kitty, Ody Parrot, chickens!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.comBlogger461125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-22546082144410265722017-07-03T11:01:00.000-05:002017-07-03T12:39:28.655-05:002017 Part One<br />
This year started off up in Goshen, NH. We rented a ski house for a few months. Art was teaching at the local ski resort and I, looking for something to fill the gap of not being Treasurer any longer, decided to get a part time job at the hill. It did not go well for me. I took the job to make some new social connections as we thought we might move up to the area some day. I ended up in a closet sized room that I could not leave, and no one else could enter. I was only there for a couple of months. I honestly stayed longer than I should have. Probably because we had rented the house and when I did that I counted my new earnings in the "rent" cost. It was irrelevant and I should have let it go earlier. Cest la vie! We did take a Lexi, Tori, Sam, and Susan skiing on Christmas since we had free passes.<br />
We fired the inept manager early in the year and brought back a long timer who has been working out well. The business seems to be on an upswing again. Not a lot and not fast, but slow and steady is easier to adapt to. The mood at the shop is also greatly improved. Looking forward to a better fall!<br />
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In January we headed down to Arizona to see Art's Dad. We had a nice visit going up to Mount Lemmon, and visiting a local observatory. Not a long visit but certainly a good memory.</div>
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February heralded Art's 50th birthday. <br />
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He wanted to ski WildCat for his birthday so we headed up to North Conway with the Wildes. They had a great couple of days skiing, while I took the pups snowshoeing at Dolly Copp. Dolly Copp is all torn up. Roads, campsites, et al to make way for updated electrical runs, and bathrooms. Camping is officially turning into Glamping at Dolly Copp.</div>
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In March we were off to Puerto Vallarta with the family. My parents, Art's Dad, Pam, Karyn, and Ralph, Abby and her bf, my brother and his family, Jeanne, and Marilyn. We had a great and relaxing week by the pool and exploring the town. Dad even went zip lining! Wonderful adventure.<br />
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April brought us slightly South to Connecticut. Pam had recently moved into her new loft and she was having her 60th birthday. We had a few days so we headed down to celebrate with her.s Beautiful place and a great visit. A couple of weeks later the sisters all went down for a visit. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcnZXu61-s4/WVp8-YrKiYI/AAAAAAAAFTs/GB1mKRQ38f44yJkqKET8zsoxtPqcdItIwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcnZXu61-s4/WVp8-YrKiYI/AAAAAAAAFTs/GB1mKRQ38f44yJkqKET8zsoxtPqcdItIwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1704.JPG" width="320" /></a>In May we headed off to Iceland. A cold and barren hunk of lava and ice in the middle of the ocean. It is very impressive that they have survived as long as they have. It sounded like there were many hard times and few to no resources. They have discovered and begun to harvest their geothermal waters (although with no regard to efficiency or sustainability), which has helped them a bit. They have the largest aluminum plant in the world that consumes most of their power, and tourism is almost overwhelming with 3 million visiting their 360,000 person island that is the size of Kentucky. The prices were starting to reflect the demand with a simple burger and fries meal totaling $25, and a glass of wine $15. Hindsight I wish we had gone in winter to see the Northern lights. Pretty and weird place, with birds but no mammals other than their controlled sheep, dog, and horse populations. Did I mention windy? Like really, really windy. All. the. time.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y1PrrIj7BLA/WVp-37eK_PI/AAAAAAAAFUM/AvsGS1vBovgjXizZ_3nBYZyK9Q6NSBZLwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y1PrrIj7BLA/WVp-37eK_PI/AAAAAAAAFUM/AvsGS1vBovgjXizZ_3nBYZyK9Q6NSBZLwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1743.JPG" width="240" /></a>Later in May we headed to Colorado. We hadn't gone back for Christmas over the winter and we had a few key events to celebrate with family. My nephew Mitchell graduated from high school. He received a football scholarship to a South Dakota University so was actively planning his move with his girlfriend. The family came together to have a nice get together at the sculpture park in Loveland. My nephew Peter had also recently gotten engaged. We were very glad that they could come up to Breckenridge where we stayed part of our stay. Art and Peter got to go skiing at A Basin as conditions were still very good despite the late date. We also caught up with Art's oldest sister and her husband who were driving around the country on a retirement trip. My niece Lindsay had also recently had her second baby but she had a lot going on with her husband's family so we did not catch up. My parents were also able to come up to Breck for a few days. We walked around the town and did some hiking. We had a great visit with everyone!<br />
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Since we were gone most of May we decided to reward the pups with a camping trip. We headed up to Pillsbury State Park in early June. The first day of our reservation it was a downpour so we delayed one day. We easily found out way to our remote camp site and set up shop. We were absolutely devoured by the black flies, and mosquitos but otherwise had a great time. We paddled around the lake, took a hike, and relaxed by the fire. Dogs had a great time.<br />
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Late June took Art to Nashville for a few days. I opted to stay home as we had some larger projects coming together that needed my attention. By happenstance two more people from the town put their resignations in during this time so I am glad I was here to support them at the select board meeting and during their last days of work. It was good to catch up with old friends.<br />
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We didn't go for an overnight but Dad was thrilled when we got to go to Boston for the day to see the Tall Ships. We stopped at a favorite old haunt of his, Durgin Park, then took a harbor cruise around to see all of the tall ships before they headed out of town. Great day!<br />
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One night while reminiscing about old trips with Dad he brought up what a great time we (Art, myself, Abbie, and Dad) when we took our 'bridge' trip in Europe a couple of summers ago going to Belgium and the Netherlands. He said he wanted to do a trip with just us again, a small group. He initially wanted Italy but after a little searching I found that it was an extremely long travel, rather pricey, and extremely hot at the end of summer which is when he wanted to go. So we settled on Ireland. The west side of the island. Art and I visited the East side in 2009. So we will be off to Shannon, Galway, Killarney, and Limerick on a small group adventure soon!</div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-6188049944426585272017-07-02T11:49:00.001-05:002017-07-02T12:57:57.869-05:0020162016 is a year that started with promise. Our new managers had been in place for a half a year and we thought we were good to go. Alas, in hindsight it all fell apart. We had what could arguably be considered our worst year of business ever. Much was due to a natural downturn that our industry experiences way too regularly. But, it was extremely exacerbated by an inept, prig of a manager who had no problem lying to us day in and day out while neglecting his job pretty much completely.<br />
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We started the year on a positive note having come back from a good Christmas 2015 trip where I met my parents in Las Vegas for a few days before heading to Colorado, while Art flew to Seattle to drive to Colorado with Abby and Teddy. We had a great Christmas in CO Springs and Loveland with my family and nieces and nephews Linday, Jimmy, and Peter and Jade. After the holiday we drove back to Seattle with Abby and spent a few days checking out her new home.<br />
We were enjoying our Bruins mini-season package by going to Boston for an overnight visit to see a Bruins game. We love staying in the North End.<br />
In February we had our 20th Wedding Anniversary. We splurged a little and took a trip up to the Mt. Washington hotel. It was very icy and rainy/sleeting while we were up there but we had fun hiking around Dolly Copp and a few other areas. Beautiful hotel and grounds set the mood for a romantic getaway. We had massages and hung out in the spa, and enjoyed the bars and eateries on site. Too warm to go ice skating, though...<br />
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The Hearth Show was in New Orleans this year. We took our managers with us. It was like pulling teeth to get Mark to come. In hindsight we should not have brought them. They only piece of information we could verify them walking away with was another dealer (messing with them) telling them his sales people made six figures. HA! Owners don't make that, much less sales people. So that soured them and was passed around to other employees making a bad year worse! We did enjoy New Orleans though. Fun town and very walkable.<br />
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Later in March we headed South of the border with Dad, his sister Jeanne, her daughter, and Pam to Mazatlan. My brother and his family met us down there and we had a great visit with my folks. We rented a house in a nearby neighborhood on the beach and within walking distance to my parents. We had a fabulous time as always.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBSSUQUqnlQ/WVkeotJNmAI/AAAAAAAAFTE/HUF_BMMv8dQ4NGIh_CVWPnOgTePdUk_FACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_ee9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBSSUQUqnlQ/WVkeotJNmAI/AAAAAAAAFTE/HUF_BMMv8dQ4NGIh_CVWPnOgTePdUk_FACLcBGAs/s320/fullsizeoutput_ee9.jpeg" width="320" /></a>We were on a budget this year as business was not going well, and our pups are getting older so we decided to stay closer to home this year and camp for our personal trips. Art did get to take a last minute trip to CO to meet up with friends to go skiing. That was a good splurge for him!<br />
One of our favorite places to visit is Pillsbury State Park. We can canoe in to a remote site and the pups can play in the water. We went here twice this year. Once our friend Teddy came with us. Very relaxing. We also took a pilgrimage up to Lake Umbagog and stopped at Dolly Copp on the way home. Jackson does NOT like the water but he does love the canoe and loves camping. Zdeno is just in heaven when we go camping. I think he stayed in the lake for 90% of all the time we are camping and is passed out from exhaustion the rest of the time. <br />
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They love campfires and having us there 24/7. We also got a great Halo tent from Marmot that can fit us all comfortably and an air mattress. Jax always ends up sleeping on the mattress with us so we are glad he does not like the water! We set out on a mission to visit waterfalls this year. I think we made it to seven, including waterfalls on the Kancamagus, Diana's bath, Methusela Falls to name a few.<br />
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We decided to do a family trip closer to home this year. Art's Dad set it up so we could all do a morning hot air balloon ride over Amherst and down into Hollis. It was spectacular and the weather was perfect. We then headed up to Bethlehem, NH to a rental house. The Kelley family less Lindsay, Jimmy, Natalie, Kevin, Jamie, and Jade were able to come. We also had Aunt Jeanne and her son David. We had fun hiking around Dolly Copp and just hanging out at the house. Very relaxing.<br />
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There was also a great deal going on with the town offices and my job as Treasurer. We have a Select(wo)man who was and is wreaking havoc on the office and causing major upheaval at every turn. In March four people submitted their resignations. We agreed to try to work through the problem with a mediator but it quickly disintegrated. The Town Clerk resigned first in May and I followed in September after selecting and training my replacement. I had the job for 9 1/2 years. My Deputy also resigned so they wouldn't put her in my post. Fast forward to spring of 2017 and two more people have resigned. The woman is a nightmare and we are all pretty certain has mental issues. God help the town.</div>
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Our "big" trip for the year was to head to Nova Scotia on the CAT with my parents. We stayed the night in Portland, ME the night before and then took the Volvo on the cat. We went to Digby and Halifax, bumping along up the coast. We had a great visit, took some great hikes, and had overall good weather for our visit. Dad was a little disappointed that it wasn't more "Scottish" but we had a great time and a good visit.</div>
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Each September we get the privilege of visiting Newport, RI with Dad. They have been going down there for over 30 years! So much fun and relaxation!</div>
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That was about it for travel. Life got hectic with Art teaching at Sunapee and we did not make it out for Christmas this year. </div>
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-37697543653697564762016-02-21T11:05:00.002-05:002016-02-21T12:15:40.953-05:0020152015 was a crazy year for us. It was a year of traveling. In 2014 we staffed up, and made a fundamental shift in our business. We hired a store manager, and promoted Mark to service manager. This was a test to see if we could get Art of the store successfully so he could explore some potential opportunities in the future...<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6xTEwXXDlA/VsnqSHaESMI/AAAAAAAAFPc/P5XVyTk22UM/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6xTEwXXDlA/VsnqSHaESMI/AAAAAAAAFPc/P5XVyTk22UM/s320/IMG_0782.JPG" width="320" /></a>As a result we had spare time. On top of this we had the desire to spend quality time with Bud and my folks as well. As a result we had quite a year. Early in the year we enjoyed going to Boston for our Bruins games, and even got to spend the night for our anniversary. Art wasn't feeling well, but we had a good time either way.<br />
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One of our first trips was down to Mazatlan to see my parents. We took Bud and Jeanne with us. The weather was fabulous and we had a great time. The Patriots made it to the superbowl and we got a kick out of some mis-spelled sports shirts we found in Maz. Football is tourist important but clearly not that vital to Mexico or Mexican citizens. ;) But most importantly, we did win the SuperBowl.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vIaaKEp1wY0/VsnfaxhD-wI/AAAAAAAAFNA/mNUWAZ9wv18/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vIaaKEp1wY0/VsnfaxhD-wI/AAAAAAAAFNA/mNUWAZ9wv18/s320/IMG_1305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-An24JYEZrdI/VsnqIkYg4hI/AAAAAAAAFOw/iaDxoytYlIk/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-An24JYEZrdI/VsnqIkYg4hI/AAAAAAAAFOw/iaDxoytYlIk/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a>In March of this year I finally graduated from college. I finished mostly for a sense of accomplishment. It didn't change my job or outlook. I still love what I do. But I am glad I finished. It makes more sense to me that I figured out what I wanted to do, and was going to do, before investing in a bachelor's degree. Thanks SNHU! </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTmuyYnkpAM/VsnqJB05wfI/AAAAAAAAFO4/XwkrOTjrEKc/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTmuyYnkpAM/VsnqJB05wfI/AAAAAAAAFO4/XwkrOTjrEKc/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="240" /></a>My amazing husband put together a surprise party for me. It was a pleasant surprise and the whole family was there. It was really special. We had burgers and cake and a great day hanging out together.</div>
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Blizzie. Miss Blizz had a great summer out in the Casita with Bud. She enjoyed coming up to say hi to us when we were outside. When Bud went south for the winter and Blizzie had to move back in to the main house her attitude went south as well. She was so unhappy. Hiding in the closet all day, growl eating, and not letting anyone get near her. My friend Jeanne had lost her cat of almost 20 years this same year. A mutual friend suggested that Blizzie may be happier living with Jeanne. We gave it a try and I am glad to say it has worked out well. Both are very happy with each other. She will gladly let Blizz come back to summer with Bud but Blizzie has a new home that she adores.</div>
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We also got chickens and ducks this year. Bud and Art really wanted them. Art built a really nice chicken coop that we have closer to the house. He also built a duck house but we didn't separate them soon enough so they all live in the chicken coop together. It is nice to have eggs again and they are great to see in the yard.</div>
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We did our annual spring ski trip with the Wildes. We went to Vermont this year as the kids had a robotics competition first. With all the snow they had a great time skiing and the snowshoeing was pretty nice as well. I spent a lot of time knitting a blanket for Rachel's baby, Violet, who arrived in the spring. Rachel and Violet moved with Brent to his home state of Florida.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EQfmdpZZxvg/VsnqTkuh20I/AAAAAAAAFPg/IIQHBAC-ghI/s1600/IMG_2566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EQfmdpZZxvg/VsnqTkuh20I/AAAAAAAAFPg/IIQHBAC-ghI/s320/IMG_2566.JPG" width="320" /></a>Many trips were taken this year. We went to the Hearth Show in Nashville. They had a couple of inches of snow so the city was difficult to get around in (no equipment?? no experience...) but we had a good time. We also received another award from Harman and attended the dealer conference in Memphis to receive our sales volume award.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJWak42NS0I/VsnqQqQQ5PI/AAAAAAAAFPU/uEgegxDImC4/s1600/IMG_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJWak42NS0I/VsnqQqQQ5PI/AAAAAAAAFPU/uEgegxDImC4/s320/IMG_0491.JPG" width="320" /></a> I went to Colorado in May for a visit. We went to ComicCon where Peter and Jade were able to catch up with us. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqsYE5SLNzI/VsnqQxnrtjI/AAAAAAAAFPY/5IoZtpqBtQ4/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqsYE5SLNzI/VsnqQxnrtjI/AAAAAAAAFPY/5IoZtpqBtQ4/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" width="320" /></a>We were able to take the puppies camping up at Dolly Copp. BEST. Time. Ever! They loved it. We hiked and swam, and had snacks around the campfire. They definitely want to do that again!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGR7nKYcbhc/VsnqM7BBHiI/AAAAAAAAFPE/y6zct-om4-8/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGR7nKYcbhc/VsnqM7BBHiI/AAAAAAAAFPE/y6zct-om4-8/s320/IMG_0339.JPG" width="240" /></a>Family trips were also done. A repeat river cruise vacation started us off. We flew into Southern France to start our adventure. We wound our way up through wine country landing in Paris at the end of that trip. We spent several wonderful days there seeing the catacombs, Eiffel Tower, museums, wandering the streets, and eating delicious food and enjoying delicious wine. One of the most memorable nights was when the whole family took over the basement lounge in our hotel and had baguette, cheese, tomatoes, and lots of wine! Great time.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6fm86pB3ME/VsnqQFaGvPI/AAAAAAAAFPM/yAEZNJWd-t8/s1600/IMG_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6fm86pB3ME/VsnqQFaGvPI/AAAAAAAAFPM/yAEZNJWd-t8/s320/IMG_0352.JPG" width="320" /></a>We had a sail cruise planned with my parents in just a short time so we decided to stay in Europe. Abbie wasn't working so she, Opa, Art and I took a train to Brussels and rented a house. We went to Bruge and spent a few days in Brussels. We rented a car and then took a roadtrip to Amsterdam where we also stayed a couple of days. </div>
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We drove back, dropped Abbie off at the airport, and spent a great day playing in a castle in Ghent. Then we caught a flight to Stockholm where we met my parents. We spent a couple days in Stockholm before our trip. Toured the palace, and an old Viking Ship. Then we hopped our our Windstar sailboat for our next adventure. We got a suite with Art's Dad which was very nice and worked out well. We visited Gotland in Sweden, spent a day in Germany, a few days in Denmark, including a couple of days in Copenhagen, then the Netherlands, and ending in Norway. All told we were gone a month. It was amazing and exhausting at the same time. But we had great times, and made great memories. We took some down time in the fall. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wwvvQWvfqQU/VsnqQQLCIII/AAAAAAAAFPQ/6xpfy4US1mQ/s1600/IMG_0382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wwvvQWvfqQU/VsnqQQLCIII/AAAAAAAAFPQ/6xpfy4US1mQ/s320/IMG_0382.JPG" width="320" /></a>At Christmas we did another travel spurt. Shannon and her folks spent a week in Las Vegas. Art flew to Seattle to drive down with Abbie. We all gathered in Colorado for Christmas, which my Mom and Dad hosted at their house- puppies and all. Then we drove up to Seattle with Abbie to check our her neighborhood and new surroundings. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6hxE3VUdFU/VsnqaTSPV5I/AAAAAAAAFQI/G24LJjje5Os/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6hxE3VUdFU/VsnqaTSPV5I/AAAAAAAAFQI/G24LJjje5Os/s320/IMG_2717.JPG" width="320" /></a> We enjoyed lots of visits from Teddy and Abbie this year as well. She made the decision to move to Seattle and her departure was August. She spent a couple of weeks and drove out with her Dad. We miss her terribly but she is happy.</div>
<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-25108475318483181592016-02-21T10:49:00.000-05:002016-02-21T11:41:38.530-05:002014<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ae_e2BI7mN4/VsnZ7iLOVkI/AAAAAAAAFLY/LDZrrpu1myk/s1600/IMG_0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ae_e2BI7mN4/VsnZ7iLOVkI/AAAAAAAAFLY/LDZrrpu1myk/s320/IMG_0923.JPG" width="320" /></a>2014 was a year that saw many changes in our lives. The biggest change was that Art's father moved in with us in Temple. We re-furbished the little cottage by the pond into a special place for him. Blizzie moved out there with him for the summer and was on cloud nine. <br />
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It was a big change for him to sell the house in Stratham and pack up the home he shared with my Mother in law for so many years. We are thrilled to have him near us and we settled in to a nice routine.<br />
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To break up the year we took a big family trip on a river cruise in Europe. All could come except Pam and Ralph, including Bud's sister Jeanne. We all had a great time visiting Budapest where we departed from, and traveling up the Rhine and Mein to Amsterdam ultimately. Castle ping pong was a highlight of the tour, and the locks and bridges were impressive to say the least. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oC7jK0ESJ48/VsnZ9r4T8aI/AAAAAAAAFLc/fkY9fqAwOOA/s1600/IMG_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oC7jK0ESJ48/VsnZ9r4T8aI/AAAAAAAAFLc/fkY9fqAwOOA/s640/IMG_0946.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aeXzI4mNYk/VsnZ-TxzXgI/AAAAAAAAFLg/o3tHhx3EQhQ/s1600/IMG_0960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aeXzI4mNYk/VsnZ-TxzXgI/AAAAAAAAFLg/o3tHhx3EQhQ/s640/IMG_0960.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23OW5rC0_RE/VsnaC6cWlUI/AAAAAAAAFLw/t73an85jaew/s1600/IMG_1014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23OW5rC0_RE/VsnaC6cWlUI/AAAAAAAAFLw/t73an85jaew/s200/IMG_1014.jpg" width="150" /></a>We got a wonderful clock in the Black Forest. Not a cuckoo clock, however. I thought the noise would drive me cuckoo, but we got a nice open gear clock that has a gentle ting each hour.<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z8rErjFNYQ/VsnaDfSUPLI/AAAAAAAAFL0/Q3HVXB1zkAM/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z8rErjFNYQ/VsnaDfSUPLI/AAAAAAAAFL0/Q3HVXB1zkAM/s400/IMG_1031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejnaeCG3QEU/VsnaHa7kAcI/AAAAAAAAFMA/n6lzutIMKLA/s1600/IMG_1055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejnaeCG3QEU/VsnaHa7kAcI/AAAAAAAAFMA/n6lzutIMKLA/s640/IMG_1055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4vijTqsxUQ/VsnaHSHNROI/AAAAAAAAFME/qSa8ldk05P0/s1600/IMG_1076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4vijTqsxUQ/VsnaHSHNROI/AAAAAAAAFME/qSa8ldk05P0/s640/IMG_1076.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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2014 was also a big year at home. We got a new puppy. Jackson has an Echo Dog white shepherd mama and an unknown Daddy, but we suspect he is mostly lab since Jax has that look. He came home just after Thanksgiving. He has been a joy and a pleasure since day one. Zdeno gets irritated occasionally but overall loves him thoroughly. Blizzie was not very happy. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-32nEzkjYQTg/VsncSHgo0VI/AAAAAAAAFMU/v6vhmW5qnqk/s1600/IMG_1990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-32nEzkjYQTg/VsncSHgo0VI/AAAAAAAAFMU/v6vhmW5qnqk/s320/IMG_1990.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAg2Rb574Io/VsncTEod1kI/AAAAAAAAFMY/JdEO9sHCFvs/s1600/IMG_2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAg2Rb574Io/VsncTEod1kI/AAAAAAAAFMY/JdEO9sHCFvs/s320/IMG_2004.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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He was named after Jackson Teller on a TV Show called Sons of Anarchy. I had never seen the show but loved the name. It stuck and fits well. We later watched SoA and loved that (strangely enough) as well.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhI706uzL8k/VsncTrZ0_6I/AAAAAAAAFMg/0My1-viqV9U/s1600/IMG_2099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhI706uzL8k/VsncTrZ0_6I/AAAAAAAAFMg/0My1-viqV9U/s320/IMG_2099.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsIhVJBORtE/VsncTviA1QI/AAAAAAAAFMc/S9Pszh9-C9A/s1600/IMG_2234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsIhVJBORtE/VsncTviA1QI/AAAAAAAAFMc/S9Pszh9-C9A/s320/IMG_2234.JPG" width="230" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1I5KLh0LiY/VsncUJPswFI/AAAAAAAAFMk/4sKFb6zWcks/s1600/IMG_2259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1I5KLh0LiY/VsncUJPswFI/AAAAAAAAFMk/4sKFb6zWcks/s320/IMG_2259.JPG" width="320" /></a> Jackson is a calming force for Zdeno. There is not much that gets to Jax. He just wants to be happy and have everyone else happy. He is a lover. He and Tuukka get along almost as well. It was a very snowy year up here in NH. The puppies got very proficient in snow Swimming! Zdeno loved taking the lead. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2b2DXG4aiI/Vsnkj2RFklI/AAAAAAAAFNc/gS3QnOrbct8/s1600/G0021008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2b2DXG4aiI/Vsnkj2RFklI/AAAAAAAAFNc/gS3QnOrbct8/s320/G0021008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWs1EelL-Sk/Vsnkm5SzAVI/AAAAAAAAFNs/flyW3kKH3XM/s1600/IMG_0250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWs1EelL-Sk/Vsnkm5SzAVI/AAAAAAAAFNs/flyW3kKH3XM/s320/IMG_0250.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCvUk4g2lQ4/VsnklsN9r8I/AAAAAAAAFNo/ihE8k0waI9c/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCvUk4g2lQ4/VsnklsN9r8I/AAAAAAAAFNo/ihE8k0waI9c/s320/IMG_0230.JPG" width="320" /></a>We got a mini-season package of tickets to teh Bruins again this year. We got great seats in the Loge behind the tunnel where the Zamboni and Renne Rancourt come out. It is also the area where Blades hangs out. Love my Bruins!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcQKWJyYl1o/VsnkpD1qHnI/AAAAAAAAFN4/CaL-_Wrm4B0/s1600/IMG_0635%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcQKWJyYl1o/VsnkpD1qHnI/AAAAAAAAFN4/CaL-_Wrm4B0/s320/IMG_0635%2B2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl90zv14Zi0/VsnksypMugI/AAAAAAAAFOI/p0UIYw4sCy8/s1600/IMG_1104_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl90zv14Zi0/VsnksypMugI/AAAAAAAAFOI/p0UIYw4sCy8/s320/IMG_1104_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSa5mj9Jk2s/VsnkralfwdI/AAAAAAAAFN8/lXRfmYYbYgc/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSa5mj9Jk2s/VsnkralfwdI/AAAAAAAAFN8/lXRfmYYbYgc/s320/IMG_1144.JPG" width="240" /></a>We also got to spend a lot of time with Abbie and Teddy. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcD93qkD9-I/VsnktO1E2KI/AAAAAAAAFOM/OUgS6MDmVxg/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcD93qkD9-I/VsnktO1E2KI/AAAAAAAAFOM/OUgS6MDmVxg/s320/IMG_1513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otxvWektsxs/Vsnksi4pfVI/AAAAAAAAFOE/tp0WXexPVX8/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otxvWektsxs/Vsnksi4pfVI/AAAAAAAAFOE/tp0WXexPVX8/s320/IMG_1684.JPG" width="320" /></a>In the spring we got to do a repeat of one of our all time favorite vacations- houseboat on Lake Powell. Karyn, Ralph, Pam, Abbie, Lindsay, Bud, Jeanne, Rick, Kathy, Art and I all got to go. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pliMCpPP_zs/Vsnktr9crhI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/Y4SuZOqqcb4/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pliMCpPP_zs/Vsnktr9crhI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/Y4SuZOqqcb4/s320/IMG_1689.JPG" width="320" /></a>I think we got their biggest houseboat and got a little power boat as well. It was a little chilly but we all had a great time and it was beautiful!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlYjbK-N9yw/VsnkuWw5cDI/AAAAAAAAFOY/KaSMYjVIySE/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlYjbK-N9yw/VsnkuWw5cDI/AAAAAAAAFOY/KaSMYjVIySE/s320/IMG_1757.JPG" width="320" /></a> For the first time in many years we won an award from Harman. It was a best sales growth award. This was quite an honor and it was very nice to receive this in our new location. It really has turned out to be a good move. Brookline is a very business friendly town and we have great customers and employees. Ted and Mark have gone above and beyond as managers as well. Blessed!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06dDrdFgH00/Vsnkk2T-OaI/AAAAAAAAFNg/UyLcH_T7mEM/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06dDrdFgH00/Vsnkk2T-OaI/AAAAAAAAFNg/UyLcH_T7mEM/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-36223895278043992332013-09-30T09:39:00.001-05:002016-02-21T12:44:15.984-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CgRHC91APB4/VsnzxvocSqI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/6twhr8fsNI8/s1600/IMG_0974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CgRHC91APB4/VsnzxvocSqI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/6twhr8fsNI8/s320/IMG_0974.jpg" width="320" /></a>2013 was a fun year. We did a little traveling. Ski trips included going up to the North Conway area for a week with the Wildes. The snow was pretty good and I always enjoy snowshoeing around Dolly Copp.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8zTuBWIkgo/VsnzpjHb-hI/AAAAAAAAFQg/t93EPZaGZ5I/s1600/IMAG0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8zTuBWIkgo/VsnzpjHb-hI/AAAAAAAAFQg/t93EPZaGZ5I/s320/IMAG0024.JPG" width="320" /></a>We took Bud to Mazatlan for the first time. Fair to say he had a great time and can't wait to go back. We started in Tucson for a couple of days then drove to Phoenix for the flight down. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0m4_rwYdrA/Vsnzp7akCOI/AAAAAAAAFQk/BY7KI8GJLdg/s1600/IMAG0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0m4_rwYdrA/Vsnzp7akCOI/AAAAAAAAFQk/BY7KI8GJLdg/s320/IMAG0031.JPG" width="320" /></a>We went to Los Osunas, Goat Island, the Mercado, top of the Freeman, and enjoyed our stay at El Cid Marina. We took a wonderful sunset cruise as well.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3WFeOs5fyY/VsnzposokMI/AAAAAAAAFQc/IxtGaRpX2gU/s1600/IMAG0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3WFeOs5fyY/VsnzposokMI/AAAAAAAAFQc/IxtGaRpX2gU/s640/IMAG0058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHElf8ouNRU/Vsnz0BNDE7I/AAAAAAAAFRk/3tftOLae0Mg/s1600/Image%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHElf8ouNRU/Vsnz0BNDE7I/AAAAAAAAFRk/3tftOLae0Mg/s320/Image%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a>We rented a ski house in Maine with the Wildes, Olivia, and Karyn and Ralph. We had a great stay. There was a hottub, a fire pit, and snowshoe trails all over the property. We got to bring Zdeno, which was special for me.</div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ccud5UHgXmg/VsnzvK8uoNI/AAAAAAAAFRE/IVrXWPHbCrk/s1600/IMG_0725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ccud5UHgXmg/VsnzvK8uoNI/AAAAAAAAFRE/IVrXWPHbCrk/s640/IMG_0725.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx7EWsTtJhE/VsnzsL7x1OI/AAAAAAAAFQw/ic_qE7a-imk/s1600/IMG_0266%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx7EWsTtJhE/VsnzsL7x1OI/AAAAAAAAFQw/ic_qE7a-imk/s320/IMG_0266%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a>We took the guys at the shop to a basketball game. We also got the mini-season ticket plan for the Bruins. We had great times at all the games. Won more than lost.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-np6uYvLcxCQ/Vsnzqr0zZnI/AAAAAAAAFQo/R_IhU5FsunY/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-np6uYvLcxCQ/Vsnzqr0zZnI/AAAAAAAAFQo/R_IhU5FsunY/s320/IMG_0266.JPG" width="320" /></a>The hearth show was in Florida this year. There was not a lot new so we blew off a day and drove out to the coast to visit NASA. Got to meet an astronaut and and tour the museum. Amazing!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MkjSnuJJNGc/VsnztBS0beI/AAAAAAAAFQ4/265PeOGXfJM/s1600/IMG_0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MkjSnuJJNGc/VsnztBS0beI/AAAAAAAAFQ4/265PeOGXfJM/s320/IMG_0294.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wQsJT1KFdU/VsnzsPac7CI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/qdIoTwakKXk/s1600/IMG_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wQsJT1KFdU/VsnzsPac7CI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/qdIoTwakKXk/s320/IMG_0282.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTH2y4t_rr4/VsnzvIJWZyI/AAAAAAAAFRA/SVl33YXnufQ/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTH2y4t_rr4/VsnzvIJWZyI/AAAAAAAAFRA/SVl33YXnufQ/s320/IMG_0493.JPG" width="320" /></a>Art and I took a vacation with just the two of us this year. We drove up through Maine, staying at Bar Harbor for a few days, then up to Nova Scotia where we rented a house for a few days, then ultimately up to PEI. We stayed with a fabulous airbnb host and enjoyed the beautiful weather. The people were so nice and the views were spectacular. This is one I could do again! One of our favorite moments when we walked into town on Sunday afternoon to look for a pub. We found a nice quaint place and sat down for a beer. A rather large group of people joined together for a sit in song time for Irish music. Amazing!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8TIKNVbOOc/VsnzyFgQZ0I/AAAAAAAAFRY/Cq7UdcE1Bk0/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8TIKNVbOOc/VsnzyFgQZ0I/AAAAAAAAFRY/Cq7UdcE1Bk0/s320/IMG_1085.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: start;">In August the family rented a house up in Campton for the week. We had a great time hiking, sitting on the deck watching stars, and just hanging out in general. On the rainy day we went to the local ice arena to skate. Very fun day and great trip overall.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-l190JzHDI/Vsnzy9Z6D0I/AAAAAAAAFRg/rmWBcoc8gC8/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-l190JzHDI/Vsnzy9Z6D0I/AAAAAAAAFRg/rmWBcoc8gC8/s320/IMG_1087.JPG" width="320" /></a>It was a nice getaway. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKTUhecmSdo/VsnzyvqaN3I/AAAAAAAAFRc/SsxvJ2-EBjw/s1600/IMG_1261%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKTUhecmSdo/VsnzyvqaN3I/AAAAAAAAFRc/SsxvJ2-EBjw/s320/IMG_1261%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a>I also took my parents up to Maine for a few days when they came to visit for my birthday. It was a little chilly but we had a nice stay and even got to go lobstering for the day!</div>
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Tuukka has been a fabulous kitten. He is snuggly and playful and gets along great with Zdeno. He tries very hard to be irresistible to Blizzie as well. I think she will cave in eventually. In the mean time she is still trying to eat all of the food to "starve" him. I fear we will have to get into a once or twice a day eating routine instead of their choice, the 'always' feeder.<br />
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Zdeno had a great summer being wet. He loved going to Pratt Pond with Teddy Bear. He would definitely settle for Heald or our backyard mud-puddle. He had dreadlocks to beat the band. His groomer had a devil of a time getting him shiny and smooth again. Now it is cooling down a bit so we don't get wet as often. This makes me happy.<br />
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We also hosted the Sims for the weekend. Peter brought his girlfriend to New England for the first time and we were delighted that they were able to spend some time with us. We had good family time this summer which was wonderful. Lobster at $3.99 all summer didn't hurt much either!<br />
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We had ordered some late chicks in August. Sadly, there was a problem with the plane they arrived on so only two of the ten survived the trip. Faith and Grace spent over a month in the shower and loved to snuggle. I held them most of their first day since they were so petrified. They are in the big coop now but I hope they will remain cuddly and sweet.<br />
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We took everyone to Parker's Maple Barn for breakfast. A new England Classic.<br />
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We also spent as much time as we could with Art's Dad. He put his house on the market late in the summer and is under contract now. He is sorting out the details but we are hopeful that he will consider staying in Temple during the coming summers.<br />
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I stepped out of my comfort zone and did a solo trip to NY to see Abbie. I caught the commuter rail in Fitchburg, took the subway from North to South Station in Boston, then hopped on the Yo!Bus to China Town. It was $20 for the bus ticket (one way) and got there in four hours. The train would have been $140 and taken 3 hrs, 40 minutes. I think I got a good deal. We had a great visit. I loved walking around and seeing Teddy at his dog park. He is such a good pup! We also took a boat tour around the island of Manhattan. Much larger than I thought. A gorgeous day for a boat ride, too. I think I got Abbie hooked on X-files and I loved that we could order food from a wide choice of restaurants online and they brought it to us without talking to anyone or going anywhere :-D Unheard of in rural NH.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-91102587723942843012013-07-13T17:52:00.000-05:002013-07-14T10:19:29.221-05:00Tuukka<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlIbqFD8yS8/UeHZPA-uetI/AAAAAAAAFCA/lj_1WVTihCE/s1600/IMG_0976.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlIbqFD8yS8/UeHZPA-uetI/AAAAAAAAFCA/lj_1WVTihCE/s200/IMG_0976.jpg" width="200" /></a>It has been a very nice summer this year. We have spent a lot of time with family, the business is going well, the Bruins made it to game six of the Stanley Cup Playoffs succumbing ultimately to the Chicago Blackhawks who had an amazing season, and we are enjoying life on the homestead. We also have a new addition to our little family.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMPTlo-HWDs/UeHZONRvnEI/AAAAAAAAFB0/H5jDFIEhZWM/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMPTlo-HWDs/UeHZONRvnEI/AAAAAAAAFB0/H5jDFIEhZWM/s320/IMG_0988.JPG" width="320" /></a>We kicked off the summer on Memorial Day down in Newport. Art's Dad had their 2 bedroom unit and I was able to rent one through RCI as well. So we had enough room for all :-) We had a weekend together with the main family; Karyn and Ralph, Pam, the twins, Abbie and Zeb, and Susan and Charlie all spent a night or two or three. We also got to spend time with Art's cousins and Bud's sister Jean and her husband Tom. We did sneak off to Boston that Saturday to see a B's playoff game against the Rangers with Will and Sandra. Fabulous!! We won that game :-D<br />
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We added our precious little Tuuka in mid-June. <br />
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We went around to several shelters but they either didn't have a kitten that fulfilled Art's wish list or they had too many rules and 'though shalt...'s to fuss with. Then we stopped, on a whim, in a pet grooming place in Milford that had 'kittens' written in the window out front. They had three little fluffballs eight weeks and two days in age. Two boys, and a girl. The little boys were both cute. One was a perfectly colored tan tabby and the other had brown tabby on top with white socks and a frock. When I went into the cage to get the tan kitten I accidentally brushed the brown one. He started purring immediately. Art scooped him up and he flopped over on his back purring loudly. The tan one just kind of looked at me like I was annoying him. I promptly put the tan one back as Art said, "I think we found him." Less than three minutes later we were out the door with our new little fluffball. I think it took us about that long to name him. Tuukka is named after the Bruin's Finnish Goaltender Tuukka Rask who, as it has been pointed out, is very catlike. He has been a love from day one. We are talking Zoi snuggly and the rate he is growing I think he will be able to hold his own against Blizzie. He also loves playing with Zdeno.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-17wNFru2I/UeK96G9ji-I/AAAAAAAAFC4/jc8bl9fodoE/s1600/IMG_0918.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-17wNFru2I/UeK96G9ji-I/AAAAAAAAFC4/jc8bl9fodoE/s320/IMG_0918.jpg" width="240" /></a>We had an interesting intro as two days after we got Tuukka Abbie and her pup Teddy Bear came to stay for a couple of weeks. Sadly, Abbie broke up with her boyfriend and needed a little time away. We were glad to have them and the pups had a blast together. Teddy was awesome with the kitten as well. Tuukka loved to attack his tail. Teddy just lay there and let him. We had a couple of Bruins parties and lots of visitors in the house (Pam and the twins came up for a couple of days as did Opa) so the kitten had lots of attention. He was fine with it and the twins, and Sydney, loved to cuddle and play with him.<br />
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Art's Dad put his house on the market yesterday. We are hopeful that he is going to come live with us. We may freshen up the cottage/workshop so he can have an alone place to do his carving, etc. We are thrilled that he is considering moving here. He is going to babysit while we go on our adventure North soon. I have set up a few activities in town like the four score and more club and coffee hour. Hopefully he will find this town as warm and welcoming as we have.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-npvkR9Xfiek/UeHZOz7jRAI/AAAAAAAAFB8/RC8YpcYGzjQ/s1600/IMG_0967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-npvkR9Xfiek/UeHZOz7jRAI/AAAAAAAAFB8/RC8YpcYGzjQ/s200/IMG_0967.jpg" width="149" /></a>The chickens are doing fairly well. We have had the rotten fox in the neighborhood. At least three of us have popped some fur off of his tail but sadly no one has gotten him. He has taken down two roosters and at least seven girls this year. I don't care how cute you think they are after they kill so many of your pets you lose the loving feeling.<br />
The business is going well. So much better than last year. We hired another Temple local earlier this summer that is going ok. Another one was awful and we had our first threat of a (false) workman's comp claim. We are still trying to hire one or two more people. We are already booking in September though, which is a good sign.<br />
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-90249384182950836902013-05-22T14:59:00.000-05:002016-02-21T12:58:07.024-05:00100 to see/do before I die Update<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
<a href="http://askland.blogspot.com/2007/05/100-places-to-see-before-i-die.html">100 to see/do before I die.</a>
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Updated again (Feb 2016)</div>
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Many years ago I compiled my list of 100 places to see and things to do. I thought it would be nice to update the list a bit and see if I am working towards accomplishing my goals. On the other hand it could be interesting to see how my list of wants has changed. We have traveled a quite a bit the last six years. We have seen many new countries, cities and many changes have happened in our lives. </div>
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I know that Singapore and Vienna are near the top of my list, Iceland is on the top of Art's. Less than 30 on our list. We'll have to think of more :-)</div>
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1 Coral Reefs of <i>Australia.</i> I think we get partial credit for going to Australia but we went inland instead of to the reefs...<br />
2 <i>White sand beaches of New Zealand. Spectacular place. Best time was hiking on a volcano island off of Auckland.</i></div>
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<i>3 Grand Canyon<br />4 Niagara Falls.<br />5 Drive on Autobahn in Germany.<br />6 Visit Eagle’s Nest.</i><br />
7 <i>Travel by high-speed train in Europe.</i> Mind-boggling!<br />
<i>8 Glacier Bay, Alaska.<br />9 Denali National Park<br />10 Summer Solstice in Fairbanks.</i><br />
11 Chichen Itza.<br />
<i>12 Hoover Dam.<br />13 Zion National Park.</i>14 Victoria Falls in Africa.<br />
15 <b>Amazon Jungle tour. </b><br />
<i>16 Belize.<br />17 Madiera.</i><br />
<b>18 Canary Islands. Heard this was overrated. I would update to Greece or Prague.</b><br />
19 <i>Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii</i>. The big island of Hawaii was amazing! Two weeks was perfect.<br />
<i>20 Cable car in San Francisco<br />21 Fish Market in Seattle.<br />22 Old Faithful in Yellowstone.<br />23 Houseboat on Lake Powell.<br />24 Opryland in Nashville.<br />25 Zion National Park.<br />26 Rocky Mountain National Park.</i>27 Hike part of Appalachian Trail.<br />
<b>28 Tenochtitlan.</b><br />
<b>29 Cruise Panama Canal.</b><br />
30 Louvre in Paris. Visited France and Paris in 2015. Did see the Louvre from the outside...crowds<br />
<b>31 Great Wall in China. Looking to do this in the next couple of years :-D</b><br />
32 <i>Bike trip in Ireland.</i> We did a driving tour of Ireland which was incredible!<br />
33 <i>Statue of Liberty. My niece lives in Brooklyn so it is a short walk to view her. <br />34 Top of Empire State Building. Visited the 9/11 Memorial instead...</i><br />
35 <i>Riverboat on Mississippi.</i><br />
36 <i>Buckingham Palace. Tower of London, National Gallery, Hyde Park, Big Ben, Thames cruise...</i><br />
37 <i>Double Decker bus ride in London. Did a quick tour of London before heading to Ireland.</i>38 Amsterdam.<br />
39 Carnaval/Mardi Gras in Rio De Janero.<i> Carnaval in Mazatlan!<br />40 Ayre’s Rock in Australia. Went to the Blue Mountains and hiked around falls instead.</i><br />
<i>41 Mt. St. Helens</i>42 World Cruise.<br />
43 <b>Singapore</b><br />
<b>44 Machu Picchu</b><br />
<b>45 Pearl Harbor</b><br />
<b>46 Biodome in AZ</b><br />
<b>47 Alamo</b><br />
<i>48 White water raft Colorado River.<br />49 Golden Gate Bridge.</i>50 See a concert at Carnegie Hall.<br />
51 <b>Smithsonian Museum</b><br />
<b>52 Octoberfest in Germany. Germany many times, and much beer, but no Octoberfest...</b><br />
53 Sauna in Sweden. We did visit Stockholm and Gotland in 2015. Went to a RenFest which was great fun, but did not get into a sauna even though there was one at the hotel?!?<br />
<b>54 Stonehenge</b><br />
<i>55 Roswell, NM.<br />56 Bermuda</i>. Did a cruise to here which docked for six days and acted as a hotel. Awesome!<br />
<b>57 Visit Antarctica</b><br />
<i>58 Dogsled in Alaska.<br />59 Four Corners (CO, UT, AZ, NM)</i>60 Taj Mahal.<br />
61 <b>Pyramids in Egypt</b><br />
<b>62 Greece</b><br />
<b>63 Stargate set in Vancouver. Sadly it is no more. Victoria Island is still a good one for the list</b><br />
<b>64 Istanbul. Didn't go here but did visit Budapest. Should be on list as well...</b><br />
<i>65 Baseball game at Fenway Park.</i><br />
<b>66 Virgin Islands</b><br />
<i>67 White House</i><br />
68 <i>Watch Space Shuttle launch</i>. Didn't get to watch a shuttle launch but a great day at Cape Canaveral and NASA in Florida.<br />
<i>69 Sunset in Mexico.<br />70 Saguaro National Park.<br />71 Tombstone.</i>72 Abydos.<br />
73 Fjords in Norway. Went to Norway and saw many beautiful mountains in 2015.<br />
<b>74 Kremlin</b><br />
75 <i>Fiji</i>. Note- it is a four letter word. Cyclone Daphne rained on our whole time there...<br />
76 <i>FAO Schwartz in NYC.</i> Been outside. Crazy tourist area. Abi got us out quick!<br />
<i>77 Montreal.</i><br />
78 Eat Belgian chocolate in Brussels. SO ENJOYED THIS ONE! On my top five best places list!<br />
79 <i>Quebec City. Stay at the Frontenac</i><br />
<i>80 Fishing in Gloucester</i>81 <i>Block Island Pre-season delight!</i>82 <i>Nantucket. Is Martha's Vineyard close enough??</i>83 <i>Gondola ride in Venice.</i> <i>Venice, Tuscany, Rome!</i><br />
84 <i>British Museum<br />85 Georgia Acquarium in Atlanta.<br />86 Disneyworld</i>87 Sailboat tour to anywhere.<br />
88 <b>Spa in Monte Carlo</b><br />
<i>89 Moab, Utah.<br />90 Bar Harbor Maine</i>91 <i>Cape Breton, Nova Scotia</i><br />
92 PEI. Loved this place. Would go back in a heartbeat. Done in 2013.<br />
93 <i>Coloseum in Rome</i>. Did the dungeon tour.<br />
94 <b>Metropolitan Museum of Art</b><br />
95 Vienna. Went here in 2014. Much bigger city than I expected but we did get to see an opera.<br />
<b>96 Highland festival in Scotland</b><br />
97 <i>Bay of Fundi</i><br />
<i>98 Newport, RI<br />99 Redwood Forest<br />100 Bavaria</i></div>
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<i>(Italic- done/been at least once.)</i><br />
Not bold- done between 2013-2015<br />
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<span class="post-author vcard"></span>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-68025030926424054452013-05-09T16:38:00.000-05:002013-05-10T13:40:10.011-05:00Happy 15th Anniversary to our biz!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oaWKEb_5VEg/UY09k7LolGI/AAAAAAAAFA0/wIQzce3vWag/s1600/IMG_0844.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oaWKEb_5VEg/UY09k7LolGI/AAAAAAAAFA0/wIQzce3vWag/s320/IMG_0844.JPG" width="320" /></a>Fifteen years ago we received our official registration for StoveKeepers and our business was born. We had just moved to New England and one night had a friend of Art's over; he saw that we had a selection of mailers on franchise businesses. He said he had a better idea. He was a pellet manufacturer who had just lost a dealer in the town we were now living. He said start a stove shop and I will give you the support you need and introduce you to industry people you will need to know. I worked on our business plan for months and secured financing. We received our registration in May, attended trainings all summer, and opened a shop with five stoves and several big plants (thanks Mom and Dad!) to help "fill the space."<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnlgeZNoxLA/UY09fGI2UdI/AAAAAAAAFAs/VCoWpqId7TI/s1600/IMG_0843.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnlgeZNoxLA/UY09fGI2UdI/AAAAAAAAFAs/VCoWpqId7TI/s320/IMG_0843.JPG" width="320" /></a>Our first location was cozy and the landlord was very flexible and let us choose our terms. SBA, who provided our financing, did their best to mess with our plans but we needed them initially so we did what we had to do. We ran an ad and opened our doors September 1, 1998. We did make a sale that day :-D, sadly it was on credit card so I could not frame our "first dollar." Still, we were thrilled! When we took a vacation to Colorado for Christmas that year we left a clipboard and a couple tons of pellets out back and let people take fuel on the honor system. We worked really hard those first couple of years with Art working another job, me taking small computer jobs in between, running the store, doing trainings, installing, delivering and every other task in a day. We were exhausted but having the time of our lives.<br />
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Not every day was a joy. I still remember having a week to come up with $20,000. I never thought we would make it and was terrified! Somehow it all worked out. After two years going solo we hired our first employee. By 2003 we had three others and at that point I stepped out of the shop to tackle the bookwork that we had previously outsourced. We grew every year for the first ten years and received top ten awards from Harman a few times. We won a cruise to Alaska with other high achieving shops and Harman employees. That was a trip of a lifetime. A train and cruise tour from Fairbanks down to Vancouver.<br />
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We have had three locations in our fifteen years, as well as an off-site warehouse. In 2009 we were able to purchase our own property. We took two years where we used it as a warehouse and fixed up the showroom, paved the parking lot, and put up a fence before we moved. It was risky. We were moving two towns away! The move was stressful but within a year we had a record setting quarter which eased our minds about our move.<br />
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It is a good technology and I think I will say that we have done more good than harm. We have done our best to provide a good and fun job for our guys with stability and perks. I think our guys are also proud of not only the products we sell but the work they do. Hoping for another ten successful years and possibly beyond!<br />
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-51247207803203039162013-05-04T11:22:00.001-05:002013-05-04T11:23:44.297-05:00Making Bratwurst Sausage with my KitchenAidI absolutely think my KitchenAid mixer is the best thing since sliced bread. It has a place of honor on my kitchen counter and helps me make cookies, cakes, whipped cream, pretzels, bread, pasta, ice cream, hamburg, dog food when Zdeno was VERY fussy, and now Sausage! My parents live in Mexico part of the year where it is not always easy to find sausage. This got me thinking. How hard is it to make sausage? What equipment do you need? So after a quick Google search I saw that there were many recipes for making sausage with the KitchenAid. I already have the machine and the meat grinder and I found I could get the sausage stuffer attachment for less than $15 from Amazon. So, I was off on my adventure! <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uOdED312G0/UYUwKxEJOgI/AAAAAAAAE-A/mfnInGB48o8/s1600/casing.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uOdED312G0/UYUwKxEJOgI/AAAAAAAAE-A/mfnInGB48o8/s1600/casing.jpg" /></a><br />
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A quick note on casings. Most videos I watched showed a laborious and tedious process of gently stretching out natural casing, soaking it, rinsing it, soaking it in vinegar, rinsing it again, then laying it out for use. This seemed to me to the burden of sausage making. A quick stop at a local Meat House showed me that if you buy the cellulose casings you can skip all of the unpleasantness described above.<br />
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<b>Homemade Bratwurst Recipe and Process</b><br />
I found this German Bratwurst recipe at www.lets-make-sausage.com if you would like to see it in it's original form.<br />
Bratwurst is made with emulsified meat. I couldn't go that far but found that by grinding the meat through the large then small grinder multiple times worked well. The consistency won't be exactly the same as the store but I think the taste is better! The grinding is probably the most time consuming part of the recipe. If the meat is cold/semi-frozen the grinding will be much easier! I learned that the hard way. If you hands are going numb handling the meat it is almost cold enough...<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>4 lbs. Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt (80% lean is recommended as fat is an important ingredient. If you get a leaner pork you may want to supplement with pork fat- which is what I did.)</li>
<li>1 lb. Veal or Beef (Again if you get a lean cut you may want to supplement with added fat.)</li>
<li>1-2 Tbsp. Kosher Salt </li>
<li>1 Tbsp. Ground Nutmeg</li>
<li>2 tsp. Ground Mace (can substitute all spice, or cinnamon if you can't find mace)</li>
<li>1 tsp. Ground Ginger</li>
<li>1 Cup Cold Milk</li>
<li>2 whole eggs, beaten</li>
<li>1 Cup Non-Fat Dry Milk Powder (Used as a binder) </li>
</ul>
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
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Trim the pork and beef. Cut into 1 inch cubes. I start with semi-frozen meat for easier cutting. Place a metal bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice and chill meat in fridge. I did this the morning of and left for a couple of hours but overnight is probably better. <br />
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After cutting place in freezer for a half an hour before grinding.<br />
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Grind meat through large grind plate, then twice through smaller grind plate or step down in size each grind if you have more than two grind plates.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grind Plates</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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In a separate bowl mix the beaten eggs with one cup of milk and combine spices. I used a container with a lid so I could just shake it together.<br />
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Mix the egg/milk mixture into meat with your hands and work for at least two minutes. It should be a soft paste. You may run it through the small grinder one additional time if preferred.<br />
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Load up the sausage stuffer and casings onto the KitchenAid and tie a knot at the end of the sausage. Leave a little slack in case if pops open when twisting links later. In the picture note I did not leave much slack, which is how I know you need to leave slack because it blew out...<br />
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Stuff into 32-35mm casing. I made one long sausage then twisted links after the fact. Note- this part of the process is much easier if you have two people; one in charge of feeding meat in and the second in charge of catching and managing the growing link. If you get an air bubble pop it by poking with a knife as the casing is filling.<br />
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Twist into links if preferred. Size is your call. Then refrigerate or freeze immediately.<br />
I have read on many sites that the sausage should rest for a day before eating so it can plump. I don't know how vital it is but I saw it enough that I let them sit overnight before cooking.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SifG71w3zg/UYUyDCvXk4I/AAAAAAAAE_w/2ozXpkvFNKc/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SifG71w3zg/UYUyDCvXk4I/AAAAAAAAE_w/2ozXpkvFNKc/s400/IMG_0831.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Cook and ENJOY!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-33248826713833533112013-03-27T14:15:00.005-05:002013-03-27T14:20:11.846-05:00Home!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6cMFMCVVJTY/UVNCdxTOd1I/AAAAAAAAE8g/8eEzXKA7evU/s1600/IMG_0842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6cMFMCVVJTY/UVNCdxTOd1I/AAAAAAAAE8g/8eEzXKA7evU/s320/IMG_0842.JPG" width="320" /></a>We got back from Florida and the Hearth Show on Saturday and we left for Vermont on Tuesday. We drove up in a blizzard; by we I mean, Art. I had a flask and did my best not to pay attention to the semi truck that bowled past us on I-89 going North. Not five minutes later we saw another 18 wheeler poised on the side of the embankment with his nose facing the road and the box parallel to the road but facing the opposite direction that traffic is traveling. The really interesting bit is that there were no tire marks in the snow. It looked as if he had floated to his destination. No clue how he did it but I am sure it was spectacular and horrifying. I imagine he needed a change in pants to say the least. <br />
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We had a nice visit at our friend's home. They were in Florida at the Hearth Show with us and when they heard that we were going to Jay Peak for skiing (again- Art, not me) they offered their vaca-home to us. We gladly accepted. It is tucked up on a hill by Lake Willoughby, which can be seen from the house on a clear day. It is a charming house with classic hardware and charm to beat the band.<br />
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The boys and kids went skiing at Jay the first full day and Burke the second. Sandra and I didn't even have to leave the property. We snowshoed around the property and beyond we found a snowmobile trail with some easier walking. Zdeno was able to come with us and he had a blast! He loves snow shoeing with us. <br />
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We got to use the Oakwood first hand as they use this as a heat source at the house. Sure, they have a furnace but what fun is that? Will and Sandra also enjoyed the fabulous six burner gas stove in the kitchen. I am sorry, but those things freak me out!<br />
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We did get to go over to enjoy Will's Hill this past weekend as well. We got to snow shoe and ski with the kids and Zdeno had a blast with Beauty. She loves to roll him in the snow and drool on his ears. He loves it! He jumped out of the car and rolled over in the nearest snowbank for her. They are too adorable together. We had a good time, too. Art taught the kids how to play double solitaire. <br />
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I am quite happy to be home now. We don't have anything else planned until Newport. We are not leaving this house (for the night) for all of April! That will be the first month since November we pulled that off.<br />
I am looking forward to catching up on house cleaning and projects like getting hardware in the new bathroom. I also want to move my home office from the Bear Room to the Loft. We fired up the stove on the porch and it is warm enough that we can enjoy daily meals out there again :-)<br />
We also have early buy pricing and notices to get out and that whole pesky 'we need to hire someone' thing to deal with... <br />
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-52442729668503235902013-03-17T12:24:00.001-05:002013-03-17T12:24:16.289-05:00WinterWe have had a real winter here in New England this year. It is mid-March with over a foot of snow still on the ground and another storm will drop 4-8" on Tuesday. We have certainly worked to enjoy the season! We have had a busy travel winter with nearly 40 days away from home since Christmas! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We spent Christmas in Connecticut with Art's sister. I then stayed on and went into the city with my niece Abbie. We were able to visit the 9/11 Memorial at the Trade Tower site. It was quite emotional. The waterfalls are a touching tribute. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bDntGsZnmA/UUX7TxxkIlI/AAAAAAAAE7o/_oo0syNaPJE/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bDntGsZnmA/UUX7TxxkIlI/AAAAAAAAE7o/_oo0syNaPJE/s320/IMG_0258.JPG" width="320" /></a>Then we whisked off to Foxboro to see another niece marry her high school sweetheart after thirteen years! It was fun to ring in the new year with the family at the start of their union.<br />
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We were home for a short rest before heading off to Jackson, NH to start the ski season! We enjoyed a few good snowstorms that gave the skiers powdery days at Black, Wildcat, and Bretton Woods. I am more of a snowshoer so we enjoyed stomping around Dolly Copp as well as spending a day at the Jackson Cross Country Ski Center. A little retail therapy is always nice, too :-)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YAI_7rn0iY/UUX7UX2VdZI/AAAAAAAAE7w/aQ8mUTF1_W0/s1600/IMG_0266.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YAI_7rn0iY/UUX7UX2VdZI/AAAAAAAAE7w/aQ8mUTF1_W0/s320/IMG_0266.jpg" width="320" /></a>Hockey season started late this year but we did still get a six game mini-pack and were able to enjoy our first game in late January. We were so excited to go to the opening game. They won which was wonderful and the Bruins gave us a free t-shirt, food and a discount at the shop to help make up for the late start. We had to sell a couple of games due to upcoming travel but were happy to at least be able to attend a few!<br />
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We were home for a little over a week before we headed South. We stopped in Arizona to pick up and visit Art's Dad then headed to Mazatlan, Mexico to see my folks and spend a week in the sun. We enjoyed showing him our favorite places like the Los Osunas Agave factory, the top of the Freeman, Playa Bruja and old town which was decorated for Carnaval. <br />
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Upon our return we headed North to Maine for our annual ski trip with friends and family. We rented a beautiful house on the Carrabassett River just South of Sugarloaf. We were able to bring Zdeno with us and enjoyed snowshoeing around the property, having a bon fire, sitting in the hot tub during a snowstorm and enjoying the company. Skiers had a few good storms and lots of good snow.<br />
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We also had the Sims up for a fun weekend of resting relaxing and playing in the snow. We went to Parker's Maple Barn to check out the sugaring, which is going well this year, and have a yummy breakfast. Then off to Brookline as some had not yet seen our shop. Then we went over to the Wildes to Enjoy Will's Hill skiing and snowshoeing. Puppy Teddy had a blast! He probably slept all the way home in the Passat, which Abbie bought from us this weekend.<br />
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weren't back long before we headed down to Florida for the annual
Hearth Show. It is always good to catch up with our suppliers and
peers. There were some new products this year which was a pleasant
surprise. It seems like our industry has been stuck in a rut the last
few years with declining sales. Some new stoves included the Harman
Advantage which does over 40,000 btu's of heat in a stove less than 2'
square. The coolest part is that it is controlled by your ipad or
iphone! <br />
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We also snuck away one afternoon to go over to the Kennedy Space Center. We loved seeing the Hubble Imax movie, the old rockets on display, and the unexpected surprise of getting to hear astronaut Bob Cenker speak and share his experience on the shuttle in the 1980's.<br />
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We were thrilled to finally be back home at the end of that trip though. We have packed a lot into the first couple of months this year! That was our last planned air travel trip this year. Upcoming we just have a night at our friends in Northern Vermont to use Art's free ski ticket at Jay Peak that he got when he had to get new skis this year and then nothing until Newport at the end of May!<br />
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Hope you have kept busy and warm this winter and have enjoyed the snow!!!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-48070909913356542502012-11-07T12:02:00.000-05:002012-11-07T12:04:10.516-05:00Venezia<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJLbQ5ayn04/UJqMEmATFqI/AAAAAAAAE3A/ZixLbhTmvHY/s1600/IMG_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJLbQ5ayn04/UJqMEmATFqI/AAAAAAAAE3A/ZixLbhTmvHY/s320/IMG_0757.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5oNSiMAVfPE/UJqMQ81A-xI/AAAAAAAAE4I/23TU3I5LZuk/s1600/IMG_1375.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5oNSiMAVfPE/UJqMQ81A-xI/AAAAAAAAE4I/23TU3I5LZuk/s320/IMG_1375.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice was like a whole different world. The water was such a brilliant greenish-blue that it looked as though it had been dyed. What we thought was a little island was actually a series of islands and canals dissecting a very large area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first night we wandered around for a few hours before settling on a local place for dinner. Pasta and wine in case you wondered... When we were walking around we noticed a large number of (dirty) tables stacked up here and there all along the walks. When we came out from dinner we were surprised to find that the water had come up over the edge of the canal onto the sidewalk. All of those tables (planks) were now lined up so that people could walk above the water on them. The water is actually higher in the morning with up to a meter of water coming up over the canal and into the buildings. We had to wait to get onto the island each morning because it was too under water. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As with all of our stops there were too many cathedrals, ruins, and statues to mention. We did a hop on hop off waterbus tour which was perfect for our rainy day visit to the city. Ironically, Hurricane Sandy was bearing down on the Northeast at the same time. I think we got more rain in Venice that in New Hampshire this weekend. Not the same for Abbie's home- NYC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is another of Italy's charming leaning towers (in the background). I also got a lovely hat as I underdressed today :-/</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We toured the Doge's apartments, the nearby cathedral, museum, the bridge of sighs and the prisons.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That night I used my Vonage app to call Art to check on the storm. He said all was fine and it was being overblown in the media. Lovely, until fifteen minutes later Abbie got a text saying her flight was cancelled. She then called her bf to find that her Mom had been evacuated from her town in CT. After no luck on the phone we headed to the airport early to try to find another option for Abbie. She was able to re-route through Boston which worked out well because the long awaited memorial for Mom was later in the week and her family was up there anyway...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I went home as planned through Frankfurt. There was a little schnee (snow) and it was chilly so I didn't see much but I had a fabulous dinner with goose, dumplings, and the best fried camembert cheese ever! Oh, and Oktoberfest beer! (no wine!!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I felt very spoiled to get business class with my frequent flier miles. They upgraded me because it was the only one available</td></tr>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-84338140925447729132012-11-07T10:23:00.003-05:002012-11-07T10:23:41.236-05:00Firezne and Bologna, ItalyAfter a busy couple of days we decided to just wander around Florence for some sight seeing and shopping. <br />
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We started by taking the bus down to the central square and started the
day with a chocolate croissant and cafe Americano, which is essentially a
(European) cafe in a big cup, with extra hot water, and cold milk on
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We saw the Duomo, Pointe Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and David, a great fort at the top of a steep hill on the other side of the Arno River, more great fountains, and of course restaurants- pasta, pizza, and wine!<br />
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After three nights in Florence we took the train to Bologna where a
friend of Abbie's is going to school. It was raining but that didn't
matter as Bologna is ripe with porticoes. <br />
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We had the most amazing meal
at a quaint local eatery. They just kept bringing delicious dish after
fabulous treat! Their house wine was pretty good as well! Abbie
enjoyed catching up with her friend as well.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jblVYZoZucQ/UJp7SnfuJuI/AAAAAAAAE14/WCcru5LMV4k/s1600/IMG_1372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jblVYZoZucQ/UJp7SnfuJuI/AAAAAAAAE14/WCcru5LMV4k/s320/IMG_1372.jpg" width="240" /></a>It turns out that it wasn't necessary to go to Pisa to see a leaning tower. Italy has plenty to choose from. In Bologna there were two towers in the center of town, each leaning it's own way. There was another that we will see later in our trip as well. </div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-19682915529492958142012-11-07T09:47:00.004-05:002012-11-07T09:48:28.975-05:00Tuscany, ItalyAfter a short train ride we arrived in Florence. The owner of the hostel picked us up at the train station. They spent time showing us a map and gave us a list of good places to eat. We had a fabulous local meal of, what else?, pasta and wine. We hit the sack early because we had a big day ahead of us exploring Tuscany wine country.<br />
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The one thing I thought was a must do when in Italy is go on a wine tour. My niece didn't want to do a big tour bus tour so I scoured around and found a great gal on TripAdvisor. Dolce Chianti Tours. A one party tour for about the same as the big bus tours :-)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GdrorlCNBlE/UJpzqUFUFhI/AAAAAAAAEyk/7JsxQstRKbA/s1600/IMG_1274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GdrorlCNBlE/UJpzqUFUFhI/AAAAAAAAEyk/7JsxQstRKbA/s320/IMG_1274.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iz3qfHGyJvs/UJpznW-zcoI/AAAAAAAAEyc/7yXFVhDo5EA/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iz3qfHGyJvs/UJpznW-zcoI/AAAAAAAAEyc/7yXFVhDo5EA/s320/IMG_1262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aN2C6jL0uzw/UJpzvYeRkpI/AAAAAAAAEy0/i47GPxKzuR4/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aN2C6jL0uzw/UJpzvYeRkpI/AAAAAAAAEy0/i47GPxKzuR4/s320/IMG_1280.JPG" width="320" /></a>We went to three wineries and stopped in a beautiful little town called
Greve for lunch. For a change of pace I had chicken, Abbie had pasta,
and we both had wine, of course! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkoZyrxfPfk/UJpzy_uEAJI/AAAAAAAAEzA/_kc42mErehQ/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkoZyrxfPfk/UJpzy_uEAJI/AAAAAAAAEzA/_kc42mErehQ/s320/IMG_1290.JPG" width="320" /></a>We learned a great deal about identifying the smells in wines and
qualities to look for. My favorite qualities were the black currant,
eucalyptus, and leather. For some strange (sad) reason I did not like
the chocolate aroma... We also had fun with the roosters found around
as it is the logo for Chianti wines.</div>
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-45774737188119759162012-11-03T11:39:00.001-05:002012-11-07T09:29:15.018-05:00Rome, Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0dx4Yyt4jaE/UJptlibXxzI/AAAAAAAAEv0/t_2colKFnSM/s1600/IMG_1188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0dx4Yyt4jaE/UJptlibXxzI/AAAAAAAAEv0/t_2colKFnSM/s320/IMG_1188.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKeX-18fflc/UJptiufb2JI/AAAAAAAAEvs/pqq8hXuFvTA/s1600/IMG_1179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKeX-18fflc/UJptiufb2JI/AAAAAAAAEvs/pqq8hXuFvTA/s320/IMG_1179.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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While
sitting with my family at Lindsay's fabulous bridal shower in
mid-October I heard my niece Abbie say that she was going to Italy-
alone- because she couldn't find anyone to go with her. I said she
didn't ask the right person ;-) <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZZk03wcWLg/UJptsgsw36I/AAAAAAAAEwQ/FdQ4dCb3NrA/s1600/IMG_1199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZZk03wcWLg/UJptsgsw36I/AAAAAAAAEwQ/FdQ4dCb3NrA/s320/IMG_1199.JPG" width="320" /></a>I called Art a little later and we talked about it and assuming I could
work out frequent flyer tix and keep my budget in check it was a go! I
was in between any big projects, my birthday was coming up, and Art was
at the store almost every day now anyway. So I scoured the internet and
called United to check my ff options.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRIt5vOSAfg/UJptooCwG-I/AAAAAAAAEv8/nwr16Fld0Xg/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRIt5vOSAfg/UJptooCwG-I/AAAAAAAAEv8/nwr16Fld0Xg/s320/IMG_1190.JPG" width="320" /></a> I could get into Rome within two hours of Abbie and out just after her
on the same days. I was able to book and join a once in a lifetime
(maybe) event with my niece. She had already set up hostels along the
way so our hotels were going to be affordable. I knew she had also set
up public transport between cities so I knew I had to pack light. </div>
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I packed and repacked each day between the day I booked and the day
we left! lol! I also started a walking routine so I could build up a
little stamina to try to keep up with my 20-something niece!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ceWDlJS2z4/UJVF_aqVklI/AAAAAAAAEsk/uHxBE3TNIiQ/s1600/IMG_0683.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ceWDlJS2z4/UJVF_aqVklI/AAAAAAAAEsk/uHxBE3TNIiQ/s320/IMG_0683.JPG" width="320" /></a>The flight over went smoothly with the plan to connect just outside of
customs in Rome. Upon arrival I stepped outside the customs to the main
airport to wait while Abbie was waiting just off the customs line
inside customs. So, it took us about an hour to connect. Not a big
deal though. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hjXsA130EI/UJpuFnOeIOI/AAAAAAAAExM/Ix0R5Z3LVcU/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hjXsA130EI/UJpuFnOeIOI/AAAAAAAAExM/Ix0R5Z3LVcU/s320/IMG_1250.JPG" width="320" /></a>We found our first hostel with relatively little issue, then changed and
took off toward the city. We walked around all afternoon and evening.
We saw the Pantheon first with it's great domed ceiling that was open
at the top and the drains built into the wonderful marble floor. We
came across a great excavation site in the middle of the city that was
full of cats. We would quickly learn that cats held a special place in
the heart of Rome. </div>
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We found and walked up the Spanish steps to a wonderful park and cathedral above the city with fabulous views as far as the eye could see. We then wandered down and came upon the Trevi Fountain and Caesar's Forum. There were countless ruins, churches and fabulous buildings in between... We stopped for dinner at 8:00 and had our first delicious Pasta and Wine meal. Abbie was fresh off of two red eyes and no sleep so we headed back home to crash.<br />
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The next morning we got up early to walk across the Tiber River and into town to take the dungeon tour at the Colosseum. We got a little turned around and ended up walking the long way around Palantine Hill, which was gorgeous so it didn't really matter. We got out tix for a later tour so headed off to the Forum first.<br />
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After the dungeon tour we were starving so we stopped for a "quick lunch" before we wanted to see the Sistene Chapel and Vatican City. Long story short, good wine, good meal, good company does not equal short lunch. We did manage to walk "around" Vatican City but honestly the walls are so high that was all you could see! lol! Better luck next time.<br />
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Off to Florence!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-36765477844871241212012-11-03T10:56:00.000-05:002012-11-03T10:56:59.899-05:00Summer- Part two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a tough summer with the business so we made the most of it and did our best to enjoy the extra time provided. Art took his annual trek up to Lake Umbagog with Zdeno and his friend Teddy this year, and we finally made it to Art's old family haunt Dolly Copp for a relaxing night and a vigorous hike up the Imp the next day.<br />
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We also discovered some local ponds including Heald Pond just south of us wedged between Temple, Wilton, and Greenville. Zdeno loved to go there to swim, chase his ball, and hike around. It was a hot dry summer and our pond was muck soup so it was a nice retreat.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9isph-8c7M/UJUvQe8Gy7I/AAAAAAAAEpY/s8PliJTenuc/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9isph-8c7M/UJUvQe8Gy7I/AAAAAAAAEpY/s8PliJTenuc/s320/IMG_0572.JPG" width="320" /></a> We had lost most of our girls last spring so we got two batches of chicks this spring. This is the younger group in the heat of the summer relaxing in the wheelbarrow. Our electric bill was insane keeping both greenhouse fans on most of July to keep them cool. This fall we planted a peach tree and a cherry tree on the edge of their outside area to give them some shade (and treats) in the coming years. Our three roosters seem to be doing well. Baby Spice had to find another home because she bullied the older girls (and two roos) so badly that they never accepted her again. She is happy and healthy with her new family nearby. Our older batch had twelve chicks and we ordered 14 with the second. After losses we stand at 16 chickens and three roosters going into winter. Now that they are all laying we are getting around a dozen eggs a day. Not bad odds, and glad we have three roos considering our past losses and the fact that the falcons still circle a couple/few times a week.<br />
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We got to join in Art's sisters family trip to the beach down in Rhode Island. We spent one day on the beach sunning and relaxing, and the next morning Pam and I took a nice kayak around while Arthur and Dale went clamming. They had such fun! They didn't want to come out of the water. It was a really nice mini-break. <br />
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We spent some nice days at home with friends and family as well. With our new screened porch finished we enjoyed long evenings on the porch, hair raising experiences sitting out there during storms, and long lazy mornings when we could.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJPWlUQMmto/UJUvbJOBupI/AAAAAAAAEqI/K9y7ZvoMpi8/s1600/IMG_0653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZE_0LOZtNEE/UJU9R7gr08I/AAAAAAAAErU/pl_FGahIWFc/s1600/frontenac.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZE_0LOZtNEE/UJU9R7gr08I/AAAAAAAAErU/pl_FGahIWFc/s1600/frontenac.jpg" /></a> My parents came out earlier than usual this year. We had wanted to do a road trip up to Maine and the Bay of Fundy, but our timelines made that a tough trip to face. So we headed North instead. We started the trip just outside Burlington Vermont with a tour of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream then crossed Lake Champlain into New York before crossing the border to Canada. We spent one night in Montreal. Sadly, our timing was off so most things were closed by the time we got there and wouldn't open again before we left. We did enjoy a nice walk along the banks of the St. Charles and through the old town before stopping for a bite to eat. The next day we whisked off to Shcwinigen and then St. Paulin. We stopped by a pellet manufacturer of ours to touch base and see plant improvements. Our hotel in St. Paulin was a in a wonderful setting with plenty of hiking, biking, and kayaking options. We all hopped on bikes and toured around for the afternoon. We caught up with another pellet supplier for a nice dinner and a soak in the hot tubs. The next day we set off to see the second pellet mill on our tour then headed off to Quebec City. We stayed at the fabulous Frontenac Hotel on the Water. We walked around for the afternoon up to the fort and around the old town.<br />
We stopped for dinner at a crepe bar that had a terrible (but delightful) french singer who butchered 1960-70 classic American songs. We walked along the boardwalk that evening before turning in. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJPWlUQMmto/UJUvbJOBupI/AAAAAAAAEqI/K9y7ZvoMpi8/s1600/IMG_0653.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJPWlUQMmto/UJUvbJOBupI/AAAAAAAAEqI/K9y7ZvoMpi8/s320/IMG_0653.JPG" width="320" /></a>The next morning we went down to the lower area of the town and hopped on a river tour which took us around the banks South first then North to the waterfalls. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch and some shopping before getting back in the car for the long ride home. We did get to have a good part of the family together for the traditional lobster dinner as well. The family is dispersing though, with Abi in NYC, Peter in Las Vegas, and now Jimmy and Lindsay in North Carolina. The trip was entirely too short as always. Zdeno did love spending time with his Grandma and Grandpa though and loves his Panda!<br />
<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-85440667668716549722012-07-17T11:21:00.001-05:002012-07-17T11:31:27.184-05:00SummerAfter a rainy May we went back to the old pattern of hot and dry. Good news is that this gives us a lot of free time because the store is so slow. Bad news is that the store is slow... It's time or money, can't seem to have both at the same time. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VyfVchkNPDU/UAWNftYaEJI/AAAAAAAAEnc/1eac1dCk2GM/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VyfVchkNPDU/UAWNftYaEJI/AAAAAAAAEnc/1eac1dCk2GM/s320/IMG_0488.JPG" width="320" /></a>We have been working around the house though. Hubby has been a machine in the yard and is almost done painting the house! He has been pulling back deadwood and clearing debris from the ice storm and life in general. Moving trees, seeding, ripping out weeds and seedling trees that have started to encroach on our house, clearing the area behind the greenhouse that we had a bobcat bed down in last summer and reinforcing the wall of the stream-bed. I added a chicken fence since we have lost so many this past year.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkJAEQ0ubxc/UAWNiCYVY2I/AAAAAAAAEnk/1XAZh0jfvjM/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkJAEQ0ubxc/UAWNiCYVY2I/AAAAAAAAEnk/1XAZh0jfvjM/s320/IMG_0492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5s6EtdnBjt8/UAWNkWGmF5I/AAAAAAAAEns/-Gbveu_ccGk/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5s6EtdnBjt8/UAWNkWGmF5I/AAAAAAAAEns/-Gbveu_ccGk/s320/IMG_0494.JPG" width="320" /></a>The chickens are growing and doing well. We lost our little Chipmunk who was an adorable english hen, but we have settled with 10 older girls and two roosters (4 months old), and ten babies (almost 2 months old) of which one is definitely a rooster since I ordered a pair of brahmas and one other suspected roo in the bunch. Subban is our top roo in the coop. He is very large and very gorgeous. He watches me as closely as I watch him but so far we are ok. Little Buttercup, my Orpington Rooster is a different story. His name was changed to Loki for a reason. I can't tell if he's just excited to see me or if he is posturing or if it is an attack but he runs at me every time I come into the coop. He may be looking for treats? Jury is still out on him... Baby Spice has officially snapped. She spends most of her time in a laying box. If you take her out she will attack anyone, any chick, or nothing at all just because. She also has a crazy head twist that she does and she cackles. Very creepy and very sad. She used to be so sweet and her Momma- Little Miss Sunshine- was an angel.<br />
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My Barred Rocks are two of my favorite new chicks. They are so sweet and cuddly. Molly is my love sponge.<br />
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Velma, our white silkie holds her own in the adorable white fluffy pet category.<br />
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Our only layer at this point is Suzy. Baby Spice was until the babies figured out they were bigger than she is and put her in her place. I am hoping they start laying soon! Should just be a few more weeks...<br />
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We traveled a great deal at the beginning of the year so we have been
laying low spending time close to home and spending time with Art's
Dad. He is very sad still but seems to be getting more active and we
have enjoyed spending time with him. <br />
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We have spent nights over there and enjoy going around the seacoast. We even took Z back to the beach we stayed at last summer. He had such fun chasing his ball in the ocean that day :-)<br />
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Dad has been staying over with us this summer a few times which is really great. He even babysat the chickens and Zdeno when Art and I went on our mid-summer adventures. I think he has almost as much fun with Zdeno as Z does with him.<br />
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Zdeno has lived in the pond this summer which has been great except no rain has made our little pond more of a mudpit. He will come out black as night (EWWWW!) but loves to be hosed off and cleaned up ;-) He turned two on July 2. He is not a puppy anymore. He eats much better and seems to have lost most of his fears. He has been a good boy.<br />
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We did a little get together here on Mother's Day but the family shifted
the focus to Father's Day at Pam's for our first big family get
together of the year. Dale took Art and his Dad out on a fishing boat
in the morning and they each caught a striped bass. They were huge and
wore large smiles that told us all we needed to know about the
adventure. Great visit with family.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqBbod4sCBY/UAWNqDsZ7ZI/AAAAAAAAEoI/VuMTq3T2uV4/s1600/IMG_0509.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqBbod4sCBY/UAWNqDsZ7ZI/AAAAAAAAEoI/VuMTq3T2uV4/s320/IMG_0509.jpg" width="239" /></a> I missed Lindsay and Jimmy's engagement party as I was in Las Vegas with my Mom and Rachel for her high school graduation trip. I did not think that one through. Las Vegas at the beginning of July was 110 degrees F!! That is beyond ridiculous HOT! I did take a hike with Peter and got to spend some good time with him down there. It sounds like he is doing well and enjoying his job. He is back in school. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWL00kgzdTM/UAWNvppfuYI/AAAAAAAAEoY/qVJYCBsHX4A/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWL00kgzdTM/UAWNvppfuYI/AAAAAAAAEoY/qVJYCBsHX4A/s320/IMG_0836.jpg" width="240" /></a>Won't do that again but we had a great time walking around, seeing shows, shopping, doing the spa thing and just hanging out! My Dad drove down later in the week for a few days which was really nice. We took a drive out to see the new bridge at the Hoover Dam. My Dad took us for a helicopter ride to view it. Our first time, but he told us stories of when he was stationed in Cheyenne and used to be transported on a Huey. Very fun :-)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-juSb9LT1BBM/UAWNynn9OrI/AAAAAAAAEog/_i2so6jdVKM/s1600/IMG_0858.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-juSb9LT1BBM/UAWNynn9OrI/AAAAAAAAEog/_i2so6jdVKM/s320/IMG_0858.JPG" width="320" /></a>My Mother's had bad knees for a quite a while now but she is delaying surgery. She is trying a procedure where they inject chicken fat between the knee joint to lubricate it. Sounds almost as painful to have the treatment if you ask me. She is still playing tennis and golf though. Good for her! I do hope she has the surgery soon. I have only heard positive things about how well those types of surgeries work.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VC6L-GQXEO8/UAWN15XkZGI/AAAAAAAAEos/hauczQU40uw/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VC6L-GQXEO8/UAWN15XkZGI/AAAAAAAAEos/hauczQU40uw/s320/IMG_0863.JPG" width="320" /></a>My Dad is going in for surgery today. He has been getting sick for the past couple of years at least. When he walks for any distance after eating especially. He has continued to play tennis but having someone pause to toss their cookies is not comforting. After I don't know how many doctors and tests one of them actually found something. (more than the idiot ear docs here in New England who are incompetent and inept.) They found he has two hernias which they are going in to fix today. Hopefully that will make him feel much better and he will be able to be active as he likes :-)</div>
<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-38412222097013482282012-06-06T12:29:00.003-05:002012-06-06T12:29:38.532-05:00Outdoor LivingOne of our favorite places in our first house was a cute little farmer's porch that had been enclosed. It was quite small but we had a hanging porch swing and many good memories reading the Sunday paper and having coffee out there.<br />
When we moved to New Hampshire it was high on our list to have a screened porch. First of all the bugs will carry you away if you sit outdoors with no protection and Art had fond memories of the porch they had on his family's house growing up. Sadly, just months after hubby completed the porch we moved. <br />
The house in Temple has been a work in progress. We have replaced floors, windows, moved walls, added spaces, re-finished almost everything and one of the last projects but most anticipated was the screened porch. We have been talking about it for years; do we put it off the kitchen, the south side of the house, or the bar? How big do we make it, what kind of roof...<br />
This year we finally got our dream. The porch we have been planning for and wishing to have. It is a great outdoor space and I think we will spend as much time out there as possible. I'm sure we'll put a pellet stove out there to extend our outdoor stay :-)<br />
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-39036914485439973792012-04-23T13:37:00.001-05:002012-04-23T13:41:44.256-05:00Fenway 100th Anniversary<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uV0V1sKP57o/T5WUt5kcxuI/AAAAAAAAElA/rCQMaX4lV68/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uV0V1sKP57o/T5WUt5kcxuI/AAAAAAAAElA/rCQMaX4lV68/s320/IMG_0774.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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We in New England have been blessed with bright sun and warm weather this spring.<br />
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From a business standpoint it is killing our sales, and from a volunteer firefighter perspective hubby has been very busy fighting wildland fires but alas people love warm weather regardless of the side effects. But I digress.<br />
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My sister in law Sue works for Welch's juice company. They made a deal with the Red Sox to do a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest toast. They chose the 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park to do the toast. We were among the lucky few that got to go into Fenway early that day so we could place a sparkling juice under each seat in the stadium for the toast.<br />
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Sitting up on the green monster was a treat. We were allowed just about anywhere in the park except the green monster after the game started. The only thing we didn't have were seats. So we ended up on the Budweiser bar deck above (right?) field.<br />
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It was a real family affair. Sue brought more family members than
anyone else, and to boot my nephew's sister in law also works for
Welch's. So Sue had ten family members and Kevin's sil had another two with her
group! We had a great morning wandering around the empty stadium after
we had placed the juice in record time ;-) <br />
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I am not much of a baseball fan but we had a good time hanging out and
enjoying the day. It was a good ceremony with so many old ball players turning out, the Boston Pops, and an F16 and P51 flyover.<br />
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Welch's had also rented a floor at Jillian's across
the street. After a while we went there for some beverages, snacks, and
to play pool and rest. <br />
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Art's Dad had a great day and since we were exhausted at the end of the day I bet he was doubly so. But he never showed it. Good day start to finish except the Boston Sox lost to the Yankees.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-34014069791383971512012-04-09T17:21:00.002-05:002012-04-09T17:22:35.373-05:00Sydney<br />
We didn't have nearly enough time in New Zealand or Australia but I think we made the most of what little time we had.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG4fKa4EaUw/T4NazusOjzI/AAAAAAAAEkU/dVSc5PoexkY/s1600/IMG_0760.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG4fKa4EaUw/T4NazusOjzI/AAAAAAAAEkU/dVSc5PoexkY/s320/IMG_0760.JPG" width="320" /></a>Our hotel was in a pretty good spot again. The Solar Tours tour company has yet to steer us wrong. We had a balcony at the Cambridge hotel in East Sydney. You can see the peaks of the Sydney Opera House in the distance. We spent the afternoon on a double decker bus that tours around the city. It is a great way to see all the highlights in one quick round, then you can hop off and on the bus at places you want. <br />
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We rode around in the afternoon and got off near Circular Quay that
evening to walk around before heading to the observatory. We also found
a little family owned Italian place nearby for dinner. Not lamb but
delicious all the same. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr_wisYMj50/T4NaBPFqQPI/AAAAAAAAEi0/VfgCWZj6r54/s1600/IMG_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr_wisYMj50/T4NaBPFqQPI/AAAAAAAAEi0/VfgCWZj6r54/s320/IMG_0668.JPG" width="320" /></a>The "Coat Hanger" was a pretty impressive bridge. <br />
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Not quite as flashy as the Zakim bridge in Boston but very elegant as bridges go.<br />
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It was even more impressive at night. <br />
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We didn't make it in for a tour of the Opera House but it was a beautiful building. I never realized that the roof was all tiled. Amazing. <br />
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One of the unexpected surprises were the wild cockatoos that were flying around not only the Blue Mountains but also around downtown Sydney. Our bus driver said they were a pest. Unbelievable. They were very cool! <br />
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We did take a bus up to the Blue Mountains. Art's cousin had recommended that if you could only see one thing that was it.<br />
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We saw the Three Sisters rock and took a tram across a great ravine that was reminiscent of the Grand Canyon covered in jungle growth with wild cockatoos flying around.<br />
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There were breathtaking heights and falls galore.<br />
We rode on a very steep rail-car into the canyon and hiked around a bit before going on another tram to complete the tour. <br />
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We were fortunate enough to be able to hike down to Wentworth Falls.<br />
It wasn't a big walk but it was gorgeous.<br />
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The weather was perfect this day! <br />
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Koala bears sleep a lot, and in interesting positions wedged up in trees.<br />
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He was a lot softer than we thought.<br />
Very woolly and warm. <br />
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Feeding the kangaroos was high on my to do list at the Wildlife preserve.<br />
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I thought they would just munch the greenery inside the cone so a little joey surprised me when he munched a big bite off of the cone! <br />
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They were happy to let you pat them. Except for Momma.<br />
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She wouldn't let me pat her baby. She gave me a dirty look then hopped off. <br />
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We spent a lot of time here... <br />
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I saw a lot of creatures I have only read about.<br />
Wallabies, Kangaroos, Koalas, a Tasmanian Devil, Kookaburras.<br />
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We took a ferry back to Sydney that night. An amazing coastline and a wonderful sunset. <br />
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A lot of colorful characters helped shape Australia. <br />
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One last meal before heading home.<br />
Left Sydney at 1:20pm and arrived in Dallas at 1:45pm. Longest 25 minutes of my life (somewhere near 15 hours in reality).<br />
Another five hours to Boston, then shuttle and ride home.<br />
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Thanks for the memories!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-25536171094165378012012-04-09T13:54:00.001-05:002012-04-09T17:28:07.168-05:00Southern CrossWhen you see the Southern Cross<br />
For the first time<br />
You understand now<br />
Why you came this way<br />
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One of the things I looked forward to the most about this trip was being able to see the Southern sky and its varied constellations. I was feeling a bit glum about my possibilities to see the stars in the Southern sky since it was rainy in Fiji and the city lights impeded all but a star or two in Auckland.<br />
Seeing that there was an observatory in Sydney I booked a night tour then crossed all my fingers and toes that it would be a good night for viewing.<br />
We got our wish. After a day on the city tour bus seeing the sights we headed down (up) to the hill on the waterfront where the observatory was located. We had a great tour and got to see many planets, nebula, and stars through the telescopes on site. Then we went outside to look at the constellations.<br />
On our way in that night Art commented that Orion was in the sky, and he was! What was he doing down here? He was rather lying on his side but you couldn't mistake his belt. It turns out it is one of the few constellations you can see in both hemispheres.<br />
Our guide also pointed out Sirius for the Harry Potter-ophiles in the group and a few others. Then he pointed out the Southern Cross- finally! I had struggled to find it myself and found what I thought was it. Turned out there is an imposter in the sky. The real Southern Cross has two "pointer" stars that help to locate it. The brighter lower pointer star is Alpha Centauri. The cross was lying on it's side above the two pointer stars on this night. I tried to get a picture but with no tripod I could not get a long enough shot. I borrowed this from online and thank the person who took such a good shot. Follow the two pointer stars (in a mostly vertical leaning left line at the bottom). Above them (looking for the top of the cross to be on the left and bottom on the right with the shorter cross section up and down) is the Southern Cross! AAhhhhhhhh!!!<br />
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Alpha Centauri</div>
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above the C (center bottom)</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-63328285475344721502012-04-09T13:32:00.001-05:002012-04-09T13:32:12.558-05:00New Zealand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Auckland's customs wins the most efficient award. We landed, made it through passport control, got our bags, and out through customs in less than fifteen minutes. Record by a very long shot. We went right out the front door and onto the shuttle bus (which we did not reserve in advance) and it left promptly after we boarded. We arrived at the Mercur in downtown Auckland just two blocks off the waterfront. What a beautiful downtown. We ventured out for a bite to eat then back to the hotel so I could do payroll- yay power, no rain, and wifi! Our luck was turning.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUxF8E1Wl4g/T4Mplai8cYI/AAAAAAAAEg8/L_qmzwMzsZQ/s1600/IMG_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUxF8E1Wl4g/T4Mplai8cYI/AAAAAAAAEg8/L_qmzwMzsZQ/s320/IMG_0540.JPG" width="320" /></a>We walked along the waterfront in the evening and found a great place to enjoy dinner. We had enough Bounty fun in Fiji so we had sparkling water for happy hour and a great dinner on the waterfront. We started with a mezze platter including shrimp, lamb, and calamari rolls. Fabulous! Then I had a lamb salad for dinner and art had a great coconut lemongrass seafood pasta. We had died and gone to heaven.<br />
We booked a long day the next day so we headed back for an early night.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExkPzvY2ffA/T4MpsOJyhlI/AAAAAAAAEhM/J-kqsyESMW0/s1600/IMG_0589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExkPzvY2ffA/T4MpsOJyhlI/AAAAAAAAEhM/J-kqsyESMW0/s320/IMG_0589.jpg" width="240" /></a>The next morning we got up bright and early and hopped on the tour bus. We were in for a 500km plus ride that day. After a beautiful ride down the North Island we first went to the Gloworm caves in Waitomo. Kind of like lightning bugs but worms in an underground cavern. Very cool. Then we continued down to Rorotua for a Maori concert and to look at the geysers, and mud baths. We also stopped at a farm along the way. Sheep outnumber people 10 to 1 in New Zealand. We played with sheep, emu, cows, and Ostrich and got to see a sheepdog in action. After a wool processing tour I spent the remaining time debating between yarns. They had some mixed with possum fur which sounds a little gross but the fur is very soft and with it's hollow core is warm and light. I decided on a Merino wool yarn instead because of the magenta and brown coloring that I liked. We went out to the nearby neighborhood for a drink and a late light dinner. <br />
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The next morning we hopped a ferry to the nearby Rangitoto Volcano to
go for a hike. It was a beautiful day with a light breeze. We got to
the top of the volcano and were rewarded with beautiful views all
around. We headed down and decided for a low key afternoon walking
around the town and shopping a bit. I got a lamb cushion for Blizz
(which she is afraid of btw, and a stuffed kiwi for Z). Art got me a
great shell kiwi pin. <br />
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Off to bed and up early the next day to catch our
flight to Sydney...<br />
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-4867588131222691312012-04-09T12:29:00.002-05:002012-04-09T13:05:08.276-05:00Fiji is a four letter wordWe had always planned to go south of the equator for our tenth anniversary. It seemed somewhat fitting that our tenth anniversary trip would occur after our 16th anniversary since our honeymoon didn't happen until after our 5th anniversary.<br />
We planned this last summer when I got an unheard of deal from the tour company we used to go to the UK and Ireland a couple of summers ago. We had booked and paid for the trip all through the fall. Timing has not been our strong suit this year, however.<br />
Our trip was planned for just over a week after Mom passed. I really thought about not going. No one wanted us to cancel though. If we did we would not likely ever get the chance again. So we went.<br />
Getting there was not as tough as I had anticipated. We had a six hour flight from Boston to LA first. Then we left at 11pm on Tuesday night from LA into Nadi Fiji arriving at ~6am on Thursday. The flight was not quite 11 hours. I slept most of the way and Art slept some.<br />
It was raining lightly when we arrived. So we headed to the hotel and then off to a factory tour of Ugg footwear. Good rainy day activity. We'd hit the beach hard the next day! We walked down to the Ugg factory which was pretty small really. We got to watch them make my boots after I picked out the style I liked. The cost was not quite half what I see at home but almost, plus I got to watch them being made.<br />
They said that the Asian tourists liked to mix and match the colors on the boots. I wasn't so bold and opted for the chocolate brown I have been looking at for years. The girl who gave us the tour was very friendly and talked about a flood in January that had devastated the economy and that they were trying to repair from still.<br />
When we were on our way out we were lucky enough to meet one of the Aussie owners. We had a good conversation with him about why they were in Fiji and how hard and expensive it had become to do business in Australia. Most of their boots were made in China now, but they had a few smaller shops still in the area including Fiji. He dropped us off at a great local place for lunch. Some of the best ceviche I have ever had and some interesting veggies. We enjoyed our walk back planning our trip to come.<br />
By the late evening the rain had really started to come down. When we woke up it was pouring buckets. We went to the tour desk and she said that no one would be operating that day, come back tomorrow. Not really pleased as we were only there for four days we headed off to breakfast. We decided to go out and walk around to see the town ourselves. We got about a kilometer up the road when we noticed the waters rising in the road. The people walking along were shocked by the rain and how part of the road was under water. They turned around. So did we. We were looking for the beach. We went down another road on the advice of a local. We came to a couple of resorts. My feet were getting a little chewed up from walking in the heavy rain and pooled water on the streets and walkways. We waded in looking for the beach. Waist high wading. We never found the beach but our feet were pretty raw so we retreated to the hotel.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TL4e24u6Uzk/T4MaXbPaDlI/AAAAAAAAEgA/GUaXZDbr3Ok/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TL4e24u6Uzk/T4MaXbPaDlI/AAAAAAAAEgA/GUaXZDbr3Ok/s320/IMG_0527.JPG" width="320" /></a>We picked up a bottle of Bounty Fijian Rum, fun in a bottle, and headed back to the room to play cards. We saw a weather report saying it had rained 330 mm in the last twelve hours. Around four that afternoon the power went out.<br />
We had no idea what time it was for most of our trip. While the hotel had a generator so the main lobby and restaurant had power we did not in the room.<br />
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The next day it rained even harder. We went for a swim in the flooded pool. We heard the road was washed out in both directions and Suva was under water. Both the Ba and Nadi rivers had broken their banks and flooding was underway. Tropical depression 17L had been sitting on us for over a day and a half.<br />
The locals said they had never seen anything like this. People were losing their houses, didn't have power, and were worried for their families.<br />
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The next day we finally got power back. I am guessing they wired the generator through to the rest of the hotel because we didn't see many places with power outside the hotel. No roads were open, flights had been cancelled for the second day in a row and the water was flowing brown out of our faucet at times. We had one tv channel, no radio, no internet, no newspaper, no phone... We went to the hotel mini-mart and got a six pack of liters of water and another bottle of Bounty fun.<br />
We played cards and we ended up cutting my book in two because Art's kindle had no more power.<br />
Then we saw that a tropical Cyclone Daphne was due to arrive the next night. We were supposed to fly out in the morning but so many flights had been cancelled and even those that hadn't been cancelled didn't always get out. <br />
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Oh, and I had to get payroll done by the end of the day we were due to fly out. If we didn't get out I couldn't even get ahold of anyone to do it for me...<br />
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We got up early and headed to the airport with our fingers crossed. By the luck of the rain gods we made it out!<br />
We didn't get a total for rainfall, but going off of the initial 330mm in the first twelve hours we are guessing that over a meter and up to two meters fell during our four day stay. Daphne arrived the night after we got out but most of the damage had already been done. It will be a long recovery for this poor country in the middle of political transition.<br />
We were so happy to see and be in Auckland!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-33707499700709363842012-04-09T11:44:00.001-05:002012-04-09T11:44:48.381-05:00Mom<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxl9GdH2-To/T4MOLEj7_0I/AAAAAAAAEfg/65KSQ81yo5Y/s1600/IMG_7011.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxl9GdH2-To/T4MOLEj7_0I/AAAAAAAAEfg/65KSQ81yo5Y/s320/IMG_7011.JPG" width="320" /></a>When we arrived in Tucson Tuesday morning Aunt Marilyn picked us up from the airport. She was very worried about my Father-in-law. He has been working so hard to take care of Mom and they were worried that he wasn't taking care of himself.<br />
We headed right down to the hospital. Mom was somewhat lucid when we arrived and we were able to have a short conversation. She seemed happy to see us and had a good bowl of soup for dinner that day. She declined each day after.<br />
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We started to sort out the details. The chemo was not working for the multiple myeloma. She had severe sores from being in bed due to her back which was not healing and she had an antibiotic resistant infection called MRSA.<br />
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We talked to Karyn that day who wanted us to tell her if all the sisters needed to come down. What a hard thing to have to do. By the time we called to tell them to come Susan had already changed her trip and would arrive the next day. Karyn and Pam arrived a day later. Dad was not happy.<br />
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By the time Susan arrived Mom was less and less coherent and sleeping more and more. Her pain was very consistent, however. She was most lucid when she was in pain. They scheduled an operation for her sores that Friday.<br />
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We all had to gown and glove up each time we entered her room.<br />
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I think she was afraid.<br />
We all were. <br />
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Over the next few days some there were some very hard realizations and decisions to be made.<br />
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We were all so grateful that we could be there together.<br />
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When we went to Peppi's Place the first time there was a calm feeling at last.<br />
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The impossible choice had been made.<br />
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But it was what was best for Mom.<br />
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Inevitable.<br />
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Heartbreaking.<br />
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Forever. <br />
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It was a good place.<br />
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They were very kind and helpful.<br />
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They did their best to keep Mom comfortable. <br />
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It was the right thing.<br />
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Hospice.<br />
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Mom passed away early Sunday morning.<br />
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March 18, 2012 <br />
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She is no longer in pain.<br />
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We miss you dearly and hold you in our hearts always.</div>
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1979990287740534607.post-61757249173227310522012-04-09T11:12:00.001-05:002012-04-09T11:13:46.056-05:00Colorado<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwCKJQCczg8/T4Huj9dHF4I/AAAAAAAAEdw/lJa_MqYv27o/s1600/IMG_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwCKJQCczg8/T4Huj9dHF4I/AAAAAAAAEdw/lJa_MqYv27o/s320/IMG_0456.JPG" width="320" /></a>Just a couple of days before our 16th wedding anniversary we headed out to Colorado. This was going to be a special trip. Our friends have wanted to visit (read ski) in Colorado for ever. So we were going to show them around. Karyn and Ralph heard about the trip and wanted to come and Zeb and Abbie were happy to hop on board. We planned to stay at my folks house but with such a big group renting a house became an option. So we got a great house just off of I-70 in Silverthorne for a week.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5FSxMzZnMg/T4HuZgGV7pI/AAAAAAAAEdA/Kc25P5eh3R4/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5FSxMzZnMg/T4HuZgGV7pI/AAAAAAAAEdA/Kc25P5eh3R4/s320/IMG_0288.JPG" width="320" /></a>Our first couple of days we caught up with our friends from Denver and my brother. We got to meet my brother's new girlfriend Dani. She was very nice and as one would expect with my brother she was also very pretty. Rachel joined us for dinner in Longmont. It was good to catch up. We stayed at my folks house. I think it was the first time I had stayed in that house without them.<br />
Saturday we drove down to Denver to pick Karyn and Ralph up from the airport (using my Dad's Avalanche) and then we headed up to the mountains. Our friends had driven out and met us up there later. Zabbie had come in a day earlier and were with friends. This was Zeb's first trip back after moving to New York from Colorado the previous year.<br />
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There wasn't a great deal of snow when we arrived but it snowed early in the week and then twice more while we were up there. Over two feet fell that week making it "the week" to be up there skiing.<br />
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The first day they drove over to Steamboat to avoid the crowds. Afterward they hit some of the local hot springs.<br />
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Sounded like a great way to start the trip.<br />
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The second day Zeb showed everyone around his old work/play place Vail. The snow was so so but everyone had a great time.<br />
The next day it snowed so hard that everyone took the day off.<br />
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Then they skied Copper and Art was able to show everyone one of his favorites- Arapahoe Basin.<br />
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We took our friends daughter to an apres ski one night and she got to
sit in with the band. She did a great job and had a blast! She was even more excited when she made tips :-)<br />
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The weather could not have been better for our trip. As we were heading down the mountain to drop Karyn and Ralph off at the airport we saw traffic backed up all the way down through Golden. We headed up to Loveland and avoided the weekend hoards.<br />
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This was a beautiful sunrise. I do miss my Colorado sunrises and sunsets most.<br />
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We were also able to catch up with our old college friends in Denver at BeauJos pizza, and I was able to catch up with my old Lord of Honor Paul and another friend we used to work with. Such good friends we have :-) <br />
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While up in Loveland we had great weather. Sunny and dry.<br />
The deer were in the yard to welcome us home. The elk moved through the next day.<br />
The bunnies were a little shy but did pop out to say goodbye as our friends left.<br />
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We headed up to Rocky Mountain National Park to sight see and do some hiking. We ended up at one of my favorites around Bear Lake.<br />
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We saw some big horn sheep and I think everyone had a great day. <br />
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Picture Perfect Day. <br />
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There was little snow and a well packed trail so we all did a little hike up and around the area ending with Bierstadt Lake. <br />
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Sadly it was this day that we got the call.<br />
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It was Karyn saying that Mom was in the hospital again and how soon could we get to Tucson.<br />
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We made arrangements to head down the next morning. Our friends stayed behind to close up/clean up my folks house and take us to the airport.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10665357769102268827noreply@blogger.com0