tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221421412024-03-19T16:47:21.881-05:00Random Ruminations . . .running wildKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.comBlogger524125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-87841553124519750602019-06-27T20:00:00.000-05:002019-08-12T07:26:42.235-05:00Six Flags Great America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Chloe enjoyed a slushie and a pretzel after a few hours of riding roller coasters.</div>
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Chloe and Grandpa enjoy some quality time while taking a break from riding the rides.</div>
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Avery learns to do a country dance move with the help of a dancer from the park.</div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-80960126475843438462019-05-24T22:00:00.000-05:002019-06-22T13:15:16.300-05:00We're Off to Switzerland!We are headed out on our first international journey. We've been to Canada and Mexico but never across the ocean. We are so very excited. Another first is that we are taking a river cruise. I haven't had the desire to ever take a cruise until I came across this one. An ocean cruise is definitely not something that appeals to me but a much more intimate river cruise is something I don't mind trying.<br />
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We had an overnight flight which was terrible for trying to sleep. We paid extra to sit in better seats and it did not help. I don't think I would do that again. We had a layover in Munich and looked forward to going to their large brew pub but once we got there we were too tired to try. That's OK though, we are just starting our adventure so I'm looking forward to plenty of opportunities to enjoy German beer.<br />
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Once we got into Basel, Switzerland we were ready. We may have been tired but we were excited. We met our luggage in our stateroom on our ship where we unpacked and settled in for just a few minutes. Then it was off for a walking tour of Basel.<br />
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We went on the walking tour with a local guide. Our ship's program director suggested that we get some fresh air instead of doing what we really wanted to do - take a nap. He said it would help with the jet lag to just stay up until bedtime in order to have an easier time assimilating to the time change.<br />
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Basel is a city located where Switzerland, Germany ad France meet. The city is on the Rhine River and is at the furthest navigable point. There are many Gothic, Renaissance and baroque style buildings. The city is modern, just check out the transit system.<br />
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Here are some photos from the city tour:</div>
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We had some time to walk, shop and just meander on our own. Switzerland is a country where most people have much wealth. People who work here come over from France. Most of the stores were very high-end so it was fun to window shop. We don't need to overload our luggage with stuff we don't need anyway so that worked out well for us.<br /><br />
I fell in love with the doors on the buildings. Many of these were from the 1200's. Can you imagine?<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">What a city! So much wealth and so much history. I think I will be saying that a lot during this trip - ha!</span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-13200414369670082512018-11-23T16:12:00.001-06:002018-11-23T16:12:38.354-06:00A Great Thanksgiving Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After making stuffing, stuffing the turkey and getting it in the oven this morning, we went to do the Oak Creek 7th Annual Turkey Trek at Drexel Towne Square. It is an hour long walk around the local park at 8 AM. The coordinators request that we bring non-perishable food to be collected for charity. The temperature this morning was 37 degrees and there was a light wind but on a cold day it still stung a little. We enjoyed the view of the icy ponds along the trail where we walked. It was a great way to start turkey day.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">After the walk was over we went home to enjoy bloody Marys in th</span><span style="text-align: left;">e hot tub. It is a great way to get the chill out of our old bones and enjoy the quiet before the storm of family that will be over later this afternoon for Thanksgiving dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I love all things Peanuts so I just had to take advantage of the opportunity to use my plastic cup for my bloody Mary.</span></div>
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Whenever I have something big to do, like Thanksgiving dinner I've learned to make a list. This year I thought I would add some post-dinner comments in order to learn for next year. These are the lessons I learned from this year's dinner:</div>
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<ol>
<li>Cook the turkey way in advance, carve it and put it in a crock pot. Then all the mess can be cleaned up before guests arrive. It is a great stress relief.</li>
<li>Make turkey stock from scratch and use it to keep the sliced turkey moist in the crock pot.</li>
<li>Make less side dishes. Everyone wants the mashed potatoes. The end.</li>
<li>The cold vegetable sides were more popular than warmed vegetables.</li>
<li>Drink wine instead of making sangria. It's less fuss.</li>
</ol>
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The day was very stress free since I really planned ahead. The only disappointing thing was that my granddaughter was ill and laid on the sofa while we had dinner. At least we could see her and keep her in the conversation. I hope she is better today.</div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-38754627922926063632018-11-21T21:30:00.000-06:002018-11-28T21:37:18.623-06:00Turkey Brine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year and the best part about that is making some things my way. First of all, I love to brine the turkey overnight for the best results. I really think it makes a big difference. So here's my brine cooking on the stove. I make it today so it can cool all day then tomorrow morning it will go over the turkey. That way the turkey can soak for 24 hours before roasting. The scent of the brine while simmering is amazing.<br />
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Here's the recipe I use (it's from Pioneer Woman):<br />
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<ul class="list-ingredients" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a3a3a; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: square; margin: 10px 0px 20px 35px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 cups</span><span itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Apple Juice Or Apple Cider</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 gallons</span><span itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Cold Water</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 Tablespoons</span><span itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Fresh Rosemary Leaves</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5 cloves</span><span itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Garlic, Minced</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1-1/2 cup</span><span itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Kosher Salt</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 cups</span><span itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Brown Sugar</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 Tablespoons</span><span itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Peppercorns</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5 whole</span><span itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Bay Leaves</span></span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span itemprop="name" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Peel Of Three Large Oranges</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3a3a;">Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and cover. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a3a3a;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a3a3a;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3a3a;">Allow to cool completely, then pour into a large brining bag or pot. Place uncooked turkey in brine solution, then refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a3a3a;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a3a3a;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3a3a;">When ready to roast turkey, remove turkey from brine. Submerge turkey in a pot or sink of fresh, cold water. Allow to sit in clean water for 15 minutes to remove excess salt from the outside. </span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a3a3a;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a3a3a;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3a3a;">Discard brine. Remove turkey from </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3a3a;">clean water, pat dry, and cook according to your normal roasting method.</span></span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-45269388827801010782018-08-18T21:00:00.000-05:002018-08-31T17:33:20.437-05:00Cameron, MOOur trek to start the Legacy Run began today with a long drive to Cameron, MO. Since Neil planned the route we just followed along without paying too much attention to where we were ending up. It came as quite a surprise to me when I discovered that Cameron is next to Hamilton, the home of Missouri Star Quilt Co. I can't believe I was so close to the quilt shops but was not going to get to stop in.<br />
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We all were glad to have that first long day completed without any incidents.<br />
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We hung out at the hotel in the evening enjoying some nice cold beer and each other's company.<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-60549494747413750382018-08-14T17:09:00.000-05:002018-08-31T17:10:33.091-05:00Marco IslandHere are a few photos from our trip that I haven't talked about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-iRyZb9wrvqKwf15TupdULYePfLF2nwMfKqkHQlzATmomBloimdYKtOh_tdwCoDKRhYYFDA1EfecNBOOp2gs2-9-VS_imf5SlpSHMuaggKSxy4dRX045em0utVtfGA8pa0wDiA/s1600/Marco+Island+%252820%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-iRyZb9wrvqKwf15TupdULYePfLF2nwMfKqkHQlzATmomBloimdYKtOh_tdwCoDKRhYYFDA1EfecNBOOp2gs2-9-VS_imf5SlpSHMuaggKSxy4dRX045em0utVtfGA8pa0wDiA/s320/Marco+Island+%252820%2529.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-5012494514253315112018-08-13T15:20:00.000-05:002018-08-31T17:10:43.756-05:00Sunday on Marco IslandYesterday we sat at the pool under a grass roofed hut because it was raining. After attempting to wait out the rain we determined that it was not going to stop for a while. So we headed into town and did some shopping. I picked up a souvenir beach towel to take home.<br />
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Once the rain stopped, we enjoyed a nice dinner at Quinn’s. It’s a restaurant on the beach attached to a swanky Marriott hotel here on Marco Island.<br />
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The view is gorgeous and during dinner we watched this large family have their portraits done. It was quite a gathering.<br />
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While enjoying an after dinner cocktail we sat on the beach taking some fun photos.<br />
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A dolphin swam by. It was a magnificent sight. I sure wish I could get a photo of them but they moved so quickly it was impossible. When we headed back to our condo we saw one of the cave owls that make these really cool nests on the ground. They are protected so the nests are cordoned off. For a tiny owl it sure had a loud screech. We tried to get a shot of it in the dark but it was as elusive as the dolphin.<br />
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We finished the evening with facial masks in our bathing caps then called it a night.<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-36714111292851412512018-08-12T22:00:00.000-05:002018-08-31T17:10:57.147-05:00Snook Inn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3htWmPAYSbIrrRvAj-6cZn939riV_n7Uf6c4aiGpNtByFY3RLhpvfeHtpywNbDCy5XeHu5yxWoWBp621PH0xzC3NW9I-DUp6YqbulfkOkK4ww6P5bx4fQ2PRi4cXF63wC5iXbQ/s1600/Marco+Island+%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="466" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3htWmPAYSbIrrRvAj-6cZn939riV_n7Uf6c4aiGpNtByFY3RLhpvfeHtpywNbDCy5XeHu5yxWoWBp621PH0xzC3NW9I-DUp6YqbulfkOkK4ww6P5bx4fQ2PRi4cXF63wC5iXbQ/s400/Marco+Island+%252813%2529.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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There's a saying, "I got Snookered at the Snook Inn!" It's on a t-shirt and some of the ladies wanted to get one. We just went there for lunch.<br />
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On the menu it stated that you could have the chef cook the fish that you caught. That was something I never heard of before. I chose the red snapper, it was caught out of the waters right by the restaurant.</div>
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After we ate we headed to the gift shop to get the t-shirts and then stepped into the bar area. I discovered they had Yuengling on tap. It's one of my very favorite beers. We can't get it in Wisconsin so it's always a treat when I land someplace that serves it.</div>
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Before we knew it, we were ordering drinks and chatting with two men from England who were on holiday for two weeks. We were in their company for the bulk of the afternoon enjoying the conversation. It was a good afternoon.</div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-65947265030710361742018-08-11T07:30:00.000-05:002018-08-31T17:11:10.971-05:00Our First Day on Marco IslandOur plane landed in Florida only for me to find out that my luggage was accidentally routed to Detroit. It would be a while before the airline ended up delivering the luggage to me but they did it.<br />
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We immediately got settled and planned a trip to the grocery store. We purchased way too many groceries. But it's vacation so it doesn't matter. We did have fun at the liquor store.<br />
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Once we were back at the condo, we walked the beach out in front. It was an incredible view. As the sun was setting Carol shot a few photos.<br />
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I took the opportunity to take a few of my own. Stephanie's sister, Jennifer gave each of us these cute tumblers commemorating our trip. What a nice surprise!</div>
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I thought I would use my tumbler as a prop to mark the start of my photo journey throughout this trip.</div>
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This morning it rained which is pretty common here. Everything is so lush and green from the rain.This morning we woke up to this rainbow.<br />
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I had some fun with the coffee mug Stephanie gave us. Aren't they cute? </div>
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I couldn't resist making it look like the rainbow was going into the cup.</div>
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-70429583901587503462018-05-10T10:00:00.000-05:002019-02-28T06:15:46.756-06:00Orioles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTrdblWSkzci4HUpV-nB_zJMTeSScGF-jiB-ZV2B4JfuD2aFnC2rTROzfYaDjN8jHdcjNeLTXKs8EwkYqUTMas7eUl5yon8X8eGOEj0D81WBvNZMtDtmmSRJZiRKtM4yjTI7AhQ/s1600/Oriole+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTrdblWSkzci4HUpV-nB_zJMTeSScGF-jiB-ZV2B4JfuD2aFnC2rTROzfYaDjN8jHdcjNeLTXKs8EwkYqUTMas7eUl5yon8X8eGOEj0D81WBvNZMtDtmmSRJZiRKtM4yjTI7AhQ/s320/Oriole+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We had some orioles stop in the garden today. They are so beautiful. Jeff loves taking care of the birds so these photos made his day.<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-25862427991932373842017-12-06T07:30:00.000-06:002019-02-28T06:38:21.970-06:00St. Nick's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's St. Nick's day and the girls enjoyed opening the little gifts they found in their stockings this morning.<br />
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It's going to be difficult to get them off to school today!<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-46362331996780064902017-10-20T22:00:00.000-05:002019-02-28T06:27:01.289-06:00Halloween at the Zoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Milwaukee County Zoo held a trick or treat Halloween event tonight.<br />
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There were cute "scary" displays all around the zoo and many stops for Halloween candy. All the kids were in costume and the weather was perfect.<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-79632431587952650592017-10-18T21:30:00.000-05:002019-02-28T06:06:44.723-06:00China Lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We went to see the China Lights tonight. They sure were pretty. The botanical garden was covered with beautiful light. These are just a few of the lights that were there.<br />
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We also attended a show where there were dancers. I didn't take the opportunity to take photos, it was just too fun to watch. Besides, at night they weren't turning out so great.<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-81590740642692346462017-05-26T17:30:00.000-05:002017-06-20T06:44:31.976-05:00Lance Sijan Plane Dedication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSx1LCoqt4o6ILcx9Cpi0DHtHX3eg8-O_vBUnF-jvaNZ3aFFm8oCag8cyGZXK83YWNxQxEBL7BBDhAVzgMKXt8JdEfynEUuMZuKPfq938BcMdMuPP36G-at8gOQaV4cnLnVxRJg/s1600/Sijan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSx1LCoqt4o6ILcx9Cpi0DHtHX3eg8-O_vBUnF-jvaNZ3aFFm8oCag8cyGZXK83YWNxQxEBL7BBDhAVzgMKXt8JdEfynEUuMZuKPfq938BcMdMuPP36G-at8gOQaV4cnLnVxRJg/s320/Sijan1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Jeff's Legion Rider group participated in the Sijan Plane dedication today. Lance Sijan was a great American hero to was killed in captivity in Vietnam. He was honored today with the dedication of an F-14 fighter plane that was placed near the airport in his honor.<br />
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The family was escorted from Humboldt Park to the airport by a group of 103 riders.<br />
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There were dignitaries who spoke at the event and we took the opportunity to take photos of them and thank them for all they do for us.<br />
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It was a wonderful event and I am glad I had the opportunity to attend.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-88242845872007949972017-05-24T11:00:00.000-05:002017-06-18T21:15:08.903-05:00My Friend Rose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a photo I've loved for a very long time. It was taken at a holiday gathering at my friend Carol's house. The photo includes Carol's mother, Rose. Over the past few years I have come to call Rose not just my friend's mom, but my friend. We played Words with Friends pretty much daily. Sometimes I had a lapse where I didn't log on to my iPad and sometimes Rose wasn't there either. But for the most part, Rose and I played that game with vigor. We chatted on the app's chat log and had 2 and sometimes 3 games going at once. We both agreed that we were each other's best competition. When I had my very painful spine surgeries, I spent most of my days alone recovering while my husband was away during the day at work. No matter how miserable I was during those days I always had Rose. I could count on her being there. I know Rose had some health issues too. But neither of us ever mentioned what we were going through when we chatted. We stayed positive no matter what. She was always there. I hope she thought that of me as well.<br />
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This week Rose passed away. I don't know what I will do without her.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-12562788876450640652017-04-26T15:30:00.000-05:002017-06-20T06:59:52.871-05:00Chloe's Organs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Chloe had a class assignment where she had to make organs and place them exactly where they should go. She was so proud of her accomplishment that she wanted me to take a picture. In this photo she is pointing out all of the organs.<br />
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I said to her "I see you made brains too". Her response was priceless. She said to me "It's brain grandma, not brains. We only have one".<br />
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So smart.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-56551400002218738872017-04-26T08:01:00.000-05:002017-06-20T06:46:19.011-05:00Chloe Places an Order<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My granddaughter, Chloe who is 7 years old knows how to use the Amazon app on my iPad. She recently decided she loves Littlest Pet Shop toys. So she thought she would order herself some to add to her collection.<br />
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I did not realize how smart she was until this happened. I suppose I better pay closer attention to what she is doing on the internet now. Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-82687828987657580912017-04-09T09:00:00.000-05:002017-06-20T06:44:50.852-05:00My Version of Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Even though we are past the first day of spring, today really feels like we're there. I think we have crossed that threshold where I have to worry about another snow storm so I can put my winter boots away and replace them with my motorcycle boots.<br />
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A sure sign of spring!Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-74634051078451705302017-04-08T12:30:00.000-05:002019-02-28T05:56:13.962-06:00Breakfast with the Easter Bunny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Legion post hosts a breakfast with the Easter bunny each year. All Legion families are welcome to attend. At the event we get a nice breakfast followed by a visit by the Easter Bunny.<br />
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There's an Easter egg hunt and there are always plenty of eggs for all the kids to find.<br />
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The kids all get to visit with the Easter bunny where they receive an Easter basket full of goodies.<br />
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There are even crafts that the kids can make and face tattoos are available too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIsJDsQowdQxGYFHk42HZsDVG-xVmXmTritsrWE5rBD0Er9wFfStpncWDLoF-tfLCECJLFwERhlHiaqxbwCx4JmKDAiXjURHX0yj1OqedDgI0cmcRVl-T-wfJk38MgmfAB-zfcQ/s1600/Easter+Breakfast+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIsJDsQowdQxGYFHk42HZsDVG-xVmXmTritsrWE5rBD0Er9wFfStpncWDLoF-tfLCECJLFwERhlHiaqxbwCx4JmKDAiXjURHX0yj1OqedDgI0cmcRVl-T-wfJk38MgmfAB-zfcQ/s320/Easter+Breakfast+%25289%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-51146858947412220792017-03-09T20:49:00.000-06:002017-03-20T20:49:36.471-05:00The Cranes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWf0VYEde_IK1L53F04KvNBE1FRI9vbYyd9UlqiZhNEScwfSC-LnNphyphenhyphenrrUMQQV-PV6l_gkwLzWJCcxGg6yxXBNLAEvKI-A0OhqlPqV9WfQwU-H1Ex_2e4TNxdYSk4vVsX5ocew/s1600/Cranes+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWf0VYEde_IK1L53F04KvNBE1FRI9vbYyd9UlqiZhNEScwfSC-LnNphyphenhyphenrrUMQQV-PV6l_gkwLzWJCcxGg6yxXBNLAEvKI-A0OhqlPqV9WfQwU-H1Ex_2e4TNxdYSk4vVsX5ocew/s320/Cranes+%25288%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a>We've had this adorable couple visiting us on a daily basis. I've seen them every day for the last few weeks. Jeff wishes they would go somewhere else but he won't actually chase them away. And I don't blame him for not wanting them here, they are tearing up the yard. They dig with their long beaks into the grass and yank up chunks as they dig. It's a little like having the lawn aerated. For now we will enjoy watching their grace as they walk around the yard and their beauty as their wing spans expand as they fly away.<br />
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-28826018807167079582017-02-27T11:30:00.000-06:002017-06-20T06:54:07.299-05:00Avery Shops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Avery has the most amazing personality. She insists on dressing herself and loves to wear skirts and dresses. Here she is at Gymboree trying on new sunglasses. Her mother wanted her to look at new dresses, skirts and pants but she wanted nothing to do with it.<br />
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What's not to love about this little cutie.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-80075805934706613192016-12-14T14:30:00.000-06:002017-06-20T06:46:33.329-05:00Christmas Shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love when holiday preparation kicks into high gear and I get so much done all in one shot.<br />
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I am ready for guests now that my fridge will be stocked with beverages. And I completed almost all of my Christmas shopping.<br />
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The beautiful thing is almost all of my other gift shopping is from Amazon so I won't have to leave the house to shop again.<br />
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The beautiful thing is that I even had time to pick up the quilts my church group made for the veterans so Jeff is ready to deliver them. Yay!Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-82895103742060370482016-07-20T05:45:00.000-05:002017-06-20T06:45:10.289-05:00My New Bike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made the choice to trade in my triathlon bike for this cute hybrid. It's a very cute bike. I had the bike shop add a back rack on so I could get a basket.<br />
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Since my spine surgeries, I can barely bend so my racing bike is out of the question. That bike also had clips instead of pedals and since I can't feel my foot I struggle to stay in the clip yet alone staying upright.<br />
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It's not a happy choice but I have to move on. I can't hope things will get better any more so it's time to adjust. With our new Drexel Town Square just a few blocks away, I can ride to the grocery store, library, pet store, and many restaurants with this nice bike. It does feel good to get moving again.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-28070596070333007902016-07-07T11:31:00.000-05:002017-06-20T06:46:09.290-05:00Effigy Mounds National Monument<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We decided to take an overnight trip to the west side of the state. The plan was to drive west until we were tired of driving although the hope was to get as far as Red Wing, Minnesota. We were taking the back roads all the way there so this was not going to be a quick drive across the state. We wanted scenery.<br />
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We stopped for lunch in Sauk City at a place called the Press Box. I thought it was a sports-themed bar however the only thing that really seemed sports related was the outside of the bar where there were busts of sports figures in uniforms that appeared as if they were in a press box at a baseball game. The inside of the place was just a bar. We sat at the bar and ordered beers and sandwiches. My husband ordered a jerk chicken sandwich and I had a smoked turkey sandwich. They were well prepared with fresh ingredients and the prices were downright cheap.<br />
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A few hours later we stopped at a quilt shop in Prairie du Chien called the Picket Fence. Inside there was a candy counter as well as lots of gorgeous fabrics. I spent lots of time walking the aisles, which was fine with my husband since it felt good to be standing up instead of riding. I purchased a variety of pretty fabrics while we were there and I wished I could have bought more, but I needed to have some budget constraint in place.<br />
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As we left the quilt shop we continued west. Just riding along the Mississippi River was plenty of scenery for me however we did run across a gorgeous National Monument in Harpers Ferry, Iowa. Effigy Mounds National Park is a gorgeous park with beautiful Indian burial grounds that are set on the shore of the Mississippi River. The mounds are the sacred burial grounds and have various animal shapes. They were built by the Indians about 1,400 years ago and it was a wonderful place to stop and reflect on our heritage.<br />
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In order to see the mounds, you must hike 2 and a half miles through some hilly paths. Unfortunately since this stop was not planned, we didn't pack any good shoes for hiking. So we walked the paths into the woods for a few blocks in order to see the first set of mounds. It was a quite a beautiful sight. We walked a little further realizing that going back down would be a little treacheros in flip-flops so we stopped. With the right footwear we could have continued on but since the temps were over 90 degrees, we chose to skip hiking any more. Between the heat and the flip-slops it was just not to be. Besides that, we had a plan to get as far as Red Wing and it was getting late in the day.<br />
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As we headed northwest, the sun was starting to set and the rain clouds were starting to appear up above. We decided to look for a hotel room in La Crosse. We got off the beaten path and headed to one of the main streets in La Crosse. The street was lined with hotels on both sides and as we passed a Quality Inn we decided that was the one we wanted. So we turned around, pulled into their portico and walked to the desk. They had a room available and we checked in, relaxed for a little while and chose a place for dinner.<br />
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We decided to try the HuHot Mongolian barbecue because the idea of stir-fried veggies sounded good and the many billboards we saw along the way was incentive enough. It wasn't horrible but it wasn't the greatest restaurant ever but we were satisfied with our choice and enjoyed eating a variety of vegetables instead of something heavier or boring like a salad.<br />
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After dinner we took a swim in the hotel pool then planned our return trip for the next day. We decided to skip going all the way to Red Wing, it was just a whim in the first place so it wasn't like any important destination.<br />
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We got home safely and rather quickly as we took the I90-94 route back in order to get some things done around the house. The lesson of this trip was a little like the saying from Ferris Bueller's Day Off: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22142141.post-74655355240611235972016-06-14T21:56:00.000-05:002016-06-23T21:57:26.992-05:00Our New Daily VisitorWe have a fox who walks through our back yard every morning. I usually see his tail before I see the rest of him. He is a good sized fox which I took to mean he is well-fed. This morning I got to see first-hand just how well fed he is.<br />
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I saw a flash of his tail out of my kitchen window so I ran to the patio door to get a better gimpse. And there he was, standing right at the end of our deck staring back at me. He was literally 16 feet away. Lucky for me, there was the glass door between us otherwise I would not have been standing there so confidently.<br />
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Between his front paws lay his prey, a rabbit spread out on its back. I was mortified, a little sick to my stomach at the sight of the poor dead bunny, yet I was awestruck watching nature play out right in front of me.<br />
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I slowly backed away from the patio door to get my camera. Since I know the path of this familiar creature, he would go through my neighbor's back yard, then head southeast toward the field by the park near our house. So once I had my camera in hand, I had assumed correctly that he would already be gone from my back yard and heading towards the park.<br />
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I ran out the front door camera-ready. I think I startled him by running towards him so he headed east and crossed the street. I got this shot of him with his prey as he walked away from me.<br />
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During the course of the day I took inventory of the rabbits in my yard...Mama bunny - check. Baby bunny number 1 - check. Baby bunny number 2 - check. The rabbit family that lives under my deck is all still here. I think that means this fox will be returning again.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01036285407594296015noreply@blogger.com0