tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60490072806078407792024-03-05T15:57:46.470-06:00Wendy's LifeWendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.comBlogger296125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-89974390547181361262016-03-05T16:48:00.000-06:002016-03-05T16:48:07.680-06:00Beet Short Ribs - EASY!!!<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/25232183540/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beef (29)"><img alt="Beef (29)" height="425" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1534/25232183540_8370f5ecce_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I was shopping at Costco a couple of months ago and I stumbled across a package of beef short ribs. I always think I'd like to try them, but I had never cooked with them. I figured it was time to try. I reviewed a couple of different recipes and here's what I came up with. <br />
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This will make your house smell soooooooooo good! <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">AND </span></em></div>
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It's a crock pot recipe - so super easy!!<br />
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Here's what you need - <br />
<ul>
<li>Beef short ribs, boneless. I tend to use around a pound, or one short rib per person. I've made this with as many as 7 ribs or as little as 3 ribs. This is a forgiving recipe. </li>
<li>1/2 cup flour - more or less.</li>
<li>1 Tablespoon olive oil</li>
<li>1 onion</li>
<li>1 clove garlic</li>
<li>1 1/2 cup chopped carrots</li>
<li>1 cup beef stock</li>
<li>1 bottle of stout beer - 12 oz (or use whatever beer you have on hand)</li>
</ul>
Here's what the beef spare ribs look like - note - they are boneless.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/25160262009/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beef (2)"><img alt="Beef (2)" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1696/25160262009_f27c9957cf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Sprinkle the ribs with salt (I prefer kosher) and pepper, then dredge the ribs in flour until lightly coated. Shake off the excess flour. <br />
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Add the olive oil to a skillet - or - if you have a super cool crock pot that can also sauté, brown your ribs in there. You don't need to fully cook them, just get them a bit browned on all four sides.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/25435045891/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beef (5)"><img alt="Beef (5)" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1685/25435045891_21aa03e8cd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Here's they are sautéing away.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/25527798285/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beef (7)"><img alt="Beef (7)" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1516/25527798285_9a05903a05_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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While the ribs are sautéing, chop up one onion and some carrots. This time I used baby carrots and I just chopped them in half. Other times I've used whole carrots and chopped them up. Whatever pleases you works. <br />
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Also, please note my super beautiful cutting board that my father made. Yup, he MADE that! <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/25527797865/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beef (11)"><img alt="Beef (11)" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1663/25527797865_260a452d68_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Pull the browned meat out of the skillet/crock pot and set it aside.<br />
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Add your chopped onions and let them soften a bit. Then add in the carrots and the garlic that I forgot to take a picture of.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/25160258929/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beef (19)"><img alt="Beef (19)" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1559/25160258929_e3ea238d48_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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After a bit (or whenever you want really, like I said, this recipe is very forgiving), add in the beef stock and a bottle of beer. <br />
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Add back in the beef ribs and cover.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/25409273752/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beef (20)"><img alt="Beef (20)" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1475/25409273752_e14bf45f42_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Set your crock pot on low and cook for however long you'd like. I put mine on around 8:00am and we ate dinner at 6:30. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/25232184090/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beef (27)"><img alt="Beef (27)" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1635/25232184090_4bddf804c8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This time I served it with noodles, but it is also fantastic with mashed potatoes or rice.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/25232183540/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beef (29)"><img alt="Beef (29)" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1534/25232183540_8370f5ecce_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>The meat is fork tender and really is good.<br />
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Enjoy!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-16135256324780659352015-10-09T17:21:00.001-05:002015-10-09T17:21:42.039-05:00Super-Douper Easy BrisketHello there! I've been meaning to post about this recipe for a while. I'm doing this especially for my brother, David, because I told him I would tell him about this.<br />
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This is a brisket that I make in the crock pot, and then I shred it up for slider sandwiches. It's super easy and very good. And I love that my dinner is cooking while I'm busy working or doing something else. <br />
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We like our sandwiches with a pickle and some sharp cheddar cheese, but just plain is great too.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/21872154238/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (38)-edit"><img alt="Brisket (38)-edit" height="531" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5803/21872154238_e11f862d44_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Here's what you will need - <br />
<ul>
<li>Brisket - for these pictures I used a 3lb brisket</li>
<li>1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce</li>
<li>Salt & Pepper</li>
<li>Buns</li>
<li>Condiments (pickles, cheese, whatever you like)</li>
</ul>
I trimmed quite a bit of the fat off of the brisket because it grosses me out. Then, I put the brisket in at 7:00am, fat side up. I sprinkled with salt and pepper and put the lid on it. I set my crock pot to high for a couple of hours and then let it go at the medium setting for the rest of the day.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/22033838936/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (1)"><img alt="Brisket (1)" height="531" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5783/22033838936_291ce27557_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Around 4:00pm that day it was done and looked like this.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/21437192454/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (6)"><img alt="Brisket (6)" height="531" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5627/21437192454_f24d33367b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I pulled the brisket out and set it in a pan to work with it a bit.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/22047616602/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (9)"><img alt="Brisket (9)" height="531" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5736/22047616602_b792a164ec_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I scrapped off some more of the fat, see below.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/22047616452/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (13)"><img alt="Brisket (13)" height="531" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/683/22047616452_695bc091f1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Then I sliced the brisket into easily manageable bites. Since I'm going to shred this, I don't want pieces that are too long. Cutting the brisket makes this happen.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/21871861160/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (14)"><img alt="Brisket (14)" height="531" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5700/21871861160_bf12b58e5a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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To shred the brisket, just take two forks and pull the meat apart. It's quite tender and easy to do. Here's one section done.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/22069995641/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (17)"><img alt="Brisket (17)" height="531" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/676/22069995641_8e450224be_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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A couple of more sections done.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/22047627242/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (19)"><img alt="Brisket (19)" height="531" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/696/22047627242_a516d2bc82_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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And finally, all done. Yum!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/21437202684/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (24)"><img alt="Brisket (24)" height="531" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5649/21437202684_785f78b677_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I skimmed the juices that were left in the crock pot to get any remaining fat out, and then added 1 bottle of BBQ sauce. I've done this with many different types - so use whatever you know your family likes. Then I add the brisket back in.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/21438907683/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (25)"><img alt="Brisket (25)" height="531" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/615/21438907683_941bb506e9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Stir in the meat with the juices and cover the crock pot with a lid again. Let this cook for at least another hour. It can go much longer if you get distracted and dinner is later than you planned.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/22060046015/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (29)"><img alt="Brisket (29)" height="531" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/688/22060046015_8a964b96cb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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We like to serve this on mini slider buns (toasted) and my family has found that we love sharp cheddar cheese and a pickle on each sandwich. It's messy and delicious. If I have any leftovers, I like to make quesadillas with the meat. That's fantastic too!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/21872154238/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brisket (38)-edit"><img alt="Brisket (38)-edit" height="531" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5803/21872154238_e11f862d44_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Enjoy!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-13813811002732706192015-10-02T11:40:00.000-05:002015-10-02T11:46:26.457-05:00Rocky Road Chocolate Cookies!!! Hello! Yes, I know it's been a very long time. Tons of things have happened in the time since my last post, and I'll maybe write about them sometime in another post. But for now - you MUST try these cookies. <br />
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I made these a few days ago and they have stayed soft and chewy - which is my cookie preference. They aren't too sweet either (which normally I prefer). <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/21703697329/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rocky DSC_0004"><img alt="Rocky DSC_0004" height="425" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/750/21703697329_723b1d392f_h.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Here's the goods you need - <br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup butter</li>
<li>1 cup semisweet chocolate chips </li>
<li>1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (I'll explain below)</li>
<li>1 cup sugar</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1/2 tsp vanilla</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups flour</li>
<li>1 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 tsp kosher salt</li>
<li>1 cup pecans - chopped, or use my lazy method below.</li>
<li>1-2 cups of miniature marshmallows (read below)</li>
</ul>
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My new oven takes FOREVER to preheat, so if yours is like mine - start your oven preheating to 400 degrees F. <br />
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On the stove, melt together the butter and 1 cup of the chocolate chips. Don't let them burn, just melt everything together. Set this aside to cool.<br />
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Mix together the sugar, melted chocolate/butter combo and then add in the eggs, vanilla and salt. Blend in the flour, baking powder. Add in the chocolate chips and 1 cup of the miniature marshmallows.<br />
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Because I'm lazy, I took pecan halves and with my KitchenAid mixer on, I added the pecan halves into the batter at this time. The mixing of the KitchenAid chops up the nuts well enough for me. <br />
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I lined my cookie sheet with parchment paper and the cookies didn't stick at all. This also makes for an easy clean up, which I love. Drop the cookies in round balls onto the cookie sheet (I use a cookie scoop). <br />
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From the remaining cup of marshmallows, add several miniature marshmallows to the top of each cookie. Use your judgement here - I liked the look of 3 on each cookie. <br />
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Bake at 400' for 7 minutes (your oven might take a tad longer - my oven seems to be cooking hot). I let them cool on the cookie sheet for about a minute and then I move them to a wire rack for longer cooling. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/21890554695/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rocky DSC_0001"><img alt="Rocky DSC_0001" height="425" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5637/21890554695_d7389b787f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Seriously, these are fantastic. <br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-56256593993620184822014-05-04T16:08:00.001-05:002014-05-04T16:08:19.237-05:00Whoa!!!Where has the time gone? These last few months have been a blur. I'll try to recap the highlights.<br />
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Gold Award<br />
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Bailey has been a Girl Scout since her second grade. The Gold Award is the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn. Bailey organized and hosted a science day event at her high school. She had around 50 high school volunteers who led experiments and demonstrations for the local elementary aged kids who attended for free. She had around 185 people attend the event and it was a huge success. <br />
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Here's Bailey talking to her volunteers before the event started. <br />
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The volunteers for this event spent their entire Saturday helping Bailey. I can't tell you how impressed I was with all of them. What a remarkable group of young adults. <br />
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Here's some of the attendees walking from demonstration to demonstration.<br />
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And yeah - I'm married to this.
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This is one of the experiments that was demonstrated. Flaming bubbles. So cool.
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And a big group shot of everyone after the event was over.
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A high school student wrote about the event and it was in our local paper. Here's the <a href="http://www.dentonrc.com/local-news/education/speak-out-loud/20140307-girl-scout-organizes-science-workshop.ece" target="_blank">link</a>. She couldn't have done this event without her fantastic chemistry teacher. She inspired Bailey to move forward with this project and was instrumental in getting it done. <br />
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This Saturday we will go to a banquet where Bailey will be pinned with her Gold Award. Her science teacher will attend with us and I'm really looking forward to this.<br />
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In March, Bailey and I helped to organize and attend a Leader and Me Girl Scout camp. This might have been our last Girl Scout camp together, so it was a really nice weekend. The weather was chilly, which is perfect for camping, if you ask me. <br />
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In April, My mom and I visited the Dallas Arboretum. I love going there. Mom was extra patient with me as I took a ton of pictures. I was trying to get some good ones for our dining room walls. Here's some of my favorites from that day.<br />
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This is Bailey's senior year in high school, so we have been busy with all of that as well. She attended prom a couple of weeks ago and she had a fantastic time. <br />
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She went with a big group of people and they clearly had a blast together.<br />
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I took several pictures for her graduation announcements. Here's a couple of my favorites. <br />
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I wish Bridget was looking up in this picture - I think it is a good one of Bailey still.<br />
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And now we are just counting down to her graduation ceremony. We are hosting a big celebration the day after her graduation. And then the next day she will leave to be a Girl Scout camp counselor for the summer camps. Things just don't seem to slow down here. <br />
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Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-17278051302218269582013-12-29T18:54:00.001-06:002013-12-29T18:54:25.057-06:00Squash CasseroleI stumbled across this recipe about two months ago and I think I've made it about 10 times. It's that good. My family loves it. I even served it at Thanksgiving - it was that good.<br />
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First, here's a quick picture of some of the Christmas treats Mom and I made this year. <br />
It's a tradition for us to bake a ton of things prior to Christmas. We love to bake and we have a lot of fun together.<br />
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And one more non-squash related picture - of Bridget, and in the background, my daughter Bailey.
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Wait - are they on the sofa?? Doggies are not allowed on the sofa!!<br />
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Back to the Squash Casserole. I found the original recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/squash-casserole-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Here's what you need (and this has been tweaked a bit):<br />
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<ul>
<li>6 cups large diced yellow squash (about 5 or 6) </li>
<li>Vegetable oil or Olive oil (I used olive oil)</li>
<li>1 large onion, chopped </li>
<li>4 tablespoons butter (I only used about 2)</li>
<li>1/2 cup sour cream </li>
<li>1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated</li>
<li>1 cup grated cheddar cheese </li>
<li>1 cup crushed butter crackers (recommended: Ritz) I used 1 sleeve of crackers</li>
<li>Salt and pepper to taste </li>
</ul>
Heat your oven to 350.<br />
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Chop up the squash and onion. Sauté the onion in the oil and butter, then add in the squash. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5 minutes in a skillet. Move to a mixing bowl and add in the cheeses and sour cream. Pour mix into a greased 9x13 pan and then sprinkle the crushed crackers on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. <br />
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Here's my squash, all washed and ready to be chopped up.<br />
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Bailey took this action shot for me - chop up all of the squash please. I slice them straight down from top to bottom, and then slice them thinly.
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You will end up with a lot of squash.<br />
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Then slice up an onion the same way. Go ahead and try not to cry. I dare you.<br />
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Go ahead and toss the onion into a skillet with a bit (tablespoon) of olive oil or veggie oil and the butter, and sweat the onion for a bit. Add the salt and pepper too please.<br />
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To add to you level of difficulty, please have a dog follow you around and whenever you stand still for more than two seconds, have that dog lay on your feet. <br />
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Please. <br />
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And then when you aren't paying attention, please have your daughter take a "selfie" of her and her best friend, Taylor. <br />
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Thankyouverymuch.<br />
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After the onions have cooked just a bit, add the squash and let them cook in the skillet for about 5 minutes. <br />
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Then move them to a large mixing bowl. Add in the two cheeses, and sour cream.<br />
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Mix these together and pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Spread the crushed crackers on top.<br />
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Here's the squash with the crackers on top, ready to go into the oven.<br />
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Bake at 350' until it is bubbly, about 25-30 minutes. You will see that the crackers don't get too brown. That's ok. It's still yum!!<br />
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I have made this dish ahead of time and then baked it just before serving. It turns out great every time. <br />
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Enjoy!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-3956901656253877042013-12-11T20:42:00.000-06:002013-12-11T20:42:53.158-06:00Icemageddon and BridgetHere in the Dallas area, we are just starting to get out of the ice storm called "Icemageddon!" It started raining freezing rain/sleet on Thursday, December 5 and we got several inches by Friday morning. On top of that, the temperatures didn't go above freezing for a couple of days - so we were iced in.<br />
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My mom came over on Thursday and stayed with us during the storm. We enjoyed having her and it was nice to all be stuck in the house together. We did a bit of cooking over the weekend, but mostly we stayed warm under blankets. It was heaven.<br />
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Here's our house a couple of days after the storm hit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332395993/" title="DSC_0015 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0015" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/11332395993_db3f9d0c14_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
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I thought these ice crystals were pretty.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332325086/" title="DSC_0012 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0012" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/11332325086_caa1530fd3_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a>
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Our street is looking more like an ice rink. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332325286/" title="DSC_0017 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0017" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/11332325286_b1a90cd577_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a>
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The bushes in front of our house collected lots of ice too.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332407483/" title="DSC_0025 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0025" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/11332407483_5323b5124d_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
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And now on to Bridget. She has grown so much. Just to remind you of what she used to look like - <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9487858339/" title="7-25-13 (24) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="7-25-13 (24)" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9487858339_c58b5a1d50_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a>
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Here she is now. Bailey still likes to pick her up, which isn't easy. She's 6 months old and about 45-50 pounds now.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332249035/" title="DSC_0015 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0015" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/11332249035_1bcc9639fd_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a>
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Bailey actually took this picture, but I love it, so I'm using it.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332389723/" title="DSC_0013 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0013" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/11332389723_89b463795b_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here's Bridget running in our backyard. <br />
She. Loves. To. Run.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332336106/" title="DSC_0101 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0101" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/11332336106_4e335f2370_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
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What do you do when you are tired from running? You cuddle up in a blanket made especially for you by Bailey.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332407233/" title="DSC_0026 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0026" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/11332407233_3639f6bbb5_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
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And here's a good size comparison to our fireplace for you.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332264375/" title="DSC_0029 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0029" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5528/11332264375_456b43c317_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a>
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She is resting on her second dog bed. Someone chewed up her first one already.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332406873/" title="DSC_0037 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0037" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/11332406873_496e378a73_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
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I originally told you in my first <a href="http://kiss-that-frog.blogspot.com/2013/08/bridget.html" target="_blank">post</a> about Bridget that she was a Newfoundland puppy. Well, she wasn't growing as quickly as a Newfoundland should, so we had her DNA tested. Turns out that she is mostly Lab, with parts Chow and Shetland sheepdog. <br />
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Basically she's a mutt. <br />
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But that's ok, we have gotten quite attached to her. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332334956/" title="DSC_0040 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0040" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/11332334956_d87013de5e_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a>
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I didn't think she was really sleeping.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332334836/" title="DSC_0044 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0044" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/11332334836_29b30e8af9_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here's her full body. She often looks like a wolf to us. Her fur is curly in areas and straight in others. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332263495/" title="DSC_0047 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0047" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/11332263495_9bc0202873_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
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And here's her Bridget smile. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/11332263095/" title="DSC_0085 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0085" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/11332263095_441dab5f84_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-68750154394411847992013-08-11T17:41:00.000-05:002013-08-11T17:41:21.543-05:00BridgetIt's only fitting that I follow my last post about the Dog Bowl 2013, with our own dog story.<br />
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I should start with the information that our most beloved cat, Twister, passed away in May. We still miss him to this day. If he were here he would be stretched out on top of my desk, occasionally knocking things off when he stretches in his sleep. <br />
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We went a couple of months with a quiet, clean household, and then we found this <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/26728279" target="_blank">announcement</a> for this little cutie at our local shelter. They had her listed as a male, but we had to go check her out.<br />
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After bribing Rominal with some electronics for the house, we have a new puppy.<br />
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Meet Bridget, our newest family member. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9487858607/" title="7-23-13 (8) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="7-23-13 (8)" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9487858607_dcb6b2e6b6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Bailey and I had researched dog breeds and we liked the way the Newfoundland dogs were described as mellow and great with kids. Also, they aren't that active. Perfect for us.<br />
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She and her 3 litter mates were found in a storm drain that had been blocked by huge rocks. The puppies were in pretty bad shape when a good Samaritan heard their cries. It took the fire department to hose out the rocks in order to get the puppies out.<br />
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In the picture above and below, she was about 8 1/2 weeks old and about 10.5 pounds.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9490656294/" title="7-23-13 (20) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="7-23-13 (20)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/9490656294_3dd503633c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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When we first brought her home, she slept a lot. I've always had a thing for pigs, so I love how she looks like a little pig here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9487858339/" title="7-25-13 (24) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="7-25-13 (24)" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9487858339_c58b5a1d50_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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But after a week or so, she started to get more active.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9487858039/" title="7-25-13, part 2 (15) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="7-25-13, part 2 (15)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/9487858039_0f938541eb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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As you can see, Bailey and her have bonded nicely.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9490655682/" title="7-29-13 (15) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="7-29-13 (15)" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/9490655682_741414765b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We named her Bridget after Bailey's most favorite stuffed animal, seen below. The pink Bridget has gone on all trips with us and slept with Bailey since she was very little. Bridget has been Bailey's companion at all times, so it only seemed appropriate to name her after her most favorite item.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9487857819/" title="7-29-13 (29) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="7-29-13 (29)" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/9487857819_d9aafc1928_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The pictures below were taken today. I'm trying to chronicle her growth. She currently weighs 16.8 pounds and is 11 weeks old. If she is a full-blooded Newfie (which I don't think she is) she would be considered underweight. The shelter had her identified as a Newfie/Lab mix, which would explain her current weight.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9490664334/" title="8-11-13 (1) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="8-11-13 (1)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/9490664334_2540da8fe3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9490664204/" title="8-11-13 (3) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="8-11-13 (3)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/9490664204_58e2eb34b6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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She loves to chase us outside.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9487866305/" title="8-11-13 (38) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="8-11-13 (38)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/9487866305_559dbe96ea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And she really loves her new Frisbee.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9490663622/" title="8-11-13 (63) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="8-11-13 (63)" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/9490663622_840f58b1dd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9490663510/" title="8-11-13 (71) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="8-11-13 (71)" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/9490663510_f929efbba9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We occasionally have indoor chases as well. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9487865821/" title="8-11-13 (99) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="8-11-13 (99)" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/9487865821_26330bc4c9_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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She can almost catch Rominal!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9490663206/" title="8-11-13 (103) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="8-11-13 (103)" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/9490663206_302549ba6d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Love those eyes!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/9487866385/" title="8-11-13 (26) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="8-11-13 (26)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/9487866385_4e196697d6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-47329476071182294872013-04-17T20:45:00.002-05:002013-04-17T20:45:58.784-05:002013 Dog BowlHello. How are you? I'm good. It's been a long time since I've posted, and much has gone on, but I thought I'd start with something fun that we recently did.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8658905766/" title="DSC_0087 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0087" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8658905766_2933bd6930_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The Girls Scouts and I helped out at the 2013 Dog Bowl which was held in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. <br />
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Basically the Cotton Bowl is turned into one big giant dog park. The Girl Scout's role was to keep the kiddie pools and buckets filled with water.
It turned into a full-time job, but it was fun.
Here's two of my favorite men - Rominal and my brother David. They came along too. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8657800015/" title="DSC_0086 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0086" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8657800015_0fa7586acc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The girls job was to keep kiddie pools and buckets filled with water for the dogs.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8658905988/" title="DSC_0104 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0104" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8121/8658905988_73174f7855_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This turned out to be quite a job.
Bailey clearly loved being around all of the dogs.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8657800689/" title="DSC_0119 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0119" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8657800689_b173d0f690_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This little white dog went to every pool and scratched at the side of it - as though he would find a hidden bone. The other dog didn't seem to mind.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8658906408/" title="DSC_0124 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0124" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8658906408_6de5e715c4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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It was so neat to see all of the different dogs. We didn't see any fighting, just lots of running around.
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This dog reminded me of the dog I grew up with, Tim.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8658906820/" title="DSC_0138 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0138" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8122/8658906820_3e997925e3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
What do we think of this dog?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8657801515/" title="DSC_0144 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0144" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8657801515_b56d4c31f6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Here's Bailey and David, loving on a nice dog.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8658907240/" title="DSC_0149 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0149" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8658907240_f086454e23_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
How's this for a face?
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8657801929/" title="DSC_0159 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0159" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8657801929_b6de92734a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And no one told this little dog how little he was. He chased the Frisbee all over the park.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8657802035/" title="DSC_0164 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0164" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8657802035_089709bb43_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
While some dogs chased the water.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8658907820/" title="DSC_0175 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0175" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8124/8658907820_5e9e5a9d80_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
All over they chased the water.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8658907916/" title="DSC_0178 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0178" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8658907916_bbc95a1f5b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Look at these faces.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8657802561/" title="DSC_0184 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0184" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8657802561_b1be4d3c3c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And then there was the drool.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8657798039/" title="DSC_0171 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0171" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8657798039_81d8c5dbe5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
So much drool.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8657797625/" title="DSC_0201 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0201" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8657797625_5f6194b111_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Lots, and lots of drool.
Ewwwww.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8658911368/" title="DSC_0226 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0226" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8658911368_bda05b5110_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
How cute is this? This woman carried her dog out of the park - he clearly loved her.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8657797773/" title="DSC_0190 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0190" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8657797773_0b8fe65a46_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
It was neat to see a handicapped dog, doing quite well.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8658903074/" title="DSC_0229 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0229" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8658903074_00289db8ab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And another dog with three legs - who seemed to have a great time.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8657797295/" title="DSC_0240 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0240" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8657797295_0ced6ac5f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Can't leave out a picture of a well-dressed dog.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8658902968/" title="DSC_0236 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0236" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8658902968_156d5dfb5b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Overall it was a great day.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8657797891/" title="DSC_0189 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0189" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8657797891_1baeaffc5d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-42760029383754634832013-01-14T20:09:00.001-06:002013-01-14T20:09:57.501-06:00Roast Chicken Dinner<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8381408729/" title="Chicken 1-14-13 (22) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicken 1-14-13 (22)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8381408729_5a2bff138e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
OMG!! This chicken dinner is so good! And your house will smell wonderful after you make it!<br />
<br />
This is the second time I've made this, and each time it has turned out fantastic. I mixed together several recipes and this works really well. You must try this.<br />
<br />
Here's what you need:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 (5-6 pound) chicken. I think I'll try a larger bird next time - we don't have any leftovers!</li>
<li>1 stick of butter</li>
<li>1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning</li>
<li>1 tsp poultry seasoning (or sage if you don't have that)</li>
<li>1 large lemon</li>
<li>1 full head of garlic, peeled and separated</li>
<li>Small potatoes</li>
<li>baby carrots</li>
<li>2 onions</li>
<li>The first time I made this I had broccoli on hand and I added it to the veggie mix. You can add/subtract what works for you</li>
<li>Olive oil</li>
<li>Salt (kosher please)</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
First - take a picture of your sleeping cat, and then wake him up because you'd like to take a nap too, and if you can't take a nap then neither should he.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8382494424/" title="Chicken 1-14-13 (2) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicken 1-14-13 (2)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8382494424_a3830a7399_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Second - gather some of your ingredients!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8381410745/" title="Chicken 1-14-13 (4) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicken 1-14-13 (4)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8381410745_a61f50ac99_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Please pretend you see 1 clove of freshly peeled garlic in the picture above too.<br />
<br />
Now, melt your stick of butter and then mix in the lemon pepper and poultry seasonings.
Using a fine grater, grate the lemon peel into the butter mixture. Run the garlic clove through a garlic press (or chop very finely) and add to butter mixture. Put this in the fridge to chill and harden up. It will take much less time than you think for this to occur.<br />
<br />
Your butter mixture should look like this (before being chilled) - not very appealing, but tasty.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8381410379/" title="Chicken 1-14-13 (10) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicken 1-14-13 (10)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8381410379_6c677fd7a4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Time to prep your veggies. This time I selected potatoes, carrots, garlic and onions, but in the past I have also added broccoli. Use what you like!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8381410053/" title="Chicken 1-14-13 (11) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicken 1-14-13 (11)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8381410053_69fbc15584_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I wash and slice up everything (peel the garlic and leave it whole) and then put all of your veggies into a plastic bag. Drizzle in some olive oil - just enough to coat the veggies. Mix the veggies around so that everything is covered.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8382492876/" title="Chicken 1-14-13 (16) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicken 1-14-13 (16)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8382492876_7a126eca2a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Cover your pan with foil (it makes clean up so much easier - and I'm all about making things easier). Rinse and dry the chicken, and make sure you take out any nasty foreign things that they put inside the chicken. Put the chicken in the middle of your pan.<br />
<br />
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Yes, that's right - 425. Oh, and before you do that, check your oven to see if you need to lower a rack down a bit to fit the chicken in.<br />
<br />
Take your butter mixture out of the fridge and work some of it between the breast and skin of the chicken with your fingers - it's messy but worth it. Try not to break the skin when you do this. Put some inside the chicken as well, and then "coat" the top of the chicken with the remaining bits of the butter mixture. <br />
<br />
Slice your lemon into about 4 chunks and squeeze some juice over the veggies in the bag. Then put the lemon (peel and all) and onions inside the chicken. Put as much in there as you can fit.<br />
<br />
Take your veggie mixture out of your bag and spread your veggies around the chicken. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8382492390/" title="Chicken 1-14-13 (19) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicken 1-14-13 (19)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8382492390_a329e201bd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Bake the chicken, just like this -not covered - for 1 1/2 hours. I take it out half way through and stir the veggies around. <br />
<br />
You can test the chicken for doneness by making sure the juices run clear or with a thermometer. After you pull it out of the oven, tent the entire thing for about 10 minutes and then slice and serve.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8381408729/" title="Chicken 1-14-13 (22) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicken 1-14-13 (22)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8381408729_5a2bff138e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The veggies soak up the chicken juices and the onions and garlic flavor everything. <br />
<br />
The cooked whole garlic cloves are extra special treats - they get very soft and are super tasty. Smear them on the potatoes or a piece of chicken for extra goodness.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8381408219/" title="Chicken 1-14-13 (27) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicken 1-14-13 (27)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8381408219_81a016e730_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Please try this sometime - it really is quite good.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-74610346367258500972013-01-07T17:36:00.003-06:002013-01-07T17:41:26.615-06:00Multigrain Bread - Single Loaf<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8359330532/" title="Bread (38) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (38)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8359330532_0c904c2699_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I think my most popular recipe on my blog is the multigrain bread <a href="http://kiss-that-frog.blogspot.com/2009/12/multigrain-bread.html" target="_blank">recipe</a>. It is an excellent recipe and pretty much fail-proof. <br />
<br />
I even made a cinnamon swirl <a href="http://kiss-that-frog.blogspot.com/2010/03/cinnamon-swirl-multigrain-bread.html" target="_blank">version</a> of this bread as well. Yummy!<br />
<br />
My only issue with the recipe was that it made two loaves. That might not be a concern for most people because I have found this bread freezes very well. Just eat one loaf and then freeze the other.<br />
<br />
However, my family is goofy. If they know it's been frozen, they won't eat it. And I like to bake each weekend, so I was getting really stocked up on bread. My neighbors are on a eat healthy, lose weight plan for the new year, so I can't send the extra loaf to them. I needed a way to cut this recipe down to one loaf. I'd been scared to try it until now - because I had always been told baking was very precise and you can't change the recipes. <br />
<br />
I am not a precise cook. I do not like to be told what to do. I am very <strike>onry</strike> <strike>honry</strike> ornery that way. How dare a recipe tell me what to do!<br />
<br />
<em>And can I just tell you how long it took me to figure out how to spell ornery? I am a terrible speller, and it's very difficult to look up a word to figure out how to spell it when you don't even have a clue as to where to start.</em><br />
<br />
Anyway - I adjusted the original recipe and it worked just perfectly. Here's the new measurements. <br />
<br />
You can follow them, or not. I'm not going to be the one to tell you what to do. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2/3 cup of 7-grain hot cereal mix</li>
<li>1 1/4 cup of boiling water</li>
<li>1 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour</li>
<li>3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or whole wheat white flour)</li>
<li>4 Tbsp honey</li>
<li>2 Tbsp butter, melted</li>
<li>1 1/4 tsp instant yeast</li>
<li>1 1/2 tsp kosher salt</li>
<li>1//4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats</li>
</ul>
If you have any questions about what the hot cereal mix looks like, or the yeast I used, check the original version of the recipe <a href="http://kiss-that-frog.blogspot.com/2009/12/multigrain-bread.html" target="_blank">here</a>. There are pictures of those items in that post.<br />
<br />
Let's get started making bread, shall we?
Put you cereal in the KitchenAid mixer and pour the boiling water over it. Stir it up and let it rest until the mixer cools to 100 degrees - or about 45 minutes to 1 hour later. The cereal should have soaked up most of the water - like this:
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8359336816/" title="Bread (2) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (2)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8090/8359336816_d78ab4f747_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Then add the honey, butter and yeast.<br />
<br />
Now, with your bread hook, add the flours (your supposed to whisk them together
first, but I never do this). Knead (using the KitchenAid mixer and the bread hook silly! I don't want you to have to actually knead) until dough forms a ball, about 2 minutes.
Cover and let the dough rest for 20-30 minutes (I just take the bread hook off and
let it sit in the bowl with the dough and cover the entire bowl).<br />
<br />
Then (using the mixer again) mix in the salt and then let the mixer run for about 2-3 minutes again. You might need to add a bit more flour so that the dough doesn't stick. The day I made this loaf was the first day I didn't have to add any extra flour at all though. <br />
<br />
Place dough in a greased container and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise
until doubled, 45 minutes to an hour. My house is always so cold (on purpose)
that I will often turn on my oven, and then turn it off after 1 minute and put
the bread in there.<br />
<br />
Here's the dough in my greased container before it
has rested for 1 hour.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8359336266/" title="Bread (5) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (5)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8359336266_8bc45b768a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And here it is after an hour.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8358273221/" title="Bread (6) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (6)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8358273221_8224a447ee_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Spray your 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with Pam.<br />
<br />
You are supposed to take your dough to a floured surface and flatten dough into
a rectangle shape, and then roll it
into a log. Silly recipe - you are not the boss of me!<br />
<br />
I, being the lazy person that I am, the one who doesn't
want to have to clean a floured surface later on, have figured out a way to skip
this step too. I work with the dough in the air - stretching it out - the way you would
handle pizza dough. When I have a rectangle shape about the same size as my loaf
pan, I roll it up tightly. I then take that dough and roll it around in the oats
and then put this in the loaf pan. <br />
<br />
This time I had my daughter Bailey take pictures of how I stretch the dough so you could see what I do.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8359335156/" title="Bread (8) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (8)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8359335156_f623855d75_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Action shots!
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8359334608/" title="Bread (9) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (9)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8365/8359334608_fd176e944b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Just let the weight of the dough help stretch it out.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8358271395/" title="Bread (14) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (14)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8378/8358271395_eeea15b2ed_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Here I'm rolling it into the general loaf form.
Try not to get any air between the layers, they will make holes in the finished loaf.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8359333432/" title="Bread (20) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (20)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8359333432_c90725ed0b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Once you have your finished loaf shape, roll the loaf into the oats.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8359332984/" title="Bread (23) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (23)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8359332984_131df1e1db_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Be sure to have a nice manicure prior to taking pictures please (unlike me).
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8359332522/" title="Bread (30) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (30)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8359332522_29f383fa1b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Here's the finished loaf - ready to rise for another hour.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8358269103/" title="Bread (34) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (34)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8358269103_c83f88eaef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Cover the pan lightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise another 45 minutes to 1 hour.
<br />
<br />
After the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 375 and bake for about 30-40 minutes. My oven takes about 32 minutes.
<br />
<br />
Remove the loaf from the pan and allow to cool, and sit back and be so impressed with yourself because your house smells so wonderful <br />
<br />
and <br />
<br />
YOU MADE BREAD!
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8359330532/" title="Bread (38) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (38)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8359330532_0c904c2699_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8358267723/" title="Bread (42) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bread (42)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8358267723_fc04a2e0a4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Enjoy!
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-80042493041306371012012-12-03T16:43:00.003-06:002012-12-03T16:43:46.119-06:00Downtown DallasIt's been warm here in Texas. <br />
<br />
I mean really warm. <br />
<br />
Like not right for the first of December kind of warm. I'm ready for hot chocolate and snuggling, but our air conditioner is humming away and I actually got a bit of a sun burn on Saturday! <br />
<br />
Every December, there is a fantastic parade in downtown Dallas. We try to go whenever we can and this year it worked out. <br />
<br />
We have new neighbors who are new to Texas, so we woke them up early and dragged them along. <br />
<br />
Meet Liza and Ulysses - very adorable newlyweds and good sports for getting up so early to go on our adventure.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8241645475/" title="12-1-12 (6) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (6)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8241645475_1c43803688_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We left the house at 7:30am and road the light rail to downtown to hopefully get a good spot for the 10:00am parade. It was so crowded but we ended up on a nice ledge that made for a good seating area. <br />
<br />
It was perfect for crowd watching.
I loved this little girl's jacket.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8241646279/" title="12-1-12 (31) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (31)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8241646279_dd3454830c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
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And here's my little girl, who is not so little anymore. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8241645887/" title="12-1-12 (10) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (10)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8241645887_14fb0af26b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Here's another cutie.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8241647119/" title="12-1-12 (153) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (153)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8241647119_a254d6865e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Grambling State University was in the parade this year - it was great to see the well-known band. They were fantastic.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8242715590/" title="12-1-12 (90) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (90)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8242715590_c26e510360_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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After the parade, we walked around downtown Dallas for a bit. <br />
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I love to capture people from behind, and Rominal and Bailey know this so it is sometimes difficult to get their picture without them knowing I took it.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8241648335/" title="12-1-12 (178) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (178)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8241648335_d324e7a3a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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But if I wait long enough - they forget about me.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8241647901/" title="12-1-12 (182) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (182)" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8241647901_c163a69b0a_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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Here's the old Red <a href="http://www.oldred.org/" target="_blank">Courthouse</a> which is now a museum.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8242716502/" title="12-1-12 (189) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (189)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8242716502_8f0e1c29c3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The clouds parted a bit just as we got up close to it.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8241648797/" title="12-1-12 (195) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (195)" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8241648797_6f05c31dd5_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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We then walked over to the John F. Kennedy memorial - or the <a href="http://www.jfk.org/">Sixth Floor </a>Museum.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8242721374/" title="12-1-12 (199) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (199)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8242721374_e1247b8720_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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There are always a lot of people around there - you can see the "X" on the spot in the road where JFK was killed.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8241651995/" title="12-1-12 (201) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (201)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8241651995_68795e0ae2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This building is still under construction, but I liked how it sparkled in the sun.
It's a new church.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8242720460/" title="12-1-12 (205) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (205)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8242720460_7a474c441f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Here's a random building.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8241651029/" title="12-1-12 (207) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (207)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8241651029_e08b07c51b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We eventually made our way to a new park that just opened up in downtown Dallas, the <a href="http://www.klydewarrenpark.org/">Klyde Warren Park</a>.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8242719626/" title="12-1-12 (208) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (208)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8242719626_dd80b8066c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Another perfect spot for people watching and enjoying the beautiful weather.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8241650113/" title="12-1-12 (210) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (210)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8241650113_07119f346d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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One of the things that makes this park different from others is that it was built over an existing highway. It's located in the arts district of Dallas where a bunch of museums are close by and it is a nice addition to the area.
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Here you can see the highway going underneath the park.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8242718718/" title="12-1-12 (218) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (218)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8242718718_a9e723c005_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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There was a little fountain area for young kids who seemed to be having fun playing in the water.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8241649179/" title="12-1-12 (222) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (222)" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8241649179_d557f544c5_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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Luckily for us, the park is an attraction for food trucks. We ended our great day with personalized ice cream sandwiches. Yum!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8242721820/" title="12-1-12 (225) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="12-1-12 (225)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8242721820_d784cbdfff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-53822138540593607442012-11-26T20:51:00.001-06:002012-11-26T20:51:41.448-06:00Banana Bread<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8221930495/" title="banana bread (4) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="banana bread (4)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8221930495_6f1cbf1eb5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. <br />
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Since my last post, I went on a Girl Scout camping weekend with these two - Tiffany and my daughter Bailey.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8221932341/" title="DSC_0076 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0076" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8221932341_bd48af1570_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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We had a super weekend. I think the girls had a blast.<br />
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Here's one more picture from that weekend - the area was beautiful.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8221938593/" title="DSC_0240 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0240" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8221938593_d39eeebb9e_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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So, now back to a quick recipe. Normally when I have over ripe bananas, I make my chocolate chip banana muffins, which are awesome, but I wanted something more basic this time. This recipe fit the bill. I actually doubled this recipe and made two loaves - which was nice because I gave one away. I got this recipe from <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/banana_bread/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Here's the details:<br />
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<li class="ingredient">3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed</li>
<li class="ingredient">1/3 cup melted butter</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 egg, beaten</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon vanilla</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li class="ingredient">Pinch of salt</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
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(The recipe says you can mix this with a spoon, but I ended up using my Kitchen Aid mixer anyway)</div>
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.
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I peeked into the oven about 45 minutes into the cooking time and the bread looked perfect - golden brown and ready to go. I did the knife test (stick a knife into the middle and see if it comes out clean) and it failed. The bread was not done yet - so it did cook the full hour. So, don't be fooled - it will take an hour.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8221930495/" title="banana bread (4) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="banana bread (4)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8221930495_6f1cbf1eb5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-91888503940113321822012-10-21T14:05:00.000-05:002012-10-21T14:05:14.287-05:00Dallas Arboretum - Part TwoThis is a continuation of last week's post about our trip to the Dallas Arboretum. Here's the first <a href="http://kiss-that-frog.blogspot.com/2012/10/dallas-arboretum.html">post </a>in case you missed it.
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Here's Rominal and me, and this was his first choice of poses.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109627344/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (166)edit by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (166)edit" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8109627344_39fd2c1d18_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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I made him turn around though.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109626500/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (169) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (169)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8329/8109626500_9ea1e7a3fc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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Here's some more pictures from our trip.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109626082/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (179) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (179)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8109626082_f908280f98_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109625594/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (198) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (198)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8109625594_47bb0a4991_c.jpg" width="531" /></a>
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This time of year all of the walkways were lined with pumpkins. <br />
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Everyone loved this.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109625138/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (204) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (204)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8109625138_28b6c7862f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109624610/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (209) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (209)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8476/8109624610_282d2b6ff5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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This was one of the knockers on a door on the property.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109623966/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (214) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (214)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8109623966_d2f851a3af_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109623534/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (222) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (222)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8109623534_64d92da8a7_c.jpg" width="531" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109622956/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (230) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (230)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8109622956_50cf671b09_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109613631/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (233) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (233)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8109613631_40c55f2d76_c.jpg" width="531" /></a>
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I handed over my camera to another visitor and she got this picture. Very nice!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109621932/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (234) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (234)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8109621932_74085ff8e4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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We saw this little critter on the walkway. We waited and made sure he got into the safety of the flower beds before we left him.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109621394/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (249) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (249)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8109621394_2564d610fd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109611991/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (253) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (253)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8109611991_18deac8a3b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109611487/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (262) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (262)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8109611487_4e4fedd170_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109619974/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (274) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (274)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8109619974_cd5f5fca74_c.jpg" width="531" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109619532/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (281) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (281)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8109619532_e6d3862a2e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109618804/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (289) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (289)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8109618804_0b12f1467f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109609305/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (293) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (293)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8109609305_c41f975283_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109617514/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (297) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (297)" height="531" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8109617514_d81870468f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8109608285/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (309) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (309)" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8049/8109608285_e972d9d6a8_c.jpg" width="531" /></a>
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-38074496874973533482012-10-14T21:32:00.001-05:002012-10-14T21:32:38.344-05:00Dallas Arboretum<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088747041/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (24) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (24)" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8088747041_081a5e5862.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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This weekend we went to the <a href="http://www.dallasarboretum.org/index.htm">Dallas Arboretum</a>. I've been wanting to go since Spring because they have a Chihuly exhibit that Mom and I wanted to see. However, the thing with living in Texas is that you have to wait until it not so hot outside.
We tend to do a lot of indoor things during the summer.
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This weekend was hot still, but not flaming hot.
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We got there right when the gates opened and had a lovely walk. I've got tons of pictures and here's the first half.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088746513/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (31) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (31)" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8088746513_732bcf796b.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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I love how you can see the fuzz on this flower.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088745991/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (39) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (39)" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8088745991_ae24f6a32b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088745477/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (67) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (67)" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8476/8088745477_bda5f85bce.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Here's some of Chihuly's work, surrounded by the flowers.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088745282/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (71) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (71)" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8088745282_638668ec52.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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My mom was with us, and she took this picture of the three of us. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088744756/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (78) edit by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (78) edit" height="394" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8184/8088744756_328c8aa4c0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088744228/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (81) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (81)" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8088744228_0583f335a6.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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It's hard to see how tall this really is, but it was huge.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088743640/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (83) edit by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (83) edit" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8323/8088743640_8110e7d6ee.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088742196/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (115) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (115)" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8045/8088742196_405f894fa4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088741760/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (118) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (118)" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8088741760_5de3d285c9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088741089/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (150)-edit by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (150)-edit" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8191/8088741089_8c0b798505.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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This little cutie was getting her picture taken in the gardens. Lots of people go there to do that, we even saw a wedding! I couldn't help but sneak a picture too.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088740824/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (154) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (154)" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8088740824_4067142b26.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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And the last one for today - my Mom and me. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8088740203/" title="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (164)edit by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Dallas Arboretum 10-13-12 (164)edit" height="350" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8088740203_5a92cde061.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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We had such a great time. I'll post more pictures next week.
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-14116933440145500492012-10-04T21:28:00.001-05:002012-10-08T17:06:00.332-05:00Girl Scouts and the State Fair of Texas2012 is the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts. This remarkable accomplishment is being celebrated at the State Fair of Texas this year and my troop got to participate. <br />
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Each night at the fair there is a parade that goes all around the fair grounds. The Girl Scouts have a float in this year's parade and my girls got to be on the float the other night. It was a ton of fun!<br />
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I have so many pictures to share, so, sit back and enjoy.<br />
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Here's Elizabeth and Bailey in front of the building where the Girl Scout exhibit is being held.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055443748/" title="DSC_0012 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0012" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8055443748_55b4619478.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Here's Tiffany, Bailey and Elizabeth.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055440621/" title="DSC_0031 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0031" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/8055440621_2d6ce162f3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055441650/" title="DSC_0033 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0033" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/8055441650_408947f1cb.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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This is how they planned to waive from the float. I didn't actually walk around the route with them, so not sure if they did this the whole time or not. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055439517/" title="DSC_0041 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0041" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8055439517_1ab22d7da6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055439235/" title="DSC_0051 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0051" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/8055439235_63728eba0e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055440234/" title="DSC_0056 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0056" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8055440234_8b86793471.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055438553/" title="DSC_0057 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0057" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/8055438553_09ac6064c7.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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This is another float. I just liked the colors in it.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055438249/" title="DSC_0062 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0062" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8310/8055438249_690c2b12a8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055439226/" title="DSC_0070 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0070" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/8055439226_f75ed30229.jpg" width="332" /></a>
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Unfortunately, we didn't have time to wait for the wheel to go around so that "Texas Star" was right-side up.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055438868/" title="DSC_0073 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0073" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8055438868_cb303527a9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Some fair eats - that we didn't have time to stop at.
Maybe next time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055437145/" title="DSC_0074 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0074" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8055437145_11a68c9dfc.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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So, after the parade took off, we took a short cut through the fair and met back up with the parade as it was nearing the end. <br />
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Here comes our girls!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055438294/" title="DSC_0082 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0082" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8055438294_3decd4c0a2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The girls had a great time.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055435319/" title="DSC_0103 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0103" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/8055435319_eac58ec9fd.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Too bad you can't tell.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8055434959/" title="DSC_0105 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0105" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8041/8055434959_1f5c007a60.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Updated - we went back another night and we found a picture of Bailey from about five years ago in the display for the 100 year celebration of Girl Scouts. How cool is that?
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8068604014/" title="10-7-12 (9) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="10-7-12 (9)" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/8068604014_4a4a8532c7.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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And we almost didn't recognize her picture, because the picture was taken when she was at camp. She's the one in the yellow life vest on the right.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/8068606687/" title="10-7-12 (10) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="10-7-12 (10)" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/8068606687_db0f3ed43f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-42739595562832106562012-09-16T10:45:00.001-05:002012-09-16T10:45:47.264-05:00Fall Pumpkin Casserole<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7992190324/" title="DSC_0006 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0006" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7992190324_54fa5f0b6e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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For breakfast, I tend to make one thing (a lot) and then eat it until I'm quite tired of it. Most recently that has been my <a href="http://kiss-that-frog.blogspot.com/2012/07/granola-home-made.html" target="_blank">homemade granola</a> with yogurt. I just finished up my last batch, so I was looking for something new to try for this week.<br />
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I hadn't made my <span id="goog_976243599"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank">Pineapple oatmeal bake</a> <span id="goog_976243600"></span>in a long time, so I thought I'd try to do a fall variation on that. This is what I came up with and I have to admit, it's quite good.<br />
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Here's what you'll need:<br />
<ul>
<li>1/4 cup of sugar </li>
<li>1/2 cup ricotta cheese</li>
<li>1/2 of a 15oz can of 100% pumpkin (save the other half in the fridge for the next time you make this, which will be later this week because this is good!)</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla</li>
<li>1 2/3 cup old fashioned oatmeal (NOT the instant kind)</li>
<li>15oz can of lightly sweetened or unsweetened pears, reserve the juice</li>
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I mixed up everything except for the fruit and oatmeal using my hand mixer. Chop up the pears into nice bite size chunks and then stir in the oatmeal and pear chunks into the mix.<br />
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Spray a 9x9 glass pan with cooking spray and pour into the pan.<br />
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Bake at 350 for about 35 minutes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7992180667/" title="DSC_0002 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0002" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/7992180667_1eb6336451_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I keep this in the fridge and cut out a piece each morning. It microwaves well and makes a quick breakfast.<br />
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Enjoy!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-6337364995844421372012-09-08T23:28:00.001-05:002012-09-08T23:28:27.204-05:00Seattle, Part TwoI'm still recapping my family's recent trip to Seattle. If you missed the first post, it can be found <a href="http://kiss-that-frog.blogspot.com/2012/09/seattle.html">here</a>.
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Loved this mural? paiting? It was on the side of a building. This was taken out of a car, so it's not the best, but you get the idea.
I love both of their expressions.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910317280/" title="DSC_0165 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0165" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/7910317280_5cff5a53ac_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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On Wednesday, we went to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known as the Ballard locks. Here's their <a href="http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/LocksandDams/ChittendenLocks.aspx">link</a>. Basically, it's where the fresh lake waters of Lake Washington and Lake Union meet up with the salt water of the Puget Sound. <br />
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The Sound is lower than the lake, so boats have to be raised or lowered, depending on which way they are going. There are also salmon ladders there to assist the salmon in their migration.
The salmon attract sea lions, and we saw one on both sides of the locks. They were hard to photograph, the little stinkers didn't want to stay still, but I got this one picture of one.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910316306/" title="DSC_0172 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0172" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/7910316306_c48f0242a0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Here's mom and Bailey. To their right you can see the locks where the boats are raised or lowered.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910315268/" title="DSC_0195 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0195" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7910315268_3cf8c9c21b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We went underground to see the salmon going up the ladders (basically a raised area to help them go up into the lake water). They have viewing windows where you can watch them swim. This guy was going the wrong way, but they would swim back and forth and eventually go the right way.
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I like how the girl seems to be having a conversation with the salmon. "Other way, dude!" Or maybe, "hmmm, your so tasty!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910314268/" title="DSC_0203 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0203" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/7910314268_f1d7ba8348_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Here's the original building on site at the locks.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910313246/" title="DSC_0223 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0223" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7910313246_6fcc52282d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The grounds surrounding the locks are quite beautiful and they have tons of flowers, which I love.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910312234/" title="DSC_0230 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0230" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8180/7910312234_375ee4e038_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910311076/" title="DSC_0245 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0245" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/7910311076_09843f8fb1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Here's another example of the flowers that I have fallen in love with. After I posted my last blog entry, a couple of people told my mom what these flowers were called. She knew what they were as well, but I typically post very late at night and I didn't call to ask her what they were prior to me posting. However, I now know what these flowers are.<br />
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So, here's another picture of the <em>fuschia</em> flower.
Isn't it beautiful?
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910310036/" title="DSC_0253 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0253" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/7910310036_52d6131e27_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And try to find the spider in this picture.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910308926/" title="DSC_0264 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0264" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/7910308926_ae5e7fa36b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Sorry, I don't like spiders, but I was testing myself to see if I could take a picture of one. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910307810/" title="DSC_0268 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0268" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/7910307810_ed23342dfd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Wednesday night we had the best dinner of fresh grilled salmon at Ruth and Robert's house. They have such a lovely house and yard. Their backyard is so lush and green, and we picked blackberries right off the vine - YUM!
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Our daily routine was that we'd get up and walk over to the Starbucks for breakfast. Our hotel was connected to several different mall areas via second floor walkways. This <a href="http://www.chihuly.com/">Dale Chihuly</a> piece greated us each day. I love glass, so I really enjoyed seeing it each day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910306672/" title="DSC_0275 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0275" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/7910306672_a3a91f5cdc_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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I don't have any pictures from Thursday. <br />
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Why, you ask? <br />
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Well, because we had toured so much we were just exhausted. We found a spa across the street from our hotel and we spent the day there. <br />
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IT. WAS. HEAVEN.
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On Friday, our last day in Seattle, we did a <a href="http://seattleducktours.net/main.htm">Duck Tour</a>. We weren't quite sure what to expect, but it was so much fun. I think a big part of it was that we had a fantastic driver who was so funny.
Here's Bailey, Mom and me before we take off.
(Don't we look refreshed and relaxed? That's the spa, ya'll!)<br />
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Oh, and please notice Bailey's shirt. Rominal had gotten it for her from Microsoft. She loves it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910305526/" title="DSC_0283 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0283" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/7910305526_cb14ff09d9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Side note, have you seen the Discovery Channel show, <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/deadliest-catch/">Deadliest Catch</a>? It's about Alaskan crab fishermen and the struggles they endure to get crabs. Ha! Let's change that last sentence to say, "the struggles they endure to <em>catch</em> crabs. <br />
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Anyway, Bailey and I were super excited to see the boat, the Wizard from the show. Apparently it was there getting some repairs done.
It was much smaller than I expected.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910303438/" title="DSC_0326 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0326" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/7910303438_b58b4c998d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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So, at this point in the tour, our tour bus becomes a tour boat. I'm not kidding here, it's a little scary at first. <br />
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Turns out the thing can float.
Whew! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910302466/" title="DSC_0331 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0331" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8436/7910302466_408ae061b8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Remember the movie, "Sleepless in Seattle?" Well, here's the house boat from that movie. It's the one on the left closest to the boats.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910301400/" title="DSC_0361 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0361" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7910301400_85049ddea7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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It was a beautiful day and there was a class of people learning to kayak out on the water. <br />
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(Ok, truth here. I wanted to say, "a class of kayakers" but spell check didn't recognize kayakers and I don't trust myself enough to just go with it so I just changed my wording to say a "people learning to kayak." I frequently do that. I'm a <strike>terible</strike> really bad speller.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910300458/" title="DSC_0374 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0374" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8302/7910300458_7d0dbe7ac8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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After the duck tour, we took the monorail to the closest bus station. The monorail was built for the World's fair in 1962. It actually doesn't go very far, but it was good to say that we rode it.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910299252/" title="DSC_0398 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0398" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/7910299252_3552779f92_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Saturday morning we got up really early for our pickup at 6:30am to head back to Dallas.
It was a fantastic trip. <br />
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We loved Seattle.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910328034/" title="DSC_0124 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0124" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/7910328034_761d73118a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-20617602816757381962012-09-02T00:04:00.001-05:002012-09-02T20:57:35.201-05:00SeattleWe had the opportunity to go to Seattle recently. Rominal had to go for a Microsoft conference and Bailey, Mom and I decided we had to tag along. We had never been to that part of the country and it was beautiful. <br />
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We landed around 2:30 on a Sunday afternoon. We dropped our stuff at the hotel and then took a taxi to the Space Needle. This fountain was very close to the needle and it was fun to watch the people playing in the water. I could have stayed here a lot longer. It was the perfect spot to do some people watching.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910339432/" title="DSC_0021 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0021" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8181/7910339432_eeb9c911af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Hello Space Needle!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910338326/" title="DSC_0025 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0025" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7910338326_895a55dd04_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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We decided since this was a once in a lifetime type activity, we would have dinner in the Space Needle restaurant. It revolves around so that you get 360' views of Seattle and the surrounding area. The meal wasn't cheap, but it was actually quite good.<br />
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Here's Bailey and Rominal enjoying the ride.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910337366/" title="DSC_0026 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0026" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/7910337366_4fccc47be2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The next day Rominal went off to work, and Mom, Bailey and I went to play. We took a ferry from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island so that we could spend some time walking around in Bainbridge. Mostly I just wanted to be on the ferry. I loved it. <br />
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Here's Mom and Bailey as we depart Seattle.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910335488/" title="DSC_0036 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0036" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/7910335488_434f421744_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And here's me and Bailey. Notice the jackets - it was chilly in the wind. And yes, I loved the temperature too!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910334552/" title="DSC_0037 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0037" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7910334552_8dd9774b7c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We had a few followers on the ferry. Here's one of them.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910333564/" title="DSC_0042 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0042" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8180/7910333564_ae6cf094b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910332850/" title="DSC_0053 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0053" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8176/7910332850_ae7da8f149_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I don't know what these flowers are, but I'm in love with them. We saw several different color combinations throughout the week and they were stunning.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910331760/" title="DSC_0084 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0084" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/7910331760_833e8ab910_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This little rock guy was among some other rock sculptures on Bainbridge Island. I liked him the best though.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910330806/" title="DSC_0091 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0091" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/7910330806_fb54fe55da_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910329740/" title="DSC_0098 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0098" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/7910329740_9013359c94_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I should say that these pictures are all straight out of the camera. I don't have photoshop or any editing software. <br />
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I can hear Rominal saying to me, that we do have some kind of program that edits pictures, but I haven't learned it (or even opened it) yet.
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So, the picture below is not the best, but it is a picture of Mount <strike>Raineer</strike> Rainier in the background. It looks like clouds and it is hard to believe that it is so large. It doesn't look real, but I was told that is an actual thing and not some computer generated image.
Pretend this picture has been edited and you can really see the mountain please. Thank you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910328980/" title="DSC_0107 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0107" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7910328980_d3330122a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And here's Seattle as we traveled back from Bainbridge Island. Monday was a very good day, and we walked a ton!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910328034/" title="DSC_0124 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0124" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/7910328034_761d73118a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Oh, I should say, we were staying in Bellevue, which is about 45 minutes outside of Seattle. Each day we planned to take the bus into Seattle and tour there. Bailey became our tour guide. She figured out which bus we needed to be on and where we needed to transfer, etc. She did a fantastic job and we didn't get lost once. I was so proud of her.
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Here's something we found pretty cool. This is a large transfer station under downtown Seattle. What I though was so neat was that light rail trains would come through on the tracks you can see in the ground and then would leave through the tunnels you see in the background. Here's a light rail train.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910326988/" title="DSC_0127 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0127" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/7910326988_85eb73339b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And here's a bus about to go through the tunnels - just like the trains. So, even though we were on a bus, we traveled through the tunnels as well. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910326034/" title="DSC_0128 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0128" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/7910326034_277929f6bc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Yes, I know, I'm a bit of a geek, but I just thought that was very smart. We just don't have anything that cool in Dallas.
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The next day we met up my sister, Ruth. First we did some volunteer work at the <a href="http://www.youthcare.org/">YouthCare </a>in downtown Seattle. We helped prepare food and then serve it to homeless youth. It was very rewarding and I'm so glad we did this. <br />
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I didn't take any pictures while we were here, but Bailey took this picture of me using her cell phone. I really enjoyed cooking on this huge cooktop.<br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="719" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/551659_4441798732244_1782267423_n.jpg" style="height: 719px; width: 539px;" width="539" />
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After this, Ruth took us to lunch and then to the Pike Place Market.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910320142/" title="DSC_0158 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0158" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/7910320142_1f9097bb3e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I was blown away by all of the flowers. These bouquets of flowers were $5-$10 each! We'd pay so much more for less quality in Dallas. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910324916/" title="DSC_0134 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0134" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7910324916_5e8b908aa4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The smell was fantastic.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910324026/" title="DSC_0141 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0141" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/7910324026_1f0e9864ff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I don't know the signficance this pig has, but I love pigs, so I had to take a picture of it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910323122/" title="DSC_0145 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0145" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7910323122_81e59ea76a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Here's mom, Ruth and Bailey. We are waiting for the fish throwers to toss a fish. We got there in the afternoon, so not a lot of fish tossing was going on, but we saw a couple fly through the air.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910322166/" title="DSC_0148 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0148" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/7910322166_8fd3851a14_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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It's hard to see, but there's a fish in the picture below. <br />
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Well, correction, there are lots of fish in the picture below, but one is in the air. He's near the neon sign that says, "Sound View Cafe."
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910321096/" title="DSC_0149 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0149" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/7910321096_bb53bb3b0b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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In addition to flowers and fish, you could get fruits and veggies here. Bailey got a hoodie here as well.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910319168/" title="DSC_0159 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0159" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/7910319168_9f856702d7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Last picture for now. I took this while in the backseat of Ruth's car. I just thought it was neat.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7910318212/" title="DSC_0164 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0164" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8180/7910318212_7a5da7b8d2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I'll post more pictures later. Still basking in the memory of a fantastic trip.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-10055184236741902352012-08-12T17:53:00.001-05:002012-08-12T17:53:34.561-05:00Colorado TripWe just got back from a trip to Colorado. We drove there, as we usually do.
This year, just to mix it up a bit, we drove through Kansas on the way there, and then through Amarillo, Texas on the way home.
There's not a lot to see in Kansas.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769250582/" title="DSC_0017 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0017" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7769250582_7607af7f37_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We did see a lot of old barns like this, and I was dying to stop and take more pictures, but we were driving along the highway and there was no where to pull over for me to take pictures. <br />
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I'm not sure how well my asking to stop every time I saw something interesting would have gone over for the other people in the car. It's already a 17 hour drive, no need to make it any longer.
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So, this barn was snapped while driving about 80 mph down the road. To be clear, I was not the one driving.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769251794/" title="DSC_0014 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0014" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7769251794_000416a112_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />Here's one of the people we came all of this way to see. My sister's son. So cute.
He's learned to walk since we last saw him, and he's good at it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769249598/" title="DSC_0063 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0063" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7769249598_5c4caec19e_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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Bailey had a great time playing with him.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769247504/" title="DSC_0082 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0082" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/7769247504_fa6449f9b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Another reason we drove all of this way was to see my dear friend Jae's new babies. <br />
Yes, I said babies, as in two.
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Here's Oliver.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769253018/" title="DSC_0147 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0147" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7769253018_a4fcf594aa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />And this little cutie is Miranda.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769238576/" title="DSC_0162 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0162" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7769238576_db30c83828_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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Jae and I have known each other since 7th grade. We always have a lot of fun together, as you can see.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769230262/" title="DSC_0326 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0326" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/7769230262_26a3d94325_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We toured the Anheuser-Busch factory in Fort Collins while we were there. Not because we are beer drinkers, but just because we love to see how things are made. <br />
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I think our love of seeing things made stems from going to the Mrs. Baird's bread bakery when we were young. Growing up in the Dallas area, it was a "manditory" field trip for most schools. Both my hubby, Rominal, and I toured the factory when we were young. I will never forget the wonderful smell as I toured that factory.<br />
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At the Fort Collins factory, they house the Anheuser-Busch clydesdales. However, they were currently in another state so we didn't get to see them. <br />
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For the record,
Bailey was not taller than a clydesdale.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769246308/" title="DSC_0342 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0342" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7769246308_d49b142c7b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This is some part of the beer making process. Don't ask me which part though. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769245288/" title="DSC_0359 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0359" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7769245288_82e67c7638_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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There were a lot of pretty flowers behind my father's house and these next few shots are from there.
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When I look at the picture below, I hear an air traffic controller in my head. "Bee-9, this is traffic control, you are cleared for landing."<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769244138/" title="DSC_0429 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0429" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7769244138_0c55c5b0f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769242860/" title="DSC_0452 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0452" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7769242860_e0b43ec289_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769241650/" title="DSC_0468 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0468" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/7769241650_d5df8d564a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7769268852/" title="DSC_0458 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0458" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7769268852_0d56c85790_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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We had a great time.<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-76724234130663133432012-07-26T18:08:00.001-05:002012-07-26T18:08:26.658-05:00Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652979160/" title="Bridging (105) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (105)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7652979160_5bd643f3d4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Dallas has a new landmark in it's skyline, it's the <a href="http://mhhbridgecelebration.com/">Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge</a>. That's it over there on the right in the picture above.
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Back in March before the bridge opened for traffic, the city of Dallas let the Girl Scouts hold a bridging ceremony for girls who are "bridging" up to the next level of Girl Scouts. Unfortunately not all three of my Girl Scouts could attend, but my family went and these were the pictures from the day.
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We got there a little early so that I could take some extra pictures. It was a beautiful day.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652989290/" title="Bridging (25) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (25)" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7652989290_1214ef4d4b_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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Here's Rominal, Mom and Bailey.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652988688/" title="Bridging (30) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (30)" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7652988688_f3327800ae_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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And just to show that I was there too, here's a picture with me in it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652987878/" title="Bridging (31) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (31)" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7652987878_54e0c4bbe8_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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I love to get pictures of people walking away. I don't know what that says about me, but I always feel like I've captured something special. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652987152/" title="Bridging (33) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (33)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7652987152_39e5d39dfa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652986328/" title="Bridging (35) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (35)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7652986328_88f05f9d67_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652985766/" title="Bridging (43) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (43)" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7652985766_d5919accc6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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This woman was dressed up as Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts. She was so sweet to be dressed up out there for the girls!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652985060/" title="Bridging (59) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (59)" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7652985060_dbfcb92fb5_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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Eventually quite a crowd showed up.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652984438/" title="Bridging (65) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (65)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7652984438_38a8cded90_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Gee, you'd never know that Rominal and Bailey were related would you? Father and daughter standing exactly the same.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652983782/" title="Bridging (77) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (77)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7652983782_ef060799a4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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For the bridging ceremony, the organizers had all of the parents go to one side of the bridge and then the girls walked across according to age and Girl Scout troup level they were going into. <br />
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The youngest girls went first and they were adorable.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652983112/" title="Bridging (83) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (83)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7652983112_24f967c310_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Then some of the older girls came across.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652982364/" title="Bridging (87) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (87)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7652982364_b834fa0520_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Then it was time for the oldest girls to cross. You can see that there aren't as many girls.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652981686/" title="Bridging (88) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (88)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7652981686_b7884200c0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Even though we didn't go with any other girls, Bailey met some "sister" Girl Scouts and they invited her to walk across the bridge with them. Bailey is on the far right in the picture below. Part of the Girl Scout law is to be a "sister to every Girl Scout" and these girls were so sweet to welcome Bailey.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7652980684/" title="Bridging (94) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Bridging (94)" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7652980684_6af4e3baa4_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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It was a great day and a wonderful opportunity to be on this new landmark for Dallas. Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com1Dallas, TX, USA32.802955 -96.76992332.589413 -97.08578 33.016496999999994 -96.454066000000012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-7082785834960865312012-07-11T19:06:00.002-05:002012-07-11T19:06:41.977-05:00Granola - Home Made!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7552769680/" title="Granola (20) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Granola (20)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7552769680_116387a571_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I love granola and yogurt together. They are perfect. Creamy and crunchy. What could be better?<br />
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I've never made granola before. My mom had some that she had made and I borrowed her recipe and tweaked it a bit to fit me. That's the beauty of this recipe - you can adjust it to fit your liking.<br />
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Here's what you need:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7552772126/" title="Granola (1) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Granola (1)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7552772126_2d87b5236f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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What, you want measurements? Oh, fine. Here you go:<br />
<ul>
<li>3 cups old fashioned (not quick cooking) rolled oats</li>
<li>3/4 cup wheat germ</li>
<li>1 cup raw almonds</li>
<li>1 cup pecans</li>
<li>1/2 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed </li>
<li>1/3 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>3 Tbsp canola oil</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract (I used at least 3 because I like vanilla)</li>
<li>1 cup coconut (I used sweetened - are you surprised?)</li>
</ul>
I should point out that the recipe calls for adding 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots, 1/3 cup dried cherries, but I prefer granola with just nuts, so that's what I did. Please feel free to tweak this recipe to fit your tastes.<br />
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Preheat the oven to 275. <br />
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Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. <br />
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Combine oats, wheat germ and nuts and put on baking sheet. It should look like this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7552771390/" title="Granola (9) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Granola (9)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7552771390_9e4b9e6743_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Bake this, stirring once, for about 20 minutes. <br />
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While that's baking, mix together the apple juice, brown sugar, oil and vanilla extract. <br />
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After the oats, germ and nuts have baked for 20 minutes, take that out and pour over the liquid and mix well. This is the time to add the coconut and any dried fruit if you are so inclined. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7552770482/" title="Granola (13) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Granola (13)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7552770482_d85c7b1a71_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Raise the oven temp to 350 degrees, and bake for 20 minutes, stirring half-way through. Be careful not to let this burn.<br />
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Here's the final product. It's so amazingly good!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7552770070/" title="Granola (17) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Granola (17)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7552770070_da6ee5918c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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While we were on vacation last month, I found a new yogurt that I am addicted to. Luckily for me, I found a store here that sells it as well. It's <a href="http://www.noosayoghurt.com/" target="_blank">Noosa</a> yoghurt. It's super creamy and yummy. It comes in tons of flavors, here's just a few. (And Noosa doesn't know me - I just love their yoghurt. I've even left the house late at night to get some so that I'd have it for breakfast the next day. I'm even currently trying to get my local store to carry it. It's that good!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7552770858/" title="Granola (11) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Granola (11)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/7552770858_4179f94668_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Yum, I can't wait for breakfast tomorrow!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7552769174/" title="Granola (21) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Granola (21)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/7552769174_bf249bb9f6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />Enjoy!<br />
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-52312655259472528172012-06-23T11:35:00.000-05:002012-06-25T08:03:22.549-05:00Arkansas TripHello. Yes, sorry, it has been a while.<br />
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So, summer has started here. Bailey has already spent her first week as a summer camp counselor at the Girl Scout camp. She goes again tomorrow for another week.<br />
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During her week off, we took a trip with my Mom to Bella Vista, Arkansas. It was beautiful. <br />
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Since I haven't posted in such a long time, I'm going to blast you with a ton of pictures.
You have been warned.<br />
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We stayed in a condo while in Bella Vista. This was the living area.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426047714/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (8) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (8)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7426047714_45f0a31bfe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This was the (straight out of the 1980's but still impressive) master bathroom.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426047034/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (11) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (11)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7426047034_e5efe58833_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We had instant drama when we got there because there was a HUGE cricket in the tub. It took a lot of thought and planning to capture said cricket and release him into the wild.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426046176/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (24) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (24)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7426046176_cb49999d42_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The neighbors came out to greet us on our first day as well. Very nice!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426045402/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (28) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (28)" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/7426045402_4865f0dcb8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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More from the condo.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426044586/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (35) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (35)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7426044586_d90cec75cc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Mom enjoying the back deck.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426043968/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (53) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (53)" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5272/7426043968_e43713797e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Our second day we went to <a href="http://www.crystalbridges.org/" target="_blank">Crystal Bridges</a> Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. It's a very new museum started by the daughter of Sam Walton of Wal-Mart fame. The building and surrounding area is beautiful and they have trails that surround the area as well.
This would have been so nice with water coming down, but it was dry that day.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426043242/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (59) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (59)" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7426043242_f06bb4ab66_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426042482/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (61) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (61)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7426042482_11a23a9d9e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Mom and Bailey at lunch.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426040548/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (68) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (68)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7426040548_da596d02ff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The ceiling in the lunch area. I loved all of the wood.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426041336/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (66) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (66)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7426041336_67703cf2f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Taken during our walk around the grounds of the museum.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426039782/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (72) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (72)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7426039782_fb37d9cbff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Show me some love please.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426039074/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (75) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (75)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7426039074_a074039aff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426038408/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (85) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (85)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7426038408_184a2122f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426036882/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (88) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (88)" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7426036882_2b29cd5645_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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I just loved this bird house.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426036152/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (99) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (99)" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5468/7426036152_cb7c481302_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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Mom, Bailey and Rominal.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426247628/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (102) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (102)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/7426247628_1aab62a86b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Bailey, Rominal and me. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426246532/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (106) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (106)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7426246532_1b553e916d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I have a thing for pigs, so I really liked this one.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426245824/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (111) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (111)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7426245824_7c62f15988_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426245192/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (115) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (115)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7426245192_37d471b443_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The museum is set so that you walk around a "lake" while looking at the art inside. Very nice.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426244262/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (128) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (128)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7426244262_94eb1cd70b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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For dinner that night, we went to the town of Bentonville. These next couple of pictures were from their town square.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426243566/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (140) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (140)" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5231/7426243566_7e9e218ae2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Yum, looks like salad.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426242916/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (154) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (154)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7426242916_b632de6b8a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The next day we drove out to <a href="http://www.eurekasprings.org/" target="_blank">Eureka Springs</a>, Arkansas and spent the day out there.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426106074/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (198) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (198)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7426106074_95ffb84239_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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It's a fun little town with lots of shops to see.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426105476/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (202) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (202)" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5072/7426105476_319bd92bf4_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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Rominal was having a good time.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426104712/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (204) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (204)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7426104712_1374f7e45a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We had breakfast here while we sat outside on the deck and watched the people go by. Very nice and relaxing.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426103796/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (212) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (212)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7426103796_f20e79d089_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Rominal liked this little chapel, especially in contrast to the next one we saw.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426237330/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (193) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (193)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/7426237330_c19f5df2dc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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One of the things we wanted to see while in Eureka Springs was the <a href="http://www.thorncrown.com/index.html" target="_blank">Thorncrown Chapel</a>. It was stunning.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426242182/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (175) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (175)" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7426242182_697fbb06e6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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I don't know the people in this picture, but I loved how they looked so reflective.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426241074/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (177) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (177)" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7426241074_a5bc82bbc8_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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This chapel was designed by the architect E. Fay Jones.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426240066/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (179) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (179)" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7426240066_6a62f91d04_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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This was all wood, I think.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426239480/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (181) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (181)" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7426239480_5e98b6bb1b_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426238868/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (185) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (185)" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5460/7426238868_53a6907293_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
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The path to and from the chapel was lovely too.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426238218/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (188) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (188)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7426238218_abe96c79ca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I had read about the Onyx Cave online which was close by, so we went there as well.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426103110/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (216) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (216)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7426103110_cffd018cd8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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As caves go, it was pretty hokey, but we made the best of it.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426102448/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (218) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (218)" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/7426102448_237ce32839_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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It was nice and cool in the cave, which was a nice change from the heat above ground.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426101794/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (226) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (226)" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5276/7426101794_185029f9b3_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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This picture is really dark, but it shows our view from the back deck.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426101032/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (239) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (239)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7426101032_c5e258e175_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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On our last day in town, we explored more of Bella Vista.
They have a chapel there that was also designed by E. Fay Jones. This is the <a href="http://www.beautifulbellavista.com/chapel.htm" target="_blank">Mildred B. Cooper Memorial chapel</a> and we liked it a bit better than the Thorncrown, although it is less well known.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426100304/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (256) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (256)" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7426100304_2605e52c9f_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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We had the place to ourselves for a bit.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426099288/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (268) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (268)" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7279/7426099288_9200463114_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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Bailey enjoying the building.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426098608/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (270) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (270)" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/7426098608_a66fe21b88_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426097864/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (272) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (272)" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5196/7426097864_b250ef0b28_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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There was a nice walk around the area that we did. It's hard to see through the thick trees, but there's a lake on the right.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426097076/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (276) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (276)" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/7426097076_495ddf3dfc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I loved the thick bark on this tree.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426096330/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (280) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (280)" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7426096330_e36effa6dc_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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After lunch, we decided to do something very out of Rominal's comfort zone. We rented a boat and toured Loch Lomond. Rominal even drove the boat for a bit. (Notice that he's wearing his life vest)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426095544/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (281) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (281)" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5341/7426095544_d8d9e30ba0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It was a very peaceful lake, surrounded by beautiful homes.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426094498/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (282) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (282)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7426094498_13b0311edf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426093466/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (290) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (290)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7426093466_e01b18e399_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We stopped for a bit so that Bailey could dip her feet into the water.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426092760/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (304) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (304)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7426092760_0d9b6911cf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We saw this heron on the shore.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426091804/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (320) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (320)" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7426091804_89546d5812_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I had fun driving the boat as well!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426090962/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (338) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (338)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7426090962_cee1f2ca84_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We left the next morning to drive home. <br />
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Someone was quite pleased to see us.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/7426089386/" title="Arkansas June 17-21 (364) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Arkansas June 17-21 (364)" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5194/7426089386_36d3b85b05_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Last night we went to see a Coldplay <a href="http://popcultureblog.dallasnews.com/2012/06/we-were-there-coldplay-brought-us-christmas-in-june-during-colorful-exhilarating-concert-at-american-airlines-center.html/" target="_blank">concert</a> in Dallas. We bought these tickets back in December as part of Bailey's Christmas and birthday present. It was a fantastic concert and we had a great time. <br />
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Bailey leaves for another week of camp tomorrow and the fun just keeps on going.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-31792435961007391422012-01-29T21:10:00.002-06:002012-01-29T21:10:39.232-06:00Girl Scout CampI got to spend this last weekend with a bunch of Girl Scout leaders and their daughters. What a fun time we had!<br />
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We arrived on Friday to spend the weekend with our daughters. <br />
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Saturday morning, those who were interested went horseback riding. So of course, Bailey and I did this. We had great ride through the trees and beautiful area. <br />
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Here's the barn as we walked up to it. So beautiful!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6786663761/" title="DSC_0009 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0009" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6786663761_fa4b45d20c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And here's Bailey on her horse, ready to ride.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6786664365/" title="DSC_0014 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0014" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6786664365_9b022f8344_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This was our sleeping arrangements for the weekend. Not quite the Hilton, but it was just fine.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6786665043/" title="DSC_0022 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0022" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6786665043_8353222470_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Bailey was the oldest Girl Scout there, and she led the girls in several activities. Here they are in front of the building we stayed in.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6786665701/" title="DSC_0031 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0031" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6786665701_a2513592b5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This was our youngest Girl Scout for the weekend. So adorable!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6786666339/" title="DSC_0053 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0053" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6786666339_26dcc0a43a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Saturday night we had a spa night. For those who were brave enough, this meant a home made facial.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6786667125/" title="DSC_0521 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0521" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6786667125_70263bea3d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Some girls opted for manicures!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6786667801/" title="DSC_0526 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0526" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6786667801_d89394a53e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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On Sunday morning, Bailey led the girls in the Scout's Own ceremony. The girls celebrated a mother's love and the mother/daughter bond.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6786668543/" title="DSC_0593 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0593" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6786668543_2699274e0d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We had such a wonderful time, and the weekend went by so quickly.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6786669197/" title="DSC_0618 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0618" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6786669197_ea8b042c72_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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We have Bailey and Michelle to thank for such a fantastic weekend. Bailey helped Michelle plan the event and they had a great time together.
Michelle looks young enough to be one of the girls, but she really is one of the moms.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6786669619/" title="DSC_0611-edit by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0611-edit" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6786669619_e1beaaa7ac_z.jpg" width="549" /></a><br />
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They both worked very hard to make a special weekend for us all. Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-43344583595223080842012-01-22T21:06:00.000-06:002012-01-22T21:41:42.067-06:00My FitbitIt's a new year, which means new resolutions for many people. Me included. I did so well a couple of years back and lost <a href="http://kiss-that-frog.blogspot.com/2008/09/i-did-it.html" target="_blank">a lot of weight</a>, but recently I've been struggling to find the motivation to try to eat healty and move more. Because of this, I've gained some of my weight back. Not good.<br />
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A big part of my problem was not wanting to exercise. I know the foods I should and should not eat, but I really do not like exercising that much and I wanted to find something to help me with that.<br />
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To help me move more, I have gotten a new toy. Well, it's not really a toy, but it sure has been fun over the last two weeks.<br />
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(NOTE: this is not a paid endorcement, <a href="http://www.fitbit.com/" target="_blank">Fitbit</a> has not heard of me - I just think it's really cool)<br />
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It's my Fitbit! (Shown next to my phone to give you an idea of how small it is. And that's a cat hair, not a scratch on my phone.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6746289761/" title="Fitbit (2) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Fitbit (2)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6746289761_e0f988d9e0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I found out about Fitbit from my brother, David. He gave one to my mom for Christmas and I know that she's enjoyed it too.<br />
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It's a little pedometer, but it's also so much more. It gives me positive reinforcement throughout the day as to how active I am. It even talks to me!<br />
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(Please ignore my bruised thumb, I banged it back in November and the bruise has been slowly moving towards the tip of my nail as my fingernail grows, which has been kinda fun to watch.)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6746290289/" title="Fitbit (5) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Fitbit (5)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6746290289_9854e1faba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6746291011/" title="Fitbit (6) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Fitbit (6)" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6746291011_debb085f87_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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This is just one example of the messages it will give me if I pick it up. <br />
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I wear it on my waistband all day long, and it tracks my activities throughout the day.<br />
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There is a free website where you can log your food, activities, vital statistics (measurements, blood pressure, etc). If you buy the Fitbit, then it automatically syncs up and you can see your progress in real time. <br />
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Mom and I have become "friends" on the Fitbit website and we can check in each other and see who's ahead of who in terms of daily steps taken, etc. (I'm ahead!)<br />
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Here's a snapshot of my activity today from the website. I did a bunch of laundry, which meant going up and down our stairs. I'd love to say that I normally have this many floors climbed, but this is an unusual day. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6746291081/" title="Fitbit screen 1 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Fitbit screen 1" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6746291081_8fe35c63c3_z.jpg" width="494" /></a>
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I've set goals for myself and it helps me keep on track.<br />
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Another neat feature is that you can wear the Fitbit at night on a wrist band and it will monitor your sleep. This was alarming at first because I found that I wasn't sleeping well at all. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6746366725/" title="Fitbit screen 4 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Fitbit screen 4" height="281" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6746366725_0d060057ac_z.jpg" width="568" /></a><br />
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The pink color above is the times that I am awake. The blue color is actual sleep time. <br />
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We tried having Rominal sleep in a different bed just to rule out him waking me up. It didn't seem to make much of a difference, I still didn't sleep well.<br />
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Rominal was pleased to hear that he could come back to our bed. I was too, I missed him. <br />
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Here's another night's record. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6746291141/" title="Fitbit screen 2 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Fitbit screen 2" height="281" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6746291141_3a6872ccc6_z.jpg" width="573" /></a>
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What I'm finding now is that I am beginning to be able to improve my sleeping patterns, either that or I've just been super sleepy and I'm sleeping better.<br />
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This is from a recent night.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6746291181/" title="Fitbit screen 3 by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img alt="Fitbit screen 3" height="279" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6746291181_f5de2b7964_z.jpg" width="570" /></a><br />
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I'm getting better at sleeping! Way cool!<br />
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I've had the Fitbit for almost two weeks now and I've lost about 4 pounds so far. I've set my goals to lose slowly, so 4 pounds is great for me. <br />
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I just think this is super cool and I thought I would share it with you. <br />
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Looks like I'd better go do more laundry - I want to see how many flights of stairs I can do today!<br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049007280607840779.post-27799429327186884582012-01-15T10:22:00.000-06:002012-01-15T10:22:12.887-06:00Mmmmm, Chocolate Cake<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6701719887/" title="Baking (55) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6701719887_d42c0409b3_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Baking (55)"></a><br />
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Hello There! I'm still catching up from my blogging rest. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6701725541/" title="Baking (52) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6701725541_31c00817e3_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Baking (52)"></a><br />
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I made this cake a couple of times over the holidays and it is a crowd pleaser. I though I would share it with you.<br />
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<b>Mmmmm, Chocolate Cake</b><br />
from The Cake Mix Doctor, by Anne Byrn<br />
<ul>
<li>1 package (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix, I used a German Chocolate mix</li>
<li>1 package (3.9 ounces) chocolate instant pudding mix</li>
<li>4 large eggs</li>
<li>1 cup sour cream</li>
<li>1/2 cup warm water</li>
<li>1/2 cup vegetable oil</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips</li>
</ul>
Preheat oven to 350'. Spray a bundt pan with spray (love me some Pam baking spray - smells so good!). If your bundt pan has a tendency to stick, you might want to flour this too. Mine works really well, so it wasn't an issue.<br />
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Basically mix everything together, except for the chocolate chips. Add those in after everything else is mixed. Pour the mix into the pan and put it in the oven.<br />
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Bake at 350' for 45-50 minutes. <br />
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You'll know it's done when a knife or toothpick comes out clean. I remove the cake from the pan and let it cool on a cooling rack for a bit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46510157@N07/6701582267/" title="Moms (176) by Wendafo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6701582267_4bc12a1f5c_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Moms (176)"></a><br />
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I tried drizzling a powered sugar icing on the cake one time I made it, and another time I sprinkled the cake with powdered sugar. I like the powdered sugar sprinkling best. But if you make the cake, you can decide which works best for you. I'm flexible that way.
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It's a moist, delicious cake, and super easy to make. Enjoy!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08081853144922208187noreply@blogger.com1