tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31221167684215626492024-03-12T19:57:43.349-04:00A Yankee in Rebel ClothesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.comBlogger1131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-26836910482048928592013-10-06T20:23:00.002-04:002013-10-06T20:23:34.244-04:00This Yankee has migrated ...After 7 years of being a Blogger, I've made the move to Wordpress. I hope you'll follow me as I move over there and continue to post all about life. I'll be posting a lot of gluten-free recipes, especially now that the fall baking season is upon us!, and you certainly don't want to miss that!<br />
<br />
Please check me out here:<a href="http://ayankeeinrebelclothes.com/"> A Yankee in Rebel Clothes</a><br />
<br />
So, this will be my last Blogger post. You've been a good friend, Blogger. But, as it is with all good things, it must come to an end.<br />
<br />
Adieu.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05854155229367299487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-46415423894600320142013-10-02T19:42:00.002-04:002013-10-02T19:42:58.217-04:00The Magic of Social MediaThis summer I had the amazing opportunity to go to Memphis, Tennessee and present some of the awesome things we do at my school at the <a href="http://www.lausannelearning.com/">Lausanne Learning Institute</a>. It was also a wonderful opportunity to hang out with my maid-of-honor/amazing best friend, LL. It was only a week before the wedding, so no stress there, right?!<br />
<br />
The thing I was most excited about was that the hotel we were staying at was the <a href="http://www.peabodymemphis.com/">Peabody Hotel</a>. This hotel is world famous for the ducks that spend their days in the lobby fountain. It's a little known fact that I am mildly obsessed with ducks. I'm not sure why, especially given the fact that my husband hunts them for pleasure and meat. And I don't enjoy eating them, but I do just adore them. So staying in a hotel where they reside was pretty exciting.<br />
<br />
When I arrived, everything was ducks. My soap was shaped like a duck. The pillows on my bed were embroidered with ducks. The little hotel shampoos and lotions were in bottles with ducks on them. The butter at our fancy-schmancy dinner was carved to be a duck (which led to a whole different and highly inappropriate conversation that required the assistance of Urban Dictionary). It was fantastic. I immediately started tweeting and Facebooking about how excited I was and how amazing the hotel was. I even sent out pictures, making sure to hashtag appropriately and to mention the hotel.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UBCA1XutIcw/Ukthx_-j5yI/AAAAAAAAtPs/dPvyOQZ_ijM/s640/blogger-image--1278897676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Peabody Memphis rubber ducky" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UBCA1XutIcw/Ukthx_-j5yI/AAAAAAAAtPs/dPvyOQZ_ijM/s320/blogger-image--1278897676.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most adorable rubber ducky ever. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wj2sJYGZJw4/UkthwpoaX6I/AAAAAAAAtPk/U_DSoJlmGdw/s640/blogger-image--1826840673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wj2sJYGZJw4/UkthwpoaX6I/AAAAAAAAtPk/U_DSoJlmGdw/s320/blogger-image--1826840673.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Peabody Memphis duck collage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tuyQi8eodTU/UkthvIVPKRI/AAAAAAAAtPc/7DI5OEHGxdE/s640/blogger-image--486554137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Peabody Memphis ducks" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tuyQi8eodTU/UkthvIVPKRI/AAAAAAAAtPc/7DI5OEHGxdE/s320/blogger-image--486554137.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducks in the lobby fountain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The hotel noticed my tweets and responded that they were happy I was enjoying my stay. I was pleased that they noticed me. A little validation never hurts, right? I continued to tweet and mention them because I was genuinely happy with my stay and my experience. I wasn't expecting anything in return, but I figured that I had used social media in the past to complain about service so now was an opportunity to rave about a wonderful experience. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On my last night, I left my room around 4pm to hang out with my MOH out and about in town. When I returned to my room several hours later, I found this sitting on my freshly made bed ...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vY7cuY0c1a2E1TwSlLJs7h3JqVOjrp1hdxcn8BopxUXIG5Su0jOjxlEpKWlTVaw7ERoYn5Jo_INJDSl-xNT1O5uIRBahqVdFqEBJZVQZsIihPoGmkdrfeWx0saBUG5-F22BXd7fR2lU/s1600/peabody+ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Duckmaster Rubber Ducky" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vY7cuY0c1a2E1TwSlLJs7h3JqVOjrp1hdxcn8BopxUXIG5Su0jOjxlEpKWlTVaw7ERoYn5Jo_INJDSl-xNT1O5uIRBahqVdFqEBJZVQZsIihPoGmkdrfeWx0saBUG5-F22BXd7fR2lU/s320/peabody+ducks.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
At first, I was confused, so I read the note. It was from the "Duckmaster" (The guy in the red jacket that leads the ducks to and from their fountain each day), telling me how happy he was that I had genuinely enjoyed my stay and had shared my wonderful experiences. He wanted me to accept this GIANT rubber ducky (dressed as the Duckmaster, of course!) as a gift, a memory of my trip.<br />
<br />
Wait. What?!<br />
<br />
I of course tweeted out a pic of the gift with a message that contained many exclamation points. I was so thrilled that the Peabody Hotel had noticed my praise and surprised me with such a sweet (and appropriate!) gift. I've always believed in the power of social media, but this experience solidified that. I now keep that rubber ducky on my classroom desk, and my students regularly ask about it. And, of course, I eagerly tell them my awesome story.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-31356244721130314752013-10-02T14:27:00.002-04:002013-10-02T16:51:21.631-04:00My kids are more adorable as cartoonsEver since the husband and I blended our family last year, we've been talking about getting a portrait done of the kids. They are each very photogenic. Sunny has an adorable little lab smirk that she loves to flash whether in trouble or not. Bailey is regal and stately, although she does hate the camera. And Pickles? Well, he's just Pickles. Completely one of a kind.<br />
<br />
The problem with a group portrait of the kids is, well ... the kids. They wiggle. They squirm. They're disobedient. We can't get them all to sit still for any length of time when they are even remotely close to each other. Pickles starts to chew on Sunny's legs or ears and then Sunny tries to step on Pickles. Bailey, not amused with all of the shenanigans, tries to slink away as stealthily as possible. All in all, it's a huge fail each and every time. In fact, the only picture we have of all three of them together is from the back when they were all begging me for a donut. It's an adorable photo, but certainly not wall art level.<br />
<br />
With the husband's birthday approaching, I decided that I was going to make a portrait happen one way or another. And that's when the epiphany hit me! I just so happen to have two amazingly talented artist friends in Greensboro who have been experimenting with these absolutely adorable storybook-style children's portraits. I figured that if they could do such amazing work with human children, my four-legged children should be no problem!<br />
<br />
I contacted Suzanne and Edgar of <a href="http://store.anopensketchbook.com/">An Open Sketchbook</a> and sent them a few (like 12) different photos of the kids.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HjvNKT-cOBE/UkxMXUmTQ2I/AAAAAAAAtQE/0_7kWQoPlDk/s640/blogger-image--1725213994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HjvNKT-cOBE/UkxMXUmTQ2I/AAAAAAAAtQE/0_7kWQoPlDk/s320/blogger-image--1725213994.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny smiling. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sS_fxFNtAcg/UkxMWCX0LMI/AAAAAAAAtP8/xIvj39i3w1w/s640/blogger-image--1558599357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sS_fxFNtAcg/UkxMWCX0LMI/AAAAAAAAtP8/xIvj39i3w1w/s320/blogger-image--1558599357.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey with ball. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pFmp1bvJXsI/UkxMZkuE3eI/AAAAAAAAtQU/ZyMdqwzr23I/s640/blogger-image-770151894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pFmp1bvJXsI/UkxMZkuE3eI/AAAAAAAAtQU/ZyMdqwzr23I/s320/blogger-image-770151894.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickles being Pickles. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />A few short weeks later, this perfect masterpiece arrived in my mailbox.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-F6LxP2Qthtc/UkxMYdLy_rI/AAAAAAAAtQM/jhLZDqKDl_g/s640/blogger-image--1505870685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Amazing custom art by An Open Sketchbook" border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-F6LxP2Qthtc/UkxMYdLy_rI/AAAAAAAAtQM/jhLZDqKDl_g/s400/blogger-image--1505870685.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seriously? How adorable is that? And it captured our kids more perfectly than any photo we've ever taken. I put it in a frame and wrapped it up all pretty, and, when the husband opened it, he LOVED it. 100% loved it. Even called it the best birthday gift he's ever received. I'd like to take credit for that, but it was all Suzanne and Edgar. Thank you, guys, for making it possible!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And now ... where to hang it?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-23610894498748060822013-10-01T19:40:00.001-04:002013-10-02T16:33:25.222-04:00Welcome back to my life, Banana Bread!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the things I miss the most about being gluten-free is baking. I'm no master cook, but I do love to bake treats. It's how I show I love people: with food. Given that I was diagnosed right before the wedding and then the school year started up almost instantly after that, I haven't had the time nor the focus to attempt gluten-free baking. I've made some brownies from a gluten-free mix, but that's been the extent of my attempts. Of course, I've continued making non-gluten-free treats for my husband and our friends. One of my favorite things to bake (because it's so simple!!) is banana bread. Plus, it's my husband's favorite treat, so that's always a bonus. Well, finally, this weekend I attempted to make the banana bread gluten-free. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My favorite banana bread recipe is one that comes from a dear family friend. I remember it tasting so amazing as a kid -- especially with chocolate chips or walnuts in it -- and I love recreating that taste memory for people I love. It's an easy recipe that doesn't require any special shopping (unless you're modifying it for gluten-free or don't regularly keep bananas in your house) and it only requires one bowl. One bowl!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-APL4_1A8Raw/UktWp15azgI/AAAAAAAAtPM/mAj6yrkAbw8/s640/blogger-image--357250290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Family Recipe Gluten-Free Banana Bread!! Finally!!" border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-APL4_1A8Raw/UktWp15azgI/AAAAAAAAtPM/mAj6yrkAbw8/s320/blogger-image--357250290.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUM!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4 very ripe bananas</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3/4 cup sugar (can be substituted with Splenda or a sugar substitute, but I prefer plain sugar)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 eggs</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 cups Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix (or regular flour if gluten-free isn't a concern for you)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tsp. baking soda</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tsp. baking powder</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peel your bananas and place in a mixing bowl. I use my KitchenAid mixer (because I simply adore that little machine!), but a medium mixing bowl will work perfectly as well. Add the sugar, softened sugar, eggs, baking mix, baking soda, and baking powder. If using a stand mixer, start the mix on low until batter is evenly wet. Turn it up to medium-high until batter if mixed evenly and has few lumps. Pour into a greased bread pan and bake at 350 for approximately 50-60 minutes. Test the center with a toothpick to ensure that the bread is baked throughout. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few notes ... the Bisquick mix is a great option for newbies in the gluten-free baking world. It's a premixed flour that functions equally to standard flour. The texture of the banana bread (and pancakes!) that I've made with it is the same as the non-gluten-free counterparts, and the flavor is not altered. However, as with many gluten-free baked goods, there is a slight aftertaste. It's not unpalatable or harsh; it's just an aftertaste. However, when gluten-free baked goods are scarce, it's quite acceptable. At some point I plan to experiment with making my own flours, but I'm not there yet. I will be someday! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YhbdWdJD5Oc/UktWomzZ-eI/AAAAAAAAtPE/dzROEentkck/s640/blogger-image-32846956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bisquick GF mix ... my savior" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YhbdWdJD5Oc/UktWomzZ-eI/AAAAAAAAtPE/dzROEentkck/s320/blogger-image-32846956.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My novice gluten-free baking best friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-56560940851882564842013-09-18T10:17:00.001-04:002013-10-02T16:51:21.645-04:00Anatomy of a sick pup<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8p-_hooPPwg/UjmyWcn6ENI/AAAAAAAAtNw/4lbR5IvxR90/s640/blogger-image-418313658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Sunny, our Yellow Dog, despite eating EVERYTHING she finds (rocks, sticks, feces ... you name it) has never gotten sick. An occasional ear infection, but nothing has affected her ironclad stomach. Until last week. I returned home from our grade-level overnight trip to find my normally rambunctious and overly-energetic puppy lethargic and sad. When I walked in the house to release her from her crate, she barely acknowledged my arrival. I knew something was wrong. And then I saw the vomit in her crate and my suspicions increased. When she refused to eat and threw up all the water she had just drunk, I knew something was wrong. I didn't need to see the bloody diarrhea (TMI, right?!) to know that a trip to the vet was next. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We spent the next three hours at the vet, getting x-rays and blood work and all the typical workups. They couldn't find anything wrong with her which made them worry all the more. Her dramatically subdued behavior coupled with the continued vomiting made them suspect that she had a soft foreign body somewhere inside. I couldn't find anything missing, but she's a sneaky little troublemaker, so I had no doubt that she had found a sock or a pair of underwear or something else. We went home with medicine and strict rest order. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Shockingly, for a dog who NEVER rests, rest wasn't hard for her to achieve. JD and I always joke that she hasn't learned to cuddle or sit still yet because she is constantly moving. If nothing else, this illness has taught her to lay still and rest. Her poor little spirit was so sad and depressed; it was blatantly obvious that she didn't feel good. She just slept. And rested. And cuddled. I know it's horrible to say, but she was so sweet!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sK3UBy5HKT0/UjmyQxCpX3I/AAAAAAAAtNQ/Ch-rtp11Ulg/s640/blogger-image-1376133215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sK3UBy5HKT0/UjmyQxCpX3I/AAAAAAAAtNQ/Ch-rtp11Ulg/s400/blogger-image-1376133215.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't even lift her head at the vet's office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8p-_hooPPwg/UjmyWcn6ENI/AAAAAAAAtNw/4lbR5IvxR90/s400/blogger-image-418313658.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at those sweet, sad brown eyes. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PKHXs69VB1A/UjmyPdsoFFI/AAAAAAAAtNI/JrcBFjbSxkg/s640/blogger-image--453991660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PKHXs69VB1A/UjmyPdsoFFI/AAAAAAAAtNI/JrcBFjbSxkg/s400/blogger-image--453991660.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actually resting on the couch, not squirming around like a crazy dog. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OCm5bd1Nys4/UjmyR6V4l2I/AAAAAAAAtNY/div5H3M9Ato/s640/blogger-image--77177448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OCm5bd1Nys4/UjmyR6V4l2I/AAAAAAAAtNY/div5H3M9Ato/s400/blogger-image--77177448.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More sleepiness. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Fic1bzVBuOc/UjmyUxfnBoI/AAAAAAAAtNo/KFNLJ4iZ6hc/s640/blogger-image-675154297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Fic1bzVBuOc/UjmyUxfnBoI/AAAAAAAAtNo/KFNLJ4iZ6hc/s400/blogger-image-675154297.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even shared lap space with her big (little) brother.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The doctor ordered that she eat only chicken and rice, but that crazy dog refused to eat anything but her own food. Seriously? I'm cooking you a hot meal, and you'd rather eat kibble? By Sunday, she was feeling much better. Not 100% and not back to normal food intake, but better. Good enough to play a little ball in the backyard. On Tuesday, she was back to her hyper self and was playing rough in the backyard with the other kids. I was relieved. Nothing every passed through, so it may have just been a bad virus. Either way, I'm happy to have her back to her normal self. And the best part? She hasn't forgotten how to cuddle. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iGHtIQi-pMA/UjmyTSCO9hI/AAAAAAAAtNg/3DsBekiQjUY/s640/blogger-image--1251612395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iGHtIQi-pMA/UjmyTSCO9hI/AAAAAAAAtNg/3DsBekiQjUY/s400/blogger-image--1251612395.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All better and back to just sitting and smelling the air. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-27727756404251250422013-09-18T09:22:00.002-04:002013-10-02T16:51:21.627-04:00Opening my eyesLast night, sitting on my back patio with candles burning, sipping a glass of wine, and watching my dogs tumble and play in the yard, I realized something. Something profound yet amazingly simple and obvious.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I have a really great life. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I talk all the time about how important it is to be positive and recognize your blessings in life, but I also have a worry-wort personality that can easily get bogged down with the negative. I keep hoping that forced positivity helps me to lose my anxiety and worry, but it never seems to. Part of that problem is the fact that I find it difficult to slow down and relax. Even when I'm getting a massage, intended to relax me, I'm thinking "Only a few more minutes and it'll be over. Darn." I struggle to just appreciate the moment.<br />
<br />
But last night, as the sun was setting behind the trees, it hit me like a ton of bricks.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am blessed</i>. </div>
<br />
Of course I have things to worry about and I always will. Those things aren't going away any time soon. And there's really nothing I can do about so many of the things I worry about. But what I can do is change my now. My present. My view.<br />
<br />
I can focus on the fact that my Bailey, all thirteen years of her, was running around the backyard playing ball with Yellow Dog like she was a puppy again.<br />
<br />
Or on the sweet Little Boy curled up in my lap, just wanting to be close to me, as I read some Mark Twain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qr2qzIYeb58/Ujmo1d1hWTI/AAAAAAAAtM0/yYQBXA1IRyw/s640/blogger-image--153075052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qr2qzIYeb58/Ujmo1d1hWTI/AAAAAAAAtM0/yYQBXA1IRyw/s400/blogger-image--153075052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Or the glass of white wine, perfectly chilled and shimmering in candlelight, that reminds me of my amazing honeymoon only a few weeks ago.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-65DqggfljC8/Ujmo0L3gu_I/AAAAAAAAtMw/_RDfWq7GSRk/s640/blogger-image--154873047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-65DqggfljC8/Ujmo0L3gu_I/AAAAAAAAtMw/_RDfWq7GSRk/s400/blogger-image--154873047.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
Or even on the gentle breeze blowing and the temperatures dropping to the point where I need a sweatshirt to keep off the chill.<br />
<br />
Or especially the significant progress I made on my dissertation earlier in the evening.<br />
<br />
I write this post as a reminder to myself that, on my rough days when I wake up at 2am with anxiety and stress, when all I can focus on is the hardship and struggles, when all that seems to come my way is bad luck, when I'm feeling downtrodden and beaten ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I have a really great life. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's filled with little joys that too often go unnoticed and unappreciated. I simply need to slow down and focus on all the beautiful sunsets I've witnessed and the delicious glasses of wine I've tasted and the wonderful books I've enjoyed and the sweet moments I've shared with my dogs. And all of the other little blessings that fill my life but are often absent from my sight. In fact, I don't need to simply slow down. I need to open my eyes.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05854155229367299487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-91106808024133895972013-09-09T11:04:00.001-04:002013-09-09T11:06:18.424-04:00 A few more wedding detailsThe only thing I've shared about the wedding thus far has been pictures because I've struggled to find the right words to describe our day. It was literally perfect. Perfect for us. I'm sure there are a million couples out there who would have done things differently, but our wedding day was a true reflection of who we are as people and of where we've come. There were many personal touches that made our day unique, and it really was everything we could have wanted.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
JD and I didn't want the big fancy affair with ball gowns and a string quartet and waiters in tuxedos. Our goal going into it was first, to get married, and second, to make sure everyone had a good time. Aside from that, we had no lofty plans. Of course, we couldn't control whether our guests had fun, but we did our best to ensure that they did. We hired a musician that we enjoyed and had the event in a small restaurant that had amazing food. The inside of the restaurant was already a pretty space, so we didn't need to spend a lot of money on decorations. In fact, the only decorations that we bought were fresh flowers for our tables. I tied ribbons around mason jars and filled them with roses and hydrangeas and snapdragons and stock, all in pale shades of pink. And we had votives in diamond designed jam jars that cast beautiful shadows on the table clothes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When it came to the actual ceremony, we wanted it to reflect us and not be canned and artificial. I wanted to walk down the "aisle" to something that had more meaning than the traditional Pachabel's Canon or something instrumental. After lots of searching and talking with JD and LL, we decided on David Gray's "This Year's Love." The words are so perfect and the melody is hauntingly beautiful. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3xqlWbeKcb8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even now, the song makes me choke up a little </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My colleague, Matthew, an ordained minster, presided over our celebration, and we opened with a congregational affirmation. All of our guests remained standing around us during the ceremony, gathered close and supporting us as they had throughout our lives. Each guest read the passage below as we began our life together. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>We have come here today to affirm the joining of James and MaryBeth in marriage. It is our fondest hope that their separate lives may together explore new dimensions of love. We desire for them the excitement of new discoveries and new creations, that their lives may be an adventure together wherever they may go. We know that love is not easily achieved. We know that MaryBeth and James will find the courage and the patience to meet the challenge of a marriage pledged to honest struggle, open communication and shared lives. Finally, we recognize that love is not limited, nor can it be contained. Therefore we expect that the love they feel for each other will reach beyond themselves so that their lives will be lived not only for themselves, but for all people. In all that we hope for them we pledge ourselves to help and support them.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
We wrote our own vows, and, after Matthew pronounced us husband and wife, every guest raised their glass of champagne to toast our new union. And our musician began playing The Lumineers "Ho Hey." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zvCBSSwgtg4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally, everyone was able to enjoy their food and drink and have a good time with family and friends. Eventually, when it was time, JD and I danced to the song he picked out, "Dancing Shoes" by Green River Ordinance. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/k4bBu9HD_Qo/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/k4bBu9HD_Qo&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/k4bBu9HD_Qo&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My dad and I danced to "I Wish You Peace" by the Eagles, a song he picked. We invited all the fathers and daughters to join us about halfway through the song, and then the dance floor was filled with beautiful girls dancing with their loving fathers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We laughed and toasted and had a wonderful evening. And, as a nervous, Type A bride, I couldn't have asked for everything to go more smoothly. even the one badly behaved guest wasn't my problem; my family took care of it. It was a beautiful day, and, while I'm happy the stress is over, I look back on that night wishing it had lasted forever. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05854155229367299487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-22969548769912084412013-09-07T09:00:00.000-04:002013-10-02T16:33:25.218-04:00I love a straight shooter<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite the title, this post has nothing to do with archery. Although, if I think deeply about it, I may be able to make some esoteric connection ...<br />
<br />
I always find it interesting how life seems to come full
circle, especially when you least expect it to. As we grow, we evolve and
change and develop, but the core of who we are never really changes. It may be
masked and hidden or ignored and repressed at times, but who we are at our core
is always there and never really changes. Sometimes it takes earth-shattering
events to remember who you are, and sometimes it just reappears as time passes
and life stages end and begin. It's always a shocking realization that, no
matter where you are or who you are with, at your most essential being, you are
the same person as you used to be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At my wedding, my MOH and best friend gave a speech that
helped bring me back to my center. A center that I had unknowingly been getting
farther away from as the years have passed. She told our guests that two things
she loved about me was the value I placed on family and my appreciation of
honesty. It makes sense that she and I have been such good amigas for so long
because we can both be 100% honest with each other and expect the same from
those around us. And, at this point, she's more family than some of my actual
blood relatives. Family for me often extends beyond blood lines, and I'm sure
that has something to do with being an orphaned transplant while I attended
grad school in Greensboro. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But back to honesty ... her speech really made me think
about who I was and what I was allowing into my life. As a kid, I never had
great relationships with girls. I would have one or two female friends that I
would hang out with, but the majority of my closest friends were male. I didn't
date a whole lot in high school (had one or two relatively steady boyfriends at
most), but I remember spending my lunch hours hanging out with a group of guys
on the picnic table outside the cafeteria. I never had crushes on those boys or
had any interest in them beyond friendship. I wasn't the girl who hung out with
boys for the attention and casual flirting. I genuinely liked their company and
their often crude humor. Because of these friendships, the girls around me
thought I was trying to "get with" these guys and often didn't like
me. I was okay with that. They suspected me of ulterior motives and, instead of
being upfront about it, they behaved like children and talked about me behind
my back. It bothered me at first until I realized that they weren't my friends,
so I didn't really care about their opinions of me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My gravitation towards male companionship over female
friends continued through college and grad school. I never really thought much
about it; I just figured it was who I was. Some people prefer the company of
their own gender and some don't. It's no big deal. I didn't really waste time
about the psychology behind my friendships. After grad school, I found that my
circle of male friends had morphed into a circle of female friends. It wasn't a
conscious move; it was just who I was immediately surrounded with at work and
in life. And, as things happen, those friendships eventually dissolved. And,
when they did, I had an epiphany about why I had unknowingly avoided female
friendships for so very long. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am who I am with everyone I know. I am honest and
(occasionally) crass and I know that I lack a filter. I believe in being nice
to people and being a good person, but I have absolutely no poker face and lack
the ability to "just pretend" when I'm around people who I genuinely
don't get along with or like. In fact, my husband is always telling me that I
need to learn to make a poker face because it is always glaringly obvious when
I don't like someone. He's probably right, but I wouldn't even know where to
start! I remember taking a personality test back in high school (way back when
schools required aptitude tests to reveal your true “career calling” and personality
tests to discover hidden truths about yourself and all those other random
tests) and the results told me that I had an “androgynous” personality,
highlighting the benefits of typically male and female personalities. It seemed
to make sense because I’ve never been a tomboy (I like dresses and high heels
far too much!), but no one who really knows me would ever call me a “girly-girl”
either because I’m not afraid of doing hard work and getting my hands dirty. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My problem with many of the women that I have been friends
with is the same thing that I struggle with as a teacher of pre-teens. There is
often a lack of authenticity and honesty in female relationships. So many women
have been groomed and trained to be “nice” and say things that they don’t
really mean to avoid hurting peoples’ feelings. They smile to you face and say
things like “Bless your heart” when they really mean “You’re an idiot.” And then
the catty behavior of talking behind peoples’ backs and isolation kicks in. Men
tend to be more honest and straightforward. They often lack the very same
filter that I lack, so I always know where I stand with them. I don’t ask my
husband “Do I look fat in this?” unless I know for sure that I don’t. Because
he’ll be honest with me, regardless of what I <i>want</i> him to say, and I appreciate that. I’ve surrounded myself with
men like this for the majority of my life and I think that makes it harder for
me to tolerate the sometimes disingenuous and catty nature of some women. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That being said, there are certainly wonderful women in my
life who, like me, are straight shooters. They are few and far between, but,
when we find each other, it’s generally a match made in heaven. My MOH and my
new archery buddy are just two examples. A few lingering friends from college
and a few colleagues from work. And, of course, my mom (although her filter is
a little more effective than mine). I
always know where I stand with these ladies, and that’s an essential element of
friendship for me. We all can be catty and obnoxious – I’m pretty sure it’s in
our DNA – but I need to be surrounded by people who I can trust to be genuine
and honest and consistent with me. Which, after all these years, I realize is
why I’ve always had closer friendships with men. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So much for not getting into the psychology behind
friendships!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(Disclaimer: As an educated person, I realize that not all women or men fit into the categories that I've created. I'm speaking from my own personal experience, and, in that experience, there have certainly been individuals who shattered my expectations on both sides of the gender divide. I am boiling down a multi-faceted discussion to simple terms for the purpose of relaying my own experiences.)</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05854155229367299487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-44482322991201591482013-09-05T15:19:00.000-04:002013-09-05T15:19:23.610-04:00Labor Day in CNYI haven't been home for Labor Day in almost 10 years. For a normal family, that wouldn't be a huge deal. For my family, it is. Every year my parents throw a PAR-TAY on Labor Day weekend, and everyone comes. Dad makes his world famous (okay, maybe just locally famous, but famous nonetheless) chicken and Mom makes all kinds of salads - spaghetti, macaroni, potato (using Uncle Jack's recipe). Everyone brings a dish to pass and there are games and prizes and a facepainter. This year also starred a magician - with a real bunny! - and an ice cream truck. No joke. My momma is crazy, and she firmly believes in going over the top to make people smile. She was certainly successful this year. When that ice cream truck pulled into the driveway, playing it's tinny music, you would have thought it was Christmas!<br />
<br />
My husband made an honorable showing at the ladder ball game, winning alongside my cousin Alan. I, on the other hand, was eliminated in the first round. This is not surprising given my general lack of athleticism, even when it involves throwing two golf balls connected with a string at a PVC ladder 20 feet away. I also failed miserably at the washer toss.<br />
<br />
Aside from the over-the-top Labor Day festivities sponsored by my darling parents, there was so good ol' fashioned family bonding over archery. Both of my brothers are bow hunters, and I got the opportunity to shoot with each of them, as well as my oldest brother's daughter and son, on Sunday and Monday. It was pretty fun to hang out and shoot with my big brothers. Even cooler to help my little niece Kiersten get better at shooting her little stick bow. I'm by no means an expert or coach, but it was fun to share my little bit of knowledge with her.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nR8rEudMizi8ejQSeyyHJvWkULl4GClfVW98tjPYhhapMhPQ3DgbUen6faBmND25Zv4Crn3dLLG_nWmdWvMGAx5afGeWWyjteXNlFOU1Pp0IoDcbUBi-l2WH4tg6VLB19e_R08Hj2hc/s1600/559257_10200391083040378_1246106510_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nR8rEudMizi8ejQSeyyHJvWkULl4GClfVW98tjPYhhapMhPQ3DgbUen6faBmND25Zv4Crn3dLLG_nWmdWvMGAx5afGeWWyjteXNlFOU1Pp0IoDcbUBi-l2WH4tg6VLB19e_R08Hj2hc/s400/559257_10200391083040378_1246106510_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family that shoots together, stays together. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAXvmRZCZC9QfESkMoC21Yk956XRVvsHX9dg5KShrLDhGY2PjlWGfdQ7pCVWcvHst6jQ5TN1SLfue06d6720M5jrjlDalJ2tDc2tPKcDPJVeAf01tihhfrkvhyphenhyphenG1WYErg9JFxOl5266I/s1600/999469_10200391078760271_2061902371_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAXvmRZCZC9QfESkMoC21Yk956XRVvsHX9dg5KShrLDhGY2PjlWGfdQ7pCVWcvHst6jQ5TN1SLfue06d6720M5jrjlDalJ2tDc2tPKcDPJVeAf01tihhfrkvhyphenhyphenG1WYErg9JFxOl5266I/s400/999469_10200391078760271_2061902371_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, my big brother, and our bows. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWbNexQ1Xiw7pdWj6lIxUgROGATB9bj_tedg2FLN0Ut0sT2OLcZttYravY0oEv7ot8jAmjC3vklimhkhgD6aotgbGyypDWIbPtiwxx6K5U37zx35mfPXYTgWNayIhrgD3CjCmPNROBUo/s1600/1186254_10200391080440313_1621155815_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWbNexQ1Xiw7pdWj6lIxUgROGATB9bj_tedg2FLN0Ut0sT2OLcZttYravY0oEv7ot8jAmjC3vklimhkhgD6aotgbGyypDWIbPtiwxx6K5U37zx35mfPXYTgWNayIhrgD3CjCmPNROBUo/s400/1186254_10200391080440313_1621155815_n.jpg" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping Red shoot. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course, no family visit would be complete without the commission of a minor crime. This year I helped Mom steal wildflowers in order to decorate the Labor Day picnic tables. The tables looked beautiful, and I'm positive that part of that beauty came from the knowledge that the flowers were illegally obtained. <div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2zTJ4q1EF_HNX5elGbnHPwWwkwcYQsVqE5oc_B2_CS2P40ejoSzKm0NrSC2oj6vjQgSDi6sMpc9ZpvuPc1LTpdLAmucPwY9oxRTaEiFOxkeMXJhEK7oXMtpNnenfAuH2evrgA-_OErU/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2zTJ4q1EF_HNX5elGbnHPwWwkwcYQsVqE5oc_B2_CS2P40ejoSzKm0NrSC2oj6vjQgSDi6sMpc9ZpvuPc1LTpdLAmucPwY9oxRTaEiFOxkeMXJhEK7oXMtpNnenfAuH2evrgA-_OErU/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, caught in the act. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best part about going home to Mom and Dad's is enjoying the sunsets each night. And, despite some rainy weather, this weekend provided a few beauties. Their view over the valley is always beautiful, but when the clouds make beautiful designs in the sky 'round sunset, it makes for a beautiful sight. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyRdI9frR5dpYYPLg-N4wZBKtOTEefnrRCQYxujG8SfJV510i-SomIRo_sinZ69o-uXDMHoNHPtWA5QeKa_WrIvE9x3QZ3t1pGlcU-QgJj122wF3D740OuxAH1bkKhJJ8mWaPVMt4sfg/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyRdI9frR5dpYYPLg-N4wZBKtOTEefnrRCQYxujG8SfJV510i-SomIRo_sinZ69o-uXDMHoNHPtWA5QeKa_WrIvE9x3QZ3t1pGlcU-QgJj122wF3D740OuxAH1bkKhJJ8mWaPVMt4sfg/s400/photo+4.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Glory flapping in the breeze. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_5C-9mhhrREqgkm414_al7KO-qbTm_TNdkwk1xZ3GjjHZ0yCHIJb-5OXAFvU2tYblkXICF3BmAZsHeKTusoHYiirCfG98Jklpww1C8KFHdH1QDjrsenMpuz_NW9gsjxFKuRM2tEVf-g/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_5C-9mhhrREqgkm414_al7KO-qbTm_TNdkwk1xZ3GjjHZ0yCHIJb-5OXAFvU2tYblkXICF3BmAZsHeKTusoHYiirCfG98Jklpww1C8KFHdH1QDjrsenMpuz_NW9gsjxFKuRM2tEVf-g/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewD8bsH7YEhi2oDblu4mDitIIdhFoOFKTICuyoeqd1u-2-dvAyOjBTtsFTfMXu0huM_cNpsTp2YuFjq7Db7tup_vvBqc_TnwGAb7JJnGPdHn9SWkHCdk2oy8di9zs5tH6JQKqj33JnI0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewD8bsH7YEhi2oDblu4mDitIIdhFoOFKTICuyoeqd1u-2-dvAyOjBTtsFTfMXu0huM_cNpsTp2YuFjq7Db7tup_vvBqc_TnwGAb7JJnGPdHn9SWkHCdk2oy8di9zs5tH6JQKqj33JnI0/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the long weekend, I returned to NC ready to get back to work. Visiting my CNY home always re-energizes me and gives me the mental strength to get through a few more months without being around my people. Although that I will admit that being far from my homeland is easier now that I have an new awesome set of family down here. Makes the long absences easier. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05854155229367299487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-35611858489712747442013-09-05T10:48:00.003-04:002013-09-05T10:48:41.470-04:00Wedding blessings ... and pictures, too!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At long last, I have pictures of the wedding! My dear friend, Melissa Richard, did our photos for us and we hired her for a few different reasons. Neither JD nor I like our picture taken, so we didn't want someone in our faces all day trying to get our picture (as it turned out, Mom took care of that for us). Melissa also does a more journalistic style of photography which is also something that JD and I appreciate. Given the organic nature and community feel of our wedding, we wanted photographs that were more natural and captured the even in an unobtrusive way. And she hit the mark. (They're out of order, but, so is my life, so that works perfectly.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZaamb3mvO6GHioqHol_z3QzGmxjulNRGmjl0tmidVYbry7LpNZmncdWtn1y7rfY-FlAduJCulIR6wM6t8EvV5iAJAOb1ecIknaWahg68H0qQW9Q-po6XYY8QnPdxilISFjRQBjGE90A/s1600/dsc_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZaamb3mvO6GHioqHol_z3QzGmxjulNRGmjl0tmidVYbry7LpNZmncdWtn1y7rfY-FlAduJCulIR6wM6t8EvV5iAJAOb1ecIknaWahg68H0qQW9Q-po6XYY8QnPdxilISFjRQBjGE90A/s400/dsc_0008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guests sharing in the congregational affirmation. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGcF3nP_CYDQPtM8gQ0ntgclOW8-a3ghrE5NDUeBQsm-qq7DUJQXlmQGjXAOfYBKE6WrHqI4EvGVRaMSkDRwDHqJ6JrfTpO39_OL_E8xljG6v9wt7pb8myM0mCsSvr_mVK7U3Gv6TP98/s1600/dsc_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGcF3nP_CYDQPtM8gQ0ntgclOW8-a3ghrE5NDUeBQsm-qq7DUJQXlmQGjXAOfYBKE6WrHqI4EvGVRaMSkDRwDHqJ6JrfTpO39_OL_E8xljG6v9wt7pb8myM0mCsSvr_mVK7U3Gv6TP98/s400/dsc_0018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was pretty nervous. He was, too. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiXx0hYN-B9_1fVyKKHkPoaummrEhKpT0qevA8J_oaDdhKh7QUhEy2YBqRzStFYE6E1xgu-iIFayhYAJqjeXzFvTla2AuwYvoRTpuwz61U_Sep2uG_PyFJqL7T4BGHQBAamialNklP0M/s1600/dsc_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiXx0hYN-B9_1fVyKKHkPoaummrEhKpT0qevA8J_oaDdhKh7QUhEy2YBqRzStFYE6E1xgu-iIFayhYAJqjeXzFvTla2AuwYvoRTpuwz61U_Sep2uG_PyFJqL7T4BGHQBAamialNklP0M/s400/dsc_0041.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My and my favorite guest (no offense!), Cooper. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjH-FVyLIZsm_wrUrAavqV7h7ciOK0QPv3vGkj13KZhEN4K4_KT6xtdDLHLy2AEx4QseEVg2lcdXuiOPqMCDC4UWl1v_a0RZHtTyRvOT8L-RGyh8ZHtjYngwSXAvfPiY5qM803nU0Xupo/s1600/dsc_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjH-FVyLIZsm_wrUrAavqV7h7ciOK0QPv3vGkj13KZhEN4K4_KT6xtdDLHLy2AEx4QseEVg2lcdXuiOPqMCDC4UWl1v_a0RZHtTyRvOT8L-RGyh8ZHtjYngwSXAvfPiY5qM803nU0Xupo/s400/dsc_0075.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JD with a few members of his fan club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa3RBw_QwvoFieg8170OEds_Nx0a8uvHcVXUKVZFSE-AkHOMU-Gbqrkqipl2FAYTaTgZfiiiMr-zfl1CqPgEbLhWz8W295MpAqv7JgQW9So8YMktvNS1MwoDN7mOzyt8kTCfuFnfINzY/s1600/dsc_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa3RBw_QwvoFieg8170OEds_Nx0a8uvHcVXUKVZFSE-AkHOMU-Gbqrkqipl2FAYTaTgZfiiiMr-zfl1CqPgEbLhWz8W295MpAqv7JgQW9So8YMktvNS1MwoDN7mOzyt8kTCfuFnfINzY/s400/dsc_0110.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of beautiful ladies. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNazY4-3aEhsES0_HVxjf8RfsqyKfv3m39hxttOWdIcsXzqsyFPaxc8ZX8lv_j4DHnwK4az7AxyTG6qYGbNCpTDZT7nCLywNsjOy2Qf2WYOjmqmykI2wITRuZSTvx5pxb4w4ALWTFs7js/s1600/dsc_1049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNazY4-3aEhsES0_HVxjf8RfsqyKfv3m39hxttOWdIcsXzqsyFPaxc8ZX8lv_j4DHnwK4az7AxyTG6qYGbNCpTDZT7nCLywNsjOy2Qf2WYOjmqmykI2wITRuZSTvx5pxb4w4ALWTFs7js/s400/dsc_1049.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two beautiful attendants. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFshTnHAu5J_DGWnZxhMTqCimYUMk7YHtIlVrgbnzoBzqb9_cLekrSgLsmHvGUsz0p9tAza-FrvHFWT4hoHdvWyJs-Z9mk0mc9A5owPLbyRzOEmgvFsaYNMc24rj1DR_7q34t8UK7pxhw/s1600/dsc_1072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFshTnHAu5J_DGWnZxhMTqCimYUMk7YHtIlVrgbnzoBzqb9_cLekrSgLsmHvGUsz0p9tAza-FrvHFWT4hoHdvWyJs-Z9mk0mc9A5owPLbyRzOEmgvFsaYNMc24rj1DR_7q34t8UK7pxhw/s400/dsc_1072.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved how our tables turned out. It was just what I imagined. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicK8sh9QJcfYopIpzQsTEwxja2kxuA_uTJLbBQu086Ta5A8ZQFgklvo1u3k-zdJE2zUB1HbueZlrymGsjGSMDx-VNhDZpu-NMvf0MlJuyJGacHmMjelINXfnTpthNQpMXCTN2-p1PlXEg/s1600/dsc_1074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicK8sh9QJcfYopIpzQsTEwxja2kxuA_uTJLbBQu086Ta5A8ZQFgklvo1u3k-zdJE2zUB1HbueZlrymGsjGSMDx-VNhDZpu-NMvf0MlJuyJGacHmMjelINXfnTpthNQpMXCTN2-p1PlXEg/s400/dsc_1074.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqOnjWoqXm1oqFix694Erdd1j5BErmja93LhQwcJAQTVxWKNh3Kb2oRViL_oo7cemdNg5ehk8Scju_zCuKvOpij19WOTpUGYQKIO08JBXEjjQu15Ct-JG20s5XKviXWKrYdRUuIPffuA/s1600/dsc_1098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqOnjWoqXm1oqFix694Erdd1j5BErmja93LhQwcJAQTVxWKNh3Kb2oRViL_oo7cemdNg5ehk8Scju_zCuKvOpij19WOTpUGYQKIO08JBXEjjQu15Ct-JG20s5XKviXWKrYdRUuIPffuA/s400/dsc_1098.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is she not the most adorable child?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbc7CyepCoMrnXghyQJheVdDBekIwuQqSAe3cAUhH4HtECNUpb0KcdmE7gdjaiLibMw4lkyhA1vX3n9YMJxXoMR5awzwIT15LNvBGrkFTz3jJNCVd3Pu0l42Wq0tw0fbBZhOsFB_yl8s/s1600/dsc_1109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbc7CyepCoMrnXghyQJheVdDBekIwuQqSAe3cAUhH4HtECNUpb0KcdmE7gdjaiLibMw4lkyhA1vX3n9YMJxXoMR5awzwIT15LNvBGrkFTz3jJNCVd3Pu0l42Wq0tw0fbBZhOsFB_yl8s/s400/dsc_1109.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love her ability to be skeptical ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-7XxIEKGuZ07Uwldqd1G-fsikt8gq7fmCTDQ6e0G5rDhYrlFTi88-lSlpvhvXN1k-fcfLgi-C5srwSPnPVwjAAujNPUq5sS52o3oxwaCHyu1MSkXrl-T2KER4AGkeJXqLSC8dF8gs20/s1600/dsc_1116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-7XxIEKGuZ07Uwldqd1G-fsikt8gq7fmCTDQ6e0G5rDhYrlFTi88-lSlpvhvXN1k-fcfLgi-C5srwSPnPVwjAAujNPUq5sS52o3oxwaCHyu1MSkXrl-T2KER4AGkeJXqLSC8dF8gs20/s400/dsc_1116.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my MOH/Bestie/Love of my life (other than JD, of course!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbz-ri7wUnnZxhpQG_JtPp0Zb9Hr2nYVUB32PboDDCKOi_VPekIg8ZKIf_CGw7-VBSTqQILO86vE1eBA7NkieCIm1TZFChdt8wheug6RLaAvij2ljZEVRUzKGSgW-URsgsqAd0ZjhY84/s1600/dsc_1118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbz-ri7wUnnZxhpQG_JtPp0Zb9Hr2nYVUB32PboDDCKOi_VPekIg8ZKIf_CGw7-VBSTqQILO86vE1eBA7NkieCIm1TZFChdt8wheug6RLaAvij2ljZEVRUzKGSgW-URsgsqAd0ZjhY84/s400/dsc_1118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBbdiwcHxhLp9VatX1BPFx3jpLWowMeT9Dl8EVZdSDtHlggPxlw7hxIqo6NbPlNBQDNU8XDLJ_LsngBYjbM-ucsnzFIOuSAX4b1vTTn6BF_8s4GGFeuW8H21TC_XU3dBdXvKN8mMEnxU/s1600/dsc_1183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBbdiwcHxhLp9VatX1BPFx3jpLWowMeT9Dl8EVZdSDtHlggPxlw7hxIqo6NbPlNBQDNU8XDLJ_LsngBYjbM-ucsnzFIOuSAX4b1vTTn6BF_8s4GGFeuW8H21TC_XU3dBdXvKN8mMEnxU/s400/dsc_1183.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love his smile. It's so warm and genuine. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH0RPZ37fLPXl6Pcyw2mD1L9_UhThLlO7UTnPC9Ws8qjHS_7J3wCp596zR8e-x04-kHaCSQKXlee_Fi57Po4hzDMXM_v5qBAqAL4KKBtWenTM75PKY-WQQOWPnZgowEG6ijxe8fXOf6g/s1600/dsc_1193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH0RPZ37fLPXl6Pcyw2mD1L9_UhThLlO7UTnPC9Ws8qjHS_7J3wCp596zR8e-x04-kHaCSQKXlee_Fi57Po4hzDMXM_v5qBAqAL4KKBtWenTM75PKY-WQQOWPnZgowEG6ijxe8fXOf6g/s400/dsc_1193.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdgoFZCHT0W8IctpKNdMFi68VsDNCH_a0EaLV_OZ8TeDL2MP4BArmhQUKpr-Wu-nghjUwaROgqRFDpkpyESw5ZcOGbEcYgBW8kN5f4ZP_F0FgIc1TuMYW_v6CYjBt4cK7sd4gpltjA0Q/s1600/dsc_1201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdgoFZCHT0W8IctpKNdMFi68VsDNCH_a0EaLV_OZ8TeDL2MP4BArmhQUKpr-Wu-nghjUwaROgqRFDpkpyESw5ZcOGbEcYgBW8kN5f4ZP_F0FgIc1TuMYW_v6CYjBt4cK7sd4gpltjA0Q/s400/dsc_1201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a lot of laughter that night. It was perfect. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g1LYOls7YyfntgmuTLhn5e8kOFOQjTgzoRqhGe4J7AIpLI5wolXGhcAeDIBXYlW6g5i7S_uu5BuA8yHD-dvXEKJS2iVzL35gqjHPFcsWlqz0uFtQaGdFjC_oOp6Kv1edmQjD73hHEqk/s1600/dsc_1218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g1LYOls7YyfntgmuTLhn5e8kOFOQjTgzoRqhGe4J7AIpLI5wolXGhcAeDIBXYlW6g5i7S_uu5BuA8yHD-dvXEKJS2iVzL35gqjHPFcsWlqz0uFtQaGdFjC_oOp6Kv1edmQjD73hHEqk/s400/dsc_1218.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeriSdMZj23aaNpkJM8tyyPsxCYs_puQoAelrOzQNgljAzQnaEdwtwiQH_DKlTjWvjzgR87LcNFtpWzAf6H_Ram621kQ5d4dTGrWV7GuKrcWPmBExlN6q0snYGmal2TUryY2O6z2SzI3w/s1600/dsc_1258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeriSdMZj23aaNpkJM8tyyPsxCYs_puQoAelrOzQNgljAzQnaEdwtwiQH_DKlTjWvjzgR87LcNFtpWzAf6H_Ram621kQ5d4dTGrWV7GuKrcWPmBExlN6q0snYGmal2TUryY2O6z2SzI3w/s400/dsc_1258.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde86ANzk8eT145TnEzbCa012NRJVNYHptwLR0oXahMhEcTeniPnE-uk1Hix2_CiKJjHfg4brYQQ5ldfURYl6ooqg_PHMe0kRXSucA8oJ7hNW_JdfPQ1ka_r-3Oq3kHErGzTWnBmx3MqQ/s1600/dsc_1272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde86ANzk8eT145TnEzbCa012NRJVNYHptwLR0oXahMhEcTeniPnE-uk1Hix2_CiKJjHfg4brYQQ5ldfURYl6ooqg_PHMe0kRXSucA8oJ7hNW_JdfPQ1ka_r-3Oq3kHErGzTWnBmx3MqQ/s400/dsc_1272.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle and niece. Love. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kjDk3vKMxLypUjYBfpidPAs2ECDxQMrkduwiXuyOwHtfPmtBKJby0eawiP4wF9vC63EKDZ0jAA6IsXL1ZBTj7v4_P9_zZqlo06rOnIUTRA_J4wI827wsDOYfs_gT4aNWAjUY9ofoqwc/s1600/dsc_1281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kjDk3vKMxLypUjYBfpidPAs2ECDxQMrkduwiXuyOwHtfPmtBKJby0eawiP4wF9vC63EKDZ0jAA6IsXL1ZBTj7v4_P9_zZqlo06rOnIUTRA_J4wI827wsDOYfs_gT4aNWAjUY9ofoqwc/s400/dsc_1281.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of JD's good friends. I love the look of love in this picture. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuPb4aifNuRXsckkIZ6oEu2V5ePL9-_cI1tSinlgk91rrA8AO3nOil2EsuZ6X3ZOlK5vGRn1G8_ZmLOaypC1aKae24WoCb5bD5k_qfgrDIT2dKx4zgQX9WqYIfqvJ6E9ZXlYYqnwVM0o/s1600/dsc_1301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuPb4aifNuRXsckkIZ6oEu2V5ePL9-_cI1tSinlgk91rrA8AO3nOil2EsuZ6X3ZOlK5vGRn1G8_ZmLOaypC1aKae24WoCb5bD5k_qfgrDIT2dKx4zgQX9WqYIfqvJ6E9ZXlYYqnwVM0o/s400/dsc_1301.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNdmCD_sMg-Vc1_H_HNtpp2H0dhXOKVa_cqX1qrNO0ZDNyFVswb9I8nkWyrLckzRg_1Zd7BbMvbRkrXSd8a1OJWQzQHAH_MFi6AtURQL8jxv-huemkeLyvK6W7OyBO70AOIIzK6EWov0/s1600/dsc_1304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNdmCD_sMg-Vc1_H_HNtpp2H0dhXOKVa_cqX1qrNO0ZDNyFVswb9I8nkWyrLckzRg_1Zd7BbMvbRkrXSd8a1OJWQzQHAH_MFi6AtURQL8jxv-huemkeLyvK6W7OyBO70AOIIzK6EWov0/s400/dsc_1304.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking forward to the future. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmlSeiRwN2U3OWHw9P_zMGmNK-SxMrChxC9Q6TUJvzJDNG88U2b0QfQs7VFWIzMzaZ1ZfwcBkDHbtW4Q12JSzC5wZ-kwbrd3dZZoVwMu27WUkD6L25KozLWXlhSiYdkGHJMbYLP-CeeQ/s1600/dsc_1307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmlSeiRwN2U3OWHw9P_zMGmNK-SxMrChxC9Q6TUJvzJDNG88U2b0QfQs7VFWIzMzaZ1ZfwcBkDHbtW4Q12JSzC5wZ-kwbrd3dZZoVwMu27WUkD6L25KozLWXlhSiYdkGHJMbYLP-CeeQ/s400/dsc_1307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUbNvr_dcC_3jz23s5Tfa1SkgTYc0O2kXsjDwxGvhoJ_nM2G8w0mW9g3XRwtHMsuPSlyED0rS0iv4nhbAZYIHchZDMhBNRLKdzv8eTp4C39cj0amj-w7aN7VZaHt9yECH11KLXmUKLa8/s1600/dsc_1362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUbNvr_dcC_3jz23s5Tfa1SkgTYc0O2kXsjDwxGvhoJ_nM2G8w0mW9g3XRwtHMsuPSlyED0rS0iv4nhbAZYIHchZDMhBNRLKdzv8eTp4C39cj0amj-w7aN7VZaHt9yECH11KLXmUKLa8/s400/dsc_1362.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful cousin Carrie and Uncle Bill. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQURYI6D8s2HJkTVqcQ2nQwfTA_Dh0wORCRgVr0oBZ4qf-MdLaQOgREk6zk958qHRpAnq_4G1hCLGeAx9SGjwzAXy5fVr-4Gv4dEuyAS47eEktI100Xr1c8kXfN2_YArJIUUVMUaeS1gc/s1600/dsc_1375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQURYI6D8s2HJkTVqcQ2nQwfTA_Dh0wORCRgVr0oBZ4qf-MdLaQOgREk6zk958qHRpAnq_4G1hCLGeAx9SGjwzAXy5fVr-4Gv4dEuyAS47eEktI100Xr1c8kXfN2_YArJIUUVMUaeS1gc/s400/dsc_1375.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30ZlzQ5lZjelUmyVj0NxUeoGbC7icDXphZ792txySS4iGERfctsZtnrUmaGw32PNa-qy2SHnzNsknAF2QjBsy1Q_pU4BrLiy9J6EWc8t3ESyGkZQddMIkDCPoCokOyhXhtUUuFVTjUxU/s1600/dsc_1471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30ZlzQ5lZjelUmyVj0NxUeoGbC7icDXphZ792txySS4iGERfctsZtnrUmaGw32PNa-qy2SHnzNsknAF2QjBsy1Q_pU4BrLiy9J6EWc8t3ESyGkZQddMIkDCPoCokOyhXhtUUuFVTjUxU/s400/dsc_1471.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and Pops. I love these people. <br /> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_4tDwqBYvh_yg7DgEwdHwPuMw_QJkiJ49VMkrUusHLMjBvyoKX9fDM3v3V03j6vP-VIqaHjKxviZX0ESl8EWtVEc4KhxrUfxu0qROutF_7fRf4s4OM5lhiYa5RXjrJ3-VmYzjxj-6cs/s1600/dsc_1484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_4tDwqBYvh_yg7DgEwdHwPuMw_QJkiJ49VMkrUusHLMjBvyoKX9fDM3v3V03j6vP-VIqaHjKxviZX0ESl8EWtVEc4KhxrUfxu0qROutF_7fRf4s4OM5lhiYa5RXjrJ3-VmYzjxj-6cs/s400/dsc_1484.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI60AuhyphenhyphenAZzYc51atxofnx2xW92x5H3zh7O71bHGc-2NgZjNgWTtJYX5uPpe_q7r1T1XNhkQFR8SxwArttCGEdCJz-KeCgH7bLuT2kLHOMdfd0FURdvrHqm3X3LZwm77FwVjrVfaryEsk/s1600/dsc_1540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI60AuhyphenhyphenAZzYc51atxofnx2xW92x5H3zh7O71bHGc-2NgZjNgWTtJYX5uPpe_q7r1T1XNhkQFR8SxwArttCGEdCJz-KeCgH7bLuT2kLHOMdfd0FURdvrHqm3X3LZwm77FwVjrVfaryEsk/s400/dsc_1540.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvC1TishuZDq_cljRgEz5ok8zUDkH2oSsdgFNdSQHPf-5MCWPa4cQsqePddruSWbYeFRPJ9Tybua4ctOFHvYcoR1eoLnmJ-7J04LEw8nxzgValMos-PAzDrOw26tLjCTUyIPIw2geIvw/s1600/dsc_1542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvC1TishuZDq_cljRgEz5ok8zUDkH2oSsdgFNdSQHPf-5MCWPa4cQsqePddruSWbYeFRPJ9Tybua4ctOFHvYcoR1eoLnmJ-7J04LEw8nxzgValMos-PAzDrOw26tLjCTUyIPIw2geIvw/s400/dsc_1542.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guest book ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRP-iTSYlsw5ta6NlOud-8Na1yt22_MyoZMdMBOuV-r5I0EfbuxKF8oBupufc30OvZ45Bl8KjkaqdmngxRBcHUQiu5l0oQmjBD5KMxnVBNz8_TAkwtitXYoVO70gIUL1HE0JaQy6XXtM/s1600/dsc_1543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRP-iTSYlsw5ta6NlOud-8Na1yt22_MyoZMdMBOuV-r5I0EfbuxKF8oBupufc30OvZ45Bl8KjkaqdmngxRBcHUQiu5l0oQmjBD5KMxnVBNz8_TAkwtitXYoVO70gIUL1HE0JaQy6XXtM/s400/dsc_1543.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arguably my favorite part of the decor ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZW2bB2JRc0CcrAJymxXR66VlpAHFrMXMNvRnyZFyCESikGandV2WQctPhwNfpAeFNXaerqUznsnFPDr32IUs0SbDZ0A8pk2TCb8qI6cEF7HMX3B5qSzz33LGsMhvuE1qujjF5htSlSOI/s1600/dsc_1548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZW2bB2JRc0CcrAJymxXR66VlpAHFrMXMNvRnyZFyCESikGandV2WQctPhwNfpAeFNXaerqUznsnFPDr32IUs0SbDZ0A8pk2TCb8qI6cEF7HMX3B5qSzz33LGsMhvuE1qujjF5htSlSOI/s400/dsc_1548.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMZKS5z0dLYiVLQmNnYh8v5HQaxEaUKik4pf-S-t0xEfjPiPWAx2CrW3tJ7BNhZsqWIm-uZ-jKXcNcHaqjqJlC-U0SCSu2Fuz9d73kvwWRWx6wgcGG4pQwoVoSRNVUOvTvwiMgl2hQTE/s1600/dsc_1563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMZKS5z0dLYiVLQmNnYh8v5HQaxEaUKik4pf-S-t0xEfjPiPWAx2CrW3tJ7BNhZsqWIm-uZ-jKXcNcHaqjqJlC-U0SCSu2Fuz9d73kvwWRWx6wgcGG4pQwoVoSRNVUOvTvwiMgl2hQTE/s400/dsc_1563.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister-in-law and brother-in-law. Lucky to have these two as family. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonHV3715VJtdRMbrLupG2E2IYA1Soc8LYYvWF4QJ53Ygnr4Z8r2JDEcwD2KDPGh0zUdQgtj2kgclQqxf0r1j1gmyx1P8nI_k2RFJOFeQssisEwmmzQEvHLS3bVatfiQzazSne3mLQZpI/s1600/dsc_1579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonHV3715VJtdRMbrLupG2E2IYA1Soc8LYYvWF4QJ53Ygnr4Z8r2JDEcwD2KDPGh0zUdQgtj2kgclQqxf0r1j1gmyx1P8nI_k2RFJOFeQssisEwmmzQEvHLS3bVatfiQzazSne3mLQZpI/s400/dsc_1579.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These wild girls had a blast. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
JD and I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful wedding day. The flowers and table decor was perfect, and the entertainment was wonderful. The food was never-ending and everyone raved about how tasty it was. And the cupcakes ... oh, the cupcakes... If you haven't enjoyed <a href="http://www.sugarlandchapelhill.com/">Sugarland</a>, you need to. Now. Our favors - little recipe books with photos and family recipes - were perfect and reflected our personalities well (at some point, I'll post pictures and my process on those. It was fun!). Everywhere I looked, people were laughing and smiling and enjoying themselves. And that's exactly what we wanted.<br />
<br />
Most importantly, we were surrounded by people we loved and who loved us. These are the people that helped make us who we are, and it was only fitting that those people were the ones to help us celebrate the new start to our lives together. We didn't have a fairytale wedding. We had so much more than that.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05854155229367299487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-16981311197119860482013-08-18T22:08:00.002-04:002013-08-18T22:08:45.236-04:00More attempts at archeryMy archery life has been pretty hit and miss over the past few weeks. With travel and the wedding and then more travel, it's been hard to put away time for practice and improvement. All of my archery pals are still really supportive, but, since I'm not getting much practice in, I'm not finding as much success as I would like to. And, with the competitive tournament season coming to a close in the near future (like, this weekend), I was pretty sure that I wouldn't have the opportunity to even attempt an actual field course.<br />
<br />
Since we got back from our wine-laden honeymoon, I've been making a more conscious effort to shoot more regularly. I shot league night Thursday and was so discouraged with my skill (or lack thereof) that I completely stopped scoring my ins. My elevation was generally fine, but my shots were drifting far right and I couldn't figure out why. After league, I told JD that he needed to mark a 20 yard line in our back yard so I could practice more at home. Being the wonderful husband that he is, he did exactly that on Friday while he hung out with his dad (who was in town for the weekend). Despite the nasty rain on Saturday, I got out in the yard to shoot a few arrows during a rain break.<br />
<br />
This afternoon, JD and I drove out to the far side of Raleigh (which is almost as far as the far side of the moon but worth the drive for the wonderful company) to practice at our good friends' archery range. They've just built a house and have installed both an indoor 20-yard range and a long-distance range in the yard. They're both serious and talented archers. Obviously. :) It was the first time I've ever shot more than 20 yards, and, despite being really nervous that I would lose all of my arrows in the woods behind the target, I did okay. JW, LW, and JD all helped me figure out my distances, and I left their house with marks for different distances. It was pretty exciting to shoot at 60 yards and have relative success. And, by "relative success," I mean I went home with as many arrows as I left with and didn't kill anyone or anything.<br />
<br />
Now the scary thing is this weekend. The state championship archery shoot is in Yadkinville this weekend, and, now that I have marks, I feel like I should shoot the tournament. I'm not eligible to win or even place (not that I would given that I haven't even broken 270 yet), but the experience would be pretty valuable. JW and LW have been really great in helping me learn the whole field archery thing (and archery in general), and it would be really great to shoot with them. But, I won't lie. I'm nervous. REALLY nervous. No one expects me to do anything amazing, but I want to do well and not embarrass myself.<br />
<br />
See? This is my problem. This is why I find it so hard to try new things. I always want to be the best at everything, and, unless I feel confident that I will be, it's hard for me to take the risk. Up to this point, archery has just been a fun thing to do while hanging out with people I like. If I participate in a tournament, it adds a whole new level of stress and importance to it all. And I certainly won't be the best at it. In fact, it's pretty much guaranteed that I'll be the worst. And that makes me a little sick to my stomach.<br />
<br />
We'll see what happens. I'll probably shoot. If not just because of the peer pressure. And you'd think I'd be immune to it given that I'm a teacher. Hmmm ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05854155229367299487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-60796913546174518182013-08-11T16:05:00.000-04:002013-08-11T16:05:35.074-04:00Weddings and honeymoonsSo, I did it. I got married. And there is a long post coming all about the big day in the very near future. Everything went wonderfully well, and it was a beautiful and magical and all the things I/we hoped it would be. But I can't post in detail until I have some more photos from the big day. So, for now, the honeymoon recap will have to suffice. I'll make it picture heavy, don't worry.<br />
<br />
JD and I decided to wait until Monday to head off on our honeymoon. The airfare was considerably cheaper, and having a day to tie up loose ends after the wedding proved to be quite beneficial. The week leading up to the wedding was so busy that I couldn't imagine having to pack and arrange doggy sitting as well. We flew to San Francisco REALLY early on Monday. Like the plane took off at 6am. Yikes. It was early, but that meant we arrived early on the West Coast. We were in our hotel noon and off exploring shortly after.<br />
<br />
We hit the San Francisco aquarium first. Of course. They had some amazing jellyfish and OTTERS! OH! And dancing starfish, too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKnByZnd4qE/UgfcPgmef1I/AAAAAAAAAqY/rbT_wDMy8a8/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKnByZnd4qE/UgfcPgmef1I/AAAAAAAAAqY/rbT_wDMy8a8/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cool green anemone type thing. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXbg49Vr8vI/UgfcUvXAqlI/AAAAAAAAAq0/WM18c-HuIDg/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXbg49Vr8vI/UgfcUvXAqlI/AAAAAAAAAq0/WM18c-HuIDg/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love taking pictures of jellies through aquarium walls. I'm thankful for aquarium walls. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BAL6IHzszGY/UgfcZF8AxFI/AAAAAAAAArc/HLk9trVtwFQ/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BAL6IHzszGY/UgfcZF8AxFI/AAAAAAAAArc/HLk9trVtwFQ/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're dancing! Adorableness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XFBg_uyrP48/UgfcfBDdqpI/AAAAAAAAAr8/cD5xXVVTLwM/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XFBg_uyrP48/UgfcfBDdqpI/AAAAAAAAAr8/cD5xXVVTLwM/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lsE2QTMeuo/UgfcjM-5q_I/AAAAAAAAAsc/c1C8eMpufWg/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lsE2QTMeuo/UgfcjM-5q_I/AAAAAAAAAsc/c1C8eMpufWg/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Otters!! Just chillin'. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0rQdFY72Ik/Ugfck6Xp1wI/AAAAAAAAAso/6VDY0fmtQ4I/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0rQdFY72Ik/Ugfck6Xp1wI/AAAAAAAAAso/6VDY0fmtQ4I/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at those teeth! They're a little less cuddly now. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The harbor was pretty. Lots of boats and lots of wind. And they sky fluctuated from brilliant blue to cloudy-grey within moments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZZbTGqh40U/UgfcnYolPJI/AAAAAAAAAs4/qBaI9SRcaek/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZZbTGqh40U/UgfcnYolPJI/AAAAAAAAAs4/qBaI9SRcaek/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ0_xhApwQ8/UgfcouO-0NI/AAAAAAAAAtE/EfSnwLfU6Cc/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ0_xhApwQ8/UgfcouO-0NI/AAAAAAAAAtE/EfSnwLfU6Cc/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBNGrGENCsE/Ugfctt1vFJI/AAAAAAAAAtw/JnNnkUKsV9o/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBNGrGENCsE/Ugfctt1vFJI/AAAAAAAAAtw/JnNnkUKsV9o/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alcatrez. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And Wharf 39 is home to a bevy of sea lions! I had no idea. There are about 60 living there now. During the winter months, that number skyrockets into the hundreds. I can't even imagine the noise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cZG7pSggsg/Ugfcy3jmtvI/AAAAAAAAAuY/bKTnazBR4gA/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cZG7pSggsg/Ugfcy3jmtvI/AAAAAAAAAuY/bKTnazBR4gA/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLRTao25TvE/UgfcvVwNNgI/AAAAAAAAAuU/PrPknMdhx8g/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLRTao25TvE/UgfcvVwNNgI/AAAAAAAAAuU/PrPknMdhx8g/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tuesday, before driving north to Sonoma, we visited Golden Gate Park. It was cloudy and blustery with some rain in the air. Whoever said San Francisco is 65 and sunny every day is a damn liar. It didn't get out of the 50s the whole time we were there. But we made the best of it and enjoyed the sights. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf1uWkAE4bY/Ugfc4BEkkLI/AAAAAAAAAu8/iu7xY-74nGk/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf1uWkAE4bY/Ugfc4BEkkLI/AAAAAAAAAu8/iu7xY-74nGk/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windmills. In the park. They weren't turning, but still. Windmills?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwfqQBhl7Xk/UgfdBv0LuqI/AAAAAAAAAvs/FZSm-KB97EY/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwfqQBhl7Xk/UgfdBv0LuqI/AAAAAAAAAvs/FZSm-KB97EY/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surfers. No way would I be out in that water in that weather. No. Way. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yWr-1yryMk/UgfdEHS3OEI/AAAAAAAAAv8/ZoEyz0VmTns/s1600/DSC_0119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yWr-1yryMk/UgfdEHS3OEI/AAAAAAAAAv8/ZoEyz0VmTns/s1600/DSC_0119.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what this is, but it washed up on the beach. Maybe sea grass of some sort?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0cLp6b1nds/UgfdKYb9UwI/AAAAAAAAAyg/0dYNfUZyc5k/s1600/DSC_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0cLp6b1nds/UgfdKYb9UwI/AAAAAAAAAyg/0dYNfUZyc5k/s1600/DSC_0123.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not one but TWO windmills. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qG8tRNwZnyI/Ugfdbl5RURI/AAAAAAAAA1o/q6mOUonYz2k/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qG8tRNwZnyI/Ugfdbl5RURI/AAAAAAAAA1o/q6mOUonYz2k/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And buffalo?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As soon as we crossed the Golden Gate bridge (which was too cloudy to capture on film. The top was lost in the clouds), the sky cleared, and the temperature rose approximately 25 degrees. No exaggeration. The Sonoma Valley was beautiful. Not what I expected at all, but beautiful nonetheless. I was expecting a lush green vibrant wine country because that is what wine country in NY looks like. California's wine country is scrubby and arid and dry. In fact, the only green to be seen was the vines.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V3csIZAwmeY/UgfdeaDE6_I/AAAAAAAAA18/Uha-DDaUlso/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V3csIZAwmeY/UgfdeaDE6_I/AAAAAAAAA18/Uha-DDaUlso/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first vineyard! St. Francis. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgqA8q_5RFM/UgfdiDCsI3I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/5qdOiQGFZeQ/s1600/DSC_0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgqA8q_5RFM/UgfdiDCsI3I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/5qdOiQGFZeQ/s1600/DSC_0155.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPiOq4oFCYk/UgfdkrRiQQI/AAAAAAAAA2c/Q0AmQQbjqAA/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPiOq4oFCYk/UgfdkrRiQQI/AAAAAAAAA2c/Q0AmQQbjqAA/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The backyard at St Francis. Beautiful. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjYyo0m8LMk/Ugfdm4E6Q6I/AAAAAAAAA2s/8WJwTRB-Hjk/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjYyo0m8LMk/Ugfdm4E6Q6I/AAAAAAAAA2s/8WJwTRB-Hjk/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yG3yWqHNHu8/Ugfdo8IIvcI/AAAAAAAAA3E/CE-rARYDYX8/s1600/DSC_0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yG3yWqHNHu8/Ugfdo8IIvcI/AAAAAAAAA3E/CE-rARYDYX8/s1600/DSC_0169.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grapes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm6tkuatM_E/Ugfi9vVmrPI/AAAAAAAABe0/rrTIa0N_dE8/s1600/DSC_0180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm6tkuatM_E/Ugfi9vVmrPI/AAAAAAAABe0/rrTIa0N_dE8/s1600/DSC_0180.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLpefqTZjbE/Ugfdr10n47I/AAAAAAAAA3M/RogPJEGan-E/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLpefqTZjbE/Ugfdr10n47I/AAAAAAAAA3M/RogPJEGan-E/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WiqRvtBipqQ/UgfdtaOH8tI/AAAAAAAAA3U/80BDN-eGNRs/s1600/DSC_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WiqRvtBipqQ/UgfdtaOH8tI/AAAAAAAAA3U/80BDN-eGNRs/s1600/DSC_0186.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While I didn't love the wine at Landmark, they has a beautiful courtyard with gorgeous flowers. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_7JTXhL7TM/UgfjDjzwr5I/AAAAAAAABfU/JMuJV6WsFYU/s1600/DSC_0193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_7JTXhL7TM/UgfjDjzwr5I/AAAAAAAABfU/JMuJV6WsFYU/s1600/DSC_0193.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4u6esYnO-7I/UgfjJ69D1EI/AAAAAAAABgA/_TqmPk6NUQg/s1600/DSC_0208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4u6esYnO-7I/UgfjJ69D1EI/AAAAAAAABgA/_TqmPk6NUQg/s1600/DSC_0208.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dra743fLruQ/Ugfd3uubfxI/AAAAAAAAA4U/COkR1EMw540/s1600/DSC_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dra743fLruQ/Ugfd3uubfxI/AAAAAAAAA4U/COkR1EMw540/s1600/DSC_0210.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We took our first of two estate tours at Benziger. They are a biodynamic vineyard which was really cool to hear about. The only thing that leaves their property is wine in bottles. Everything else is used or recycled in some way. They've even planted plants that provide nutrients and compounds to the soil that allows them to forgo the use of pesticides and artificial chemical additives. It was all pretty fascinating. And beautiful. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3A-5gJjQ0s/Ugfd9UeYq3I/AAAAAAAAA40/kU7dHQBJbbI/s1600/DSC_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3A-5gJjQ0s/Ugfd9UeYq3I/AAAAAAAAA40/kU7dHQBJbbI/s1600/DSC_0218.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dYt4uw0Gnk/UgfePdcHiKI/AAAAAAAAA5s/tWs6m_av6Nw/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dYt4uw0Gnk/UgfePdcHiKI/AAAAAAAAA5s/tWs6m_av6Nw/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahmzAGpR0MY/UgfeTC0mMnI/AAAAAAAAA58/Tgx0mbIxscA/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahmzAGpR0MY/UgfeTC0mMnI/AAAAAAAAA58/Tgx0mbIxscA/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkImVKkCxFE/UgfegjhjSQI/AAAAAAAAA68/1Cnxf4oUsOw/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkImVKkCxFE/UgfegjhjSQI/AAAAAAAAA68/1Cnxf4oUsOw/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fajl1HK3Gcg/UgfejcBbMZI/AAAAAAAAA7M/DTwvFCSLilc/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fajl1HK3Gcg/UgfejcBbMZI/AAAAAAAAA7M/DTwvFCSLilc/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">24,000 square feet of caves to store wine. Wow. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jcKWdg_g_o/Ugfet81TlwI/AAAAAAAAA8M/0QOjMFn-g0w/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jcKWdg_g_o/Ugfet81TlwI/AAAAAAAAA8M/0QOjMFn-g0w/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" height="373" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we were leaving, a little deer crossed the road. She had two babies in the forest. It was so sweet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our second winery tour was at Gundlach Bundschu. They are the oldest family run winery in California (the country?), and their estate was beautiful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tSFUxappVQ/UgfeyXQxl9I/AAAAAAAAA8o/Wv1tcrwSrTw/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tSFUxappVQ/UgfeyXQxl9I/AAAAAAAAA8o/Wv1tcrwSrTw/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGc-W5gny74/Ugfe5-N2IFI/AAAAAAAAA9M/OsZFp5v55TU/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGc-W5gny74/Ugfe5-N2IFI/AAAAAAAAA9M/OsZFp5v55TU/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" height="327" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zv6uOykTGxM/Ugfe7WHruNI/AAAAAAAAA9U/Yx5jr_vK_94/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zv6uOykTGxM/Ugfe7WHruNI/AAAAAAAAA9U/Yx5jr_vK_94/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grapes on the vine. Saw lots of this. Never got old. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji45Fh3TgKc/Ugfe-0cqhQI/AAAAAAAAA9s/ojPmJqsq5yI/s1600/DSC_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji45Fh3TgKc/Ugfe-0cqhQI/AAAAAAAAA9s/ojPmJqsq5yI/s1600/DSC_0296.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pomegranate tree. I had no idea they grew on trees!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzv6P-92Lw8/UgffBuOSlzI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/rTj2bMSNatk/s1600/DSC_0301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzv6P-92Lw8/UgffBuOSlzI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/rTj2bMSNatk/s1600/DSC_0301.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgBYHipCeAs/UgffGBjBmvI/AAAAAAAAA-M/TxSqX7k4fnU/s1600/DSC_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgBYHipCeAs/UgffGBjBmvI/AAAAAAAAA-M/TxSqX7k4fnU/s1600/DSC_0307.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAnC9jqjQV8/UgffHipEpkI/AAAAAAAAA-g/UrmQygb1QwY/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAnC9jqjQV8/UgffHipEpkI/AAAAAAAAA-g/UrmQygb1QwY/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKWAcqkpWUc/UgffJPjftFI/AAAAAAAAA-s/ZPweD0uvlBA/s1600/DSC_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKWAcqkpWUc/UgffJPjftFI/AAAAAAAAA-s/ZPweD0uvlBA/s1600/DSC_0312.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1Kl3QKWgh4/UgffWFLBLvI/AAAAAAAAA_s/Kia7GXgR2pY/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1Kl3QKWgh4/UgffWFLBLvI/AAAAAAAAA_s/Kia7GXgR2pY/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views were all so breathtaking. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d4O9VMQm76U/UgfffnCyaSI/AAAAAAAABAc/d0kQrkf7Kr0/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d4O9VMQm76U/UgfffnCyaSI/AAAAAAAABAc/d0kQrkf7Kr0/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before we left the valley, we stopped at Lake Sonoma to take in the beautiful views. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMDngKMa3tE/UgfflzS1j3I/AAAAAAAABBE/wt7SB3XEaI8/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMDngKMa3tE/UgfflzS1j3I/AAAAAAAABBE/wt7SB3XEaI8/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdOIYXcHm3A/Ugffq0IGqFI/AAAAAAAABBk/_fggQt4lz9E/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdOIYXcHm3A/Ugffq0IGqFI/AAAAAAAABBk/_fggQt4lz9E/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-meAoBcevHNM/UgffsMy9uRI/AAAAAAAABBs/zhiQOVnN24M/s1600/DSC_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-meAoBcevHNM/UgffsMy9uRI/AAAAAAAABBs/zhiQOVnN24M/s1600/DSC_0374.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then ... the REDWOODS. We drove north to Crescent City on Friday. The weather got much cooler and the landscape got much greener. And the trees. The trees were HUNDREDS of feet high and amazingly straight. There are no words to describe them. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dauu2hb8ZkI/Ugff8oGa_hI/AAAAAAAABC8/rmpmNo8v3jw/s1600/DSC_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dauu2hb8ZkI/Ugff8oGa_hI/AAAAAAAABC8/rmpmNo8v3jw/s1600/DSC_0388.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? They're big!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQM5Kk2KYMk/Ugff-WqnW9I/AAAAAAAABDI/bJTGw9YpEDo/s1600/DSC_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQM5Kk2KYMk/Ugff-WqnW9I/AAAAAAAABDI/bJTGw9YpEDo/s1600/DSC_0390.JPG" height="330" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They even made me feel small!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-AkPdE8k90/Ugff_5eToxI/AAAAAAAABDM/waKH1BBlEUA/s1600/DSC_0391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-AkPdE8k90/Ugff_5eToxI/AAAAAAAABDM/waKH1BBlEUA/s1600/DSC_0391.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxN7pzUdFc8/UgfgPiZOJXI/AAAAAAAABEc/zEUW-fmnmlw/s1600/DSC_0403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxN7pzUdFc8/UgfgPiZOJXI/AAAAAAAABEc/zEUW-fmnmlw/s1600/DSC_0403.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JD climbed into the exposed root system. Impressive, no? The root system, not his climbing. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5JORRZQ0e8/UgfgYsC_OEI/AAAAAAAABFE/jsGk7yx-tMI/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5JORRZQ0e8/UgfgYsC_OEI/AAAAAAAABFE/jsGk7yx-tMI/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-SYQ-YKrXg/UgfgdXGcEHI/AAAAAAAABFc/OXGcsKzGHZc/s1600/DSC_0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-SYQ-YKrXg/UgfgdXGcEHI/AAAAAAAABFc/OXGcsKzGHZc/s1600/DSC_0416.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqpL2v2Y2lc/UgfggedXOTI/AAAAAAAABFs/VE99C49HQSI/s1600/DSC_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqpL2v2Y2lc/UgfggedXOTI/AAAAAAAABFs/VE99C49HQSI/s1600/DSC_0418.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IViawuAn0lQ/UgfgkoCD13I/AAAAAAAABGE/Ds9S1kHbk2s/s1600/DSC_0422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IViawuAn0lQ/UgfgkoCD13I/AAAAAAAABGE/Ds9S1kHbk2s/s1600/DSC_0422.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the park and all over the northern coastal area, there were Roosevelt Elk just roaming around. As we drove up Highway 101, we happened upon a large herd just chilling and snacking on the side of the road. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_EpaV54MOA4/UgfglwRF1DI/AAAAAAAABGM/lXDDLwJXo34/s1600/DSC_0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_EpaV54MOA4/UgfglwRF1DI/AAAAAAAABGM/lXDDLwJXo34/s1600/DSC_0432.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xneXyiS2mdM/UgfgnS5eNxI/AAAAAAAABGY/5yCIBX6hE0Y/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xneXyiS2mdM/UgfgnS5eNxI/AAAAAAAABGY/5yCIBX6hE0Y/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOMDCFfNyEY/UgfguqfQD2I/AAAAAAAABHE/9TIqTx-DSNo/s1600/DSC_0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOMDCFfNyEY/UgfguqfQD2I/AAAAAAAABHE/9TIqTx-DSNo/s1600/DSC_0464.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ts92UByWnJU/Ugfg-uXBVGI/AAAAAAAABIk/L0CK_rQmVo4/s1600/DSC_0509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ts92UByWnJU/Ugfg-uXBVGI/AAAAAAAABIk/L0CK_rQmVo4/s1600/DSC_0509.jpg" height="400" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy was in charge. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kjeHYw3Vno/Ugfg_v4kq1I/AAAAAAAABIw/K3bk_9y098s/s1600/DSC_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kjeHYw3Vno/Ugfg_v4kq1I/AAAAAAAABIw/K3bk_9y098s/s1600/DSC_0515.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there were babies!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3-HntY_cd0/UgfhYfAhtLI/AAAAAAAABLI/mwsdG8AhQS4/s1600/DSC_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3-HntY_cd0/UgfhYfAhtLI/AAAAAAAABLI/mwsdG8AhQS4/s1600/DSC_0563.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this pic. Caught mid-bugle. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And, of course, more trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WDninyLzZQ/Ugfh8rlTofI/AAAAAAAABQA/jmxVdexFNSs/s1600/DSC_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WDninyLzZQ/Ugfh8rlTofI/AAAAAAAABQA/jmxVdexFNSs/s1600/DSC_0611.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxzH8-ZeuOY/UgfiB0Zz9GI/AAAAAAAABRw/ftvOKr_7-X0/s1600/DSC_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxzH8-ZeuOY/UgfiB0Zz9GI/AAAAAAAABRw/ftvOKr_7-X0/s1600/DSC_0614.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And more elk ...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wlxomyzk5rE/UgfiYKauD7I/AAAAAAAABXQ/rqrmA0Zuyo0/s1600/DSC_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wlxomyzk5rE/UgfiYKauD7I/AAAAAAAABXQ/rqrmA0Zuyo0/s1600/DSC_0649.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And ocean ...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ykJ0PqfjzM/Ugfid2J68AI/AAAAAAAABYo/zzIAdBnFqUs/s1600/DSC_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ykJ0PqfjzM/Ugfid2J68AI/AAAAAAAABYo/zzIAdBnFqUs/s1600/DSC_0658.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And elk ...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UC8CTK2EIxE/UgfiwK3geUI/AAAAAAAABd4/lka5ugCVbMQ/s1600/DSC_0685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UC8CTK2EIxE/UgfiwK3geUI/AAAAAAAABd4/lka5ugCVbMQ/s1600/DSC_0685.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6W0KvSqLcQ/UgfirCIpOlI/AAAAAAAABdk/Z1K56U5d-Pk/s1600/DSC_0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6W0KvSqLcQ/UgfirCIpOlI/AAAAAAAABdk/Z1K56U5d-Pk/s1600/DSC_0680.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all, we had a fantastic time. We visited dozens of wineries and tasting rooms, ate fantastic food (which I managed to be completely GF all week with the problems!), took over 700 pictures, drove over 1400 miles, and are already planning to go back for our 5th anniversary. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, when there is no one to take pictures of the two of us, we relied on selfies to prove that we were actually together. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2ju3jdTzKY/Ugfc0p2rS8I/AAAAAAAAAuo/iZHrRaJ9dqk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2ju3jdTzKY/Ugfc0p2rS8I/AAAAAAAAAuo/iZHrRaJ9dqk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold on the beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6F0Jvjedh8/UgfddOu5dXI/AAAAAAAAA10/jxgZuNH-MIc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6F0Jvjedh8/UgfddOu5dXI/AAAAAAAAA10/jxgZuNH-MIc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm in the sun. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05854155229367299487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-18306526466871917042013-07-13T16:50:00.000-04:002013-07-13T16:50:05.638-04:002 weeks out ...The Big Day is just two weeks from today. In fact, in about exactly 2 weeks I'll be donning my wedding dress and getting ready to take those vows. Aside from feeling 100% stressed out and anxious (which is only partially due to the wedding), things are going great! I say that with all sincerity. Really!<br />
<br />
All the major stuff is taken care of. We've got the venue and the cake (cupcakes) all taken care of. The flowers are all set but will require some work on the day of. Since we're not buying pre-arranged flowers but single stems instead, we need to put them all together in their jars on the day of the wedding. Thankfully, I've got a small army of people to help out with that. The bouquets and boutonnieres are all ready as well. Mel is doing our photography, so that's huge weight off my shoulders. My wedding dress is FINALLY taken care of, and JD's got his suit all set and ready. We've got our final meeting with our minister scheduled, and we've had our meeting with our entertainment guy. I've got all the favors to assemble and organize, but, again, I've got some worker bees coming to help me out next week. And my amazing cousin has agreed to be our wedding coordinator on The Big Day, and that is a HUGE relief for this control freak. So, all in all, things are looking good.<br />
<br />
Of course, leaving town tomorrow for four days isn't great timing, but at least I'll get to hang out with my MOH for a few days. I agreed to go to this conference before JD and I set a date, and, looking back, it wasn't the best planning. But it is what it is, so we'll go with it. When I get back, it's my birthday and then the family starts arriving. Mom and Dad should be here Tuesday and then everyone else slowly trickles in. I'm really looking forward to it all, but I'm also stressing about all the details. But I know that when my momma gets here, she'll help a lot of that anxiety disappear.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-41435960627629000952013-07-06T15:31:00.000-04:002013-07-06T15:31:31.277-04:00My One Month AnniversaryExactly one month ago today, I held my new shiny blue bow (which I'm realizing needs a name) in my hands for the first time and attempted to shoot. I wasn't very good (obviously), and I had a lot of work to do to learn all about form and the mechanics and everything else that everyone else seems to have known forever.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zwXHNdlMw8/UdhqzWYsSEI/AAAAAAAAsfc/9ZN8Ry77Ndo/s1600/992936_10100706803452261_480941551_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zwXHNdlMw8/UdhqzWYsSEI/AAAAAAAAsfc/9ZN8Ry77Ndo/s400/992936_10100706803452261_480941551_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1- It begins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've had great people helping me and giving me advice, and I've definitely made some progress. But, in all honesty, I've been mainly frustrated and annoyed that it was so hard and there was so much to do and to remember every time I drew back an arrow. And I wasn't feeling that I was making any real improvements. Everyone around me has been really supportive, and the amazing people at <a href="http://www.nchuntersupply.com/">NC Hunter Supply</a> have helped me to figure out the infinite number of adjustments that need to be made so that the bows shoots the way it's supposed to. Everyone keeps reminding me that the more I practice, the better I'll be, but sometimes it's slow going and daunting.<br />
<br />
Throw in 9-day trip there when I don't even pick up my bow, and everything seems to fall apart.<br />
<br />
I got back in the shop this week, and I could feel how out of practice I was (not that I was necessarily in practice to begin with!). My arms got tired quickly, and I could barely hit the broadside of a barn. (Okay, that's a little exaggeration, but I had definitely backslide since the last time I shot.) But I kept plugging along. Everyone is always telling me that it's not about a score, and I totally get that. Since I wasn't feeling any great improvement, I felt that I had to keep score just to give myself a gauge of how I was doing. So on Wednesday, I did just that. Started keeping score.<br />
<br />
I had kept score just once before. On the Thursday before I left for my trip, I scored a 243 (245?) out of a possible 300 at league night. I told myself I would be happy if I scored that but felt doubtful given how long I had been away from practice. On Wednesday, I scored a 231 with 2 Xs. (Xs are essentially bulls-eyes.) Eh. Not great, but at least I broke 200, right? Most importantly, I felt more comfortable and natural with the bow than I ever had before, and that's a huge improvement.<br />
<br />
I couldn't shoot on the 4th for obvious reasons, but I made sure to get to the bow shop on Friday the 5th. My goal was to beat Wednesday's score. Even if it was just by one point. Thankfully, I did just that. Scored a 238 with 3 Xs. Better. Improvement is what I was going for, and improvement was what I got.<br />
<br />
The great thing about practicing at the shop is that everyone there knows SO MUCH about bows and archery and is always willing to help out. More often than not, I'll turn around and one of the guys -- Justin or Eric or anyone else for that matter -- is just watching me shoot. They know I'm new to it all, and they're always ready to offer suggestions to help me improve. Justin happened to be watching me as I wrapped things up on Friday and noticed that my arrows still weren't flying right. This was something that they noticed before and had attempted to fix. Clearly something was still amiss. They asked me to leave the bow overnight (since I was coming back today to practice some more) so they could figure it out. As it turns out, the timing in the bow was all wrong, and they got it all worked out and corrected. And what a difference it made!<br />
<br />
When I got to the shop today, I shot a few practice rounds to warm up before I started keeping score. The difference was apparent immediately. I was shooting far more consistently and accurately. Today was also the first time that I felt 100% comfortable with the bow. I felt like I knew what I was doing, and I was calm instead of nervous/excited. I was taking less time with my shots, and I wasn't getting jumpy. It felt ... well, natural. Once I started keeping score, I was tickled pink with the results. A 260 with 2 Xs. An improvement of 22 points overnight! Of course, 99% of that improvement was adjusting the bow correctly, but still. 22 points!! I actually wanted to keep shooting after I was done. And that's definitely a first!!<br />
<br />
So, after a month of semi-regular practice and a ton of learning, I can honestly say that I like it. I like shooting, I look forward to practice, and this is something I actually enjoy. I honestly never thought I would say (or write) those words.<br />
<br />
So what that means for all of you is that you'll get to read a lot more about archery here in the future. I hope that doesn't turn you away!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-25296778202096414132013-07-03T20:11:00.000-04:002013-07-03T20:11:05.957-04:00Wedding Countdown - 24 daysThe wedding is in just 24 days.<br />
<br />
24 days, people!!<br />
<br />
All the major stuff is in order. We have a venue (which were finalizing on Monday), we have a florist, we have a musician (still need to finalize the music scheme and list), we have dessert (finalizing that on Tuesday), and we FINALLY have a wedding dress. Or, rather, I finally have a wedding dress.<br />
<br />
Out of all the things that could potentially cause stress for this wedding, I didn't think it would be the dress. It's actually one of the smallest budget items, and I thought it would be relatively hassle-free. And it started that way. I set a small budget for the dress -- absolutely no more than $500 for everything including alterations -- and was confident that I would come in under budget. The first dress I set my heart on didn't quite work, but the second was perfect. Unfortunately, the dress was made by a small boutique in New Jersey and the only way to get it was to communicate via email and send along my measurements. All was going very smoothly until I received it in the mail. It was a little heartbreaking. There was a small dirt mark on the bodice and, worst of all, the hemming was COMPLETELY wrong. And the petticoat was too long! I sent it back for repairs and alterations, and it came back on Monday. Unfortunately, it was STILL wrong. The hem was now uneven in a whole new way, and the petticoat was a disaster. I finally got them to call me and told them that they needed to pay for in-town alterations because I can't rely on them fixing it incorrectly again and waiting for them to mail it back and forth. Thankfully, my soon-to-be-sister-in-law knew a great tailor, and the dress is already fixed! The petticoat will be done after the holiday weekend, and I'll pick them up Wednesday. That's a huge weight off my shoulders.<br />
<br />
Everything else is coming together nicely. There are still small details that need my attention -- putting together favors, wrapping ribbon around our mason jars, deciding on the details of the ceremony -- but, all in all, the major stuff is done. With the exception of our final meeting with the minister to nail down the ceremony, we're ready to get married.<br />
<br />
Except for the marriage license! Damn! We need to get that!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-40039579983669382852013-07-03T19:55:00.002-04:002013-07-03T19:55:42.740-04:00Flowers along the way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few stops along the way had gorgeous flowers, namely the Jackson homesite (Andrew, not Michael) in Nashville, and the Biltmore. I couldn't resist snapping pics ... of course. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3KCkoqQ0cA/UdS441QOuPI/AAAAAAAAscg/x-O_K7LoIkM/s1600/IMG_3264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3KCkoqQ0cA/UdS441QOuPI/AAAAAAAAscg/x-O_K7LoIkM/s400/IMG_3264.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger Lillies always make me think of the house I grew up in. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEp1qMFFkAk/UdS46rxmklI/AAAAAAAAscs/5Ok7ANEcdMk/s1600/IMG_3265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEp1qMFFkAk/UdS46rxmklI/AAAAAAAAscs/5Ok7ANEcdMk/s400/IMG_3265.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y0xpm2Exf4/UdS46i6xIDI/AAAAAAAAsco/ljdKraE3YY0/s1600/IMG_3266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y0xpm2Exf4/UdS46i6xIDI/AAAAAAAAsco/ljdKraE3YY0/s400/IMG_3266.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PC3opw1eILw/UdS47DuSO0I/AAAAAAAAsc0/QkM5TB6GU4Y/s1600/IMG_3268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PC3opw1eILw/UdS47DuSO0I/AAAAAAAAsc0/QkM5TB6GU4Y/s400/IMG_3268.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdGlPrIBrEw/UdS495XwYvI/AAAAAAAAsdA/qW22nK5-2SU/s1600/IMG_3269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdGlPrIBrEw/UdS495XwYvI/AAAAAAAAsdA/qW22nK5-2SU/s400/IMG_3269.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88VsgoQnFeo/UdS4-9kiWlI/AAAAAAAAsdI/s_DbVpiq65Q/s1600/IMG_3271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88VsgoQnFeo/UdS4-9kiWlI/AAAAAAAAsdI/s_DbVpiq65Q/s400/IMG_3271.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMgAPm-LA_8/UdS4_8TQFpI/AAAAAAAAsdQ/U6c13BV_hPk/s1600/IMG_3279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMgAPm-LA_8/UdS4_8TQFpI/AAAAAAAAsdQ/U6c13BV_hPk/s400/IMG_3279.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The purple in this clematis is gorgeous. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNYGKtiGw3o/UdS5EBRuewI/AAAAAAAAsdg/K8B-rtVztec/s1600/IMG_3281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNYGKtiGw3o/UdS5EBRuewI/AAAAAAAAsdg/K8B-rtVztec/s400/IMG_3281.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3WxBoYNM6Q/UdS5EalxysI/AAAAAAAAsdk/HLkCgc7ys3s/s1600/IMG_3283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3WxBoYNM6Q/UdS5EalxysI/AAAAAAAAsdk/HLkCgc7ys3s/s400/IMG_3283.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2HW2unEgog/UdS5CmzzZ8I/AAAAAAAAsdY/c6Hc-jm0HAI/s1600/IMG_3284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2HW2unEgog/UdS5CmzzZ8I/AAAAAAAAsdY/c6Hc-jm0HAI/s400/IMG_3284.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClldgQgM5Sw/UdS5E2H9byI/AAAAAAAAsdw/-MmVdjQU8so/s1600/IMG_3285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClldgQgM5Sw/UdS5E2H9byI/AAAAAAAAsdw/-MmVdjQU8so/s400/IMG_3285.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-35539035969240893822013-07-03T19:45:00.000-04:002013-07-03T19:45:34.893-04:00The Great Trek WestwardEach year I'm lucky enough to act as a chaperone for one of the school-sponsored history trips. I've been on quite a few over the past four years ... two revolutionary-era focused trips, one civil-war focused, and even a quick jaunt to to Charleston/Savannah/Atlanta. Each of the trips generally lasts for four days and three nights. But each year there is the BIG trip. And, when I say BIG, I mean, 9 days with two van-fulls of teenagers. This year I was lucky to be asked to chaperone, and, long before we had a wedding date set, I said "yes." The trip itinerary included all places that I had never been before, so, even though it was only three weeks before the wedding, I followed through with my commitment Plus, I'll get paid and that will make for some decent honeymoon cash when we get to California. Rather than run down the trip day-by-day, I'l provide a photographic journal. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our first stop (other than gas and pee/stretch our legs breaks) was at the Forbidden Caverns just outside of Chattanooga, TN.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GAP_SglebM/UdSpBstxL4I/AAAAAAAAsQI/enXK_Dy9Ki4/s1600/IMG_2812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GAP_SglebM/UdSpBstxL4I/AAAAAAAAsQI/enXK_Dy9Ki4/s400/IMG_2812.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stalactites</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B1yi2lg62wE/UdSqpASu7eI/AAAAAAAAsZw/sEevpRa60M4/s1600/IMG_2799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B1yi2lg62wE/UdSqpASu7eI/AAAAAAAAsZw/sEevpRa60M4/s400/IMG_2799.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stalagmites</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's a very cool Trail of Tears memorial in Chattanooga ... which the kids played in. As did every one else that was there. It definitely felt good to kick off our shoes and get our feet wet .. literally.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbV1fQt9dgw/UdSpC8i5VuI/AAAAAAAAsQQ/e2KAMEF5t7Y/s1600/IMG_2815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbV1fQt9dgw/UdSpC8i5VuI/AAAAAAAAsQQ/e2KAMEF5t7Y/s400/IMG_2815.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The not-so-motley crew.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SskdLyVMt7A/UdSpLW5IE1I/AAAAAAAAsRA/SEQkRJKhJ84/s1600/IMG_2823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SskdLyVMt7A/UdSpLW5IE1I/AAAAAAAAsRA/SEQkRJKhJ84/s400/IMG_2823.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmFWUvLURNo/UdSpT_vCFII/AAAAAAAAsRo/SmKOSCdy9Dk/s1600/IMG_2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmFWUvLURNo/UdSpT_vCFII/AAAAAAAAsRo/SmKOSCdy9Dk/s400/IMG_2828.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Near the memorial there was a great hill that was clearly set up for cardboard-box sledding. Which our teenagers eagerly joined.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZET4lPiXYM/UdSpWh905MI/AAAAAAAAsR4/bAdmBfrQIjY/s1600/IMG_2835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZET4lPiXYM/UdSpWh905MI/AAAAAAAAsR4/bAdmBfrQIjY/s400/IMG_2835.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After Chattanooga, we stopped in Georgia to see the Chickamauga (spelling?) battleground and then drove to Birmingham, Alabama to see the Civil Rights Institute. After a sweltering Sunday in the deep south, we headed to Memphis, stopping along the way to see Tupelo and Elvis' birthplace. Less than 12 hours later, we saw Graceland, and those two homes were certainly a juxtaposition. (We also stayed in the Heartbreak Hotel which was quite humorous.)</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wwJMvCcqcA/UdSppcb_W7I/AAAAAAAAsTc/LL3PBb5pYuk/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wwJMvCcqcA/UdSppcb_W7I/AAAAAAAAsTc/LL3PBb5pYuk/s400/IMG_2848.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elvis' living room. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1I4ox5idR2M/UdSpvgcdRFI/AAAAAAAAsUE/bH5_cmEmRAI/s1600/IMG_2856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1I4ox5idR2M/UdSpvgcdRFI/AAAAAAAAsUE/bH5_cmEmRAI/s400/IMG_2856.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of monkeys in Graceland. It's a little weird. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2cNg1BRSCs/UdSpryqkIKI/AAAAAAAAsTs/JKzLdpF6GPA/s1600/IMG_2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2cNg1BRSCs/UdSpryqkIKI/AAAAAAAAsTs/JKzLdpF6GPA/s400/IMG_2851.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the Presley's enjoyed dinner. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yU8vt0Xx8Z4/UdSp43nZKhI/AAAAAAAAsU8/q_YkRLq8kNc/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yU8vt0Xx8Z4/UdSp43nZKhI/AAAAAAAAsU8/q_YkRLq8kNc/s400/IMG_2865.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elvis had a lot of cars. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Waw_48FCWLM/UdSp_hUhYpI/AAAAAAAAsVs/p53JZ9OkgLE/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Waw_48FCWLM/UdSp_hUhYpI/AAAAAAAAsVs/p53JZ9OkgLE/s400/IMG_2871.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Including a pink caddy. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While in Memphis, we toured Sun Studios (SOOOO cool) as well as the Rock and Soul museum. I can't wait to get back there in another week to visit LL (and present at a conference, of course).<br />
<br />
After Graceland, we headed to St. Louis.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSAdeYCgDA4/UdSqEZ9PqmI/AAAAAAAAsWM/LD16PsHcOWw/s1600/IMG_2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSAdeYCgDA4/UdSqEZ9PqmI/AAAAAAAAsWM/LD16PsHcOWw/s400/IMG_2876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Agi2jNOur_0/UdSqFdvqnpI/AAAAAAAAsWU/sH9-w8I8mVw/s1600/IMG_2877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Agi2jNOur_0/UdSqFdvqnpI/AAAAAAAAsWU/sH9-w8I8mVw/s400/IMG_2877.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the little dragonfly that photobombed me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqZ0wDn87_g/UdSqHlcH0WI/AAAAAAAAsWk/MY0fUlRynts/s1600/IMG_2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqZ0wDn87_g/UdSqHlcH0WI/AAAAAAAAsWk/MY0fUlRynts/s400/IMG_2880.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The city is pretty small from so high up. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mEHqTdcC-U/UdSqP4NrTDI/AAAAAAAAsXU/zdqQO3CbOQY/s1600/IMG_2887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8mEHqTdcC-U/UdSqP4NrTDI/AAAAAAAAsXU/zdqQO3CbOQY/s400/IMG_2887.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing our own shadow. A little unsettling. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DdOrbwF5wQo/UdSqWDvzAjI/AAAAAAAAsX8/tSZq6UIIt9Y/s1600/IMG_2893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DdOrbwF5wQo/UdSqWDvzAjI/AAAAAAAAsX8/tSZq6UIIt9Y/s400/IMG_2893.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After St. Louis, we headed to my favorite stop: Hannibal, Missouri. The birthplace of Mark Twain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxfZueBxxeo/UdSyxwtVI7I/AAAAAAAAsao/NAYVMjwSWNs/s1600/IMG_3237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxfZueBxxeo/UdSyxwtVI7I/AAAAAAAAsao/NAYVMjwSWNs/s400/IMG_3237.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coolest thing ever. For an Americanist-nerd like me. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWv-Swt85Mg/UdSyyPl9AxI/AAAAAAAAsas/-T-lEDexMs4/s1600/IMG_3239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWv-Swt85Mg/UdSyyPl9AxI/AAAAAAAAsas/-T-lEDexMs4/s400/IMG_3239.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Twain, himself. Or, rather, a statue of him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O8reBONd_U/UdSyy7Kft1I/AAAAAAAAsa4/CcpwbwASQPI/s1600/IMG_3240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8O8reBONd_U/UdSyy7Kft1I/AAAAAAAAsa4/CcpwbwASQPI/s400/IMG_3240.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally got to dip my feet in the Mississippi. I was careful to avoid swift currents and catfish bites. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few hours of geeking out in a literary mecca, we headed to Springfield, Illinois, Lincoln's home.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVqfIDzep0s/UdSqemWdX7I/AAAAAAAAsYs/RJiyW3BIOs0/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVqfIDzep0s/UdSqemWdX7I/AAAAAAAAsYs/RJiyW3BIOs0/s400/IMG_2902.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our greatest president's house as it was when he was assassinated. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwSftIViRUI/UdSqiHqD6uI/AAAAAAAAsY8/m22diIR6sKI/s1600/IMG_2905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwSftIViRUI/UdSqiHqD6uI/AAAAAAAAsY8/m22diIR6sKI/s400/IMG_2905.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His writing desk. Imagine all the amazing ideas that were recorded here. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnNAu_S-qpc/UdSqjflC0JI/AAAAAAAAsZE/QChfcUf0vfQ/s1600/IMG_2907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnNAu_S-qpc/UdSqjflC0JI/AAAAAAAAsZE/QChfcUf0vfQ/s400/IMG_2907.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His shaving mirror. Look how high it was!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2muhSkqoe_w/UdSz3S6sFvI/AAAAAAAAsbI/9QZwF_H39YU/s1600/IMG_3244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2muhSkqoe_w/UdSz3S6sFvI/AAAAAAAAsbI/9QZwF_H39YU/s400/IMG_3244.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lincoln's tomb. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Heading east out of Springfield, we drove to Indianapolis. We made two stops there. First was to this really cool art museum (the name escapes me) and they had over 200 historically-significant guitars on display.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPgz3DcNppE/UdSz6VUEMtI/AAAAAAAAsbY/L1nJyzmgnXI/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPgz3DcNppE/UdSz6VUEMtI/AAAAAAAAsbY/L1nJyzmgnXI/s400/IMG_3248.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddy Holly's guitar and case!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7ZGUsc3CGk/UdSz5IIsDHI/AAAAAAAAsbQ/dKcHvCoCkGo/s1600/IMG_3249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7ZGUsc3CGk/UdSz5IIsDHI/AAAAAAAAsbQ/dKcHvCoCkGo/s400/IMG_3249.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnny Cash and Hank Williams Sr. How cool is that?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Frf-MRg5lf0/UdSz7mhxWPI/AAAAAAAAsbg/979WACUkmn4/s1600/IMG_3250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Frf-MRg5lf0/UdSz7mhxWPI/AAAAAAAAsbg/979WACUkmn4/s400/IMG_3250.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Gene Autry's!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the very cool museum, we visited President Benjamin Harrison's home (of which I have no photos. Sadly. It was a pretty cool house.)<br />
<br />
Nashville was the next stop on our midwestern tour. We visited this really cool but odd scale replica of the Parthenon. It was cool. But odd.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ptu-q4M9kK4/UdSz9eiOC7I/AAAAAAAAsbo/__cosTEvims/s1600/IMG_3254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ptu-q4M9kK4/UdSz9eiOC7I/AAAAAAAAsbo/__cosTEvims/s400/IMG_3254.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I got to see the Ryman Auditorium! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuS42Za4SFw/UdSz_Zt3GLI/AAAAAAAAsbw/cM6_LAsOpO4/s1600/IMG_3260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuS42Za4SFw/UdSz_Zt3GLI/AAAAAAAAsbw/cM6_LAsOpO4/s320/IMG_3260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After visiting downtown proper (which I certainly want to visit again!!), we went over to Andrew Jackson's homesite. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmijE9ecbeU/UdS0BTQEHfI/AAAAAAAAsb4/nLHyNHcU8vw/s1600/IMG_3263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmijE9ecbeU/UdS0BTQEHfI/AAAAAAAAsb4/nLHyNHcU8vw/s400/IMG_3263.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_auTHEIKZE/UdS0BvD1B4I/AAAAAAAAsb8/Me7V0e0_iUY/s1600/IMG_3275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_auTHEIKZE/UdS0BvD1B4I/AAAAAAAAsb8/Me7V0e0_iUY/s400/IMG_3275.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oreo Cookie Cows!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We finally hit our home state!! We stopped in Asheville to tour the Biltmore before making the rest of the long drive home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA-0-CluDhE/UdS0C_v1brI/AAAAAAAAscI/BcS_E70ohnE/s1600/IMG_3276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA-0-CluDhE/UdS0C_v1brI/AAAAAAAAscI/BcS_E70ohnE/s400/IMG_3276.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_1K_oLup4c/UdS0EuGy6BI/AAAAAAAAscQ/1OZ_uAGblKQ/s1600/IMG_3280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_1K_oLup4c/UdS0EuGy6BI/AAAAAAAAscQ/1OZ_uAGblKQ/s400/IMG_3280.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gardens are always pretty, no matter what time of year it is. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAsaf9j3HDo/UdSqoeO_fFI/AAAAAAAAsZo/NT_D2OQZfEU/s1600/IMG_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAsaf9j3HDo/UdSqoeO_fFI/AAAAAAAAsZo/NT_D2OQZfEU/s400/IMG_2917.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long stretch homeward. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAkAKWaxy1A/UdSts5Bf0vI/AAAAAAAAsac/rW3VyhaBZ-U/s1193/891908_10100644188173781_1408957836_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAkAKWaxy1A/UdSts5Bf0vI/AAAAAAAAsac/rW3VyhaBZ-U/s640/891908_10100644188173781_1408957836_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2800 miles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
48 total hours driving.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9 kids, 2 adults, 2 minivans. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4 wicked cool music history sites. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3 presidential sites. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1 author history site.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Average daily temperature = 91. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All in all, a very good time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-12018894048921337042013-06-09T18:40:00.000-04:002013-10-02T16:33:25.213-04:00Forgetting my taste expectationsI've been gluten-free for over a week now, and it's been an adjustment. I have to think so much more about what I eat, and that alone is a huge adjustment. It's all definitely worth it because I'm already feeling better. I'm sleeping better at night and I haven't had the same degree of stomach issues that I had been dealing with. I've had one or two stomach issues in the past week, but I've been able to eat regularly despite them. This is a huge change from feeling ill almost every day and not being able to eat until mid-afternoon on most days. I'm also feeling less weakened and tired all the time. All in all, the shift into a gluten-free lifestyle has been worth it. Many restaurants are now listing gluten-free options and, if I keep my eyes open, I find a lot of gluten-free options in the grocery store. In fact, today at Target, I encountered a ton of gluten-free options in the baking aisle. Maybe my love of baking hasn't been crushed completely!<br />
<br />
The new hurdle that I'm dealing with is with taste and texture. So many normal food options have a gluten-free variety available now. Beer, chips, pasta, snacks ... people are definitely aware of the need for gluten-free. Of course, I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about various gluten-free goods, so I've been eager to try them out. I tried my first gluten-free beers this weekend, made with sorghum and honey.<br />
<br />
First of all, they were good. But I was disappointed in what they tasted like. Why? Because I was expecting it to taste like beer. But it doesn't. It's tastes good, just not like what I'm used to.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d_8knKeibzo/UbTAgnma7DI/AAAAAAAAsN4/x6MoQcTzVNY/s640/blogger-image--1400493902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d_8knKeibzo/UbTAgnma7DI/AAAAAAAAsN4/x6MoQcTzVNY/s400/blogger-image--1400493902.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rather tasty gluten-free option from a brewery I enjoy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Iz6BMtv48jI/UbTAi2aR2CI/AAAAAAAAsOA/ZeKDxQtSYQY/s640/blogger-image-277942964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Iz6BMtv48jI/UbTAi2aR2CI/AAAAAAAAsOA/ZeKDxQtSYQY/s400/blogger-image-277942964.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was good, too. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As I mentioned earlier, Target's baking aisle is a celiac's dream. Lots of gluten-free treats. Since we were having friends over tonight and I wanted to make sure we had a dessert. After lots and lots of back and forth, I decided on chocolate chip cookies. This variety was actually free of everything -- eggs, dairy, wheat ... -- which wasn't as important to me as just being gluten-free. But I figured they were worth a try.<br />
<br />
Again, first of all, they were tasty. But, again, I was disappointed with the taste and texture. Why? Because, again, I was expecting one thing and got another. They didn't taste like the chocolate chip cookies that I'm used to and that I love. The texture was more granular, and there wasn't nearly as much flavor as I had hoped. But they were good, and everyone enjoyed eating them before, during, and after dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S-mXm2-oEX4/UbTAnNiahQI/AAAAAAAAsOI/dE4Zuh8-6Go/s640/blogger-image--262306303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S-mXm2-oEX4/UbTAnNiahQI/AAAAAAAAsOI/dE4Zuh8-6Go/s400/blogger-image--262306303.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This whole gluten-free lifestyle change has me realizing that I need start over from scratch with all my previously enjoyed tastes and texture preferences. Nothing I ever eat that is gluten-free will ever be exactly what I remember it tasting like before I went gluten-free. I'm sure this is a period of adjustment and that with time I'll not even remember what things tasted like before going gluten-free. But, for now, I need to retrain my mouth and my taste buds. I need to approach food with no expectations or previous understandings of what this should taste like or how they should feel in my mouth. This may be the hardest part. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-86448663536481065542013-06-03T13:31:00.000-04:002013-06-03T13:31:15.731-04:00Wedding countdown: 1 month, 24 days<b>Done - </b><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ceremony and Reception Site - contracted</div>
<div>
Dessert (cupcakes) - contracted</div>
<div>
Groom's Cake - contracted</div>
<div>
Photographer - "contracted"</div>
<div>
Entertainment - contracted</div>
<div>
Flowers - decided upon and waiting for contract</div>
<div>
Invitations - sent and now recording RSVPs</div>
<div>
Dresses (mine, LL, EG) - ordered (waiting for mine and EG's to arrive)</div>
<div>
Minister - chosen and meeting with </div>
<div>
Wedding bands - purchased (waiting on arrival)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>To Do Still - </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
JD and best man outfits</div>
<div>
License</div>
<div>
ABC off-site license (for hard liquor at the venue)</div>
<div>
Make the favors (already decided on what now just have to buckle down and create)</div>
<div>
Seating chart (have to wait until RSVPs are all in)</div>
<div>
Finalize entertainment plan</div>
<div>
Finalize food plan for reception</div>
<div>
Finalize cupcake order<br />Order linens for tables</div>
<div>
Finish tablescapes </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ummm ... I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting, but, for now, that's daunting enough. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-88062600717096374712013-06-03T10:32:00.001-04:002013-10-02T16:33:25.238-04:00The Ups and Downs of a Celiac NewbieThis weekend was truly a test. It was my first gluten-free weekend, immediately following the sad news on Thursday evening. It's certainly a challenge when you have to really think about the kind of food you eat not just because you are calorie counting but because what you eat can make you sick. I've been blessed all my life to not have to think about such things when I eat having it in the forefront of my brain every time food passes my lips is a huge adjustment. I didn't really realize how hard this was going to be and how much more I need to prepare and plan ahead. This weekend had a lot of ups and downs and certainly taught me a lot about dealing with this whole situation.<br>
<br>
<i><b>The Ups - </b></i><br>
<br>
Friday's school day wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, and JD and I planned to go out to Cowfish for dinner on Friday night. I was excited since we had been wanting to try it out for quite some time now.<br>
<br>
When we got there, I was discouraged by the menu. Had I not been gluten-free, I would have eaten myself into a stupor. So many tasty options!! I was seriously almost ready to cry thinking about how limited my options were. JD was really supportive and sweet, but I was still struggling with the adjustment. The waitress kindly pointed me to their Gluten Sensitive options of which there were about 8. Of those 8, at least two included lamb as a central ingredient and I cannot bring myself to eat baby animals. Thankfully I could order my own sushi which proved to be quite tasty. Our waitress was wonderfully kind and understanding.<br>
<br>
After our meal, we ordered milkshakes to go. They had about four gluten-free options, and I ordered one of those -- the Grasshopper (mint and chocolate ... yum!). We waited for a few minutes and JD's came out of the kitchen but not mine. The waitress wasn't sure what happened, so she went back into the kitchen to get mine made up again quickly. One of the managers brought it out to us, apologizing like crazy for the wait (which was all of five minutes) and gave us a $5 off coupon for our next visit. Neither JD nor I were upset about the wait, but the staff's attentiveness was nice.<br>
<br>
As we walked out of the restaurant, I tasted my milkshake and there was no mint whatsoever. I asked JD to taste it as well to make sure I wasn't going crazy. Nope. No mint. Then I got worried that it wasn't gluten-free. It tasted fine, but I wasn't sure if it was a gluten-free option or not. JD, again being super supportive and kind, went back to the restaurant with me to ask. Of course by now they are slammed busy on a Friday night, and there are a million people around. I approached the manager and explained the situation, reassuring him that I was happy with the milkshake as long as it was gluten-free. I just didn't know what flavor they had made for me. He ran off to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with another milkshake. He reassured me that the one I had received originally was the right flavor just without the mint and then gave me a coupon for a free appetizer. Again, we were totally impressed with their service. Even though their gluten-free options were limited, we will definitely be heading back in the future.<br>
<br>
I can honestly say that asking for gluten-free made me feel uncomfortable and awkward. I feel like I'm trying to be difficult whenever I even mention it. No one has made me feel this way, but I personally don't like the feeling of asking for special treatment ... even if it's something my body needs. Hopefully I'll adjust and it won't feel so weird in the future, but, right now, I hate even mentioning it.<br>
<br>
<b><i>The Downs - </i></b><br>
<br>
We left Saturday morning EARLY to drive to Yadkinville with a few friends. There was a large field archery tournament that JD and his two friends -- a married couple -- were shooting it. Since JD and I have never spent a single night away from the dogs, we decided to make a weekend of it. And it prevented me from having to spend the whole weekend alone. And, given the fact that I love this couple and I'm starting to get into archery, I thought it would be fun. I knew that the whole gluten-free thing would be a challenge but I wasn't prepared for how much of one.<br>
<br>
As we've done in the past, we stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. I knew in advance that my options there would be limited. But, honestly, any breakfast place is going to be a challenge. I managed to find plain oatmeal with a little brown sugar and some raw pecans with a side of plain hash browns. Seriously, everything on their menu is full of gluten.<br>
<br>
For lunch, it was cook out food at the archery range. I expected that. I didn't expect no fruit of any kind. Burgers, hot dogs, buns, coleslaw, chips, cookies. That's it. It was a struggle. I conceded and had a hot dog with ketchup and a few plain potato chips. It was a little rough.<br>
<br>
When it came time for dinner, everyone wanted barbecue and I didn't want to be the difficult one. I don't love barbecue and I wasn't sure about the gluten-free options, but it's important for me to make sure that no one treats me special because I can't eat like a normal person. I know some people would just think I'm being difficult because I've thought this in the past as well. All of our friends were real supportive and offered to go somewhere else, but I told them that barbecue was fine because that's what the majority wanted. And I've got to learn to make accommodations no matter where I am. So we went and I had chicken with mashed potatoes and corn. Sadly, the mashed potatoes were instant, so I didn't eat them, not being sure if they had gluten in them or not.<br>
<br>
Breakfast in Yadkinville was an adventure. Every small podunk town I've ever been to has had that little diner where all the old timers hang out and drink their coffee. Well, not in Yadkinville. There was one breakfast place in that little town. And it was Bonjangles. I knew immediately that that was going to be a no-go. Thankfully there was a Food Lion next door so I grabbed some juice and a banana and a yogurt. And some pistachios as a snack later. I knew lunch would be rough again, so I wanted to be relatively prepared.<br>
<br>
Lunch was the same as the previous, and at that point I decided that we were definitely stopping for Mexican food for dinner. Mexican is one of my most favorite things to eat -- it's pretty much comfort food -- and, thankfully, most Mexican food is corn-based. They don't regularly use flour, so most options are okay for me. Unless a gluten allergy is so sensitive that you are worried about cross-contamination (which I'm only worried about for the next two weeks), Mexican is a great option. So, after two days of no fun food, I finally got to gorge myself on a very tasty meal. And it was certainly worth it.<br>
<br>
This whole gluten-free thing will certainly be an adventure, and I've definitely learned a lot this weekend. Most importantly, I've learned that I need to be better prepared for my days. At the advice of a good friend who is also gluten-free, I'm going to start having hearty but gluten-free snacks available all the time. Apparently, oatmeal is a good go-to option when traveling because it is filling and yet gluten-free. And pretty much every place you go has hot water to make it. So I need to start thinking ahead more and considering where I'll be and what I'll be doing. And this too is a big change from just eating what I want when I want. <br>
<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-45608349469527710432013-05-30T18:57:00.001-04:002013-05-30T18:57:40.203-04:00My saddest food day everLast week I had some blood work done regarding my weird stomach issues. They told me when I left that no news was good news. If I didn't hear from them, everything was fine. So a week has passed and I felt confident that I was in the clear.<br />
<br />
And then my doctor called today. She told me that all of my levels looked normal except for one. The Celiac's marker. Two of the three markers came back positive. Of course, I was all like, "That's okay, right? It's not 3 out of 3, right?" And, of course, she was all like, "No. Two out of three means you have it. Definitely."<br />
<br />
Damn.<br />
<br />
I almost started to cry. But then I regained some perspective in knowing that it's not cancer or a death sentence, and whining and crying about it is just plain silly. But it is a bit of a big deal for me. I love gluten. Pasta, cakes, desserts, cereal, beer, beer, BEER! The idea of giving it all up is a little heartbreaking. Thankfully I know people who've been living gluten free for a while, so I can turn to them for support and advice, but no gluten is kinda freakin' me out.<br />
<br />
The doctor told me that I could see a specialist right away (where they will endoscope my insides and take samples which isn't appealing at all) or do an elimination diet for a few weeks. If eliminating gluten makes all the difference, then I can visit a nutritionist for further guidance. If the diet doesn't help, then a specialist is needed because something else may be going on.<br />
<br />
So, dinner tonight -- a heaping bowl of pasta and a chicken breast (<i>BEFORE</i> I got the dreaded phone call) -- was my last meal. No more tasty pasta for me. Sad face. Thankfully I can still enjoy rice and potatoes. Getting rid of those would throw me over the edge!<br />
<br />
And, in a moment of fortuitous planning, we ordered a half dozen gluten-free cupcakes for the wedding. Now we may be upping that number. And there are gluten-free options at the dinner as well, so that's good, too, right?<br />
<br />
So, today, the saddest food day of my life, I start a new adventure in eating. I'm not sure how I'm feeling about it yet.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-64658953976221220512013-05-28T09:47:00.000-04:002013-10-02T16:51:21.658-04:00Following my momma's adviceOne of my mother's favorite pieces of advice to her daughters was this: "The best two things in life a grown woman can have is a hysterectomy and a housekeeper."<br />
<br />
This advice always struck a chord with me given that I asked for a hysterectomy when I was about 13 when I had just started my period. Not that my period was all that exceptionally rough or anything, but the prospect of having it every month for the rest of my life was daunting. I even asked my doctor about it back then and she quickly laughed at me. My mom found it highly amusing as well.<br />
<br />
Mom had her hysterectomy after all of us kids were raised, and she was sure that she and Dad were done with the birthing part of child-rearing. Apparently pregnancy and childbirth had been hard on my mom's parts and had left her with a "tippy uterus." Yep. That's what the doctor called it. After Mom got tired of feeling like she had to pee all the time, she went in to have it taken care of. After a few weeks of healing, she said it was the best thing she ever did. None of us kids took it as an insult because we knew that she loved having us, but the effects that the stress on her body was too taxing to live with forever.<br />
<br />
Then came the housekeeper. We never had a housekeeper when we were little -- money was too tight for things like that when there are so many able bodied people in the house to help -- but Mom worked hard to make sure the house was clean and tidy. She wasn't obsessive about it, but I don't remember ever feeling embarrassed when company "popped" in to visit. I knew the house was always presentable. When I was in high school, Mom hired a local woman to clean the house a few times a month. We were all busy doing our own thing and growing up, and Mom was a busy woman between owning her own business and working hard and doing things she enjoyed. Dad worked nights and spent a good portion of the day resting and working outside in the yard. So, in a moment of prioritizing, Mom hired a cleaning woman. Let's be real, no one <i>likes </i>to clean. We may be good at it or find it therapeutic, but no one really likes it. Every two weeks, Gerri came by the house to do all of the intense cleaning, and we kept up with the small stuff -- vacuuming, sweeping, keeping the kitchen tidy -- in the meantime. It freed up a lot of time for my mom to do things she enjoyed. After all, there are certainly more important things in life that dusting and mopping and all that. Especially with the first crop of grandbabies starting to pop up.<br />
<br />
As an adult, I'm good at cleaning, but I hate it. It makes me sneeze and clouds up my head. I'm pretty sure it's allergies, but, whatever it is, it's miserable. JD hates cleaning as well. We'd both rather spend our time doing things we enjoy outside. Gardening. Archery. Even mowing the grass (which I actually enjoy doing). The problem is that a messy/unclean house causes me a ton of anxiety (I'm sure in part from coming from a clean house that was always presentable at a moments notice). So, after some serious thinking about my life balance and considering things that I can "let go" in my life to ease some of my stress, JD and I decided to go ahead and hire a bi-weekly housekeeper. Three dogs generate A LOT of mess, and just looking around and seeing dustbunnies around the house prevents me from being able to relax. So today a cleaning person is coming to take some of my anxiety away. with work stress, wedding planning, and general life to think about, cleaning isn't a huge priority for me. But I still want a clean house, so I'm willing to pay someone to do it for us.<br />
<br />
I'm both excited and nervous to go home and see the results. I'm most excited about a super clean bathroom (the area I hate cleaning the most) and dust-free shelves. I'm most nervous about how my dogs are going to react to this cleaning ninja. We'll see when I get home. Fingers crossed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-40215216181383554402013-05-26T16:08:00.002-04:002013-10-02T16:51:21.636-04:00Is it too early for the dogs days of summer?The weather this weekend has been perfect. The skies are blue, there is a gentle breeze blowing, and the temperatures have been consistently in the 70s. I turned off the air and opened up all the windows to get some fresh air. Of course this means there is a little more barking from the dogs as they get used to all the new noises, but the breezes and fresh air has worked wonders on my and the house.<br />
<br />
Today, after working my rear off all day yesterday, I've been laying low. Apparently, so have the dogs. As soon as I went out to read on the patio, they all followed me and collapsed in the sun. They spent about an hour cruising around the yard, enjoying the weather. It was pretty adorable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CAvFYn2eLJs/UaJiPTGTRbI/AAAAAAAAsMw/vJj2h6tOiBk/s640/blogger-image-314272463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CAvFYn2eLJs/UaJiPTGTRbI/AAAAAAAAsMw/vJj2h6tOiBk/s400/blogger-image-314272463.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey basking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eGW7mZRdkb4/UaJiQjRApvI/AAAAAAAAsM4/CXS0HyddhJ4/s640/blogger-image-1777486176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eGW7mZRdkb4/UaJiQjRApvI/AAAAAAAAsM4/CXS0HyddhJ4/s400/blogger-image-1777486176.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickles prowling. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mnQW6C5bTM0/UaJiRQspmVI/AAAAAAAAsNA/YYEf_L8k9-E/s640/blogger-image--177546949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mnQW6C5bTM0/UaJiRQspmVI/AAAAAAAAsNA/YYEf_L8k9-E/s400/blogger-image--177546949.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny sunning. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-73042524749341416412013-05-26T16:01:00.002-04:002013-05-26T16:01:26.806-04:00It's in the mailWell, there's no backing out now. The wedding invitations are in the mail. We're two months out, people. Game on!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QLp7XPw1YcI/UaJiS9YDwCI/AAAAAAAAsNI/UQmcgYCcSP0/s640/blogger-image--1426135173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QLp7XPw1YcI/UaJiS9YDwCI/AAAAAAAAsNI/UQmcgYCcSP0/s400/blogger-image--1426135173.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3122116768421562649.post-82659180830397301902013-05-26T15:59:00.003-04:002013-10-02T16:33:25.234-04:00Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary ...<i>How does your garden grow?</i><br />
<br />
Quite well, in fact!<br />
<br />
Within the last week, zucchinis and flowers have been sprouting all over. Since these pics were taken, almost every squash plant has at least one little baby squash -- be it yellow or zucchini -- growing on it. A few have two. It's always so amazing to me to watch flowers magically transform into fruits and vegetables. The best thing about my garden this year is that I get to share it all with my little 6-year-old EG. She's a wonderful gardening partner!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-amfRvQ0uORw/UaJiMlmCkcI/AAAAAAAAsMg/NmjyaS3e0jk/s640/blogger-image--1114913190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-amfRvQ0uORw/UaJiMlmCkcI/AAAAAAAAsMg/NmjyaS3e0jk/s400/blogger-image--1114913190.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the little guy? The flower is still attached. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z4Qe0ATRkD8/UaJiJz8K7eI/AAAAAAAAsMQ/oQlrqJ7_Z_s/s640/blogger-image--1129898810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z4Qe0ATRkD8/UaJiJz8K7eI/AAAAAAAAsMQ/oQlrqJ7_Z_s/s400/blogger-image--1129898810.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The nasturtium is beginning to bloom as well, adding beautiful splashes of orange to a very green garden. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LxxK6hCNs-Y/UaJiI1Y-KxI/AAAAAAAAsMI/oK3ptcKLy44/s640/blogger-image--1281785251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LxxK6hCNs-Y/UaJiI1Y-KxI/AAAAAAAAsMI/oK3ptcKLy44/s400/blogger-image--1281785251.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The tomato plants are starting to produce little baby green gumballs that will eventually grow into juicy red tomatoes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last few weeks of gardening have been quite challenging. It has rained more than it hasn't, and while all that rain is great for my plants, it's REALLY great for all the weeds. I can't really weed the garden in the rain, so there has been no way to keep up with the invaders. Finally, the rain stopped and I was able to tackle the mess this weekend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I spent THREE HOURS in the garden on Saturday, pulling weeds like a mad woman. The weather was perfect -- 76 and sunny with a wonderful breeze all day -- and the dogs had fun roaming the freshly mowed lawn while I dug in the dirt. In fact, our lovely little yellow lab puppy discovered a high spot in the garden fence that she can fit under. Two different times she apparently missed beng with me and I turned to find her halfway under the fence. Thankfully she backed out as soon as I yelled at her, so no plants were ruined. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kTI68g00fPc/UaJiKya2LII/AAAAAAAAsMY/tzO2W0kdYQE/s640/blogger-image-117554262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kTI68g00fPc/UaJiKya2LII/AAAAAAAAsMY/tzO2W0kdYQE/s400/blogger-image-117554262.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few of my seedlings -- spinach and eggplant and peppers -- haven't really grown all that much. It's a little discouraging since everything else is growing like ... well, a weed. You can see the empty spaces in the rows in the picture above. I'm tempted to buy new seedlings from Lowe's and replace them. If I do that, I need to do it real soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XgMVcxLLRT8/UaJiNpjjAnI/AAAAAAAAsMo/ZyGghLzl4rA/s640/blogger-image-7588699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XgMVcxLLRT8/UaJiNpjjAnI/AAAAAAAAsMo/ZyGghLzl4rA/s400/blogger-image-7588699.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This angle looks much fuller. The tomatoes are still a little short but they are producing fruit already. And you can see the pops of orange in the nasturtium plants. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As an added treat on Friday (which totally encouraged me to tackle the weeding this weekend), I finally got to make chevre stuffed fried zucchini blossoms. I first had them in NOLA years ago, and I've been dying to have them again. Unfortunately it's impossible to buy just the blossoms. Once I was sure that my plants would bear fruit, I plucked off a few blossoms to fry up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mixed up a light beer batter using flour and Abita Strawberry Lager (any lager style works) and a touch of salt and pepper. I slit open the blossoms, removed the stamen (<i>very</i> delicately) and pipe in softened chevre (15 seconds in the microwave is perfect). After filling them, I dipped them in the beer batter and fried them in peanut oil (heated at just under medium). I flipped them once, and they were done in about 4 minutes total. Of course I couldn't wait to eat them, so I scalded my mouth biting into them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once I waited for them to cool a little more, I closed my eyes and tasted the familiar flavor that I had been longing for. JD's dad and brother enjoyed them as well. Too bad JD was out of town and didn't get to try them. But I'll definitely be making them again, so he'll get another chance. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zKY1FNVXrAo/UaJiH-aAaKI/AAAAAAAAsMA/DvxCFoFb6XA/s640/blogger-image-860249956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zKY1FNVXrAo/UaJiH-aAaKI/AAAAAAAAsMA/DvxCFoFb6XA/s640/blogger-image-860249956.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not sure if they tasted so good because they were little cheese stuffed blossoms of goodness or because they were the first fruits of my garden, but they were delicious. And my belly went to bed happy. </div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04112878156534885864noreply@blogger.com0