tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11337418165807630132024-03-05T19:04:19.194-08:00Blog Be DandyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-42015802780871177852013-09-20T06:14:00.002-07:002013-09-20T06:14:36.470-07:00The Reason For My Time AwayI had to take a bit of time away... <br />
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Duchess, our oldest furry family member had to be put down. I kept hoping she would eventually go on her own. That her tired body would just put its foot down and say that the time was up, and that it would like to be able to run on the other side. She just wouldn't hear of it. She was sticking around to see how this whole life thing turned out for everyone! Unfortunately, she had a wonderful strong heart that just wanted to keep on ticking.<br />
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Last week, after two rough days with her, I realized that our time had come to a close. I couldn't let her be uncomfortable after 18 years of comforting our family. We are lucky to have a wonderful Vet, who laid on the floor with Jeff, myself and Duchess as we helped her move on to her next destination.<br />
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It was the hardest decision to make. It was even harder coming home without her. We of course were greeted at the door by the other 3 dogs, who acted confused over the next few days. Coming home the following day after work, was my full on breaking point. Duchess was like a small child, and I spent extra time with her every day, whether it was for walks, medicine, or just time. To come home, take the other 3 out, and realize I didn't have my little slow poke behind me was hard.<br />
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The other dogs moped around for a few days, but have mostly come back to their old selves. Since Bella is our youngest adoptee, her dish was in the most undesired spot in our kitchen. But it was the last spot available when she came into our home. After a week, I decided to move her dish to where Duchess' had been. Bella stares at me every morning like I have lost my mind in trying to get her to eat in the spot that is reserved for Duchess. Even though her food is in the bowl, she walks over and stands at her old spot and waits. Guess she realizes no one can replace Duchess or take her spot in our kitchen!<br />
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She will be missed more than I can express. <br />
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Kyle and Duchess 1996</div>
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Kyle and Duchess 2010</div>
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Duchess 09/09/2013</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-74934745986147064532013-08-27T08:01:00.000-07:002013-08-27T08:01:18.705-07:00Raising Children VS Raising DogsAs the owner of 3 Senior Dogs, 18, 13 and 11 (and one other that is only 6 because we had a momentary lapse of common sense) I've come to the realization that raising elderly dogs is like raising children and a little bit more added in.<br />
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The only ones who listened to me for years, were the dogs. I could talk until I turned blue, my son would ignore me. Now, I can talk and the dogs don't listen. Duchess is completely deaf now, Gracie we have realized hears if she is looking at you or if you yell at her. Nico still listens, but he has joined the world of subjective hearing. He will hear you if you want to give him food or let him out.<br />
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You spend the first two years of your childs life picking them up when they fall down. I'm currently picking Duchess up off of our wood floors more often than not. Wood floors and an elderly dog don't mix well. She may as well be walking on ice. <br />
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When your child starts to eat, you spend time mashing everything up so its easy to swallow. Cutting everything into tiny pieces so they don't choke. Yep, every morning I'm adding water and canned food to bowls to help with the chewing and swallowing process. <br />
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Remember the days of trying to get your young ones to take medicine? Well, all I can say is the inventor of <span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Greenies-Pill-Pockets-Chicken-Capsules/dp/B001BSBFUO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377614738&sr=8-1&keywords=pill+pockets" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">pill pockets</span></a> could be my best friend! If you have a dog that needs medicine, these are a must have! Just don't go with the Duck flavor! The smell is just awful. <br />
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We enter into the world of having children with the understanding it is a life long process. Once a parent, always a parent. They will make you feel love, anger, joy, and other things that you can't even put into words. Entering into the world of owning dogs comes with the same responsibility, just a little different.<br />
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Your dog will do things that make you angry and upset. Duchess killed a rabbit (well played with it like a toy is more accurate) the first year I was divorced and living alone. May not sound like much unless you have heard a rabbit in distress. Not a sound you want to hear, and who is going to get the now dead rabbit off of your porch? Nico ate a dining room table and chairs, and a hole in our kitchen wall the first year.<br />
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But, your dog won't talk back to you. Your dog won't say No to you. Nor will it slam the door on you, get mad at you, or never not need you. All a dog will do is love you and show you gratitude. <br />
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We certainly know our time is limited. I spend each morning paying close attention to Duchess. Is she in pain? Is she comfortable? Trying to be sure we aren't being selfish and keeping her around. She still goes out and walks the property every day. Every now and then, she breaks into a run. Even if after she looks perplexed as to "why the hell did I just do that?". <br />
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I've enjoyed being a Mother, now a Grandmother. (Ok, I will admit, writing I'm a Grandmother is a tad jolting!) And I've enjoyed being a "Mom" to our furry family also. We have been lucky to have the whole brood, even if I have to buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Roller-839R-56TP-2-Count-Sheets/dp/B001TUZCPI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1377614926&sr=8-3&keywords=lint+roller" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">lint rollers</span></a> a case at time!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-18233340784992782642013-08-19T05:05:00.000-07:002013-08-19T05:05:06.526-07:00First Day of SchoolToday is the first day of school in the county that I live.<br />
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Today is the first day of school that I didn't have a child attending in 13 years.<br />
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This was Kyle on his first day of kindergarten...<br />
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It seems like an eternity ago. <br />
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This was two weeks ago...<br />
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It has been a long road for all of us. School was not always an easy road for Kyle. Or me for that matter. Or anyone else in our family that stood behind Kyle constantly telling him that he could do it. I wish someone had pulled me aside 13 years ago and said "You will have to fight for your child. You will have to push your child. You will have to push those around him to help him. But in the end, you will have pushed him to the finish line." If someone had said that to me, maybe I wouldn't have spent the last two years hyperventilating!</div>
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The person who gave the keynote speech spoke of running a marathon. And how important it is to realize that the graduates finished. Maybe not first, or on time, but that they held on and finished. I felt like they were speaking directly to Kyle. It was nice to hear validation for Kyle to have finished. Maybe not on time, but that didn't matter. No one will ever ask him did he graduate in June or August! </div>
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Congratulations to the class of 2013. No matter when you graduated!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-20122824069492749552013-08-16T22:45:00.000-07:002013-08-16T22:45:41.589-07:00Hard to BelieveHard to believe it has been 16 months since my last post. We had a lot of personal things going on over the last year. I found it hard to write. So, I didn't. But things change, time moves forward and you realize that you need to start again. I've attempted many times to blog again, only to think where do I start now after being off for a year? I'm going to just post daily a few things that have occurred the past year, guess I will start with the most important:<br />
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We became Grandparents this year. <br />
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Riley Elizabeth was born on March 13, 2013. Here are a few pictures of the last few months.<br />
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If you look at the last picture you will notice my living room has become a playground. You forget how much stuff a little person actually uses!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-30529475728660989752012-04-05T03:06:00.000-07:002012-04-05T03:06:53.616-07:00I'm Really Behind!We have had quite a few busy weeks here in the Gambler household. Birthdays, relatives visiting, craft shows just to name a few. I will be posting about all of these over the next few days as I organize pictures to post. <br />
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These posts will NOT be in chronological order. I'm a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl! Actually, I will be posting depending on which photos are available as I'm sitting at the computer at 4 a.m. and only willing to post photos that are currently in the computer since I don't want to turn on a light.<br />
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My Dad was down visiting for a week, so we grabbed my cousins daughter from college close by, and along with Kyle spent a day at <a href="http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Busch Gardens</span></a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5Nw31EWPZd4TvSq7PjT-bdOfiCP8lq4y3nFwohD7Aa_l6zIhBXtinNVU_eLq7RK9KX4X5KrEKk0x8I-dKJ5J_VHqUn3o7B3XQE4Hz473ozDaEr1K-e8-jluwM0b4zJTgUw4X0jIWSW0_/s1600/busch+gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5Nw31EWPZd4TvSq7PjT-bdOfiCP8lq4y3nFwohD7Aa_l6zIhBXtinNVU_eLq7RK9KX4X5KrEKk0x8I-dKJ5J_VHqUn3o7B3XQE4Hz473ozDaEr1K-e8-jluwM0b4zJTgUw4X0jIWSW0_/s320/busch+gardens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Busch Gardens </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>A great time was had by all. Kyle and Tory rode every roller coaster at least once, and ALWAYS in the front row. First up was <a href="http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/Attractions/Rides/Cheetah-Hunt"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Cheetah Hunt</span></a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NIcFcYl_eaoKOgeVkfmODqpZnA0scPTIQ4EgxM8Bik6-4XLLbaZnAYoCcMjNHm1Tw_Fmx3hlRkoGUaIfLwuHZw9CZh9xCujd-NRIadEfcoKCPZZcj0WwioUVQu1yIPY3kiJ1tqiCKamW/s1600/IMAG0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NIcFcYl_eaoKOgeVkfmODqpZnA0scPTIQ4EgxM8Bik6-4XLLbaZnAYoCcMjNHm1Tw_Fmx3hlRkoGUaIfLwuHZw9CZh9xCujd-NRIadEfcoKCPZZcj0WwioUVQu1yIPY3kiJ1tqiCKamW/s320/IMAG0149.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was thankful for Tory's bright blue shirt. It made them easy to pick out when the went by.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahAvsLKcheJ53nhbpV_vg20J00jq1nWdn23BocGZVOISuo4wE0sETcA2UjMY0bTXVYtVfwQihf_nVsrNKi5NLx9PbzzQ45OAovTeZYYtCN-yhsDEhxBf6kM5MCKtuxzU9OwWOVGlI8Lvk/s1600/IMAG0150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahAvsLKcheJ53nhbpV_vg20J00jq1nWdn23BocGZVOISuo4wE0sETcA2UjMY0bTXVYtVfwQihf_nVsrNKi5NLx9PbzzQ45OAovTeZYYtCN-yhsDEhxBf6kM5MCKtuxzU9OwWOVGlI8Lvk/s320/IMAG0150.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And away they go. The <a href="http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/Attractions/Rides/Cheetah-Hunt"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Cheetah Hunt</span></a> actually is so long that the entire ride is over 3 minutes long. In roller coaster time, that is a long one!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMyNM2mx3gN-KsOAEtVjill0DrtL1sH26MXOYiMuG8PLCb6usbhmUtg2MowsZD6GxfI34I2vOVquCWSolSzKbcpm4QL6j4boy33rRKr6FCj8GXlbNDxiy8JhJc_SesE1UzQ_dTt_MVCur/s1600/IMAG0153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMyNM2mx3gN-KsOAEtVjill0DrtL1sH26MXOYiMuG8PLCb6usbhmUtg2MowsZD6GxfI34I2vOVquCWSolSzKbcpm4QL6j4boy33rRKr6FCj8GXlbNDxiy8JhJc_SesE1UzQ_dTt_MVCur/s320/IMAG0153.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was <a href="http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/Attractions/Rides/SheiKra"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Sheikra</span></a>. Lets pause for a moment. What you can't tell with this photo is that the ride takes you up 200ft, then as it comes over to plunge you at a 90 degree angle, it stops. Yes, stops and hangs you there. So I actually had no problem taking this picture, as they posed for it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At this point, my Dad and I bid them goodbye and went off on our own. We caught up with them 4 hours later, to hear all about the rides and the fact that they had never stopped to eat. If you eat, you cannot ride, so they waited until they knew we would be leaving before settling down to grab a bite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-63560116905849863332012-02-16T03:23:00.000-08:002012-02-16T03:23:04.353-08:00Lather Lovely is here! Finally!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGoEreeY9-quTXsWEo5OWAhWx56G71wNhvkdC-EXI5PqTcFeQ-bIo0PxUXqK-RrJzENmxDFlKhJX-uMlp5hnymFBYR9XipJWtkYn_JwI26kqew6k6lyGFevHHgomACt9u0KnG3Zu62z1L/s1600/Logo.v5.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGoEreeY9-quTXsWEo5OWAhWx56G71wNhvkdC-EXI5PqTcFeQ-bIo0PxUXqK-RrJzENmxDFlKhJX-uMlp5hnymFBYR9XipJWtkYn_JwI26kqew6k6lyGFevHHgomACt9u0KnG3Zu62z1L/s320/Logo.v5.4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It is finally up and running. Lather Lovely has a website that is actually working. It isn't complete yet, but it is there. It only took me 3 years! Please check it out at <a href="http://www.latherlovely.com/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">www.latherlovely.com</span></a>! <br />
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We are headed to Clermont, Fl this weekend to participate<span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span><a href="http://www.lakeridgewinery.com/Events/event.php?id=13152370099301"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Lakeridge Winery's Winefest</span></a>. Of course, the weather has been fantastic, now this weekend it is supposed to rain. Go figure. At least we did buy a new tent last month, which should keep us dry. Our old tent had started to show some wear, and for certain shows, they require you to have a white tent. Mine was beige. <br />
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I will update the blog through the weekend with pictures of the Winefest!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-27394861167571883492012-01-08T06:16:00.000-08:002012-01-08T06:18:54.796-08:00He Is Back, For Now....Nico was returned to us yesterday morning. He had traveled quite the distance and by the looks of him had been up all night running. Our posters were up about 5 minutes when we received the first call that someone had him.<br />
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We brought him home where we bathed him (that ought to teach him to run away again, he hates getting a bath!), fed him and let him lay on the big dog cushion to sleep. We had to keep all the other animals away from him as he came home really cranky.<br />
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As in, bare your teeth at everyone, kind of cranky.<br />
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Today he is up and back to his old self. The dog pen has been repaired, again, and hopefully we will not be posting another lost dog post.<br />
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In other animal news, our darling <a href="http://blogbedandy.blogspot.com/2010/07/duchess.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Duchess</span></a> just turned 17. She is like the energizer bunny!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-91778958952504919162012-01-07T05:48:00.000-08:002012-01-07T05:48:58.935-08:00New Year, Same Old IssuesIt is a brand new year and I am faced with an issue we have had multiple times in the past.<br />
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Nico has escaped, yet again. Back in 2010, <a href="http://blogbedandy.blogspot.com/2010/07/lost-dog.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Nico ran away</span></a>. Which led to us to <span style="color: #b45f06;">finding someone else's</span> dog and also rescuing <a href="http://blogbedandy.blogspot.com/2010/07/2-for-price-of-one.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Bella</span></a>. You can click on all of the links and read those stories. But today, I find myself once again printing Lost Dog posters with this face on them<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnX_RzG4o4NB_fJPAmMcaatSQULQ5JInfMjEPXXbmLitIcCpPAQwQ4GaORnBSWQecbJGZvoIzEDlLSkm2uxzY7lFQyhHqFankh7vLo7NKojj5UgX5nPznqN4SG44oDhZrmlCnRCqiemLZJ/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnX_RzG4o4NB_fJPAmMcaatSQULQ5JInfMjEPXXbmLitIcCpPAQwQ4GaORnBSWQecbJGZvoIzEDlLSkm2uxzY7lFQyhHqFankh7vLo7NKojj5UgX5nPznqN4SG44oDhZrmlCnRCqiemLZJ/s320/IMG_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've lost track how many times Nico has gotten out. He is a runner, that is all I can say. But this time, I have to admit it was my fault. We left for dinner, and I completely forgot the dogs were in the dog pen. Not sure where my head was. Certainly not with the dogs. When we came home, Nico had dug out. Don't know when, other than somewhere between 7:15 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. <br />
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Keep us and him in your thoughts and lets keep our fingers crossed that we find him, again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-25841429700909295622011-11-22T05:30:00.000-08:002011-11-22T05:30:40.426-08:003 MonthsIn honor of it being 3 months since my last post...yes, I'm making fun of myself. I should be ashamed that it has been 3 months since my last post! It has been a busy 3 months though, so let me explain.<br />
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This was every weekend in October:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzBh0OXU0_tRhMC5LJhKegCbgz0qwo_-iOtgqSirjjxXpTaQT7BHjmz2l8UL6Ssj4rWYLCDKPN58g70WQSU5G9TgyXNOgI6JUzrW4BIrqJ0OiKJXBxxw7ditZZ47jB6jd0GLdTldWuS62/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp4335%25253A%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B727983327nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzBh0OXU0_tRhMC5LJhKegCbgz0qwo_-iOtgqSirjjxXpTaQT7BHjmz2l8UL6Ssj4rWYLCDKPN58g70WQSU5G9TgyXNOgI6JUzrW4BIrqJ0OiKJXBxxw7ditZZ47jB6jd0GLdTldWuS62/s320/232323232%25257Ffp4335%25253A%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B727983327nu0mrj.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaBEgac0ZRIRCSqQq_xBvoj_atpQLDbiLyQyLrmg9EJvoEu46gqduxzNLzXbA3crFeNr1Bh6wmjxlKYIl1Zk_2kgiFyr0_bXyBTj5wfVW2ZoWR2CryUt1m7Omo_O5waGh4mZuXVrJwcLy/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp4336%25253B%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B727984327nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaBEgac0ZRIRCSqQq_xBvoj_atpQLDbiLyQyLrmg9EJvoEu46gqduxzNLzXbA3crFeNr1Bh6wmjxlKYIl1Zk_2kgiFyr0_bXyBTj5wfVW2ZoWR2CryUt1m7Omo_O5waGh4mZuXVrJwcLy/s320/232323232%25257Ffp4336%25253B%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B727984327nu0mrj.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQbDU18Es3moUYtCEG-c_aAqx9yegTuwTSiMaKLr_-JyEfe-DpXoHQnxElpOgst2UFgBjpUYjPTAUQDiKjIZd5y-QqE9gPIKpQiOhry41n9DoAXoKMHxUWoM6PxYs44SI-6Kk0FT0I4m2/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp43349%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B727982327nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQbDU18Es3moUYtCEG-c_aAqx9yegTuwTSiMaKLr_-JyEfe-DpXoHQnxElpOgst2UFgBjpUYjPTAUQDiKjIZd5y-QqE9gPIKpQiOhry41n9DoAXoKMHxUWoM6PxYs44SI-6Kk0FT0I4m2/s320/232323232%25257Ffp43349%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B727982327nu0mrj.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-pVv893c6aZY4o2mM6gCvyCaTbQX1eXEe8INHe2AjNbRl2ttcy9s5FC5b-JXlAJMuncfPXtTpgP9IlIAEmzXOV15RbQXBeS6ODKWg80VqZD3c6Pnyud1lgECvTkDASoiFQWESjQaxmvk/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp43353%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B72797%25253B327nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-pVv893c6aZY4o2mM6gCvyCaTbQX1eXEe8INHe2AjNbRl2ttcy9s5FC5b-JXlAJMuncfPXtTpgP9IlIAEmzXOV15RbQXBeS6ODKWg80VqZD3c6Pnyud1lgECvTkDASoiFQWESjQaxmvk/s320/232323232%25257Ffp43353%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B72797%25253B327nu0mrj.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHHXVWFUHdP5aNNaCE0Y7owlatHtCgkKVxcrZRF8zYtOwTO035IWizhTBhDFHn2agkubV5vT2NA_um2sc614Lzxo3NDf3no0_PafjJahM0W3iMfbxKseaC72xdO1hHS_RE-SjmKDglMBH/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp43353%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B727985327nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHHXVWFUHdP5aNNaCE0Y7owlatHtCgkKVxcrZRF8zYtOwTO035IWizhTBhDFHn2agkubV5vT2NA_um2sc614Lzxo3NDf3no0_PafjJahM0W3iMfbxKseaC72xdO1hHS_RE-SjmKDglMBH/s320/232323232%25257Ffp43353%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B727985327nu0mrj.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Gf7fiZvnVdSVTOvE-7VerpGDtSf9Gk7_Fwg2GnK2oLTwatUwIbAjEXxERoX3_-yGHEvY_edFQchro264KTNjlLdQvRv0CwhZaDjdWtIwVWM2CHOEirJCNeNVKD5M3wNsgpXNn88ylzv-/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp43447%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B727992327nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Gf7fiZvnVdSVTOvE-7VerpGDtSf9Gk7_Fwg2GnK2oLTwatUwIbAjEXxERoX3_-yGHEvY_edFQchro264KTNjlLdQvRv0CwhZaDjdWtIwVWM2CHOEirJCNeNVKD5M3wNsgpXNn88ylzv-/s320/232323232%25257Ffp43447%25253Enu%25253D3244%25253E8%25253A2%25253E374%25253EWSNRCG%25253D358%25253B727992327nu0mrj.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
Yes, it has been that time of year again. And this year, we did really well at the Pumpkin Festival. REALLY well. The second photo of the chocolate scrub, that sold out, and if you took a whiff you would know why. It is like taking a shower in brownie batter. It just smells yummy!<br />
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This has boosted my confidence to try more shows, which the first one is this weekend. Followed in 2 weeks by another. It has also led to invitations to do different shows in February and March, as well as Christmas gift orders rolling in. <br />
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On top of all this, I finally got back into the work force full time. I know, wrong time of year to do that, but I'm enjoying what I'm doing, so all is well.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-69079967861974192522011-08-22T04:15:00.000-07:002011-08-22T04:15:30.110-07:00Back To SchoolToday is Kyle's first day of his Junior year of High School. Summer went by extremely fast this year!<br />
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Now we are back to working with the tutor a few nights a week, staying on top of homework, and now he has a job to work into that equation. My blood pressure rose a few notches this morning when the alarm went off!<br />
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Kyle was up and speaking in complete sentences when I went in to his room this morning. He almost seemed excited to get back. I know by Thursday that feeling will have faded, but it was nice to have today!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-1885825785032799462011-08-12T03:56:00.000-07:002011-08-12T03:56:47.236-07:00Get A Job!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz1Mli2_BHVi6dvnwYEQjlyi5qwyWnBOpV0wV9CFW-AnthSXNLG9vGKWTEk5W16TUTviedegwpu0BE0IZPxGXWtL88dgnnOhupi_MwdS9IqCkfpIQb9H5CwMlDMduKDACU_WpT669ci1F/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz1Mli2_BHVi6dvnwYEQjlyi5qwyWnBOpV0wV9CFW-AnthSXNLG9vGKWTEk5W16TUTviedegwpu0BE0IZPxGXWtL88dgnnOhupi_MwdS9IqCkfpIQb9H5CwMlDMduKDACU_WpT669ci1F/s320/IMG_0396.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
I took this photo a few weeks ago, of my son Kyle on his first day of work. Well, his first day of work for someone other than us. Kyle has worked his summers with us since he was 14, but alas, we have had to hire full time help and Kyle was left only filling in as needed.<br />
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It was time to get a job. A job that he could work while he is in school. So, I talked with Michael who owns <a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Michael-John-s-Live-Jazz-and-Date-Night-Menu-Aug-11th.html?soid=1106025982031&aid=Sv1PCDkz5t8">MJ's restaurant</a> and got Kyle an interview. The rest was up to him. <br />
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I waited a few weeks to make sure that all is okay before posting this. He seems to really enjoy working there. Which as adults we know is half the battle, just enjoying what it is you do!<br />
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This past week we ventured in for dinner on a night that Kyle was working. He was in the front of the house, not the kitchen where he had been the past few nights. Which meant, he cleared our plates, refilled our water glasses and had to clean the crumbs off our table. MJ's may have just gotten more business from me, if that is what I have to do to be waited on!<br />
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And last, a friend of mine is hosting a Blog Hop. Please check out the link below!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.athomemoma.com/2011/08/this-is-what-its-all-about-family.html"><img border="0" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJSEjcNYLC1SHbxavmKG6WxWh3c_YnLksj9ZOcVCBY85DgIYIB2kHAf3Isj1JGl5x5WlMJYVEDph4c6VD36ObPAYh-JN_xGjCsaY-1hdkkeqtk_7ljlmzY1XrHRXI69ygEZYB1lyLLFeE/s1600/5uh7kn.png" /></a></div><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-59355651925022511182011-08-10T12:11:00.000-07:002011-08-10T12:11:31.787-07:00This Past WeekendThis past weekend we headed out of town with some friends. There were 6 of us all together (all adults!), and we stayed at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/animal-kingdom-villas-kidani/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Kidani Village at Disney</span></a>. We used our timeshare points and splurged on a 3 bedroom Villa. It was sooo worth it!!! It was our last hoorah before our kids had to go back to school!<br />
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Here are some photos of our villa.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWCUYjmXKf5c4L3OaSRYP-CmNa20hfynWgWRFhkncxtLVT3sRDztIDHkMJAOpAfEYrO7UyNeLQEiZqqKCi__JJ8ykybid1x8_aqX8RnqRo2JcAbbtYUYxqiSB_P6mj75ooKxWQN_uOc6X/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWCUYjmXKf5c4L3OaSRYP-CmNa20hfynWgWRFhkncxtLVT3sRDztIDHkMJAOpAfEYrO7UyNeLQEiZqqKCi__JJ8ykybid1x8_aqX8RnqRo2JcAbbtYUYxqiSB_P6mj75ooKxWQN_uOc6X/s320/IMG_0405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Main Living Room. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa65eKMJ5cUY3mhmiANH5T5PEuzc_IQF_R9wBKZ5UD3-E0AY3lzAMeF3HXolPW24e-j5epxuK6fJMqj8J0mURa7AGAPCAH9IJxFM3PYom1anwYG6ULDEEVBAY5y3p0wWJdxAANSbU05dZ/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa65eKMJ5cUY3mhmiANH5T5PEuzc_IQF_R9wBKZ5UD3-E0AY3lzAMeF3HXolPW24e-j5epxuK6fJMqj8J0mURa7AGAPCAH9IJxFM3PYom1anwYG6ULDEEVBAY5y3p0wWJdxAANSbU05dZ/s320/IMG_0398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Main Living Room looking towards the kitchen</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ljfElV-NIov8rGDYiX9JvvNW6DK9ifhI-gUquSsTnGqY0TGNN97FQ6BVIkRrqwdQCC-PV8bqkDxBCBN6cwq89Rk8lLfDBUNFMBjXwFiPBHm_TlIIUoBdPfheNAp2AjY1PLFfXqkr-c2R/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ljfElV-NIov8rGDYiX9JvvNW6DK9ifhI-gUquSsTnGqY0TGNN97FQ6BVIkRrqwdQCC-PV8bqkDxBCBN6cwq89Rk8lLfDBUNFMBjXwFiPBHm_TlIIUoBdPfheNAp2AjY1PLFfXqkr-c2R/s320/IMG_0424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Upstairs loft</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquzoKpCYtZn3DtO2zoiGeikpqTOaIcEqIi4hpjrTLesD-iqeLUQvTjyCTyHwytDqm1hO7RcAktzRleGLJi6PO7XNfRRQQSkaHhVDkHGHX3pQHi9oiioH7HEA7MRFeA9A2eOrQ6uSbGMtZ/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquzoKpCYtZn3DtO2zoiGeikpqTOaIcEqIi4hpjrTLesD-iqeLUQvTjyCTyHwytDqm1hO7RcAktzRleGLJi6PO7XNfRRQQSkaHhVDkHGHX3pQHi9oiioH7HEA7MRFeA9A2eOrQ6uSbGMtZ/s320/IMG_0425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Master Bedroom Bathroom (there was a TV on the wall!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bgXc3Pclg0CQISPTQ8gIqPaUAjyti5ki0Zb2UsoGgQyJoWWkZce0RHiM5lHFVDolsEiaCtuxjHioxqkWOj7OBH81VTpvXtLnK1MvYI3ixvCJYnhob3gkICRJEdKHrBJWWWtlugDktMYq/s1600/IMG_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bgXc3Pclg0CQISPTQ8gIqPaUAjyti5ki0Zb2UsoGgQyJoWWkZce0RHiM5lHFVDolsEiaCtuxjHioxqkWOj7OBH81VTpvXtLnK1MvYI3ixvCJYnhob3gkICRJEdKHrBJWWWtlugDktMYq/s320/IMG_0422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guest Bedroom #1</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PUDly49nWHNhUVj40kiJdea4kJqc6D4S74FQNqtZa2A4NMh94v75zvD9S7qS7-QKOGYOUfTCTia_VFIuNqrWpXsXvfH59jgel5NkCtwYn2tcpfcFcT-PTTSsBX9dBsfF43KS9f7ggGyT/s1600/IMG_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PUDly49nWHNhUVj40kiJdea4kJqc6D4S74FQNqtZa2A4NMh94v75zvD9S7qS7-QKOGYOUfTCTia_VFIuNqrWpXsXvfH59jgel5NkCtwYn2tcpfcFcT-PTTSsBX9dBsfF43KS9f7ggGyT/s320/IMG_0433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Balcony</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The balcony was massive. It ran the entire length of our villa, and both guestrooms had their own balcony upstairs. The best part was the view from the balcony!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTNXLKvLI7f9TbkCrZ5ReC1o_ogmX52PlV1iPzJk6fWsU0fQy8FU_dDEKkGxAljtTQWEgnQ37kdPQZxOkT-aNS87Y9rgQ8aUNcPNiF8RTkHk_yO7j42PUCkJ21YVUquiDS-V_JvwH4mbN/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTNXLKvLI7f9TbkCrZ5ReC1o_ogmX52PlV1iPzJk6fWsU0fQy8FU_dDEKkGxAljtTQWEgnQ37kdPQZxOkT-aNS87Y9rgQ8aUNcPNiF8RTkHk_yO7j42PUCkJ21YVUquiDS-V_JvwH4mbN/s320/IMG_0403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg1xirdqqFEuo2rg2_UusECQIMqXQOChrFc4wvkMZ22Ivb8nrIMLfPQesaz5K8Xy6dZxTC3Xe6nWCkd39LG6LnfGOm-ZnTy9sftVaFbdYZ9ZG3S_xDp4PKMVzXRZ5dHPtgKWtmYm73fdX/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg1xirdqqFEuo2rg2_UusECQIMqXQOChrFc4wvkMZ22Ivb8nrIMLfPQesaz5K8Xy6dZxTC3Xe6nWCkd39LG6LnfGOm-ZnTy9sftVaFbdYZ9ZG3S_xDp4PKMVzXRZ5dHPtgKWtmYm73fdX/s320/IMG_0430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnxoPu-vzdoWKh1mqDnc0xtINcdQojm0af3XZUW1Q1qa0SH0uf3Z_u-xBuewkTEuc6G-dbvWmRA96plS6Bq_UEm690aOgTfOUZQaPrSbHzx2S6ltkjZM0OUSa5E1F7WDrFV8PFbHHJEQE/s1600/IMG_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnxoPu-vzdoWKh1mqDnc0xtINcdQojm0af3XZUW1Q1qa0SH0uf3Z_u-xBuewkTEuc6G-dbvWmRA96plS6Bq_UEm690aOgTfOUZQaPrSbHzx2S6ltkjZM0OUSa5E1F7WDrFV8PFbHHJEQE/s320/IMG_0438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrADuVs74q32gBMvaYTdKMw4IWYWZI8G2vJG8fMaGNfRPs2V1qOY6JtHdPxanKrRMsCIUr9HJNLTxiQPAA2J2DAWba2rGCY7ZYma9E836pGM4gOHEnD-Detx4ulq1CcWTFAHgTauIWHZg/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrADuVs74q32gBMvaYTdKMw4IWYWZI8G2vJG8fMaGNfRPs2V1qOY6JtHdPxanKrRMsCIUr9HJNLTxiQPAA2J2DAWba2rGCY7ZYma9E836pGM4gOHEnD-Detx4ulq1CcWTFAHgTauIWHZg/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwCT_XWRmuteyc9iLXzXNqyQl23hQz3AcYVEEd6GpoeXtXrguzW2QuU0pJw0G2N4BAs9mOOcEMdvSH1IsaVMkkrev1tL90ra1OgsfBntqZ-3A_mWBV5lwIMZ76_RpDp_-x7ToR0Gea_pW/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwCT_XWRmuteyc9iLXzXNqyQl23hQz3AcYVEEd6GpoeXtXrguzW2QuU0pJw0G2N4BAs9mOOcEMdvSH1IsaVMkkrev1tL90ra1OgsfBntqZ-3A_mWBV5lwIMZ76_RpDp_-x7ToR0Gea_pW/s320/IMG_0475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodU7rUs6oJihuGa7kCu1lQaO0_k-4AQqafn2G6eEmvfGXPENbieBExkIadTHXEvYgcZMVcdXBMfq7BxUnIFZfuHDfAAcBLWguDdoJ1virMcYb60gEy1EyD3Rmq3jKoHHBc5J5WfsMAHbN/s1600/IMG_0462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodU7rUs6oJihuGa7kCu1lQaO0_k-4AQqafn2G6eEmvfGXPENbieBExkIadTHXEvYgcZMVcdXBMfq7BxUnIFZfuHDfAAcBLWguDdoJ1virMcYb60gEy1EyD3Rmq3jKoHHBc5J5WfsMAHbN/s320/IMG_0462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The animals were constantly walking by. It was a great location for us to be. <br />
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We spent the day at the pool, which since it was so hot, was the perfect place to be. A few brave persons even battled all of the little kids to go down the pool slide!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8nfI8L1Xit3g6cqL7FB2nQnJD51KMsbcQIgSr8ff4ih7C13SNwhhDgEkybNwVPJUSFza7l7vS7MV6pycWjkYlHAhZ0NGSeI4eHskfpo_buiDaKdvG1ejd9bfTc-Emp3HnYCBBKVZWqLY/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8nfI8L1Xit3g6cqL7FB2nQnJD51KMsbcQIgSr8ff4ih7C13SNwhhDgEkybNwVPJUSFza7l7vS7MV6pycWjkYlHAhZ0NGSeI4eHskfpo_buiDaKdvG1ejd9bfTc-Emp3HnYCBBKVZWqLY/s320/IMG_0441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFSUfRdNok75ax7SCQkP7RSXj1MLRweraXVA9tkis7wM5aKztE1Galzml7K2qb7aqU4MYGyjAa6R8iCKDKO4rUVoMGePZyiwpTrF1BJ4_j9d-xAd7eId0nBn7bYgYEIZVwGUxzcb7GAtB/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFSUfRdNok75ax7SCQkP7RSXj1MLRweraXVA9tkis7wM5aKztE1Galzml7K2qb7aqU4MYGyjAa6R8iCKDKO4rUVoMGePZyiwpTrF1BJ4_j9d-xAd7eId0nBn7bYgYEIZVwGUxzcb7GAtB/s320/IMG_0448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKMzTuWW-wqGBGUkVFp2qXYsuVezWIP244Qx6rDrFcx5nkuIZScUagk0rgJN-iEolkORHs7ynPlm6e6R-as7PWp6358y14wXCyHP20wtGTsXhmSnXKj47v-kgzsLD4RzlTVBfQjH94bdp/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKMzTuWW-wqGBGUkVFp2qXYsuVezWIP244Qx6rDrFcx5nkuIZScUagk0rgJN-iEolkORHs7ynPlm6e6R-as7PWp6358y14wXCyHP20wtGTsXhmSnXKj47v-kgzsLD4RzlTVBfQjH94bdp/s320/IMG_0455.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RJlK1_vtsSnyu80VjKG4TqvoTyiybJG3jzFHiWyG89XgF8IxjL3ghQZD9aIe_O9CNRFBmOqcAQl9hZY65WdNLB2U1Nas6t-SXI1-JR5e9Q3ldP0Qu5FKAjF6a5RfAwixWBRslbRjD6XN/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RJlK1_vtsSnyu80VjKG4TqvoTyiybJG3jzFHiWyG89XgF8IxjL3ghQZD9aIe_O9CNRFBmOqcAQl9hZY65WdNLB2U1Nas6t-SXI1-JR5e9Q3ldP0Qu5FKAjF6a5RfAwixWBRslbRjD6XN/s320/IMG_0450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Here comes Kelly</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei9xE63mlYgFUNUog3qEegb2kz1nVNZm0vCyJhLqiPXsojhBDAN17jwsZfnFIGlsj6uEdXkyS2r1JSvtf7kbcQq1j0pdiTC6wongG_HApYxBgsd1yiyZjcwGzk9rhVyJivooz2JY8FhAX/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei9xE63mlYgFUNUog3qEegb2kz1nVNZm0vCyJhLqiPXsojhBDAN17jwsZfnFIGlsj6uEdXkyS2r1JSvtf7kbcQq1j0pdiTC6wongG_HApYxBgsd1yiyZjcwGzk9rhVyJivooz2JY8FhAX/s320/IMG_0454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumPhke3v7ard0mH2erPfTuoxZV6QNAnUwwJu1Fx9jBOXP4EzXdvc4tLy46Q_xyGZ-z3Mo0mRTUeYac8uLs6qhXSoscZf9rIqn9phh6T7x1hH72XUm9XJBqsCosyGAS18U7ft5lj1k5kA5/s1600/IMG_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumPhke3v7ard0mH2erPfTuoxZV6QNAnUwwJu1Fx9jBOXP4EzXdvc4tLy46Q_xyGZ-z3Mo0mRTUeYac8uLs6qhXSoscZf9rIqn9phh6T7x1hH72XUm9XJBqsCosyGAS18U7ft5lj1k5kA5/s320/IMG_0446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Followed by Michon</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQ3F1TjkJ6VDME91qCon4y7YDn10FvCTV0uXL3h1PF0DTSHrSsVzKGP3yXQXyM2Hyalf3WS-DbPhyphenhyphen5O4EeFkR6-euujvtm-gGbvGdiJlXhJvW_1k-k52bY3Pk8rAHp-7GzqI12WAvaezZ/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQ3F1TjkJ6VDME91qCon4y7YDn10FvCTV0uXL3h1PF0DTSHrSsVzKGP3yXQXyM2Hyalf3WS-DbPhyphenhyphen5O4EeFkR6-euujvtm-gGbvGdiJlXhJvW_1k-k52bY3Pk8rAHp-7GzqI12WAvaezZ/s320/IMG_0447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I wish I had taken a photograph of the kitchen once we all got there. We brought the <a href="http://www.blendtec.com/?affiliateid=450894">blendtec</a> with us of course and lots of liquor. Seeing that there were only 6 of us, the amount of alcohol we had was shameful! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">A good time was had by all and as always, the weekend came to an end too quickly! I think it needs to be an annual get together!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-74495423220227387092011-08-07T20:26:00.000-07:002011-08-07T20:26:22.704-07:00UpdatesWe took a couple of days this weekend and headed out of town to just relax. We traveled for free, so what the heck! A few other couples went as well, so it was nice to just hang by the pool for a couple of days and not have to get up every morning at the crack of dawn to let the dogs out! <br />
<br />
Jeff had his endoscope a week ago. There were a few things that showed during the scope, but nothing that would cause the pain he has been experiencing. This means, we are back to the drawing board.<br />
<br />
This past Thursday we met with his regular physician who has been in contact with his GI doctor. Since his pain is moving a little more towards the left side now, and his blood work shows that his liver enzymes and kidney enzymes are elevated, he has to under go more tests.<br />
<br />
He will go back to the doctor on the 18th for a Hydrascan and a CT scan of the gallbladder, liver and kidneys. I was still kind of living in the "oh, it isn't anything too important. We will find the answer soon" until the doctor mentioned that his enzymes aren't elevated enough to warrant dialysis. That comment stopped me cold. <br />
<br />
What is she talking about, dialysis? No one has seemed overly concerned about any of this until that comment slipped out. We are trying to solve a puzzle and the pieces just aren't fitting into one simple diagnosis. <br />
<br />
And then today, the <a href="http://blogbedandy.blogspot.com/2011/07/whats-point.html"><span style="color: orange;">hospital</span></a> bill arrived. The same hospital that treated him for acid reflux and when that didn't work, treated him for dehydration, and when that didn't work, sent him home to see a doctor the following day. Two pain medications, some liquid to drink and fluids intravenously and blood work. That is what they did. After the insurance adjustments, our portion is still $750. Unbelievable. <br />
<br />
I want to work where I can do nothing to actually solve a problem, and still get paid in full for it! If anyone comes up with an idea, let me know!<br />
<br />
On a lighter note, I just finished reading The Help. I loved every minute of this book. Please read it before you see the movie. <span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=blbeda-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002YKOXB6&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>The movies are never the same.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-74684743921058786902011-07-27T10:43:00.000-07:002011-07-27T10:43:51.612-07:00OverwhelmedI'm overwhelmed by a whole lot of stuff right now. <br />
<br />
As I've mentioned in the past, my husband has been having some medical problems. They haven't gone away and he is scheduled for an endoscopy on Friday. I really am hoping this finally gives us some answers. On top of all of this, his liver enzymes are showing higher than normal. Jeff has been on blood pressure medicine for quite a few years now and since we just changed his medication about 4 months ago, that could explain the liver enzymes.<br />
<br />
On top of this, we had to make repairs to one of the work trucks that ran us a couple thousand dollars and today I received the phone call from the doctors office that our deductible hasn't been met, so we need to come to surgery with another $500. <br />
<br />
For the past 20 years I have had exceptional insurance. We have never needed it. We are currently privately insured since I'm out of work and now all of this! <br />
<br />
I have decided that I need to look further into a Raw Food diet for us. From what I can tell, this would hopefully allow Jeff to be completely off any and all medications. But, have you seen the information out there?! Wow. Where to begin?<br />
<br />
I'm going to have to learn to prepare food in a completely different manner, while keeping a 16 year old happy and eating as well. Small steps, I know, but still. I look at my cupboards and realize all of the food that I am going to have to get rid of. I will be calling some friends to go shopping in my kitchen!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-887047899242090002011-07-24T18:27:00.000-07:002011-07-26T05:49:13.861-07:00Smoothie SundayMy life became much smoother a week ago. My new blender arrived! Get it? My life is smoother? Okay, never mind!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hWVBnZhTKRNGBa-IZWFe7qXOnC1ND8cc0WlvhZosSkrPIuWipEl5iB8fCz6FuvWl-TZUFAtMtZUPrHomrU-ydjdtQ4SjaTiN0IYt4q_vMsaSVqtF2Gt2f0noYoacW2p0UUc-2KS9Ue9E/s1600/blender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hWVBnZhTKRNGBa-IZWFe7qXOnC1ND8cc0WlvhZosSkrPIuWipEl5iB8fCz6FuvWl-TZUFAtMtZUPrHomrU-ydjdtQ4SjaTiN0IYt4q_vMsaSVqtF2Gt2f0noYoacW2p0UUc-2KS9Ue9E/s1600/blender.jpg" t$="true" /></a></div>Please say hello to my new best friend! My new <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.blendtec.com/?affiliateid=450894">Blendtec</a></span> blender. In red of course! When making smoothies, my old blender worked, but this new blender is fabulous! When I press the smoothie button, it goes through its cycles to make a smoothie. <br />
<br />
This mornings breakfast recipe was as follows:<br />
<br />
One Mango<br />
One Banana<br />
4 slices of Pineapple<br />
Juice of one Orange<br />
2 cups of Spinach<br />
Ice and a little bit of water<br />
<br />
Hit the smoothie button, and 40 seconds later, I have my wonderful breakfast. And yes, it makes about 32 ounces and I drink all of it!<br />
<br />
Tonight I was in the mood for something sweet and chilly, so I made a Banana, Peanut Butter & Chocolate Milkshake. <br />
<br />
3 frozen bananas<br />
1 1/2 cups of light soy milk<br />
1 tbsp peanut butter<br />
1 tbsp chocolate syrup<br />
One cup of Ice, (although next time I think I will add a little more)<br />
<br />
I then pressed the milkshake button, YES, there is a milkshake button! This served enough for myself and Jeff to enjoy as dessert! YUMMY!<br />
<br />
Today I found a recipe for Fresh Strawberry Margaritas, maybe I will try that one next! Stay tuned for more recipes!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-62459069508071689722011-07-21T12:19:00.000-07:002011-07-21T12:19:10.153-07:00Gotta Love FloridaI went out to get the mail today and as I turned towards the mailbox I glanced up the street and took a look at the sky. Since my phone was in my hand, I snapped this photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0G_WjTjbNjrcnp4VC6hOMNh6pH2QfIY257HLNzGP2Kn3eYxvUMYYGoOq5YG1Iyg7m28_jXUMOV3G0WCJ4C6EKIG0GOo8OJwJI548ZThHhXp25hESkECqS2Dc4aW7fqI9A0ApYPFPnghC/s1600/street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0G_WjTjbNjrcnp4VC6hOMNh6pH2QfIY257HLNzGP2Kn3eYxvUMYYGoOq5YG1Iyg7m28_jXUMOV3G0WCJ4C6EKIG0GOo8OJwJI548ZThHhXp25hESkECqS2Dc4aW7fqI9A0ApYPFPnghC/s320/street.jpg" t$="true" width="191" /></a></div>The sky is looking pretty ominous and the thunder is coming through loud and clear. I grabbed the mail and turned around, looking the opposite direction and saw this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteNhLhGoZB-X-2ScfA9EwLeJNMLC5CsUKPN17SeavVkw7O6yDxhEfUglY54STLLccoCxD8FKLeZgV9pd_yzyo8b_FB-lkIM1hdS2VPWuyMKIxFFUG_m1Ic301UJinqhf6bh1igTDVPiar/s1600/street2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteNhLhGoZB-X-2ScfA9EwLeJNMLC5CsUKPN17SeavVkw7O6yDxhEfUglY54STLLccoCxD8FKLeZgV9pd_yzyo8b_FB-lkIM1hdS2VPWuyMKIxFFUG_m1Ic301UJinqhf6bh1igTDVPiar/s320/street2.jpg" t$="true" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This is how storms in Florida sneak up on you. You can be looking in one direction and believe everything is hunky dory. Then you glance in your rear view mirror and think, Oh Heck!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-49451214966470456212011-07-14T06:10:00.000-07:002011-07-14T06:10:59.356-07:00What's The Point?Tuesday afternoon my husband ended up in the Emergency Room of one of our local hospitals. He has had some abdominal pain that would come and go over the past month or so. Tuesday, it came on with a vengeance and didn't leave. It started around noon and by 3, he came out to me saying he couldn't take it anymore and he needed to go to the hospital.<br />
<br />
I am a "suck it up" kind of girl. I hate to go to the doctor, let alone the emergency room unless I am to the point that I feel like I'm dying. I have all of my yearly appointments, but beyond that, I would rather just stay away! My husband is not far off from that same concept. Doesn't like going and I make all of his appointments for the year. <br />
<br />
So, when he walked out, doubled over and looking a tad green, saying he wanted to go, I knew it must be some serious pain. I grabbed a sweater and my kindle and off we went. <br />
<br />
When we entered the hospital his blood pressure was 135/79. High. Not his normal pressure. They decided to treat him for acid reflux, gave him some medication and pain medication and said in 20 minutes if the pain had subsided, that would be the issue. 45 minutes later, his pain was still there, if not worse. <br />
<br />
Take his blood pressure again and it is now 143/81. Higher. Not good. At this point they hook him up to fluids and give him another two doses of pain medication. <br />
<br />
An hour later, they retake his blood pressure and it is 150/83. Even higher. Now at this point I'm becoming frustrated. His blood pressure just keeps going up and no one seems concerned. You can tell the nurse can't figure out what is going on. <br />
<br />
Then it happens: SHIFT CHANGE<br />
<br />
It all goes to hell after that. We ask twice for another blanket for Jeff because by now he is freezing. No blanket. They never retake his blood pressure. The new nurse comes in and says blood work didn't show anything, nothing else we can do here. You need to get an appointment with a GI doctor and take some pain medication. I'm confused as to what the point was of us even going there. He was released with the same issues that we went in for! <br />
<br />
Needless to say, Jeff's evening was not good. The doctor I called that the hospital referred me to, said they could see him in August! Not happening. So, asked a friend for a recommendation and he now has an appointment today. <br />
<br />
I feel bad for him. He is extremely uncomfortable and just wants some answers. Hopefully those will come today!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-79428057636667519472011-07-10T07:18:00.000-07:002011-07-10T07:18:47.175-07:00Smoothie SundayThis is what my breakfast, lunch and snacks have looked like all week.<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://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1367642" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPYqoQMT8PtkS7hEpVqAUyhuQy_j_8Hmrrb4CdtL6CxHKaTs_KDDwIqYbtR80sBmpSe7zBHyjkHu0jEFrbg7PO-git100kmi4ssv9ul4nlt_s_bg9DtNtFP7_-9hlZjkat9RkTsDJv5sk/s1600/green_smoothie_photo-crop_sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><a href="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1367642"><span style="color: #38761d;">therawdivas</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> I was searching around the internet last week when I typed in green smoothies into google. About a million different items popped up, but one caught my attention: <a href="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1367642"><span style="color: #38761d;">Green Smoothie Queen</span></a>, AKA The Raw Divas. <br />
<br />
I first tried the 3 day Challenge, which got me hooked! I have since graduated to the 10 day Challenge, with the full intention of doing a full 21 day Challenge next. I am still eating dinner, but mind you, much smaller portions since I really haven't been that hungry. <br />
<br />
And the biggest surprise? My husband has joined along with me! That was a surprise. I wasn't expecting for him to agree so easily. I had my speech all prepared, when he just said "Ok". <br />
<br />
Here is what is in our breakfast smoothie this morning:<br />
<br />
1 cup Pineapple<br />
1 cup red grapes<br />
1 banana<br />
Juice of 4 apples<br />
3 cups spinach<br />
Some Ice for blending because I like mine cold!<br />
(This recipe makes about 32 oz)<br />
<br />
That is it. I cut up all of the fruit about 3 times a week and have it stored in the fridge. This way it takes me a total of 3 minutes to prepare a smoothie. After making the breakfast smoothie, I immediately start making the lunch smoothie so that I can take it with me for the day. <br />
<br />
The recipe above Jeff really liked. I found it a bit on the too sweet side. I do have my favorite recipe, but I will give that another time.<br />
<br />
After a week of this, here are some noteable changes. My cravings have up and disappeared without me trying to give them up. Anyone who knows me, knows I enjoy my coffee and Diet Coke! I'm down to about a half of a cup of coffee in the morning, and I only had 2 Diet Cokes all week. And I didn't finish either one. I also lost 2 lbs without even trying! That is an accomplishment. <br />
<br />
Check out <a href="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1367642"><span style="color: #38761d;">Green Smoothie Queen</span></a>. I hope you will add some greens to your day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-11774498388662462732011-07-04T07:25:00.000-07:002011-07-04T07:25:41.341-07:00Happy 4th Of July!Happy 4th of July! I'm trying to adjust to the fact that it is currently 7/04/2011 already! Anyway...<br />
<br />
As much as I would love to say that we have a full schedule of partying and eating today, I can't. Just about everyone we know is out of town. So, it is just Jeff and I and the dogs. Who not only are terrified of thunder, but fireworks as well. Only problem with the 4th being on a Monday? An entire weekend of our neighbors letting off fireworks. Last year we lost Nico due to the fireworks. You can read about that <a href="http://blogbedandy.blogspot.com/2010/07/lost-dog.html"><span style="color: orange;">Here</span></a>, and <a href="http://blogbedandy.blogspot.com/2010/07/2-for-price-of-one.html"><span style="color: orange;">Here</span></a>. <br />
And then, one year ago this week, Bella came in to our lives. Her story is <a href="http://blogbedandy.blogspot.com/2010/07/2-for-price-of-one.html"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a>.<br />
<br />
Well, I'm off to grab some groceries, and drop off a friends dog that we had for the weekend. (Yes, that means with my Moms dog, we had 6!)<br />
<br />
Happy 4th everyone!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-38375468869345506252011-06-28T03:40:00.000-07:002011-06-28T03:40:23.219-07:00Back In The Blogging SaddleI've been kind of hit and miss in the Blogger World lately. I've decided to get back in the saddle and focus on my writing again.<br />
<br />
In honor of that, let's start today with Tuesday Blog Hop! (That way I have one more day before I truly have to be witty)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.busy-moms-tips-blog.com/2011/06/totally-tuesday-blog-hop-june-28th.html"><img border="0" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3Ow-AlplmvNAgWdiDavQ8DvnIZRoYWAAfEwYu015Zfu6uJezuHPqgJzark4kJiLszIrw1F0EpwaMVptf2ga58Yo2M-zFijshbMmdFA5LcawU3r8TqvytGeRUC3I-S5lFvOqjtlJtGYD1/s1600/tuesday%252520blog%252520hop.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Have A Wonderful Tuesday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-41979744942463360392011-06-26T18:49:00.000-07:002011-06-26T18:49:11.626-07:00Best You Tube Video Ever!If you have ever read my blog, you know that we have a house full of animals. A friend of ours showed me this video on You Tube and it is great!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<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/nGeKSiCQkPw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-19201700886550119882011-06-25T07:37:00.000-07:002011-06-25T07:37:10.441-07:00Let The Thunderstorms Begin!I'm typing this with 4 dogs all trying to cram themselves under my desk. Summer has finally arrived in Florida. When you live in Florida, you realize quickly what a true Summer rainstorm is. You receive 3 to 5 inches of rain in a very short amount of time. And with that brings a LOT of thunder and lightning. And along with the thunder and lightning, comes 3 extremely anxious dogs. Since Duchess is now deaf, they don't bother her, but between my other 3 and my Moms dog who I'm dog sitting for the next 3 weeks, they can't handle the stress!<br />
<br />
Along with that stress, comes lack of sleep for Jeff and I if the storms come at night. In looking at the forecast for the upcoming week, I may as well have had a baby for the lack of sleep I believe I will be encountering!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfJ4yNhcz2CDOHfIsko41FBixm1gJn1-5HnoQWL3qucYevdo1qLtBlbGd7obl3sIi8BA5NkC4qKGOVE4bEvGl83GDQofDuuqp8_mBMahR5S5KcmxzW596d293-BZU7d2HPUUK3myy5o1r/s1600/forecast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfJ4yNhcz2CDOHfIsko41FBixm1gJn1-5HnoQWL3qucYevdo1qLtBlbGd7obl3sIi8BA5NkC4qKGOVE4bEvGl83GDQofDuuqp8_mBMahR5S5KcmxzW596d293-BZU7d2HPUUK3myy5o1r/s320/forecast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I was referred by our vet to try out the <a href="http://www.thundershirt.com/Default.aspx">Thundershirt</a> for our dogs. That or Xanex. I couldn't imagine putting my dogs on medication for storms that I don't always know will appear. So, I will be trying the Thundershirt. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. You really need to check out their website, the videos are quite convincing. I will keep you informed once they arrive and we have had a chance to try them out.<br />
<br />
I'm not complaining about the rain. We haven't had in any months and when the daily temperature has been topping out around 97 degrees, you really find yourself wishing for it. Our lake dried up and all of our fish died. I knew something was up when I went to leave the house and our pond, well it was actually just a puddle, had around 20 vultures surrounding it. At least they ate all of the dead fish and I didn't have to deal with the smell.<br />
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Let the power outages begin and BRING ON THE RAIN!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-61208486587088853262011-06-10T07:46:00.000-07:002011-06-10T07:46:38.028-07:00Wish I Was ThereThere is a large gathering this weekend of my Dad's family in Massachusetts this weekend. I had all intentions of going. I wanted to go. I failed to make reservations in time to make it financially feasible to go. So, I'm staying home this weekend organizing my soap shop so that I can start being creative again. I would rather be in Massachusetts.<br />
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We are switching cable companies today. I wish I were home to take pictures of the fiasco this has created. We don't live right on the road, our house is set back quite a ways. They have to run new wires from the road to our house. Jeff is handling that today and I'm glad I'm not!<br />
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Kyle finished school this week. I can't say how happy I was to see it end. I think I'm putting his tutor through graduate school with all of the money I have been paying! Come fall we will have an 11th grader in the house. Sounds kind of crazy to me. Two more years and I will be planning a graduation party. Who would have ever thunk it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-51241249521359718072011-06-02T15:12:00.000-07:002011-06-02T15:12:07.861-07:00Bye, Bye BlackberryI officially moved to a droid phone today. I've wanted to switch phones for a while now, but hadn't had the time. Since we had to make some changes to our plan (finally realized we have a teenager in the house and received a $400 cell phone bill), I took that chance and switched it up. Making changes to our plan and changing out three phones took 2 1/2 hours! Yes, you read that right. It was crazy!<br />
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Upon returning home, I had to make a phone call in regards to a letter I received in the mail today, which stated I needed to call before June 3rd. TOMORROW! So, I started calling at 3:43 only to receive a message that all agents are busy, please call again another time. I kept hitting redial until I received a message that said someone would be with me and my estimated wait time was 38 minutes. It wasn't 38 minutes, it was 49 minutes. For me to talk to this person for 3 minutes, be directed to a website to fill out a form, and call back tomorrow to have the form verified. REALLY? <br />
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On a better note, last day of school is next Thursday and I will at that point in time officially have a High School Junior living in my house. Not sure when that happened. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133741816580763013.post-29127200222545748862011-05-29T17:56:00.000-07:002011-05-29T17:56:33.494-07:00Where The Heck Have I Been?My last post was from Miami, with the promise that I would post through out the week. I guess I lied. Not intentionally mind you, but I didn't fulfill my promise. Actually, looking back on the past few months, I haven't really done anyone any favors with my posts. Or, non posts I guess.<br />
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Let's get a few things straight first. <br />
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I have been out of work since November. As someone who has worked since she was 14, this has been quite a shock to my system. I have struggled through some depression, a few highs, and then back down to some more depression.<br />
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I have always been "the glass is half full" kind of girl. I try to stay positive because mulling over something isn't going to fix it. But, I have to admit, this has been a struggle. <br />
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I find myself wondering what the heck I'm supposed to do with my time. It has been nice being home when Kyle gets home. I really think that maternity leave should be reserved for when your child is a teenager. They don't think they need you at that point in time, but they do! My husbands business has been busy, so I have been able to help out with that. <br />
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I have been interviewed multiple times, making it to the "final" few, but for one reason or another (over qualified, under qualified or they are taking an internal candidate) haven't been able to find something that fits. The last position I interviewed for I was sure I had nailed it. It was a job I REALLY wanted, and could envision myself working not only for this company, but in that position. While in Miami, I received the news that they had decided to hire an internal candidate. <br />
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I was crushed. No other way to put it. I seriously thought that I had it. I know someone who works there, and she called to tell me that she spoke to those that had been in my presentation and interview. Yes, I went through 2 interviews and a 15 minute presentation in front of a panel. They loved me and there wasn't anything they would tell me to do differently. They just had to go internal.<br />
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So, that would be why there ended up being no posts from Miami. My mind was sort of out of it. I did focus in on the conference after I received the call. Maybe soap is my calling and I haven't realized it? I know where I would love to take the business, but money has something else to say about it. <br />
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I'm hoping that I will get back to my old self soon. I don't feel like myself and I know that my husband thinks I have lost my mind. A friend of mine has been trying to help me work on what I want to be when I grow up. I'm hoping to figure it out before it is too late!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295499706343455789noreply@blogger.com0