tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13792873181200403862024-03-14T01:28:16.741-05:00Adventures With B and BAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.comBlogger210125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-3187511641915181062013-04-01T22:39:00.000-05:002013-04-01T22:57:00.297-05:00March 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object 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://i.ytimg.com/vi/tPb_PUwdqz8/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tPb_PUwdqz8?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tPb_PUwdqz8?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
We leave Florida tomorrow morning. Here is a slide show of our past month. Music is "Sailing On" by the Derek Trucks Band. We are sad, but on to new adventures.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-80247610738446729252013-03-02T13:51:00.004-06:002013-03-02T13:51:43.084-06:00And another month flew past...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Where did February go? We had a busy month in retirement land. </div>
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Here is my latest slide show. The music is "Under The Boardwalk/Sand in My Shoes" performed by the Persuasions. </div>
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I missed taking pictures at the celebration for Kent's party to celebrate the completion of his master's degree, so I wasn't able to include that event. Make sure when you see him next, you tell him congratulations! I am so proud of him!</div>
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Click on the play button to see what we've been up to the past month.</div>
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I miss my kids. That is all.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-63380901012063953972013-02-04T15:10:00.000-06:002013-02-04T15:10:09.140-06:00January in Venice, FloridaJanuary passed quickly. Our goal is to post a slide show monthly with picture highlights of what we have experienced. It is a good way for us to organize our pictures and memories. Hopefully, you will enjoy it as well. There are quite a few pictures of orchids this month. Sorry, not sorry.<br />
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Other than missing the kids, it has been a great month here at <a href="http://www.campvenice.com/" target="_blank">Camp Venice Retreat</a>. </div>
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The music we have (appropriately) chosen is "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" by Jimmy Buffett.</div>
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Click the link and enjoy!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-50598639933821193482013-01-03T09:54:00.000-06:002013-01-03T09:54:14.407-06:00Getting Settled<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are settling into our spot here at <a href="http://www.campvenice.com/" target="_blank">Camp Venice Retreat</a>. We both were pretty exhausted by the drive down. Escaping ice and snow while pulling a camper is not easy. But, we were here in time to celebrate New Year's Eve with the Florida siblings. Good times.<br />
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A few orchids jumped into our cart yesterday. I vowed to curb the temptation to plant too many pots of flowers because I don't want to haul them back with us in April. So far, we have 12 pots. See how successful I am?<br />
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A couple who are also staying here stopped yesterday to introduce themselves. When I asked them how they found this park, the lady said, "Well, actually, through your blog." You could have knocked me over with a feather.<br />
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A herd of wild pigs has been wreaking havoc at night within a few feet of Betsy. They dig up the ground and make a real mess. I think we might need to host a<br />
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There are banana leaves right here to wrap the pig before roasting. There has to be a butcher around here!<br />
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I'll keep you posted.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-14584009113613319172012-12-26T15:21:00.000-06:002012-12-26T15:21:38.623-06:00I'm Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If anybody does read this, you may have noticed I temporarily abandoned this little posting place. I have no reason actually. It wasn't a priority. I considered making it go away.<br />
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During the day on Christmas Eve, we pulled Betsy up onto the driveway from her winter resting place so we could pack her up for our trip south. I looked out the kitchen window that night and the Christmas lights reflected off her aluminum side, creating a cool effect. She was calling to us.<br />
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We had a great Christmas. Our kids stayed with us out here at the ranch. It has been very fun. I miss them already.<br />
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Today I decided to get back to the blog. It helps us document our travels.<br />
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We've been crazy busy putting away Christmas and packing up the house. We are leaving two days earlier than planned because of the weather forecast between here and Florida. We'll leave tomorrow morning long before the sun comes up. Wish us luck on those winter roads! Paul, Betsy and I hope to be in Venice by Saturday.<br />
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I'll keep you posted!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-73784295075349924722012-08-12T14:10:00.000-05:002012-08-12T14:44:38.031-05:00A Slice of Americana: Minnesota Airstream ParkPaul, Bauxite Betsy and I just returned from a trip to Clear Lake, Minnesota.<br />
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Our home for the past week was the <a href="http://www.airstreampark.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Minnesota Airstream Park</a>,<br />
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where we had a lovely spot with soft landscaping, a cement patio and a screened casita.<br />
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We chose this location because I attended and worked at the ACDA Summer Dialogue,<br />
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a conference of state choral directors held on the campus of Saint John's University.</div>
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The campus was about a thirty minute drive from where we were located.<br />
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People own their lots at this park and can rent out their spots when they are not in residence with their own travel trailer. The stipulation is, one has to own an Airstream to become a member. One can stay there with a camper other than an Airstream, but only in a location stipulated for "others."<br />
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So, Betsy was surrounded by Airstreams of all sizes and vintages. We found it all a bit odd.<br />
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But, it was a wonderful place to stay. People were very friendly.<br />
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You may wonder what Paul occupied his time with in my absence each day. Well, there is an executive golf course in the park, with no greens fee for residents. Need I say more?<br />
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He wanted a chance to get more comfortable with the new set of irons he acquired this summer, so he made good use of the course. He played16 rounds of golf! After his daily rounds, he would go for a swim and sit by the pool with his ereader. This guy should give seminars in how to be retired!!!<br />
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He even got me out on the links on Saturday. Notice the little lake in this picture. So pretty.<br />
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He's convinced me I need to take up the game.<br />
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There was a nice vegetable stand and a great meat market on my way home from St. John's, so we would enjoy a nice dinner each evening. <br />
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Dialogue will be at St. John's again next summer, so the decision has been made to return. Here's a picture of Paul pondering our future plans.<br />
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Life is good. We are next headed into three consecutive weekends of BBQ judging. I'll keep you posted.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-17656601625236337152012-07-20T13:42:00.002-05:002012-07-20T13:43:22.140-05:00Life Stage Ceremony Ahead!!!!!Big news in our world!!!!!<br />
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Josh proposed to Suzanne and she said yes!!!!<br />
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I borrowed their engagement announcement to use here. The picture on the left was taken last summer when they were in Paris. Paul took the picture on the right when they came for dinner last Sunday.<br />
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It is wonderful to see one's child so happy. We love Josh dearly and look forward to calling him our son-in-law. They are hoping for a wedding date in Fall 2013.<br />
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I'll keep you posted!!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-68551504310266631182012-07-10T14:33:00.000-05:002012-07-10T14:33:10.856-05:00I have started a project I am calling a<br />
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I am reposting all of my Mom's recipes to a new site. I shared in my last post that the old one no longer exists.</div>
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Just going through the recipes is a great experience. I can hear her laugh and smell the great aromas that came out of her kitchen as I work.</div>
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Here is where I have placed her collection: <a href="http://valsrecipes.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Grandma McDougall's Recipes</a> Click and enjoy!<br />
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I have so many more to go!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-33628600120662032122012-07-09T12:15:00.000-05:002012-07-09T12:15:06.292-05:00And the summer drifts by...I have been absent from this page since our travels ended in May.<br />
We've been occupied. Work, knitting, watering plants, the usual exciting stuff.<br />
We haven't travelled because Bauxite Betsy has been at the dealership since the end of May, having warranty work done. The anticipation of her return has been an exercise in patience.<br />
We hosted our dinner group last Saturday and had a great evening. We served a southern menu. We love those evenings with these dear friends.<br />
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I am faced with the job of converting the files I had published online of Grandma McDougall's recipes and my own personal collection. Access one of those sites and you will find this greeting;<br />
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In Apple's shift to iCloud, the capability to publish those collections on personal websites through MacGourmet disappeared. I had hoped there would have been an alternative provided, but it does not appear that will happen anytime soon. My first concern is Mom's recipes. I'll get them back online for the family, it will just take some time. I am presently in the beginning stages of a new site.<br />
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I'll keep you posted.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-34982563783467030742012-05-16T22:40:00.000-05:002012-05-16T23:28:02.376-05:00The Last LegI have had good intentions of completing the last posting of our trip home.<br />
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As Willie says:<br />
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Onward.<br />
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Doing this helps us remember our<br />
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It was a long one!<br />
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We moved from Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park to Meramec State Park for our last stay in Missouri.<br />
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This destination was determined by our obligation to judge BBQ in Washington, about 30 minutes north from where we stayed.<br />
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We had a nice spot in the river bottom campground.<br />
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We hiked in the park<br />
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enjoyed the spring flowers,<br />
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and checked out a few of the local caves.</div>
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We poked around the nearby wine country</div>
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and tasted a few to decide what we "needed" to bring home.</div>
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We toured Daniel Boone's Missouri home, </div>
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where he lived during the last years of his life.<br />
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They told us after this picture we weren't supposed to take pictures of the interior. Oops.</div>
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Washington, Missouri, where we judged BBQ, is the "Corn Cob Pipe Capital of the World. So, of course, we had to visit the Meerschaum Corn Cob Pipe Factory. The factory has operated in the same building since the 1880's. How many chances does one get to view pipe art? </div>
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We spent a fantastic day at Washington's Main Street BBQ & Bluesfest. We heard some good music<br />
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and although we couldn't visit with the cooking teams,<br />
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we met some great people and tasted some fantastic BBQ.</div>
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We made one last overnight stop in Iowa and enjoyed one last sunset view from Bauxite Betsy.<br />
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It's good to be home. I can't tell you how good it was to see our kids.<br />
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We'll talk to you sooner or later....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-3035612578817737442012-04-22T16:56:00.000-05:002012-04-22T16:56:04.515-05:00Northward!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We left Florida Thursday, April 12 and stopped just for the night near Jasper, Alabama</div>
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to stay at Sleepy Holler RV "Resort". We spent a quiet evening indoors. You can see by the picture we were anxious to leave. </div>
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Our next stop was Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where we spent the weekend.<br />
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The threat of bad weather hampered our exploration, but we did manage to spend a great afternoon at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, which contains over 21,000 acres of wetlands and habitat for migrating and wintering water fowl.<br />
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It was spring in the Ozark Mountains. Although we missed the blossoms on the dogwoods, we still enjoyed other spring flowers. I am still trying to identify this beauty. They were plentiful.<br />
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Mingo has a series of canals to control the water levels within the refuge.<br />
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There was an awesome boardwalk through a cypress swamp.<br />
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We saw quite a few of these guys from the boardwalk. He was over two feet long.<br />
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There is an 18 mile drive through the refuge. It was a great way to spend an afternoon.<br />
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It was difficult to comprehend the vastness of the acreage.<br />
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If we're ever in the area, we'll return for another visit.<br />
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From Poplar Bluff, located on the very southern edge of the Missouri Ozark range, we moved north to Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.<br />
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The park receives its odd name because the east fork of the Black River, which runs through the park, is confined in areas to narrow channels or "shut-ins"<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">forming a natural water park visited by thousands of people in the summer months.</span></div>
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In December, 2005, there was a breach in the dam above the park, causing a catastrophic flood which wiped out the park's campground and many if its facilities. You can see the rebuilt dam here as well as some of the scoured area below.<br />
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Huge boulders and tons of debris were carried down the valley in seconds. Amazingly, no one was lost in the disaster. </div>
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It took several years, but with a good settlement from the electrical company, a state of the art park and campground now replaces the one that was ruined. This is the nicest state park campground we have ever seen. See the big cement patio? Even the "primitive" campsites have them!<br />
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There are beautiful details throughout the park's facilities.</div>
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We spent some time on the Ozark Trail, which runs through the area.<br />
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It's hard to beat a spring day spent hiking in the woods seeing hundreds of butterflies,<br />
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spring wildflowers</div>
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and beautiful overviews.<br />
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We went to nearby Taum Sauk Mountain<br />
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and set our feet on the highest elevation in the state of Missouri.<br />
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Each evening we returned to Bauxite Betsy</div>
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enjoyed our evening meal</div>
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and sat outside by our own private "babbling" brook.</div>
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Just a little window into my world!</div>
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We'll talk to you soon.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-17382009099907735672012-04-15T08:43:00.000-05:002012-04-15T08:43:51.097-05:00Topsail Hill Preserve State ParkOur last stop in Florida this year was at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, located in Santa Rosa Beach, ten miles east of Destin on the Panhandle.<br />
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This guy, the man who loves water and a shoreline,<br />
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had done his research well. Topsail is a beautiful park with a fantastic campground<br />
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with a short bike ride or convenient tram ride to a beautiful stretch of beach on the Gulf of Mexico.<br />
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We stayed there four nights. Paul wanted to try some shore fishing.<br />
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That's him out there throwing a cast. I took the picture with my phone. I, of course, was very supportive, as usual, and cheered him on in his efforts.<br />
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Actually, I'm knitting while in that chair. I did glance up occasionally to be certain he hadn't been taken under by a shark. It was the least I could do.<br />
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We found a great seafood market and so continued with our promise to each other to eat seafood daily while we were still on the coast.<br />
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Shrimp on the grill<br />
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is our obvious favorite.<br />
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Amberjack was available during our stay there. Excellent.<br />
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It was so good, we grilled some again the next night!<br />
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I could continue on this seafood diet. Even Paul, who loves his steak, didn't miss red meat.<br />
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The weather was perfect during our time there with moderate temperatures and light breezes. Our plants were happy with their new location.<br />
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We enjoyed our "Florida campfires" each evening.<br />
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Thanks for finding this place, Paul!<br />
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I'll come back and stay here anytime! Good bye, Florida! It's been a great winter.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-45125042427716846992012-04-10T09:43:00.000-05:002012-04-10T09:44:15.917-05:00St. George Island State ParkWe moved from O'Leno State Park to St. George Island State Park on April 3rd. Paul has wanted to stay at this park since we discovered it four years ago on our first return trip home.<br />
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St. George is a barrier island off the Florida Panhandle near Apalachicola and is connected to the mainland by a four mile long bridge.<br />
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The state park occupies nine miles on the east end of the island, providing miles of undeveloped beaches.<br />
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We had a great camping spot for our five night stay.<br />
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Our goals for our stay here included spending time on the beach<br />
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while doing a little shore fishing<br />
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and enjoying the solitude<br />
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while watching the birds, both small<br />
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and large.<br />
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The Apalachicola area is known for its shrimp boats and oyster boats. We promised ourselves we would eat seafood every day. And, we did!<br />
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Nothing fancy involved, just a little olive oil and a little seasoning and onto the grill it went.<br />
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This is grouper.<br />
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Sometimes we sautéed our shrimp,<br />
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and sometimes we grilled them.<br />
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I even convinced Paul to try sautéed oysters and he really liked them!<br />
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We did have to try red snapper and one more piece of grouper before we left.<br />
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It was all so good. We found two fish markets we really liked, one in Eastpoint and one in Apalachicola. We'll be back again, trust me!<br />
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This past week was exactly what we would talk about doing together as we planned our retirement: travel in our camper, see the country and shop locally to enjoy the foods of the region.<br />
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I'll talk to you soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-25667971109103417522012-04-03T19:45:00.000-05:002012-04-03T19:45:36.955-05:00O'Leno State Park - High Springs, FloridaO'Leno State Park was our first stop on our return home after pulling up stakes in Venice.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We love Camp Venice Retreat, but we were happy to get back to "real Florida" and stay in a state park.</div><br />
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The back seat of the truck is dedicated to plants as we try to bring home our collection of plants accumulated during the last three months spent in southwestern Florida. We had a lovely campsite looking out into the woods. At night, there were so many fireflies it appeared as if someone had strung Christmas lights throughout the park. We didn't have the right camera equipment to capture the sight. Bummer, because it was really amazing.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent one full day and two nights in the park. Yesterday morning was occupied with problems back home with the house. Thankfully, Tom and Jayne came to our rescue and helped us through the situation. Let's just say, "you never miss the water 'til the well runs dry." We'll have some repair work to do when we get home, but everything is safe until our return. Thank heavens for family!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After we spent the morning on the phone, we went for a hike. There is a swing bridge that crosses the Santa Fe River, which runs through the park.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the structures in the park were built by the CCC. There used to be a town where the park is located. The town was originally named Keno, after the popular gambling game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the 1800's, "ecclesiastical influences" pressured the town to change the name from Keno to Leno. Clever. Then, in the late 1800's the railroad passed the town by and it died away. Over time, the spot became known as "Old Leno." As the southern dialect is known to elide their consonants, old Leno became "O'Leno" and therefore the park bears that name. I love that kind of stuff. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And, we love our hikes in the woods. And, a beautiful hike it was.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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The trail followed the river.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hiking in state parks gives us an idea of the original native habitat. Okay, so we're tree huggers.</div><br />
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We did a swamp walk in the Everglades, but there is no way I would stick a toe in the water here!<br />
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Can you see the big turtles on the log in the following picture? I've never seen so many in one hike.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What is probably of most significance in the park is that the Sante Fe River drops into a "sink" and disappears underground for three miles.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>This is the spot. Behind this pond, no water.<br />
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I expected a tumbling waterfall into the ground like Devil's Kettle on the North Shore.<br />
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But, Paul reminded me there is very little elevation change in the entire state.<br />
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Even if there were no rapids, it was still beautiful!<br />
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Except for one thing, it was unbelievably warm yesterday. I look forward to wearing a sweatshirt!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're now on the Florida Panhandle for ten days. Main goal? Seafood consumption. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We'll talk to you soon. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-67620566411676674442012-03-31T09:34:00.000-05:002012-03-31T09:34:21.089-05:00The Caravan Heads NorthTomorrow we leave Venice and start our adventure back to Minnesota.<br />
Gas prices have risen since we got down here. Paul won't let me drive when we are towing Bauxite Betsy.<br />
Desperate times call for desperate measures.<br />
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It's going to be slow, but we'll get there. Talk to you soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-4034762460948747072012-03-11T15:32:00.002-05:002012-03-11T16:44:30.057-05:00Marching AlongAnother week or two have slipped away and we have managed to keep busy, you know, doing stuff. <br />
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Although, we didn't capture EVERYTHING in pictures, we did catch a few things, such as our rib meal we cooked up here at the campsite.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We went out on a canoe trip with people from our campground on the Myakka River, which is adjacent to this piece of property we call home.<br />
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It's a lazy river and we meandered for 3 1/2 miles and then back again.<br />
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We slid quietly past a few alligators that day.<br />
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One day, we bopped around Venice with Beth and Gary. We also celebrated Gary's completion of radiation treatments with a great party at their house. (No pictures, sorry!)<br />
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We went to a Twins game<br />
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at the Rays' stadium in Port Charlotte.<br />
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We love spring training games. Paul likes being able to be so close to the action.<br />
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And, I like the Philly Cheese Steaks!<br />
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We were there with the McDougall clan when Keith and Lu were in town. It was so fun to visit with them!!!<br />
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We went to the Englewood Music Festival with Jim and Mary and had a really fun time watching people and listening to music. Here's Jim and me catching the view right by the stage.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The last act was a Motown review and we knew all the words!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xwkf6b5lR-I/T10Gn-sE3jI/AAAAAAAAElY/6iVBVipuJLU/s1600/P3100275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xwkf6b5lR-I/T10Gn-sE3jI/AAAAAAAAElY/6iVBVipuJLU/s400/P3100275.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most nights, you'll find Paul and me sitting around our Florida "campfire."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I0xrdkg05ew/T10GdUG8HoI/AAAAAAAAElA/-3pf2SkYBvI/s1600/P3090251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I0xrdkg05ew/T10GdUG8HoI/AAAAAAAAElA/-3pf2SkYBvI/s400/P3090251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're enjoying our time, but we are talking about our trip home. It will be here before we know it! I suppose we'd better think about those taxes!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-87424325517478420872012-02-22T07:31:00.001-06:002012-02-22T07:43:22.212-06:00Life in our AluMINIum CondoMINIumLife has slipped past quickly this month. We meant to post more frequent updates, but failed. So, we've placed some of our pictures from the the last three weeks in a slideshow. The song that accompanies our pictures is "Living in Aluminum" from the album "Trailercana" by Antsy McClain. How appropriate for us as we live with our Bauxite Betsy. Enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object 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://i.ytimg.com/vi/2c_uI1sKWV8/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2c_uI1sKWV8?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2c_uI1sKWV8?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-84200406996163731142012-02-04T10:26:00.000-06:002012-02-04T10:26:59.599-06:00Swamp Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">A swamp walk has been on our priority list ever since Paul and I watched a video presentation in the Everglades </span>two years ago. <span class="Apple-style-span">Disappointed we didn't get to it on our trip to Florida last year, we made the necessary arrangements and set out last Thursday for the Everglades. What did we need for this excursion? Reservations with a tour guide, our walking sticks, old tennis shoes and long sleeved shirts and pants. Oh, and a "spirit of adventure." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Venice was a two hour drive from our destination.</span></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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJfG11DeGM4/Ty1MqT7uDlI/AAAAAAAAEj0/XlOiDIkAoNQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-02-04+at+10.07.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJfG11DeGM4/Ty1MqT7uDlI/AAAAAAAAEj0/XlOiDIkAoNQ/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-02-04+at+10.07.54+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We met our tour guide, a naturalist named John with a doctorate in plant pathology, at a quirky little store in Chokoloskee, just south of Everglades City. From there, we drove to the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, known as the "Amazon of the North."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMgJkj3vnj8/Ty1KSOE2ZMI/AAAAAAAAEhs/ivXFXMv-FBM/s1600/P2020003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMgJkj3vnj8/Ty1KSOE2ZMI/AAAAAAAAEhs/ivXFXMv-FBM/s400/P2020003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
John was an excellent tour guide for us. He left no stone (or log, for that matter) unturned. We made numerous stops as we drove to the swamp to look and learn about native species,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfw-vVVMpW4/Ty1KtuNVT0I/AAAAAAAAEiE/BFGc84suyw4/s1600/P2020011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfw-vVVMpW4/Ty1KtuNVT0I/AAAAAAAAEiE/BFGc84suyw4/s400/P2020011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
both floral<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MWdFQROMVQ/Ty1Ka2ZaQ_I/AAAAAAAAEh0/9pZ594kK9Ew/s1600/P2020009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MWdFQROMVQ/Ty1Ka2ZaQ_I/AAAAAAAAEh0/9pZ594kK9Ew/s400/P2020009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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and reptilian. Below is a glass snake, a legless lizard we saw on the road. The last 18 inches of this creature can break off, thus the glass reference, and continue wriggling as the little guy scurries away from its predator. Amazing!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cl5TBcHeqc8/Ty1MprwqsHI/AAAAAAAAEjs/WHmA-lCkvSE/s1600/P2020069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cl5TBcHeqc8/Ty1MprwqsHI/AAAAAAAAEjs/WHmA-lCkvSE/s400/P2020069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We eventually found our way to the entry point to the swamp walk. Our tour guide knew he had us hooked and we slid in without hesitation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPouwXj-d80/Ty1K4nRbg4I/AAAAAAAAEiM/QjyPHKnhzzA/s1600/P2020014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPouwXj-d80/Ty1K4nRbg4I/AAAAAAAAEiM/QjyPHKnhzzA/s400/P2020014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The swamp forest in the Fakahatchee Strand is fed by freshwater. I never once thought, "there is no way I am walking though there" during the entire walk.<br />
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Within minutes of stepping into the swamp, we watched this egret catch and eat a crayfish.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrfNThgZuXE/Ty1LCuckEXI/AAAAAAAAEiU/dTUQHcHXeog/s1600/P2020015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrfNThgZuXE/Ty1LCuckEXI/AAAAAAAAEiU/dTUQHcHXeog/s400/P2020015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
John pointed out many interesting points along the way. We learned to watch for these snail eggs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sA8Nv4tEp2o/Ty1Le5HaqiI/AAAAAAAAEis/L0xnwyZ1aPM/s1600/P2020035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sA8Nv4tEp2o/Ty1Le5HaqiI/AAAAAAAAEis/L0xnwyZ1aPM/s400/P2020035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
He would have us stand and turn 360º and point out as many orchids as we could see. As we learned, Paul became excellent at locating them. No surprise!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DT58yj6Wq8/Ty1LVQFQmuI/AAAAAAAAEik/y8ivp24O-p0/s1600/P2020034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DT58yj6Wq8/Ty1LVQFQmuI/AAAAAAAAEik/y8ivp24O-p0/s400/P2020034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I can't describe the beauty<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PeylqRqKdk/Ty1LncvKUMI/AAAAAAAAEi0/0sYU28KwuJQ/s1600/P2020038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PeylqRqKdk/Ty1LncvKUMI/AAAAAAAAEi0/0sYU28KwuJQ/s400/P2020038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
or the peace we experienced.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5hF0iiZk7w/Ty1MMVVIKYI/AAAAAAAAEjU/QieC54ekBl8/s1600/P2020049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5hF0iiZk7w/Ty1MMVVIKYI/AAAAAAAAEjU/QieC54ekBl8/s400/P2020049.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;">It was cool and quiet. Because the water was moving and therefore not stagnant, there was an absence of mosquitoes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MNRJdumgiY/Ty1Lwu4la0I/AAAAAAAAEi8/dJeUdE7dLV8/s1600/P2020040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MNRJdumgiY/Ty1Lwu4la0I/AAAAAAAAEi8/dJeUdE7dLV8/s400/P2020040.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;">We were continually amazed and John was an inspiring teacher.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUiuvY9U0Nk/Ty1LMIu33II/AAAAAAAAEic/Fw3a1y5EDZU/s1600/P2020028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUiuvY9U0Nk/Ty1LMIu33II/AAAAAAAAEic/Fw3a1y5EDZU/s400/P2020028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> We both knew before we were done we would be back.<br />
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And, to top off our experience, we watched a panther on the road back out of the swamp. We were at a safe distance and too far away for pictures, but it was an incredible moment nonetheless.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqqkO1BBcWw/Ty1MfuY8arI/AAAAAAAAEjk/Gb3YPs6Nhig/s1600/P2020060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqqkO1BBcWw/Ty1MfuY8arI/AAAAAAAAEjk/Gb3YPs6Nhig/s400/P2020060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Our tennis shoes and socks were REALLY dirty!!!<br />
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We'll talk to you soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-79781155091731939092012-01-28T11:42:00.000-06:002012-01-28T11:42:34.377-06:00Happy Anniversary to Us!Paul and I celebrated our 32nd Anniversary last Thursday. Many years, we would say "Happy Anniversary" to each other as we headed out the door to work and that would be it for another year! You know how it is, one's job consumes the day. Now, we've decided to have an "Exploration Day" as our retirement tradition.<br />
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Early Thursday morning we set out for Tarpon Springs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qKxfC06XGs/TyQLM27zJuI/AAAAAAAAEgU/LQHWWCF0Lkk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-28+at+9.48.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qKxfC06XGs/TyQLM27zJuI/AAAAAAAAEgU/LQHWWCF0Lkk/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-01-28+at+9.48.59+AM.png" width="305" /></a></div><br />
Tarpon Springs, incorporated mainly by Greek immigrants, was once famous for its sponge diving industry. Now, the sponge dock area is mostly gift shops, museums and restaurants.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDPJ_czr7cc/TyQXuf2t3sI/AAAAAAAAEhU/BBNRUwyw4M0/s1600/P1250582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sDPJ_czr7cc/TyQXuf2t3sI/AAAAAAAAEhU/BBNRUwyw4M0/s400/P1250582.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fishing boats are now much more predominate than sponge boats, but there are still a few along the water as tourist attractions. We had fun poking around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uj8X4DfhtnA/TyQXeSzQccI/AAAAAAAAEhM/jHMccnz4nY0/s1600/P1250583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uj8X4DfhtnA/TyQXeSzQccI/AAAAAAAAEhM/jHMccnz4nY0/s400/P1250583.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;">We asked a local for a restaurant recommendation and we were glad we did!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfpQP59vvvM/TyQWwEl3RaI/AAAAAAAAEg0/qJqFGfEaUzk/s1600/P1250595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfpQP59vvvM/TyQWwEl3RaI/AAAAAAAAEg0/qJqFGfEaUzk/s400/P1250595.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;">He sent us to <a href="http://rustybellies.com/" target="_blank">Rusty Bellies</a>, which is located right on the water. In fact, the restaurant even has its own boats! We sat at our table and watched them unload the shrimp. It doesn't get any fresher than that!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XebcVYYTUR0/TyQXO9uiDmI/AAAAAAAAEhE/-7IhUaSosG0/s1600/P1250588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XebcVYYTUR0/TyQXO9uiDmI/AAAAAAAAEhE/-7IhUaSosG0/s400/P1250588.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;">We definitely enjoyed our anniversary lunch! Crab cakes and fritters, calamari and shrimp. I never tasted the onion straws on our plate. Why???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KgWERHEosBo/TyQW-nrUB-I/AAAAAAAAEg8/QweB19shTpI/s1600/P1250593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KgWERHEosBo/TyQW-nrUB-I/AAAAAAAAEg8/QweB19shTpI/s400/P1250593.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;">After lunch, we headed to Ybor City. This Tampa neighborhood has been designated as a National Historic Landmark District. It was founded by cigar manufacturers in the 1880's. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuPbxJ5roGE/TyQMRivnLvI/AAAAAAAAEgk/0Cyrc3hY1t4/s1600/P1260597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuPbxJ5roGE/TyQMRivnLvI/AAAAAAAAEgk/0Cyrc3hY1t4/s400/P1260597.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;">Paul and I visit Ybor City during the day, while 99.99% of their clientele visit at night, judging on how many of the buildings are now occupied by nightclubs and tattoo parlors! There even is a store where you can buy a personally tailored pirate suit! Dandy!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OmYl0x4NVE/TyQuYMgdMBI/AAAAAAAAEhc/VGasrgTvNB4/s1600/P1260596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OmYl0x4NVE/TyQuYMgdMBI/AAAAAAAAEhc/VGasrgTvNB4/s400/P1260596.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;">We go there for the food and the cigar shops even though we were obviously too full to eat there this trip. Paul likes to pick up a bundle or two of hand rolled stogies for his evening smoke out under Betsy's awning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-eg1K0vQng/TyQL_Bw6SdI/AAAAAAAAEgc/c4xO3srRMgw/s1600/P1260598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-eg1K0vQng/TyQL_Bw6SdI/AAAAAAAAEgc/c4xO3srRMgw/s400/P1260598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_y-DKtMqc6U/TyQMjvaCFOI/AAAAAAAAEgs/G5tFoqCPiOU/s1600/P1260596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a great day! It's been a great 32 years!! Love you, Paul. Let's go to the beach!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_lIu0ftjWs/TyQxBLCZUkI/AAAAAAAAEhk/eaLf-ZKOK2k/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_lIu0ftjWs/TyQxBLCZUkI/AAAAAAAAEhk/eaLf-ZKOK2k/s200/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-36442584541514939662012-01-23T15:24:00.000-06:002012-01-23T15:24:36.419-06:00Time just slips away!We have been enjoying life in Florida, Paul, Bauxite Betsy and I.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRIREB078QM/Tx3MnqOEgdI/AAAAAAAAEgM/sRUcdmeMroQ/s1600/P1180575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRIREB078QM/Tx3MnqOEgdI/AAAAAAAAEgM/sRUcdmeMroQ/s400/P1180575.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We added a screen house to our set up, so we have a defined outdoor dining area. We are finding our new cabin on wheels to be a very comfortable place to live. Of course, the country club set doesn't comprehend our happiness, but oh, well.<br />
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The routine seems to be pretty well established. In the morning, we are around the camper. I do my computer work. The rest of the day is usually centered around Caspersen Beach. The beautiful weather makes us, we can't help it.<br />
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I can usually be found under "my" personal palm tree,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyC47FkN4h0/Tx3MXds34-I/AAAAAAAAEf8/XSPggZByBS4/s1600/P1170559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyC47FkN4h0/Tx3MXds34-I/AAAAAAAAEf8/XSPggZByBS4/s400/P1170559.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
while Paul is off down the beach, looking for whatever washes up on the shore.<br />
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When the sun gets to us, we head back and pick up something at the local market that looks good. Last week we were in a salsa state of mind. Good deals on tomatoes and peppers were too good to pass up!<br />
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Tonight will be the fourth straight evening we'll have seafood for dinner.<br />
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That is all. Simple. Sweet.<br />
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But, I miss my kids. Can't have everything, I guess!!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-17545831802071019272012-01-05T09:20:00.000-06:002012-01-05T09:20:46.010-06:00Happy Birthday, Jim!This one is for our family.<br />
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As you know, yesterday was Jim's birthday. The Florida family, minus Kent who is in Los Angeles this week, met at a local Mexican restaurant. Someone at the table alerted the strolling Mariachi band it was his big day.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dance to the music, take a swing at the piñata and wear the sombrero. It's your birthday!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNOujLE6v5U/TwW6K7DEu0I/AAAAAAAAEfE/HyKUraQVocw/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNOujLE6v5U/TwW6K7DEu0I/AAAAAAAAEfE/HyKUraQVocw/s400/photo-4.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
This guy would NEVER have smiled through this attention in his younger days. He even refused a graduation party!<br />
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Happy Birthday, Jim. We love you. I'm glad we were able to be here to celebrate with you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-48847860288724765092012-01-03T11:12:00.000-06:002012-01-03T11:12:57.481-06:002012 New BeginningsHello again!<br />
<br />
I've been absent from this spot for awhile.<br />
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We were busy. You know, the holidays, family events and traveling across the country.<br />
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And now, we are in Florida. We arrived in Venice on New Year's Day. We're getting "moved in" to our little spot at Camp Venice Retreat.<br />
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We're tired. Last night, Paul read and I worked on my knitting while we listened to music.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lIPMB9NLTMU/TwM1Fk32dMI/AAAAAAAAEes/AG4wz6YQuI0/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lIPMB9NLTMU/TwM1Fk32dMI/AAAAAAAAEes/AG4wz6YQuI0/s400/photo-2.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
It was great.<br />
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We plan to start our container "garden" soon. So far, all I've started are the two mushroom gardens Suzanne gave me for my birthday. They grow in recycled coffee grounds.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9w3pFw07BHk/TwM1iQJuf_I/AAAAAAAAEe4/mGE91WEcl_0/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9w3pFw07BHk/TwM1iQJuf_I/AAAAAAAAEe4/mGE91WEcl_0/s400/photo-3.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
I'll bet people are SO looking forward to visiting us. We are such an exciting couple!!!!<br />
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It's not much, but we're back, sharing our action packed lives!<br />
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I'll talk to you soon. Hopefully, the mushrooms will grow so I have something to report.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-85965589602643440522011-11-07T17:29:00.001-06:002011-11-07T18:16:31.834-06:00Julia Child Night 2011<div style="text-align: left;">Our 3rd Annual Julia Child Night 2011 has come and gone. I think Lisa and I have created a fun tradition. Lisa captured the evening and posted it on her blog earlier today. You can read it by clicking <a href="http://lisasyarns.blogspot.com/2011/11/julia-child-night-2011.html">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2d2Tu50noM/TrhdxojMcUI/AAAAAAAAEco/XJznDvZkNBk/s1600/369580_581568296_492140280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2d2Tu50noM/TrhdxojMcUI/AAAAAAAAEco/XJznDvZkNBk/s200/369580_581568296_492140280_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our menu this year was inspired from a Julia cookbook I've had in my library for 25 years. Appropriately, she titled her menu</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 34px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">CASSOULET FOR A CROWD</span></div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 34px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">A Menu Inspired By Julia Child</span></div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Assorted Cheese and Olives</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Olive Tapenade and Crackers</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">French 75</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Consommé Parisienne</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Bread Sticks</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Honey-Roasted Pear Salad with Thyme Verjus Dressing</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Cassoulet</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Dinner Rolls</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Apple Crisp</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream</div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Coffee</div><br />
<div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #b80000; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">The living room became a dining room for the evening. It was a "bring your own chair" event.</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GkZbAmCvK0/TrhfmURWnYI/AAAAAAAAEcw/tjzLfycC9Rw/s1600/PB050403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GkZbAmCvK0/TrhfmURWnYI/AAAAAAAAEcw/tjzLfycC9Rw/s400/PB050403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had lots of good help. Nick and Ellen enjoyed a quiet moment before the crowd arrived. Ellen is already wearing the required apron...it's a tradition!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-srKDc4VFbow/TrhfwoAxGzI/AAAAAAAAEc4/qmqABviPsQY/s1600/PB050405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-srKDc4VFbow/TrhfwoAxGzI/AAAAAAAAEc4/qmqABviPsQY/s400/PB050405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another tradition is enjoyed by our youngest generation. They know right where we store some of Suzanne and Nick's old toys. Remind me next year to hide that "construct your own musical instrument" toy before the event. Seriously, these grand nephews are the best kids ever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4wxyP76g8Q/Trhf6lEZX5I/AAAAAAAAEdA/ymCTJWlyehE/s1600/PB050410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4wxyP76g8Q/Trhf6lEZX5I/AAAAAAAAEdA/ymCTJWlyehE/s400/PB050410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While the kids played in the laundry room, the adults mixed it up before dinner in the family room. It was standing room only!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGvcZUpk7Bc/TrhgFVXUwoI/AAAAAAAAEdI/SgpEaka6R6M/s1600/PB050411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGvcZUpk7Bc/TrhgFVXUwoI/AAAAAAAAEdI/SgpEaka6R6M/s400/PB050411.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lisa and I are ready to start our meal. Is everyone seated?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--YN6CJ9rYSQ/TrhgaQAaE4I/AAAAAAAAEdY/wqXCPlHR-es/s1600/PB050413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--YN6CJ9rYSQ/TrhgaQAaE4I/AAAAAAAAEdY/wqXCPlHR-es/s400/PB050413.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 apron Lisa gave me is the most feminine clothing item I own! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHw_focNDnk/Trhgk5jtDHI/AAAAAAAAEdg/IX54R2ATtQw/s1600/PB050414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHw_focNDnk/Trhgk5jtDHI/AAAAAAAAEdg/IX54R2ATtQw/s400/PB050414.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enough with the explaining, Barb and Lisa, let's eat!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq0xSQSJek8/TrhgwVv2LII/AAAAAAAAEdo/u6o4SvV53wI/s1600/PB050415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq0xSQSJek8/TrhgwVv2LII/AAAAAAAAEdo/u6o4SvV53wI/s400/PB050415.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The beef consommé was worth all of the effort and time to prepare. Thanks, Julia, for your wonderful directions!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-CeJNswSUs/Trhg6VeWKPI/AAAAAAAAEdw/4j9U4h30hLA/s1600/PB050416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-CeJNswSUs/Trhg6VeWKPI/AAAAAAAAEdw/4j9U4h30hLA/s400/PB050416.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really did make "cassoulet for a crowd." We served twenty-one, but I made enough for thirty. I am Val's daughter, you know!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xK4-yNK_wD4/TrhhGUMbajI/AAAAAAAAEd4/PWKxfu3Q_BQ/s1600/PB050419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xK4-yNK_wD4/TrhhGUMbajI/AAAAAAAAEd4/PWKxfu3Q_BQ/s400/PB050419.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Matthew enjoyed the homemade ice cream his mom, Julie, brought. And, the apple and pear crisp his Aunt Lisa and Grandma Marlys made. It baked in our oven while we ate the main course. Yum!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XezSbS8Qgs/TrhmT_zD7cI/AAAAAAAAEeI/KZqkf1CiFcA/s1600/PB050439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XezSbS8Qgs/TrhmT_zD7cI/AAAAAAAAEeI/KZqkf1CiFcA/s400/PB050439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can you tell we had a fun evening? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb55ao2bF3c/TrhhRQSXv1I/AAAAAAAAEeA/PuiwKBV_eK4/s1600/PB050425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb55ao2bF3c/TrhhRQSXv1I/AAAAAAAAEeA/PuiwKBV_eK4/s400/PB050425.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We already have ideas for next year. We're thinking everyone should consider French stripes and berets!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll talk to you again sooner or later!</div><span id="goog_1518838381"></span><span id="goog_1518838382"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-69458560230405221452011-10-20T16:42:00.000-05:002011-10-20T16:42:42.327-05:00Barn Burner BBQPaul and I traveled last weekend with our cabin on wheels to Libertyville, Illinois,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHM-nPC7pwc/TqCHPGLPSLI/AAAAAAAAEUY/Nw26gRr2ybg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-20+at+3.31.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHM-nPC7pwc/TqCHPGLPSLI/AAAAAAAAEUY/Nw26gRr2ybg/s320/Screen+Shot+2011-10-20+at+3.31.47+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
to work with our nephew Chad as he competed in<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwbZPFwuiwo/TqCHrocXWBI/AAAAAAAAEUg/MkC5WgQ7C7Y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-10-20+at+3.33.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwbZPFwuiwo/TqCHrocXWBI/AAAAAAAAEUg/MkC5WgQ7C7Y/s320/Screen+Shot+2011-10-20+at+3.33.56+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
a KCBS sanctioned contest. Chad arrived at Lamb's Farm on Friday morning to set up and get organized and we got there in the early afternoon. We were challenged with a brisk, cold and blustery wind all weekend. We had to batten down the hatches so things didn't blow across Lake Michigan!!!! Paul and I returned to the warmth of our camper Friday night while poor Chad stayed at the contest site and braved the cold to tend the smokers.<br />
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When we returned on Saturday morning, there was a smoky haze over the contest cooking area.<br />
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The place was hopping. There were 57 teams from across the United States in the competition.<br />
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My favorite part of the event was spending time bonding with my nephew.<br />
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He is a master chef, let me tell you. He cooked six racks of ribs, two briskets and two pork shoulders for the contest.<br />
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He also did chicken thighs<br />
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and chicken breasts.<br />
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Once the turn in times started, we were all busy preparing the boxes. First turn in was chicken. Wow, believe me, it was so good!!!!<br />
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He placed tenth in chicken, which is fantastic in a contest with that many teams!!!<br />
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Next turn in was ribs. He used Berkshire for the first time and they were fantastic. I thought they were perfect. I am NOT being biased, either. We are certified judges, you know!!!!<br />
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Next turn in was pork shoulder. Again, extremely good, I must say. So moist.<br />
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And last was brisket. Chad understands how to smoke a brisket. His tasted fantastic on Saturday.<br />
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I can only imagine your mouth is watering as you look at these pictures. Everything tasted as good as it looks. There was lots left for us to sample!<br />
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Yum!<br />
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And, just to make it an even greater weekend, I was able to hold our new great-niece, Anna Grace.<br />
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She was born to Chad and Emily a little over a month ago! She melted my heart. She is Marlys and Paul's first granddaughter. Quite a beautiful addition to their five grandsons!<br />
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Thanks to Chad for letting us join in the competition. Next year, nephew Kevin will hopefully be able to join us again. Team DGQ, what a fine tradition!!!! Have I said today I'm glad we're retired?<br />
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We did some meandering on our way home from Chicago with Bauxite Betsy and just arrived home yesterday. I'll add an update soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379287318120040386.post-42613331084884261582011-10-10T11:52:00.000-05:002011-10-10T11:52:49.398-05:00Bear Head Lake State Park and Ely-September 13-20, 2011We moved from Temperance River to <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/bear_head_lake/index.html">Bear Head Lake State Park</a> for another week of fall camping. We had a choice campsite right by the lake. Making reservations far in advance is a good thing!<br />
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After the warm temperatures we experienced during our stay on the North Shore, we noticed a bit of a change. That's alright, though. It is supposed to be fall.<br />
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We tested our furnace and it works well. We even spent a cozy day inside, playing Scrabble, watching movies and reading while it rained. No problems, except my Scrabble scores.<br />
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In fact, we even experienced our first snow of the season while we were at the <a href="http://www.wolf.org/wolves/index.asp">International Wolf Center</a> in Ely. Shortly after Paul took this picture, huge snowflakes started to fall.<br />
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Isn't he handsome?<br />
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The nice thing about spending a full week in one location is that a day or two of cold, rainy weather doesn't spoil the whole experience. We still had plenty of great weather to get out and do some hiking and canoeing.<br />
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We drove northeast of Ely on Fernberg Road and hiked the Blackstone/Secret/Ennis Lakes loop trail.<br />
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What an incredible hike.<br />
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It makes one wonder how many lakes like this there are to hike around in this great state.<br />
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We saw several beaver swimming in these lakes.<br />
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And very few people.<br />
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I'd love to go back. It was a "grand" day!<br />
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We toured the <a href="http://rootbeerlady.com/">Dorothy Molter Museum</a>, located on the outskirts of Ely. She was known as "The Root Beer Lady." Notice the root beer extract under her signature sign.<br />
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She lived by herself on an island in the Boundary Waters for years and made root beer to sell to the canoeists who passed by her place. After she died, they moved her main cabin and belongings to the present museum site.<br />
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Another day, we drove up the Echo Trail and hiked the Bass Lake/Dry Lake loop. The BWCA fire continued to be a presence in our days. However, we were on the other side of the smoke now, as opposed to our hazy days on the North Shore. We obviously avoided this spur of the hike.<br />
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If you are ever in this area, we recommend this hike. This lake has an interesting history. I'm not going to tell you what its story is, but encourage you to make the trip! No spoiler alerts here!<br />
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Of course, we had to spend time out on Bear Head Lake. We were camped right by it!<br />
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It's a good thing we weren't depending on a meal of fish to fill out our menu plans.<br />
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But, it didn't stop us from enjoying the better part of two days out in our canoe.<br />
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I told Paul that out of the 52 weeks in a year, I hope to be able to continue to spend at least two of them camping in northern Minnesota.<br />
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It is where we have shared some of our happiest memories.<br />
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And, I'm telling you, this Air Stream deal is the best! Next? We take the tin pickle north of Chicago for a BBQ weekend.<br />
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I'll talk to you soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08459160522929691213noreply@blogger.com4